Contador and Sanchez to CSC ?

According to Belgian based website wieleruitslagen.be, Alberto Contador and Luis Léon Sanchez might race for CSC next season. The Spanish riders didn't get a contract extension with the Astana team, although it has to be said that it is unclear now Manolo Saiz, the former team manager of Liberty Seguros is allowed to keep his Pro-Tour license. The uncertainty about both riders is that due to the new situation it seems possible that they also will receive an offer for a contract extension with the Saiz squad.

Cross: Radomir Simunek Jr wins in Tabor

Czech rider Radomir Simunek Jr. has won the weltcup Cyclo-cross in Tabor yesterday. Bart Wellens, who did a lot of work during his long breakaway with Simunek, came in second and world champion Erwin vervecken came in third. Leader of the overall world cup rankinks, Sven Nys came in fourth. Nys won the firts two world cup races of this season.

"Green-yellow-white – that was our passion"

The finish line has been reached, the final lap has been pedaled, the last newsletter for the Phonak Cycling Team has been written. "Green-yellow-white – that was our passion"* (quote by massage therapist and team member Maya Wamister). The team members of Phonak Cycling reflect on their time with Phonak Cycling.

Adriano Baffi, Directeur Sportif:

"I'm very sad that we, professional cycling, but also sports in general, are losing a team and especially a sponsor that is like no other. I'd like to thank this team for the great experiences that it has allowed me to have in this sport. I practically grew up with this sport and still love it very much in spite of all the problems that it faces – though, in my opinion, we face problems like this in all aspects of our lives today. I hope and believe that I did a good job here, especially in terms of supporting the young and not-so-young riders to whom I tried to pass on advice, experience and inspiration that would help them find their way in this sport. I think it will be hard to find another team like this one, and I thank everyone for the support that they gave me in both good and difficult moments. Thank you, Andy Rihs. I hope this isn't farewell but only "Auf Wiedersehen"! "

Patrick McCarty:

"I was totally excited when I joined the team in 2006. For me, it was like a fresh start for my career. I especially liked the team's passion for racing. When I got my racing schedule, I was really surprised because never before had I competed in so many important races. In any case, I was certainly given a fair chance on this team! I like to think back on the people that I've gotten to know at Phonak – they were all very nice to me. All things considered, that's certainly the most important experience that I take with me for my future. "

Koos Moerenhout:

"I met here a lot of motivated and enthusiastic people in a truly international setting. We, the riders, gave our best and the same also goes for all of the other people involved (from the office staff to the mechanics). Even though the Phonak chapter does not have a happy ending, it was still very nice to ride for this team. "

"When I signed my contract with Phonak Cycling in February 2001, I didn't imagine that I'd end up riding six years for this team. The thing that impressed me the most was the charisma and open-mindedness of Andy Rihs. His presence at the races was a great motivation, particularly as "the boss" always poured an excellent wine at dinner. The year 2002 is embedded deep in my memory due to my stage win ahead of Casagrande in Verbier at the Tour de Suisse and claiming the title of Swiss Road Champion. At the end of the year I was named Swiss rider of the year by the Swiss public. My win in Morgins and wearing the yellow jersey at the Tour de Romandie in 2004 as well as the win in the sprint ahead of Ullrich in Gippingen in 2005 also motivated me to always do my job well. The 2006 Tour de France was a lesson in courage. Because I was sick, I needed stamina and had to use up all of my physical and mental reserves in order to make it to the end of that wonderful contest. In the end, I only have good memories and keep the best open for the future because I'll continue my career with BMC and hope to become their perfect ambassador."