rider, even if each one of his appearances in the Italian national jersey has always wound up in a setback.  He would have been one of the three team leaders on the day, but instead he panicked and went off to get an Argentine passport.  Obviously it?s a choice I don?t agree with.?

1977 World Champion Francesca Moser added that, ?if Rebellin wins on Sunday, Ballerini might as well throw himself in the
Adige
River,? while 1973 World Champion Felice Gimondi questioned, ?how can you not pick a guy who?s on form?  In the World Championships, it?s vital to have as many riders as possible who can win the race.?

As it turned out, Rebellin did not receive his Argentine passport in time to start the Road Race yesterday and the UCI would not recognize his temporary one.  Rebellin still leads the World Cup after winning three spring classics earlier this season. Oscar Freire is the new World Champion.

If you have any thoughts or opinions on the world of cycling right now, let me know at ian@roadcycling.com.

Till next week,

Ian