Cycling tidbits

ValueAct Capital has announced the re-signing of its title sponsor for the 2008 season. That is great news for women's cycling since the team has had a very successful 2007 and is looking to step it up a notch in 2008. It's nice to see Taitt back out racing again and racing so strong! She won the Minden Crit Championship and came in 3rd at Timpani.

Oscar Pereiro has received a contract offer from team Quick.Step.  Apparently, Caisse d'Epargne plans to take just one captain to the TDF next year. It must be hard being #2. As a friend pointed out to me last night, being 2nd means you are the first loser.

Michael Rasmussen has returned to competitive racing for the first time since he was removed from the TDF. Apparently he is considering options on signing with a new squad. I would think Tinkoff Credit Systems and Discovery Channel would be likely bidders since they have no morals and a history of hiring lying cheats.

Axel Merckx celebrated his 35th birthday by retiring from professional cycling. He won his last race two days earlier. That's a nice birthday gift.

Paolo Bettini will return to competition for the Tour of Germany after being out with tendinitis in his knee. It will be good to have Paolo back racing again! He seems to have had more than his share of crashes and injuries this season. I just hope he has the form to retain his rainbow jersey in September.