July 19, 2006

Simoni Guides De La Fuente

www.bicirace.com

Gilberto Simoni guided young Saunier Duval-Prodir teammate, David De La Fuente, to finish l'Alpe d'Huez and remain holder of the Maillot Blanc à Pois Rouges.

De La Fuente had one heck of a day, staying away in the escape over two serious climbs: the Col d'Izoard and Col du Lauteret. The young Spaniard crossed second on Izoard and first on Laurent, picking up 28 points to add to his lead in the climbing competition (or Polka-Dot jersey).

After a day of being away, the Maillot Jaune gruppo, including Gibo, caught De La Fuente. Once Gibo made contact with his teammate on the foot of l'Alpe d'Huez, he made sure to do all he could to guide his young companion home. For their efforts, De La Fuente has 108 mountain points, ahead of Schleck in second, with 74 points. Nice haul!

The painting department at Scott should be filling the air-brushes with red and white to create a special CR1 for our Spanish hero. Gibo already has a pink frame, so why not a polka-dot affair for David?

For more in-depth tour coverage go to bicirace.com