"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Cunego and Simoni - 2005 Giro

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Something tells me that we are forgetting some key players. Yes the rivalry is full of intrigue with Cunego and Simoni. The interesting question is which team members will support Simoni..and which ones will be loyal to Cunego. This brings back memories of the Hinault-Lemond fued in the '85 Tour de France. That said..we must not forget Basso, Garzelli, etc. I am not sure...is Popyvich racing this Giro?..I know that Discovery probably wants him in the Tour this year. Is there anyone that we should be on the look out for as a possible 'dark horse' threat?

What about former winners Tonkov and Gotti? I think Gotti retired?...but I know that Tonkov is still racing. Tonkov won a stage last year and gave everyone the bird as he crossed the line.

I think it will come down to Basso and Cunego.

I think the big battle will be between Cunego and Basso, but that's just my opinion. Simoni and Garzelli, I don't think they are going to beat either Damiano or Ivan at this stage of their careers.

I'm really rooting for Cunego (he's probably my favorite current rider) but I think if Basso comes in form he can take it. He is a better TTer and just as good climber as Cunego. We'll see though. Who knows, last year could have been a "weak" year for Damiano and he could really dominate this year. Or maybe he'll fizzle out. Anything can happen.

Guys, Guys ... Do you think CSC will waste Basso on the Giro when he put such a in good showing on the TdF? Riis knows it's one or the other and they don't have a better selection for a TdF podium spot than Basso. I say he either does not participate or simply uses it as a warm-up ... but I wouldn't count on him contending. It's Cunego all the way as he's not even thinking about the TdF yet.

Simoni is done.

-mark

Sastre says that Basso will be their guy at the Giro and that he and Basso will be co-leaders at the TDF

Sastre says that Basso will be their guy at the Giro and that he and Basso will be co-leaders at the TDF


yikes ... so CSC is essentially throwing the towel in on their chances for the 2005 TdF. I actually thought Basso had a chance this year as well ... he needed the single-minded focus that Disco brings to the TdF and the unquestioned support of his entire team ... looks like he won't get either.

<maybe this is one reason why Lance wins every year ...>

-mark

Basso wants to win the Giro, he has said that since the Tour last year. I believe this was his choice, and you're writing him off for the Tour like it's a foregone conclusion. The Giro-Tour double is not impossible and has been done before.

Basso wants to win the Giro, he has said that since the Tour last year. I believe this was his choice, and you're writing him off for the Tour like it's a foregone conclusion. The Giro-Tour double is not impossible and has been done before.


I'm surprised that Basso cares so much about the Giro given that he didn't even race it in 2004. Maybe this is a consequence of CSC's having to show up for the ride (Pro tour rules).

I agree that a Giro-Tour double is not impossible, but it's HIGHLY unlikely the either you or I will see it in again in our lifetime. It's surely not a feat to be attempted by someone who has yet to win one or the other. Given Lance's dominance of the tour, I can't imagine anyone with a real intention to beat him this year would even think about a Giro-Tour double. Recent history says that you either specialize and focus or you finish second.


-mark

I agree that a Giro-Tour double is not impossible, but it's HIGHLY unlikely the either you or I will see it in again in our lifetime.


I highly disagree with that.

Back on topic.....

the story I read was that before Simoni left for Australia, Lampre Caffita had a training camp and Simoni would not even eat with the team. He ate with the mechanics...spoke to no one. Would not even LOOK at Cuenego even when they crossed paths.

Now, having ridden on a few teams in my life, I know that if you are not speaking to your teammates, when they are ready to puke their guts out, they are most likely NOT going to support someone who is acting like he is six years old...

I like both of these riders a lot...but Gilberto needs to grow up...cuz Cuenego's cultivating the team and he's the guy.

Simoni wanted out, but his contract's too big and nobody could pick it up.

Should be interesting. Word is they still haven't made up, Simoni is still mad as hell and Cunego seems unapologetic (which he should be, he doesn't need to apologize).

Any thoughts?

FYI, unless you have RAI (Italian network), you will only be getting a very abbreviated showing of the 2005 Giro (once/week) from OLN. They may not have time to cover these personal issues.

However, I love this feud. I think Simoni just has too big of an Italian ego. He simply cannot get over himself enough to understand that he's not the fastest racer in the bunch. Heck, he's now not even the fastest racer on his own team! :)

too big of an Italian egoThe hell with you! What do you mean by "Italian ego?" *****. ;)

Who to root for ..The aggressive boy wonder taking on the aging legend wanting some last recognition before his swan song. ?
Which of the two is acting like a creep...? Might not Cippolini be in some what a similiar situation...But , he has his antics to act out before retirement.. Think the boy wonder would due his time before getting his recognition..Not too many of us would...