Cycling News (CN) recently put the Trek’s Madone SSL 6.5 through its paces - not surprisingly, the 6.5 met just about all their expectations. But what did surprise CN was that the 6.5 performed about as well as it far pricier sibling…the Madone 6.9. At just 893 grams, the frame was light…just 220g over the UCI minimum, and as would be expected, it performed well while climbing. About the only thing CN could find to complain about was some road vibration which they chalked up to a combination of 150psi tires, and low spoke-count wheels. Overall it sound like the 6.5 is worth a look, especially when you consider that its about $2,500 less than the 6.9, and really does not sacrifice much according to CN.

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The UCI today launched a new anti-doping initiative called “100% Against Doping.” Self described as the “best anti-doping program” in the world, the UCI debuted the new program in Paris with many of the sports key figures - including the Vice-President of the WADA, and members of T-Mobile, and Caisse d’Epargne squads - in attendance. The new program is expected to cover 100% of the ProTour riders this year. While we would of course love bring you details of the program, the UCI’s link to the program appendix is not working – stay tuned and we’ll have all the details.

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As expected, a Spanish magistrate shelved the Operation Puerto yesterday. The move might lead one to believe the case was over, and all riders were in the clear – but that may not be the case just yet. Pat McQuaid, head of the UCI, told reporters that he hopes the case prosecutor files an appeal to the courts decision within the required three days time period. The move may allow the UCI to study some evidence in the case and decide whether or not any riders have violated any doping laws.

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Titanium’s (Ti) strength to weight ratio makes it an obvious choice for frame builders. But getting a Ti frame to stand out in the crowd has always been a challenge since a) Ti is a pretty drab color, and b) most buyers aren’t willing to cover up their uber expensive frames with paint. Thankfully Spectrum Power Works was on hand at the ’07 NAHBS to show off the results of a process that can etch almost any design directly onto a Ti frame. The process involves laying out a custom crafted sticker - which is made using a plotter - and then etching any exposed areas using a process sort of like sand blasting, but on a smaller/gentler scale. Once complete, the stickers are removed, and the frame is sealed. Mark Brandt of Spectrum told us they can use any of three different abrasive materials in the etching process to produces slightly different textures and colors. The technique can even be used to spruce up the look of older Ti frames. The cost for etching a frame starts somewhere in the range of $300, though more elaborate designs could run a bit more.

Product Link: Spectrum Powder Works

Tour de Georgia race director, Chris Aronhal, told the associated press that the 2007 race is facing “a rather sizable financial gap” after title sponsor Ford - who is dealing with its own financial woes - declined to renew its six-figure sponsorship commitment. The race is currently seeking new sponsorship, but with only about six weeks to the start of the Tour, time is tight.

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An agreement reached on Monday between the UCI and Paris-Nice race organizers will allow ProTour teams to compete in the race without fear of sanctions or punishment. The race as you may recall was dropped by the ProTour after a dispute with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) – the same group that runs the Tour de France. The temporary agreement will run through the end of the racing season, and will allow organizers to settle their differences without impacting cycling fans.

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Milano Sport was on hand at the ’07 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) showing off several frames from Milano – the US market brand produced by Milan based Alberto Masi. While there were a number of frames on display -including a CPT, and Wing - the real eye candy at the booth was the Nuovo Prestige painted in yellows and blues so rich, the paint still looked wet. The externally lugged Prestige features Dedacciai 18MCDV6 tubing, vertical rear drops, oversized 28.6 tube sets on the top and seat tubes, and 31.7 on the down tube. Sizing runs from 48 to 65, and a base model done up in a single color will run $1995.00.

Nuovo Prestige Gallery

About Masi: The history of Masi dates back to the 1930s when Faliero Masi, who rode the Giro in 1931 and 1932, retired from the sport and launched his own line of bikes. With growing notoriety, Masi moved his company to a work shop under the Vigorelli Velodrome in 1949, and soon began supplying bikes to many of the sports great riders, including Eddie Merckx, Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil, and Vittorio Adorni. Faliero sold the Masi brand to a group of California based investors in the 1970s, and relocated to the US to produce frames for the American market. But, longing for his native Italy, Faliero returned to his country with the intention of retiring. Today Masi is led by his son Alberto who produces a limited number of high-end frames in the same workshop his father established under the velodrome. Masi sells its frames in the US under the Milano brand since the investor group still owns the rights to use the Masi brand and logo in the US market.

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Abu Dhabi unveiled a 204km racing circuit which the country will use to host the first Cycling Race of Champions this coming November. Described by its organizers as the biggest 'Grand Slam' event for this popular sport, the race will feature a whopping US$1 million grand prize, as well as challenging routes that will showcase major attractions in the UAE, including Jebel Hafeet - their tallest peak, which tops out at 1,340m / 4,400 ft. The event is expected to run for a total of ten days, and will consist of three stages. Abu Dhabi is launching the race as part of program to reduce dependence on their oil reserves as the sole economic driver. Other efforts include a successful bit to host a Formula One Grand Prix starting in 2009. Organizers are expecting well over one hundred thousand people to attend the multi-day event.

Stage Details

Stage One: 100km route that will loop around Abu Dhabi Island, and the downtown city center. The route is expected to start and end at the seven star Emirates Palace Hotel.

Stage Two: 82km route which begins on the border with Oman and heads north east into the mountains.

Stage Three: 22km stage that will showcase of Abu Dhabi Corniche. Like the first state, the route will start and end at the Emirates Palace Hotel.

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After a great 2006 launch year, in which we provided coverage of both Eurobike and Interbike, you may have noticed that we did not post in January and February. Being the slow part of the cycling season (in the Northern Hemisphere at least), we decided to use the time to rebuild Cyclistic.com from the ground up. Not only does the site have a fresher look, but we can now integrate things like video and audio, something our narrower layout prevented us from doing in the past. While the new site is already miles better than what we offered last year, we will be working throughout the year to improve its look and features. Thanks for your support, and we are looking forward bringing you the latest in road-bike and cyclocross news.

Between all the parties, gift baskets, and seemingly endless bowls of candies, maintaining a steady weight can be a real challenge at this time of year. Well the folks over at Active.com decided to help a little with a list of ten things readers can do to help ward off the post-holiday bulge. Sadly, not one of the suggestions includes downing a whole pecan-pie, or even grazing on appetizers for five straight hours. Instead Active.com suggests an approach that includes substituting lower calorie options when available, never skipping a meal, and getting enough sleep. OK, so they don’t sound like as much fun as some of the other options out there, but as far as we know, nobody has figured out a way to loose weight by eating….just yet.

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