Charlie Wegelius

Infobox Cyclist
ridername = Charlie Wegelius

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image_caption = Wegelius in the 2007 Tour de Romandie
fullname = Charles Wegelius
nickname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1978|4|26
country = GBR
height =
weight =
currentteam = Liquigas
discipline = Road
role = Rider
ridertype =
amateuryears =
amateurteams =
proyears = 2000–2002
2003–2004
2005–2008
2009–
proteams = Mapei-Quick Step
De Nardi
Liquigas
Silence-Lotto
majorwins =
updated = April 25, 2008

Charles ("Charlie") Wegelius (born 26 April 1978 in Espoo, Finland) is an English cyclist, currently racing for the Italian Liquigas team.

Wegelius grew up in Yorkshire and had his first professional break as stagiaire for the ill-fated Linda McCartney Racing Team.

During the 2005 World Championships in Madrid, Wegelius chose to not ride to protect British leader Roger Hammond, but instead to help the Italian team. Wegelius was forced to repay any costs associated with the event and, in a statement, British Cycling announced that it would be 'difficult to foresee' Wegelius riding for the British or English national team again [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/4337352.stm BBC Sports] Thursday, 13 October 2005] .

Wegelius made his Tour de France début in 2007, having previously ridden the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta of professional cycling's "Grand Tours". Never a winner, he has nevertheless made a career out of being a reliable and strong 'domestique' or 'gregario' - a powerful rider who shepherds the team leader to success - most notably in the mountainous Giro d'Italia stage race, where his ability to climb has been of great value in this role.

2007 season

Charlie Wegelius finished 45th in the General Classification of 2007 Tour de France (the highest-placed Briton), 1 hour 46 minutes and 26 seconds behind the winner Alberto Contador.

Palmarés

*2002 Settimana Ciclista Bergamasca TTT
* 2007 Giro d'Italia TTT
* 2008 stage 1b (TTT) Settimana internazionale di Coppi e Bartali

References

Persondata
NAME= Wegelius, Charlie
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION=Road racing cyclist
DATE OF BIRTH=1978-04-26
PLACE OF BIRTH=Espoo, Finland
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=