Welcome to our preview of what’s happening in the world of road cycling in May. There’s no question that the big event this month is the Giro d’Italia, the first of the year’s three Grand Tours. However, there are also two other notable stage races taking place, as the world’s top racers divide their attention between racing in Italy and preparing for July’s Tour de France and Olympic Games.
So sit back and make a note in your diary of May’s key dates! Continue reading
David Moncoutie in 1997 (image courtesy of Cycling Archives)
David Moncoutie is 37 years old today – bon anniversaire!
David’s another of my favourite riders [what, another one? – Ed], largely I suspect because we have a lot in common. I like the fact that he’s remained loyal to the Cofidis team after turning professional with them in 1997. I like the fact that he’s at the opposite end of the scale from say Robbie McEwen in terms of bike handling skills. Also, that he’s a bit of a loner. He’s either up at the front of the peloton trying to win the stage or down at the back. You never see him riding along in the middle having a chat. Continue reading
Turkish delight for veteran Ivailo Grabovski, who rides for local Continental team Konya Torku Seker Spor. Winning the queen stage, Grabovski successfully defended his lead to take the biggest win of his 12-year career. Astana’s Aleksandr Dyachenko finished second, 1:33 down on the winner, just five seconds ahead of Danail Petrov (Caja Rural), making the podium a Bulgarian sandwich [Sounds like hold in wrestling – Ed].
Consistency in the sprints saw Matt Goss (GreenEDGE) take the points jersey, mountain kingpin was Marco Bandiera (Omega Pharma QuickStep), Maxim Belkov won the Turkish Beauties sprints (intermediate sprints past places of interest) and Astana were top team. Here’s how the race unfolded.