Cycling News

Roadcycling.com's Thomas A. Valentinsen talks with Cervelo TestTeam's Philip Deignan in Algarve, Portugal about riding for Cervelo TestTeam, his preparations and goals for the 2010 season, about almost quitting cycling, and about escaping to Europe without telling your parents.

The Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team has signed Floyd Landis.

“I’ve known Floyd since I was 15,” team manager Steve Owens told VeloNews. “We grew up racing bikes, racing juniors together, mountain bikes. If he’s a motivated boy, he’s unstoppable.”

The Bahati Foundation team is centered around former national criterium champion Rahsaan Bahati, who grew up in Compton, California. Besides the race team, the Bahati Foundation is promoting its education and music grants. Landis said in a press release that he signed on in part to help with the Foundation’s multi-pronged mission.

“Cycling has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had, and I look forward to helping provide the same opportunities for less fortunate kids,” Landis said in the release.

Besides the industry sponsors of Cannondale Bicycles and Colorado Premier Training (of which team manager Owens is the CEO), the Bahati Foundation lists real estate and law firms as sponsors. The Foundation also is requesting donations.

The team also recently signed Josh Berry of Portland, Oregon.

Racing in stock Louis Garneau clothing, the Bahati Foundation team got off to a strong start this weekend at the Merco Credit Union Cycling Classic. Although not an NRC event, thethree-event weekend served as the first face off for many of the national pro teams, including UnitedHealthcare (formerly OUCH), Bissell, Jelly Belly and others.

“Officially our first race is San Dimas. That’s where we really want to shine,” Owens said. “But going 1-2-3 in the Merced crit was pretty cool.”

RECENT HISTORY

Over the course of two days in mid-February this year, the French anti-doping agency claimed an “international warrant” had been issued for Landis’ arrest for allegedly hacking into an anti-doping lab’s computer system, Landis’ adviser Arnie Baker said he offered to talk to the French authorities but no one took him up on his offer, and USADA witness Joe Papp – who had testified against Landis in 2007 – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute HGH and EPO.

On Tuesday, March 2, an updated Web site was unveiled, with the homepage story titled “Fraud, Lies, and Corruption – See How They Convicted An Innocent Man.”

His biography page on the site concludes with this statement: “Landis underwent hip resurfacing surgery … and returned to professional cycling with Team OUCH in 2009, becoming the first professional cyclist to return to top level competition with an artificial joint. After 20,000 miles of cycling last year with his new hip, Landis now looks to regain his title as World’s Greatest Cyclist and, once again, inspire the world to greater heights in ‘classic’ American style!”

At the end of last season, Team OUCH’s parent company Momentum Sports Group (MSG) and Landis agreed to terminate their two-year contract (2009-2010). At the time, OUCH released a statement saying that, “For the 2010 season, Landis expressed to MSG that he desires to ride the longer, tougher stage races offered in Europe and internationally that better suit his strengths. Accordingly, given that MSG will be focusing its 2010 racing season primarily in the United States, MSG and Landis mutually agreed that it would be best for both parties to part ways at this time and allow Landis to seek a position with a team that could better accommodate his desires.” In the press release Landis thanked his sponsors and “everyone at Momentum Sports Group.”

This year, Landis has already done a few races. He won the time trial at the Tour of Bahamas in January, he got second at the local Boulevard Road Race in San Diego, and he placed second overall at the Callville Bay Classic in Nevada, where he donated his prize money to charity.

Floyd Landis won the 2006 Tour de France, but was later disqualified after a French anti-doping lab reported that he tested positive for synthetic testosterone during the race. Landis has disputed the findings ever since.

Hi, I’m a 24 year old cat. 2 road cyclist and have a question regarding Achilles tendon pain.

I developed the pain at the end of November when making the transition from base work to on-the-bike power work. To give you an idea — Achilles pain on the bike (right foot) but only mild sensation when walking soon after riding.

My right femur is longer than my left, I ankle while pedaling, am flat footed, and over pronate. I haven’t changed anything regarding fit, shoe, cleat, or saddle position since spring ‘09 and have completed a full season of training and racing since. I do not have any history of Achilles injury, but have meniscus issues on the right side once in a blue moon, but only If I slack on stretching during hard racing/training.

The day after the pain surfaced I went for a short ride to see if it subsided but as soon as I started climbing it started to hurt. I live in a mountainous area so a flat/easy spin only happens on the trainer. When I got home there was very minor swelling in the area. To describe the pain it feels like I have a cut on my achilles or the back of my upper heel. I decided to take a week completely off and rest ( R.I.C.E) After that I rode easily on the trainer and felt fine. The next day I went to the roads and after about an hour of easy spinning felt the pain creeping in.

Now, I took two weeks completely off, after that I rode on the trainer every other day for 1 week for 45 mins to an hour, easy spinning — no pain. This week I started on the road again and after about two hours of the easiest spinning I could possibly ride I started to feel a dull pain coming back.

I’m hesitant to stretch to much at this point and am even questioning mobilization vs. immobilization. There are a few races in early March I targeted to win and the next major ones for me are in the summer. Every day that passes now I’m starting to come to the grim realization that the early races might not even be possible.

I do not have health insurance at the moment so it’s down to doing it Balboa style, which is fine but need the proper advice so I’m not digging my hole deeper. I’ve done research and talked with people about the issue and have heard everything thing from, ” it’s going to be like that for the rest of your life now but just tolerate it when you ride”‘ to “2 to 6 months completely off the bike” !! Any advice or help your able to give is always welcome.

Thank you! J

Jordan,

Sorry to hear about the pain. Let’s try to make some progress.

It sounds like you are doing some of the right stuff off the bike. When possible, try to use a lower gear, even if just one click. I know you mentioned there are hills in your area and I understand this may be tough. But, all the help you can provide the Achilles tendon will give you the best shot at recovery and getting back into full action.

I will try to keep the rest of the answer related to the equipment as best as possible and be mindful of your current situation regarding insurance.

FIRST:

You need to move the cleats toward the heel of your shoes. I like Speedplay road pedals best for this because they sell an aluminum fore-aft extender base plate. You can see more on their Web site under “The Ultimate Fit Tech Videos” section.

If your pedals/cleats do not allow for more movement of the cleat towards the heel of the shoe, it is time to switch pedals. If you are already all the way back with a Speedplay cleat, now is the time to get the adaptor plate.

I might consider trying the right cleat back one or two millimeters more than the left. Generally, I don’t like to suggest this but I think based on your symptoms it is worth consideration. This may add a bit of leverage (advantage) to your pedal stroke on the left side, which you mention has the shorter femur. Without this adjustment, the longer femur can sometimes have a bit more leverage which would add just a tab bit more stress down the leg while under load.

SECOND:

You mention that you “over-pronate.” I can guess your knees move inward toward the top tube during the down stroke while pedaling. This tendency is a classic sign of the need for wedges. I would suggest starting with 2 cleat wedges, at least, per foot. The thick part of the wedge should be on the inside of the foot (this is under-the-cleat wedges and not In-the-shoe wedges).

You can also see the installation of cleat wedges with a Speedplay cleat on their Web site. Add another wedge after a few rides if your knees still move inward. You will probably also need to move your foot in closer to the crank. You do this by pushing the cleat outward and away from the crank.

FINALLY:

It would appear you probably need more support inside the shoe, as well. Some inexpensive options are Superfeet or Specialized BG insoles. For simple over-the-counter products, they can be very good options.

I know you won’t like this. But, start back slowly on the bike after these changes. Hopefully, your current Balboa-style approach (including off the bike care) will help you get back on track.

And, let us know how it’s going …
- Paul Swift

Paul Swift

An eight-time National Elite Cycling Champion and founder of BikeFit.com, Paul developed the Bicycle Fitting System (BFS), which includes products like the Cleat Wedges. The BFS helped bring the “front view” of a cyclist into the bike fitting world. BikeFit.com offers tools and education for bike fitters worldwide, helping them to better position humans on bicycles.

Any information or advice offered by the members of the Coaches’ Panel should not in any way be viewed as personal medical advice. The recommendations made in this column are offered as general information for healthy, physically fit amateur and professional athletes. None of the information provided by members of the Coaches’ Panel should be viewed as a replacement for personalized, professional medical treatment or to replace the advice or services of your physician. While some members of the Coaches’ Panel are Licensed Medical Doctors, Licensed healthcare professionals, and certified coaches, their advice in no way establishes a doctor-patient relationship between the writer and readers of this column. If you are beginning or resuming a vigorous exercise program, it is important to visit your health care provider for a complete physical examination in order to identify and treat any potential risks you might face.

By Reid Beloni

The Atlantic Collegiate Cycling Conference traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia for the fifth annual Tidewater Winter Classic hosted by the College of William and Mary. Saturday opened with a 12.5-mile time trial along the banks of the York River. The otherwise flat course opens and closes with two large rollers. The main obstacle of the day was a strong cross wind blowing off the water which was felt over the entire course.

Time Trial

Peggy LeGrand of Navy won the Women’s A race, posting a time of 30:48; one of the fastest times of the day for any category. Kristen Fee of Pfeiffer finished in 34:48 and Samantha Rynas of George Washington in 35:02 rounded out the podium in second and third respectively.

The Men’s A time trial was won in a course-record of 26:44 by Michael Githens of Georgetown. He was followed by Zach McIntyre of Navy at 27:19 and Cory Scott of William and Mary at 27:24.

In the Men’s B, Duke University nearly swept the podium with Gael Hagen and Robert Ferris in first and third. Zachary Huff of Navy finished second.

Road Race

Sunday’s road race was full of crashes. The majority of the road race course is flat to rolling, however each lap and the finish presented the riders with a steep, stair stepping, 400-meter long climb dubbed the “KOA hill.” The Men’s C race was a bloody one. There were a number of crashes on the last lap that took out nearly half of the 45-rider field. The largest crash was at the base of the final climb and left a number of riders walking mangled bikes and broken wheels up the hill and across the finish line. The Women’s A and Men’s D field also had a few riders go down.

In the Women’s A race, LeGrand and Fee got away and spent most of the day in a break. Over the KOA hill at the end of the first lap, they took off and were never seen again. LeGrand won followed by Fee. The race behind for third was won by Carolyn Horiye also of Navy. The conference overall is still led by LeGrand, followed by Fee in second, with Cheryl Lefever of Navy in third.

The Men’s A race was also dominated by an early break. It began with Gregory Leach of American taking off solo. Eventually a group of four riders joined him. That group stayed clear to the line despite chasing from the field. The finish saw Kyle Englund-Krieger of Navy win, Michaen Niemi of Duke in second and Walker Owen of NC State in third. The Men’s A overall remains unchanged with John Crow of NC State leading, followed by McIntyre in second and Scott in third.

Calendar Update

The conference will have a rest weekend coming up as the races hosted by the University of Maryland have been canceled. Next for the conference is a weekend hosted by both the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Reid Beloni is a senior at Virginia Tech

Jet lag is a phrase that obviously isn’t part of Lance Armstrong’s vocabulary.

While Europe has been gripped by its worst winter in decades, Armstrong’s road to the Tour de France this year has been full of sunny climes that would turn any jet-setting royal blue with envy.

In January, Armstrong raced in the Tour Down Under for his season debut in the heat of Australian summer. In February, instead of suffering through the European cold, he found refuge in tropical Hawaii.

Just hours after finishing seventh overall at the Tour of Murcia in Spain in his European season debut, the seven-time Tour winner flew Monday to South Africa to compete in the 65-mile Cape Argus race.

“Out for a gorgeous ride here in Cape Town,” Armstrong said on his Twitter feed. “A nice 3hr ride. I’ve heard many times before that Cape Town is stunning. That was no lie. What a place.”

He’ll fly back to Europe next week in time for Milan-San Remo on March 20 and then race on Corsica for the Critérium International on March 27-28.

In April, he’ll be busy in Europe, with likely starts in four big classics: Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

After watching him race in Murcia, RadioShack team boss Johan Bruyneel is considering adding the Circuit de la Sarthe (April 6-9) for a few more days of race-speed training.

In May, Armstrong will compete in the Tour of California (in much better weather than its February date) before returning to Europe to put the final touches on his Tour preparation.

In June, Armstrong will likely race in the Tour de Suisse, though the Dauphiné Libéré is another option.

By Caley Fretz

Zack Bodhane (CSU), Daniel Henning (USAFA), and John Demos (CU) race for the line in the Men’s C crit.

The Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Conference opened its nine-week season with Denver University’s City Park Criterium on Saturday and Metro State’s Roadrunner Time Trial on Sunday. Serving as the first races of the year for many collegiate cyclists, the weekend offered up exciting and unpredictable racing in every category.

A technical, roundabout-strewn crit course in Denver’s City Park greeted racers Saturday morning. The Men’s C race jumped off the line, stretching the field to its breaking point in the first two laps. An early crash further split the field, and within four laps a selection of eight riders was made ahead of a severely reduced peloton. A tight sprint finish from the breakaway ended with Daniel Henning (Air Force Academy) playing bumper cars with Zach Bodhane for first and third respectively, with John Demos (Colorado) sneaking up next to the two for second place.

An animated Men’s B race followed, with constant attacks from powerhouse schools University of Colorado, Colorado State University and Fort Lewis College; each determined but unsuccessful in getting a break to stick. As a solo effort from Matt Miyamoto (Colorado State) was swallowed up with four laps to go, teams began setting up for the sprint. Determined to foil the sprinters, Miyamoto attacked again with one lap remaining, this time taking Ryan Cleveland (Fort Lewis) with him. Cleveland threw in an attack of his own, and held off a charging field led by Jacob Koonsman (Colorado State) and Tyler Nabours (Colorado).

Numerous unsuccessful attacks flew off the front early in the Women’s B race before the field resigned itself in the closing laps to a sprint finish. Heather Fischer (Colorado) stole the victory in a vicious sprint up the left side, with Sarah Harper of the University of Northern Colorado and Glynna Kerr of Colorado College sliding into second and third.

Women’s A also saw a flurry of attacks throughout a 45 minute race. The University of Colorado and Fort Lewis College made up three-quarters of the field, and each team sent a constant stream of riders off the front in an attempt to break the other. With each move diligently covered, a pack finish became inevitable. Flora Duffy (Colorado) took the sprint ahead of Magen Long (Fort Lewis) and Kay Sherwood (Colorado College).

An impressive Alister Ratcliff (Fort Lewis) took off barely a quarter into the hour-long Men’s A crit, with Zack Allison (Colorado State) and Nathaniel Wilson (Colorado) following. With each of the three RMCCC powerhouses represented, a concerted chase never formed, though the smaller teams did their best to bridge. Ratcliff managed to stay ahead of his two pursuers, eventually lapping an unmotivated field, and securing the win in the process. Allison and Wilson fought for second in the waning laps, with Allison taking the sprint. Colorado State’s Chris Hall led the field across the line for fourth.

Metro State Time Trial

Men’s C started the festivities again on Sunday, the first rider getting under way at 8 a.m. in sunny but cool conditions devoid of the howling spring winds that so often plague Front Range cyclists. Joe Munchak of Colorado State stopped the clock at 22:20 and held off all comers, narrowly edging Colorado School of Mines’ James Walton at 22:26 and Cody Johler of Wyoming at 22:59.

Women’s B racer Marlena Grovenstein (Colorado State) set the best time of 24:12 early, staying ahead of Heather Fischer (Colorado) who came through in 25:08 and Colorado State’s Ashley Nice, 26:09.

Joe Schneider of the Colorado School of Mines set a scorching time of 21:25 to take the win in Men’s B. Adam Looney (Wyoming) slotted into second at 21:32 and Saturday’s second place Jacob Koonsman (Colorado State) stepped onto the podium once again with 21:44.

Women’s A rider Natalie Koch (Colorado) took the top honors in her field, with Tisza Bell (Colorado) and Missy Erickson (Fort Lewis) hot on her heals.

Saturday’s podium seemed intent on a repeat performance in the Men’s A time trial. Ratcliff (Fort Lewis) again took top honors with a time of 19:21, Wilson slid into second at 19:52, and Saturday’s fifth place finisher Caley Fretz rode to third at 20:01.

Caley Fretz is a senior at Colorado State University, where he is president of the cycling team and races category 1/A.

TT RESULTS:

Men A:
1)Alister Ratcliff (Fort Lewis College) – 19:21
2)Nathaniel Wilson (University of Colorado) – 19:52
3)Caley Fretz (Colorado State University)– 20:01
4)Trevor Connor (Colorado State University) – 20:04
5)Josh Yeaton (University of Colorado) – 20:13

Women A:

1)Natalie Koch (University of Colorado)
2)Tisza Bell (University of Colorado)
3)Missy Erickson (Fort Lewis College)
4)Kim Trenbath (University of Colorado)
5)Elizabeth Martin (University of Northern Colorado)

Women B:

1)Marlena Grovenstien (Colorado State University) – 24:12
2)Heather Fischer (University of Colorado) – 25:08
3)Ashley Nice (Colorado State University) – 26:09
4)Ashley Olson (US Air Force Acadamy) – 26:13
5)Addie Levinsky (Metro State) – 26:15

Men B

1)Joe Schneider (Colorado School of Mines) – 21:25
2)Adam Looney (University of Wyoming) – 21:32
3)Jacob Koonsman (Colorado State University) – 21:44
4)Greg Wilkin (Fort Lewis College) – 22:01
5)Will Buick (University of Colorado) – 22:05

Men C

1)Stephan “Joe” Munchak (Colorado State University) – 22:20
2)James Walton (Colorado School of Mines) – 22:26
3)Cody Johler (University of Wyoming) – 22:59
4)Garrett Alexander (Fort Lewis College) -23:21
5)Joseph Chiavetta (Colorado State University) – 23:33

The Nebraska Cycling Association sponsored the annual USAC Officials Clinic, Saturday in Omaha. The eight participants attended the half-day session to learn more about bicycle racing and for some this was the first step in progressing up the various officiating levels and ranks.

Led by USA Cycling Class “B” official, Jon Downey of Norfolk and facilitated by NSA Officials Coordinator, Cheryl Gerkins, the seminar included a combination of USA Cycling course material with specific examples of the “ups and downs” of officiating a race. All of the major disciplines of bicycle racing were covered including road, track, mountain, and cyclo-cross.

William Bonnet wins stage two; Lars Boom (Team Rabobank) keeps overall lead.

Hastings, Nebr. The Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour is celebrating the 10th year with a new course and more ride routes. The tour will be on Saturday, August 14, 2010 in Hastings, Nebraska. The event is sponsored by Hastings Unique Bicyclists (HUB) as a fundraiser for the Pioneer Spirit Trail, a 5.2-mile paved hike and bike trail. Routes of 20, 40 and 70 miles will be offered through the quiet countryside surrounding the birthplace of Kool-Aid. The event will be supported with several rest stops and Kool-Aid refreshment along the way.

For more information on this event contact Bruce & Alisa Sandahl at 402-463-1138 or visit the Kool-Aid Classic website.

Boom keeps lead at Paris-Nice.

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong (Team RadioShack) has arrived in South Africa ahead of his appearance in the Cape Argus cycling race.

A crash marred the finish for the second day in a row in another cold and windy stage at Paris-Nice in Tuesday’s 201km second stage from Contres to Limoges.

William Bonnet (Bbox) won a bunch sprint that saw a half-dozen riders hit the deck after colliding with a protective barrier with about 500 meters to go, including André Greipel’s lead-out man Tony Martin (HTC-Columbia), French sprinter Jimmy Casper (Saur Sojasun) and Danny Martin (Garmin-Slipstream).

William Bonnet nails it at the line.

Bonnet came around Peter Sagan (Liquigas) to snag his first major pro win while defending champion Luís León Sánchez (Caisse d’Epargne) crossed the line third to snag the points jersey. Lars Boom (Rabobank) avoided the mayhem and finished safely in the pack to retain the yellow jersey.

“I got on the wheel of Sánchez and I was in good position for the sprint. Luckily, I missed the crash and I was able to come around Liquigas to win,” said Bonnet, 27. “It’s a very big win for me, because I’ve been waiting a long time. I am not a pure sprinter like Cavendish and I worked for Thor (Hushovd) when I was at Crédit Agricole. At this team, I have more chances to play my own card. I’d like to get into the habit of winning.”

Racing in frigid temperatures, the day’s main, four-man breakaway was reeled in with 17km before Cyril Gautier (BBox) attacked on the last of three third-category climbs with 11km to go, but Caisse d’Epargne didn’t let him slip away.

The peloton roared into the final three kilometers and found a tangle of traffic circles, divided roads and two sharp left-handers in the final 1,000 meters. With about 500 meters to go, a rider clipped a plastic-covered hay bale to cause the spill. Casper flipped over his handlebars as a rider went down in front of him.

Bonnet was able to steer clear of trouble to win the most important victory of his career.

“I’ve been close to some big wins (twice second in the 2009 Vuelta a España), so it’s nice to finally win an important race,” Bonnet said. “My next big goal is the classics. Our team won’t have much responsibility, so I am hoping to be able to do something.”

Sánchez moves up, Boom realistic
There were no major shakeups in the overall standings, with Boom holding his narrow, five-second lead to Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank).

Boom gets another day in yellow. Will he survive Wednesday's climbs?

Boom finished 73rd with the main pack, but admitted he’s starting to feel the wear and tear of defending the jersey in the brutally cold conditions.

“It was very windy again today and the team did a good job keeping me out of trouble. It was hard for me on that last climb. I was behind the crash and there was room for me to get around without any problem,” Boom said. “I am glad I was able to keep the yellow jersey again today. Maybe we can keep it again tomorrow, but I don’t expect to defend it Thursday. That last climb to Mende will be too hard for me and the differences are small.”

Defending champion Sánchez sensed that the complicated finale played to his favor against the pure sprinters and he tried to surprise with a long sprint and finished third, earning enough points to take the green jersey and bonus seconds to move into third at 10 seconds back.

“I felt very good so I decided to put myself in the sprint to try to win the stage,” Sánchez said. “There was a lot of headwind, so it made it difficult. I have to be satisfied with third place despite the fact that I wasn’t able to finish off the work that my team did all day long. Nevertheless, I am satisfied with how things are going. Now I am third, thanks to the time bonuses, so now I will have to stay focused and try to do things as well as we have so far.”

Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack), who hit the deck in Monday’s stage, also finished safely in the main pack and remained in eighth overall at 25 seconds back.

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador (Astana) was able to avoid trouble for most of the race after crashing with just over 3km to go in Monday’s stage, but his Astana troops hugged the front of the pack to keep Contador and his sore left thigh out of harm’s way. Contador finished 17th in Tuesday’s stage to remain ninth overall at 25 seconds back.

Contador’ luck almost ran out again at the finish on Tuesday, though, when he was caught behind a crash only 500 meters from the line. Contador was delayed, but uninjured and rode slowly to the finish, unconcerned about the time loss, since the accident occurred within the final kilometer of the race and he was credited with the same time as the rest of the field.

“A hard day with a lot of tension,” Contador wrote on Twitter. “My leg didn’t permit me to use my normal pedal stroke but I hope that with (physical therapy) and time, it will get better.”

Contador said he has now gotten beyond the point of thinking about abandoning Paris-Nice this year.

I think today was really the hardest for me,” he said. “I am not going home now. I was able to finish and I am in a good position (on GC), so I’ll continue, for sure.”

Contador said he considers the 38-year-old Voigt to be the biggest overall threat on the road right now.

“He’s the strongest out there right now,” Contador said of Voigt. “He’s the guy I paid most attention to today.”

Mangel makes most of break
After the crash-filled first stage, the peloton was hoping for smoother sailing in the 201km second stage from Contres to Limoges. Sunny skies with a strong northerly wind made for a fast and cold stage, as temperatures hovered around 40F.

The four escapees attacked at 4km and were reeled in 175km later.

It didn’t take long for riders to go on the attack, with Mauro Finetto (Liquigas), Laurent Mangel (Saur Sojasun), Koen De Kort (Skil-Shimano) and Jens Mouris (Vacansoleil) surged free in the opening five kilometers.

Mangel led the break over the day’s first climb at the Cat. 3 Cote de Saint-Aignan at 15km and the quartet quickly opened a two-minute gap as the day’s main breakaway was set.

A stiff northerly wind pushed the pack south across the rolling terrain at a brisk 48kph toward the hillier final half of the stage. HTC-Columbia took control of the middle part of the stage to keep the breakaway on a three-minute leash.

Mangel, a journeyman pro who joined start-up Saur Sojasun last season, led over the Cat. 3 Cote de Maison Neuve at 156km to secure the climber’s jersey. Rabobank took over the chase in the final two hours to keep Boom in yellow.

Mangel, however, didn’t want to give up, going on a solo flier at 21km to go when the pack pulled within 20 seconds of neutralizing the breakaway to try to grab the day’s final mountain points.

He was caught with 17km to go, just ahead of the Cat. 3 Cole de Nieul, but he pounced out of the pack to take second-place points to secure the polka-dot jersey.

Vande Velde spent the final stretch riding on his own. He finished 1:18 off of the winner's time and is now 9:14 back on GC.

It’s that type of aggressive riding that the small French team will help convince Tour de France organizers when they are handing out racing invitations for July.

Up next
The 68th Paris-Nice continues Wednesday with the hilly, six-climb 208km third stage from Saint-Junien to Aurillac. It appears that the roads will be clear of snow and there should not be any route changes, but it will be extremely cold, especially in the final 50km when the course climbs to higher than 600 meters.

Three third-category climbs should send an early breakaway clear in the opening 70km of racing. The first of three second-category climbs comes at 128km, followed by the second at 165km. It’s the third at the Cote de la Martinie (1.1km at 7.2%) with three kilometers that will see some interesting attacks from stage-hunters.

Race organizers say Thursday’s summit finish to Mende looks passable, but there’s more worry about Friday’s climbing stage to Aix-en-Provence. Southern France was hammered with a winter storm Monday, forcing the closure of the French-Spanish border. Ice and snow still clog the highest climbs, including the Cat. 2 Col de Murs.

Team HTC-Columbia will field a strong mix of all-rounders and sprinters for the 2010 Tirreno-Adriatico, which starts tomorrow in the coastal city of Livorno, Italy.