where Armstrong finished third in the opening prologue, ten seconds behind Iban Mayo of the Eusatel-Euskadi team.  Sandwiched in between these two riders and third place in the previous day's Classique des Alpes was British rider David Millar - creeping in to a bit of form at just the right time of year and you heard it here first.

Keeping the news stateside, it's been confirmed that Threshold Sports, the organizers behind the Pro Cycling Tour, have confirmed a prize purse of $1,000,000 for any rider who can win the Wachovia USPRO in
Philadelphia, the New York City Cycling Championships and the San Francisco GP.  The last rider to win the 'Triple Crown' was a young, talented, up and coming rider called Lance Armstrong - maybe you've heard of him?

Finally, after such a fantastic event last month, I do have to report the sad news that another doping scandal has broken out in
Italy.  Thankfully no riders from this or last year's races are involved at this present moment.  Giancarlo Tarquini, a Prosecutor in Brescia, is orchestrating Operazione Bike.  "This investigation shows how the doping phenomenon is anything but beaten," he said.  Over 22 suspects have so far been implicated in the enquiry, including two Director Sportifs who are both under house arrest.

Have you read my exclusive interview with Tom Danielson (Saturn Cycling Team) yet?  Are there any riders you'd like me to speak to?  Send your ideas and thoughts to me at Cycletw@aol.com.

Until next week, keep on spinnin' and the rubber side down.

Ian

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