Friday File: Grazie Cafe Divano, Marinoni's 40th, Time For An Amstel Gold, Paris-Roubaix & The Voice of Le Tour

Marinoni 40th Anniversary SL

I want to thank Flowizm (above) for sending me this excellent visual imagery of Marinoni's gorgeous 40th Anniversary SL lugged frame The details are amazing. Now, there is another model - made from Columbus Zona. And, Pepe Marinoni, himself, welds them.

Nine good reasons for Espresso

 I enjoyed the morning with Guy, John and Patrick as we rolled into Port Moody and stopped over at the fine Cafe Divano. I believe it was my very first triple espresso - ever. And, yes it was thumping delicious. Huge thanks to the FRFuggitivi's for the Easter ride and to Cafe Divano for the perfect offer.

A matter of confidence.

You gotta love Philippe Gilbert for his brilliant win in Brabantse Pijl. His first win of the season is what the doctor ordered and to put the rider nicknamed, The Boar of the Ardennes is back on the winning track. Getting down to business and his goal is to win one of the upcoming Ardennes classics. His last win was 2011 - his dream season that included the Ardennes treble. Amstel Gold is this Sunday...  The Boar of the Ardennes is sharpening his fangs.

Phil Gil scores in 2010.

Time for an Amstel Gold...

A stellar cast will ride but the Cauberg awaits.

Time for the Puncheur...

Back in 1989...

Steve Bauer (second from left) rode an amazingly race to finish 3rd overall.

A look back on Paris-Roubaix...

A revealing before and after photos of Lars Bak and Vegard Breen by Debby Termonia

A few more of my favorite images from BrakeThrough Media...

John Degenkolb

Jose Ivan Rutierrez

And finally...

Daniel Mangeas at PR.

Sadly, the voice of the Tour de France and other great races, Daniel Mangeas is set to retire at the end of this season. The former baker turned commentator is the main speaker at most major races since 1974. Mangeas is so knowledgeable of cycling and it's riders, he is described as a talking cycling encyclopedia. I'll be listening for his distinct voice, one last time, at the Tour. 

I call him, a living legend.