2008 Internt'l Criterium & Track Update

Solid good weekend of racing. Yeah for Jens! I'm not sure I've yet met anyone who doesn't like him. He's so fun loving and such a freak of nature (in all the best meanings) with the determination he has. He's one of them that I just could never not cheer for. I would've loved to have seen Slipstream win but I'm pretty okay (and happy) that it was Jens (if not them). :-) When I see him take off in a race, John's stories of him come back to mind, and I get the biggest smile picturing him calling back to Bjarne about how he is just going to go. I love those stories! And a question... Does anyone else find it strange that they call it the International Criterium and yet there's no criterium stage? Just wondering.

Quick side note over to the track. The racing was exciting and FAST. On Saturday Mike and Colby finished 13th in the Madison. I'm so hoping we get to see Mike and company at the Olympics later this year. Catching blips here and there on the web is not enough! Jennie Reed is the keirin champ and she also picked up a well earned bronze in the woman's sprint! Way to go USA!!!


77th Critérium International - 2.HC
France, March 29-30, 2008

Slipstream: Laurent's Criterium International preview.

Slipstream Chipotle - H30
161 David Zabriskie (USA)
162 Magnus Backstedt (Swe)
163 Timothy Duggan (USA)
164 Christophe Laurent (Fra)
165 Trent Lowe (Aus)
166 David Millar (GBr)
167 Kilian Patour (Fra)
168 Thomas Peterson (USA)

Stage 1 - March 29: Signy-le-Petit - Charleville-Mézières, 193km
Results
1 Laurens Ten Dam (Ned) Rabobank 4.50.04 (39.921 km/h)
9 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 0.10
15 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
24 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
26 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
33 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
47 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 6.51
54 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
85 Kilian Patour (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
86 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
98 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
131 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 12.40
133 Craig Lewis (USA) High Road
143 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 22.01

Slipstream: CI Stage 1 - Millar, Lowe sitting pretty with 10" off lead.

Stage 2 - March 30: Les Vieilles Forges (Les Mazures) - Monthermé, 98.5km
Results
1 Simon Gerrans (Aus) Crédit Agricole 2.27.36
2 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 0.04
7 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 1.39
18 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle – H30 1.43
33 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 1.50
39 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 2.10
77 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 6.10
80 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
108 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 9.00
General classification after stage 2
1 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 7.17.53
5 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 1.36
16 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle – H30 1.40
21 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 1.47
31 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 6.07
46 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 8.48
70 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 12.48
96 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 15.38

Slipstream: CI Stage 2 - Strike-delayed recovery plan.
Slipstream: CI Stage 2 - Despite early, fast, frustrating stage, Lowe hangs in.
Team CSC: Fantastic Jens Voigt Did it Again.

Stage 3 - March 30: Charleville-Mézières - Charleville-Mézières, ITT, 8.3km
Results
1 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) High Road 10.16
5 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 0.14
13 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 0.26
15 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 0.27
23 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.34
25 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 0.35
43 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 0.52
53 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 0.58
54 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30

Final general classification
1 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 7.29.01
2 Gustav Erik Larsson (Swe) Team CSC 0.57
3 Luis León Sánchez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
6 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 1.11
13 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 1.23
19 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 1.53
24 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 5.41
35 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 8.10
62 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 12.30
92 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 15.44

Teams
1 High Road 31.18
2 Team CSC 0.44
3 Slipstream Chipotle - H30 0.45
4 Cofidis 1.08
5 Karpin Galicia 1.09

Slipstream: CI Final - "Z" 5th in ITT; Lowe 13th, team 3rd overall.
Team CSC: Double Victory for Team CSC in Criterium International.

VandeVelde & Track

So after talking to John today about how awesome the speed has been at Manchester this week, I couldn't help but look for some past articles on him and C on the track. I came up with a couple stat articles but nothing very good in the write up department. John was recalling some of his times, C's, and then putting that into perspective of the Team Pursuit winning times. Holy crap, they are flying is about the best to sum it up. John was awesome, C was incredible, and the guys now, wow. Track racing on tv can be kind of boring (to me, although I love watching the Madison) but there is NO denying the thrill of seeing the speeds they go. Being at a track and seeing it first hand I have been told is a very cool experience.

John was at the '68 Olympics in Mexico City (4000m Team Pursuit) and the '72 Olympics in Munich (4000m Team Pursuit-17th and 4000m Individual Pursuit). I have often fessed up, I am like a little kid listening to stories. John shares them with the best of them and I never get tired of listening.

John Vande Velde - 2004 US Bicycling Hall of Fame Inductee
A two-time Olympic track cyclist (1972, 1976), Vande Velde also captured three national individual pursuit crowns (1969-70, 1972). His son, Christian, was one of the top youth riders at the 1999 Tour de France, and was instrumental in Lance Armstrong's victory at the Tour de France. A veteran of six-day racing, Vande Velde also won a bronze medal at the 1971 Pan American Games (team pursuit). The elder Vande Velde also owns the Vandedrome, a portable wooden velodrome that has been used for numerous events, including the 1998 Goodwill games in New York. He is also a member of the UCI Track Commission.

Christian was an alternate at the '96 Olympics in Atlanta and was at the '00 Olympics in Sidney (Men's Indiviual Pursuit 12th 4:31.528)

From the 2007 Tour of Georgia:
Vande Velde overcame some of the bitterness from more than a decade ago, when he failed to make the U.S. Olympic team for the 1996 Atlanta Games. Track cycling was held in a temporary velodrome at Stone Mountain.
"It would be a lie to say I didn't have a lot of memories going around that park yesterday," the 30-year-old Vande Velde said. "I actually thought of quitting after putting so much into making the Olympics, then not making that team."

USA Cycling - Christian Stats.

US Cycling Track Champions - scroll down the list for your favorites

2008 Vuelta Castilla - Stages 4 & 5

Great job done by Slipstream and Christian this week!!! C finished 10th overall today. I'm wondering if he's feeling like he's back here in Chicago with the snow they had seen the past couple days. Frozen water bottles anyone? I talked to John earlier and he actually yelled at me (laughing) and said no more Packer stuff for Uma! Not a chance was my comeback. C being the Chicago fan he is, I just love sending Packer outfits. I'm kicking myself for not picking up the really cute little jersey onsie with pink Favre #4 on it. Had I only known. All good fun. Glad Leah got the outfits, thinking since Meatball is on the track maybe Will delivered them. C said he was almost out of coffee too so hopefully a good cup awaits for his return. Although Will's been there all week so it might be possible he drank it all. The care package was a blast sending.

Stage 4 - March 27: Carrión de los Condes - Montaña Palentina, 160.8km
Results
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 3.54.17 (41,181 km/h)
11 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 1.05
18 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.33
31 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.02
38 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.30
51 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.53
54 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.55
58 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 4.28
79 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 6.07
110 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 10.30
General classification after stage 4
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 11.59.09
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 1.09
10 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.55
29 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.09
32 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.18
44 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 4.18
46 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 4.31
51 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 5.20
70 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 7.32
98 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 11.00

Slipstream: Fighting the uphill battle.
Dan Martin: Stage 4 - Hurtful, airless climbing.

CycleTo - Steven Cozza: Stage 4 - A Cold Climb to the Line.

Team Astana has some great pictures. Stage 4

Stage 5 - March 28: Guardo - Riaño, 158.0km
Results
1 Koldo Fernandez (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi 3.58.28 (39.754 km/h)
9 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
11 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
19 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
22 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
42 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
82 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.55
83 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
90 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.02
91 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
Final General classification
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 15.57.37
2 Mauricio Soler (Col) Barloworld 0.39
3 Thomas Dekker (Ned) Rabobank 0.46
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 1.09
10 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.55
29 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.09
42 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 4.18
51 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 6.20
52 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 7.26
55 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 7.32
59 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 8.22
89 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 13.55

Slipstream: VandeVelde 9th on stage and 10th overall.
Graham Watson has some great pics of each of the stages.

CycleTo: Steven Cozza: Stage 5 - So Long to Spain.

Venting: WADA vs UCI vs ASO

Seriously asking... when are the arses heading the sport, going to pull their heads out of their butts and start getting on with the actual sporting issues? I love cycling and will continue to follow the guys (even with doping busts and confessions for the past - they're getting caught and we're moving on) but damn, I've had enough of the political crap leading the headlines.

They have one amazing shot to get things right this year and now they continue to act like 5 year olds. If it isn't ASO vs UCI, it's UCI vs WADA. I see both sides of most arguments, almost to a fault sometimes, (even think I have some understanding to both sides in the Paris-Nice fight - still think its the riders being hurt the most) but this crap is getting ridiculous. When is the ASO chiming in now with the passport issue? I thought they were on board especially for using it with the Tour. I'm sure we could get all 3 in a nice ring match before the week is done.

I might not know all things cycling, but I'm pretty sure most would agree the fighting going on is incredibly stupid. This sport deserves some serious professionalism and it's depressing to see it not coming from the top. Sit down like the adults you are supposed to be and lay things out. If you truly love cycling and cherish it, how can you not resolve these things? What are these big arses going to do when the fighting chases away the rest of the sponsors. Then there won't be any big events to put on as there's no money to get the riders there to compete and our guys won't be able to make a living doing what they love so the training and such will crumble. As a bigger result, we fans that live to cheer on our favorites, won't be able to come watch and we won't be spending the money at the events that helps connect the circle.

GROW UP, get the crap resolved, and can we PLEASE move on and start enjoying this amazing sport? I want to see the guys ride, have some fun doing so, and keep us on our seats as things - RACING tactic things! - stay animated and thrilling. I'm tired of the animation from the sidelines. I want to see it in the races and not in the political headlines!


...okay so I am stepping off the box now. I generally try to avoid entries like this but I seriously would really love to open up the websites I follow and get great scoops on the sport and the races and the riders. I'm tired of seeing the headlines of the top folks battling it out. Can we get back to cycling?!? Some of us have pretty awesome riders we'd like to cheer on!

You better bring sun back!

GG where are you?!? Nothing for days?!?

DA stopped by to get a few things. It's only getting harder and only causing more anxiety. Someday it should be easy... right?

Hope you are having an awesome time down in Texas. Hope the sun and hop over to Mexico were a blast! Can't wait to the pictures you and John bring back. Hope you bring back some awesome warm weather (and longer than a day this time!) and that glorious sun we are all missing. Call when you get back!

Manchester Track World's - Day 1

Slipstream: Phinney Family Dream.
NY Times: For the Phinney Family, a Dream and a Challenge.

Men's Individual Pursuit -
Winner: Bradley Wiggins 4:18.519
Taylor Phinney - 8th place (qualifies for Olympics!) Way to go Taylor!!!

Phinney sets unofficial 3km junior world track record -
Taylor Phinney's performance at the UCI Track World Championship in Manchester, England, stood out on Wednesday. The 17 year-old junior not only finished eighth among his more senior challengers, but also may have broken the three kilometer junior world record while racing the individual pursuit.
Phinney found some extra energy to pull ahead of Spain's Sergi Escobar, a double world champion, during their ride. Escobar had been leading Phinney until the final half kilometer. Phinney's unofficial world 3km record was recorded as 3:17.523, faster than the current record of 3:17.77.
His final 4km time was 4:22.358, approximately two seconds faster than his previous personal best time of 4:24.364.


Men's Scratch -
Winner: Aliaksandr Lisouski
Mike Friedman - 18th place


Bicycle.net: PR: Phinney Records his Fastest Pursuit Yet, 8th at World Championships.
Slipstream: Phinney sets PR and Junior world record.

If I find some time when I get home tonight I will look for some more pics and such. I know there were a few great sites from the other world cup's. I just need to remember where. :-) Huge congrats to Taylor!

2008 Vuelta Castilla - Stage 3

Stage 3 - March 26: Valladolid - Villa del Libro de Urueña, 159.9km
Results
1 Francisco José Ventoso Alberdi (Spa) Andalucía – Cajasur 4.22.54 (36.493 km/h)
15 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
20 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
21 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
36 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
39 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
45 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
61 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
83 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
87 Chris Horner (USA) Astana
General classification after stage three
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 8.04.52
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.04
5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.22
6 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.25
9 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.30
10 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.36
27 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.48
29 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.52
45 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.07
68 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 1.25

Teams classification
1 Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 24.15.53
2 Rabobank 0.02
3 Astana
4 Team CSC 0.115 Barloworld 0.28

Slipstream: Castilla Stage 3 - Four in top ten, team still leads.
CycleTo - Steven Cozza: Stage 3 - All Hell Broke Out.

Track Worlds @ Manchester

Wanted to drop a good luck to our guys at Manchester!

Incase you missed the chatter, Taylor Phinney is surely one to watch in the individual pursuit. He's in great shape and should be exciting to watch. We have Mike Friedman to watch in the scratch, which he happens to have done kind of well in not that long ago! We have Colby Pearce to watch in the points race. We get Mike and Colby on Saturday in the madison! Good Luck Guys!

Keep an eye on Sarah Hammer in the individual pursuit, Bobby Lea in the men's omnium, Becky Quinn in the scratch, and Jennie Reed in the keirin. This week should offer a great view of awesome talent in a look ahead to the Olympics! I hope you check it out and cheer on our American group as they compete against the world's best, themselves included!!!

VeloNews: Connie Carpenter's report from Manchester.
Bicycling.com - Track Racing: All Eyes on Manchester.
USA Today: Olympic quest a ride for the Phinney family.

2008 Vuelta Castilla - Stage 2

If only we could see this race! Today's stage was pretty cool. To hear and read about C's push to help get Tyler up in the sprint - sweet! And to think I'm not sure he's totally over that cold yet! Can you imagine this all when he's 100%? Awesome!

Stage 2 - March 25: Segovia - Ávila, 141.7km
Results
1 Karsten Kroon (Ned) Team CSC 3.30.19 (40.425 km/h)
6 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
16 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
23 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
25 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
35 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
45 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
51 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
52 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.09
53 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
104 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 0.53
General classification after stage 2
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 3.41.58
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.04
4 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 0.15
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.22
7 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.25
10 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.30
12 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.36
30 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.48
32 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.52
47 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.07
70 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 1.25

Teams classification
1 Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H30 11.07.11
2 Rabobank 0.02
3 Astana
4 Team CSC 0.11
5 Barloworld 0.28

Slipstream: Stage 2 - Farrar 6th in sprint, team in lead.
Dan Martin: Stage 2 - All for one!
CycleTo: Steven Cozza Stage 2 - Hustle to the Start, Race to the Top.

2008 Vuelta Castilla - Stage 1 Prologue

23rd Vuelta a Castilla y León - 2.1
Spain, March 24-28, 2008

Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
71 Steven Cozza (USA)
72 Jason Donald (USA)
73 Tyler Farrar (USA)
74 Huub Duyn (Ned)
75 Christian Vande Velde (USA)
76 Daniel Martin (Irl)
77 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA)

Dan Martin: break out the booties!

Stage 1 - March 24: Valsain - La Granja de San Ildefonso (ITT), 9.7km
Results
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 11.39 (49.957 km/h)
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.04
4 Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC 0.15
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.22
7 Steven Cozza (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.25
11 Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.30
13 Chris Horner (USA) Astana 0.32
17 Huub Duyn (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.36
29 Jason Donald (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.43
38 Jonathan Patrick Mc Carty (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.48
55 Daniel Martin (Irl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.58

Dan Martin: Prologue - Good, hard start!
Slipstream: Prologue - VandeVelde, Cozza top 10; team 2nd overall.
CycleTo: Steven Cozza Stage 1 - Astana Takes Battle, Slipstream Wins the War.

Easter Weekend

Happy Easter! What a good break from work and life stresses. Put on just over 450 miles since Thursday but it was so worth it! The break started with a delay and is being cut short because of another but it was still a good weekend away. I timed the travel pretty good with the snow storm that hit (sorry your flight was cancelled Jane but happy to hear you are enjoying the TX warmth). Madison has the record for the snowiest season and Milwaukee's season is in 2nd place, only needing like 10 more inches. It is spring, right?!?

I headed up North Thursday and spent some much needed time with B. We went to dinner and a movie. I got caught up on school friends (and the boys) and her up coming trip to NY for school. Friday she came with me in my visit to Tam's. That of course included a Wi-Fi stop for lunch (Score for Slipstream on the Tour Invite!) and a fun spoiling stop at the American Girl Outlet in Oshkosh. John made fun of me when I talked to him Friday with my internet withdrawal I knew I would have with SanRemo Saturday. Time back home and especially time with the kids was important and so needed though and as much as I love cycling, it just doesn't compete with that.

At Tam's the kids kept me busy. We played, read books, did puzzles, colored Easter eggs. It was a blast. And B cracked us up when Amber and Austin slowed down. Even Keith laughed. B was messing with a piano player and she hit some wrong notes, Keith comments that she doesn't need to know her colors, just match them. Okay, maybe you needed to be there but it was funny.

Celebrated Easter at my mom's Saturday since we had B and both she and I had to head out this morning. Went to Easter Mass last night. That is still the most touching mass for me. Having lost dad Easter Sunday morning 2003, it hits cords pretty deep. I'm not sure I will ever forget the moment a raindrop hit my arm that morning and I knew I had to go back to ICU. I miss him.

Drove back earlier today and caught up on loads of emails and cycling and chats with friends. Traffic wasn't too bad (considering its construction season already here in Chicagoland). It's nice to be home but wishing I didn't have a conference call first thing in the morning. I managed 2 full days with out work but that seems to be the limit right now. Ugh!

Will and Meatball got the care package I sent over to them. Meatball broke into the cookies when he got the box but as noted in Will's blog he did leave a couple bites for Will. And how about Will yesterday!?! Score for that incredible break away! These guys are a really fun group to be fans of and in case you've been on vacation - they are INCREDIBLY talented to boot! I'm excited when the team does well and when C, DZ, Will, or Mike score a great day - huge bonus! Way to go!!!

Will emailed a pic this morning and he was enjoying the coffee sent. This weekend, El Gallo, which is one of my favorites got my mom's approval as being pretty good stuff and my brother understood why I like it so much. he liked it by smell alone which is pretty funny. I told Meatball I wasn't a coffee snob but bringing mine with me (not new - mom's used to that but) and my portable grinder might be putting me closer to that category than I thought. :-) All good, yummy, stuff.

Here's some fun pics of me and kids! I miss them already!!!


Above is Mr. Austin. We read a lot of books and got some good play time in. Here he's telling me all about the fireman's helmet. Such a cute little ham! Friday night when we colored eggs he started out all cute and then (while sitting on my lap mind you) slams the egg into the bowl full of egg coloring. It was too cute I couldn't yell at him but did quickly change to a lighter color! The poor egg didn't stand a chance.
This is the adorable little Miss Amber. She has me so wrapped around her finger. Yesterday morning (stayed over to avoid snow) she gave me a HUGE hug when she got up. I just melt when she smiles. Jane I hope you liked the pics we sent. Her sticking her tongue out was too funny!

Miss Bridget is pretty awesome and I just love hanging out with her. How often does someone 20 years younger not only like the music you've got but knows the words? Her and I went through Sheryl Crow and Nickelback a few times on our road trip and it was pretty sweet!

2008 Milano-Sanremo

99th Milano-Sanremo - HC
Italy, March 22, 2008

Huge score for Will!!! What an awesome ride yesterday!!! That's just a hell of a long time to be out in a break away but he did it and finished. Huge kudo's to him and the team. It was awesome seeing the coverage and all the chatter about him and the team. Versus included JV's interview about him as well so, even though I generally gripe (a lot) about the coverage they offer, today's on Milano-Sanremo was great (less all the commercials).

Loved watching a lot of Will and an exciting finish. I love Fabian Cancellara (C's past teammate) and score for him on the win as well. Tony is just flying right now and it's awesome seeing him fly at the finishes. This one was quite the site as he just rolled in as those further back chased hard. It would only be better to see him finish 2nd to one of my Slipstream favorites or George but I'm still loving it!!!

A HUGE congratulations to Team Slipstream who got their much deserved invite to the Tour this past week!!! The long list is being worked on but C should for sure be there and there's a chance Will might as well!!! Sweet!!!

Julian Dean: Milan SanRemo - La Primavera Crescendo.

Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
211 Magnus Backstedt (Swe)
212 Julian Dean (NZl)
213 Tyler Farrar (USA)
214 Michael Friedman (USA)
215 William Frischkorn (USA)
216 Martijn Maaskant (Ned)
217 David Millar (GBr)
218 Christopher Sutton (Aus)

Cancellara fires to win Sanremo solo
Results
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 7.14.35 (41,142 km/h)
25 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.15
42 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 0.18
52 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 0.21
89 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 2.08
99 David Millar (GBr) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 5.43
124 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 11.22

Team Slipstream: Up Front Frischkorn Flies Argyle For 233 km!
Meatball: Damn proud of my roomie!
Will: Milan-San Remo.
Team CSC offers up some great photos.
I love Graham Watson and he's got some great pics of the race as well.

VeloNews: Off the front, a conversation with Will Frischkorn.

I came across this article on Tony's win and thought it was a good read...
Cycling Weekly: M-SR Analysis: Why did the obvious move work?

One Year...

My day today can pretty much be summed up with Tyler's crash video. Yep, it sucked. The f-bomb laid flat out. I still love what I do, but damn. I am in serious need of these next couple days away. When things that just normally don't even phase me, suddenly are eating away at me, it's time to step away a bit. Sadly, it's now after 12 am and I'm still looking at work stuff. Why I care so much is often a good trait and really is who I am, but at times like these, I just need to learn to say, I'm leaving - see you all in a few days. We all know me though, and I just don't do that, so onward to wrap things up.

The enjoyable parts of a crap day were reading Will's blog entitled The Squatter. I'm sure it was meant to be simple but the link in the comments put it right over the top. Between Will and Mike's swim class entry, the laughs have been had lately. Thank you both and enjoy the goodies! It's the least in terms of thanks that I can do for you making shit days so much brighter! And the laughs, well I'm still cracking up.

Today was stress and tension filled. Things have been on my mind lately pretty heavily and added to the menatl stress was the fact that today marked one year. I've been told for every 5 years of marriage, it takes 1 year to gather up and get going again. With that, I still have another year to go and honestly, I just don't feel like giving it that long. The last two plus years were hell enough so let's get going shall we?!?

I made decisions that felt impossible and most certianly weigh heavily still to this day. I gave everything - and then some - and it wasn't enough. For me, who believes you should give everything, to have the nightmares lived and sleep lost, it hasn't been easy. But I'm pretty happy about things to come. Since the accident, working out has helped ease the mind. Hell, I've been out for a bike ride already and that is just not typical me. But I'm loving it. I've got great motivation following the guys on Slipstream and the humor they bring into the day, just priceless!

I also have pretty damn amazing friends who held back words when they certainly would've been justified at times and sat close while the tears fell. So thank you. You know exactly who you are and with out you I wouldn't be where I am today. Smiling, laughing, working out, enjoying possibilities. It's been emotionally a killer time but yet at that same time, in a character building year, a good thing. I'll be trying to repay the debt owed to you guys for helping me get through it for a lifetime. But for now, I hope you know just how meaningful this simple thank you is. It's not enough but it's filled with so much more that I just can't put into words. You're amazing and I hope I'm there for you like you've been here for me!! Love yous!!!

LiveStrong Message

Just checked my messages and I can say I rec'd a pretty cool one today. It was from Lance Armstrong - calling my house and leaving me a message. Yep, you know the one, the 7-time Tour de France winner. Now it wasn't a, "Hi Nic, how are you doing? It's me Lance. Thanks for supporting, me, C, and George over the years," kind of message but I still think it was pretty cool and carries a huge and important message.

I've been a member of the LiveStrong Army for long while now and I still wear my yellow band on my wrist everyday. Last fall in one of my donations, I ordered some more and gave one to each in the group I work with. It's something I believe in and regardless of what you think of Lance as a cyclist, he's doing a pretty amazing thing in the fight we are all sadly touched with at some point in our lives.

The message was encourging LiveStrong events coming up. I enjoy volunteering and the message has certainly got me out looking to see what's going on in my area. So now it's like - "Thanks Lance, I got your message, sorry (really sorry) I missed the call but I got the message."

Note... yes I do realize it was a recorded call, but it was still cool. Being a fan of cycling and the teams and riders C has been with over the years, it just kind of tickled me pink a bit. :-)

Work

Worked a long day today and still struggling with the mean sleep gods. Kinda sucks a bit since we've been pretty much full gas since November. I keep hoping that the lull we long for is coming, and soon.

I love my job - a lot. The people I work with these days are a group of really awesome people and my desire to not want to let them down is what makes it worth it on nights like these. The group is great and it's great from the bottom right on up to the top.

I haven't felt that way in a long time. I've worked with some pretty fun guys and most of my closest friends were at some point in time, a co-worker. But this group, it's a little different. I'm being pushed a bit and I'm learning new things everyday. That's a great thing at this point in the game.

So to the gang picking on me about my enjoyment of growing up a Cheesehead, to the teasing about how much I love cycling, and of course the laughs we have all the time. Thanks. You're making this one of the best opportunities worth getting on with!

2008 Tirreno-Adriatico, Stage 7

Great Job out to Fabian, and on his birthday to boot! Score!
Big congrats to Slipstream for getting Ryder up into 8th overall!!!

Stage 7 - S.Benedetto del Tronto - S.Benedetto del Tronto, 176 km
Results
1 Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Liquigas 4.50.50 (36,309 km/h)
12 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
18 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC
28 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
31 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
44 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
67 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.34
93 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
98 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
102 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
119 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 2.37
139 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 5.04
DNF David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
Final general classification
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 28.08.21
8 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.53
22 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 6.14
53 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 20.37
68 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 23.00
70 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 23.48
111 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 33.55
118 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 37.28
120 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 39.05
121 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 40.27
147 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.08.56

Will - Keeping it upright, Ryder finishes 8th overall.
Many shots of Tony from Tim De Waele on CSC's FanZone - Tirreno-Adriatico 2008.

Is it Friday yet?!?

Little Miss Amber... too cute and sweet as sugar!

My adorable little godson Austin and Miss Jane.

How do you not just love the little guy!?!?

I haven't figured out the printer yet to scan in the pics of Pooky but I do have these. I'm more than sure Jane will be rubbing in the 80 degree temps by the end of the week so I'm offsetting it with some teasing of my own. She might get the sun but I get to spoil the kiddies on Friday! Eat your heart out Jane!!!

I'll try not to love on them too much with out you! Plus this only gets better as I am picking little Miss B up on Thursday and her and I are going to hang out for a couple days. She's going to help me spoil the munchkins too! You're so missing out!!! Tee hee hee!!!

Let me know what you'd like put in the Easter basket. Tam says - "don't you dare" which we know really means - "bring it on!" LOL!!! I am so looking forward to a couple days off. Hopefully the weather will be nicer this time as the last time back home, wasn't so good and sadly I think the shoulder and knee haven't been the same since. We won't get into the blazer...

Right now I honestly don't know that I can think of any better place to be looking forward to than some down time with the cutest and sweetest kids!!!

2008 Tirreno-Adriatico, Stage 6

Score for Will who made it in the break that took this morning. And kudo's to Ryder for getting into the top 10!
One more day to go. Looks like Fabian should be able to keep the lead but one never knows.

Stage 6 - March 17: Civitanova Marche - Castelfidardo, 196 km
Results
1 Oscar Freire Gomez (Spa) Rabobank 4.46.44 (41,013 km/h)
13 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
14 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
21 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
80 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.08
86 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.41
90 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 2.59
133 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 6.51
134 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 6.59
141 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 8.37
144 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 11.42
159 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 13.58
161 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
General classification after stage 6
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 23.17.31
10 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.53
24 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 4.40
54 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 18.01
56 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 18.44
76 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 23.00
107 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 28.30
121 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 32.21
126 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 35.54
134 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 39.05
136 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 40.27
162 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.07.22

Will - Will's big break; Ryder's smart finish.
Team CSC - Cancellara Fought Back.

2008 Tirreno-Adriatico Stages 1-5

43rd Tirreno-Adriatico - HC
Italy, March 12-18, 2008


Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
171 Magnus Backstedt (Swe)
172 Julian Dean (NZl)
173 Christopher Sutton (Aus)
174 Timothy Duggan (USA)
175 William Frischkorn (USA)
176 David Zabriskie (USA)
177 Martijn Maaskant (Ned)
178 Ryder Hesjedal (Can)

Will - Tirreno-Adriatico preview: sunny & fast!

Stage 1 - March 12: Civitavecchia - Civitavecchia, 160 km
Results
1 Oscar Freire Gomez (Spa) Rabobank 4.10.01 (38.397 km/h)
14 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
32 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
45 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC
63 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
106 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
109 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
112 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
114 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
154 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 5.51
161 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
162 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
165 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 10.06

Will - Stage 1: Sitting in for the sprint. Will's blog - For the boys in Paris-Nice.

Stage 2 - March 13: Civitavecchia - Gubbio, 203 km
Results
1 Raffaele Illiano (Ita) S PVC D-A G 5.01.10 (40.442 km/h)
17 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.32
18 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
38 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.36
44 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
49 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
63 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
78 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 8.23
101 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
132 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
133 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
134 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
162 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 16.10
General classification after stage 2
1 Enrico Gasparotto (Ita) Barloworld 9.11.05
18 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.38
25 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
34 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 1.12
52 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
53 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
61 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
85 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 8.29
93 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
136 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 14.20
144 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
145 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
165 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30

Will - Will's chill Tirreno stage 2; GC shake up with Ryder 18th.

Stage 3 - March 14: Gubbio - Montelupone, 195 km
Results
1 Joaquim Rodriguez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 4.44.59 (40.423 km/h)
10 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 0.26
16 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.37
30 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.38
37 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 2.09
69 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 7.18
70 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC
95 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 10.26
120 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 12.54
129 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 13.11
140 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 13.27
143 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 14.25
159 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 15.38
General classification after stage 3
1 Niklas Axelsson (Swe) S PVC D-A G 13.56.14
10 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
13 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.05
30 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.40
35 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 3.11
52 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 8.20
71 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 14.29
79 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 15.37
120 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 21.30
134 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 24.36
139 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 27.04
145 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 28.35
163 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 41.50

Slipstream - Stage 3: Ryder climbs his way to 13th.
Will - Stage 3: Will's 20+%!@ uphill battle.
Will's Blog - And the other coast.

Stage 4 - March 15: Porto Recanati - Civitanova Marche, 166 km
Results
1 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Team Milram 3.59.58 (41.505 km/h)
14 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
29 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road
30 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
40 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
67 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
69 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
76 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 0.11
93 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 2.29
101 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
109 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30
158 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 7.42
160 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 8.30
General classification after stage 4
1 Niklas Axelsson (Swe) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli 17.56.12
9 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC
13 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.05
28 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 2.40
32 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 3.11
45 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 8.31
74 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 18.06
111 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 22.11
120 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 23.59
130 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 27.04
132 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 27.05
134 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 28.35
164 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 50.20

Slipstream - Stage 4: Status quo after active start.
Will's blog - Wanna swap?

Slipstream - Tirreno time trial start list.

Stage 5 - March 16: Macerata - Recanati, 26 km
Results
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 33.41 (46.313 km/h)
2 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 0.22
19 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.42
29 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 2.23
44 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 2.49
50 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.00
66 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 3.25
87 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 3.58
92 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 4.02
110 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 4.18
145 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 5.32
149 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 5.40
General classification after stage 5
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC 18.30.47
11 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 1.53
29 George Hincapie (USA) Team High Road 4.40
30 Timothy Duggan (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 4.46
44 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 11.02
71 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC 20.01
79 David Zabriskie (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 21.39
123 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 28.45
129 William Frischkorn (USA) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 30.13
130 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 30.28
137 Julian Dean (NZl) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 33.13
163 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Slipstream Chipotle Presented By H30 53.24

Will - Stage 5: Will's beautiful & beastly time trial.
Slipstream - Tirreno TT: Zabriskie 2nd on stage; Hesjedal 11th overall.

2008 Paris-Nice: Stages 6 & 7

Stage 6 - March 15: Sisteron - Cannes, 206km
Results
1 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis 5.00.25 (41.14 km/h)
3 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.02
40 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 2.01
46 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 5.07
69 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
79 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 10.43
83 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC
84 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
112 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 19.18
116 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
DNF Tyler Farrar (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
DNF Jason McCartney (USA) Team CSC
General classification after stage 6
1 Davide Rebellin (Ita) Gerolsteiner 26.11.31
21 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 13.56
27 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC 23.52
32 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 27.33
53 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 37.13
63 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 41.50
71 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 50.09
75 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 53.02
110 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 1.19.19
122 Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 1.42.36

Slipstream - Stage 6: Farrar out, Lowe can't get a break.
Prentice - Injured Reserves Report: P-N.

Millar Dairies: Changing fortunes.

Stage 7 - March 16: Nice - Nice, 119km
Results
1 Luis León Sánchez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 2.51.12 (40.3 km/h)
23 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 0.05
28 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
39 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 0.36
53 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 5.05
71 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 15.08
72 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
84 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
DNF Thomas Peterson (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30
DNF Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team CSC
Final General classification
1 Davide Rebellin (Ita) Gerolsteiner 29.02.48
2 Rinaldo Nocentini (Ita) Ag2r-La Mondiale 0.03
3 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Silence-Lotto 0.48
20 Trent Lowe (Aus) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 13.53
26 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC 27.33
52 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 47.10
56 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 52.16
58 Danny Pate (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 53.33
67 Christophe Laurent (Fra) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 1.05.12
83 Lucas Euser (USA) Slipstream Chipotle - H30 1.34.22

There are some great pics from Tim De Waele of the stages on CSC's FanZone - Paris-Nice 2008.

Slipstream - Paris-Nice final fireworks.
Vaughters - Paris-Nice: real, gritty, human racing.