Hey everyone,
Roubaix didnt go so well for me. My role was to get our two leaders Austin Carrol and Cole House to the front of every cobble section. Before getting to the first section 6 guys went down infront of me taking out all the spokes in my front wheel. I got a new wheel and chased back on at the 3rd cobble section. I worked my way to the front trying to stay clear of crashes. With 40k to go I crashed with 7 other riders braking my derailleur and shiftlever. My day was done because my spare bike went to Spain. Oh well tough luck, my bike is all fixed now.
This week I race Vuelta Terrahona. Its a 4 day 5 stage race starting Thursday ending Sunday. Feeling good and hoping for some good luck.
Talk to everyone soon.
EB
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Kendall Ryan wins Worlds Qualifiers, Eric Bennett in Roubaix
Hey All,
Kendall Ryan WINS the Jr. Worlds Qualifier Road Race! Report to follow.
Eric Bennett had a bit of bad luck in the U23 Paris Roubaix, breaking
his front wheel in a crash. Report also to follow.
Cheers,
Kit
Kendall Ryan WINS the Jr. Worlds Qualifier Road Race! Report to follow.
Eric Bennett had a bit of bad luck in the U23 Paris Roubaix, breaking
his front wheel in a crash. Report also to follow.
Cheers,
Kit
Monday, May 25, 2009
CBR Long Beach Pro 1/2 Race Report
Players: Nick, Michael, Eric, Spencer, Aaron
Place: 11th (just out of the money)
The race started off fun. Nick and I on the front, chillin, relaxin, while Eric made an early break for a couple of laps. Overall, the first half of the race was fairly mellow. There were attacks, and like yesterday, at least one of us was in each of the moves. And, like yesterday, we rode like a real team, no watching and sitting around. Everyone was very active, getting in breaks, and chasing breaks down. We had a very talented field, including Tony Cruz, our own Sergio Hernandez, Antony (Moose) Galvan, Chepe (Mexican national tt champ), Thurlow Rogers, Chris DiMarci, and Sterling Magnell, just to name a few.
With about half an hour left in the race I found myself following a wheel into what turned out to be the big break of the day. All the names mentioned above (minus Thurlow and DiMarci) were in that break plus about 7-8 others. We had the horsepower and we were working well together, driving at over 30 mph for a good 15 minutes. Then Tony pulls through like a bullet, then Chepe takes over at an even higher speed, a gap opened up and Sergio pinned it to jump the gap. That's when I got popped. I know, I know, never get dropped from a break. It just so happens that I was making my way back up to the break but saw the peleton closing in about 10 seconds back. How they caught us and who was driving it, I have no idea. But the break was caught and I was able to relax for about 5 more minutes than the rest of the guys in the break, which helped me in the end.
After I came back into the peleton the guys did a great job of getting to the front and driving the peleton. I made a bad move with about 5 laps to go and spent the next 4 laps recovering because Amgen got on the front followed by the NOW boys. After 4 laps in the back, I put my head down and moved up to about 20th wheel in one lap. That lap just happened to be the last lap.
Coming up the outside I could see that the pace wasn't high enough through the last turn so I decided to stay outside, and it was a good thing too. Sure enough, there was a big crash and I was forced off the course, again, and got back on in time to see that almost the entire field was stuck behind the crash. The sprint for the line was really more like my legs just loading up and 11th was all I could muster up.
Unfortunately, Nick was involved in that crash. From the looks of it he dislocated his pinky and acquired some pretty good road rash. Hopefully right now his finger is back in place and hopefully he's probably drugged up. Wishing a speedy recovery to you Nick.
I must say, overall, we were a team to be worried about today. We looked and rode like a top notch team today. At one point, we had all five of us in line flying up the outside. Kind of reminded me of those big teams moving up to drive the peleton. It happened again while I was recovering and couldn't join the other four. But that's just two examples of how we were riding today. I couldn't be more proud of these guys today and it was a true pleasure riding with them.
Cheers,
Aaron
Place: 11th (just out of the money)
The race started off fun. Nick and I on the front, chillin, relaxin, while Eric made an early break for a couple of laps. Overall, the first half of the race was fairly mellow. There were attacks, and like yesterday, at least one of us was in each of the moves. And, like yesterday, we rode like a real team, no watching and sitting around. Everyone was very active, getting in breaks, and chasing breaks down. We had a very talented field, including Tony Cruz, our own Sergio Hernandez, Antony (Moose) Galvan, Chepe (Mexican national tt champ), Thurlow Rogers, Chris DiMarci, and Sterling Magnell, just to name a few.
With about half an hour left in the race I found myself following a wheel into what turned out to be the big break of the day. All the names mentioned above (minus Thurlow and DiMarci) were in that break plus about 7-8 others. We had the horsepower and we were working well together, driving at over 30 mph for a good 15 minutes. Then Tony pulls through like a bullet, then Chepe takes over at an even higher speed, a gap opened up and Sergio pinned it to jump the gap. That's when I got popped. I know, I know, never get dropped from a break. It just so happens that I was making my way back up to the break but saw the peleton closing in about 10 seconds back. How they caught us and who was driving it, I have no idea. But the break was caught and I was able to relax for about 5 more minutes than the rest of the guys in the break, which helped me in the end.
After I came back into the peleton the guys did a great job of getting to the front and driving the peleton. I made a bad move with about 5 laps to go and spent the next 4 laps recovering because Amgen got on the front followed by the NOW boys. After 4 laps in the back, I put my head down and moved up to about 20th wheel in one lap. That lap just happened to be the last lap.
Coming up the outside I could see that the pace wasn't high enough through the last turn so I decided to stay outside, and it was a good thing too. Sure enough, there was a big crash and I was forced off the course, again, and got back on in time to see that almost the entire field was stuck behind the crash. The sprint for the line was really more like my legs just loading up and 11th was all I could muster up.
Unfortunately, Nick was involved in that crash. From the looks of it he dislocated his pinky and acquired some pretty good road rash. Hopefully right now his finger is back in place and hopefully he's probably drugged up. Wishing a speedy recovery to you Nick.
I must say, overall, we were a team to be worried about today. We looked and rode like a top notch team today. At one point, we had all five of us in line flying up the outside. Kind of reminded me of those big teams moving up to drive the peleton. It happened again while I was recovering and couldn't join the other four. But that's just two examples of how we were riding today. I couldn't be more proud of these guys today and it was a true pleasure riding with them.
Cheers,
Aaron
Race Report CBR Cat 3
Adam and I had some fun at the CBR crit today. I took an early prime and sat comfortably until the last lap, then fought my way out of the box, railed the outside on turn four, and passed a few for third place.
Joseph Patterson
Joseph Patterson
May 25th from Europe-Bennett
Hey Everyone!
All is going great here, had a busy week of racing. Thursday was a 1.2 race with some continental teams. I felt great, made the split in the field. Finished 23rd. Saturday and Sunday were only 120k races however our director Noel made us ride to and from the race to get kilometers in. Both races I finished top 20 and came back with some money.
Wed. I am doing a local race to keep my speed then Thursday we had to France to ride some of the Roubaix sectors. Everyone needs to watch the race, its going to be on VS's, I'm not sure of the time but Ill let keep you posted if I hear anything.
After Roubaix I have 5 days off then I fly to Germany for a 10 day stage race. I'm pretty nervous, but should be a great experience.
That's all for now. Ill keep everyone posted.
EB
All is going great here, had a busy week of racing. Thursday was a 1.2 race with some continental teams. I felt great, made the split in the field. Finished 23rd. Saturday and Sunday were only 120k races however our director Noel made us ride to and from the race to get kilometers in. Both races I finished top 20 and came back with some money.
Wed. I am doing a local race to keep my speed then Thursday we had to France to ride some of the Roubaix sectors. Everyone needs to watch the race, its going to be on VS's, I'm not sure of the time but Ill let keep you posted if I hear anything.
After Roubaix I have 5 days off then I fly to Germany for a 10 day stage race. I'm pretty nervous, but should be a great experience.
That's all for now. Ill keep everyone posted.
EB
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Barry Wolfe Pro 123 Race Report
The Good: The team is starting to show it's strength; we had a man in every significant move today, and there were consistently several NOW boys at/near the front on patrol. No more participant racing.
The Bad: There was no organization in the last few laps, We had the manpower to take control and we didn't. We've all shown we can be there; now it's time to be there TOGETHER and take the race by the balls, pardon my French.
The Ugly: Crash, last lap, off Rahsaan's wheel (maybe his fault, maybe the guy next to him, all I know is all of sudden i was faced with a speedbump made of an SC VELO rider, and I hadn't the presence of mind to attempt a bunny hop. Michael and I hit the deck. We both survived fairly unscathed, but our race was over. Bummer.
Apologies to the team for burning my legs with a suicide bridge attempt up to Michael; what can I say, I thought that break was the one, and I figured two was better than one. Most depressing moment of 2009 racing: after covering 95% of the distance from pack to break, dangling 25 meters off the back of the break, legs cramping, lungs burning (how do you guys ride in this smog!?) knowing there was no way I was going to close it. Runner up: after sitting up for a half lap, legs barely able to turn, seeing the pack barreling down on my single file from head to toe. Of course the only fast laps of a s-l-o-w pro123 crit happen right after I spend 3-4 laps off the front solo. Great. Note to self: Sprinter, sprinter, sprinter, for the love of god SIT IN.
For all the carnage, miscalculation and disappointment though, this race is a major stepping stone. We were missing some big guns today (Erik, Brock, & Eric), but this team still rode like we belonged in that race. Let's build on that.
Cheers,
Nick
The Bad: There was no organization in the last few laps, We had the manpower to take control and we didn't. We've all shown we can be there; now it's time to be there TOGETHER and take the race by the balls, pardon my French.
The Ugly: Crash, last lap, off Rahsaan's wheel (maybe his fault, maybe the guy next to him, all I know is all of sudden i was faced with a speedbump made of an SC VELO rider, and I hadn't the presence of mind to attempt a bunny hop. Michael and I hit the deck. We both survived fairly unscathed, but our race was over. Bummer.
Apologies to the team for burning my legs with a suicide bridge attempt up to Michael; what can I say, I thought that break was the one, and I figured two was better than one. Most depressing moment of 2009 racing: after covering 95% of the distance from pack to break, dangling 25 meters off the back of the break, legs cramping, lungs burning (how do you guys ride in this smog!?) knowing there was no way I was going to close it. Runner up: after sitting up for a half lap, legs barely able to turn, seeing the pack barreling down on my single file from head to toe. Of course the only fast laps of a s-l-o-w pro123 crit happen right after I spend 3-4 laps off the front solo. Great. Note to self: Sprinter, sprinter, sprinter, for the love of god SIT IN.
For all the carnage, miscalculation and disappointment though, this race is a major stepping stone. We were missing some big guns today (Erik, Brock, & Eric), but this team still rode like we belonged in that race. Let's build on that.
Cheers,
Nick
Barry Wolfe Criterium-women's results
Trudi 2nd TT State Champs (correction)
Debbie 2nd TT State Champs
Barry Wolfe Pro 1/2 Women
Jen Jo 7th
Louise 11th and one cool sunglasses prime
Julia 14th
Full La Grange and Helen's Squad, and we three NOW girls. We were in every
break. Came back together with one lap to go. Turned into a field sprint.
Hard, fast and tactical. Loads of fun!!! Great to have supporters on the
sideline screaming out. Thanks Linda for organizing all the volunteers and
for taking great photos!! We loved having familiar faces at every turn.
Heal fast all the cat 3/4 boys who were in the running for what looked like
the top six spots!!
Cheers
Louise
Debbie 2nd TT State Champs
Barry Wolfe Pro 1/2 Women
Jen Jo 7th
Louise 11th and one cool sunglasses prime
Julia 14th
Full La Grange and Helen's Squad, and we three NOW girls. We were in every
break. Came back together with one lap to go. Turned into a field sprint.
Hard, fast and tactical. Loads of fun!!! Great to have supporters on the
sideline screaming out. Thanks Linda for organizing all the volunteers and
for taking great photos!! We loved having familiar faces at every turn.
Heal fast all the cat 3/4 boys who were in the running for what looked like
the top six spots!!
Cheers
Louise
US women battle in Belgium with results
Hey everyone,
Well today was my last race in Belgium. It was a bigger race today than yesterday's. The race was sponsored by Lotto and Ridley, so there were a lot of people out watching our race, it was amazing. There must have been a couple thousand spectating!
Well the race was about 65k long, and consisted of 4 laps of a 7k circuit and then 2 laps of a 15k loop. It was pretty much flat besides the slight 2-3% uphill section of cobbles, and then there was a really short climb, like 250 meters that was 17%. I could tell the Belgies don't climb that often, because that's where I made my ground in the race, which usually does not happen in the US.
The pack was together most of the race, but there was an occasional group that would pop off the back, Till the last lap of the 15k loop, thats when the chaos started. The girls riding in the pack would get so anxious, that they would hit the rider next to them if they got too close, I kept thinking to myself: "If I did that in the US, I would get DQ'd and then get my license suspended!" It was quite an interesting experience. The pack was splintered into trails of riders and it was full gas all the way. I was able to hold to the end. I ended up 12th, Coryn won with a fantastic sprint, and Kaitie got 8th. My other teammate, Anna, didn't race because of back problems.
Anyways, I'm flying home tomorrow, and I'll be arriving in Los Angeles around 8pm. Then on to Nashville, Tennessee for Junior Worlds Qualifications, wish me luck!
Sincerely,
Kendall Ryan
Well today was my last race in Belgium. It was a bigger race today than yesterday's. The race was sponsored by Lotto and Ridley, so there were a lot of people out watching our race, it was amazing. There must have been a couple thousand spectating!
Well the race was about 65k long, and consisted of 4 laps of a 7k circuit and then 2 laps of a 15k loop. It was pretty much flat besides the slight 2-3% uphill section of cobbles, and then there was a really short climb, like 250 meters that was 17%. I could tell the Belgies don't climb that often, because that's where I made my ground in the race, which usually does not happen in the US.
The pack was together most of the race, but there was an occasional group that would pop off the back, Till the last lap of the 15k loop, thats when the chaos started. The girls riding in the pack would get so anxious, that they would hit the rider next to them if they got too close, I kept thinking to myself: "If I did that in the US, I would get DQ'd and then get my license suspended!" It was quite an interesting experience. The pack was splintered into trails of riders and it was full gas all the way. I was able to hold to the end. I ended up 12th, Coryn won with a fantastic sprint, and Kaitie got 8th. My other teammate, Anna, didn't race because of back problems.
Anyways, I'm flying home tomorrow, and I'll be arriving in Los Angeles around 8pm. Then on to Nashville, Tennessee for Junior Worlds Qualifications, wish me luck!
Sincerely,
Kendall Ryan
Kenall Ryan from Belgium
Hey team,
Sorry I haven't been on top of things lately with emails. I know Kit has made the time to send emails to you guys, and I've been slacking majorly.
Well I just wanted to update everyone on the latest in Belgium for me. Tomorrow is going to be my last day here and then I'm flying home Monday. Tomorrow is also my last race. So the plan is to race hard, do a jam packing session of bikes and clothes, try to get sleep, and then spend all the next day at airports! Fun stuff.
So far my results for racingon the road are 10th in the Kermesse in Belgium(a Kermesse is basically a Circuit race), and I DNFed in my second Kermesse, because I flatted and when you flat there's no pits or wheel support, so if you flat your out of the race. For the track racing in Holland at the Apeldoorne Velodrome the results I know of are that I was 5th in the Madison with Coryn and 4th in the Miss n out. I'll have to check the results on the website and find out what my placings were. But I do know that in the 2km Pursuit I was only 6 seconds behind Coryn's time. My time was 3:48, hers was 3:42. The worlds qualification standard is 3:33.
Anyways, today I did a race called Saint Antonius, and it was by far the sketchiest race of my life. All four of us girls got started in the back of about 80 riders(this is not a pro womens race by the way, this is a junior womens race) and had to make our way through all the traffic to get to the front. Of course the Belgies strung the field out from the get go. It was single file, and we had dropped half the field the first lap, but it all came back together the following lap. The rest of the race was just a bunch of repetitive attempts to make a break away, none of them stuck(I was being evil and tagging the attempts, and then countering, they didn't like me very much for that), then until 2 laps to go one rider was off the front and she held it all the way to the end. In the field sprint I was right behind Kaitie Antonaeu, one of my teammates, coming out of the last corner, she ended up 12th and I was 15th. Anna Young, my other teammate pulled out during the race, not sure when, but she said her back tightened up and couldn't go on. Coryn was "almost killed", her exact words, she was bumped into a gutter that she couldn't get out of because it was so steep, and she finished in the back of the pack.
It was truely a great experience racing out here, I enjoyed myself thoroughly and I just wanted to thank NOW for putting the money together to give me the chance to race in Europe and show USA Cycling what I can do. Thank you SO much, I'll send an email tomorrow about my result.
Hopefully it goes well.
Sincerley,
Kendall Ryan
Sorry I haven't been on top of things lately with emails. I know Kit has made the time to send emails to you guys, and I've been slacking majorly.
Well I just wanted to update everyone on the latest in Belgium for me. Tomorrow is going to be my last day here and then I'm flying home Monday. Tomorrow is also my last race. So the plan is to race hard, do a jam packing session of bikes and clothes, try to get sleep, and then spend all the next day at airports! Fun stuff.
So far my results for racingon the road are 10th in the Kermesse in Belgium(a Kermesse is basically a Circuit race), and I DNFed in my second Kermesse, because I flatted and when you flat there's no pits or wheel support, so if you flat your out of the race. For the track racing in Holland at the Apeldoorne Velodrome the results I know of are that I was 5th in the Madison with Coryn and 4th in the Miss n out. I'll have to check the results on the website and find out what my placings were. But I do know that in the 2km Pursuit I was only 6 seconds behind Coryn's time. My time was 3:48, hers was 3:42. The worlds qualification standard is 3:33.
Anyways, today I did a race called Saint Antonius, and it was by far the sketchiest race of my life. All four of us girls got started in the back of about 80 riders(this is not a pro womens race by the way, this is a junior womens race) and had to make our way through all the traffic to get to the front. Of course the Belgies strung the field out from the get go. It was single file, and we had dropped half the field the first lap, but it all came back together the following lap. The rest of the race was just a bunch of repetitive attempts to make a break away, none of them stuck(I was being evil and tagging the attempts, and then countering, they didn't like me very much for that), then until 2 laps to go one rider was off the front and she held it all the way to the end. In the field sprint I was right behind Kaitie Antonaeu, one of my teammates, coming out of the last corner, she ended up 12th and I was 15th. Anna Young, my other teammate pulled out during the race, not sure when, but she said her back tightened up and couldn't go on. Coryn was "almost killed", her exact words, she was bumped into a gutter that she couldn't get out of because it was so steep, and she finished in the back of the pack.
It was truely a great experience racing out here, I enjoyed myself thoroughly and I just wanted to thank NOW for putting the money together to give me the chance to race in Europe and show USA Cycling what I can do. Thank you SO much, I'll send an email tomorrow about my result.
Hopefully it goes well.
Sincerley,
Kendall Ryan
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Race Report: Ventura Stage Race Women's cat 3/4
Who raced: Me
Result: um, 4th, 4th, and oh, 4th...
First off, I can agree that this race has much potential for long-term success, pretty well organized, fun locations, and the communities seemed pretty supportive!
The women's 3-4 race did not have a time trial, so I got to "sleep in" and head up to Ventura to race at noon time on Saturday. Seventeen girls pulled up to the start, with a few usual suspects. I determined with the climb and descent that it would be good to stay up front. Within a lap or two, the fire power in front allowed 5 of us to create a break that continued to increase throughout the race. Unfortunately, the 5 were comprised of 3 women from Chicken Ranch racing and a buddy of mine, Rae Miller from I.E. Bikes. So, Rae and I ended up chasing the three as they alternated attacking the front. Finally the soon-to-be winner took off, which left the 4 of us to fight for the other spots...
As for the road race, well, it was much of the same... five off the front, similar 'off the front break', but this time it came at the "queen of the mountains" spot - I still don't understand this 'hill sprinting' thing, can those two words actually be used in the same sentence?!
Anyways, I was feeling great and prepared for our last trek up the climb... and that's when my chain dropped, with two attempts to re-set unsuccessful, I had to hop off, angrily watching the other 4 girls go away... I basically buried myself to catch Rae about a mile from the finish. Unfortunately, the two others gapped Rae. I caught Rae, continued past and held her off for the sprint for 4th...
Good news, is that I felt MUCH stronger on races that included hills. Bad news, this is the second race this season that I've had gearing issues within the last few miles, which is kind of a bummer...
onwards and upwards!
Julie Guthrie
Result: um, 4th, 4th, and oh, 4th...
First off, I can agree that this race has much potential for long-term success, pretty well organized, fun locations, and the communities seemed pretty supportive!
The women's 3-4 race did not have a time trial, so I got to "sleep in" and head up to Ventura to race at noon time on Saturday. Seventeen girls pulled up to the start, with a few usual suspects. I determined with the climb and descent that it would be good to stay up front. Within a lap or two, the fire power in front allowed 5 of us to create a break that continued to increase throughout the race. Unfortunately, the 5 were comprised of 3 women from Chicken Ranch racing and a buddy of mine, Rae Miller from I.E. Bikes. So, Rae and I ended up chasing the three as they alternated attacking the front. Finally the soon-to-be winner took off, which left the 4 of us to fight for the other spots...
As for the road race, well, it was much of the same... five off the front, similar 'off the front break', but this time it came at the "queen of the mountains" spot - I still don't understand this 'hill sprinting' thing, can those two words actually be used in the same sentence?!
Anyways, I was feeling great and prepared for our last trek up the climb... and that's when my chain dropped, with two attempts to re-set unsuccessful, I had to hop off, angrily watching the other 4 girls go away... I basically buried myself to catch Rae about a mile from the finish. Unfortunately, the two others gapped Rae. I caught Rae, continued past and held her off for the sprint for 4th...
Good news, is that I felt MUCH stronger on races that included hills. Bad news, this is the second race this season that I've had gearing issues within the last few miles, which is kind of a bummer...
onwards and upwards!
Julie Guthrie
Ventura Stage Race Men's Cat 4
For me Ventura was a race of realization. After raiding the ucsb team stash of aero equipment dan katz and i rolled down to ventura early sat morning for our early prologue start times. I rolled off the blocks with my teammates yelling over Dave Towle's constant drone. I have never hurt so much in my life as i did in that TT. Though i felt good about my time it was the results that shocked me, second to last. I shook it off and was prepared for the crit in the afternoon. Even warmed up and with a good start position I barely made the cut to start the road race the next day after getting lapped halfway in. The road race was not much better as my tired legs never really warmed up and a surge at the top of the climb caused me to reel off the back and quietly pack it in. After talking with fellow teammates on the US paraympic squad as well as NOW, i've come to realize that my struggles in these races aren't because of a lack of fitness or commitment. I falter purely because when I line up on the start line of every single race i carry an automatic handicap, the fact that I have cerebral palsy, and while everyone else has two functioning legs i have one and a half on a good day. This race reinforced the fact that I have to carefully choose the races I do to further my fitness and motivation of my goal of making the 2009 para-cycling national teams going to race in Italy and Great Britain later this year at the respective world championships. As I shift my attention towards track these next few months i hope to see familiar faces at ADT as i start making the regular trek down to carson to train on the boards.
stay safe and thanks again,
Will Chesebro
stay safe and thanks again,
Will Chesebro
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Ventura Stage Race Pro/1/2
Team: Aaron Schneider, Brock Curry, Cory Greenberg, Michael Van Eerd, Nick Martinez, Spencer Smitheman, Tyler Locke
The Ventura County Stage Race was for the most part a success in it's inaugural year. Despite big name riders Floyd Landis and Rory Sutherland not showing, the field was still strong. Each stage offered great and challenging courses.
Prologue: The prologue was a short, fast Time Trial through Downtown Ventura with tight turns and a generally exciting course. I personally was not happy with my performance, but NOW riders Nick Martinez and Brock Curry were 9th and 10th respectively, sitting close and in good company. Not much time separated the group, but it still played an integral role in determining GC.
Criterium: This was a tough stage due to the substantial hill to be conquered every lap. Our race started at 6:30 and ran for 75 min, making it dusk when we finished. The town was experiencing some fog which had a nice cooling effect throughout the race. From the early laps of the race, NOW was active in launching attacks although we soon realized we needed to make them matter as you would suffer greatly once caught. In the final third of the race, when moves appear as if they have a greater and greater chance of success, I followed Roman Kilun (Team Ouch) as well as a handful of other strong riders off the front. We hung about 5-10 seconds off the front for the next few laps before the catch. The counter attack to this breakaway contained Neil Shirley (Kelly Benefits), Rudy Napolitano (Liquid Fitness) as well as Tyler among a few others. After a lap or two, Neil had split the group to all but Rudy and himself and Tyler was back in the pack. The final laps played out as expected with Neil soloing to win in front of Rudy and VRC alum Eric Barlevav bringing in the pack for 3rd. Michael was our best placed rider in 8th, with Brock, Tyler and myself left in the 25 person peloton.
Circuit Race: The race in Ojai was a complete reversal of the cool weather the evening before. I heard talk of the temperature in excess of 100 degress. Although I am unsure that is completely true, the heat was brutal and oppressive. The race began at a relaxed pace although the climb came quickly and soon it was time to work. The first lap where the riders brought the heat was lap 3 when up the climb, the pack split into a few groups. I had been at the front and not realized the extent of the damage until some time after the descent, a group of riders including teammates Aaron, Tyler made caught back on. A lap or two later and Roman Kilun went off the front on the flat part of the course. It was expected that the next climb would be a test of character. On that climb, Neil Shirley rode away with a Lagrange rider (who was later dropped) and three other riders rode off the front in pursuit. The group that remained was now dwindled to maybe 15 riders including myself and Aaron. Our pace slowed consistently after that and for a rider we brought back, another slipped away. I have to give big kudos to Aaron here for riding so strong and selflessly. He was a valuable teammate encouraging me to attack and discussing how to make it work. On the second to last time up the climb, I countered an attack and rode off solo, lasting until just before the feed zone, but the chase had helped make our group smaller. In the end, the group brought to the line consisted of 8 people and was the biggest group on the road. Rudy took the bunch sprint for 7th with myself and Aaron coming in 11th and 14th respectively. That race was as Kurt called it, a death march and was a lesson in suffering.
As for the GC situation, I ended up 12th, Aaron 29th, and Cory as our only other finisher in 38th. It was great to have Kurt on as our Director Sportif once again. Overall the race was great and looks promising for the future with talks of adding stages and general expansion.
Spencer
The Ventura County Stage Race was for the most part a success in it's inaugural year. Despite big name riders Floyd Landis and Rory Sutherland not showing, the field was still strong. Each stage offered great and challenging courses.
Prologue: The prologue was a short, fast Time Trial through Downtown Ventura with tight turns and a generally exciting course. I personally was not happy with my performance, but NOW riders Nick Martinez and Brock Curry were 9th and 10th respectively, sitting close and in good company. Not much time separated the group, but it still played an integral role in determining GC.
Criterium: This was a tough stage due to the substantial hill to be conquered every lap. Our race started at 6:30 and ran for 75 min, making it dusk when we finished. The town was experiencing some fog which had a nice cooling effect throughout the race. From the early laps of the race, NOW was active in launching attacks although we soon realized we needed to make them matter as you would suffer greatly once caught. In the final third of the race, when moves appear as if they have a greater and greater chance of success, I followed Roman Kilun (Team Ouch) as well as a handful of other strong riders off the front. We hung about 5-10 seconds off the front for the next few laps before the catch. The counter attack to this breakaway contained Neil Shirley (Kelly Benefits), Rudy Napolitano (Liquid Fitness) as well as Tyler among a few others. After a lap or two, Neil had split the group to all but Rudy and himself and Tyler was back in the pack. The final laps played out as expected with Neil soloing to win in front of Rudy and VRC alum Eric Barlevav bringing in the pack for 3rd. Michael was our best placed rider in 8th, with Brock, Tyler and myself left in the 25 person peloton.
Circuit Race: The race in Ojai was a complete reversal of the cool weather the evening before. I heard talk of the temperature in excess of 100 degress. Although I am unsure that is completely true, the heat was brutal and oppressive. The race began at a relaxed pace although the climb came quickly and soon it was time to work. The first lap where the riders brought the heat was lap 3 when up the climb, the pack split into a few groups. I had been at the front and not realized the extent of the damage until some time after the descent, a group of riders including teammates Aaron, Tyler made caught back on. A lap or two later and Roman Kilun went off the front on the flat part of the course. It was expected that the next climb would be a test of character. On that climb, Neil Shirley rode away with a Lagrange rider (who was later dropped) and three other riders rode off the front in pursuit. The group that remained was now dwindled to maybe 15 riders including myself and Aaron. Our pace slowed consistently after that and for a rider we brought back, another slipped away. I have to give big kudos to Aaron here for riding so strong and selflessly. He was a valuable teammate encouraging me to attack and discussing how to make it work. On the second to last time up the climb, I countered an attack and rode off solo, lasting until just before the feed zone, but the chase had helped make our group smaller. In the end, the group brought to the line consisted of 8 people and was the biggest group on the road. Rudy took the bunch sprint for 7th with myself and Aaron coming in 11th and 14th respectively. That race was as Kurt called it, a death march and was a lesson in suffering.
As for the GC situation, I ended up 12th, Aaron 29th, and Cory as our only other finisher in 38th. It was great to have Kurt on as our Director Sportif once again. Overall the race was great and looks promising for the future with talks of adding stages and general expansion.
Spencer
Monday, May 18, 2009
Prolong Energy Review
For those that are running low on nutrition products and are looking to pick something up going into the second half of the season, consider Prolong. If you are curious about the product, we just did a review on Culinary Competitor. It is a great product and I continue to stand by it. If there is enough interest, maybe another team order is in line, if not, John is very easily reached and will probably even bring you some product personally if you get in touch.
Here if the review if you want to know more:
http://www.culinarycompetitor.com/blog/tested-prolong-energy
Casey
Here if the review if you want to know more:
http://www.culinarycompetitor.com/blog/tested-prolong-energy
Casey
Race Report: Ventura SR Cat 3
The Ventura Stage was a mixed bag of results for our 3's team of Daniel Katz, Adam Masters, Joseph Patterson, and Greg Wootton. However, the race venues were fantastic. The downtown events on Saturday drew impressive and enthusiastic crowds.
Prologue: Fast and fun. Pre-riding the course would have be useful. By the end, Dan and I were sitting comfortable within eight seconds of the leaders at 4:03 and 4:04.
Criterium: The NOW squad hit it hard from the gun to thin the field. An early crash mid-pack took out the top two riders on GC as well as Adam, but Adam fought his way back on and contested the final sprint. Dan was less fortunate; he took a bold line between the barriers and a big dude in the final sprint and ended up all over the pavement. His collarbone and a metal barricade broke each other; we all wish Dan a full and speedy recovery. Adam and I ended up 12th and 10th, 19 seconds off GC.
Circuit Race: The pace and the temperature warmed up quickly when the group hit the climb. The big guys disappeared, but the noticably-thinner pack stayed together until Adam made a move for the KOM half-way through the race. His attack annihilated the field and formed the winning breakaway. The group of six or so, including Kendall's brother Morgan, Adam, and myself, put forty seconds into the field within one lap. Adam faltered at some point and I struggled on the 7th time up the climb, but I clawed my way back on and survived the 8th climb with the lead group. The ultimate winner snuck away on the last kicker through the feed zone. I played my strongest card, for better or worse, and waited for the sprint instead of chasing him down and dragging the field. I won the sprint for second place in honor of Katz.
GC: The field was so shattered by the road course that first loser in the circuit race was good enough for first loser in the general classification. I finished second overall. That puts me over the minimum upgrade points after six cat 3 races in two months...but I am not yet strong enough to contest the elite level. Perhaps in time.
- Joe Patterson
Prologue: Fast and fun. Pre-riding the course would have be useful. By the end, Dan and I were sitting comfortable within eight seconds of the leaders at 4:03 and 4:04.
Criterium: The NOW squad hit it hard from the gun to thin the field. An early crash mid-pack took out the top two riders on GC as well as Adam, but Adam fought his way back on and contested the final sprint. Dan was less fortunate; he took a bold line between the barriers and a big dude in the final sprint and ended up all over the pavement. His collarbone and a metal barricade broke each other; we all wish Dan a full and speedy recovery. Adam and I ended up 12th and 10th, 19 seconds off GC.
Circuit Race: The pace and the temperature warmed up quickly when the group hit the climb. The big guys disappeared, but the noticably-thinner pack stayed together until Adam made a move for the KOM half-way through the race. His attack annihilated the field and formed the winning breakaway. The group of six or so, including Kendall's brother Morgan, Adam, and myself, put forty seconds into the field within one lap. Adam faltered at some point and I struggled on the 7th time up the climb, but I clawed my way back on and survived the 8th climb with the lead group. The ultimate winner snuck away on the last kicker through the feed zone. I played my strongest card, for better or worse, and waited for the sprint instead of chasing him down and dragging the field. I won the sprint for second place in honor of Katz.
GC: The field was so shattered by the road course that first loser in the circuit race was good enough for first loser in the general classification. I finished second overall. That puts me over the minimum upgrade points after six cat 3 races in two months...but I am not yet strong enough to contest the elite level. Perhaps in time.
- Joe Patterson
U25 Men deliver top 10
Congrats to the women's team for its continued season of great results!
The U25 Men's team delivered a very nice top-10 when Michael van Eerd finished 8th place in stage 2 yesterday at Ventura. According to Kurt Stockton today's stage 3 was a real death march with only a dozen or so remaining in the field, with another 5 up the road. Spencer and Aaron were both in that group though I don't yet know how the finished. Race report to come.
Eddie
The U25 Men's team delivered a very nice top-10 when Michael van Eerd finished 8th place in stage 2 yesterday at Ventura. According to Kurt Stockton today's stage 3 was a real death march with only a dozen or so remaining in the field, with another 5 up the road. Spencer and Aaron were both in that group though I don't yet know how the finished. Race report to come.
Eddie
Race Report: Ontario Mid-Season Crit 30+4/5
Great course....flate w/ wide corners. Somewhat shitty conditions 90+ degrees heat and a good headwind leading to the finish. It was nice to Barry and Lawrence again...been awhile guys. Anyhow, it was Barry and I in this race (Lawrence got his 3 upgrade....way to go L!). The race itself was fairly smooth and Barry and I were staying up front. Last lap, 2nd corner....I took off with Barry right behind...through turn 3 and turn 4 and with the lead only to get nipped by a wheel at the line.....2nd place.
The 30+ CAT 1-4 was a different ball game. Too many hard attacks and too much time trying to chase them down to stay with the eventual breakaway.....18th place. Lesson learned.
Bill "Tiny" Thomas
The 30+ CAT 1-4 was a different ball game. Too many hard attacks and too much time trying to chase them down to stay with the eventual breakaway.....18th place. Lesson learned.
Bill "Tiny" Thomas
NOW-MS Women's Team earn "Tough Guy Points"
The Women's Team (according to our wonderful Directeur Sportit, Kurt
Stockton) earned Tough Guy points this weekend!!!
From The Ventura Stage Race to the Kern County Women's Stage Race, the Tough
Chics of NOW-MS turned in some brilliant results.
After Lauren's impressive 2nd place in the very hard crit at Ventura
yesterday (where she sprinted solo for 500 meters after being in a 2 man
chase) she came away with a top 10 GC in the Pro 1,2, after racing in
today's HOT and HILLY Road Race. Julie finished 4th overall in the Cat 3/4.
Up at the Kern County Stage Race, where it was even hotter, Abigail came 2nd
overall, after 4 grueling stages, in the Cat 3 Women. Trudi came 4th overall
in the Masters Women's.
Thank you so much Kurt Stockton for being in our ears all weekend at
Ventura. It was so amazing to have someone with Kurt's experience talk us
through the race on "comms", in such a calm voice. If only every race could
be so high tech!! Kurt was also looking after the Pro 1/2 boys, and today
had two channels going simultaneously, talking to both the men and the women
(on the course at the same time).
Well done Team!!! And well done to the men who race their hearts out too
this weekend.
Louise
Stockton) earned Tough Guy points this weekend!!!
From The Ventura Stage Race to the Kern County Women's Stage Race, the Tough
Chics of NOW-MS turned in some brilliant results.
After Lauren's impressive 2nd place in the very hard crit at Ventura
yesterday (where she sprinted solo for 500 meters after being in a 2 man
chase) she came away with a top 10 GC in the Pro 1,2, after racing in
today's HOT and HILLY Road Race. Julie finished 4th overall in the Cat 3/4.
Up at the Kern County Stage Race, where it was even hotter, Abigail came 2nd
overall, after 4 grueling stages, in the Cat 3 Women. Trudi came 4th overall
in the Masters Women's.
Thank you so much Kurt Stockton for being in our ears all weekend at
Ventura. It was so amazing to have someone with Kurt's experience talk us
through the race on "comms", in such a calm voice. If only every race could
be so high tech!! Kurt was also looking after the Pro 1/2 boys, and today
had two channels going simultaneously, talking to both the men and the women
(on the course at the same time).
Well done Team!!! And well done to the men who race their hearts out too
this weekend.
Louise
NOW MS Juniors make History!!!
NOW MS Juniors make History
Kit and partner Danny Heeley (SBW) won the finale Madison event today at the
Apeldoorn Velodrome in Holland and may have made US cycling history
as the first ever juniors to win an International Madison on foreign soil
against multiple Dutch, Belgian, Czech and British teams.
Kendall also made history competing in the first ever Junior woman's madison team
with parter Cory Rivera. Details to follow.
Kit was also 2nd in the Derny race today.
Great riding by the NOW MS Juniors!!!
Kit and partner Danny Heeley (SBW) won the finale Madison event today at the
Apeldoorn Velodrome in Holland and may have made US cycling history
as the first ever juniors to win an International Madison on foreign soil
against multiple Dutch, Belgian, Czech and British teams.
Kendall also made history competing in the first ever Junior woman's madison team
with parter Cory Rivera. Details to follow.
Kit was also 2nd in the Derny race today.
Great riding by the NOW MS Juniors!!!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
NOW Women's Team does well in all racing
The Womens Team did us proud today all over the map. Julie's GC in Cat 3 women is 2nd at Ventura Stage Race. Over at The Kern County Stage Race. Trudi's GC is 4th in Masters. Abigail got 2nd in the Cat 3 RR and 2nd in the hill climb.
Well done team!!! I was particularly proud when many of the teams in the Pro 1 2 race at Ventura said how well the NOW girls raced. It was great having Kurt in our ear the whole time.
Thank you
Well done team!!! I was particularly proud when many of the teams in the Pro 1 2 race at Ventura said how well the NOW girls raced. It was great having Kurt in our ear the whole time.
Thank you
Juniors in Holland
Kit and Kendall slugged it out today in Apeldoorn Holland.
Kendall top American in the Miss and Out 4th, very hard race
and problems communicating with her Dutch Derny driver.
Great first show in the points race and she sees how international track juniors ride.
Kit was best American in the Scratch Race in 4th against Dutch, Belgians, Brits,
Czechs and top American in the Madison with a Dutch partner too.
Team USA Junior men were 3rd in the Team Pursuit. A return to the sport.
Kit lapped with a Brit, Dutchie and Czech in the points landing a disappointing 8th.
Very competitive.
More track tomorrow and road racing later in the week.
These kids are growing enormously from this experience and their connections here in Europe.
MK (from Amsterdam)
Kendall top American in the Miss and Out 4th, very hard race
and problems communicating with her Dutch Derny driver.
Great first show in the points race and she sees how international track juniors ride.
Kit was best American in the Scratch Race in 4th against Dutch, Belgians, Brits,
Czechs and top American in the Madison with a Dutch partner too.
Team USA Junior men were 3rd in the Team Pursuit. A return to the sport.
Kit lapped with a Brit, Dutchie and Czech in the points landing a disappointing 8th.
Very competitive.
More track tomorrow and road racing later in the week.
These kids are growing enormously from this experience and their connections here in Europe.
MK (from Amsterdam)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Lauren Liscenski places 5th in Women's Div 1 Crit.
I was unaware until just now when I looked at the results that in
addition to Nick's second place in the Men's Div. I Criterium, Lauren
Liscenski placed 5th in the Women's Div. I Criterium. Both Nick and
Lauren race collegiate cycling for UCSB.
Link to results:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/road.php?id=road/2009/may09/ncca09/ncca092
Great job!
Eddie
__.
addition to Nick's second place in the Men's Div. I Criterium, Lauren
Liscenski placed 5th in the Women's Div. I Criterium. Both Nick and
Lauren race collegiate cycling for UCSB.
Link to results:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/road.php?id=road/2009/may09/ncca09/ncca092
Great job!
Eddie
__.
View Phil Keoghan in NY at the Stock Exchange-final location
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/teamvrc/attachments/folder/662854654/item/427009135/view
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Nick Martinez takes 2nd!
Our very own Nick Martinez, racing for UCSB, placed second today in the
Collegiate National Championship Criterium. Anyone who has ever seen
Nick uncork a sprint will not be surprised. He narrowly missed the
jersey as a pro cyclocross racer came of his wheel to nab it. To put
Nick's accomplishment in perspective, his entire season has been
hindered by a nagging knee issue and so his training has been de
minimus. But he ditched the excuses, focused on short-duration intervals
and narrowly missed his major objective of the season. Good on ya, Nick!
We are very proud!
Eddie & Marc
Co-Race Directors, U25 Program
Collegiate National Championship Criterium. Anyone who has ever seen
Nick uncork a sprint will not be surprised. He narrowly missed the
jersey as a pro cyclocross racer came of his wheel to nab it. To put
Nick's accomplishment in perspective, his entire season has been
hindered by a nagging knee issue and so his training has been de
minimus. But he ditched the excuses, focused on short-duration intervals
and narrowly missed his major objective of the season. Good on ya, Nick!
We are very proud!
Eddie & Marc
Co-Race Directors, U25 Program
Kendall Ryan 10th is her first outing in Belgium!
Kendall Ryan 10th is her first outing in Belgium!
AWESOME!!!
Official result junior woman : Coryn Rivera won ,
7th Antonneau Kaitlin , 10th Ryan Kendali and 12th Young Anna ,
what a great result !!!!!!about 1 hour ago from TwitterBerry
AWESOME!!!
Official result junior woman : Coryn Rivera won ,
7th Antonneau Kaitlin , 10th Ryan Kendali and 12th Young Anna ,
what a great result !!!!!!about 1 hour ago from TwitterBerry
U23s in Belgium-Team USA
Kit is airbourne to Belgium.
He races next Sat/Sunday indoor track in Holland (I'll be there).
Then he races a 3 day/4 stage race the weekend after in the Ardennen region of Belgium.
Check my Twitter for some results: http://twitter.com/relishprods
Kendall results from today in Belgium Kermesse from Jim Miller's Twitter:
http://twitter.com/jamesmiller007
Team USA Jr Girls: Coryn Rivera, Anna Young, Kendall Ryan & Katie Antinou first Int'l race today in Belgium....lots o' wind today.about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry
Team USA Jr Girls: Rivera wins! Antinou, Ryan, Young finish in first group.about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry
He races next Sat/Sunday indoor track in Holland (I'll be there).
Then he races a 3 day/4 stage race the weekend after in the Ardennen region of Belgium.
Check my Twitter for some results: http://twitter.com/relishprods
Kendall results from today in Belgium Kermesse from Jim Miller's Twitter:
http://twitter.com/jamesmiller007
Team USA Jr Girls: Coryn Rivera, Anna Young, Kendall Ryan & Katie Antinou first Int'l race today in Belgium....lots o' wind today.about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry
Team USA Jr Girls: Rivera wins! Antinou, Ryan, Young finish in first group.about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Nick Martinez 2nd in Collegiate National Championship Criterium
Our very own Nick Martinez, racing for UCSB, placed second today in the
Collegiate National Championship Criterium. Anyone who has ever seen
Nick uncork a sprint will not be surprised. He narrowly missed the
jersey as a pro cyclocross racer came of his wheel to nab it. To put
Nick's accomplishment in perspective, his entire season has been
hindered by a nagging knee issue and so his training has been de
minimus. But he ditched the excuses, focused on short-duration intervals
and narrowly missed his major objective of the season. Good on ya, Nick!
We are very proud!
Eddie & Marc
Co-Race Directors, U25 Program
__._,_.___
Collegiate National Championship Criterium. Anyone who has ever seen
Nick uncork a sprint will not be surprised. He narrowly missed the
jersey as a pro cyclocross racer came of his wheel to nab it. To put
Nick's accomplishment in perspective, his entire season has been
hindered by a nagging knee issue and so his training has been de
minimus. But he ditched the excuses, focused on short-duration intervals
and narrowly missed his major objective of the season. Good on ya, Nick!
We are very proud!
Eddie & Marc
Co-Race Directors, U25 Program
__._,_.___
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Bill Thomas at Bario Logan
Today did not get off to the best start. Somehow, I got bad directions and pulled up to the race with only 15 minutes to start time. Well nothing like warming up during a race to wake you up.
As for the race itself, course had too many potholes IMO and the last 3 corners were uphill to the finish. Not "Tiny's" cup of tea..... meaning the plan was to draft the leaders til' the last corner then "balls to the wall". Pretty uneventful race (no crashes), but I sprinted to 6th place. Certainly, the best part of this race was the $1,000 purse (my truck guzzled $25 in gas to get there and back).
Hope to see the boys and girls in Brea next week :)
Bill "Tiny" Thomas
As for the race itself, course had too many potholes IMO and the last 3 corners were uphill to the finish. Not "Tiny's" cup of tea..... meaning the plan was to draft the leaders til' the last corner then "balls to the wall". Pretty uneventful race (no crashes), but I sprinted to 6th place. Certainly, the best part of this race was the $1,000 purse (my truck guzzled $25 in gas to get there and back).
Hope to see the boys and girls in Brea next week :)
Bill "Tiny" Thomas
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