Tyler Hamilton - The Secret Race

I know it's late but I've just read this book and I think it deserves a review.
I read this book ages after Armstrong's confession and everything that followed.
It may sound weird but this book is about truth and guts, that's why I loved it so much.
The book follows with incredible precision the career of Hamilton, a talented American rider.
The beginning is very interesting, pointing out the difference between the European and the American way of conceiving cycling.
Once Hamilton is hired by US Postal the book become a fantastic roller coaster between the feelings
of a human being, the passion of a young talented rider and, in the end, the wisdom of man.
The book could be classified in two different ways: as a scientific treatises, describing meticulously the doping practices, or as a coming-of-age story.
I prefer the second one. I think the meticulous description of the doping practices is an important part of the path of formation described in the book.
The book contains also a very interesting part about the preparation of Armstrong trial and the political decision to dismiss it.
Nevertheless, I think that what makes this book a Great book is the story of the man, of the rider, of a passionate kid that we could have been if we would have been more talented.

The Favorites of the Impressionists

Dear Cycling Impressionists, you answered the survey and here it is!
Roglic is the undisputed favorite but there is a strong battle for the podium.
Yates and Dumoulin have a little advantage on Lopez but he is close.
Nibali, Landa and the young Sivakov have the same chances (very few) to arrive in Pink in Verona.
In the in between there is Majka, better than the three just mentioned but far from the big dogs.
None of you think Zakarin or Jungels can win the Giro. Would they be better off going on vacation?
I can't see a better place than Italy to spend your holidays.

Who will be right at the end of the third week?

Cycling Impressions Interviews: Sofia Bertizzolo

Last Sunday we appreciated the fantastic ride of Sofia during Gent-Wevelgem In Flanders Fields and after the race we had the great pleasure to interview her.
Here is what she told us.

Hi Sofia and thank you very much for your time! Your attack in the Gent - Wevelgem has been simply amazing. How do you feel on the cobbles?

I've started racing on the cobbles since my first year among the élite.
It took a long time to be able to race on the cobbles but with my new team I found out the mistake I made, for example the pressure of the tires.
Adjusting the mistakes, I'm starting to have much better performances.

That's a good news! We can't wait to see you in the next races. What is your favorite race?
I love racing in Italy!
Talking about my favorite race, It's a hard battle between Trofeo Binda and Giro Rosa.

You mentioned two fantastic races. We will support you during Giro Rosa. Do you have a sport hero?
I don't have a proper hero enlightening my sport path.
I admire Federica Pellegrini for showing her value since she was young and being able to remain at a certain level and I admire Valentina Vezzali for her huge career. (Yes, I know they are both women)

Let's go back to you and your career. Where did you start? Track cycling, cyclocross or road cycling?
I started with road cycling, the discipline I still love the most.
I had a short parenthesis with track cycling when I was Junior. It has been really interesting and full of adrenaline, but I chose to abandon it.

What is your goal for this first season with your new team, Team Virtu Cycling?
I've so much to learn.
I have so many elder teammates with a lot of experience, I've the possibility to learn a lot from them and I want to make the most of it.
I want to do the same with the great skills of the DS, of the massage therapists and of the mechanics.

You are very humble and this will lead you to great results. We have almost done, here is the last question: what are your hobbies when you don't cycle?
I study, I cook and I take care of my orchard and of my garden.

Thank you Sofia and good luck! Cycling Impressions will always support you! We wish you all the best!