And Now I Feel Dirty: Mr. 60

Upon reading Mr. 60's in depth investigation into the life and career of Jose-Joaquin Rojas, a loyal reader (thanks Balanuez!-ed.) alerted us to the fact J.J. had an older brother named Mariano.
Mariano Rojas turned pro for the legendary Spanish squad ONCE in 1994. He was an accomplished and tireless worker -- in a team of hard workers -- for Laurent Jalabert and Alex Zulle.
Sadly, he was killed in a car accident in 1996.
Rojas died before achieving a pro victory but his placings included 2nd in the Circuit de la Sarthe 1996, 4th in the GP du Midi Libre 1995, 4th in the Tour de l'Avenir 1995 and 12th in Paris--Nice 1996.
Jose-Joaquin gallantly dedicated yesterday's victory to his brother.

And Now He's A Champion: JJ Rojas

Caisse d'Epargne rider José Joaquin Rojas Gil has just won the opening stage of the Vuelta a Murcia. In so doing, he not only scored his first professional win, but he also beat several on form sprinters; J.J. Haedo, fresh from a Tour of California victory; King of the Sprinting Squirrels, Graeme Brown, who also just won a stage in Cali; and Danilo Napolitano, first loser to Tom Boonen in the final stage of the recent Vuelta a Andalucia.

So who is this promising young Spaniard? Mr. 60 investigates.

He was born on June 8th 1985.

Yes, I know what you're thinking...and totally! That's exactly one year and five days before Mary-Kate and Ashley's b-day!

OMG! BFF right?!

He grew up in Cieza, which happens to be a small town in the region of, you guessed it, Murcia! That makes today's a hometown victory! They won't make fun of the skinny kid for not wanting to play futbol anymore.

Scenic Cieza. Is it any wonder he's a sprinter?

Mr. 60's calls to Juan Lucas Turpin, the president of the Club Ciclista Cieza, were not returned in time for publication.

When asked by Spanish daily Aula De El Mundo who his favorite cyclist was, a 17 year old Jose-Joaquin answered: Laurant Jalabert (like, duh -ed.).

He was Spain's Junior National Champion, but cycling wasn't the only thing on this talented young man's mind. It is interesting to note that while racing as an amateur, Jose Joaquin studied electromechanical engineering.

Way to multi-task!

He signed with Liberty Seguros in 2006 as a neo-professional. Following the Operacion Puerto scandal, he ended the year riding with Astana. The name of his dog has not been made public.

Twice a day in the culo, Dr. Fuentes?

Thursday's second stage will cover 177 kilometers from Totana to Fortuna, with the Alto de Espuña (Cat.1) first, and the Collado Bermejo (aka "Cima Marco Pantani", the highest point in the race) coming halfway through the stage.

Best of luck with those hills tomorrow, JJ!

VDB Optimistic

Cyclingnews.com's Susan Westemeyer reports that Frank Vandenbroucke is in the middle of physical therapy for the knee which was operated on last month and can't race again until the end of April, but he is already planning his season. "My intention is to be ready for the start of the Giro," he told Het Laatste Nieuws. "There are still 70 days, so it must be possible."

Yes Frank, it is possible. Also possible is Mr. 60 falling for a beautiful Brazilian architect with the soul of a poet who will buy him a sailboat, negotiate him a contract with the Quickstep cycling team, make him cold, sweet capirinhas, and tell him he's got the most handsomest man in the world. It's possible, but it's not going to happen and I'm definitely not going to announce it to the press.
Why? Because then the headline in May will read:
Mr. 60: Delusional Liar

Bettini Stays Classy

You are World and Olympic Champion, Paolo, but that does not excuse the helmet design you're currently rocking, man.
I mean if you're going to go all out, go all fuckin' out. Get some peacock feathers sticking out the sides, a couple of little plastic balls to hang off the back, and have a big titted blonde sit on top.

Mr. 60 is Sick

I would feel better kicking dope in Abu Ghraib with Brian Peppers as a cell mate and an 'I Heart Al Zarqawi' tattoo.

Evan Fields is the new "hijo rudicio"

Evander thought this was the worst day of his life until now

Boxer Evander Holyfield, in the midst of a third comeback, has been caught with his trunks down. With a bizarre situation bearing a striking resemblance to the infamous "Operación Puerto" affair, sports fans have received a shock in learning that boxers use steroids. That's right, doping scandals are not just for cyclists anymore.

What, me worry?

Father Time The 44 year old boxer is still in denial, despite the facts that he and "Evan Fields" share the same birthday, and that when a clever reporter called the telephone number listed on Evander's Evan's account, guess who picked-up? If you believe 'Vander is clean, you probably believe Michael "it's not my crack pipe" Irvin too. Shoulda used a Ron Mexico name, Evander.

Another Day, Another Crisis

Can this man win Paris-Roubaix?

Memphis, Tennessee rapper Project Pat has left Sony Records.

The platinum selling rapper, who is responsible for the hit song "Chickenhead," left the label he's called home since 1998.

First Floyd tests positive, Ullrich retires, and now this.

How much more can cycling take?