Huy will rock you

By Ian Landau

Evans King of the Mur at Fleche Wallone
Despite race organizers’ attempts to stave off the typical “sprint” finish at the midweek Fleche Wallonne classic, today’s race did indeed end with a big bunch hitting the bottom of the famed Mur de Huy. Of course, a sprint up the Huy is akin to watching a sprint up the last meters to the summit of Everest. Usually, it’s hard to tell on TV just how steep a pitch is; not so with the Huy.

Topping out at near 26%, the climb neatly bookends the last 1,000 meters, and watching Alberto Contador rockin’ and rollin’ out of the saddle, yet seemingly going nowhere, is enough to show you that you’d be lucky to crawl up the climb—let alone ride it.

Anyway, back to the action. At the base of the mur, it was Andreas Kloden of Radio Shack who made the first dig. Kloden was soon caught by Igor Anton (Euskaltel), with Contador riding the Basque’s wheel, content to let Anton lead him out. Till the final meters it looked as if El Pistolero had played his cards right. He moved in front of Anton, and as the camera switched to the shot from behind the finish line, Contador looked to be in for the victory. But out of nowhere came Cadel Evans. With 10 meters or so left, Evans passed Contador and took the win, showing Alberto a clean pair of heels. Great power and grit shown there by the World Champ.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/04/news/bmcs-cadel-evans-wins-2010-fleche-wallone_112585

And Evie Stevens got 5th in the women’s race!

http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/la-fleche-wallonne-feminine-cdm/results

Convicted Dopers Sweep Podium at Giro del Trentino
It was an ex-dopers podium sweep today at the four-day Giro del Trentino stage race in Italy. Riccardo Ricco (Ceramica Flaminia) won the stage two mountain finish, just ahead of Astana’s Alexandre Vinokourov, and Liquigas’s Ivan Basso. Vino retains the overall race lead, which he earned after winning the opening time trial yesterday.

http://www.girodeltrentino.com/

Back Hurt? Try Some Yoga

Spring riding racing taking a toll on your lower back? Colorado coach Ainslie MacEachran has a solution for you: yoga. Complete with photos, his VeloNews.com article neatly lays out a simple yoga-based strengthening plan for cyclists.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/04/news/yoga-for-cycling-a-few-key-exercises_111661

Battenkill from the Air

The Battenkill stories just keep on coming. Here, a funny tale, and some great pics, from Embrocation Cycling Journal writer and Rapha man Jeremy Dunn about getting in a rickety restored plane and flying above the pro race last Sunday.

http://www.embrocationmagazine.com/online/battenkill-a-bird-s-eye-view