For the past few years, his name has popped up in results occasionally - Guido Trenti (USA) - prompting U.S. race fans to ask, "What's the story?"

Now that he has scored the biggest win of his career - a stage victory at the Vuelta - that question is sure to be asked again.

Well, here's the scoop: Trenti's mother is an American who married an Italian and moved to Italy. Trenti took out an American passport in the hopes of making the U.S. team for the 1999 world's. VeloNews first spoke with the Cantina Tollo rider at the 1999 Giro d'Italia, in this very brief interview that appeared in the February 28, 2000, issue of VeloNews.

VeloNews Have you ever been to the U.S.?

Guido Trenti (through translator Bo Hamburger) Yes, but when I was very small. I don't remember anything.

VN Your mother speaks English?

GT Si.

VN And you?

GT No.

VN Have you ever raced Redlands?

GT No.

VN Have you heard of any races in the U.S.?

GT Just Philadelphia, the race Armstrong won.