Tour of Cipollini (TOC)

There's the Amgen Tour of California '08.

And then, there's Mario Cipollini.




Who cares about the Yellow Jersey, when Lion King just awoke from a retirement slumber.

With some 1 Million Euros to pay back to the Italian government in taxes, a face like this in court will surely scare the prosecutors

Courtesy Graham Watson

The much publicized return of Mario to pro cycling has not failed to deliver. His larger than life celebrity presence just overwhelms the start line.

Whats even more amazing is his ability to stay at the front after all these years of absence from the pro scene. If there's anything more defining about him, it is his veteran status in the dirty, cunning world of speed. He knows this game all too well, perhaps more than anyone else.

Ok, granted the climbs haven't come yet but still... What do you guys think? Tornado Tom Boonen and Lion King put together, who'll win a one to one sprint finish?

The prospects of such a situation, with Boonen's proven track records, Cipollini's legendary tales and a level playing field now that drugs are out of the equation, just spells some pure sporting entertainment for the rest of us. Moreover, today's stage in California was just a humbling reminder to the world that the man they call 'Cipo' is in top form.

Cipo's name all over his bikes (Image courtesy BKW)

Just curious...with Rudy Project as sponsor to Rock Racing, Cipo clearly prefers Specialized Optics. A detractor?

Oh well, we all know Cipo likes to do his own things, and if he wants to do something, I guess he will.

For instance, lets look at one of his many idiosyncrasies?

When was the last time you saw a rider throw a water bottle at the motorcycle referee, behind the Liggettisms of "Very Good Shot!"? Later, the same victim was involved in a crash.



Apparently, Cipo's bite is worse than his bark. And thats very important in bicycle racing.