THIS WEEK IN PRO CYCLING
Cancellara takes Romandie opener
Fabian Cancellara (Fassa Bortolo) led an all-Swiss sweep Tuesday in the opening prologue of the Tour of Romandie on the streets of Geneva.
The former Mapei protégé was fastest over the short, 3.4km course, nipping compatriot Alexandre Moos (Phonak) by just two seconds. Laurent Dufaux (Alessio) was third at three seconds in arrears.
Tyler Hamilton, fresh off his triumph at Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday, had trouble finding his racing legs on the short technical course, but finished safely in seventh-place.
Team CSC sport director Sean Yates said Hamilton is motivated to take advantage of his good form and will make a run for the overall victory.
“He got around in one piece and didn’t lose too much time. He rode Liege only two days ago, so it took him a little time to get his rhythm, but when he was going, he was going good,” Yates said. “You have to make the most of your form when you have it, not only for yourself, but for your team. Tyler and Carlos (Sastre) will be going all-out for the win.”
Defending champion Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) was 42nd at 15 seconds back while teammate Aitor Gonzalez finished in a solid ninth in his first race back since illness took him out of the Tour of the Basque Country earlier this month.
Several teams will be looking for strong results at Romandie, which continues through Sunday. Phonak will be desperate to make a good showing to impress Tour de France officials with hopes of earning an at-large bid, which will be announced May 16. Phonak finished with four riders in the top-10, including Alex Zülle in eighth at seven seconds back.
Spain’s Alberto Martinez made a good showing, coming across fifth for his Euskaltel-Euskadi team, another squad hoping for last-minute results to impress Tour officials.
The Tour of Romandie continues Wednesday with the 189-kilometer first stage from Geneve to Fleurier. The rolling stage features three rated climbs, including at Category 2 climb at 122km, another Cat. 2 climb at 151km and a Cat. 3 at 173km.
