Quando Alberto Contador anunciou que correrá em 2010 com as Specialized começaram rumores de que a equipe toda usará essas bicicletas. Seriam, então, três ProTour com a marca: Quick-Step, Saxo-Bank e Astana.

Hoje a equipe belga anunciou que vai correr com bicicletas de merca belga do maior corredor belga de todos os tempos.

A partir de 2010 e pelos próximos três anos a equipe usará as bicicletas Eddy Merckx.

Já a Specialized fará o anúncio das equipes que utilizarão suas bicicletas nos próximos dias.

Quick.Step manager Lefévère at the 2006 Tour de France

“Quick Step’s Patrick Lefevere has been awarded damages of 500,000 euros after a court in Brussels ruled this week that allegations made by three Belgian journalists of a long-term doping programme within the team manager’s squads were based upon unreliable sources.”

Richard Tyler for cyclingnews.com

Finally, some justice for people who have been the victim of irresponsible journalism and journalists. If the press was held universally accountable under international law for the truthfulness of their reporting, we would not see these kinds of civil lawsuits.

Sensationalist reporting is out-of-control, especially in North American society. The answer to this dilemma is a matter of personal and corporate morality and ethics. Is it that hard to simply tell the truth?

Lefevere Awarded ‚500,000 Euros By Belgian Court | Cyclingnews.com.

The location was a beautiful country club restaurant called “La Casalinga’”a few kilometres from Johannesburg – marvellous grounds with many flowering trees and a magnificent green lawn. The tables were set for more than 80 participants on three sides leaving the fouth side for the orchestra and the centre square for the dancing. They were decorated with pink proteas set in deep transparent vases and around the room tall compositions of white orchids stood against the red brick columns.

The guests started to arrive round noon. They had all taken the trouble to dress in the style of the 1940’s and many ladies had fancy headware while the men arrived with braces, two toned shoes and panama hats. Some were even fancier.

They were received with great embraces or slaps on the back and a flute of  ‘pink prosecco or champagne’, delightful olives, freshly fried potato peels and peanuts.

The orchestra started to get us “Into the Mood” and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere arose. Everyone was invited to find their place at table.

Now, the party got on the way!

Useless to describe the ‘Antipasto’  Buffet – Italian Style with an infinite variety of dishes and with white and red wine flowing.

The music turned bolder and the dances began, slowly at first, but, little by little the dance floor filled up. Fox trots, quick step, boogy woogy, the works. It was the music of our youth.

Then the Main Course was served – English Style. According to one’s wishes there was chicken, lamb or salmon with all the garnish.

Two short well summed up speeches  were presented with a bit of emotion which made some of us dry our eyes. Yes, time had gone by in a whirl,  and now they were there celebrating with family and friends. What more blessings could one want!

At the call for ‘Pudding’ , we found another tempting spread of all the goodies you could think of. There were too many to mention but fortunately there was also a bar of fresh fruit .

Coffee, more  champagne, more dances….. the sun began setting, light was falling … the good byes …..until dark.

A wonderful, wonderful anniversary. Congratulations!

• Team RadioShack a obtinut licenta ProTour. Ce inseamna asta? Echipa lui Lance Armstrong si Johan Bruyneel poate participa in Turul Italiei, Turul Frantei sau Turul Spaniei. Pana la aceste Mari Tururi, RadioShack si-a anuntat prezenta in Turului Australiei din luna ianuarie precum si in clasicele Paris-Nisa sau Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Tot legat de Team RadioShack ar mai fi de spus ca acestia au reusit sa ii transfere pe Chris Horner, Yaroslav Popovych sau Janez Brajkovic (toti ex-Astana).
• Andy Schleck, dorit de Lance Armstrong! Texanul doreste sa-si formeze o echipa tare, acolo unde a adus o buna parte din fosta sa echipa, Astana. Este greu de crezut ca pana la urma transferul va avea loc, in special datorita faptului ca Andy se simte foarte bine in cuplu cu fratele sau mai mare, Franck. Ambii luxemburghezi s-au consacrat la Saxo Bank, iar mie mi se pare aproape imposibil ca Andy sa plece la o echipa fara fratele sau, cu atat mai putin la RadioShack.
• Patrick Lefevere, managerul echipei belgiene Quick Step, vrea sa il aduca pe Alberto Contador. Dupa ce s-au speculat zvonuri conform carora Garmin-Slipstream incearca sa-l transfere pe cel ce a castigat editia curenta a Turului Frantei, avem confirmarea faptului ca si Quick Step incearca sa obtina semnatura lui Contador. Se stie ca spaniolul mai are contract inca un an cu Astana, in ciuda faptului ca acesta s-a saturat de echipa kazaca, in special acum, cand o buna parte din efectivul numeric al Astanei a plecat dupa Lance si Bruyneel la Radioshack.
• Frank Vandenbroucke a murit luni, dupa ce a fost gasit fara suflare in Dakar, in camera din hotelul unde statea. Nu au fost gasite urme de violenta asupra sa, gurile rele spunand ca acesta ar fi rezultatul faptului ca ciclistul belgian s-ar fi dopat. In orice caz, Dumnezeu sa-l odihneasca.
• S-a oficializat programul Turului Frantei 2010! Va fi un circuit mult mai dificil, cu patru catarari infernale in ultimele etape. Turul va incepe pe data de 3 iulie, din Rotterdam (Olanda) si e de asteptat ca momentele-chie ale Turului Frantei sa fie etapele din Pirinei, deoarece editia 2010 a “le Tour” (a 97-a din istorie) sa fie una a cataratorilor, dupa ce in 2009, specialistii in contra-timp au fost realmente rasfatati de catre organizatori. Tot in 2010 vom vedea portiuni de pavate, dupa mai multi ani in care aceste portiuni au fost evitate.

I’d like to remember dance steps. I’m mainly interested in ballroom (Latin and Standard) steps. But maybe a solution could be applied to other forms of dance.

I can imagine there could be two solution, or both could be combined.

• One could create a notation system for dance steps. Probably there already are some. But a computer readable system would be nice. In that case there could be a wiki like system that allows collaboration on the steps. This way one can build a database of a huge number of figures, steps, step sequences. If the notation would be transferable to other systems there is a better incentive to contribute to the database.
• One could create a huge collection of dancing videos. Probably those are hosted on different platforms and embedded in the site. These videos get annotated so that you can search for a step (for example “Running Finish” (in German that’s “Endlauf”)) and than watch just those 5 seconds from the respective clips that show this figure. Furthermore the clips get annotated with a quality of the dancing, so you can watch only those clips just above your level of dance.

That’s it for this post. I’ll create to separate posts for these options. Maybe you can have further ideas. Please comment.

Since I heard the news this morning that Frank Vandenbroucke had died the more I think about it the sadder I feel. I know that he took banned substances and may have achieved some of his great results with the help of these, I also feel very strongly about cheats in cycling, especially those who do not admit what they have done (I don’t know whether Frank ever admitted it or whether he apologised for it), but I have always felt sorry for Frank and always hoped that his latest comeback would bring him success and happiness. Unfortunately his story has ended where so many people expected it to end – in his death.

I never saw him at his best when he was young and the great hope of Belgian cycling (I would like to say I was too young but I simply was not into cycling at that time) but what I will always remember, rather than the depressed underachiever, is when I saw him in the 2003 Het Volk. I think this was his first race back after a ban and he worked for his team-mates pulling on the front all day. He ended up coming fourth with his team mate Johann Museeuw winning, and his other team mates Paulo Bettini coming third and Tom Boonen fifth. It was a race completely dominated by QuickStep. When Frank crossed the line he was too exhausted to celebrate with his team mates but it was Frank who made it all possible with his hard work and his team mates knew and appreciated that. RIP.

I think I enjoyed the Tour more this year than I have in a while.  From the battles at the finish lines to the great climbs in the mountains, everyday was exciting.  With Lance’s return to the sport and all the drama on Astana, not to mention the other numerous stories, there is so much than can be talked about that it is hard to find a place to start; but I was granted some perspective on Wednesday night. 

When Lance announced he was coming back, cycling erupted into a debate.  On one side you have one of the most popular sports figures in history, the winner of 7 consecutive tours, coming out of retirement to a sport in need of a new hero. But on the other hand, you have all the critics that come with him.  From those who accuse him of doping, to those who say he just couldn’t let go, there are lots of people who just don’t like Lance. They say he is trying to prove he used to be clean.  They say he can’t get over his own ego.  They say he is bad for the sport.  So why did Lance decide to return and was it good for cycling?

I don’t think I am really qualified to fully answer that question, but there are thousands out there who are qualified.  From the messages on roads of France, to stories on TV and the web, to thousands of yellow bracelets around the world, they will say Lance’s return was amazing.  For as much ballyhoo that he has been given, Lance’s return is not about Lance.  It is about cancer. 

It is about a cure.  It is about hope.  It is about a cause worth fighting for.  It is not about winning.  It is about giving people the courage and hope to do the impossible.  It is about fighting the fight and giving others the hope to fight for themselves.  Just ask The Fat Cyclist. 

His wife, Susan, has been fighting cancer for sometime.  Together, along with hundreds of other supports on Team Fatty, they have raised over $500,000 for The Lance Armstrong Foundation.  But Wednesday night, Susan passed away.  She left behind thousands of friends and supporters, but she left them better people.  Although her body was beaten by this disease, her spirit and her passion never were.  And neither were the spirits of those around her.  

It’s not about the bike.  It’s not about the trophies.  It is about hope.  And though Lance didn’t win it all, he fought with everything he had.  Just like Susan.  He did it not for himself, but for them.  And thus Lance, Susan and all the others who have fought, are fighting or will fight cancer can have hope.  And at the end of it all, even if overcome, they can smile and know they fought valiantly.  Like Susan.  And continue to inspire the rest of us to be the best we can every moment of every day.  So here’s Lance. And here’s to Susan.  And here’s to all the others who have survived and those who haven’t.  To all who have inspired us to LiveSTRONG; thank you.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a light to the rest of world in the midst of own darkest times.  Thank you.

Euskaltel – Euskadi- Operador de telecomunicaciones del País Vasco. Ofrece servicios de telefonía fija, móvil, internet y televisión digital. Es el cuarto operador a nivel del Estado por ingresos tanto en telefonía fija como móvil, operando en un mercado que supone menos del 5% de la población del Estado.

Française des Jeux- Es una compañía pública francesa que organiza y explota la lotería y las quinielas del país.

Garmin – Slipstream- Garmin es un fabricante de GPS para automoción, móviles, náutica, fitness, outdoor y aviación. La compañía nació en 1989 como una sesión de brainstorming de varios ingenieros y ha evolucionado hasta convertirse en una gran empresa multinacional formada por más de 8.000 empleados a nivel mundial.

Lampre NGC- Este equipo ciclista está patrocinado por dos compañias. El grupo italiano Lampre fabrica láminas revestidas de acero. Mientras que NGC es un grupo de varias clínicas privadas y que también fabrica material médico.

Liquigas- Proveedor de gas líquido en Italia.

Quick Step- Fabricante de suelos laminados y parquet.

Rabobank- Entidad financiera holandesa fundada en 1972 y de carácter multinacional. Entre sus negocios se encuentran, además de la banca, el negocio de seguros, de alquileres financieros (leasing) y algunos negocios inmobiliarios.

Her følger tredie del af min gennemgang af de deltagende hold i årets Tour de France. Denne gang drejer det sig om Lampre, Liquigas, Quick Step, Rabobank og Silence-Lotto. Formodede klassementryttere er markeret med gult, sprintere med grønt og bjergryttere med rødt.

Lampre

Alessandro Ballan, Marco Bandiera, Marzio Bruseghin, Angelo Furlan, David Loosli, Daniele Righi, Simon Spilak, Mauro Santambrogio, Marcin Sapa

Kaptajn(er): Alessandro Ballan, Marzio Bruseghin

Sprinter(e): Marco Bandiera, Angelo Furlan

Bjergrytter(e):

Ambition(er): Etapesejre

Foråret er ikke gået helt efter planen for Lampre. Verdensmester Alessandro Ballan røg meget tidligt ud med sygdom, og missede dermed hele klassikerkampagnen, hvor han ellers skulle have promoveret den regnbuefarvede trøje på smukkeste vis. Damiano Cunego har såmænd haft et udmærket forår med tre sejre og talrige podieplaceringer, men hans store mål, Giro d’Italia, endte i ren fiasko. Og utilgiveligt og nådesløst som cykelsportspublikummet ofte er, så er det nok det der bliver siddende i de flestes hukommelse, når sæsonen skal gøres op. Holdets tredie kaptajn, Marzio Bruseghin, kørte et fornuftigt Giro d’Italia, men kunne på ingen måde leve op til fjorårets podieplads. Så det er et Lampre-hold, der godt kunne trænge til nogle opmuntringer, der stiller op i Tour de France.

Målet er ret enkelt: Vind nogen etaper! Ballan er det mest oplagte navn i den sammenhæng, og han burde i hvert fald være frisk i benene, omend stadig plaget af sin sygdom. Håbet er at han kan køre sig i form i løbet af den første halvdel, og derefter blande sig i udbrud. Blande sig i udbrud vil med garanti også angribere som David Loosli og Daniele Righi. De er begge ofte meget synlige, men vinder sjældent. Loosli har dog tidligere jagtet bjergtrøjer i diverse etapeløb, og schweizeren kan sagtens tænkes at ville lege med i den konkurrence i begyndelsen af løbet. Simon Spilak, den 23-årige slovener, har haft svært ved at følge op på sin gennembrudssæson i fjor, hvor han leverede storartede præstationer i alle typer løb og terræn, fra Paris-Nice til Ronde van Vlaanderen, men det har ikke for alvor rullet for ham i år. En etapesejr blev det dog til i hans hjemlands Tour de Slovénie for ganske nylig. Også han bør nok opsøge udbrud, hvis han vil have noget mindeværdigt med hjem fra Frankrig. Det samme kan siges om Mauro Santambrogio, der gerne sprinter med når muligheden byder sig, uden evnerne nødvendigvis rækker til det.

I massespurterne har Lampre pludselig fået lidt håb igen, da Angelo Furlan stort set ud af ingenting (eller i det mindste af glemslen) dukkede op i Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré for nylig og vandt en etape. Furlan slog stort igennem med to etapesejre i Vuelta a Espana 2002, men siden forsvandt han mere eller mindre. I hvert fald fra min radar. Han vil forsøge sig i de kaotiske massespurter og kan her søge støtte hos Marco Bandiera, der heller ikke er ueffen i en sprint.

Truppen fuldendes af Marcin Sapa, om hvem det mest bemærkelsesværdige er, at han som 32-årig i år har fået sin første kontrakt med et stort profhold, efter i en lang årrække at have domineret sin hjemlige polske cykelscene.

Liquigas

Daniele Bennati, Roman Kreuziger, Aliaksandr Kuschynski, Vincenzo Nibali, Franco Pellizotti, Fabio Sabatini, Brian Vandborg, Alessandro Vanotti, Frederik Willems

Kaptajn(er): Roman Kreuziger, Vincenzo Nibali, Franco Pellizotti

Sprinter(e): Daniele Bennati, Fabio Sabatini

Bjergrytter(e):

Ambition(er): Samlet top-10 til en (eller flere) af kaptajnerne, etapesejre, hvid trøje til Kreuziger

Liquigas’ forår har været kraftigt præget af Ivan Bassos tilbagekomst, og som følge af det har der været stor fokus på Giro d’Italia, der netop var hans største sæsonmål. Basso kørte et fint løb, selv om mange – jeg selv inklusive – nok havde regnet med mere fra hans side. Han blev ovenikøbet overhalet indenom af holdkammeraten Franco Pellizotti, der kørte sin karrieres bedste grand tour. Man fik også vist sig lidt i forårsklassikerne, hvor Frederik Willems vandt det berygtede etapeløb Driedaagse de Panne-Koksijde, mens Manuel Quinziato fik for lidt ud af sin fremragende form – resultatmæssigt – i Ronde van Vlaanderen og Paris-Roubaix. For holdets sprinterstjerne Daniele Bennati har det endnu en gang været en frustrerende sæson, præget af skader og sygdom. Den stilfærdige og særdeles vellidte italiener er dog klar til Tour de France, hvor han håber at tage kampen op med sine spurtkolleger.

Med sig til Monaco har Benatti hele tre kaptajner, der alle som udgangspunkt er ligestillede: Pellizotti har fået blod på tanden efter sin flotte Giro, og vil køre klassement. Jeg har dog mine tvivl om hans evner rækker til at køre to grand tours for fuldt drøn, og mit bud er at han relativt tidligt i bjergene vil sakke agterud, for siden at satse på etapesejre. Vincenzo Nibali er en gave til folk der elsker ryttere med angrebsiver tilsat store evner, og man tror meget på ham internt på holdet. Jeg er mere tøvende, for umiddelbart virker han på mig ikke som en mand til tre-ugers-løbene. Nibali kører en god enkeltstart, godt opad og fremragende nedad, men udholdenheden vil formentlig blive hans største problem. Jeg tror på ham til en placering mellem nummer 15 og 25, og i så fald vil der nok være mere fornuft i at køre efter en etapesejr i stedet. Roman Kreuziger er i mine øjne manden med de bedste klassementmuligheder, og den uslebne tjekkiske diamant viste allerede i sidste års Tour, at han er værd at holde øje med – og satse på. Han er stort set komplet, men kan nok stadig bygge lidt på udholdenheden. Han kørte vanen tro godt i det schweiziske i foråret, hvor det blev til samlet sejr i Tour de Romandie og en tredieplads i Tour de Suisse for ganske nylig.

De fire profiler har solid opbakning fra et hold bestående af kraftfulde slidere: Fabio Sabatini er selv en ganske hurtig mand, men hans job vil nok være at beskytte Daniele Bennati så godt som muligt, mens Aliaksandr Kuschynski, Brian Vandborg, Alessandro Vanotti og Frederik Willems alle er dygtige arbejdsmænd på de lange flade stykker og let kuperede terræn. Specielt Kuschynski, Vanotti og Willems er dog sjældent blege for at køre solen sort i udbrud, og får de ved enkelte lejligheder fri, er jeg ikke i tvivl om at vi nok skal få dem at se i angreb.

Endelig skal det noteres, at Liquigas traditionelt klarer sig fortrinligt i holdtidskørsler, og disse ni udvalgte kunne meget vel være et hold der kunne overraske de ‘fire store’ Astana, Garmin-Slipstream, Team Columbia-HTC og Team Saxo Bank i netop denne disciplin.

Quick Step

Carlos Barredo, Tom Boonen, Sylvain Chavanel, Steven de Jongh, Stijn Devolder, Jérôme Pineau, Sebastien Rosseler, Matteo Tosatto, Jurgen van de Walle

Kaptajn(er): Tom Boonen

Sprinter(e): Se ovenover

Bjergrytter(e):

Ambition(er): Etapesejre, grøn trøje til Boonen?

Som sædvanlig har Quick Step hentet mange sejre i foråret, hvor de altid er holdet der skal slås i specielt brostensklassikerne. Det var der ingen der formåede i de helt store monumenter, hvor den giftige duo Stijn Devolder/Tom Boonen for andet år i træk baskede konkurrenterne i henholdsvis Ronde van Vlaanderen og Paris-Roubaix. At Boonen elsker gentagelser viste sig desværre, da han ligeledes for andet i træk blev snuppet med kokain i kroppen. På samme tidspunkt som i fjor, uden nogen cykelløb i vente, men sandsynligvis i fejring af sin sejr på de nordfranske brosten. Han blev midlertidigt suspenderet af sit hold, men taget til nåde af både ledelsen og hovedsponsoren, som næppe vil kunne undvære sin ubestridte stjerne. Han blev atter dømt uønsket i Tour de France af dennes topledelse, men modsat sidste år må man altså bide i det sure æble og lukke Boonen ind i løbet, ovenpå dagens dom.

Den kendsgerning ændrer en del på Quick Steps strategi og mål med løbet, for uagtet Allan Davis’ evner (og de er store), så er han ikke for alvor en potentiel vinder af de klassiske massespurter. Det er Tom Boonen, og dermed har holdet pludselig noget at arbejde for igen. Boonen vil med stolthed vise sin nyvundne belgiske mesterskabstrøje frem i spurterne, og til at støtte sig har han den gamle garde af ex-sprintere, der alle står til rådighed for stjernen: Steven de Jongh og Matteo Tosatto er firmaets mænd, og har efterhånden været det i så mange år at man næsten kunne glemme hvor skarpe de kan være på egen hånd. Begge har mange sejre i deres glorværdige karrierer – Tosatto endda en fra Tour de France 2006 – men har de senere år primært foldet sig ud som erfarne og højtrespekterede hjælpere.

Det handler meget om Tom Boonen hos Quick Step, indrømmet, men man må selvfølgelig ikke glemme at der kører en håndfuld fremragende ryttere rundt i det blå-hvide dress, der har andre mål en ‘blot’ at støtte kaptajnen. Sylvain Chavanel fik sidste år endelig det store gennembrud som hele Frankrig har sukket efter i årevis, og han har ikke været mindre imponerende i 2009. Det blev til en smuk – men ærgerlig – tredieplads i det forrygende Paris-Nice, og i både Ronde van Vlaanderen og Paris-Roubaix var han brølstærk. Chavanel vil nok få frie hænder til at opsøge etapesejre, og 60 millioner franskmænd vil sikkert dåne af fryd, når helten folder sig ud. Jeg vil ikke afvise, at jeg også kunne finde på det.

Carlos Barredo må forventes at have nogenlunde samme mål og drømme som Chavanel, og måske kan han finde trøst i at Team Columbia-HTC ikke har Marcus Burghardt med denne gang. Jérôme Pineau og Jurgen van de Walle vil også være at finde i udbrud på de kuperede etaper, mens førstnævnte sikkert også vil forsøge sig som sprinter ind imellem. Hold øje med ham, når feltet når til Barcelona på sjette etape.

Truppen fuldendes af den bredskuldrede Sébastien Rosseler, der har håb om at kunne blande sig langt fremme på løbets to enkeltstarter. Det vil en Stijn Devolder i form muligvis også være i stand til, men derudover er det småt med meldinger på hvad den dobbelte Ronde van Vlaanderen-vinder har tænkt sig i løbet af de tre uger. I hvert fald har der ikke været nogen højrøstede udmeldinger om klassementdrømme i år.

Rabobank

Stef Clement, Juan Antonio Flecha, Oscar Freire, Juanma Garate, Robert Gesink, Denis Menchov, Grischa Niermann, Joost Posthuma, Laurens Ten Dam

Kaptajn(er): Denis Menchov

Sprinter(e): Oscar Freire

Bjergrytter(e): Juanma Garate, Robert Gesink, Laurens Ten Dam

Ambition(er): Podieplads (mindst) til Menchov, hvid trøje til Gesink, etapesejre og grøn trøje til Freire

Når man kigger ned over Rabobanks resultater i denne sæson, så springer det ret kraftigt i øjnene, at det er i etapeløbene der er blevet præsteret: Af holdets 49 podieplaceringer er blot hentet ni hentet i endagsløb. Lidt en falliterklæring for specielt klassikertruppen, hvor profiler som Juan Antonio Flecha og Nick Nuyens ikke helt har leveret varen, trods en stærk sæsonåbning på de belgiske brosten. Heldigvis er holdets forår blevet reddet af en stribe sejre og gode placeringer i diverse etapeløb, på enkeltetaper såvel som sammenlagt. Kronen på det foreløbige værk kom selvfølgelig da kaptajn Denis Menchov vandt Giro d’Italia, en præstation der allerede nu må siges at gøre året 2009 til en succes for de orange.

Menchov er også tiltænkt hovedrollen i Tour de France, hvor en podieplads som minimum er målet. Menchov havde succes med sin formel sidste år, hvor han kørte både Giro d’Italia (samlet femteplads) og siden Tour de France (samlet tredieplads), så umiddelbart burde det ikke være umuligt for den lidt grå russer at ramme topniveauet igen i juli. Han har et af de, på papiret, stærkeste Rabobank-mandskaber nogensinde bag sig, når det går løs i Monaco i morgen – et hold der bør kunne støtte ham i alle terræner. I bjergene er der kæmpe forventninger til debutanten Robert Gesink, der selv som hjælper forventes at kunne køre et godt personligt klassement og kæmpe med om den hvide ungdomstrøje. Derudover kan Menchov forvente glimrende opbakning for den totalt selvopofrende Laurens Ten Dam, der var en fremragende hjælper i Giro d’Italia. Juanma Garate, ny på holdet i år, vil også være behjælpelig et godt stykke op ad stigningerne, sammen med bundsolide allround-trækdyr som Stef Clement, Grischa Niermann og Joost Posthuma. Det efterlader Oscar Freire på egen hånd i spurterne, hvilket næppe generer den snu og cool spanier synderligt: Han plejer som regel at finde en løsning, uanset hvor alene han måtte være. Der bør vel ligge minimum en etapesejr og måske den grønne pointtrøje og vente på den tredobbelte verdensmester.

Sidste mand i truppen er en af de mest populære, nemlig Juan Antonio Flecha. Den utrættelige angriber vil sandsynligvis supplere sin evige jagt på etapetriumfer med et arbejdsraseri af en anden verden, som vil være til stor gavn for både Menchov og Freire.

Det er et fremragende mandskab Rabobank stiller med – et af løbets stærkeste. Skulle Menchov floppe, vil han næppe kunne skyde skylden på holdet.

Silence-Lotto

Mickaël Delage, Cadel Evans, Sebastian Lang, Matthew Lloyd, Staf Scheirlinckx, Greg van Avermaet, Jurgen van den Broeck, Johan Vansummeren, Charlie Wegelius

Kaptajn(er): Cadel Evans

Sprinter(e): Greg van Avermaet

Bjergrytter(e): Matthew Lloyd, Jurgen van den Broeck

Ambition(er): Podieplads (mindst) til Evans

Foråret var en katastrofe for Silence-Lotto. Så er det sagt. Klassikerne, som man altid har vægtet højere end alt andet på det belgiske hold, var en opvisning i ineffektivitet, og man formåede i stort set alle brostensløbene at misse de væsentlige udbrud. Da det så endelig lykkedes holdet at komme med hvor det gjaldt, ja så styrtede både Johan Vansummeren og Leif Hoste i den kaotiske afslutning af Paris-Roubaix. Det gjorde kun ondt værre, at ærkerivalerne Quick Step tog laurbærkransene i både Ronde van Vlaanderen og Paris-Roubaix, og efterlod Silence-Lotto-folkene med de længste fjæs i den belgisk-franske region.

Det er blevet lidt bedre den seneste måneds tid, hvor specielt Philippe Gilbert – en af de få der ellers slap mere end acceptabelt ud af klassikerkampagnen – endelig fik hul på sejrsbylden, og ved tre lejligheder har kunnet veksle sine mange, MANGE sekundære placeringer til sejre. Også holdets stjerne Cadel Evans viste glimrende form og aggressivitet i Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré efter en stabil, men lidt mere stilfærdig forårssæson end vanligt.

Det er således et hold med en smule mere selvtillid, der er klar til start i Monaco i morgen. Hvis man da lige ser bort fra EPO-bomben der sprang forleden, da Thomas Dekker snublede i dopingfælden. Evans virker klar til kampen mod overmagten, og Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré viste at hans primære bjerghjælpere Matthew Lloyd og Jurgen van den Broeck også ser ud til at have ramt noget der ligner form. Allerede der vil Evans være bedre stillet end sidste år, hvor der ikke var megen støtte til autralieren. Engelske Charlie Wegelius plejer også at borge for solid støtte når bjergene ikke er alt for voldsomme, men spørgsmålet er selvfølgelig hvor hans form befinder sig, nu hvor han i sidste øjeblik blev smidt ind på holdet i stedet for Dekker. Endelig kan også altmuligmanden Johan Vansummeren bidrage når det stiger behersket, men selvfølgelig også på flad vej.

Fladbanetruppen består derudover af rigtig solide kræfter som den tyske tempospecialist Sebastian Lang, der dog først for ganske nylig er vendt tilbage efter en skade, og Staf Scheirlinckx. Endelig kompletteres truppen af arbejdsmanden Mickaël Delage og den særdeles spændende semi-sprinter Greg van Avermaet. Van Avermaet imponerede stort sidste år, hvor det blandt meget andet blev til en flot etapesejr i Vuelta a Espana. Det har ikke i samme grad fungeret for den alsidige og hårdføre sprinter i år, men han har dog leveret fine præstationer i løb som Milano-San Remo og Ronde van België. Det bliver spændende om han kan få personlig hæder med hjem fra Frankrig i sin Tour-debut.

Et ganske udmærket Silence-Lotto-mandskab, der dog stadig må formodes at sætte tid til på blandt andet holdtidskørslen. De burde dog være i stand til at byde Cadel Evans mere bistand, end det noget sløve mandskab han havde bag sig i fjorårets Tour de France.

De 96e editie van de Ronde van Frankrijk gaat van start op zaterdag 4 juli 2009 in het vorstendom Monaco. Het is voor het eerst sinds 1964 dat de Tour Monaco aandoet. De deelnemerslijst is nu bekend sinds de bekendmaking dat Tom Boonen meedoet. We kunnen dus eindelijk de definitieve deelnemerslijst bekendmaken! Zie de geupdate en complete Deelnemers Ronde van Frankrijk

Tem quem não goste mas, dentre as de campeões nacionais, na minha opinião, é a mais bonita.

Boonen está em Mônaco com “el culo en la mano” aguardando a decisão do TAS que deve sair ao meio-dia de sexta-feira.

Stijn Devolder, Carlos Barredo Llamazales, Sylvain Chavanel, Jérôme Pineau, Jurgen Van De Walle, Matteo Tosatto, Sébastien Rosseler,  Steven de Jongh e Tom Boonen OU Allan Davis.

A decisão entre Boonen ou Davis não depende da equipe, e sim da ASO que fará o pronunciamento amanhã (terça-feira).

Yesterday was judgement day for Tom Boonen when the  ASO managment decided to not allow him to start the TdF. ASO seems to continue  the quest for a cleaner image for the cyclingsport. After Patrick Lefevere, the Quickstep teamboss, told that it would be war if  Tornado Tom wasn’t allowed to start the TdF, they have made their decision and it’s …..WAR. Whatever that means.  Aso has banned stars like Chippo before. They don’t like to be pressured and that might have been a big mistake of Mr Lefevere.

Although according the latest lab test Tom didn’t take the cocaine himself, the decision is made and it’s going to very expensive for the Quickstep team. I wouldn’t like to be in Tom’s shoes for the moment. 

Should a cyclist be punished on a professional level  for mistakes he makes in his private time or should we leave that up to the judges in court?

In my previous post, I referenced BikeSnobNYC’s post on the Velonews-Mavic situation.  In that post was a very interesting video of a speech by Greg Lemond at a Play the Game anti-doping conference.  In it, Greg blasts cycling, UCI, Lance, America and everybody else he can think of other than the French.  He now loves the French.  It was unbelievable.

He first talks about how he is simply the greatest cyclist ever solely because of genetics and that everybody since him that has been successful was doping.  Except Pantani.  He then goes on to talk about how he invented the hard shell helmet, power meter training, and aerodynamics.  Now, we do know he played a role in the development of those things, but come on. 

He trashes UCI for being corrupt, the riders for all being dopers and the directors and media for allowing it.  But claims that nobody doped in his day.  Again, come on.  Just read Joe Parkin’s book about his 7 years in Europe.  He was on ADR’s B-team the year Greg won with ADR.  Joe sure doesn’t deny that there was rampant amphetamine use during those days.  Does that not count Greg?  And what about Pantani? Do you really think that guy wasn’t doping?  Greg has claimed in the past and in this speech that everybody who has beat Pantani or his times must be doping. But not Pantani.  Really?  Pantani OD’d in a hotel.  And how can you say that it could only be drugs when you claim your own success was due to genetics?  Are you, Greg Lemond, the zenith of human evolution?  Are you the greatest genetics can ever give us in cycling? How arrogant! 

And lets not forget the technology you have created.  Even though you recognize that monitoring power and the use of aeroequipment certainly helped you, do you not think that 20 years later it can do a hell of a lot more than it did in your day?  The first day I rode a 15lb carbon S-Works I thought I was in bike heaven!!  I finished my ride faster and with much more energy than I had ever even come close to on a top-end aluminum bike.  Do you really think that faster times don’t have anything to do with these rocketship bikes that weigh half of what yours did and are torsionally stiffer several times over?

He also accuses Dr. Ferrari of not knowing what Greg’s SRM was in 1986 when they met.  According to SRM, that was the year they were founded, and Greg was one of the very first to ever use that sort of thing.  How would Ferrari know what it was?  Nobody but Greg and SRM knew what it was, and how does that prove that Lance doped?  Come on!! 

Then he goes off on how everybody blindly defends the all the American riders and that we all blame the French for anti-American sentiment causing everybody’s doping problems. He claims that they all cheat and there is no transparency.  Really?  What about Team Columbia?  What about Garmin-Chipotle?  What about the fact that Lance took his 31st unannounced out-of-competition doping control just yesterday, only to have UCI and USADA show up at his house again today for #32 and #33?  And he has passed every one.  He publishes his blood data for the world to see. 

He then praises the French and ASO and talks about how great and fair they are and how he has always loved the French.  Really?  What about your special you did a few years ago for OLN (now Versus) where you talked about how the French hated you and you and your family feared for your safety?  What about when you talked about how careful you were in doping controls to make sure your urine was not tampered with? 

Then, and most offensive to me as a prosecutor, he announces that WADA and USADA labs have higher standards than criminal courts in the US.  U-N-B-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E.  I am proud as a prosecutor that I have the highest burden there is in the law.  Anywhere.  And from what I have seen, WADA, USADA, CAS, and UCI come nowhere close.  I believe their testing procedures are accurate, but even you, Greg Lemond, will agree that there are break downs in the chain of custody. 

The fact is, Greg Lemond thinks he is the greatest cyclist that ever lived.  Even said it in his OLN special.  He stated that he beat the best (Bernard Hinault) at his best, thereby implying that Greg must be the best cyclist in history.  He thinks that it would be impossible for anybody to ever be better than him without cheating.  Thus, every cyclist that can accomplish something that Greg never did, must be cheating.  That is the most arrogant thing anybody could possibly think.  Get over it, Greg.  They are better than you.  There will be some one day who are better than today’s best.  Get over yourself.  Its not about you any more.  Your day is done. 

Here’s the link to the speech for your viewing pleasure/disgust.

http://www.playthegame.org/conferences/play-the-game-2009/on-demand-streaming/presentation-by-three-time-tour-de-france-winner-greg-lemond.html

As an addendum, I must admit that he does make some valid points.  It is very clear that cycling needs a rider’s union to stick up for their rights to ensure that the labs, UCI and WADA are keeping up to standards and are transparent as well.  Also, I want to be clear that I believe DOPERS SUCK.  They ruin sport. See my other posts.  But Greg is still an arrogant punk.

Recently, VeloNews posted an article regarding editor Ben Delaney’s crash on some post-recall Mavic R-SYS wheels. It seemed to be an unannounced, no warning, catastrophic failure of the wheel.  The link is below. 

http://velonews.com/article/93054

Mavic then responded as follows.

http://velonews.com/article/93240/mavic-responds-to-wheel-collapse-article

I was about post on this issue when I read BikeSnobNYC’s post.

http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009/06/shot-in-dark-art-of-appropriating-blame.html

It can’t be said any better than that.  Remember kids, if you are riding R-SYS and have a flat and your wheels shatters from the simple flat, its not Mavic fault.

I have decided to begin some product reviews.  So manufacturers, feel free to send some samples!! 

First off, water bottles.  

 They are greatly over-looked but they are immensely important to the cyclist.  I have always been a huge fan of Specialized’s bottles.  they have great valves, they clean easily and you drink tastes like your drink, not plastic.  However, we had our first 100 degree day a couple of weeks ago and my bottles were boiling hot within 20 minutes.  Not cool.  At all.  I decided that was enough and I needed to find something that kept my drinks cool.  After all, maintaining a cooler core temp improves performance, even if it is only in perceived exertion.  see the following: http://www.sportsci.org/jour/0201/jpm.htm; http://www.nielsbogerd.com/files/Bogerd2005ICEEexcooling.pdf 

Thus, I decided to try some insulated bottles.  I had tried Polar Bottle in the past, and really didn’t like it.  I still have two in my bottle bin that I don’t use.  They didn’t fit in cages unless you got them just right, and they really didn’t keep the drink cold.  Plus, they are just big.  However, I noticed that they had updated their design, so I bought a new one.  I had also read about the new CamelBak Podium bottle with the Chill Jacket.  So, I bought one of those as well.  Here are the links to the two products.  I bought the 24oz in both bottles.  I’m a thirsty guy.

http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/bottles/podium-chilljacket.aspx

http://www.polarbottle.com/

I filled the bottles up with ice and my preferred sports drink and set out on a long ride.  The first thing I noticed was the size difference.  The CamelBak bottle was much shorter than the Polar Bottle (I later realized this may be partly because mine measure out at 26oz.).  The Polar was much more cumbersome in getting it in and out of the cages.  There was hardly any clearance from my seat tube cage. On a frame smaller than 56, in sloping geometry, it may not fit at all. 

The second thing I noticed was how soft the CamelBak was compared to any other bottle, and how hard the Polar is compared to other bottles.  This has two consequences.  First, being stiffer means it’s not going anywhere.  Second, stiff bottles are hard to squeeze.  I was worried that the CamelBak would get ejected on the first little bump I hit I was also concerned because it has a non-traditional shape that appears as if it will not hold as snugly (is that a word?).  However, the CamelBakperformed admirably.  The Polar bottle is going nowhere.  Ever. (Performance here could also be attributed to my Arundel cages.  www.arundelbike.com) In the squeeze test, the Polar is tough, but not has hard as one would expect.  The CamelBak on the other hand, will shoot a stream of liquid to the back of your throat with just a little pressure.  This brings me to the next point of observation, the valve. 

Both bottles have quite a standard to live up to, given my fondness for Specialized’s bottle.  I even tried to make my Specialized lids fit the two test bottles before I gave them a chance.  It didn’t work.  The Polar bottle has a pretty standard valve that works well. No leaking when closed, and liquid comes out like one would expect when open.  It says it is removable for easy cleaning, and it appears to be designed to some out, however actually getting it out is a different story.  The CamelBak valve is in a class all its own. It is a pressure valve that does not leak at all. It has a close position, but it really isn’t needed.  The only way liquid is coming out is if you squeeze it, hence the jetstream referenced above.  I wasn’t real sure about this at first, because I usually put the bottle in my mouth instead of squirt the drink in the general direction of my pie hole.  I thought it would only be good for water, since I don’t mind getting that all over my face, but I got used to it. 

So that brings me to my last point, the most important for this little test: How well did they insulate the contents?  As for the Polar bottle, it did a good job of keeping my drink from getting hot, or even warm, but it didn’t keep it that cold.  By the end of a 3 hour ride, the liquid inside was about the same as water out of the tap.  The CamelBak, however, was cold.  Not just cool, but cold.  Of course, there are several factors that could affect this.  Being that the CamelBak was on the seat tube, it may be more shielded from direct sunlight. Also, rate of consumption could affect the results.  However, in the last couple of weeks of riding, I’ll take the CamelBak Podium Chill Jacket , hands down.

I figured this picture would not be a spoiler because, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock (with internet access – if you’re reading this), you would know by now that Shawn & Mark took that silly mirror ball trophy. Still, I watched the finale and have a recap of the show in case you missed it.

Warning: if you wanted a blow by blow of this two-hour show, you’ll be a little disappointed. I’m forwarding through some things (AKA – anytime Samantha Harris is talking or a rehash of the season). That’s how you get through the show in less than an hour!

Lady GaGa performed “Just Dance” with her own dancers. Know what surprises me? She’s not just wearing jeweled panties and a top. I might be dancing along while seated on my sofa. You’ll never know.

Here’s how the scoring works: viewer scores count for half of the total and the contestants have one more chance to schmooze the judges for three 10-paddles to surge ahead. And here are the standings:

1. Shawn & Mark

1. Gilles & Cheryl

3. Melissa & Tony

Len said it’s been the best season ever. He said the three best dancers are in the finals.

Belinda Carlisle & Jonathan Roberts did their salsa. It looks like she kept practicing – she wasn’t bad. Not great. Denise Richards & Maksim Chmerkovskiy did the quick step. It looked like Denise was counting. Didn’t miss her. Holly Madison & Dmitry Chaplin did the samba that once again had me afraid her boobs might come out and do their own dance. Her dancing did not improve. Her boobs stayed in the top (sorry, fellas).

Steve Wozniak & Karina Smirnoff did the quick step. How did he stay on the show for four weeks? People must have been voting for Karina. OK. I take that back. He was actually good – on Woz standards.

David Alan Grier & Kym Johnson did the Viennese Waltz. Was he bald before? I remembered him with hair. This was David’s best dance. I think he seemed more relaxed, probably because he wasn’t being judged (except by me). Steve-O & Lacey Schwimmer did the fox trot. Glad they did this one. It was Steve-O’s best dance. He looked like a nerdy little gentleman. I never thought I’d say that about a guy best known for being a “Jackass.”

Now to the pro-dancer competition. Anna Demidova has a guaranteed spot on the show in the fall. And the world is safe from seeing Len’s bum! Much rejoicing! Proving she was worthy of her spot, Anna danced the quick step with Maks.

Lawrence Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska did the jive. I don’t know if he has football knees or what, but he still doesn’t kick well. So I’ll say something nice: he seemed to enjoy the music. Chuck Wicks & Julianne Hough did the samba. These two are so cute together. As Len might say, they’re even a bit cheeky.

Jeffrey Ross roasted the finalists. He called Tom Bergeron the best host in all of television – at least that’s what it says in his book. He says Bergeron in French means “Seacrest.” He call the judges, “Smokin’, Croakin’ and Flamin’.” He said it’s the first season that no actual stars made it to the finale. He said it’s not a “Who’s Who?” It’s “Who are you?” Of Lil’ Kim he said it’s tough dancing with a bullet proof vest, then said she was there for community service. Of Ty Murray, he said he was doing the “Brokeback Mambo.” Of Woz, he said it was cool seeing him do the “Nestle’s Quick Step.” Then he asked Woz if he took the bite out of the Apple logo. He said he’s like a chunky chipmunk. Belinda Carlisle: he loved the way she was dressed like a hooker from “Battle Star Galactica.” LT: sweating like Bergeron without a teleprompter. Steve-O: should have stapled his tongue to the judge’s table. Holly: every time the director yelled action, she started taking her clothes off. The finalists: The Underaged, The Unwed, The Unpronounceable. Gilles: are you French, Italian or bleu cheese. He brought up the “Sex & The City” movie. He said Gilles may not have had the largest role, but he had the biggest part. Shawn: I heard if you win ABC is going to send you to Disneyland, too bad you’re too short to ride Space Mountain. Melissa: wouldn’t it be ironic if she came in second on this show, too? Wow. Harsh and funny. Sometimes.

Lil’ Kim & Derek Hough did the jive. I’m not gonna lie. I would have liked to see Kim in the finals. No boobs popping out in this performance!  Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower did the lindy hop. It was fun. Ty still has his wooden robot arms.

I’m skipping the finalists talking about each other because, well, we’ve heard it before. Now, it’s the finalists last judging.

Couple: Shawn & Mark

Dance: Cha Cha Cha

This is my favorite dance these two have done! I wish the band was a little faster. It seemed like they were dancing a little slower just to keep with the music. They looked like they were having such a great time. OOPS! Shawn’s feet came off the floor. Carrie Ann will probably take off for that.

Len said he’s always been impressed with Shawn’s technique and precision. He said she came out and was fantastic. Bruno said Shawn is getting hotter. He said she went from cute to saucy and sexy. Carrie Ann said they underestimated her. She said she deserves to be in the finals.

SCORE: 30

Couple: Melissa & Tony

Dance: Samba

This was Melissa’s best dance all season. She seemed to let go of her ballet training. She was really good here.

Bruno said Melissa’s samba is appetizing and he wants second helpings – and thirds, fourths and fifths. He said her body is made for dancing. Carrie Ann said Melissa is a muse. She brought out the best in Tony and she’s come into her own. Len said Melissa has a great presence. He thought the samba was fantastic.

SCORE: 30

Couple: Gilles & Cheryl

Dance: Argentine Tango

Perfection! If the whole acting thing doesn’t work out, Gilles should become a professional dancer. Or go to Broadway. I don’t know if he can sing, but if he did it without his shirt, I hardly think anyone would care. Loved this dance!

Carrie Ann said Gilles is a special performer. He has sensuality and passion and an artistry that sets him apart. Len said Gilles has brought him the most pleasure. Bruno said it was an Argentine triumph. He said Gilles plays each step like an actor plays with words in perfect character to thrilling effect.

SCORE: 30

One last performance from Lady GaGa. This time, it’s her new song “Love Game.”

The third place team: Melissa & Tony.

The winner of the sparkly mirror ball trophy: Shawn & Mark. I’m happy for them but think Gilles & Cheryl might have been robbed. OH, ABC, WHY CAN’T YOU KEEP THE VOTING OPEN LONGER???

Congratulations to Shawn & Mark. I’m sure they’ll dance a few more times, then we’ll start counting down until the next season. That’s all, folks!

Let’s face it: Ty is the least talented among the final four. I think his time is up! Get my recap of the next to the last elimination show after the jump!

Raphael Saadiq started the show with his song “100 Yard Dash” as pro dancers did their thing.

Here’s the leaderboard:

1. Gilles & Cheryl

2. Shawn & Mark

3. Melissa & Tony

4. Ty & Chelsie

Shawn and Mark got to show off their Argentine tango again.

Brooke Burke, Drew Lachey and Helio Castroneves talked about the current finalists. Brooke said Melissa makes dancing effortless, Drew complimented her lines, Helio said she’s a beautiful dancer. Brooke said Gilles looks amazing, Helio said he’s a good dancer and good looking – like himself. Drew said Gilles needs to relax and let the style of the dance come through. Brooke said Ty has determination. Helio said Ty has to get loose and have fun. Drew said Shawn has discipline. Brooke said Shawn is determined but wants to see her have more fun. Helio said she needs to relax.

Now to the pro competition.

Couple: Mayo & Kym

Dance: Tango

WOW! He’s tall. When he stretched his body, it was like he took up half the floor! He’s a great ballroom dancer.

Len said he loved the tango. Bruno said Mayo has great lines and provides a beautiful frame. Carrie Ann was impressed with the dynamic, traditional choreography. She wanted to see more of his personality.

Couple: Anna & Maks

Dance: Quick Step

Right out the gate, this was one fast dance. Anna made it seem light and lovely – and not at all like it was a lot of work.

Tom said he hadn’t seen Maks had that much fun since he was locked in a hall of mirrors. Bruno said it was magnificent and radiant. He said she put all her technique on display and sold it. Carrie Ann said she thinks any celebrity would be lucky to have her. She thinks Anna even outshined Maks. Len said she danced with elegance and maturity. He said she brought the best out in Maks.

Now, the dance decided by the viewers: A quick step to “It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing.” The dancers: Derek, Julianne, Mark and Lacey. It was wild and crazy fun!

Back to the pro competition.

Couple: Mayo & Kym

Dance: Cha Cha Cha

This was more disco than cha cha. I didn’t really enjoy this. It was just OK.

Carrie Ann said Mayo is a wonderful dancer, but it takes more than that. She is concerned he won’t be versatile enough. Len said Mayo is a great choreographer, but he thought this lacked rhythm and wow. Bruno said Mayo is stronger at ballroom than latin. He said Mayo needs to be careful about taking risks and thought a proper cha cha cha would have been better.

Couple: Anna & Maks

Dance: Samba

Wow! Is this the fastest samba ever? I like that Anna didn’t go for a skimpy costume. She just let her dancing be the showcase. I liked her solo at the end, too. Is there anything this girl can’t do?

Len said the competition is about the four week process and he thinks she’s done a fantastic job. He said if she’s not the one back next season, he’ll show his bum in the supermarket. Please pick Anna! Bruno said she’s a stunner at latin and ballroom. Carrie Ann said she wants to see more of Anna.

Now to the real business at hand…

The first couple who will move on to the finals: Gilles & Cheryl.

The next couple in the finals: Shawn & Mark.

Len said Ty has climbed mountains and is a credit to everyone on the show. He said Melissa had four days notice to come on the show, and from week one she’s been a potential winner. Bruno said Melissa has been stunning from the beginning.

The last couple going on to the finals: Melissa & Tony.

Ty & Chelsie get the boot. That’s about right.

Now that Lil’ Kim is gone (and I’m still shocked!), the final four will dance their way into the hearts of America to get the chance to compete in the finale. See how they did in my recap after the jump.

Oh, goody! A two-hour show filled with non-competitive performances! That’s sarcasm, readers. Six professionals did a dance before the final four couples were introduced.

Melissa and Tony reminisced about their earlier fox trot and samba. Again, more filler – talking about their “breakthrough ballroom and latin dances.” What’s the matter, ABC? Didn’t feel like rolling out a 30-minute sitcom? Sorry, folks. I won’t be writing about what they said. I’m only interested in real content tonight.

Gilles and Cheryl reminisced about their earlier fox trot and paso doble.

Shawn and Mark reminsced about their earlier quick step and paso doble.

Ty and Chelsie reminisced about their earlier quick step and lindy hop.

Couple: Melissa & Tony

Dance: Quick Step

This was a happy, hoppy quick step. I think they were in step the whole time. At times I wanted it to go a little faster, but it had great speed overall. Fun quick step!

Len thought it had great musicality. He said Melissa’s feet were much improved. He thought the whole thing was a delight. Bruno said it was very good. He didn’t think it was as exhilarating as it could have been. Carrie Ann said it was nice and pretty. She said it’s not connected to Melissa’s soul. She said it doesn’t appear to give Melissa joy all the time. She pointed out too much space in the hold.

SCORE: 28

Dance: Cha Cha Cha

I didn’t  understand why Melissa was wearing a hat. Once I got past that, I watched her dance and WOW! It was good!

Bruno said he likes his cha cha full thrust and full on and and at moments he thought she was sensational. He didn’t think she sustained the energy. The crowd booed, Bruno told them to shut up. Carrie Ann said this dance was more emotional. She agreed with Bruno. She said it was like Melissa couldn’t find the size of her steps. Len said he liked it but didn’t think it was up to Melissa’s standards.

SCORE: 27

TOTAL SCORE: 55

Couple: Gilles & Cheryl

Dance: Waltz

I don’t really like that the dance started with Cheryl doing a solo. It’s Gilles who’s being judged. But after a few seconds, they’re together and doing a lovely waltz. It was like they were floating on clouds. Loved it!

Bruno stood up and said, “That is how you start a race for the final.” He said Gilles looked like a matinee idol. Carrie Ann said it was breathtaking and like a fantasy. Len said he was giving them a sitting down standing ovation. That seemed to bring Gilles to tears.

SCORE: 30

Dance: Salsa

This made me want to get up and shimmy! Not really, but almost. Gilles got Lil’ Kim’s hips! This was not just all booty, it was a little bit of everything. And it was H-O-T! Loved this more than the waltz!

Carrie Ann gave it a standing ovation/dance and “WOOO!” She said it was Gilles at his best. She wants to see him in the finals. Len said he is almost speechless – he wished he had an 11 paddle. Bruno said, “Ladies and gentleman, Lil’ Kim is alive and well and she’s hiding in your pants!” He said Gilles deserves to be in the finals.

SCORE: 30

TOTAL SCORE: 60

Couple: Shawn & Mark

Dance: Argentine Tango

Shawn seemed a little stiff to me. The lifts were good! I thought the footwork was good. But I just wasn’t feeling it from Shawn tonight. She did look hot, though.

Carrie Ann thought Shawn delivered. She thought the lifts were incredible. She said precision is Shawn’s middle name. Len said she danced with maturity and intensity. He said it was her best performance. Bruno said she’s “Catherine Zeta Shawn.” He broke out into “He had it coming.” He said she had it coming big time.

SCORE: 30

Dance: Jive

What in the polka dots is happening? These are some of the silliest outfits I’ve seen on this show. As sexy as Gilles’ dance was, this one was fun. It did look like Mark was doing more of the kicks and Shawn was just spinning around. I wanted a little more from Shawn tonight. Not sure why.

Len said he thought it was fast, he liked the feeling of the dance. He said there was too much messing about dancing going on. He wanted more traditional jive throughout the performance and less slapstick. Bruno said he likes it when Shawn goes wild. He said sometimes it looked more lindy hop than jive. Carrie Ann said Shawn lost a little steam and got heavier toward the end, but thought it was a wonderful performance.

SCORE: 26

TOTAL SCORE: 56

Couple: Ty & Chelsie

Dance: Viennese Waltz

Not to steal a cowboy term, but Ty really is the dark horse in the competition. He knows it. I felt like this dance took a long time to get going. Once it did, I think Ty did a fine job of dancing. He seemed to enjoy this one. He did seem to have a bit of trouble spinning Chelsie at the end, but other than that, it was good.

Len said he doesn’t think anyone has worked harder, struggled more or tried more than Ty to become a dancer. He said Ty had a couple of issues, but overall, he thought it was fabulous. Bruno said the dance should be smooth and effortless, but Ty nearly dropped her. Len tried to interrupt, Bruno said it was like Ty was chasing flies. Carrie Ann put a stop to their arguing. She said she loves Ty generates the support from the room, but he struggled. She said it wasn’t his best dance. The judges argued again and Ty and Chelsie ran backstage. Len said Bruno was getting on his nerves. MEOW!

SCORE: 25

Dance: Samba

Oh, Ty and his robot arms. I wish he had sleeves on so I could focus on his feet. Instead, I’m drawn to those arms that seem to stand out like he’s riding a bull. Ty wins the award for most awkward booty shake. His feet seemed to do weird things. Don’t ask me to describe it. I’m not a dancer. Just a girl being critical while watching the show from my sofa.

Bruno said Ty has determination. He thought it looked like Ty was dancing on a tightrope and about to fall off. He said Ty lost his footing. Carrie Ann said he’s the most valuable player of the season. Len said in the ballroom dances, Ty’s like Arthur Murray, but in the latin dances he’s like Murry in a hurry.

SCORE: 23

TOTAL SCORE: 48

Tuesday, the remaining pro dancers competing for a shot on the show will perform with two pros who used to be on the show. Raphael Saadiq (whoever that is) will perform.

Não entendo a postura da Quick-Step, ou até entendo (explicarei mais adiante).

Em comunicado oficial divulgado ontem, informam que Boonen “está suspenso por tempo indeterminado”, “estamos analisando a possibilidade de repreender-lhe seriamente no seu devido tempo”.

Se a equipe quisesse realmente manter a sua imagem, ter uma postura séria, mandaria o corredor procurar vaga em outras paragens. No entanto, penso que eles tem medo, muito medo, de não ganhar mais nada sem o aspirador no seu plantel. Isso conta ($$$) muito mais do que a sua imagem.

There are the top five. I like the beginning of the show when the couples are all nervous smiles, wondering if they’ll be back next week (and no doubt some of the stars hoping they can finally get out of the sequins and dance shoes for good). Find out who makes it to the semi-finals – and what I think of the pros trying out for their shot at the show – after the jump.

The show starts with an encore of Melissa and Tony’s samba. This time, there was no wardrobe malfunction. Here’s the leaderboard:

1. Melissa & Tony

2. Shawn & Mark

2. Gilles & Cheryl

4. Lil’ Kim & Derek

5. Ty & Chelsie

Jamie Cullum performed Frank Sinatra’s “I Get A Kick” with some pros dancing.

Dance Center has returned. Kenny Mayne & Jerry Rice, along with Len Goodman, break down the couples.

• Ty: Kenny says he’s happy the show is rewarding poor dancing. Jerry says he likes that Ty gives 110%. Len says Ty gives it his all, has a strong core, wide elbows and is a good dancer. Kenny says Ty was the least likely to get into the theatrics – like spray tanning. Len says Ty is committed. He says Ty needs to loosen up a bit. Jerry says Ty is a robot sent to destroy mankind.
• Lil’ Kim: Len says Kim is the ultimate performer. Jerry says he likes Kim’s “asset.” Len says if you got it flaunt, it. He says, “She has the gear in the rear.” Len did an Ali G impression. Jerry says they used to call him “Lil’ Jerry” and Len asked what part of his anatomy they were referring to.
• Shawn: Len says she has that sports person’s mentality. Kenny keeps cutting off Len. They make fun of Mark’s faces – saying he looks like a chipmunk.

The first couple safe: Gilles & Cheryl.

More Dance Center:

• Melissa: Len says Melissa has a great dance pedigree. Kenny calls Tony a jerk. Len says Tony is a gentleman, pointing out the sadness when Melissa couldn’t perform. Jerry calls Tony a bully. Jerry says Melissa’s jive was the best dance. He says it was excellent use of denim.
• Gilles: Kenny asks what the French have done for us. Len points out culture, language. Len says Gilles has great flair. Kenny says Gilles is prostituting himself on his good looks. Then, all three of them are shirtless. Len has a tattoo and big gold chain. EW.

The Macy’s Stars of Dance take the stage. It’s a bit like one of those old Gap dancing commercials/funky ballet.

Now, it’s the pro competition.

Couple: Afton DelGrosso & Cody Linley

Dance: Samba

I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be looking at. Afton’s a pro and dances very well. Cody looked like he was in it to have fun. I suppose this whole idea is to show that the pros can teach stars choreography. Mission accomplished!

Len thought Afton did a good job teaching Cody the dance. Bruno says Afton made Cody sell himself – and that’s a good ability. Carrie Ann says Afton would bring a nice, youthful energy.

The next couple safe: Melissa & Tony.

Couple: Mayo Alanen & Lisa Rinna

Dance: Quick Step

It looks like these two have been dancing for a long time! I thought Lisa’s dress was a bit much for a quick step, especially when she took the skirt off to reveal a short skirt. But it’s the dancing I’m supposed to be looking at. Well done.

Bruno thanked Mayo for taking advantage of Lisa’s assets with a Las Vegas touch. Carrie Ann says sometimes they got a bit out of control. She says Mayo would be great for the taller contestants. Len says Mayo did a good job.

Couple: Anna Demidova & Maurice Greene

Dance: Tango

Maurice has never done this dance. He chose it because he wants to see if Anna can teach him. I’m thinking Maurice chose this dance because he wanted to be really close to Anna. This might be my favorite dance of these three.

Carrie Ann gave it a “WOOO!” She says Anna brought out beautiful lines and they looked great together. Len says Anna brought the most out in her celebrity. Bruno says Anna is a miracle worker – saying Maurice has never danced better.

Next week, the two pros who survive will be paired with a current pro and will have to choreograph a ballroom and a latin dance.

The next couple safe: Shawn & Mark.

WHAT!?!? I’m not happy about Lil’ Kim being in the bottom two! However, I can’t think of anyone else who should be there with Ty.

Len says if Ty goes, it’s been fascinating watching him. He says Lil’ Kim is a fantastic performer whose Bionic Booty would be missed.

The couple going home: Lil’ Kim & Derek.

BOOOOOOO!

Next week, the final four will do a ballroom and latin routine.

Now that Chuck & Julianne are gone, the remaining five couples have to dance, dance, dance for their lives! That includes Melissa, who wasn’t able to dance last week because of a hurt rib.  Get the recap of this week’s show after the jump.

The show started with six dancers doing two dances. Really, ABC? You had two hours to fill, so I get to watch this? Nope. Onward, DVR!

Couple: Shawn & Mark

Dance: Quick Step

Just 20 seconds into this dance, I am exhausted – and I’m just sitting on my sofa! This was fast. It was also silly. I mean, can Mark dance without making faces? It’s like the rhythm gets him from his feet to his face. Maybe it’s her youth, but Shawn didn’t look breathless during this dance. Well done!

Len said it was fun, joyful, carefree. He said it was the first time they saw Shawn’s personality. Len said one of the rules in the quick step is a little on your own at the beginning and end, and they must remain in hold in the middle. He said that’s the only thing that kept it from being perfect. Bruno said Shawn came out and danced like Sporty Spice. He said she had great footwork and delivery. Carrie Ann said this was Shawn’s best dance ever. But she said Shawn will lose a point because of the rule breaking.

SCORE: 27

Couple: Ty & Chelsie

Dance: Argentine Tango

Why was Ty wearing a cheetah print robe at home? Weird. Un-cowboy like. Ty’s advantage here is his stiff shoulders and back. He was staring down Chelsie like she was a bull! He seemed to lose his footing a little bit. But he was solid on the lifts. He did seem a little scared at times. It was OK.

Bruno said Ty won’t let anybody down with his strength and determination. He said it was like watching a Power Ranger. He said the dance needed more subtletly. He said it was strong and passionate. Carrie Ann said the competition is about what you do with what you have and Ty has come so far. She said Ty had a little stumble. She said it was stiff. Len said some of Bruno’s comments are why he’s on medication. He said Ty captured the flavor of the dance. He said Ty is not a natural performer and actor but produced his best dance.

SCORE: 25

Couple: Lil’ Kim & Derek

Dance: Waltz

I never thought I’d say this, but Lil’ Kim is a Lil’ Lady on the dance floor! This was a very sweet waltz! Nothing sexy or sassy about it. She is quite a dancer!

Carrie Ann said Lil’ Kim has an incredible ability to make it look like everything feels great. She said Lil’ Kim needs to extend her hands and her feet looked like they were sticking to the floor. Len said the waltz is a real challenge because it’s a pure ballroom dance. He said Kim went off on the wrong foot, but he was shocked at the quality of the dance. He gave it a good job. Bruno said Kim tried to be a lady but she’s more comfortable being a tramp. That got Lil’ Kim to squeal. Bruno said she needed more extension and she didn’t seem as comfortable as she usually is on the dance floor.

SCORE: 25

Couple: Gilles & Cheryl

Dance: Fox Trot

This might be the hottest fox trot ever! Gilles makes this look easy. The fact that he’s an actor is really helping him. He probably helped himself by blowing Carrie Ann a kiss. WOW! Great dance!

Len said you can’t help but enjoy watching that performance. He loved the music and the dance, but Gilles needed to straighten his legs on occasion. Bruno said as a performance it was in a class of it’s own – cool, hot, sophisticated, elegant. Carrie Ann said Len is crazy. She said that performance takes Gilles to the semi-finals. She said he did a great job.

SCORE: 29

Couple: Melissa & Tony

Dance: Viennese Waltz

Well, Melissa is in a pretty dress and she’s on the stage, so she’s already doing better than last week! Her ballet training shows here. Her movement is light. She doesn’t appear to be bothered by that injury. I’m not sure if the dance is supposed to look like it’s in slow motion, but this one does. Still, a lovely dance.

Bruno called Melissa an ethereal vision – lighter than air. He said it was beautiful and romantic, very balletic. He didn’t like the turns. Carrie Ann said she needed to see the torque in Melissa’s upper body. Len said romance, musicality, great extension of her arms – but he’s still not a fan of her feet.

SCORE: 27

Pause the dancing to recap the pro competition. Again, ABC, time fillers? BOO! Now, the final three pros prepare to dance with former star competitors. FORWARD.

OOPS! Zoomed right pass another performance of six pros doing latin dances.

Couple: Shawn & Mark

Dance: Paso Doble

This round, the stars will have to do a solo in their dance. I’m worried about Shawn. She needs to be serious, almost angry here. Fingers crossed! This is a dance (and dress) that show just how strong this pint-sized gymnast/dancer is. This might be one of Shawn’s best dances! Did I miss her solo?

Carrie Ann said Shawn delivered the drama. She said she nailed it! Len said he liked the solo part and the twist turns. He said it was clean, precise, had great footwork, but wasn’t over exciting. Bruno said it takes a lot to excite him. Lots of booing. Bruno said Shawn showed she has the killer instinct. He said she was focused and powerful like a guided missile going for the score. Shawn jumped up and gave hugs to the judges.

SCORE: 29

TOTAL SCORE: 56

Couple: Ty & Chelsie

Dance: Rumba

Ty’s gonna have to learn to move his hips in this dance – probably the opposite of what you want to do on a bull. Ty lost his footing a couple of times. This seemed a little frantic to me. Can you do lifts in the rumba? I ask because I saw Chelsie’s feet come off the ground. At the end, Ty went and shimmied his hips for his wife, Jewel, who jumped up and gave him a hug and kiss (I presume to make him stop doing that).

Len thought it had charm and was sweet at the end with the dance for Jewel. He said Ty was moving his hips. He said Ty’s first dance he was a peacock, now he’s a feather duster. Bruno said Ty is one of the most likeable contestants they’ve had. But he said you can’t confuse that with ability. He said it was more Kenny Mayne than Mario Lopez. Carrie Ann said she wished she could score him on how much he’s improved. She said it was a little wooden. And she said there was a lift.

SCORE: 21

TOTAL SCORE: 46

Couple: Lil’ Kim & Derek

Dance: Salsa

I’m glad this show isn’t in 3-D because every bump by Lil’ Kim would have knocked me off the sofa. Her solo was sexy and a bit squirmy. The latin dances are really her style. This dance had some difficult steps – especially one at the end where she leaned on Derek’s leg and he spun her around. Very nice!

Bruno started singing that FloRida song “You Spin My Head Round.” Awkward. Bruno said Kim was in her element. He said the salsa and booty can do no wrong, but there was a misstep. Carrie Ann she’s never seen a booty shake like that. She said Kim has so much energy, but thought it got a little out of control at the solo. Len said the dance was delicious. He said Kim got so into the dance, it lost a little bit of control.

SCORE: 27

TOTAL SCORE: 52

Couple: Gilles & Cheryl

Dance: Rumba

I think Gilles of all people can show Ty how to do this dance – not that it will matter after this week, since neither of them will likely have to rumba on this show again. The dance started with Gilles solo (and a see through shirt). This whole dance was about sex – from the song (“Sexual Healing”) to Gilles hips and bedroom eyes. OK. He’s dreamy. There wasn’t anything in this dance that I didn’t like. Oh, and rolling over Cheryl at the end – COME ON! If he doesn’t get a perfect score, I will be stunned.

Carrie Ann said that was the most highly anticipated rumba and it was hot. She thought the beginning was odd – the sliding in the solo. She said Gilles doesn’t have to try that hard to be sexy. Len said it looked fantastic. He didn’t like the beginning and the rolling across the floor. Bruno said it started like a scene from “Showgirls” and ended like “Ravaged by the Savage.” He said it was a bit uneven by Gilles’ standards.

SCORE: 27

TOTAL SCORE: 56

Couple: Melissa & Tony

Dance: Samba

Melissa started with her solo. It was a whole lot of booty shaking. Well, technically, you couldn’t see her booty – it was covered by something fluffy. I’m impressed with the wardrobe department. All that shimmying and Melissa’s top stayed on. She ended the dance on the judge’s table. This was fun – not raunchy. Perfect for a family show. OOPS! Spoke too soon! As she was preparing to be judged, Melissa’s, um, little Melissa, popped out (though we saw her back).

Len said tonight is about who deserves to get into the semi-finals. He said Melissa should be here next week. Bruno said Melissa’s samba has everything anybody can possibly want and more. He said there was a great variety of steps and was beautifully executed. Carrie Ann said Melissa was flawless.

SCORE: 30

TOTAL SCORE: 57

Find out who will dance again Tuesday. Also, the pro competition winds down. And someone will sing – I don’t remember who.

Here’s hoping this silly “Single Ladies” type dance will be the repeat performance! Find out if Melissa’s injury keeps her from making the top five in my recap.

Tom Bergeron promises the most dramatic night of the season, then introduces Team Tango for the repeat performance. Well, it’s no “Single Ladies,” but Ty and Gilles were still there without their shirts. Consolation?

Here’s the leaderboard:

1. Lil’ Kim & Derek

2. Gilles & Cheryl

3. Shawn & Mark

3. Ty & Chelsie

5. Chuck & Julianne

6. Melissa & Tony

There was a parody of a commercial, “Ballroom Dancers of Genius.” It said the only thing hard core about Lil’ Kim was her paso doble. For Shawn, it said Olympic medals weren’t enough – she wants a mirror ball trophy. For Ty, it said he was king of the cowboys, but now he wants to be king of the congo line. Gilles wasn’t just dancing for himself, he was dancing for his country. Silly fun? Time waster? You decide.

Robin Thicke performed his hit “When I Get You Alone” as six dancers did their thing in bright yellow outfits.

Melissa said it broke her heart that she couldn’t perform. She started a new treatment she hopes will let her perform again.

The first couple safe: Lil’ Kim & Derek.

The judges talk about what it takes to make a great dancer. Len says total coordination and looks help. Carrie Ann says it starts in the head. Bruno says you need the right mental attitude. That’s Chuck. Bruno says arms add expression. He says Gilles has that. Carrie Ann says core is good. That’s Ty’s area. Len says legs are important. He says Melissa has great legs. Bruno says Melissa uses her legs like a paintbrush on a canvas. Len says footwork is important. Shawn’s feet are tops. Expression through the face is also important. They say Lil’ Kim has that going on.

The next couple safe: Ty & Chelsie.

Another parody, “Dance Match.” It’s one of those dating commercials. Chuck & Julianne are the couple finishing sentences. Melissa is the host/founder.

Robin Thicke performed “Side Step.”

The next couple safe: Gilles & Cheryl.

Another parody, this one shows dancers falling down. The professionals are talking about falling down and getting hurt because of celebs who can’t dance. They all appeared to be naked with mirror balls covering their, um, nether regions?

Time to pick the next pro dancer…

Couple: Afton DelGrosso & Genya Mazo

Dance: Quick Step

They looked lovely! WOW! This was certainly quick. This is my least favorite dance, but I really think these two were amazing. I’m sold. Too bad it’s too late for me to vote. Genya didn’t get Afton on the desk at the end, but she covered for it.

Len thought they did a great job. Bruno said he liked the characterization of the dance. He said they also showed their personality. Carrie Ann said both would be great partners for celebrities.

Couple: Anna Demidova & Mayo Alanen

Dance: Jive

These two are so tall, it looks like their legs and arms take up the whole dance floor! This was really fun. I liked it more than the quick step. For competitors, these two seem to like each other. They are really good together!

Carrie Ann was surprised by Mayo. She did not expect him to dance that well. Len said he wanted to see these two dance Latin American. He thought tall people couldn’t do the jive. He was wrong. Bruno said Mayo was so sharp and precise. He asked if there’s anything Anna can’t do? He said she danced like an angel. Bruno said he’s in love.

The next couple safe: Shawn & Mark.

The judges were asked about the final two. Carrie Ann said she doesn’t want to see Chuck & Julianne leave because they just found their way. Bruno said it’s nuts for Melissa & Tony to leave the competition because she’s one of the best dancers with the potential to be a champion. Len said, based on Monday, Melissa should go. But based on seven weeks of competition, Melissa should stay.

The couple going home: Chuck & Julianne.

We’ll see if Melissa can recover quickly enough to dance in the competition on Monday. The couples will do a ballroom and a latin dance next week.