Alejandro Valverde will find out on Sunday whether his recent Tour of Spain triumph costs him the chance to finally be crowned world champion. The Spaniard begins the blue riband event of the world road race championships, a 262.2km race around Mendrisio near the Italian border, among the big favourites for cycling's prestigious rainbow jersey. But despite having two runner-up and one third place finishes in the past five years, he still has a fight on his hands if he is to succeed Italian... Read Full Story
Spain's Alejandro Valverde was on course to win the Tour of Spain after keeping his overall lead in Saturday's 20th and penultimate stage, a time-trial won by Britain's David Millar. The Caisse d'Epargne rider finished in seventh position in the 27.8-kilometre stage in the central city of Toledo, 36 seconds behind Millar. He is now 55 seconds ahead of countryman Samuel Sanchez, who finished second behind Millar Saturday, in the overall standings. And barring disaster, Valverde, but who has... Read Full Story
Product Condition: The Ionos Cycling Helmet is in Good condition. This helmet is in great shape. It has been worn once or twice, but it shows no signs of any wear or defects. I tested all of the adjustments and they are working great. It does come with some extra pads that you can put in the helmet. Size: Unisex M Color: Caisse D'Epargne Red/Black Retail Cost: 229.95 Not one to rest on their laurels, Giro brings the Ionos Helmet into the line for 2008, with 21 massive vents, gorgeous (and... Read Full Story
Caisse d'Epargne suffered a big loss today in the Tour de France. Spanish rider Xabier Zandio of Caisse d'Epargne had to drop out of the Tour de France because of a crash in the fourth stage of the race. Zandio crashed barely 70km into the 193km stage. Team manager Jose-Luis Jaimerena said: "He's broken his right collarbone, it's impossible for him to carry on." "But it's a big loss for the team. He's a rider who can work really hard for us no matter what the terrain." Sorry to hear this... Read Full Story
The French state is likely to take a 20-percent stake in a major bank to be formed from the fusion of lenders Caisse d'Epargne and Banque Populaire, a source in the president's office said on Tuesday. The state will "probably" take 20 percent of the company initially in the form of so-called preference shares which may be converted into regular shares later, the source said. Preference shares are stocks which pay a fixed dividend and take precedence over those held by regular shareholders... Read Full Story
Valverde rode a smart Stage 8. He drafted up most of the hills, and then hammered the finish in order to take 3rd in the stage. His general classification now puts him in 4th overall. But Rasmussen is the rider to beat. He's got a solid lead and, more importantly, is riding well. He looks confident. General Classification after Stage 8 1 Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank at 15.37.42 2 Linus Gerdemann (Ger) T-Mobile Team at +0.43 3 Iban Mayo (Spa) Saunier Duval - Prodir at +2.39 4 Alejandro... Read Full Story
Valverde had a strong Stage 8 and is now 4th in the general classification. But Rasmussen is the rider to beat. He's got a solid lead and, more importantly, is riding well. He looks confident. General Classification after Stage 8 1 Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank at 15.37.42 2 Linus Gerdemann (Ger) T-Mobile Team at +0.43 3 Iban Mayo (Spa) Saunier Duval - Prodir at +2.39 4 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne at +2.51 Read Full Story
Spanish bettors are on the edge of a €1,000,000 payday if countryman Alejandro Valverde wins la Vuelta in Madrid next week.
Online betting company, williamhill.com report that 90% of all bets have been for Valverde, and they face a payout of €1,000,000 if he wins this year’s Tour.
David Hood, spokesman for the Green Jersey sponsors said:
“Spanish gamblers have supported Valverde as if defeat is out of the question and he looks certain to repay their patriotic faith. This is the first... Read Full Story
The supervisory board of Caisse d'Epargne, considered one of France's most trustworthy banks is meeting in Paris on Sunday to consider calls for the resignation of chairman Charles Milhaud and other executives. The French savings bank lost 600 million euros (800 million dollars) in a trading scandal. Read Full Story
BBC Sport Valverde retains Vuelta lead, David Millar of Britain wins ... USA Today TOLEDO, Spain (AP) — David Millar of Britain won the time-trial penultimate stage of the Spanish Vuelta and Spain's Alejandro Valverde cemented his position as overall leader on Saturday. The Garmin-Slipstream rider crossed the line in 35 minutes, ... Spain's Alejandro Valverde nears Vuelta title The Associated Press Millar wins Tour of Spain stage BBC Sport Millar wins Vuelta TT • VeloNews ESPN - Irish Times... Read Full Story
