Dear Readers,
Welcome to the latest edition of The Prologue, the weekly summary of news from the world of competitive cycling from your friends at VeloNews.com.

By now, you've surely heard of the biggest story in cycling this week, the decision by Germany's telecommunications giant, Deutsche Telekom, to pull the plug on nearly 20 years of cycling sponsorship. Well, that's the bad news. The good news is that the team will continue under the banner of Team High Road, with the help of manager Bob Stapleton. Stapleton, who comes to cycling after making his personal fortune in the cellular industry, promises to carry on through 2008 and beyond. [More] Riders like Michael Barry and Michael Rogers are expressing confidence in the team for next year.

"I did think [the team was dead]. T-Mobile chips in several million dollars a year and to find a sponsor of that caliber, in these conditions, is no easy thing," said Rogers. "But Bob has given us his word. I've known him for some time now and when he gives his word that's what he does."

We got an interesting post-race wrap-up this week from our own Fred Dreier, who raced in Costa Rica's La Ruta de los Conquistadores earlier this month. Not your usual race report, Fred tells us he came back with some valuable lessons learned. [More]

Meanwhile, if you want to race - or spectate - this coming weekend, there's plenty of cyclocross action going on. If you're in Portland, Oregon, don't let the weather forecast dissuade you. There will be some amazing racing as the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross wraps up over the next two days. Given the rain that's already fallen and the amount still expected, it should be a mudbath... just like 'cross oughta be. Have fun out there and bring an umbrella.

All the best,

Charles Pelkey
Editor, VeloNews.com
CPelkey@insideinc.com