I read an interview with Vansummeren's mrs. (whom he famously proposed to after last year's P-R victory). She's actually more interesting than I had imagined. She met Vansummeren when they were both still teens and she beat him out to an award for "most promising young athlete" in Lommel (the town they are both from). Apparently she was a very good swimmer at the youth level.
The complete interview was in Humo magazine. You can find a small section of the interview here: http://www.humo.be/humo-archief/89758/cherchez-la-femme-jasmine-vangrieken-mevrouw-johan-vansummeren
hehe. I think Velonews it would give the biggest groans for readers. They are usually pretty good with their annual AF's day jokes.
Belgian press reporting that just about every top outfit is interested in Sep Vanmarcke, whose contract with Garmin ends at the end of this season.
What a finish [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ru3vGR8nck"]Amazing finish, Iljo Keisse, Tour of Turkey 2012 - Stage 7 - YouTube[/ame] Start around 6 minutes. Announcer almost has a heart attack.
This is a few days old now, but I'm pretty sure it's the hairiest, scariest racer's-journal type blog of the year so far - and not in a good way.
I've never been to Korea, much less been there on a bike, but there seems to be a consensus in the comments that this isn't exactly unusual or surprising there.
Just putting Tour of California stuff in here, unless people think they want a specific thread. Note, I am going to be out for a week. Will hopefully check in, but not guaranteed internet access.
That's odd, because I had my DVR set to tape all "Cycling" on that channel. But, apparently, it missed it. In any event, it's on now, and I have reset the DVR!
On the road, but a note. Sagan has won four straight stages at the Tour of California. Not sure, but I think Haussler has always finished second.
Evans win stage 1 of Criterium du Dauphine, but Wiggo is still in the lead from the prologue. Andy Schleck continues to have horrible form.
Thor is not doing the TDF this year...first time since 2000. Looks like his focus will be on the Olympics.
I am bummed about this. He isn't the greatest cyclist (although he is great), he sure makes the tour very interesting.
We can pretty much write down that Cavendish will be gone after a few sprint wins and before some serious mountains. Which will serve Sky well if Wiggins is contending for the yellow shirt. Bejing and mid-August start didn't have too much of a problem, but with London and late July, it will be more pronounced. Anyway, is it too early to get the TDF 2012 thread started? 25 days to go.
