FEATURES

Call it the luck of the Irish, but after a 15-year dormancy, the Emerald Isle glistened verdant green once again as international cycling shined its fluorescent colors on a rolling, five-day postcard.

If your idea of four-star accommodations doesn't include sleeping under them, then maybe the complimentary inisher's T-shirt will make the experience well worth the trial.

Is there any room in the competitive world of component manufacturers for the passion and ingenuity of one man?

At the national criterium championships in Downers Grove, Illinois, the Finish line was really 100 meters away from the course at the Irish pub Ballydoyle.

At 41, sprinting superstar Tina Pic plans to call it quits after the 2008 season, but not before a run for gold on the Olympic team.

The jagged Pyrènèes in Spain's famous 21-stage grand tour will likely comb the contenders down to a precious few.

In February, Leipheimer had edged out Voigt at the Amgen Tour of California. In Germany, however, it all came down to the Rettenfernbacher.

Is it the Vegemite? The Anzac biscuits? Whatever the cause, Down Under racers are sticking it to Americans at National Race Calendar events.

Julien Absalon is the man to beat at the world championships. But is he worried? "No. I know how to win."



TECH & TRAINING

Every component giant has solid second-tier mountain groups; here, we pit XT against X-9.

13 pairs of mid-range bib shorts, each road tested

The new Shimano Ultegra SL road group

How to train for 'cross at the end of the road or mountain season


IN EVERY ISSUE

• 28 - LETTERS
• 31 - VELONOTES
• 130 - CLASSIFIED/VELOMARKET
• 126 - WORLD BEAT
• 128 - PLANET DIRT
• 134 - AT THE BACK

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