During the 2008 racing season Contador made changes in his position and saw improvement in his results. “We found a position more evenly spread over the bike and we also changed my handlebar position last time,” commented Contador.  “I noticed the improvement a lot and for that reason I want to continue working on this.”

The work in the wind tunnel will be focused on improving the bike positions as well as provide information for the design a new time trial helmet.

“I go back into the tunnel with a lot of motivation,” continued Contador.  “The race results are usually very close and I think I still have a good margin of improvement available on the time trial bike.”

Included in Interbike 2008 Best of Show Category

It’s a brave new world in caloric intake and First Endurance is coming on strong with the 400-calorie shot (don’t call it a gel), which also has a massive 1,500mg of electrolytes and 1,000mg of amino acids. The fact that it doesn’t have gelling agents and it doesn’t paste up in the mouth means it’s absorbed into the bloodstream quicker. We had a chance to try it, and not only does it deliver the caloric goods, but the vanilla flavor taste truly fantastic. Hitting the flask will soon take on a whole new meaning.

The 2007 Tour winner Alberto Contador, Team Manager Johan Bruyneel and Team Director Alain Gallopin attended the official presentation of the route of the Tour de France 2009 in Paris on Wednesday and offered their reactions to the parcours for next year’s race:

Alberto Contador: “Just like every year, it looks like a Tour for a complete rider. The penultimate stage to the top of the Mont Ventoux is special, of course. Other years, we were used to having a time trial on that last day. I cannot complain about the time trials. The first one in Monaco is quite difficult and that suits me. The last one is not too long with its 40 kilometers. I am happy about that.  Many people say that it is a Tour for climbers, but I don’t agree with that assessment.  There are only three uphill finishes.  In the last Tour of Spain Andorra was not so hard and I don’t have the impression that Verbier will be very hard but I will have to go see and ride them.”

Lance Armstrong: “The route of the 2009 Tour de France strikes me as innovative and very interesting. From its start in Monte Carlo with a 15k time trial, to the reinstatement of the team time trial, to stages in my old hometown of Girona all the way to another visit to my old friend the Ventoux, I could not have hoped for a different Tour.”

“While there has been a fair bit of tension and numerous disagreements with the Tour and its organizers, I am well aware that there is new leadership at ASO and I look forward to upcoming conversations and to a mutually beneficial future together. Whether it’s promoting the Livestrong global cancer campaign or making the biggest bike race in the world the gem that it deserves to be, I look forward to next year. I would also like to recognize the UCI and commend them for their aggressive stance against doping, a stance that is unmatched in all of world sport.”

“Lastly, as to the leadership of the Astana team in 2009. It is illogical to pre-select a leader for any race in October of the previous year. We are blessed at Astana to have the strongest team in the world and I look forward to riding with all of these great riders. I have been around long enough to know that cycling is a team sport and I am fully committed to supporting the strongest rider in any race. Whether that’s me, Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, or Andreas Klöden.”

Johan Bruyneel: “Alberto Contador has only one big goal for 2009 and that is to win the Tour de France.  It is a Tour with less kilometers in the time trial, which is good for him.  Also good for him is the omission of the bonification seconds – although he did win the Vuelta on bonifications. More uphill finishes would have been better, but we’ll take the three and not complain. The Ventoux at the end of the race is very special. It will provoke suspense until the very end, which is good for the race. Alberto proved in the Tour of Spain of this year that he can cope with the role of leader and favorite. He will be ready. From now on, he can already start working to reach that big goal, just like Lance Armstrong did in the past. The decision on Lance’s participation in the Tour de France 2009 is for later. For the moment it is 50-50 whether he will ride the Tour. After the Tour Down Under and the Tour of California we will already know more.”

by Cathy Mehl Team Astana brought the dynamic-duo of Chris Horner and Jani Brajkovic to race in the 102nd Giro di Lombardia Saturday, backed by a strong team of riders looking to do something special late in the season.  While Horner made all the right moves throughout the day, it was Brajkovic who took over in the closing kilometers in an effort to chase down pre-race favorite Damiano Cunego (Lampre).  But the Italian rider proved that three is his lucky number indeed, as he took his third win in Lombardia, leaving Brajkovic to celebrate a second place finish and Rigoberto Uran (Caisse d’Epargne) to round out the podium in 3rd.  It was a great performance by Horner and Brajkovic who brought good form and good attitudes to this final race of the 2008 season.  Both looked like they would enjoy racing in a few more competitions instead of ending the season today. Asked if he knew Cunego had taken the victory, Jani replied, “Actually, I did know that Cunego was in the front. Why I was so happy then? A second place in a big classic is a big performance as well. Cunego is a specialist of this kind of races. For me it was like a victory after my difficult season. My season did not start well, but the second part of the year was very good. I am really happy. Honestly, without my teammates and especially Chris Horner I would not haven been able to have this result. Chris was amazingly strong today,” a clearly overjoyed Brajkovic commented after the race. DS Alexandr Shefer concurred: “We are happy with this end of the season victory. We started 2008 very well and we ended very well, too. 2nd place in a classic is not so bad. Cunego was the strongest rider in the race. Even when Jani and Uran came with him, Damiano would have been the fastest sprinter of the three. Jani may be proud.”

Results - 242km

1 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre                                            5.37.04 (43.078 km/h)
2 Janez Brajkovic (Slo) Astana                                              0.24
3 Rigoberto Uran (Col) Caisse d'Epargne

As Lance Armstrong fine-tunes his race schedule for 2009 we’ll try to keep you updated on his plans. Last week the UCI gave him permission to start the Tour Down Under in January and he had previously announced his participation in February’s Amgen Tour of California. Now Lance has accepted the offer by Giro d’Italia organizers to spend his May in Italy.

 “One of the greatest regrets in my cycling career was never doing the Giro d’Italia. For five years I lived in Como and I am very excited to return to Italy to help spread the LiveStrong message and continue the Foundation’s Global Cancer initiative. I look forward to starting a race that respects not only the riders but also maintains the highest integrity in sport. Like all races I intend to come to the Giro fully prepared and look forward to a good result.” - Lance Armstrong

For the second straight year, Greg Bennett won the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon and in doing so claimed his second consecutive Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series Toyota Cup.

Bennett’s top time of 1:46:52 earned him a $120,000 payday, $60,000 for the Toyota U.S. Open, and $60,000 for winning the LTF series. Bennett used a race best 55:49 bike and 30:29 run to fend off a tough challenge from early leader American Andy Potts and take a 47-second margin of victory Sunday.  Andy Potts had a strong day as well, taking home second in the Open and the LTF Series with a time of 1:47:29. Stuart Hayes was just 30 seconds back finishing third in the day’s race and in the series.

Bennett’s win also earned him a $60,000 bonus for winning the third annual Life Time Fitness Series Championship comprised of races in Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas. Last year, Bennett ran the table by winning all five events and took home over $500,000 in series wins and bonus money. 

In the Women’s race sponsored Triathletes Sarah Haskins and Laura Bennett took 2nd and 5th respectively. 

Greg Bennett,  Sarah Haskins and Laura Bennett rely on the First Endurance System of products to train and race at the highest level in sports.  ”First Endurance makes the highest quality best products on the market.” explains Greg Bennett.  

1. Greg Bennett (AUS) 1:46:52 
2. Andy Potts (USA) 1:47:29 
3. Stuart Hayes (GBR) 1:47:59 
4. Michael Raelert (GER) 1:48:15 
5. Courtney Atkinson (AUS) 1:48:53 

1. Lisa Norden (SWE) 1:57:30 
2. Sarah Haskins (USA) 1:58:40 
3. Nicola Spirig (SWI) 1:59:31 
4. Sarah Groff (USA) 1:59:49 
5. Laura Bennett (USA) 2:00:01 
 

INCLINE VILLAGE, NV – Inspired by 5-time XTERRA USA Champ and now cancer-stricken athlete Jamie Whitmore - First Endurance sponsored athletes Seth Wealing and Josiah Middaugh charged to a 2nd and 3rd place finish on the demanding Xterra Lake Tahoe course.  

While the riders are finishing their last races of a very successful 2008 season, the Astana Cycling Team Management is beginning to focus on 2009. Johan Bruyneel took some time to answer questions about the 2009 season, including the arrival of the seven-time Tour de France Champion.

The World Championships do not involve the teams, yet you were in Varese. What was your purpose there?

Johan Bruyneel: It was a good time to have a meeting with all ProTour Teams and the UCI. Almost everybody agreed to continue with the ProTour project. We are still working on some of the details with the UCI, but I’m happy to report that the war between the UCI and race organizers seems to be over.  The teams have united and the state of cycling is in a better position now compared to a few months ago.  Hopefully, it will continue to improve and the sport will move forward and not be brought down by these political battles. I also had the chance to take in some of the racing and of course answered questions about Lance’s arrival.

Yes, speaking of Lance – The team has clearly established leaders and many people now fear Lance’s arrival will divide the team. You obviously feel differently.

JB: Yes, if I felt this way he wouldn’t be riding for Team Astana in 2009.  Actually I feel that the riders and staff will benefit more from his presence.  He is much more than just a physically talented rider.  His race preparation and understanding of his surroundings are second to none.  It’s the little things that separate him from other riders, and a lot of those things I refer to happen off the bike – talking with the media and motivating teammates.  He has a charisma that makes people want to go to war with him; sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the team.  It’s not a common characteristic and I think a lot of riders, especially the young ones, can learn from him.  Now having said all this, 2009 is not 2005.  Lance must prove that he has the physical ability to win big races.  Some people question his age, but look at David Rebellin and Juan Lllaneras. Lllaneras just won an Olympic Gold Medal in Beijing at 40 years old.  I’m more concerned with the lack of racing for the past few years.  This may be tough to overcome, but then again knowing Lance, he’s conquered bigger hurdles.

Alberto Contador has been your main leader the past couple of years.  Now with Lance’s arrival, Alberto’s leader role may be in jeopardy. Many people feel that Alberto deserves to be the leader of the team in 2009.

JB:  Alberto has had a great year and I’ve read some reports that he is extremely frustrated with the situation.  First, I am always careful of what I read in the press as often times words and meanings get distorted.  Even more so when translated to different languages.  Personally, it’s quite amusing to see a statement in Spanish and then read the English translation.  But yes, Alberto has had a magnificent year and is currently the best professional cyclist in the world.  Developing him into a champion has been a very rewarding personal project.  But people need to remember that I’m employed by our Kazakh sponsors, not Alberto Contador, not Lance Armstrong, not any one rider.  That being said, the interests of the team are my top concern.  At the end of the day, the strongest rider will be supported, regardless of that person’s name or what they’ve accomplished in the past.  I think we just saw the perfect example of this.  It’s no secret that Levi Leipheimer could have won the Vuelta, but it was clear to the team directors that Alberto was the strongest rider.  Levi even held the leader’s jersey on two occasions, but we knew that Alberto was the strongest and worked to support him. We have some big names and great leaders on the 2008 squad.  I think adding one more only makes us that much stronger.

Have Alberto and Lance spoken with each other?

JB: Not that I know of.  Alberto finished the Vuelta and shortly thereafter went to Varese for the Worlds.  I imagine they will talk soon and then see each other at our first training camp in December.  This is when the Directors and I will discuss the 2009 season with the riders.

Is there a fear that Alberto will leave Team Astana?

JB: I have read the reports that teams are interested in Alberto.  Of course teams are looking to create conflicts between the two in hope that Alberto will leave, but Alberto signed a contract with Team Astana through 2010. Most riders sign two-year deals, but Alberto insisted on a three-year deal based on the strong team we established to help him win the biggest races. I have invested a lot of my time into Alberto’s development and he will remain with this team for the next two years. Actually, it’s pretty simple – there’s a contract and there are no options to leave.

What do you expect from the comeback of Lance Armstrong?

JB:  Well I certainly don’t have any doubts about Lance’s motivation and dedication.  These are intangibles I would never bet against.  The question remains if he can be at the same level or similar level after a few years away from the racing season.  That’s an answer no one has right now, but I do believe Lance will be competitive.  How competitive is something we will all have to wait and see.  I’m excited for his comeback, not only for what it adds to the team, but also to the sport.  No other person has such an impact on the sport on a local and global level.  Plus his goal to make cancer awareness a global campaign is certainly very admirable.  Our team will do our best to support this project.

But the question remains, is Lance Armstrong prepared to work for other riders like Alberto Contador?

JB:  That’s a question that Lance answered himself last week in Las Vegas – Yes.  He knows that the decisions are made in the team car and he understands the philosophy – the same one we’ve always had – we work for the strongest rider.  This is not the first time that big names have all been on the same team.  It has worked out in the past and I’m confident for the same in 2009.  The media is looking to pit these two riders against each other.  It’s the end of the season and they need something to write about.

Until now, you have 21 riders for 2009. Are there other ones coming?

JB:  Yes, five more riders will join the team.  Another Spaniard, Jesús Hernández who is a good climber and the regular training mate of Alberto.  Then four neo-pro Kazakh riders, who showed a lot of potential last year on the Kazakh Ulan Team.  It is the goal of Kazakhstan to develop the next generation of professional riders so we took a close look at many young Kazakhs and believe that these four are ready to take the next step in their cycling careers.  We’re excited for them to join our squad and we will continue to work with them on their development.

To date, the members of the 2009 squad:

Lance Armstrong, Assan Bazayev, Jani Brajkovic, Alberto Contador, Valeriy Dmitriyev, Jesús Hernández, Chris Horner, Maxim Iglinskiy, Valentin Iglinskiy, Roman Kireyev, Andreas Klöden, Berik Kupeshov, Levi Leipheimer, Steve Morabito, Dmitriy Muravyev, Daniel Navarro, Benjamín Noval, Sérgio Paulinho, Bolat Raimbekov, Gregory Rast, Sergey Renev, José Luis Rubiera, Michael Schär, Tomas Vaitkus, Andrey Zeits, Haimar Zubeldia.

A study done by Dr. Andrew Creer (2007 South Dakota State University) showed Optygen reduces cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone) by 26%. Researchers concluded that Optygen is beneficial for trained athletes undergoing high training volumes because it decreases baseline stress and improves training sessions. Cortisol is a catabolic (breakdown) hormone that the body produces when under stress, such as after hours of running. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can prevent an athlete from recovering, increase the risks of overtraining and supress the immune system. 

Another study done by Dr. Karlton Larson (2007 Luther College) showed endurance athletes who used Optygen increased the time to lactate threshold by 42%. Results of this study show Optygen is effective in reducing lactic acid production and delaying onset of lactate threshold (the exercise intensity at which lactic acid starts to accumulate in the blood stream), therefore improving endurance.

First Endurance rider Bert Grabsch (Team Colombia) gave the team its first rainbow jersey at the world road race championships in Varese, Italy on Thursday, winning the Elite men’s time trial with a perfect ride. 

The 43.7km course around Lake Varese really suited his powerful and aggressive style. He set a time of 52:01, at an impressive average speed of 50.397km/h. Canada’s Svein Tuft was second, 42 seconds slower, with David Zabriskie of the USA third at 52 seconds.

33 year-old Grabsch used his time trial experience to produce a world title winning ride. He was sixth fastest at the first time split after 8km following the technical descent to the lake. He then powered round the Lakeshore, moving up to second fastest after 20km, before taking
top spot after 35.5km. He then had the power and bike skills to finish fastest in the centre of the Varese racecourse and take the world title.   

Grabsch, who’s the current German time trial champion, was happy to pull the rainbow jersey over his white, red ands black national colours. For the next 12 months he can also proudly wear the rainbow jersey when he rides time trials for Team Columbia.  “It was a perfect day for me. The course was perfect and the weather was perfect. What else can I say when you become world champion. I’m totally happy,” Grabsch said wit ha big smile.  

“The course was fast and I did an average of over 50km/h. I’ve won other races before at this speed. This course was very different to the course in Beijing, the long climb was decisive in the Olympics but this course was perfect for me, it was fast and I like it when it’s a fast
and not with a lot of climbing.” 

Some people were surprised to see Grabsch win the world title but he reminded everyone of his time trial pedigree and results. “Last year I was good in every time trial I rode. I was fourth in last year’s world championships and I won the Germany time trial championships last year and this year.”

“I beat Stefan Schumacher to win this year and then he went on to win the time trial in the Tour de France, so I know I’m strong. Of course I didn’t believe I was going to win here. Without Fabian Cancellara in the race it was wide open for everyone. It’s a big but very nice
surprise to be world champion.”