BULLS LOSE TIME AS THEY LOSE THEIR WAY ON THE ROUTE

Stage four was characterised by three major climbs and extremely varied terrain. The first 15 kilometers were on flat gravel and also some tar road. The route then turned onto forestry roads, gaining some elevation while skirting the side of the mountain. Riders quickly reached water point one, but the next stretch was slow going. A five-kilometer steady climb on gravel road with an average of seven percent gradient waited at Kluitjieskraal. On the other side, the trail roughened until it became an eight-kilometer bike-swallowing descent. The gradient was not steep but the track was washed out, rocky (and sandy) with many ruts and holes. After water point two, a flat gravel road led to the foot of the 16-kilometer tar climb of Bain’s Kloof Pass. On the other side, only the first bit of the descent was on tar before riders plunged into the Bain’s MTB Trails at Welvanpas: smooth flowing ups and downs, perfectly carved into the mountain side. However, there was one more big climb, most of it on forestry roads, before four kilometers of handcrafted downhill single-track through fynbos vegetation. There was one more tiny bump and the last couple of kilometers were plain sailing into the race village in Wellington.
Stage 4 started with cool temperatures in the morning. It was a fast stage with lots of single-track. There was an early breakaway by Rene Haselbacher and Wolfgang Krenn of ASRIN RH77 and they stayed in the lead until the Telkom Hot Spot. After the Hot Spot, Sauser and Kulhavy took the lead and powered on, increasing the gap over the course of the stage.

Teams Multivan Merida, Bulls and Bulls 2 missed a route marker. After following what they thought was the correct route, their path intersected stage 5’s route, which was already marked, and they then continued to follow stage 5’s route markers, and thought that this was today’s course.

The route markers are identical for all stages and hence the riders did not realise that they were on the wrong course until much later, after which they were approached and turned around by a media motorbike. They then retraced their steps and rejoined the course where they had left it.

They crossed the finish line with a time gap of 21.53,2 minutes to the leaders.

The commissaires panel and the organisers took the decision to award the first of the three teams in question the winning time plus 10 minutes, the second team received a gap of 10 minutes and 1 second and the third team received a gap of 10 minutes and 2 seconds. This decision was based on the time gap between the leaders and the chasing group of Multivan Merida, Bulls and Bulls 2 at the point where the teams took the wrong turn, and adding the estimated time it would have taken the chasing group to realise their mistake and turn back, had they not encountered tomorrow’s route signage.

Usually, if a team takes an incorrect turn and rides off-course, the team would no longer see any more route markings. They should then realise, within a few hundred meters, that they have left the marked route. The estimated time added to the time gap was calculated on the amount of time it can reasonably be assumed that a team would take to turn around and return to the marked route.

The time will only be adjusted on GC, but not on stage results – hence the podium for stage 4 remains unchanged.

A team is required to take reasonable responsibility for navigating the course. The lead motorbikes are to ensure the course marking is correctly in place and to ensure that the course is free of obstacles. They are instructed to remain out of sight of the leading riders at all times to ensure all riders are required to navigate and no teams receive an unfair advantage by merely following a motorbike.

The commissaires were required to exercise discretionary intervention with today’s case, distinguishing the difference between yesterday’s incident involving team Burry Stander – Songo and today’s, with teams Multivan Merida, Bulls and Bulls 2. Yesterday’s incident was addressed by rules which provides for teams leaving the marked route, today’s required a decision by the commissaires, as riders were still following the official route markers, though for the following day’s stage . In both cases, the route marking team returned to the site of the incidents in question and were satisfied that the course was sufficiently marked.
Benno Willeit, team manager of Burry Stander – SONGO, says: “Our guys showed again that they’re the strongest out there. Today everything went smooth and at the last water point we had a gap of five minutes I think. But today they (Bulls) were unlucky like our guys yesterday by going off-track. They, like we did yesterday, took the wrong turn. A few meters after that they saw a sign that is no different from all the other Cape Epic markings – it looked the same and they just followed it. By the time they realised they were wrong, they had to ride all the way back and in the process lost 20 minutes. This is not how we would like to win the race though. This morning we didn’t think about the lead and now we have a lead of 1 minute. It’s enough to bring home the Yellow.”

Friedeman Schmude, team manager of the Bulls, adds: “The decision was made by die UCI. It’s a done deal it seems. All the teams have a difference of opinion obviously. And it’s a difficult situation for the teams and the decision makers.”

Men’s Category
Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy of Burry Stander – SONGO showed their true form by winning Stage 4 of this year’s Absa Cape Epic in a time of 4:32.49,3 (overall 19:40.04,9). This is Sauser’s 28th stage win in the history of the event. They were followed by Marco Fontana and Manuel Fumic of Cannondale Factory Racing in 4:50.56,9 (overall 20:28.02,1). In third place with their first podium finish this year were South Africans Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes (SCOTT Factory Racing) in 4:52.17,4 (overall 20:36.23,9). The Bulls Karl Platt and Urs Huber, as well as Thomas Dietsch and Tim Boehme, finished in seventh (4:54.43,3) and eighth (4:54.44,3) place respectively in today’s stage.

Sauser and Kulhavy (Burry Stander – SONGO) now lead the race by 1 minute, 12,1 seconds (overall 19:40.04,9). The Bulls Karl Platt and Urs Huber are in second place overall (19:41.17,0) and the Bulls 2 team Thomas Dietsch and Tim Boehme in third overall (19:53.35,2).

Says Kulhavy of Burry Stander – SONGO: “We were really strong today and pushed hard to the finish. The gap between ourselves and the other teams just became bigger and bigger. It was really good for us mentally and will motivate us for the next three stages. We’ll be really careful and hopefully we can win. I’m enjoying the race and it’s great for me as well as my career. It’s really an epic race and amazing. It’s a relief to be in the lead and great for motivation – the Yellow Zebra Leader Jersey is very important. We still have a long way to go – we’ll see how it goes.”
Says Fontana of Cannondale Factory Racing: “It was hard out there today and I could feel the pain in my legs. Midway I started feeling better, but the last climb was long with loose rocks – it was very tough. We just got into our own rhythm and nearly caught up with the second Songo team when they had a flat. It’s very nice to be second and on the podium again. We finished in third place in the Prologue.” His teammate Fumic adds: “Today was tough and we benefitted from the mistakes of the other teams. We were suffering a lot but when we got to the last 5 km’s we heard that we were in second place and that helped us to push to the finish. This is an awesome race and we’re enjoying it. It’s 100% what everyone told us and an believable experience. We’re a great team.”

Stefan Sahm was shocked when he heard of his fourth place today. “It’s crazy. Something’s gone wrong and the guys must’ve taken a wrong turn.”

Rudi van Houts (with his teammate José Hermida) of Multivan Merida finished in 6th place today (4:54.42,5; 20:06.01,2). “We took the wrong turn and followed the markers for tomorrow’s route. We thought we were right and kept on going until someone told us we’re on the wrong road. We didn’t know where to go and still don’t know what we did wrong. It was a 3 or 4 km detour,” he says.

Says Huber of the Bulls team: “We missed the road and we don’t know why. There were markers, but after a while we turned around. We lost time today.” Adds Platt: “I’m upset because we lost time today. You always follow the next mark and we followed the markers for around 7km, but apparently it was the markers for tomorrow’s route. I was pretty sure it was the right way and this really shouldn’t happen.”

Gerald Ciolek wins Milan Sanremo

Gerald Ciolek made history today by winning one of cycling's monuments, Milan Sanremo. The race is the longest in the world at 298km. Today was especially hard as weather conditions forced organisers to stop the race after nearly two hours of racing because of snow and very low temperatures. The race was moved to a safer location with the run in to the finish via the Cipressa and Poggio staying the same.

Ciolek made it to the Cipressa, the second last climb of the day, in a select peloton. World Champion Philippe Gilbert (BMC) was the first to attack causing several riders to go off the front. As they crested the Poggio, the day's final climb, Ciolek followed the two pre-race favourites, Peter Sagan (Cannondale) and Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack-Leopard).

This formed what would be the winning move of the day. Ciolek outsprinted Sagan (2nd) and Cancellara (3rd) for what is the African team’s first victory at a WorldTour level.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Ciolek after crossing the finish line. “This is an unbelievable success for us and just an incredible day. We just came here as a wildcard and now we’re standing here with the trophy. This is great. I knew I had to follow all the best riders on the Poggio and it worked out perfectly.

“When I chose this team, people wondered why I would join a Pro Continental team but it’s just been unbelievable. The coaching and staff on this team is so professional. I have never seen management care so much for the riders. I am happy to be on this team,” an elated Ciolek concluded.

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung is the first ever Professional Continental team from the African continent and thus gained a wildcard entry into the race, to compete against the top 19 teams in cycling.

“To win the first major classic ahead of Peter Sagan and Fabian Cancellara through these weather conditions is amazing,” said team prinicipal Douglas Ryder. “We were coming into the race hoping for a top 20 but every rider gave everything they could to help Gerald.

“I think the dedicated coaching and support he gets is what he has needed in his career. He needed to be the number one rider and have a team built around him and we are incredibly fortunate that he chose our team. He knew when he chose our team that he would race for Qhubeka and that’s greater than just winning races. He is really inspired to race and help others.”

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung also made history when Songezo Jim became the first black South African rider to race a WorldTour event. To find out more about Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung and riding to mobilise people on bikes in Africa, click here.

Jake White Scholarship announced

A high-performing South African student will receive a chance to study in Australia under a new scholarship announced today.

The University of Canberra Brumbies Scholarship for General Excellence, known as the ‘Jake White Scholarship’, includes University of Canberra tuition fees, subsidised accommodation and an internship with the University of Canberra Brumbies Super Rugby side.

Students who are South African citizens with a strong academic and sporting records are eligible for the scholarship.

University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker joined Jake White to launch the scholarship after the University of Canberra Brumbies Captain’s Run in Durban.

“An international outlook and sports teaching and research are major parts of life at the University of Canberra,” Professor Parker said.

“South Africans and Australians have a lot in common: we both love rugby and we both value education. I hope by giving a young South African rugby player an opportunity to study in Australia we can strengthen the links between our nations.

“University of Canberra is proud of its professional education, applied research and community links in all areas, but especially in sport. Our partnership with the Brumbies is innovative and unlike any other sponsorship arrangement in professional sport, the mutual benefits are significant and the potential is huge.”

The Brumbies will soon relocate to the University of Canberra campus as part of a unique multimillion dollar ‘sports hub’.

Jake White, who is an adjunct professor with the University, welcomed the Scholarship.

“For many students, this scholarship will be 100 per cent life changing. UC has a proven track record of placing students in good jobs and it’s exciting to think that South Africans are now able to enjoy that system too,” he said.

“I’m constantly amazed at the amount of South Africans who ask me about how they can get their own children into the University of Canberra once they’ve finished school. Emails, phone calls and letters, you name it, people are contacting me saying that they want their children to be given the best education possible.

“It’s fantastic to be making the announcement of the Jake White Scholarship today and I look forward to seeing plenty of South African students take on the challenge of living and studying in Canberra in the future.”


About the scholarship

Selection will be based on a written statement which outlines the applicant’s academic and sporting achievements.
The scholarship includes

• A fully funded full-time degree at the University of Canberra (up to a maximum of three years).
• A one-off reimbursement of $1,500 to assist with relocation costs.
• Subsidised on campus accommodation at the University of Canberra
• Access to internship opportunities with Brumbies Rugby. (of at least 10 hours per week during semester)

More information is online at: www.canberra.edu.au/jakewhite

 

THE 10TH EDITION OF THE UNTAMED ABSA CAPE EPIC

The tenth edition of the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race, the Absa Cape Epic, will see cyclists from all corners of the world step onto South African soil to compete in this world-renowned mountain bike stage race. The race, which takes place from 17 to 24 March, will kick off with its prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville and finish eight days, 706 km and 15 950m of climbing later at the traditional Lourensford Wine Estate finish in Somerset West. This legendary race will welcome riders from 41 different countries, with 426 riders coming from outside South Africa, to compete in this year’s race.

With 1200 cyclists taking part in the 10th edition of the Absa Cape Epic the race has grown immensely since the inaugural race in 2004, with 250 two-man teams signed up for the first edition of the race. Race founder and Director Kevin Vermaak says: “Creating and developing the Absa Cape Epic has been tremendously exhilarating and satisfying. It brings together avid mountain bikers from around the world and shows them new routes, traversing the spectacular byways of the Western Cape. Our management team’s excitement is perhaps akin to the sense of achievement that more than a thousand riders feel after committing an entire year to their preparations and finally crossing the finish line at Lourensford Wine Estate. The event never fails to thrill me, and neither does the anticipation I feel as I look to the Epic’s future, mapped out ahead.”

Enrico Theuns (47) from The Netherlands, owner of Marina Scharloo in Holland, will spend 16 hours in transit and will need three days to adjust before starting the race. Theuns, who successfully completed the race in 2012, says: “Mountain biking is my second nature since I stopped playing soccer 10 years ago - especially the tougher side of this sport is what I like the most. The battle between my physical and mental condition is the game I like to play. So the longer and tougher it goes, the better for me.”

Manuel Lafora (42) from Barcelona, Spain who will participate in his first Absa Cape Epic this year, says: “I’ve done several mountain bike stage races and wanted to do this one that’s supposed to be the number one in the world. It wasn’t only because of the race but also because of the passion I’ve always had to visit Cape Town. I’ll spend 17 hours in transit, with a 2 hour stop in London.” Lafora, a General Manager for Polar in Spain and Portugal will need two days to adjust before the race starts.

Forty four year old Niccolo Violati, who lives in Cerveteri, an old Etruscan village 40 km north of Rome, will take on his second Absa Cape Epic and says: “Two years ago I decided to visit CT again for a windsurfing training period and I brought a mountain bike. I entered a 3 day stage race in Knysna on the Internet and I met a race partner who was training for the Epic. I loved the race in Knysna, the great surroundings and the friendly people. I managed to secure my 2012 team entry, and back I came for both windsurfing and mountain biking. This year I decided to enter the lottery and crossed my fingers. I will team up with my friend that I met at the Knysna race. What a reunion!” Violati will spend 19 hours in transit with a stopover in Istanbul and a technical stop in Johannesburg.

Canadian born Lester Pardoe (43), currently residing in Boulder Colorado (USA), will spend a tiring 32 hours traveling to Cape Town, or as he says 650 songs on an iPod. Pardoe will stop over three times - in Denver, New York City and Amsterdam before he reaches Cape Town. “I arrive only 2 days before the race starts and I'm assuming it'll take me 10 days to adjust to SA, which means as the race wraps up I should be good.  In all seriousness, I usually adjust time wise pretty well, but will shift my sleep/work schedule by a few hours the 2 weeks prior to help me,” says Pardoe.

Costa Rican Lawyer Kathya Rojas (44), a newcomer to this mountain bike stage race, will spend roughly two days travelling from Costa Rica to Cape Town. “Several years ago I was searching on the Internet and then we saw a video of the Cape Epic,” says Rojas who will make at least three stops while in transit.

Two times Absa Cape Epic finisher Klaas Van Moortel (32) from Belgium will take two flights to participate in this year’s race, from Brussels to London and from London to Cape Town, spending a total of 17 hours travelling. “This is my 3rd entry. I entered again because riding the Cape Epic is such an amazing experience. It's hard to describe if you’ve never done it, but the great ambiance, the track itself, make it a lifetime experience.” Van Moortel, a Product Specialist for veterinary products for cattle will have 5 days to adjust before the Prologue kicks off at Meerendal Wine Estate on 17 March 2013.

Colin Crowley (41) from Cork, Ireland, will test his mental and physical endurance as he participates in his first Absa Cape Epic. “Myself and my team mate travel all over the world as we work for an international construction company. It brings us to Africa (mainly Johannesburg), the Middle East and Australia. I live in Cork, Ireland but find myself in Johannesburg and up in Africa quite a lot of the time so training happens all over the world. I’ll spend the next 4 weeks training in Cork in the ice and then down to Johannesburg for some high altitude training and something a little more consistent to take us up to D-Day,” says Crowley. Crowley, a Construction Engineer, hopes to be in Johannesburg to minimise his time spent in transit.

Spending an astounding 45 hours in transit traveling from Victoria in Australia, Peta Mullens (25) admits that she is very excited for her first race. “I fell in love with stage racing at the Tour of Timor and then conjured up the thought of racing the biggest stage race in the world. So my boyfriend and I applied for a wildcard entry and now I say 'South Africa here we come!’ I have an eleven hour stopover in Kuala Lumpur and a ten hour stopover in Dubai,” says Mullens.

Giuliana Massarotto (49) returns for her second Absa Cape Epic this year. A librarian in public administration and manager of three public gyms and sports local associations, the Padova (Milan) cyclist will spend 24 hours in transit with one stopover in Paris. She will have three days to adapt before the race kicks off. “It's my second time riding the Cape Epic. I rode a stage race with my current teammate in Italy and when I told her about my African adventure last March she asked me to enter the Absa Cape Epic again with her. I really wanted to ride it again. It was an amazing experience - I'm still living it inside of me,” says Massarotto.

Coming all the way from Alfenas Minas Gerais, Brazil is Marcelo Rodrigo Tavares (37). Riding the Absa Cape Epic for the first time, Tavares will spend 20 hours in transit. It will take Tavares two days to adapt before he starts the race. One half of team Thunderbikes, Tavares’ cycling partner Roland Egger received an entry for the 10th edition of this legendary mountain bike stage race.

Spending 15 hours in transit from Switzerland, Mark Korkmann (47) was invited by his partner to participate this year. It will take the Swiss Project Manager 15 hours of travelling and two stopovers before reaching Cape Town.

The movement of cyclists from around the world for the Absa Cape Epic has been referred to as the Great Trek and that comes as no surprise as cyclists such as David Oz (47) from Israel, Peter Vesel (47) who lives in Slovenia and Chris Roberts (48) from Kenya all make their way to the starting line of this legendary endurance event. More than half of the international cyclists will spend more than 30 hours in transit but agree that it will be well worth the effort once they are on their mountain bikes at this year’s event.

TOTTENHAM FURY OVER INTER 'MONKEY CHANTS'

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has demanded UEFA take action against Inter Milan after claiming Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor was subject to "monkey chants" during Thursday's Europa League clash.

Adebayor scored the crucial extra-time goal which allowed the Londoners to progress to the quarter-finals on the away goals rule despite a 4-1 defeat on the night in the second leg of their last-16 tie at the San Siro.
"Chants were very, very easy to hear. It's difficult for Inter, we have seen it before. It doesn't mar the game but it is something to be avoided," Villas-Boas told reporters.

Three weeks ago, Inter were fined and warned about their supporters' future conduct after racist chanting was heard during the derby with city rivals AC Milan.

Inter were fined 50,000 euros ($66,000) for its fans' repeated "expressions of racial discrimination to a player of the opposing team" and the unfurling of insulting banners.

Some hardcore Inter fans were seen waving inflatable bananas during the game.

BOLT WINS LAUREUS AWARDS FOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Usain Bolt has been named sportsman of the year at the Laureus Sports Awards, with Europe's Ryder Cup golfers honored as the best team.

Bolt has won his third Laureus Award after another dominant Olympic performance on the track at London, winning the gold in the 100, 200 and 4x100-meter relay. The European Ryder Cup team has been rewarded Monday for its remarkable rally against the U.S. at Medinah.

British heptathlete Jessica Ennis has been chosen the sportswoman of 2012, while Andy Murray has been named the top breakthrough athlete and Felix Sanchez the main comeback athlete.

Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner was the winner in the action category after becoming the first skydiver to go faster than the speed of sound. Brazil's Daniel Dias won the disability award.

SHARON LAWS WITHDRAWS FROM THE ABSA CAPE EPIC

Two-times winner of the Absa Cape Epic in the Ladies category, Sharon Laws, had to withdraw from the 10th edition of the race yesterday after sustaining serious injuries in the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour.

Says Kevin Vermaak, Absa Cape Epic founder: “It was an honour to have Hanlie and Sharon riding together and contending for the Ladies title in the 10th edition of the Absa Cape Epic. They won their category for the inaugural race in 2004 and again in 2009 when the route had changed from the traditional Knysna to the Cape Town start. It’s a huge personal loss as it was particularly auspicious that they would be riding in this, the landmark 10th year.

“I had offered all the riders from 2004 to bypass the lottery if they rode with the same partner as in 2004. Eight teams are identical to 2004, and Hanlie and Sharon were special in that they are the only winning team that is back to ride and contend as the same team in the same category. They have won the Ladies category every time they have ridden together,” Vermaak concludes.

Premier League Preview

By STEVE DOUGLAS

After enhancing its status as the new power in London, Tottenham can set about disrupting the hegemony of the two big guns from Manchester by beating Liverpool in the English Premier League's standout match this weekend.

The Tottenham of recent years would be starting to fade at this stage of the season but the class of 2013, led by Gareth Bale, has a tougher look to it.

The team is on the brink of the Europa League quarterfinals after a convincing 3-0 win over Inter Milan in the first leg of the last 16 on Thursday, while a 12-match unbeaten run has lifted Spurs to third place in the Premier League, above London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

With second-place Manchester City in FA Cup action this weekend, Tottenham can move within two points of the champions with a win at Anfield on Sunday.

"It is a great time to be at the club, we are playing with great players and the sky is the limit," Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe said. "It is the winning mentality that I think we have got now. In games when things aren't going great, everyone gets stuck in and just keeps going, it is a good thing to have.

"We've not just got a great team now, but a great squad."

The match will see the two in-form forwards in the Premier League - Bale and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez - go head-to-head.

By scoring against Inter, Bale took his haul to 11 goals in his past nine games in all competitions. Suarez's hat trick in the 4-0 win at Wigan last weekend put him at the top of the league's scoring chart with 21 and saw him become only the third Liverpool player, after Robbie Fowler and Fernando Torres, to pass 20 goals in a Premier League campaign.

British media reported Friday that Suarez's exploits have earned him a pay raise, allegedly doubling his weekly salary from 40,000 pounds ($60,000) a week to 80,000 pounds ($120,000) a week.

"I don't know if I am in the very best scoring form of my life, but certainly I am enjoying a bit of what every striker needs and that is a little bit of luck," Suarez said. "Last season, chances weren't going in, whereas this year they are."

Liverpool hasn't given up hope of finishing in the top four, even though it is 12 points behind Tottenham heading into Sunday's match.

"We've been in good form recently and it's a good opportunity to reduce the gap between ourselves and Spurs," Suarez said. "There is a slight chance we can make Champions League football - and if we want to do that, this is the sort of game we need to win."

Tottenham, which has won only twice at Anfield in the Premier League era, could be without Aaron Lennon after the winger went off against Inter with a hamstring injury, but striker Emmanuel Adebayor is back in the squad after a knee problem.

With the rest of the Premier League's top teams on FA Cup duty or having the weekend off, the focus elsewhere will be on the fight against relegation.

Queens Park Rangers could finally climb off the bottom on Saturday if it beats Sunderland and next-to-last Reading loses at home to Aston Villa, the other team in the relegation zone.

QPR looked doomed when Harry Redknapp took over November, but there is now hope.
"We need a run of wins. We need another five wins at least I think," said Redknapp, whose side has 20 points from 28 games. "We need to win half our games and get a draw or two and get to 37 points.

"I would take 37 points now and walk away. I'd take my chances."

Also Saturday, Norwich hosts fifth-from-bottom Southampton and Swansea travels to West Bromwich Albion. On Sunday, Newcastle hosts Stoke.

The highlight of the FA Cup quarterfinals is Man United's home match against Chelsea on Sunday, with all eyes on whether Wayne Rooney will return to United's lineup after being dropped for the Champions League match against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

United manager Alex Ferguson said Rooney will be involved but didn't confirm if the striker would start.
Man City hosts Barnsley, Everton plays Wigan, while a second-tier side is assured of a trip to Wembley Stadium for the semifinals with Millwall taking on Blackburn.

Gerald Ciolek third in mass sprint!

Team MTN Qhubeka p/b Samsung has its first podium placing in its first WorldTour start. The German team captain Gerald Ciolek sprinted to third place in the second stage of the Italian race Tirreno-Adriatico (March 6-12, UCI WorldTour) on Thursday. The only riders faster than him after 232 kilometers from San Vincenzo to Indicatore were stage winner Matthew Harley Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) and Manuel Belleti (AG2R).
Ciolek's Italian teammate Kristian Sbaragli made the South African team's accomplishments complete with an eighth place finish, giving the team two riders in the top ten on a rain-filled day.

“That was the perfect start in our first WorldTour race,“ Ciolek rejoiced after the race. „We ride for a fantastic project to get African kids on bicycles. That is a great motivation for me and the team. I think the whole team, which works very hard for our goal.“

„The guys prepared the sprint for Gerald really well. The best are at the start here, so this is the perfect beginning for such an important race,“ said sport director Jens Zemke. „Our team worked hard for this result and Geralds's good results the last few races have shown us that he would be at the front.“

After two of seven stages, Mark Cavendish of Omega Pharma-QuickStep leads in the overall rankings ahead of his teammates Michael Kwiatkowski and Niki Terpstra.

Rain poured down much of the day, as the peloton spent much of the stage chasing after a three-rider break group. The last of the trio was finally caught with about 30 km to go, and the closing mass sprint was set up. The distinctive MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung rain jackets were often seen near the front as the race wound down, as they brought Ciolek into position.

Sprinter Ciolek will have another chance for a top stage finish on Friday in the next expected mass sprint. The third stage runs for 190 kilometers from Indicatore to Narni Scalo. Tirreno-Adriatico ends next Tuesday in San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatic Sea with an individual time trial. One of the highlights of the seven-stage, 1,060 kilometer long „Race Between the Seas“ is the mountaintop finish Saturday in Prati di Tivo.

The Sharks share team culture passion with SharkSmart schools

Pupils and coaches from top rugby playing schools in KwaZulu-Natal got a rare inside perspective on the one of the main ingredients behind The Sharks success when the Super Rugby team shared it's philosophy on the importance of team culture with the schoolboys and their coaches.

The special Discovery SharkSmart workshop, which was presented by The Sharks coach John Plumtree, skipper Keegan Daniel and biokineticist Jimmy Wright was attended by senior players and coaches from twelve schools in the province.

"How often have you seen a team with all the star players, but they battle to put results on the board consistently? We believe the answer to that problem lies in the team culture, and it is something that we have put a lot of effort into this past year," said Plumtree.

Plumtree tasked Wright with the job of researching team culture trends, and leading the squad through establishing the foundations of their team culture for the current season.

Daniel pointed to a number of key elements that underpinned their team culture, principally trust, respect, a shared vision, humility, faith and gratitude.

"You can't push a rope, you have to pull it," said Daniel, describing the need for a squad's senior players and leaders to set a constant example. "In our team we try to make every player a leader," he added.

"We want to leave a legacy," said Daniel. "Our legacy will be a healthy culture where quality people produce quality performances."

He said the team went to great lengths to make sure the younger players felt included at all levels of the teams activities, and that their perspective of the team extended to every person who worked at the union, and to every single fan.

Under coach Plumtree the squad has a flat structure with easy access to the senior players and management, and a unique system of "umbrella groups" that allow players an easily accessible channel through which to air their views.

"You need to live you culture," Daniel told the school teams. He said that consistently successful teams had managed to create a spirit within the team where the players were willing to go the extra mile for each other week after week.

Plumtree wished the schools well for the impending season, and urged them to focus on creating a strong, healthy culture in their schools teams that will be part of the legacy they leave behind.

"The Discovery SharkSmart programme aims to brings the passion and expertise to within the reach of high schools in KwaZulu-Natal, allowing them to follow global best practices and learn from one of the most successful franchises in world rugby," said Discovery SharkSmart director Dr. Glen Hagemann.

"This workshop gave these schoolboys and their coaches a rare glimpse at what really makes a top team tick, and proved to be an invaluable experience for the boys and their coaches," he added.

The workshop was attended by pupils and coaches from Crawford College North Coast, DHS, Glenwood High School, Hillcrest High School, Kingsway High School, Kloof High School, Northwood School, Port Natal Skool, South City College, Treverton College, Weston Agricultural College and Westville Boys High School.

More information can be found at www.sharksmart.co.za

WILLIAMS SCORES TRY IN RETURN TO RUGBY LEAGUE

Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams has scored a late consolation try in his return to rugby league as his Sydney Roosters lost 28-10 to South Sydney in the first match of the Australian season.

The opening National Rugby League match came amid controversy.

Earlier Thursday, Australian media reported several Cronulla Sharks players had been urged to accept a six-month ban from an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into peptide-based supplements given to Sharks players by a sports scientist.

Bookmakers suspended betting on the Cronulla-Gold Coast game on Sunday because of the uncertainty raised by the potential doping bans on the club's starting lineup.

VALCKE MAKES KEY BRAZIL VISIT AS CONFED CUP NEARS

By TALES AZZONI

Amid concerns about stadium construction delays, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke began a tour Tuesday to check on Brazil's preparations with about three months to go before the Confederations Cup starts.

Valcke will visit three host cities and will participate in a board meeting of the local World Cup organizing committee at the end of his three-day trip.

He began his visit in the northeastern city of Recife, which has yet to deliver its stadium for the warm-up tournament. He will then head to Belo Horizonte, which faced problems at the inauguration of the Mineirao Stadium earlier this year. His last stop is in Rio de Janeiro, which will host the final at Maracana on June 30.

The board meeting will be on Thursday, marking 100 days before the Confederations Cup begins. The opener will be in Brasilia on June 15. The tournament among continental champions will also be played in Salvador and Fortaleza.

FIFA initially wanted all six venues to be ready by December but was forced to extend the deadline until April 15 because of delays.

Valcke admitted last week there is "a very tight schedule with a few of the stadia," but said FIFA had "trust in the commitment made by the federal government and the governors and mayors responsible that they will fulfill the guarantees they provided."

Only the Mineirao and the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza have been delivered so far, with the other four venues racing to have the work done by the mid-April deadline.

The Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador was expected to be completed last week, but local authorities were forced to delay its delivery date because constructors were unable to finish the venue on time. Its opening had to be moved back from March 29 to April 7, just a week before FIFA's deadline.

Brazil's Sports Ministry says all stadiums will be ready for the Confederations Cup.

There were glitches in the inauguration of the Castelao and the Mineirao, including a faulty pitch, but organizers said the problems have already been solved and the venues are ready.

Local organizing committee members Ronaldo and Bebeto, as well as Brazil's Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and other local government officials, are accompanying Valcke on his tour.

Valcke is expected to handover symbolic tickets to representatives of the construction workers who have been renovating the venues.
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MCILROY REGRETS PULLING OUT OF HONDA EVENT

World number one Rory McIlroy says he regrets withdrawing from the PGA Tour's Honda Classic and if he had to do it over again he would have stuck it out even if it meant shooting an 85.

"It was a reactive decision," McIlroy told Sports Illustrated. "What I should have done is take my drop, chip it on, try to make a five and play my hardest on the back nine, even if I shot 85.

"What I did was not good for the tournament, not good for the kids and the fans who were out there watching me -- it was not the right thing to do."

McIlroy, who was trying to defend the Florida title, is now sorry he pulled out midway through the second round with a wisdom tooth problem. He was seven-over par at the time.

McIlroy took plenty of heat for pulling out of the event and it only made an already rough start to the season worse for him.

"I didn't want to be there," he said.

In his first event in Abu Dhabi, McIlroy missed the cut after rounds of 75-75 and he was ousted in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play.

He said he expects to have one of his troublesome lower wisdom teeth pulled following the US Open in June.

First African team to start a WorldTour event

African cycling is taking another step forward. This coming Wednesday, Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung will take on its first season highlight at the Itallian race Tirreno-Adriatico (March 6-12, UCI WorldTour). This is the first time in the history of international cycling that an African team will start in a WorldTour race, the highest ranking of the UCI. The Professional Continental team will be led by their German team captain Gerald Ciolek and Spaniard Sergio Pardilla. And for the first time, newly-crowned South African road champion Jay Thomson will wear the jersey with the national colours at a UCI race.

“The 2013 Tirreno–Adriatico will see the first African registered Pro Continental Team take the start in a WorldTour event. I want to thank RCS Sport for having a great vision of globalising world cycling and for giving our team the opportunity to participate and race against the best cyclists in the world”, said team principal Douglas Ryder. “When you are racing to mobilise people on bikes in Africa, you have more motivation than racing for yourself and our riders are looking forward to the challenge.”

Pardilla will start the race on the back of a succesful debut for the team in Le Tour de Langkawi where he finished third overall. The Spaniard was supported by an outstanding team, which also won the team ranking in the Asian race.

Despite being hampered by sickness, team captain Gerald Ciolek has showed good form during the early part of the season by winning the final stage in Three Days of West Flanders and sprinting to eleventh place in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and fifth place in Trofeo Laigueglia.

“Our team presented itself very well in the first races of the season and brought in noteworthy placings. Everyone on the team worked perfectly together and was highly motivated for the races,“ said sport director Jens Zemke. “The appearance at Tirreno-Adriatico is our first big highlight. In Italy we want to justify our invitation to our first WorldTour race with a good performance. We will look to Gerald Ciolek in the sprint arrivals, and in the mountains, Sergio Pardilla will be our man.“

The race starts Wednesday with a team time trial in San Vincenzo and ends seven days later with an individual time trial in San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatic Sea. One of the highlights of the "Race of the Two Seas" is the mountaintop finish at Prati di Tivo on Saturday.

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung has a dedicated website for the race on its Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/TeamMTNQhubeka/app_351105568338242

Tirreno-Adriatico (Italy) – (March 6-12): Gerald Ciolek, Ignatas Konovalovas, Andreas Stauff, Martin Reimer, Jay Thomson, Kristian Sbaragli, Jaco Venter, Sergio Pardilla

Staff: Jens Zemke (Directeur Sportif), Brent Copeland (Directeur Sportif), Bastian Buffel (Soigneur), Hagen Bernutz (Soigneur), Ian Blackburn (Soigneur), Nierie Daniele (Mechanic), Heiko Heinrici (Mechanic), Casper Bester (Mechanic), Francesco Bonnini (Bus Driver)

Two more lawsuits for Armstrong

Lance Armstrong was facing two more lawsuits on Friday spawned by his admission that all seven of his Tour de France victories were fueled by banned drugs.

The Nebraska-based Acceptance Insurance Company sued Armstrong and Tailwind Sports Corporation claiming he committed fraud by concealing his use of performance enhancing drugs during the 1999, 2000 and 2001 Tours.

"By his cheating and deception, Armstrong committed fraud. This suit seeks repayment of $3 million in undeserved an unearned pay Lance Armstrong obtained by fraud," stated the lawsuit filed in Travis County Court in Austin, Texas.

The payment cited was a $3 million bonus paid to Armstrong for his first three Tour victories.
Acceptance claims that Armstrong's lies void the policy under which the money was paid out.

In October, Armstrong was stripped of his Tour titles as well as all other results from August 1998 and banned for life after the US Anti-Doping Agency determined he was the key figure in a sophisticated doping program on his US Postal Service team.

He finally made a belated admission of doping in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey in January, in which he said he used a combination of blood-doping transfusions, blood-boosting EPO and testosterone throughout his career.

Armstrong was also sued Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles in a class-action lawsuit claiming Armstrong and FRS -- maker of nutritional supplements -- engaged in false advertising.

Armstrong spokesman Mark Fabiani said the Texan and his advisers had no comment on the suits, which are just the latest legal woes to spring from Armstrong's disgrace.

The US government has joined a "whistle-blower" lawsuit seeking help the US Postal Service recoup "tens of millions" paid to Armstrong when it sponsored his team with more than $30 million -- a lawsuit that could deliver a triple-damages blow costing Armstrong more than $90 million.

That lawsuit was first filed by Armstrong's disgraced former teammate Floyd Landis, who claims Armstrong and team manager Johan Bruyneel defrauded taxpayers and the government by having Armstrong and other riders use performance-enhancing drugs.

Armstrong is also being sued by Texas insurance company SCA, which paid him $12.1 million in bonuses for multiple Tour victories.

In Britain, he is being sued by the Sunday Times, which is seeking repayment of the £1 million ($1.6 million, 1.2 million euros) libel settlement Armstrong won against the newspaper in 2006 after it printed allegations that he doped.

The Big Easy Tour

The third Sunshine Big Easy tour for up and coming golfers will once again comprise 11 tournaments and a tour championship.

The inaugural Big Easy Tour began in 2011 and was a resounding success. Sunshine Tour wins by Bryce Easton, Ryan Cairns, Teboho Sefatsa underscored the benefit of the tour and countless players attributed their main tour accomplishments to honing their skills on the Big Easy Tour.

The third season will begin at Roodepoort Country Club, one of two new venues that will host one of 11 R100,000 tournaments scheduled for 2013. The Maccauvlei tournament will fall away, but both Roodepoort and Wingate Country Clubs have been added to the list of tournament venues.

The 2013 season will begin in early April and run until the Big Easy Tour Championship, which plays out at Glendower Golf Club from September 4 to 6.

Between April and September there will be no fewer than two Big Easy tournaments per month, which gives tomorrow's stars the chance to consistently play competitive golf. June will be a bumper month for the tour, with tournaments at Wingate and Irene Country Clubs and Houghton Golf Club.