For some reason I have practically no comments on my blog. That either means that I'm not posting anything worth commenting on or even worse, no on is reading this stuff.
Please, if your reading this please leave a comment so I know that I'm not just typing to myself.
Thanks.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
My Training (part 7) - Another beating....
I got in a very short ride on Saturday. That put me at 130mile (7hrs 55min) for the week. That is my highest weekly total in months! Now... let's see if I can get some consistancy going.
Yesterday (Monday) I did another ride with the paster and took another beating. We did the Wayne loop that totals 50 miles, 7 climbs and 3345 total feet of climbing. He did all the climbs in his big ring and still smashed me. I felt decent, I'm still way off my normal fitness.
Here are my stats. 51.1 miles (2hrs 59min). Avg 17.1mph, avg normalized power 274 watts, avg HR 143, 3345 ft of total climb. I'm usually very concerned with average speed but I'm trying to sort of ignore it through the this phase. It was a very enjoyable ride, conversation was good. Riding with someone is so much more enjoyable for me than solo rides.
Yesterday (Monday) I did another ride with the paster and took another beating. We did the Wayne loop that totals 50 miles, 7 climbs and 3345 total feet of climbing. He did all the climbs in his big ring and still smashed me. I felt decent, I'm still way off my normal fitness.
Here are my stats. 51.1 miles (2hrs 59min). Avg 17.1mph, avg normalized power 274 watts, avg HR 143, 3345 ft of total climb. I'm usually very concerned with average speed but I'm trying to sort of ignore it through the this phase. It was a very enjoyable ride, conversation was good. Riding with someone is so much more enjoyable for me than solo rides.
Friday, December 15, 2006
My Training (part 6) - A little progress
Ahhh... FINALLY a fairly solid week of training after quite some time of hit and miss. It feels good.
Today (Friday) I only had about 90 minutes to spare for a ride. My stats were as follows. 23.7 miles (1hr 27min), avg 16.3mph, avg normalized power 263 watts, avg HR 140, 1680 ft of total climb. It was another nice day in the high 50's but a bit windy.
So far that puts me at 120 miles this week. I hope that I can get in at least one ride over the weekend to take me over 150 (over 7 hrs) (but I'm not banking on it). 120 is my highest weekly mileage total since August. Now that is just pitiful. No wonder I'm sucking of late.
Today (Friday) I only had about 90 minutes to spare for a ride. My stats were as follows. 23.7 miles (1hr 27min), avg 16.3mph, avg normalized power 263 watts, avg HR 140, 1680 ft of total climb. It was another nice day in the high 50's but a bit windy.
So far that puts me at 120 miles this week. I hope that I can get in at least one ride over the weekend to take me over 150 (over 7 hrs) (but I'm not banking on it). 120 is my highest weekly mileage total since August. Now that is just pitiful. No wonder I'm sucking of late.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
My Training (part 5) - stand back... I'm on a roll
I’m in a pretty good groove so far this week, 97 miles in 4 days and counting. If I can squeeze a long ride in over the weekend (which isn’t looking like it is going to happen) I may get up to 160 ish. Not bad for mid December. The past 4 days of workouts are as follows.
Monday, 43.5 miles (2hrs 34min). Avg 16.9mph, avg normalized power 257 watts, avg HR 145, 2460 ft of total climb. This consisted of a fair about of Tempo and above. I did this ride with a friend (51 y/o pastor) and he kicked my a$$! I only hope to be ½ as fit as him at that age, who am I kidding I would be happy to be ½ that fit at 35. He is a machine. And on the climbs he completely crushed me. But that gives me inspiration that I need to get with it.
Tuesday, 10 miles (40 min). Avg 15mph, avg normalized power 204 watts, avg HR 130, 155 ft of total climb. I didn’t plan on getting in a ride today but it was just too nice outside not to (65° and sunny). I just tooled around a bit. I did 4 sets of spinups (maxed out at 153 rpm). Also, I did 4 hill sprints of 20 seconds each (avg 550 watts).
Wednesday, 20.6 miles (1hr 16min). Avg 16.2mph, avg normalized power 233 watts, avg HR 135, 850 ft of total climb. Did this ride with a co-worker. Again temps were in the 60’s, can’t complain about that in December. This was for the most part an endurance ride.
Today, Thursday, 23 miles (1hr 26min). Avg 16mph, avg normalized power 253 watts, avg HR 139, 1680 ft of total climb. Rode with a friend. Yet another beautiful day for December (55° and sunny). Another endurance ride. For anyone interested for this temp I wore knee and arm warmers in addition to the typical kit and that was perfect.
Monday, 43.5 miles (2hrs 34min). Avg 16.9mph, avg normalized power 257 watts, avg HR 145, 2460 ft of total climb. This consisted of a fair about of Tempo and above. I did this ride with a friend (51 y/o pastor) and he kicked my a$$! I only hope to be ½ as fit as him at that age, who am I kidding I would be happy to be ½ that fit at 35. He is a machine. And on the climbs he completely crushed me. But that gives me inspiration that I need to get with it.
Tuesday, 10 miles (40 min). Avg 15mph, avg normalized power 204 watts, avg HR 130, 155 ft of total climb. I didn’t plan on getting in a ride today but it was just too nice outside not to (65° and sunny). I just tooled around a bit. I did 4 sets of spinups (maxed out at 153 rpm). Also, I did 4 hill sprints of 20 seconds each (avg 550 watts).
Wednesday, 20.6 miles (1hr 16min). Avg 16.2mph, avg normalized power 233 watts, avg HR 135, 850 ft of total climb. Did this ride with a co-worker. Again temps were in the 60’s, can’t complain about that in December. This was for the most part an endurance ride.
Today, Thursday, 23 miles (1hr 26min). Avg 16mph, avg normalized power 253 watts, avg HR 139, 1680 ft of total climb. Rode with a friend. Yet another beautiful day for December (55° and sunny). Another endurance ride. For anyone interested for this temp I wore knee and arm warmers in addition to the typical kit and that was perfect.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
My Training (part 5) - logging some quality miles
I decided to take Tuesday off and do a 2 hour ride on Wednesday. It turned out to be a pretty nice day a bit windy but the temp was pretty nice for this time of the year (Temperature 52.0 F (11.1 C), Wind SW 14mph).
I did 33 miles (1hr 55min). Avg 17.4mph, avg normalized power 250 watts, avg Hr 145, 1490 ft of total climb. Not bad numbers for base. My plan was to stay mostly in zone 2 (135-145bpm) and do some 10min tempo (146-154bpm) intervals. On the climbs I'm trying to stay below LT in bigger gears (cadence of 50-60) alternating between seated and out of the saddle.
I plan to gradually increase my tempo interval lengths for this type of ride. I will also try to keep an eye on my wattage during the intervals and base them more off wattage than HR.
I did 33 miles (1hr 55min). Avg 17.4mph, avg normalized power 250 watts, avg Hr 145, 1490 ft of total climb. Not bad numbers for base. My plan was to stay mostly in zone 2 (135-145bpm) and do some 10min tempo (146-154bpm) intervals. On the climbs I'm trying to stay below LT in bigger gears (cadence of 50-60) alternating between seated and out of the saddle.
I plan to gradually increase my tempo interval lengths for this type of ride. I will also try to keep an eye on my wattage during the intervals and base them more off wattage than HR.
Monday, December 04, 2006
My Training (part 4) - getting back in the groove
I suck as a blogger, I know. I've been neglecting my blogging duties. I'll try get back on track with it along with my training.
Yes, I'm actually training.... I think. I believe that I am finally over my sinus infection from Hell. And hopefully the antibiotics are working there way out of my system after killing all the bad stuff that was dragging me down. So...I can FINALLY get back to training. I was off the bike for what seems like forever. Not training along with being sick seems to have really hit my fitness.
But never fear, I'm putting that behind me and working on my training plan (and training) for the upcoming season. I did a group ride a week ago this past Saturday. I rode from home to the shop to meet up with the group. My total ended up around 50 miles. It was a pretty large group for this time of the year, about 15. Also, the pace was a bit too much for this time of the year. I was still feeling the effects of being sick and toward the end decided to drop off the pace. It wasn't exacly tempo/endurance pace.
Since then I've got in a 35 and two 25 mile endurance rides. And today around 10 miles because it was freakin' freezing out (Temperature 27.0 F (-2.8 C), Windchill 19 F (-7 C)). I'm usually not this much of a cold weather wuss but it will take a bit to get reacclimated to this crap.
Yes, I'm actually training.... I think. I believe that I am finally over my sinus infection from Hell. And hopefully the antibiotics are working there way out of my system after killing all the bad stuff that was dragging me down. So...I can FINALLY get back to training. I was off the bike for what seems like forever. Not training along with being sick seems to have really hit my fitness.
But never fear, I'm putting that behind me and working on my training plan (and training) for the upcoming season. I did a group ride a week ago this past Saturday. I rode from home to the shop to meet up with the group. My total ended up around 50 miles. It was a pretty large group for this time of the year, about 15. Also, the pace was a bit too much for this time of the year. I was still feeling the effects of being sick and toward the end decided to drop off the pace. It wasn't exacly tempo/endurance pace.
Since then I've got in a 35 and two 25 mile endurance rides. And today around 10 miles because it was freakin' freezing out (Temperature 27.0 F (-2.8 C), Windchill 19 F (-7 C)). I'm usually not this much of a cold weather wuss but it will take a bit to get reacclimated to this crap.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
My Training (part 3)
Well my current training has been shot to hell. My sinus infection has finally got the best of me. I have to break down and go on antibiotics. I sure hope that does some good because I feel like $hit! I'm headed to Chicago on Wednesday for a couple of days for work. Then when I return Friday night (@10pm) I'll be headed to the Jacob Fetty training camp in Marlinton WV for the weekend.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Floyd's Still Kickin'
If you haven't been keeping up, there has been lots going on concerning Floyd. Yes, he's still kickin' and with that resurfaced hip I'm sure with a lot less pain.
For all thing concering Floyd be sure to check out Trust But Verify for the latest updates. This sight is on top of everything that has to do with Floyd's case. I hit it daily to catch up.
At first I was all in Floyd's camp. Then with word of the exogenous testosterone my faith was slipping fast. Now with the release of all the documents that Floyd has made available and following some of the discussion by a few very intelligent people on the Daily Peleton Forum I'm getting the faith back. I sure hope that after this all is said and done that the TRUTH will have come out, no matter for or against Floyd. But I have to say I do hope the truth is that he didn't dope.
For all thing concering Floyd be sure to check out Trust But Verify for the latest updates. This sight is on top of everything that has to do with Floyd's case. I hit it daily to catch up.
At first I was all in Floyd's camp. Then with word of the exogenous testosterone my faith was slipping fast. Now with the release of all the documents that Floyd has made available and following some of the discussion by a few very intelligent people on the Daily Peleton Forum I'm getting the faith back. I sure hope that after this all is said and done that the TRUTH will have come out, no matter for or against Floyd. But I have to say I do hope the truth is that he didn't dope.
My Training (part 2)
I'm still trying to shake this cold that has been hanging with me for a couple of weeks now. It started as sinus then seemed to move into my chest. Now I have an annoying smoker's cough. I've done less training trying to allow myself to recover but I can just feel myself losing fitness and getting fat.
Wednesday it was raining out. I thought that I would do some time on the rollers then do stairs. I did about 25 minutes on the rollers and could really tell that I was sick. At 150 watts my heartrate was around 130 bpm. That is WAY off from my normal. Just a few weeks ago I did some intervals at 300watts and my HR was around 130 bpm. Another recover ride at 200 watts and my HR was 115 bpm.
Based on that I decided that the stairs might not be a good idea. I plan to do a long ride on Thursday since the weather is supposed to be nice. I'll wait to decide on the tempo of the ride based on how my HR is responding.
I just hope that I can shake this thing before the training clinic, a little over a week from now. I may have to make another visit to the Dr.
Wednesday it was raining out. I thought that I would do some time on the rollers then do stairs. I did about 25 minutes on the rollers and could really tell that I was sick. At 150 watts my heartrate was around 130 bpm. That is WAY off from my normal. Just a few weeks ago I did some intervals at 300watts and my HR was around 130 bpm. Another recover ride at 200 watts and my HR was 115 bpm.
Based on that I decided that the stairs might not be a good idea. I plan to do a long ride on Thursday since the weather is supposed to be nice. I'll wait to decide on the tempo of the ride based on how my HR is responding.
I just hope that I can shake this thing before the training clinic, a little over a week from now. I may have to make another visit to the Dr.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
My Training (part 1)
Up to this point my blog has been just reporting the facts and a bit non personal. Since road racing season is over and done with I'm going to document my training leading up to the 2007 season.
I am a CAT 4. My objective through the winter is to improve my fitness to be a very competitive 4 and upgrade to a 3 by mid season (June'ish).
I've neglected a structured training program for quite some time. I began the 2006 preseason with a very structured training program that I developed from Friel's Cyclist Training Bible. But some where along the way I fell off the wagon and resorted to my typical mish mash training. I hope to not stumble this again.
I'm currently in a bit of a down time right now. I've been doing some riding trying to maintain some fitness and recover from a cold but no structure what so ever. I have also been doing a bit of running and stairs as cross training. My knees have been bothering me from the running so I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to keep that up.
As I stated in a previous post I'll be attending a training clinic by Jacob Fetty in November. I hope to talk with Jacob and establish a training schedule that will make the best use of the time that I have available in making me a better cyclist.
I am a CAT 4. My objective through the winter is to improve my fitness to be a very competitive 4 and upgrade to a 3 by mid season (June'ish).
I've neglected a structured training program for quite some time. I began the 2006 preseason with a very structured training program that I developed from Friel's Cyclist Training Bible. But some where along the way I fell off the wagon and resorted to my typical mish mash training. I hope to not stumble this again.
I'm currently in a bit of a down time right now. I've been doing some riding trying to maintain some fitness and recover from a cold but no structure what so ever. I have also been doing a bit of running and stairs as cross training. My knees have been bothering me from the running so I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to keep that up.
As I stated in a previous post I'll be attending a training clinic by Jacob Fetty in November. I hope to talk with Jacob and establish a training schedule that will make the best use of the time that I have available in making me a better cyclist.
Friday, October 13, 2006
FS Concepts Training Camp/Clinic
I stumbled across this just a few days ago. FS Concepts will be conducting a 2 day cycling training camp/clinic (flyer w/ details) at Dirtbean Hale in Marlinton, WV November 17-19. And the kicker of it all, what would you guess something like this would set you back? For example, the Carmichael Training Systems 2 day camp runs $600 and that does NOT include meals or lodging. But this is only $200 ($170 w/ early registration) for the entire deal (yes, that DOES include lodging). If you are within a 3-4 hr drive it is a great deal if you ask me.
I'm already signed up. I'm pretty excited about it. Being an anal retentive geek, I always feel the need to be well read on the subject of interest. Since I've begun cycling and gave into the addiction, I've read a good deal on training and racing. It will be interesting to get direct feedback from Jacob Fetty, the instructor/owner of FS Concepts.
I will post after the clinic with my thoughts on the experience.
I'm already signed up. I'm pretty excited about it. Being an anal retentive geek, I always feel the need to be well read on the subject of interest. Since I've begun cycling and gave into the addiction, I've read a good deal on training and racing. It will be interesting to get direct feedback from Jacob Fetty, the instructor/owner of FS Concepts.
I will post after the clinic with my thoughts on the experience.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Results - Fallen Leaf Road Race
Results for the Fallen Leaf (Road Race) (Sunday 10/8) in Oregonia, OH are FINALLY posted (11/15/06, 38 days to get posted).
Fallen Leaf Rider CommentsI have decided as a service to the racers I am going to begin posting exactly how long it take for the results to get posted for each race. I'm sure that you will notice a trend form promoter to promoter. I am also going to check with usacycling about the reporting of results and what they require. I'll post what I learn from them.
Raisin Rack Cycling
Dark Horse Racing
7 Hills Racing
Savage Hill Cycling
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Race Calendar - Oct 8
Fallen Leaf (Road Race) Sunday, October 8 in Oregonia, OH
1/2/3 ($200/5), 3/4 ($125/4), 4/5 ($75/3), Women ($75/3), Junior 10-18. The course is a 7 mile ciruit that is virtually flat with good pavement and low traffic.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
1/2/3 ($200/5), 3/4 ($125/4), 4/5 ($75/3), Women ($75/3), Junior 10-18. The course is a 7 mile ciruit that is virtually flat with good pavement and low traffic.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Results - Tour de London & Harford Days Crit
Road Race Results (Saturday 9/9) and Crit Results (Sunday 9/10) for Tour de London in London KY are posted.
Results for Hartford Days Criterium have NOT been posted yet. The race promoter was Team Columbus so you make the call if you ever think that they will be posted. Is it just me or do you see a pattern here? Exactly how hard can it be to get the results posted?
Results for Hartford Days Criterium have NOT been posted yet. The race promoter was Team Columbus so you make the call if you ever think that they will be posted. Is it just me or do you see a pattern here? Exactly how hard can it be to get the results posted?
Hartford Days Crit Rider Comments
Raisin Rack Cycling
Savage Hill
Monday, September 11, 2006
Race Calendar - Sep 17
Newmark Center Cycling Classic (Crit) Sunday, September 17 in Englewood, OH
2/3 ($250/6), 4/5 ($200/6), 45+ 2/3/4 ($200/6), Women ($100/4), Juniors. The course is a flat D shaped ciruit with excellent pavement located in an office park.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
2/3 ($250/6), 4/5 ($200/6), 45+ 2/3/4 ($200/6), Women ($100/4), Juniors. The course is a flat D shaped ciruit with excellent pavement located in an office park.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
Friday, September 08, 2006
Floyd Landis Doping Allegations - Updates
Trust but Verify- News, Research and Commentary about the Floyd Landis doping allegations
This blog contains daily updated information on the Floyd Landis case.
This blog contains daily updated information on the Floyd Landis case.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Online Bike Racing Forum
Checkout a new online Bike Forum hosted by Jeff Braumberger of Texas Road House Cycling Team.
Race Calendar - Sep 9-10
Tour de London Saturday and Sunday, September 9-10 in London, KY
Pro/1/2 ($2000/15), 3 ($1000/10), 4/5 ($500/5), Women ($500/5), Citizen. Payouts listed are for each day! Online registration is available thru 2WheelSports.com.
Saturday is the Road Race (10am). The course is a 40 mile loop with five category 4 climbs and two category 3 climbs spread amongst lots of flat to gently rolling terrain.
Sunday is the Criterium (8am). The course is a 6-turn, 1.1 mile course that is nearly flat with one small roller and a false flat finish.
Hartford Days Criterium Saturday, September 9 in Hartford, OH
1/2/3 - 30 miles ($150/6), 3/4 - 20 miles ($150/6), 4/5 - 15 miles, Women - 20 miles ($100/3), Juniors - 15 miles, Masters 40/50/60+ - 20 miles. Online registration is available at the event link above. The course is a flat, fast 6 corner circuit with good pavement.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
Pro/1/2 ($2000/15), 3 ($1000/10), 4/5 ($500/5), Women ($500/5), Citizen. Payouts listed are for each day! Online registration is available thru 2WheelSports.com.
Saturday is the Road Race (10am). The course is a 40 mile loop with five category 4 climbs and two category 3 climbs spread amongst lots of flat to gently rolling terrain.
Sunday is the Criterium (8am). The course is a 6-turn, 1.1 mile course that is nearly flat with one small roller and a false flat finish.
Hartford Days Criterium Saturday, September 9 in Hartford, OH
1/2/3 - 30 miles ($150/6), 3/4 - 20 miles ($150/6), 4/5 - 15 miles, Women - 20 miles ($100/3), Juniors - 15 miles, Masters 40/50/60+ - 20 miles. Online registration is available at the event link above. The course is a flat, fast 6 corner circuit with good pavement.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
Friday, September 01, 2006
US Pro Championships - TT Results
1 Dave Zabriskie (CSC) 41.50
2 Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) 0.32
3 Jason Mccartney (Discovery Channel) 0.51
4 Mike Friedman (TIAA Cref) 1.08
5 Bernard Vanulden (Navigators Insurance) 1.25
6 Danny Pate (TIAA Cref) 1.28
7 Tom Abb Zirbel (Priority Health) 1.30
8 Jeff Louder (Health Net / Maxxis) 1.38
9 Chris Wherry (Toyota United) 1.48
10 Mike Creed (TIAA Cref) 2.12
Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) was up 11" on Zabriskie at the 2k to go split but shortly after overcooked it in a corner. With the crash he was forced to finish on his spare bike and salvaged a podium position (2nd).
2 Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) 0.32
3 Jason Mccartney (Discovery Channel) 0.51
4 Mike Friedman (TIAA Cref) 1.08
5 Bernard Vanulden (Navigators Insurance) 1.25
6 Danny Pate (TIAA Cref) 1.28
7 Tom Abb Zirbel (Priority Health) 1.30
8 Jeff Louder (Health Net / Maxxis) 1.38
9 Chris Wherry (Toyota United) 1.48
10 Mike Creed (TIAA Cref) 2.12
Chris Baldwin (Toyota United) was up 11" on Zabriskie at the 2k to go split but shortly after overcooked it in a corner. With the crash he was forced to finish on his spare bike and salvaged a podium position (2nd).
Thursday, August 31, 2006
US Pro Championships - TT & RR
The US Pro Championships will be held this weekend (9/1 & 9/3) in Greenville, SC. ProTour riders that will be racing include George Hincapie (Discovery), Jason McCartney (Discovery), Dave Zabriskie (CSC) and Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner). US Domestic Pro riders to watch will include Tony Cruz, 2005 champ Chris Wherry, Tim Johnson, Brice Jones, Mike Creed, Danny Pate, and 2003 champ Mark McCormack.
The Individual Time Trial Championships will be held on Friday, September 1st at 10am. The course is an undulating 20.15 mi (32.4km) route located just south of Greenville. Riders will be sent off in 1 minute intervals.
The Road Race Championships will be held on Sunday, September 3rd at 12:30pm. The race (Profile)is 121 mi (194.6km) which includes 5 laps of a 21.85 mi (35.2km) circuit that includes 5 passes over Paris Mountain. The race will finish along Main Street, near the intersection of Broad Street, in Greenville.
You can listen LIVE to both events via online streaming.
The Individual Time Trial Championships will be held on Friday, September 1st at 10am. The course is an undulating 20.15 mi (32.4km) route located just south of Greenville. Riders will be sent off in 1 minute intervals.
The Road Race Championships will be held on Sunday, September 3rd at 12:30pm. The race (Profile)is 121 mi (194.6km) which includes 5 laps of a 21.85 mi (35.2km) circuit that includes 5 passes over Paris Mountain. The race will finish along Main Street, near the intersection of Broad Street, in Greenville.
You can listen LIVE to both events via online streaming.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Discovery Channel Team
Let the "silly season" begin. Pro-Tour Cycling is starting to look like Nascar with all of the team moves. It seems to me like there is much more movement among teams going on than normal.
Cyclingnews.com is reporting that Roger Hammond (Gbr) has not revealed his future plans but he will definitely not be returning to the Discovery team for the '07 season. That is a bit suprising to me.
Discovery has lost several riders for next year, whether it is by their choice or not. The flowing riders will not be with Discovery Channel in '07.
I hate to see Hoste and Van De Broeck leave. Hoste is a very strong classics rider and VDB is a young rider with great potential.
Discovery has already announced the addition of 3 riders to the '07 squad.
Cyclingnews.com is reporting that Roger Hammond (Gbr) has not revealed his future plans but he will definitely not be returning to the Discovery team for the '07 season. That is a bit suprising to me.
Discovery has lost several riders for next year, whether it is by their choice or not. The flowing riders will not be with Discovery Channel in '07.
Roger Hammond (Gbr) - Unknown
Paolo Savoldelli (Ita) - Astana
Jurgen Van den Broeck (Bel) - Davitamon-Lotto
Leif Hoste (Bel) - Davitamon-Lotto
Manuel Beltran (Spa) - Liquigas
Josรฉ “Ace” Azevedo (Por) - Benfica (Portugal Domestic Team)
Max van Heeswijk (Ned) - Rabobank
Viatchslev "Eki" Ekimov (Rus) - Retirement (to remain with the team as DS)
I hate to see Hoste and Van De Broeck leave. Hoste is a very strong classics rider and VDB is a young rider with great potential.
Discovery has already announced the addition of 3 riders to the '07 squad.
Levi Leipheimer (USA) - Gerolsteiner
Sergio Paulinho (Por) - Astana
Thomas Vaitkus (Lth) - Ag2r
Gianni Meersman (Bel) - Neo Pro
Monday, August 28, 2006
Results - Chagrin Falls GP & Valley City Street Fair RR
Results for Valley City Street Fair Road Race on Saturday(8/26) near Cleveland are posted.
Results for Chagrin Falls GP (Crit) on Sunday (8/27) near Cleveland have NOT been posted yet. The race promoter was Team Columbus so they most likely will not get posted. Raisin Rack Team website has a race report posted which contains the top 12 finishers in the 3-4 race.
Local rider, Tony Patrick (Nationwide) finished second in the race trailing Chris Riccardi (WVU Healthcare) to the line. The strong performance by Patrick moves him into the leaders jersey by 1 point with 2 races remaining in the series.
Next weekend (9/2-3) the series moves to Long Street and New Albany.
Valley City Street Rider Comments
Raisin Rack Cycling
Savage Hill
Scott Thor (Stark Velo)
Results for Chagrin Falls GP (Crit) on Sunday (8/27) near Cleveland have NOT been posted yet. The race promoter was Team Columbus so they most likely will not get posted. Raisin Rack Team website has a race report posted which contains the top 12 finishers in the 3-4 race.
Local rider, Tony Patrick (Nationwide) finished second in the race trailing Chris Riccardi (WVU Healthcare) to the line. The strong performance by Patrick moves him into the leaders jersey by 1 point with 2 races remaining in the series.
Next weekend (9/2-3) the series moves to Long Street and New Albany.
Chagrin Falls Race Rider Comments
Raisin Rack Cycling
PolishPostal - Random Doping Control
Following today's stage of the Vuelta PolishPostal was randomly selected by doping control. Actually I got my annual checkup with typical bloodwork. It was a full screening of Hemogram, Differential and Cardiac Risk Profile. I hope that means something to you because it doesn't mean a thing to me. I do understand the following which my Doc said were excellent results.
Cholesterol - 157I was a bit suprised by my 41.8% Hematocrit. I was hoping for something a bit closer to 50%. 2 years ago when I began cyclng my value was at 45.2%. What's the deal with that?
HDL - 50
LDL - 93
Triglycerides - 70
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Race Calendar - Sep 1-2
Long Street Tour (Crit) Saturday, September 2 in Columbus, OH
Pro/1/2/3, 3/4, 4, 5, Women. The course is a 4 corner fast and flat 0.6 mile loop. This is race 6 of 7 in the Cyclebration06 series Online registration is available thru 8/31 at the race link above.
New Albany Grand Prix (Crit) Sunday, September 3 in New Albany, Ohio
2/3, 3-4, 5, Masters 35+/45+, Women. The course is a 5 corner very flat loop. This is race 7 of 7 in the Cyclebration06 series Online registration is available thru 9/1 at the race link above.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
Pro/1/2/3, 3/4, 4, 5, Women. The course is a 4 corner fast and flat 0.6 mile loop. This is race 6 of 7 in the Cyclebration06 series Online registration is available thru 8/31 at the race link above.
New Albany Grand Prix (Crit) Sunday, September 3 in New Albany, Ohio
2/3, 3-4, 5, Masters 35+/45+, Women. The course is a 5 corner very flat loop. This is race 7 of 7 in the Cyclebration06 series Online registration is available thru 9/1 at the race link above.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Race Calendar - Aug 26-27
Chagrin Falls GP (Crit?) Sunday, August 27 in Chagrin Falls, OH
Pro/1/2/3, 3/4, 4, 5, Women. The course is a tough 1.2 mile loop with a climb up through the finish. flat four corner fast 0.6 mile loop. This is race 5 of 7 in the Cyclebration06 series Online registration is available at the race link above.
Valley City Street Fair Road Race Saturday, August 26 in Valley City, Ohio
2/3, 4, 5/citizen, Masters 35+, W 2/3, W 4/citizen, & Senior Olympic Games. The circuit is a 12 mile rolling circuit course, through Valley City, consisting of two “S” curves, several short quick climbs, a technical section heading back into town with a hill top finish.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
Pro/1/2/3, 3/4, 4, 5, Women. The course is a tough 1.2 mile loop with a climb up through the finish. flat four corner fast 0.6 mile loop. This is race 5 of 7 in the Cyclebration06 series Online registration is available at the race link above.
Valley City Street Fair Road Race Saturday, August 26 in Valley City, Ohio
2/3, 4, 5/citizen, Masters 35+, W 2/3, W 4/citizen, & Senior Olympic Games. The circuit is a 12 mile rolling circuit course, through Valley City, consisting of two “S” curves, several short quick climbs, a technical section heading back into town with a hill top finish.
Full 2006 Regional Race Calendar
Full 2007 Regional Race Calendar
Monday, August 21, 2006
PolishPostal Race Report - Marysville OH
Ok, after doing this race I'm thinking of modifying the title of my blog from "... off the front" to "... out the back". So, I get my CAT 4 upgrade earlier this week and decide that I'll break it in right. By doing the 4 race... no. I have the brilliant idea to do the 3-4 race instead. Tony is going for the overall in the Cyclebration series and I figure that maybe I'll be able to help him out a bit.
So Tony, Will and I are flying the Nationwide colors with several other teams represented. Raisin Rack was by far the best represented with 8+ riders. With this being my first race outside of the 5's I have to admit that I was pretty nervous. Ideally, I would be able to hang and do something to aid Tony. Worst case I finish last or crash.
The course was around a city block in Marysville. Two of the streets had fairly new pavement, smooth and fast. The two others might as well been cobbles. They had broken pavement and potholes.
The race gets underway. I'm lined up very near the back with the initial plan to stay out of the way and hang on for dear life. Within the first 30 seconds we are crusing at 26mph. I was hoping that riding with the 3's there would be much smoother cornering. I'm sure it was smoother but there was still quite a bit of braking. While riding on the back I would let a gap open in front of me entering the corners. This allowed me to carry more speed throught the corners and avoid the accelerations after every corner. I'm sure that toward the front of the peleton the pace was much steadier.
It didn't take long (45 seconds to be exact) for my heartrate to surpass my lactate threshold HR of 164bpm. From this point on my HR dropped below 160 only twice. My maximum HR is 183bpm. I spent 45% of the race above 170bpm (93% of my max, this is better know as "The Hurt Box"). Really I wasn't hurting too bad but I didn't have anything left for accelerations.
Back to the race.... I was able to avoid being shelled for 15 laps of the 40. The race consisted of cornering at 20-22mph then accelerating to 28-30mph, repeated 4 times per lap. There were several attacks that were easily brought back. Tony made his way to the front before I got shelled and took some very stong pulled to up the pace. Will even went off the front and stayed away for a couple of laps. Giving Tony a little time to sit in.
After getting shelled I tried to continue with a decent pace. My goal at this point was to avoid being lapped and to pick off as many other dropped riders as I could. I fought as long as I could but after 10 or so more laps I was caught. I tried to stay out of the way and latch back on. That lasted a few laps but I was shelled yet again.
Coming around solo with 11 laps to go shown on the board the official shouts to me "one lap to go". Huh?? It was starting to get dark so I figure that they are cutting the race short. I wanted to see the finish so I just pull off and roll back to the start finish line. The leaders are coming to the line but no one is sprinting, they get the 10 to go. I'm not sure what was up with that. Maybe he was telling me that I was going to get pulled in one more lap. If I wouldn't have gotten spit out the back I wouldn't have had to worry about that.
In the last 10 laps the pace picks up a bit. With about 3 to go, Jim Matson (Raisin Rack) goes off the front. Several chase including Tony. The field is now lined out for the next couple of laps as they brought Matson back fairly quickly. Coming to the bell (last lap) Tony attacks hard out of the fourth turn. He gets about 50 meters by the line and holds that lead and then some through the final lap to the finish.
That was a very impressive win by Tony after being grossly out numbered by Raisin Rack. I'm trying to be realistic about my results from the race. After downloading my data I don't think that I could have pushed any harder. My average HR was 168bpm. I am sure that I could have raced much smarter and with it only being my second crit my cornering could use some work. With my performance and watching Tony dominate it inspired me to train harder. I'll get there.
I've read several rider comments from 3's that were in the race and they commented on how fast this race was. So that makes we a little more accepting of the fact that I got shelled hard.
So Tony, Will and I are flying the Nationwide colors with several other teams represented. Raisin Rack was by far the best represented with 8+ riders. With this being my first race outside of the 5's I have to admit that I was pretty nervous. Ideally, I would be able to hang and do something to aid Tony. Worst case I finish last or crash.
The course was around a city block in Marysville. Two of the streets had fairly new pavement, smooth and fast. The two others might as well been cobbles. They had broken pavement and potholes.
The race gets underway. I'm lined up very near the back with the initial plan to stay out of the way and hang on for dear life. Within the first 30 seconds we are crusing at 26mph. I was hoping that riding with the 3's there would be much smoother cornering. I'm sure it was smoother but there was still quite a bit of braking. While riding on the back I would let a gap open in front of me entering the corners. This allowed me to carry more speed throught the corners and avoid the accelerations after every corner. I'm sure that toward the front of the peleton the pace was much steadier.
It didn't take long (45 seconds to be exact) for my heartrate to surpass my lactate threshold HR of 164bpm. From this point on my HR dropped below 160 only twice. My maximum HR is 183bpm. I spent 45% of the race above 170bpm (93% of my max, this is better know as "The Hurt Box"). Really I wasn't hurting too bad but I didn't have anything left for accelerations.
Back to the race.... I was able to avoid being shelled for 15 laps of the 40. The race consisted of cornering at 20-22mph then accelerating to 28-30mph, repeated 4 times per lap. There were several attacks that were easily brought back. Tony made his way to the front before I got shelled and took some very stong pulled to up the pace. Will even went off the front and stayed away for a couple of laps. Giving Tony a little time to sit in.
After getting shelled I tried to continue with a decent pace. My goal at this point was to avoid being lapped and to pick off as many other dropped riders as I could. I fought as long as I could but after 10 or so more laps I was caught. I tried to stay out of the way and latch back on. That lasted a few laps but I was shelled yet again.
Coming around solo with 11 laps to go shown on the board the official shouts to me "one lap to go". Huh?? It was starting to get dark so I figure that they are cutting the race short. I wanted to see the finish so I just pull off and roll back to the start finish line. The leaders are coming to the line but no one is sprinting, they get the 10 to go. I'm not sure what was up with that. Maybe he was telling me that I was going to get pulled in one more lap. If I wouldn't have gotten spit out the back I wouldn't have had to worry about that.
In the last 10 laps the pace picks up a bit. With about 3 to go, Jim Matson (Raisin Rack) goes off the front. Several chase including Tony. The field is now lined out for the next couple of laps as they brought Matson back fairly quickly. Coming to the bell (last lap) Tony attacks hard out of the fourth turn. He gets about 50 meters by the line and holds that lead and then some through the final lap to the finish.
That was a very impressive win by Tony after being grossly out numbered by Raisin Rack. I'm trying to be realistic about my results from the race. After downloading my data I don't think that I could have pushed any harder. My average HR was 168bpm. I am sure that I could have raced much smarter and with it only being my second crit my cornering could use some work. With my performance and watching Tony dominate it inspired me to train harder. I'll get there.
I've read several rider comments from 3's that were in the race and they commented on how fast this race was. So that makes we a little more accepting of the fact that I got shelled hard.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Results - 3rd Friday GP and Two in Twenty Four RR
Results for 3rd Friday GP (Crit) on Friday (8/18) in Marysville have NOT been posted yet. And based on previous observations, race promoter Team Columbus will probably not post them. Since I was at the race I will be able to pass along some information.
Tony Patrick (Nationwide) won the CAT 3-4 race launching a massive attack coming into the final lap and no one was able to reel him back in before the finish. Mark Brown (Raisin Rack) took the field sprint for 2nd followed by David Young (Orrville) in 3rd.
With the win Tony moves into 3rd (28 Points) in the Cyclebration06 Series with 3 races remaining. That is a pretty impressive feat considering that he has only competed in 2 of the 4 races in the series to date taking a win in both. Series leader Andys Burns (Raisin Rack) finished the race in 12th keeping his overall lead (34 points). The new overall co-leader is Mark Brown (Raisin Rack) (34 Points) after finishing the past 2 races 2nd only to Patrick. Next week (8/27) the series moves to Chagrin Falls.
Marysville photos thanks to Raisin Rack team website. They also have a race report posted.
Results for Two in Twenty Four Grandville RR on Saturday(8/19) in Grandville have NOT been posted yet. This is another Team Columbus race so race results will most likely not materialize.
The only results that I have knowledge of are as follows. Roger Rabey (Nationwide) won the CAT 2-3-4 race.
Tony Patrick (Nationwide) won the CAT 3-4 race launching a massive attack coming into the final lap and no one was able to reel him back in before the finish. Mark Brown (Raisin Rack) took the field sprint for 2nd followed by David Young (Orrville) in 3rd.
With the win Tony moves into 3rd (28 Points) in the Cyclebration06 Series with 3 races remaining. That is a pretty impressive feat considering that he has only competed in 2 of the 4 races in the series to date taking a win in both. Series leader Andys Burns (Raisin Rack) finished the race in 12th keeping his overall lead (34 points). The new overall co-leader is Mark Brown (Raisin Rack) (34 Points) after finishing the past 2 races 2nd only to Patrick. Next week (8/27) the series moves to Chagrin Falls.
Marysville photos thanks to Raisin Rack team website. They also have a race report posted.
Marysville Race Rider Comments
Raisin Rack Cycling
Savage Hill
Results for Two in Twenty Four Grandville RR on Saturday(8/19) in Grandville have NOT been posted yet. This is another Team Columbus race so race results will most likely not materialize.
The only results that I have knowledge of are as follows. Roger Rabey (Nationwide) won the CAT 2-3-4 race.
Two in Twenty Four Rider Comments
Raisin Rack Cycling
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Race Calendar - Aug 18-19
3rd Friday GP (Crit) Friday, August 18th in Marysville, OH
The course is a flat four corner fast 0.6 mile loop. This is race 4 of 7 in the Cyclebration06 series Online registration is available at the race link above.
Two in twenty Four Granville Road Race Saturday, August 19th in Granville, OH
The circuit is 6.7 miles in length on rolling roads north of Granville in Licking County. Online registration is available at the race link above.
The course is a flat four corner fast 0.6 mile loop. This is race 4 of 7 in the Cyclebration06 series Online registration is available at the race link above.
Two in twenty Four Granville Road Race Saturday, August 19th in Granville, OH
The circuit is 6.7 miles in length on rolling roads north of Granville in Licking County. Online registration is available at the race link above.
Phonak to be disband
Floyd's former team will cease to exist after the end of the season. With the history of team rider doping cases and uncertainty of the renewal of their ProTour license they were unable to secure sponsorship for the 2007 season. So team owner Andy Rihs decided to call it quits.
Phonak stops [cyclingnews.com]
Phonak no more [eurosport.com]
End of the road for Phonak [velonews.com]
Team Statement [Phonak Team Website]
Monday, August 14, 2006
Race 2 Replace - Results
Race2Replace results (8/12/06 Indianapolis Motor Speedway) have been posted.
Results - Ohio Crit Champs and Milk Race
Results for Smith Dairy Milk Race (8/13/06) have been posted.
Milk Race Rider CommentsStill waiting for the Result to be posted for the Ohio State Crit Championships (8/11-13). They should be posted in a couple of days. When they are I'll include the link.
Raisin Rack Cycling
Ohio Crit Chamionships Rider Comments
Raisin Rack Cycling(8/11 Worthington)
Raisin Rack Cycling(8/12 Hilliard)
Raisin Rack Cycling(8/13 Grove City)
Dark Horse Racing
7 Hills Racing
Savage Hill(8/11 Worthington)
Savage Hill(8/12 Hilliard)
Savage Hill(8/13 Grove City)
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Race 2 Replace - Race Report
I placed 9th out of 150 in my heat (age 35-49). I must say that I'm pretty damn happy with that. My teamate, Tony, place 3rd in the same heat. We averaged just over 27mph for the 25 mile race.
I'll be editing this post in the next day or so to include the details of my race.
I'll be editing this post in the next day or so to include the details of my race.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Race 2 Replace - Eve Update
Well we made it to Indy around 4:30pm this afternoon (8/11). It took us about 5 hrs to make the drive and I only took one wrong turn. That split in Cincinnati gets me every time. We picked up our registration packets (number and transmitter) at the speedway. No Lance sightings as of yet.
My age group (35-49) of 150 riders gets underway at 11:15am. I thought that the field size would be much larger. My plan is to find a wheel and hang on as long as possible.
My age group (35-49) of 150 riders gets underway at 11:15am. I thought that the field size would be much larger. My plan is to find a wheel and hang on as long as possible.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
WADA Chairman - Dick Pound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
But I have to laugh everytime that I read his name in a news article. I guess it is my "jr high" sense of humor. Go figure. But can you imagine the crap that this guy caught in Jr High. Maybe that is why he is such a douche bag.
Dick Pound is a partner of leading Canadian law firm Stikeman Elliott and the chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) based in Montreal. He is a former vice-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was a one-time candidate for the presidency of that organization.,He is no fan of Lance Armstrong or cycling in general.
But I have to laugh everytime that I read his name in a news article. I guess it is my "jr high" sense of humor. Go figure. But can you imagine the crap that this guy caught in Jr High. Maybe that is why he is such a douche bag.
Results - PUR Tour and Zoar RR
Results for PUR Tour 2006 (8/5/06) have been posted. A full report with photos has also been posted. They will be submitting results to the USA Cycling database today (8/10). Photos from the race are available online, thanks to Jeffrey Jakucyk.
PUR Tour Rider CommentsResults for Zoar Road Race (8/6/06) have been posted. Photos from the race are available online, thanks to Scott Thor.
Raisin Rack Cycling
Savage Hill
Dark Horse Racing
7 Hills Racing
Zoar Rider Comments
Raisin Rack Cycling
Saul Raisin (CA) Takes Another Major Step in Recovery
Saul Raisin (Credit Agricole) hit the road for an hour and a half training ride on Tuesday (8/8). That was his first time riding on the road since a six day stint in a coma resulting from his life threatening crash on April 4th in the first stage of the Circuit de la Sarthe. Saul has been putting in some serious time on his stationary trainer, sessions of up to 4hrs (ouch!). He just recently tested his balance on this rollers prior to hitting the open road.
Raisin racing to recoverLet's hope that we see Saul back in the pro peloton soon.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Tour of Germany - Final Report
In stage 7, the ITT, Jens Voigt (CSC) crushed the field. He hung just over 1 minute on his closest challenger, Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole). The big GC guys, Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner) and Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) finished 1.14 and 1.20, respectively, off Voigt's blistering pace. With that performance Voigt locks up the Tour of Germany GC.
Stage 8 was for the sprinters. The final chance for Erik Zabel (Milram) to take a stage win in this years Tour of Germany. But he was again denied. Graeme Brown (Rabobank) took his second stage win of this tour.
Voigt secured the general classification followed by Leipheimer, Kashechkin, Vladimir Gusev (Discovery) and Evgeni Petrov (Lampre).
Stage 8 was for the sprinters. The final chance for Erik Zabel (Milram) to take a stage win in this years Tour of Germany. But he was again denied. Graeme Brown (Rabobank) took his second stage win of this tour.
Voigt secured the general classification followed by Leipheimer, Kashechkin, Vladimir Gusev (Discovery) and Evgeni Petrov (Lampre).
Race Calendar - Aug 11-13
Ohio Criterium Championships Friday, August 11th, thru Sunday, August 13th, 2006 in Worthington, Hilliard and Grove City, OH
Smith Dairy Milk (Circuit) Race , Sunday, August 13 in Orrville, Ohio
Smith Dairy Milk (Circuit) Race , Sunday, August 13 in Orrville, Ohio
Monday, August 07, 2006
Tour of Germany - Stage 6
Where in the hell did Jens Voigt(CSC) find those climbing legs? I would like to get me a set. A rider known for his breakaways and attacks but not exactly for his climbing was able to hang with the "climbers" today. Not only did he hang with them but was able to counter an attack by Leipheimer(Gerolsteiner) in the last 500m to take the stage win and hold onto the yellow jersey.
The final GC standings will be decided in tomorrows individual time trial.
Results
1 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 5.11.48 (37.83 km/h)
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner 0.02
3 Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana Team 0.08
4 Evgeni Petrov (Rus) Lampre-Fondital 0.10
5 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 0.36
6 Johann Tschopp (Swi) Phonak Hearing Systems 0.41
7 Eddy Mazzoleni (Ita) T-Mobile Team
8 Pablo Lastras Garcia (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
9 Anton Luengo Celaya (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
10 Inigo Cuesta Lopez De Castro (Spa) Team CSC
11 Vladimir Gusev (Rus) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 0.47
GC after Stage 6
1 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 27.39.29
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner 0.24
3 Evgeni Petrov (Rus) Lampre-Fondital 0.56
4 Vladimir Gusev (Rus) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 1.00
5 Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana Team 1.03
The final GC standings will be decided in tomorrows individual time trial.
Results
1 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 5.11.48 (37.83 km/h)
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner 0.02
3 Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana Team 0.08
4 Evgeni Petrov (Rus) Lampre-Fondital 0.10
5 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 0.36
6 Johann Tschopp (Swi) Phonak Hearing Systems 0.41
7 Eddy Mazzoleni (Ita) T-Mobile Team
8 Pablo Lastras Garcia (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
9 Anton Luengo Celaya (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
10 Inigo Cuesta Lopez De Castro (Spa) Team CSC
11 Vladimir Gusev (Rus) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 0.47
GC after Stage 6
1 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 27.39.29
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner 0.24
3 Evgeni Petrov (Rus) Lampre-Fondital 0.56
4 Vladimir Gusev (Rus) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team 1.00
5 Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana Team 1.03
Bank of America Crit Results
Shawn Milne (Navigators) attacked from the break to win the big purse. Milne broke away with Rahsaan Bahati (TIAA-CREF) and Jackson Stewart (KodakGallery-Sierra Nevada) at the half-way point of the race. With 10 laps to go Bahati crashed in heavy rains. With the break down to 2, Milne attacked Stewart through a corner with 1/2 lap to go. He got a gap and was able to stay away.
HealthNet was missing from the top 20. Not sure what is up with that. Maybe they are saving energy for the Tour of Utah. Keep an eye on Milne, he is young and has great potential.
The womens race was won in a field sprint by Tina Pic (Colivita). Her team executed a perfect leadout for the sprinter. It was a long sprint with played to Pic's advantage.
Men's Results
1 Shawn Milne Navigators
2 Jackson Stewart (USA) Kodakgallery.Com Sierra Nevada
3 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Toyota-United
4 Hilton Clarke (Aus) Navigators
5 Mark Walters (Can) Navigators
Women's Results
1 Tina Pic (USA) Colavita/Cooking Light
2 Laura Van Gilder (USA) Team Lipton
3 Gina Grain (Can) Colavita/Cooking Light
4 Jen Mccrae (USA) Conex Train
5 Mackenzie Dickey (USA) Aaron's Pro Women's Cycling
HealthNet was missing from the top 20. Not sure what is up with that. Maybe they are saving energy for the Tour of Utah. Keep an eye on Milne, he is young and has great potential.
The womens race was won in a field sprint by Tina Pic (Colivita). Her team executed a perfect leadout for the sprinter. It was a long sprint with played to Pic's advantage.
Men's Results
1 Shawn Milne Navigators
2 Jackson Stewart (USA) Kodakgallery.Com Sierra Nevada
3 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Toyota-United
4 Hilton Clarke (Aus) Navigators
5 Mark Walters (Can) Navigators
Women's Results
1 Tina Pic (USA) Colavita/Cooking Light
2 Laura Van Gilder (USA) Team Lipton
3 Gina Grain (Can) Colavita/Cooking Light
4 Jen Mccrae (USA) Conex Train
5 Mackenzie Dickey (USA) Aaron's Pro Women's Cycling
Results - Newport Celebration Crit
Major props to the organizers of the Newport Celebration Crit. This race was held on Sunday and they had results posted by early Monday. Photos from the race are available online, thanks to Jeffrey Jakucyk.
Tony (on the front of the 3-man break), a local CAT 3, placed 2nd in the Pro/1/2/3 race. That is awesome!
Newport Crit Rider Commentshint hint .... other race promoters should take note of this. That is one of my pet peeves, the SLOW posting of race results. One day, MAX! That should be a USCF requirement to get your permit. I have a whole list of other items that I feel USCF should require of promoters to get their permit. If USCF truly wants cycling races to flourish in the US they are going to have to start cracking down of half-assed race promoters. They need to be treating races as their customers. ... enough of that for now.
7 Hills Racing
Savage Hill
Tony (on the front of the 3-man break), a local CAT 3, placed 2nd in the Pro/1/2/3 race. That is awesome!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Floyd's Fate - B Sample Analysis Confirms Original Results
The UCI released the following statement that Floyd's B sample confirmed the A results indicating an elevated T/E ratio.
Phonak also released a statement on the team website.
In layman's terms, Floyd don't let the door hit you in the ass.
The adverse analytical finding from Floyd Landis is confirmed
The UCI communicates that the analysis of the sample B of Floyd Landis’s urine has confirmed the result of an adverse analytical finding notified by the Anti-doping laboratory of Paris on 26th July, following the analysis of the sample A.
In accordance to the Anti-doping rules, the Anti-doping Commission of the UCI will request that the USA Cycling Federation open a disciplinary procedure against the rider.
Phonak also released a statement on the team website.
Phonak Cycling Team to clarify consequences
The Phonak Cycling Team has learned today from the International Cycling Union (UCI) that team captain Floyd Landis’s B sample has also resulted in a positive finding of doping. As a result, Landis will be dismissed without notice for violating the team’s internal Code of Ethics. Landis will continue to have legal options to contest the findings. However, this will be his personal affair and the Phonak team will no longer be involved in that. Team owner Andy Rihs deeply regrets this development. At present, he is clarifying with all parties involved what consequences this may have for his company ARcycling AG, the operator of the Phonak Cycling Team. Andy Rihs and Team Manager John Lelangue will make in-depth statements regarding this matter at a media conference to be held in the next couple of days.
In layman's terms, Floyd don't let the door hit you in the ass.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Floyd's Fate - B Sample Results Due at 5am EST
The UCI will be releasing the results of Floyd's B sample tests at 10:00am CET (5:00am EST) tomorrow (Aug 5). I'll post something as soon as they are available.
Cycling.tv Vuelta Coverage
Cycling.tv has just announced that they will be broadcasting full live (and archived) coverage of every stage of this years Vuelta. You can get this service for the low low price of 19.99 Euro (approx $28 USD).
Tour of Germany - Stage 3
A 19 year old rider from a non-ProTour Team shows them how its done. It was a stage for the sprinters with only 2 small catagory 3 climbs. Marco Pinotti (Saunier Duval) launched a solo attack early in the stage and stayed away until 25km remaining in the stage. He ran the gap out to 6+ minutes but with his current standing in the GC (142nd 9'23") he was kept well in check by Gusev's Discovery boys.
In the final 20k several attempted attacks were squashed as the sprinters teams came to the front to control things. Lampre and Milram drove it for the most part. With 2k to go Lorenzo Bernucci (T-Mobile) took a flier but was reeled in before the 1k banner. Liquigas lauched their leadout with still 500m to go to the line. Zabel (Milram) was well positioned and opened his sprint inside of 200m. With 50m to go 19 year old Gerald Ciolek (Wiesenhof-Akud) timed it perfectly coming around the ride side to take stage 3 of the Tour of Germany.
Stage 3 Results:
1 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Wiesenhof Akud
2 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram
3 Andrรฉ Greipel (Ger) T-Mobile Team
4 Luke Roberts (Aus) Team CSC
5 Mark Renshaw (Aus) Credit Agricole
GC after Stage 3
1 Vladimir Gusev (Rus) Discovery Channel 4.49.47
2 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram
3 Linus Gerdemann (Ger) T-Mobile Team 0.01
4 Davide Rebellin (Ita) Gerolsteiner 0.07
5 Inigo Cuesta Lopez De Castro (Spa) Team CSC 0.10
6 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 0.11
7 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana Team
8 Nick Nuyens (Bel) Quick Step-Innergetic 0.13
9 Evgeni Petrov (Rus) Lampre-Fondital 0.14
In the final 20k several attempted attacks were squashed as the sprinters teams came to the front to control things. Lampre and Milram drove it for the most part. With 2k to go Lorenzo Bernucci (T-Mobile) took a flier but was reeled in before the 1k banner. Liquigas lauched their leadout with still 500m to go to the line. Zabel (Milram) was well positioned and opened his sprint inside of 200m. With 50m to go 19 year old Gerald Ciolek (Wiesenhof-Akud) timed it perfectly coming around the ride side to take stage 3 of the Tour of Germany.
Stage 3 Results:
1 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Wiesenhof Akud
2 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram
3 Andrรฉ Greipel (Ger) T-Mobile Team
4 Luke Roberts (Aus) Team CSC
5 Mark Renshaw (Aus) Credit Agricole
GC after Stage 3
1 Vladimir Gusev (Rus) Discovery Channel 4.49.47
2 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram
3 Linus Gerdemann (Ger) T-Mobile Team 0.01
4 Davide Rebellin (Ita) Gerolsteiner 0.07
5 Inigo Cuesta Lopez De Castro (Spa) Team CSC 0.10
6 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC 0.11
7 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana Team
8 Nick Nuyens (Bel) Quick Step-Innergetic 0.13
9 Evgeni Petrov (Rus) Lampre-Fondital 0.14
Race Calendar - Aug 5-6
The PUR Tour Saturday, August 5th, 2006 Mason, OH
The course is a 1.56 mile non-technical loop circuit of excellent pavement closed to traffic during the race. There is one left hand turn and 1 short climb.
Zoar Road Race, Sunday, August 6 in Zoar, Ohio
The course is a scenic, well-paved 10-mile loop near Zoar, OH - a challenging circuit with two significant climbs (39x23 recommended) and a long, straight descent. There are two significant climbs - one gradual climb on Dover-Zoar, and a steeper climb on Middle Run. The finish line is located on Middle Run Rd., a few kilometers after the top of the climb.
Newport Celebration Sunday, August 6 in Newport, Kentucky
Totally flat and four-corner criterium course.
The course is a 1.56 mile non-technical loop circuit of excellent pavement closed to traffic during the race. There is one left hand turn and 1 short climb.
Zoar Road Race, Sunday, August 6 in Zoar, Ohio
The course is a scenic, well-paved 10-mile loop near Zoar, OH - a challenging circuit with two significant climbs (39x23 recommended) and a long, straight descent. There are two significant climbs - one gradual climb on Dover-Zoar, and a steeper climb on Middle Run. The finish line is located on Middle Run Rd., a few kilometers after the top of the climb.
Newport Celebration Sunday, August 6 in Newport, Kentucky
Totally flat and four-corner criterium course.
Tour of Utah and Other Upcoming NRC Races
Domestic US Pro cycling news. The Tour of Utah is scheduled to kick off on August 7th. It is an elite six day stage race featuring 16 of the top domestic pro teams. The following teams will be competing:
I will be posting race reports following each stage.
August 5th, the Bank of America Invitational Criterium "The World's Richest Crit" will be held in Charlotte NC. This event has a huge purse which draws pro riders from around the world.
August 12 & 13, Tour of Elk Grove will run near Chicago. They are advertising that Floyd Landis will be riding in it but with his current "status", it ain't going to happen.
- Navigators Insurance
- Toyota United
- Health Net-Maxxis
- TIAA-CREF
- Kodakgallery.com-Sierra Nevada
- Symmetrics
- Priority Health
- Successful Living
- Einstein's
- Team End (Utah All Stars)
- Sienna Development-Goble Knee Clinic
- California Giant Strawberries
- Vitamin Cottage
- BMS Racing
- Broadmark
- KJZZ composite team
I will be posting race reports following each stage.
August 5th, the Bank of America Invitational Criterium "The World's Richest Crit" will be held in Charlotte NC. This event has a huge purse which draws pro riders from around the world.
August 12 & 13, Tour of Elk Grove will run near Chicago. They are advertising that Floyd Landis will be riding in it but with his current "status", it ain't going to happen.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Race 2 Replace - I'm going!
Damn straight, you read that right. I'm participating in the Discovery Channel Race 2 Replace Lance whats-his-name. I know, I know, I'm realistic about this whole deal. My odds of winning the powerball are better than taking this thing. My justification is that the money is going to a good cause and come on how many people get the chance to ride around Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
I'm not a cancer survivor but I'll be carrying the torch for my good buddy Jon. He is a pancreatic cancer survivor going on 4 years (I think). He is still kicking ass and taking names. Keep up the fight brother.
I have to thank Motorex Oil of Switzerland for their support. They are providing some local riders with kits and a canopy. And I must say after receiving my team kit, they are first rate. Assos, need I say more.
I'm not a cancer survivor but I'll be carrying the torch for my good buddy Jon. He is a pancreatic cancer survivor going on 4 years (I think). He is still kicking ass and taking names. Keep up the fight brother.
I have to thank Motorex Oil of Switzerland for their support. They are providing some local riders with kits and a canopy. And I must say after receiving my team kit, they are first rate. Assos, need I say more.
Floyd's Fate - B Testing is Underway
The testing of Floyd's B sample got underway on Thursday (Aug 3). According to cyclingnews.com, representatives of US Anti-Doping Agency and the UCI as well as Jose Maria Buxeda, Landis' Spanish attorney, were present.
Floyd should know the fate of his B sample on Saturday. I must say that with all of the information that has made its way out, I'm not too optimistic. Goodluck Floyd.
Floyd should know the fate of his B sample on Saturday. I must say that with all of the information that has made its way out, I'm not too optimistic. Goodluck Floyd.
In Need of a Kick in the a$$
Of late I've been a bit weak, mentally. I've had trouble pushing through the pain. Today's ride was another such day. This afternoon I ran across a quote from Lance Armstrong that may give me a little motivation.
I'll let you know how it works out."Cycling is so hard, the suffering is so intense, that it’s absolutely cleansing. The pain is so deep and strong that a curtain descends over your brain... Once, someone asked me what pleasure I took in riding for so long. ’Pleasure?’ I said. ’I don’t understand the question.’ I didn’t do it for pleasure, I did it for pain."
Sunday, March 12, 2006
PolishPostal Race Race Report - Morrow Ohio (CAT 5)
This is my 3rd race of the season and 4th overall. The CAT 5 race consisted of 5 laps of an 8.1 mile course.
The kids (girl 6 & boy 3 ½) have been wanting to go to one of my races. So we decided that this would be a good one. It was less than 3hrs away so it would be one of the closest in the Ohio Valley Racing Series. We headed out about 7:15am. The forecast was not good. High in the mid 70’s and rain with chance of thunderstorms. About 15 minutes after we left the house we could see lightning to the west (the direction that we were headed). About 30mintues later we hit the rain and some of it was quite hard.
It took just under 3hrs to get to the course. From the map that was on OVR’s website I drive the course prior to registering. I’m anal like that. I feel a need to not be surprised.
Upon arrival in Morrow it was still raining. I registered and asked about the location of the finish line on my map. The guy told me that the map I had wasn’t the right course, it was the ‘old’ course. That is nice. While suiting up I see the USCF official and ask him about the course. He tells me that I have the correct course and shows me on the map the approximate location of the finish. So I get suited up. It was about 58 deg and the rain was lightening up. With the rain I opted not to warm up on my rollers but decided to do my warm up on the road. I drove the family out to the course and parked them near the finish location that the official indicated. I then rode back to the registration area, it was about 1.5 miles. I did some additional warm up on the bike trail.
Ok… my rant for the week. I’m still a bit miffed why race organizers have to keep the course information top secret. I would have better luck getting the launch codes to some nuclear missles than the exact course description (with actual distance) including start and finish locations. So, since I didn’t get the correct info about the course the family didn’t see any of my race. I was pretty bummed about that. Ok… I’m done.
We had about a 2.5 mile neutral rollout from registration to the start location. The start was typical of a circuit race, staggered start beginning with 1/2, 3, 4, 5, women, juniors. So we finally roll off with a 3 minute gap to the 4’s ahead of us. The finish is about 100 yds from the location where we started. We had about 20 in our group. The pace of the first lap was pretty high, 23.6mph avg. It calmed down a bit after that. We were to do 5 laps. With that many laps it is sort of hard to recall what happened in each lap so my rundown is going to be more compact than the last.
During the first 4 laps there were 2 significant breaks that I didn’t want to let go and it didn’t appear that anyone was going to chase. In one, the guy who won last week at Reily rolled off the front (Jason from 7 Hills Racing). He got about 100 yds and I decided to bridge. I was afraid that he might stay away if let go. It was a pretty hard effort. Lowcel worked with me to close the gap. Once I reached him I thought that we might be able to work together but the field decided at this point that they wanted to come along for the ride also. The other break was a small group that I noticed getting a gap and I moved quickly to bridge to them.
Several times during the initial laps I decided to just hang at the back. With the small group I was able to monitor the action going on at the front. By riding at the back I was able to smooth out the normal speed up and slow down pace that occurs on short climbs and sharp corners.
There was a climb just before the finish line. The finish was about 200 yds from the top it. Each time up the climb a guy in a blue jersey would basically attach and get passed about ½ way up. I took note that I wouldn’t have to worry too much about him. I seemed to be holding my own pretty well on the climb and still not going all out.
So…. We finally get the bell for the last lap. I’m toward the front after coming up the climb. After about a mile I decide to drift to the back again. While I’m headed toward the back Lowcel and a buddy of his are allowed to roll off the front. They get about 100 yds with no reaction. I must have been day dreaming about his time because the next time I peak around to check their gap 2 other riders have bridged up to them. Still really no reaction from the pack. At this time a small group of P/1/2’s go by us. Soon after that the group decides that they better the four back. We pick up the pace. There are about 5 guys at the front that are rotating through. I’m willing to work but they don’t seem too interested in rotating the whole group. Fine by me. I’ll save every thing that I can.
We finally catch the break and Jason (winner from last week) attacks and Lowcel goes with him. I follow and am able to close the gap. Danny (a buddy of mine) is on my wheel. We hit the climb for the last time. Blue jersey boy attacks again and yes you guessed it he blows. Then Jason cranks it up. I get a little boxed in but get clear and chase. We top the climb with Jason leading, Danny in 2nd, Lowcel in 3rd and I’m 4th. I try to shift to my big ring but it hesitates (during the race I was having trouble going to the big ring and actually dropped the chain once. I was able to get it back on by shifting down. I then had to chase back onto the group.). Finally I have the big ring, Lowcel has a bit of a gap on me. I’m sprinting for the line using him at a lead out. I swing to the right and at the line thrust my bike forward (you know, just like you see the pro’s do it.). I’m not sure if it got me 3rd or not. They will have to determine that by checking the video.
I’m pretty pleased with my performance in this race (3rd or 4th). If I wouldn’t have let myself get boxed in on the climb and I could have had a clean shift to the big ring in the finishing sprint maybe the results would have changed and maybe they wouldn’t have. With the small group it was much easier to respond from back in the group.
So far it seems like small groups in CAT 5 that have a chance to get away just don’t work together very well. They need to do short pulls and rotate the paceline.
The kids (girl 6 & boy 3 ½) have been wanting to go to one of my races. So we decided that this would be a good one. It was less than 3hrs away so it would be one of the closest in the Ohio Valley Racing Series. We headed out about 7:15am. The forecast was not good. High in the mid 70’s and rain with chance of thunderstorms. About 15 minutes after we left the house we could see lightning to the west (the direction that we were headed). About 30mintues later we hit the rain and some of it was quite hard.
It took just under 3hrs to get to the course. From the map that was on OVR’s website I drive the course prior to registering. I’m anal like that. I feel a need to not be surprised.
Upon arrival in Morrow it was still raining. I registered and asked about the location of the finish line on my map. The guy told me that the map I had wasn’t the right course, it was the ‘old’ course. That is nice. While suiting up I see the USCF official and ask him about the course. He tells me that I have the correct course and shows me on the map the approximate location of the finish. So I get suited up. It was about 58 deg and the rain was lightening up. With the rain I opted not to warm up on my rollers but decided to do my warm up on the road. I drove the family out to the course and parked them near the finish location that the official indicated. I then rode back to the registration area, it was about 1.5 miles. I did some additional warm up on the bike trail.
Ok… my rant for the week. I’m still a bit miffed why race organizers have to keep the course information top secret. I would have better luck getting the launch codes to some nuclear missles than the exact course description (with actual distance) including start and finish locations. So, since I didn’t get the correct info about the course the family didn’t see any of my race. I was pretty bummed about that. Ok… I’m done.
We had about a 2.5 mile neutral rollout from registration to the start location. The start was typical of a circuit race, staggered start beginning with 1/2, 3, 4, 5, women, juniors. So we finally roll off with a 3 minute gap to the 4’s ahead of us. The finish is about 100 yds from the location where we started. We had about 20 in our group. The pace of the first lap was pretty high, 23.6mph avg. It calmed down a bit after that. We were to do 5 laps. With that many laps it is sort of hard to recall what happened in each lap so my rundown is going to be more compact than the last.
During the first 4 laps there were 2 significant breaks that I didn’t want to let go and it didn’t appear that anyone was going to chase. In one, the guy who won last week at Reily rolled off the front (Jason from 7 Hills Racing). He got about 100 yds and I decided to bridge. I was afraid that he might stay away if let go. It was a pretty hard effort. Lowcel worked with me to close the gap. Once I reached him I thought that we might be able to work together but the field decided at this point that they wanted to come along for the ride also. The other break was a small group that I noticed getting a gap and I moved quickly to bridge to them.
Several times during the initial laps I decided to just hang at the back. With the small group I was able to monitor the action going on at the front. By riding at the back I was able to smooth out the normal speed up and slow down pace that occurs on short climbs and sharp corners.
There was a climb just before the finish line. The finish was about 200 yds from the top it. Each time up the climb a guy in a blue jersey would basically attach and get passed about ½ way up. I took note that I wouldn’t have to worry too much about him. I seemed to be holding my own pretty well on the climb and still not going all out.
So…. We finally get the bell for the last lap. I’m toward the front after coming up the climb. After about a mile I decide to drift to the back again. While I’m headed toward the back Lowcel and a buddy of his are allowed to roll off the front. They get about 100 yds with no reaction. I must have been day dreaming about his time because the next time I peak around to check their gap 2 other riders have bridged up to them. Still really no reaction from the pack. At this time a small group of P/1/2’s go by us. Soon after that the group decides that they better the four back. We pick up the pace. There are about 5 guys at the front that are rotating through. I’m willing to work but they don’t seem too interested in rotating the whole group. Fine by me. I’ll save every thing that I can.
We finally catch the break and Jason (winner from last week) attacks and Lowcel goes with him. I follow and am able to close the gap. Danny (a buddy of mine) is on my wheel. We hit the climb for the last time. Blue jersey boy attacks again and yes you guessed it he blows. Then Jason cranks it up. I get a little boxed in but get clear and chase. We top the climb with Jason leading, Danny in 2nd, Lowcel in 3rd and I’m 4th. I try to shift to my big ring but it hesitates (during the race I was having trouble going to the big ring and actually dropped the chain once. I was able to get it back on by shifting down. I then had to chase back onto the group.). Finally I have the big ring, Lowcel has a bit of a gap on me. I’m sprinting for the line using him at a lead out. I swing to the right and at the line thrust my bike forward (you know, just like you see the pro’s do it.). I’m not sure if it got me 3rd or not. They will have to determine that by checking the video.
I’m pretty pleased with my performance in this race (3rd or 4th). If I wouldn’t have let myself get boxed in on the climb and I could have had a clean shift to the big ring in the finishing sprint maybe the results would have changed and maybe they wouldn’t have. With the small group it was much easier to respond from back in the group.
So far it seems like small groups in CAT 5 that have a chance to get away just don’t work together very well. They need to do short pulls and rotate the paceline.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
PolishPostal Race Race Report - Reily Ohio (CAT 5)
This is my 2nd race of the season and 3rd overall. The CAT 5 race consisted of 4 laps of an 8 mile course (+ 2.5 miles the distance form the start to where we would finish).
I was in Tampa FL on business all week and arrived into Dayton Airport at 11:30 pm Saturday night. I spent the night in Brookville, which is about an hour from the race. I rolled into Reily around 10am. I drove the course. It had good pavement with only 1 real “climb”. The only downsides to the course were 2 sets of pretty rough Rail Road track crossing and 2 90° turns.
After parking and registering I suited up. It was about 42° and overcast. I brought my rollers but decided to do my warm up on the road. I ended up doing about 4 miles for my warmup. I started out slow for about a mile then up'd it a bit taking my HR above LT. I have a good warm up routine that I got from the internet but for some reason I can’t bring myself to get on my rollers before the start and run through it.
This race was well run. The best of the 3 races that I have entered to date. The only snag was the start time, they were about 10 minutes late in starting everyone. The start was typical of a circuit race, staggered start beginning with 1/2, 3, 4, 5, women, and then juniors. So we finally roll off with a 3 minute gap to the 4’s ahead of us. The finish is about ¼ of a lap into the course (2.5 miles from the start). Our first lap was extremely slow. One rider was allowed to roll off the front. He got about a 200 ft gap and another rider bridged up to him with no reaction from the group. I was positioned poorly on the right side of the road about 5 rows back. The group ran 3 wide for the first couple laps which didn’t allow for any response to moves off the front except for those on the front.
Lap 2 was much of the same slow pace. The two that went off the front were now out of sight and it seemed like there was no interest in the group to chase. I worked on my positioningin the group, trying to get to the left side of the 3 wide peleton. I don’t know if we dropped anyone by this point or not.
Lap 3 still much of the same pace with no chasing in sight. About ½ way into this lap we get passed by a group of 4 1/2’s. Here is exactly what we need to liven our group up. A handful of 5’s decide to chase the 1/2’s. I move to the left and proceed to chase. I’m finally able to close the gap to the 5’s that escaped. I’m not sure if anyone else is behind me. We proceed in chase of the 1/2’s. Before the climb on this lap we for some reason decide to pass the 1/2’s. So on the climb I’m trying to stay to one side or the other because I know those guys are going to come flying back by us. Well, some of the other guys in our group must not have thought that or cared because they are taking up the whole road. Well here they come, I’m riding on the centerline. They go by me but are now blocked. One of them gets pissed, tells the the 5's that are blocking the road to get the ‘f’ out of the road and literally pushed a guy on his hip out of the way. And away they go. Some where in the area we catch and blow by the original 2 5’s that went off the front. So much for there breakaway. I bet that they were pretty bummed at that point.
Lap 4 (Bell Lap except they forget to ring the bell and actually they were still holding up the 2 laps to go sign). The lead group is still setting a pretty good pace. I’m not sure how many are in the lead group at this point. About ¼ of a lap into lap 4 I notice the 4’s just ahead. Oh great, we catch the 4’s and this is going to get really messy trying to keep track of who is with us. Well with about ½ lap to go we catch and pass the 4’s. This must have lit a fire under them because about 2 minutes later attacks left and right from the 4’s are coming flying by me.
Side note/Rant... I’m not sure if this is typical for amateur races but every race that I’ve done so far you get one number that you are to pin on your left side. Obviously this is done so they official can see it more easily at the finish. That is well and good but if your riding on the right side of the road and someone pass you on the left that whole number on the left idea seems pretty dumb because you can’t see crap. The CAT 5’s were 200 series numbers but with them being on the left side it made it tough to try to keep track of everyone. Ok… enough of my rant on that topic. But I think they should issue you 2 numbers one for the left and one for the right. Then I would be happy.
Back to the race…. This part starts getting a bit fuzzy to me because I got gapped here somewhere. I think it is while the 4’s were attaching I kind of froze waiting for an opening and by the time I found one my group was gone. I hung with the 4 for a bit. I believe that a few 5’s made it up to me. We came up on the climb for the last time. I set a pretty good pace and think that I dropped all the 5’s that were with me. I bridged up to a few more 4’s and figured that I better go now or there is no chance of catching the leaders. So I go around the 4’s and they did give me some encouraging shouts which was helpful. I put my head down because I could now see the lead group of 5’s. I caught and passed one more 5 but just ran out of time to have any chance of catching the lead group. I was only about a hundred yards behind them at the finish. Even if I would have been with them I don’t think I would have had enough to challenge the winner. He was pretty strong.
So according to the posted results I finished 8th. They said at the start that there were 35 or 37 in the CAT 5 field. So I think that I should be pleased with that. I learned a few things in this race to add to what I’ve learned in previous races. I need to work on my positioning to allow me to respond to any attacks, I need to be a little more aggressive and I need to work on the engine. My mileage has dropped off a bit in the past several weeks and I think that I could tell during this race.
Hopefully I’ll have better results to report after this Sunday’s race in Morrow OH. If anyone else was in the CAT 5 race please add to or correct any of my report. For some reason a lot of this race seems fuzzy to me.
I was in Tampa FL on business all week and arrived into Dayton Airport at 11:30 pm Saturday night. I spent the night in Brookville, which is about an hour from the race. I rolled into Reily around 10am. I drove the course. It had good pavement with only 1 real “climb”. The only downsides to the course were 2 sets of pretty rough Rail Road track crossing and 2 90° turns.
After parking and registering I suited up. It was about 42° and overcast. I brought my rollers but decided to do my warm up on the road. I ended up doing about 4 miles for my warmup. I started out slow for about a mile then up'd it a bit taking my HR above LT. I have a good warm up routine that I got from the internet but for some reason I can’t bring myself to get on my rollers before the start and run through it.
This race was well run. The best of the 3 races that I have entered to date. The only snag was the start time, they were about 10 minutes late in starting everyone. The start was typical of a circuit race, staggered start beginning with 1/2, 3, 4, 5, women, and then juniors. So we finally roll off with a 3 minute gap to the 4’s ahead of us. The finish is about ¼ of a lap into the course (2.5 miles from the start). Our first lap was extremely slow. One rider was allowed to roll off the front. He got about a 200 ft gap and another rider bridged up to him with no reaction from the group. I was positioned poorly on the right side of the road about 5 rows back. The group ran 3 wide for the first couple laps which didn’t allow for any response to moves off the front except for those on the front.
Lap 2 was much of the same slow pace. The two that went off the front were now out of sight and it seemed like there was no interest in the group to chase. I worked on my positioningin the group, trying to get to the left side of the 3 wide peleton. I don’t know if we dropped anyone by this point or not.
Lap 3 still much of the same pace with no chasing in sight. About ½ way into this lap we get passed by a group of 4 1/2’s. Here is exactly what we need to liven our group up. A handful of 5’s decide to chase the 1/2’s. I move to the left and proceed to chase. I’m finally able to close the gap to the 5’s that escaped. I’m not sure if anyone else is behind me. We proceed in chase of the 1/2’s. Before the climb on this lap we for some reason decide to pass the 1/2’s. So on the climb I’m trying to stay to one side or the other because I know those guys are going to come flying back by us. Well, some of the other guys in our group must not have thought that or cared because they are taking up the whole road. Well here they come, I’m riding on the centerline. They go by me but are now blocked. One of them gets pissed, tells the the 5's that are blocking the road to get the ‘f’ out of the road and literally pushed a guy on his hip out of the way. And away they go. Some where in the area we catch and blow by the original 2 5’s that went off the front. So much for there breakaway. I bet that they were pretty bummed at that point.
Lap 4 (Bell Lap except they forget to ring the bell and actually they were still holding up the 2 laps to go sign). The lead group is still setting a pretty good pace. I’m not sure how many are in the lead group at this point. About ¼ of a lap into lap 4 I notice the 4’s just ahead. Oh great, we catch the 4’s and this is going to get really messy trying to keep track of who is with us. Well with about ½ lap to go we catch and pass the 4’s. This must have lit a fire under them because about 2 minutes later attacks left and right from the 4’s are coming flying by me.
Side note/Rant... I’m not sure if this is typical for amateur races but every race that I’ve done so far you get one number that you are to pin on your left side. Obviously this is done so they official can see it more easily at the finish. That is well and good but if your riding on the right side of the road and someone pass you on the left that whole number on the left idea seems pretty dumb because you can’t see crap. The CAT 5’s were 200 series numbers but with them being on the left side it made it tough to try to keep track of everyone. Ok… enough of my rant on that topic. But I think they should issue you 2 numbers one for the left and one for the right. Then I would be happy.
Back to the race…. This part starts getting a bit fuzzy to me because I got gapped here somewhere. I think it is while the 4’s were attaching I kind of froze waiting for an opening and by the time I found one my group was gone. I hung with the 4 for a bit. I believe that a few 5’s made it up to me. We came up on the climb for the last time. I set a pretty good pace and think that I dropped all the 5’s that were with me. I bridged up to a few more 4’s and figured that I better go now or there is no chance of catching the leaders. So I go around the 4’s and they did give me some encouraging shouts which was helpful. I put my head down because I could now see the lead group of 5’s. I caught and passed one more 5 but just ran out of time to have any chance of catching the lead group. I was only about a hundred yards behind them at the finish. Even if I would have been with them I don’t think I would have had enough to challenge the winner. He was pretty strong.
So according to the posted results I finished 8th. They said at the start that there were 35 or 37 in the CAT 5 field. So I think that I should be pleased with that. I learned a few things in this race to add to what I’ve learned in previous races. I need to work on my positioning to allow me to respond to any attacks, I need to be a little more aggressive and I need to work on the engine. My mileage has dropped off a bit in the past several weeks and I think that I could tell during this race.
Hopefully I’ll have better results to report after this Sunday’s race in Morrow OH. If anyone else was in the CAT 5 race please add to or correct any of my report. For some reason a lot of this race seems fuzzy to me.
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