the next goal for Hamilton - the Tour de France; but when asked what he thought of his chances up against ex-teammate and close friend Lance Armstrong he added "Lance has been at a different level than everyone else.  People shouldn't say anything if their legs can't do the talking".  At the same time, another American is hopefully coming back into contention to help Lance retain his crown as King of the Tour this summer, Floyd Landis who broke his hip at the beginning of the season.  Landis returned to action recently in the Sea Otter Classic and the Tour de Georgia.

Two other riders are also hoping to return to better days.  Landbouwkrediet-Colnago rider Tom Steels is optimistic about his ongoing comeback.  "I'm taking my time to see how far I am.  I am thirty percent better than last year".  So?  "The next step will be a victory" and you heard it here first.  And I was going to tell you about Richard Virenque?s ambitions to ride in the 2004 Olympic Games in
Greece, but we've heard it all before.  Show us a victory Richard and then just maybe you'll grab our attention.

The UCI has just brought into force its new ruling on the wearing of helmets.  From now on all professional riders must wear them or else face a fine of 50 UCI points and up to ?6250.  The only exception to the rule is in events featuring a final climb of over 5km.  And how do the riders feel about this?  "The UCI is treating us like children" commented Laurent Brochard. Who?s being childish?

The final news of this week is that

Team
Coast has been issued with its second suspension from all UCI competitions due to "ongoing financial problems".  "I did not really see this coming" commented Rudy Pevenage.  He added that in terms of the team it "will be difficult to keep going".  And what of Jan Ullrich?  "His career will go on.  We won't sit still and do nothing".  So where?s next for Jan?  Quick Step-Davitamon, Phonak, Cofidis, CSC? Check in at Roadcycling.com to find out when he decides.

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