News

1,000 Ride for Multiple Sclerosis at the 2008 Bike MS Southern California Ride
9/30/08 - The Southern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society this weekend held its annual Bike MS Southern California Ride, from Camarillo to Santa Barbara.   On Saturday, nearly 1,000 cyclists rode through the beautiful Ojai Valley to breathtaking Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara, aiming to raise a record $1 million for local MS services and programs and to support worldwide cutting-edge MS research. Criminal Minds’ star Shemar Moore said, “I ride 100 miles in honor of my mom who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis ten years ago. I ride to increase awareness of this unpredictable disease and to raise donations to find a cure for MS.” Moore participated in the Bike MS ride for the third time.  Minds’ Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangsness and Matthew Gray Gubler cheered Shemar on to the finish line. The Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan also completed the 100-mile century ride with his team “NOW-MS Society,” named for his lifestyle brand No Opportunity Wasted.  Keoghan commented, “Encouraging people to ditch the excuses and take action in pursuit of their goals is the very essence of NOW. Seeing NOW-MS Society team members and all of the cyclists here today put this into practice has been very rewarding.” Participants opted for one or two days of cycling, ranging from 30 to 175 miles.  All cyclists enjoyed themed rest stops every 10 to 12 miles and a festival on the beach in Santa Barbara, complete with massages, an expo, and entertainment. On Sunday, more than 500 cyclists continued for a final 75-mile leg along the ocean with spectacular views, through the strawberry fields of Oxnard, back to Camarillo.  The goal for this year’s Bike MS Southern California Ride is to raise $1 million to move us closer to a world free of MS. Last year, 700 cyclists raised $700,000.  To date this year, nearly 100 teams and 1,000 cyclists have already raised more than $780,000 and the Chapter is well on its way breaking the million dollar mark.  Money raised from this weekend’s ride funds programs and services for 14,500 Southern and Central Californians living with MS and their families, and supports important MS research worldwide.

Bicycle Industry at Interbike 2008 Feels Positive About 2009 Selling Season
9/30/08 - Bicycle manufacturers, retailers, advocacy groups and industry guests were optimistic about the market and its future as they gathered in Las Vegas during Sept. 22-26, for the industry's leading business-to-business event, the 2008 Interbike Outdoor Demo and International Bicycle Expo. "The mood during both the OutDoor Demo and the Expo was incredibly optimistic," said Interbike Advisor, Lance Camisasca. "In particular manufacturers and retailers were talking about swelling interest for commuter, urban and electric and folding bikes, and a rise in people that are using bicycles to ride to work, a quick trip to the corner grocery store or an outing with their family. This new consumer segment is providing economic opportunities for the entire industry." Buyers and media began the Interbike market week by testing the latest in road, mountain and cyclocross bikes and accessories at Interbike's Outdoor Demo, held Sept. 22-23 in Bootleg Canyon, Boulder City, N.V. Nearly 5,000 people contributed to record attendance at the two-day Demo and more than 200 brands helped make this year's event the largest OutDoor Demo since the pre-indoor expo was started 13 years ago. Once in the Sands Expo and Convention Center for the indoor portion of the show, more than 23,000 exhibitors and attendees filled the hall. Retail buyers with extensive buying power were able to make informed purchase decisions by interacting with approximately 1,100 brands, as well as industry non-profit and advocacy organizations.

SoCalCross Hits Record Numbers! Core SoCalCrosser's Wong and Prenzlow Win!
The Art of Cross, by Dave Sheek and Dot - OutsideAllDay.com
9/29/08 - The Southern California Prestige Series (SCPS) of cyclocross was underway Sunday, 9/21 with the Art of Cyclocross in Fullerton, CA presented by long-standing CX team, Celo Pacific. Starting out with the men’s Category 4 race with a record setting 82 racers rolling to the line, from here the day just got better. The event was held on the picturesque grounds of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center (The Muck) in Fullerton, CA and was full of enthusiasm. The course provided great flow and was challenging, combining quick sections with the overly healthy grass slowing up riders with some tough climbs and slightly muddy sections. The mud was a surprise for Southern California racing but it added to the fun of the first race of the series. One of the most technical sections included scattered tree nuts in the grass on a steep off camber left turn gave a lot of competitors a difficult time and kept the race exciting. The Women’s Elite was the first big race on the day as Prestige Series director, Dorothy “Dot” Wong (Team CICLE) took the win. It was a hard fought battle though as young16-year old Kendall Ryan also of the CICLE team looked as if it were her race. The experience and skills of Wong were what made the victory hers in the end. In third it was Tonya Bray (Morgan Stanley) who hung in until the end fighting off the power of this strong group. Tremendous racing ladies! The Men’s Elite was taken for the third consecutive year by the 2007 SCPS series champion Brent Prenzlow of Celo Pacific/Alan Bikes. more >

Cross Vegas Draws Huge Crowds, Plus Lance Armstrong
9/25/08 - After hearing that Lance was on the start list for Cross Vegas we decided we should check it out. Boy, are we glad we did! There were huge crowds, plenty of Dale's Pale Ale Beer on tap, some of the best cross racers around, plus some guy named Lance Armstrong showed and cycling legend Thomas Frischknecht was racing his final race. It was a great party, with the crowd going nuts and having a great time. Katie Compton won the women's race in a tight battle with Katerina Nash. In the men's race, Ryan Trebone won with Tim Johnson finishing 2nd and Adam Craig finishing 3rd. Lance was in the second group, but I think if he got a decent call up he would have had no problem finishing in the lead group. Tony Cruz also finished in the second group. Next up, we will be at the Lance Armstrong press conference bright and early and watching some more good racing at the USA Crit Finals at the Mandalay Bay.

Amber Neben Wins Gold in the Worlds Time Trial
9/24/08 - Long regarded as one of the top American cyclists of her generation, Amber Neben (Irvine) captured the most significant victory of her career on Wednesday with a world title in the elite women’s time trial at the 2008 UCI Road World Championships. Neben outpaced silver medalist Christiane Soeder (AUT) by seven seconds and bronze medalist Judith Arndt (GER) by 21 seconds to add a world's gold medal to an already impressive list of career accomplishments. After twice cracking the top five at the world championships (4th in 2007 and 5th in 2005), Neben becomes the fourth American in history to win an elite women’s time trial world title, joining Kristin Armstrong (2006), Mari Holden (2000) and Karen Kurreck (1994). Her victory also ties the United States with France for the most world titles in the event with four since it was made a world championship discipline in 1994.“This has been a goal of mine for my entire career,” Neben said following the presentation of her rainbow-striped world champion’s jersey. “Every year you chase it, it’s just a dream come true. I don’t have any words to describe it, I’m so excited.”

Interbike's Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon provided a great place for riders to
demo manufacturers bikes, see new products and have a great time.
photo © SoCalCycling.com
Interbike Photos on flickr - Photos >

Amber Neben Wins Gold in the Worlds Time Trial
9/24/08 - Long regarded as one of the top American cyclists of her generation, Amber Neben (Irvine) captured the most significant victory of her career on Wednesday with a world title in the elite women’s time trial at the 2008 UCI Road World Championships. Neben outpaced silver medalist Christiane Soeder (AUT) by seven seconds and bronze medalist Judith Arndt (GER) by 21 seconds to add a world's gold medal to an already impressive list of career accomplishments. After twice cracking the top five at the world championships (4th in 2007 and 5th in 2005), Neben becomes the fourth American in history to win an elite women’s time trial world title, joining Kristin Armstrong (2006), Mari Holden (2000) and Karen Kurreck (1994). Her victory also ties the United States with France for the most world titles in the event with four since it was made a world championship discipline in 1994.“This has been a goal of mine for my entire career,” Neben said following the presentation of her rainbow-striped world champion’s jersey. “Every year you chase it, it’s just a dream come true. I don’t have any words to describe it, I’m so excited.”

Armstrong Announces Return at Clinton Global Inititive, Will Ride for Astana
9/24/08 - Armstrong has decided to end his three-year retirement to raise cancer awareness and has confirmed that he will be riding for Astana. "I'm returning to cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden," said Armstrong. "While my intention is to train and compete as fiercely as I always have, this time I will gauge victory by how much progress we make against cancer, a disease that will claim eight million lives this year alone. Our campaign will appeal to every person affected by cancer as well as their nations' leaders and we intend to visit, race and train in those countries that join our cause. We will reach out to those who suffer in silence and connect them with a community of cancer survivors to give them strength and hope. And we will appeal to world leaders, asking for their help in fighting a disease from which millions die needlessly. United, we can win the fight against cancer." Now, it will be interesting to see if Contador and Leipheimer choose to stay at Astana.

Rock Racing’s Hamilton, Rodriguez and Bahati to Sign Autographs at Interbike
9/22/08 - On September 24 & 25, Tyler Hamilton, the 2008 National Road Race Champion; three time USPRO Road Racing Champion “Fast” Freddie Rodriguez; and 2008 USA Pro Criterium Champion, Rahsaan Bahati will be meeting fans and signing autographs at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Rock Racing is also set to unveil their 2009 three-tiered product line exclusively at Interbike, including a “Team Series,” “Tech Series” and “Core Series” as well as a women’s line. The autograph signings will be on September 24th & 25th  from 10:00am-11:00am, 1:00pm-2:00pm, 4:00pm-5:00pm at the Sands Expo Center Booth #1330, Hall A.

Melissa Buhl won the Jeep 48 Straight in Park City, Utah with
Fionn Griffiths taking 2nd and Kathy Pruitt 3rd.

Contador Wins Vuelta a España, Leipheimer Second
9/21/08 - Alberto Contador (Astana) won the Vuelta a España with teammate Levi Leipheimer finishing in second, just 46 seconds back. This is Contador's third Grand Tour victory in just 14 months, with wins in each major Tour including the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España. This win puts him in the history books as one of five riders ever to win the three Grand Tours, putting him in the company of cycling legends Jacques Anquetil, Felice Gimondi, Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault. There has been a lot of talk of Lance Armstrong riding for Astana, but I just don't know if I see that working out if Contador and Leipheimer have their own ambitions. Too many chiefs, and not enough indians.

Americans to Vye for Titles at UCI Road World Championships
9/21/08 - The UCI Road World Championships will be held this week in Varese, Italy from September 23rd-28th. Leading the women’s team is 2008 Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong, who will compete in both the time trial and road race. Joining Armstrong in both events are fellow 2008 U.S. Olympic Team members Christine Thorburn and Amber Neben (Irvine). Katheryn Curi-Mattis and Kori Seehafer and reigning USA Cycling women’s road race national champion Brooke Miller will complement the U.S. squad in the road race.  Armstrong, who has won three consecutive world championship medals in the time trial (bronze in 2005, gold in 2006 and silver in 2007), looks to join Greg LeMond as the only four-time medalist in U.S. cycling history at the road world championships. Levi Leipheimer and David Zabriskie will both compete in the elite men’s time trial. In the road race, Leipheimer will be joined by Tyler Farrar, Steven Cozza, Craig Lewis and Lucas Euser. Following a solid performance in the Tour de L’Avenir in France last week with the USA Cycling National Development Team, Tejay Van Garderen and Peter Stetina will both represent the U.S. in the U23 time trial and road race. They will be joined in the road race by Kirk Carlsen, Chris Barton (Ojai, Calif.) and Chad Beyer. The U23 squad enters the world championships after a tremendous performance in what is widely considered to be the most prestigious international race for U23 riders in the world. You can watch the UCI Road World Championships at UniversalSports.com.

SoCalCycling.com's flickr group feature pic

Hoping Fat Tire Ale will be on tap at the Interbike happy hours.
photo © SoCalCycling.com

Rock Racing to Unveil 2009 Spring Product Line at Interbike
9/19/08 - Rock Racing, the dynamic professional cycling team and premier lifestyle brand, will reveal its new three-tiered product line at the Interbike Expo in Las Vegas, on September 24-26, 2008.   Available in Spring 2009, the line will feature the signature Team professional cycling kit series that fans have clamored for since Rock Racing’s inception in 2007, along with two new design choices at new price points.  The line will also include a women’s Team series. “Cyclists spoke and we listened,” says Rock Racing Team Owner and Creative Director Michael Ball. “The new line will meet the needs of cyclists at all levels – from the pro to the weekend warrior – and will give everyone the opportunity to experience the style, quality and fit of our Rock Racing products.” Each series will also include the following core accessories: spring vest, jacket, arm & knee warmer, booties, gloves and a water bottle.
The 2009 Spring Line Includes:
Rock Racing Team Series – Replicas of the official Rock Racing professional cycling team kits.   Series will include top selling designs of 2008, Body Armor and O.G. A women’sdesign will also be featured.
Tech Series – A fashion forward, highly technical series geared to the serious cyclist. Tech graphics are athletic-inspired with reduced logo placement.   
Core Series – A series designed and priced with the cycling enthusiast and weekend warrior in mind.  Core delivers the key features of the Tech and Team Series in a simpler style.

SoCalCycling.com's flickr group feature pic

Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) after the Brentwood Grand Prix.
photo © SoCalCycling.com

Ahoy Mateys! Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day with a Ride
9/19/08 - I have been informed from many sources that today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. And blimey, it is apparently a pretty big deal! So gather your wenches, hoist yer sails and join the Midnight Ridazz and Captain Jack Sparrow for the Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day Ride in Pasadena tonight at 6:30. Get yer pirate name here, if you don't already have one.

The Olympic Road Race: 126 km, Weather, Disappointment
By Amber Neben
9/18/08 - On August 5th when we arrived, the air was thick with heat, humidity and whatever else was limiting visibility and producing a colorless haze. You couldn’t see much (if anything) in the distance, and the heat index was reading oppressive. For four more days, we had the same conditions. So for our road race on August 10th, we were prepared to compete in it. We were well hydrated, we had pinned our numbers on our mesh jerseys, and the staff had ice vests ready for us to wear before we started. Who would have thought that 60 minutes in, we would be dealing with heavy rain and a drastic temperature shift? But before all that, we raced through downtown Beijing. We passed by Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and then continued on through roads with layers and layers of people stacked along the sides. There was an almost constant chant of “Let’s Go” in Chinese. It was broken only one time by a pocket of Americans chanting U S A-U S A-U S A. Chills. more >

Harrods Owner Mohammed Al-Fayed and Rock & Republic President Andrea Bernholtz
pose with the Rock Racing team during its appearance Monday at Harrods.
photo © Vero Image

Over 1,000 Cyclists Take to the Streets to Create a World Free of MS
9/17/08 - More than 1,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the Bike MS Southern California Ride from Camarillo to Santa Barbara on September 20 & 21, 2008. Participants opt for one or two days of cycling and routes ranging from 30 to 175 miles.  The fully supported ride, presented by sponsors Sam’s Club and SAAB, begins in Camarillo and travels north through the beautiful Ojai Valley to a festival at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara. The goal is to raise $1 million to help to create a world free of multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Funds raised will support direct services for the more than 14,500 Southern and Central Californians living with MS and their families, and cutting-edge MS research worldwide to find a cure for this chronic disease.  Shemar Moore, who cycles for his mom, Marilyn Wilson Moore (cheering her son on) will lead the “Criminal Minds” cycling team in a 100-mile ride on Day 1. Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangsness, and Matthew Gray Gubler will cheer on their Minds’ castmates.  “The Doctors” Dr. Jim Sears will also ride with the Criminal Minds team. Phil Keoghan, host of the Emmy-winning “The Amazing Race,” will also participate in the century route on Saturday.  Tori Spelling will cheer for husband Dean McDermott as he cycles 150 miles over two days from Camarillo to Santa Barbara and back. The National MS Society’s Bike MS Ride is the country's largest organized charity bicycling event series. Last year, cyclists raised nearly $77 million to support MS research and programs delivered by the Society's 50-state network of chapters.

SoCalCycling.com Will Be Providing Live Twitter and Flickr Updates at Interbike
9/16/08 - We invite you to follow us at Interbike on twitter for live updates during the Outdoor Demo, Expo and USA Crit Finals at Mandalay Bay from September 23rd - 25th. We'll have our eyes and ears peeled for the latest news and star sitings and will be firing off photos (twitpics) on the fly if something or someone catches our eye. You can follow SoCalCycling.com's Twitter updates on the web at http://twitter.com/SoCalCycling or sign up for a Twitter account and have text updates sent directly to your cell phone or by apps like Twitterrific or Twirl.

SoCalCross Happy Hour Tour Continues Tonight in Solana Beach
9/16/08 - The 2008 SoCalCross Happy Hour Tour travels across Southern California and is both a FREE clinic and a celebration of cyclocross.  Join tonight at B & L Bikes in Solana Beach at 5:30 pm for a clinic and return to the shop at 7:00 pm for Happy Hour Food and Drinks and a presentation on CX including the latest CX bikes, equipment, videos, training tips and more about the Prestige Series... then end the night with a giveaway from our Happy Hour sponsors.  Here are some kind words from the SLO Clinic on Sunday - "As it was put yesterday, this clinic was some history in the making for the SLO area. Thanks to you for coming and making it a fantastic day.  I'd also like to thank Dorothy Wong, her husband Jeff, Chance Noble, and the Ryan family for coming up to lead the clinic.  We had a great cross-section of beginners to experienced crossers and it was noted that the content of the clinic was extremely helpful and the course super FUN!" more info >

Reactions to Armstrong's Return
9/15/08 - VeloNews ran a slide show showing some of cycling's movers and shakers thoughts on Lance Armstrong's comeback. Our own movers and shakers (SoCalCycling.com's readers) have responded with their own passionate opinions from our recent poll on the comeback. Some are for it, some are against it ... and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Thanks to all of those that have shared your thoughts. Now, we'll have to sit back and enjoy the ride as the "Comeback Tour" unfolds over the next year!

If You Want A US Mountain Bike Race Series, Now Is The Time To Act
By Scott Tedro, President & CEO, Sho-Air International
9/15/08 - "At the end of July several key industry teams, riders and management approached Team Sho-Air with a request for us to take over the now defunct National Mountain Bike Series. more >

Armstrong's Team Livestrong Wins 12 Hours of Snowmass
9/14/08 - Lance Armstrong is already preparing for his comeback tour. This weekend he rode the 12 Hours of Snowmass endurance race for Team Livestrong, which included team members, Lance Armstrong, Max Taam, and Len Zanni. They completed 17 laps of the race’s twisting 7-mile circuit, finishing their last lap at 6:55 p.m, which was enough to hold off Team Beaver Creek by 6 minutes. Team Beaver Creek included veteran mountain bike pros Jay Henry, Mike Kloser and Dave Wiens, who beat Armstrong at the Leadville 100 just a few weeks ago.

Vande Velde Wins Overall in Tour of Missouri
9/14/08 - Today’s final circuit race in downtown St. Louis - shortened from 70 to 50 miles - was more like a long, albeit careful, parade for Team Garmin-Chipotle. Riding conservatively, the team focused on Christian Vande Velde’s safe passage as race leader. Once that mission was accomplished, the Argyle Armada lined up to put Tyler Farrar in motion for the final sprint in downtown St. Louis. Tyler finished third today behind Francesco Chicchi and Mark Cavendish. Vande Velde was thrilled to finish today as the 2008 Tour of Missouri overall champion: “It’s been a great race from day one,” said Vande Velde. “I didn’t expect to win the time trial, but from then on, it was game on. Everyone threw everything at us, trying to take away the 21” gap I had from the time trial,” he continued. “I was happy that everyone gave us such a fight because the win means that much more to us.

Why 'Cross?
By Dorothy Wong
9/13/08 - Cyclocross was created in almost a century ago as a way for road cyclists to stay in shape during the winter months. Now CX in the US is on fire and one of the fastest growing and most popular sports today... once you find cross you don't go back. Why cross?

Cross is culture... cross is community... cross is dirty, muddy, hard, exhilarating... all in a window of time that flies by before you even know it's over. Culminating with the national championships each year... regions of racers take pride in their Cross Culture Communities wearing their regional fleece beanies with pride. How funny we look and yet how proud we to be cross-fanatics!!!

I got into cross about 12 years ago because I loved racing my bicycle more than anything. Each year, a small group of SoCal'Crossers looked forward to the race season... we loved helping each other out each race... "working the pit", ringing the cow bell... cheering on each other... "go, go, go"! Words coined by a good CX friend, Lee who was always there to cheer you on even when he was being passed in a race! As a new rider, Lee took to cross and we became good friends chatting it up each week... and now at 65+ years of age Lee is a CX National Champion! How cool is that???

Cross brings together competitors of many disciplines together for 3+ months... long enough and short enough... your social network is amazing... getting to know people you'd never taken the time to get to know in our busy lives. The sport lends itself to fun! Short intense racing... just enough to get your endorphines going and perfect for someone like me... 'cross is a time trial for someone with ADHD!

There is no sport like cross. Brings in all types of cyclists and multi-sport athletes as well as those who just race cross. Races take place in the local communities. Easy to get to races, entry fees are reasonable, fun for the whole family. Afterwards, there are lots of stories to tell... about the race and the breakdown of the course in detail.

Most memorable moments of 'cross... National Championships in Portland... drum core pounding as riders rhythmically wound through sticky, slippery mud - changing bikes twice a lap and So Cal's Mark Noble bringing home the gold! And the USGP - muddy men in speedos with pink hearts racing on beater bikes with pink ponies and post race recovery in a wood-fired hot tub atop a muddy mound in misting rain... then taking a little bit of mud in your ears back to the office on Monday... with bells still ringing in your ears... what sport does that... CYCLOCROSS!!!

So why 'cross... why not?

Dorothy Wong (CICLE) in action at the Storm the Beach 'Cross Race.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

The Mountain's Edge Cactus Cup
9/12/08 - .... the wait may be over but the party is just getting started!
Mountain bikers around the world have waited for its return and the Cactus Cup bike race & festival is back.The NEW Cactus Cup is a three day stage race format that includes: Exploration Peak Time Trial, Super D, Fat-Tire Criterium and the Cottonwood Cross Country. And, plenty of parties and fun. Pro's from around the globe and mountain bikers from coast to coast will be heading to Mountain's Edge in Las Vegas, Nevada for this three day race and festival.  Mountain's Edge is a slice of paradise for mountain bikers, located at the heart of the real action in Las Vegas … the world class bike trails that wind through the stunning scenery of the Spring Mountains and Red Rock area.  There are races for every ability level from Pro to Beginner … there's even races for the kids. An industry Expo, parties, music — this is the perfect way to kick-off Interbike or to kick-back for the weekend. Don't miss out on the biggest event in mountain biking more >

Team Columbia Has Announced it's Preliminary Roster for 2009
9/12/08 - Team Columbia, owned and managed by High Road Sports Inc., has announced their preliminary roster for the 2009 season.  To date in 2008 the team has won 133 races between the men and the women’s teams, with 77 wins for the men and 56 wins for the women. “After such a successful season, we don’t want to make a lot of changes within the team,” says Team Manager Rolf Aldag. “Our riders showed a lot of courage and motivation throughout the season and we saw the team grow closer together as the season went on.  We want to stay focussed on developing young talented athletes under the direction of experienced veterans, with the ambition of having just as much success as we have achieved in 2008.” As of mid September, the men’s team numbers 25 and includes: Michael Barry, Marcus Burghart, Mark Cavendish, John Devine, Bernhard Eisel, Linus Gerdemann, Bert Grabsch, Andre Greipel, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Adam Hansen, Greg Henderson, George Hincapie, Kim Kirchen, Craig Lewis, Thomas Lovkvist, Tony Martin, Marco Pinotti, Morris Possoni, Frantisek Rabon, Vicente Reynes, Michael Rogers, Marcel Sieberg, Kanstantsin Sivtsov, Mark Renshaw and Michael Albasini. The women’s team, currently ranked number one in the world and leading the women’s UCi World Cup Series will also make very few changes. The ten riders currently confirmed for 2009 are Mara Abbott, Kim Anderson, Judith Arndt, Kate Bates, Chantal Beltman, Emilia Fahlin, Luise Keller, Ina-yoko Teutenberg, Linda Villumsen and Alex Wrubleski. “The team is not final and we will see a few slight changes over the next month, but we are very happy with the line up so far and we are already looking forward to 2009,” added Aldag.

Michael Barry Takes his First Win of the Season in Missouri
9/11/08 - Columbia's Michael Barry soloed to his first win of the season today, taking out Stage Four of the Tour of Missouri at the end of a dramatic and exciting day of racing. Barry and his Columbia teammates began their offensive at the zero kilometer mark of the 156km stage from Lebanon to Rolla in an effort to go after the yellow jersey held by Christian Vande Velde of Garmin. Barry was the first to attack and the attacking continued all day putting Garmin on the defensive to protect their lead. With 45km remaining in the race Team Columbia had Vande Velde isolated with only one teammate  to help him in a breakaway group of 25. Barry attacked and formed a new breakaway group of four. He attacked again with only Jeff Louder of BMC able to hold his wheel. "With 15km to go I attacked Louder and went away," explained Barry. "I had good legs today and felt great all the way to the line. The last year has been pretty tough," added Barry, "after getting pretty sick last year. But the team and my family has supported me a lot to get through it all. It definitely feels good to get back to the top level of racing again.  I feel really strong right now. I've been working really hard for the team this year and that makes you strong. It was pretty emotional coming to the finish line today. It was a nice victory for me." Columbia's Michael Rogers now sits 18 second behind Vande Velde in the General Classification with three days of racing remaining.

The Art of Cyclocross Kicks Off the 'Cross Season on September 21
9/11/08 - The Art of Cyclocross, the first race of the 2008 SoCalCross Prestige Series, will take place on Sunday, September 21. Located on the grounds of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton, the serpentine course flows across eight acres of parkland surrounding the historic 1924 Italianate Muckenthaler mansion, up and down grassy hillsides, and through shady groves of trees. The undulating, curving, and frequently off-camber nature of the course favors a rider who can push the grip of their tires to the limit and can hit the accelerator out of every turn. However, the course is non-technical enough that it is a great opportunity for beginners to try out the sport for the first time. Six different races will provide the opportunity for sixteen different categories of riders to test their skills against the course and against each other. Competitors will be vying for over $2000 in cash and merchandise as well as much coveted points towards the season-long individual and team SCPS standings. In addition to the categorized racing, a free Kids Race will take place at 1:00 pm with prizes going to all participants. There will also be a "fun race" at 2:30 pm (no USA Cycling license required) for those who want to give cyclocross a try without the pressure of competition.

Vande Velde Wins Stage, Takes Over Race Lead in Missouri, Caldwell Injured
9/11/08 - More than making up for his disappointing performance at the US Pro National Time Trial Championships in August, Christian Vande Velde dug deep to win today’s severely undulating time trial course around Branson, MO. Vande Velde’s victory today put him in the Yellow Missouri Tourism race leader’s jersey. Rolling through the foothills of the Ozarks, the constantly changing profile of the 18-mile individual time trial proved challenging for even the best time trialists. The 18-mile course included three climbs with a 2.5-mile uphill finish stretch up to Shepherd of the Hills, the birthplace of the Ozarks tourism industry in the early 1900’s. Blake Caldwell crashed during today’s time trial at the Tour of Missouri. He sustained a concussion, clavicle fracture, sternum fracture, pelvic fracture and a pulmonary contusion. He is currently in stable condition at an area hospital, where he will remain for observation.

Vande Velde move into yellow after winning the 18 mile time trial in the Tour of Missouri.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Unmasking the Truth for Cyclists in Beijing
9/10/08 - Sarah Hammer tried her best to ignore it, wanting desperately to shut the whole thing out of her mind. That proved next to impossible, when just a trip to the dining hall at the athlete's village in Beijing drew stares and comments from other athletes." "Hey, where's the mask?" they would shout out. "Is the air OK to breathe today?" There were days it wasn't, but by then that wasn't Hammer's biggest concern. She had come to China thinking she was going to win a gold medal for her country. Now she was branded as one of the masked four, not sure what she should think anymore. One walk through the airport changed everything. There would be no gold, just the realization that an opportunity that may never come again was lost forever. Maybe a touch of bitterness, too, because Hammer feels the country she was trying to win a gold medal for let her down. All because she wore a mask. more >

Should Lance Armstrong Make a Cycling Comeback?
	Yes
	No
pollcode.com free polls

So Cal Cross CX Clinic and Happy Hour Tour Continues this Weekend and Next
9/10/08 - The So Cal Cross Happy Hour Tour and CX Clinic Weekend Continues
Irvine focus on Juniors and San Luis Obispo focus on family
Don't Miss Upcoming Weekend Morning 'Cross Clinics!
These are more extensive clinics  - 2 hours of instruction, practice circuits and relay fun race.  Clinic is FREE for USA Cycling licensed riders, one day licenses are available for $5.00.
Weekend CX Clinic Schedule:
Sat - 9/13: UC Irvine Bike Religion with focus on Juniors
Sun - 9/14: San Luis Obispo Meet at Laguna Lake and spend a day at the park.
Sun - 9/28: Rock N Road Cyclery in Laguna Niguel try cross on some classic trails nearby Flyer >

SoCal Riders Win More Medals at Masters Track Nats and Masters World Champs
9/10/08 - Julie Bautista (Adams Ave.) added another title to the 500-meter time trial championship she won earlier in the week by winning the women’s 35-39 sprint. Mike McMahon and Sean Watkins (Team Velocity) won the Gold in the 30 + Madison, while Keith Ketterer (Amgen/Giant) was on the winning 4 KM TTT team for Team Eddie B. In other parts of the world, Kenny Fuller (Simple Green/Cycles Veloce) won the world title in the men’s 60-64 time trial at the 2008 UCI Masters Road World Championships in St. Johaan, Austria.

Cavendish Wins Stage 2 at the Tour of Missouri
9/9/08 - Columbia's Mark Cavendish has won his second stage of Tour of Missouri today in the 200km stage from Clinton to Springfield. Cavendish crossed the line wearing the yellow leaders jersey taking his 16th victory on the road for the season. "My team is just brilliant," echoed Cavendish after saying the same thing yesterday. "They are so well drilled  at this and they controlled the race all day and put me in perfect position for the sprint at the end. When you get dropped off at that speed with 150m to go, there's nothing you can do but win. I really didn't have to do anything except sprint at the end. The team patrolled the front of the bunch all day as small breaks were allowed to escape. "We let a group of up to five go," he added. "But if the group got bigger than that we'd bring it back. The guys worked all day to control the front and bring me on to the circuits and then they gave me an amazing leadout. Mick [Rogers] drove it from the 2km mark with two Liquigas guys sitting in just behind him. He took it all the way to the 800m to go mark and then George [Hincapie just moved out and took over. He went so hard over the small rise.We were flying and then Bernie [Eisel] took over and all I had to do was sprint." Tomorrow's time trial stage in Branson will be one of the deciding factors in the overall General Classification. "I don't expect to keep the jersey after tomorrow time trial but we've got some great time trialers in the team."explained Cavendish. "Marco [Pinotti] is Italian National Time Trial Champion. We all know George can do a great time trial and Mick Rogers is three time World Time Trial Champion. Michael Barry can also do a great ride if he's not too tired from working hard today. So I hope we can keep the jersey in the team."

Team Columbia patrolled the front and delivered Mark Cavendish
to another stage win in the Tour of Missouri.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

It's Official, Lance Armstrong is Coming Back!
9/9/08 -  You can hear it from the horse's mouth here. Lance is indeed making a comeback! I like his reason too - "To launch an international cancer strategy", which will do the world some good and not just satisfy his ego. He already has that tired look, like he has been training a lot ... or, maybe he just woke up. Lance stated, "I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden," the 36-year-old Armstrong said in a statement released to The Associated Press. "This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. ... It's now time to address cancer on a global level." The Tour "is the intention," Armstrong's spokesman Mark Higgins told The Associated Press, "but we've got some homework to do over there."Added Bill Stapleton, Armstrong's lawyer and longtime confidant: "We're not going to try to win second place." What team he'll ride with and in what other races he'll compete are undecided.
Story at Fox News >
Vanity Fair Exclusive > (Too bad the story got leaked, or was that part of the media plan?)

To join the fight and support the Lance Armstrong Foundation in their efforts to raise
awareness and reduce the global cancer burden, please visit www.livestrong.org to donate.

Cavendish Takes the Yellow Jersey at the Tour of Missouri
9/8/08 -  Columbia’s Mark Cavendish won the first stage of the Tour of Missouri today in Kansas City today, taking the Yellow Leaders Jersey, the Point’s Jersey and the Young Riders Jersey at the end of the day. “My team was brilliant as usual,” said Cavendish after the race. “They know if they get me to the finish we have a good chance of winning. When you have a team like that it’s pretty hard to lose.” A break went early forcing Team Columbia to chase. “The guys worked hard all day to control the race, particularly Craig [Lewis] and John [Devine],” explained Cavendish. “The roads are really hard here. It’s up and down all day so it’s hard riding at the front all day like they did. It was also a bit miserable out there with the weather. When the break was caught we put the pressure on in the cross winds and split up the peloton a bit.” As the race came into town to start the three finishing circuits, the bunch was all together and a solo rider was off the front. Columbia slowly reeled in the break to prepare for the sprint. “We have such a good lead out,” said Cavendish. “They perfectly lined it up and we had it under control coming out of the last turn. George [Hincapie] dropped me off on Dominique Rollin’s wheel with a few hundred metres to go and Tyler Farrar started the sprint and I was able to come around him. Catch live coverage at UniversalSports.com or on Tour Tracker.

British sprinting sensation Mark Cavendish won the first stage in the Tour of Missouri.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Lance Armstrong to Make a Comeback?
9/8/08 - Rumor has it that Lance Armstrong will be making a comeback to racing next season. Lance is always one that likes a challenge. Perhaps he got bored dating Hollywood starlets and hanging out with BFF’s Jake and Matt and is just ready to get back to his roots. If the motivation and desire are still there, then why not? He has proven he is still very fit by running sub-3 hour marathons and just conquered the Leadville 100, a brutal 100 mile mountain bike race at altitude. According to VeloNews, he will race the Amgen Tour of California, Paris-Nice, Tour de Georgia, Dauphine-Libere and the Tour de France  for no salary or bonuses.  It will be interesting to see if he would have the day after day stage race fitness and if he would ride as a leader or support rider.  Johan  Bruyneel and past teammates are denying his return to the peloton, but USA Cycling COO Sean Petty confirms that Lance has registered with USADA to be on the list for out of competition testing, which is required for at least six months to regain eligible status. Love him or not, Lance will bring a lot of excitement and publicity to the sport in the mainstream press, which can’t be a bad thing for cycling.

Bahati’s Top 10 Finish Leads Rock Racing in London
9/7/08 - Rahsaan Bahati led Rock Racing with a fifth place finish Sunday on Stage 1 of the Tour of Britain. Competing for the first time as a professional in Europe, the reigning U.S. criterium champion said he was on the wheel of stage winner Alessandro Petacchi (LPR Brakes-Ballan) in the closing moments of the 53.5-mile (86 km) race that was run through the streets of London.“"Like a lot of guys – probably about 20 – I was trying to stay on Petacchi’s wheel,” Bahati said. “They don’t know me over here so it was a real battle to maintain my position. The biggest difference between racing here and in the U.S. is that there are so many more guys who can come around you at 60 kilometers an hour (37 mph) in a short span.” Rob Hayles (Great Britain) was second and Magnus Backstedt (Team Garmin-Chipotle pb H30) rounded out the podium in a race that averaged 28 mph. Petacchi earned the race leader’s yellow jersey in his first race back after serving a one-year ban for a positive test for an excessive amount of a prescribed asthma medication. Sunday’s stage was run on a five-mile (8 km) course that passed by picturesque landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, traveled up and over Tower Hill and back parallel to the River Thames.

Rock Racing's Rahsaan Bahati (in green) rides in the shadow of Big Ben
on the opening stage of the Tour of Britain. photo © Vero Image

USOC Asked to Apologize to US Olympic Cyclists Over Masks
9/6/08 - US Olympic Cyclists, Michael Friedman, Sarah Hammer, Bobby Lea and Jennie Reed are asking for an apology from the United States Olympic Committe after the USOC claimed they offended China for wearing masks in their smoggy air and ordered the cyclists to apologize for their actions. An attorney for the cyclists said the it was "emotionally devastating" and adversely affected their performances at the Beijing Games, where none of them medaled. "No athlete who has trained for years to become an Olympic athlete should be subject to such disrespect," wrote their attorney, Christopher Campbell. "It was their first Olympic Games. They should have been in a supportive environment so that they could enjoy their Olympic experience and perform at peak levels. The false accusations, done in such a public fashion, was humiliating and emotionally devastating. It affected the Athletes' performance." The athletes also want "an unequivocal statement from the USOC that they did not engage in any inappropriate conduct" and "systemic assurance that something like this does not happen to future Olympic athletes." The USOC did not comment Friday on whether they had received the letter.

Olympic Cyclists to Be Featured on Oprah's Season Premiere this Monday
9/5/08 - Oprah will be kicking off her season premiere from Chicago's Millennium Park this Monday, September 8. Cycling's Olympic Medalists, Kristen Armstrong (Gold in the Time Trial), Mike Day (Silver in BMX Racing), Donny Robinson (Bronze in BMX Racing) and Jill Kintner (Bronze in BMX Racing) will join over 175 other medalists including Michael Phelps, Dara Torres, Shawn Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Nastia Liukin for a historic TV event. Oprah always knows how to go big!

Bicycling Magazine Features Team Type 1
9/5/08 - The unique story of Team Type 1 is being shared with a huge audience in an eight-page feature article in the October issue of Bicycling magazine. Reporter Jeremy Katz spent several days with the team at its training camp back in late February, then caught up with the professional squad when it raced near his home in the heart of Lehigh Valley. The in-depth feature centers on how much someone with Type 1 diabetes must learn to manage their metabolism. Team Type 1 co-founders Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge are quoted, as well as rider Ian MacGregor, team doctor Matt Corcoran and trainer Rick Crawford. Here is an excerpt: At the start of a ride, the body relies heavily on stored muscle glycogen. Blood glucose and circulation fatty acids pick up the slack as time goes on. Unless you're highly trained, muscle glycogen cannot be replenished until you recover. You've bonked. A bonk is more serious for an athlete with diabetes, whose body cannot properly compensate for low blood sugar. Without sufficient glucose, your brain and organs stop working. Team Type 1 co-founder Joe Eldridge sums it up nicely, "If I bonk, I die." Published by Rodale, Bicycling magazine is "the voice of cycling, providing the stories on the personalities, trends, and techniques behind the sport." The October issue featuring the story on Team Type 1 will be on newsstands everywhere beginning this Saturday.

Dave Zabriskie wins his fourth USPRO Time Trial Championship.
Tom Zirbel was second and Christian Vande Velde third.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

SoCalCross “PRESTIGE SERIES” of Cyclocross is Set to Premiere on Sept 21st
9/4/08 - Now in its third season, the 2008-09 SoCalCross Prestige Series is set to premiere Sunday, September 21st with the “Art of Cyclocross” at Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton, CA and is presented by San Diego based, Celo Pacific. The event will take place on the grounds of the prestigious Muckenthaler Cultural Center. Known primarily for art exhibitions, theatre performances, and musical concerts, the Muckenthaler mansion and theatre are located within 8.5 acres of parkland just a mile west of downtown Fullerton. Racers will speed up and down grassy hillsides, through
groves of trees, and past rows of palms and the historic 1924 Italianate Muckenthaler mansion." Top elite racer, and course designer, Brent Prenzlow says to “expect a super cool race. The course consists of approx. 85% grass and 15% pavement. There are rolling hills with lots of twists and turns. A few fast descents and off-cambers complete a fun cross course.” Are you ready? If not please join us for the, So Cal Cross Happy Hour Tour. The 2008 SoCalCross Happy Hour Tour travels across Southern California in September/October. The tour is both a FREE clinic and a celebration of cyclocross. The SoCalCross Happy Hour Tour begins Monday, 9/8 at Banning's Bikes in Fullerton. After the presentation, head over to the Muckenthaler - get a preview of the venue for our first race of the Series and enjoy a screening of the classic film, Breaking Away at 9:00pm - admission to the film is only $5.00. For the LA crowd, meet us at 5:30pm - Tuesday, 9/9 at Montrose Bike Shop for the second stop in our Happy Hour Tour. Food, fun, friends cyclocross! more >

Masters Track Nationals Crown New Champions from So Cal
9/4/08 - The first 17 national titles were awarded on Tuesday as the 2008 USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships kicked off at the Hellyer Park Veldodrome in San Jose, Calif. Awarded on opening day were Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in the time trial sprint events – the 500-meter time trial and the kilometer time trial. Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe/Specialized) won the men’s 65-69 jersey with a mark of 38.055.  Julie Bautista (San Diego/Adams Ave.) in the 35-39 age group in 39.360, Cathy Keeley (Camarillo/Encino Velo) in the 40-44 category in 39.171, Allyson Vaught (San Pedro) in the 55-59 age group in 44.080, Linda Miller (Valley Center/Aqua al 2-SDBC) in the 60-64 field with a 42.832 and Bonnie Woodbury (Escondido) in the 65+ category in 47.595.Another 17 national titles were claimed Wednesday as day two of the 2008 USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships awarded Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in 2,000- and 3,000-meter individual pursuits and points race contests. And after winning a national title in the men’s 65-69 500-meter time trial a day earlier, Victor Copeland (Rancho Santa Fe/Team Specialized) rode to his second victory of the week with a win in his 2,000-meter pursuit, finishing with the fastest mark of 2:40.382. After winning her 500-meter time trial contest, Bonnie Woodbury (Escondido) also added a second title with a victory in the 65+ time trial. Brett Clare (Encinitas/Schroeder Iron) was crowned champion in the men’s 40-44 points race with 18 points. complete results >

Swami's-FPPI Development Elite Team is Looking for Category 1/2 Riders
9/3/08 - The Swami's-FPPI Development Elite Team is actively seeking Category 1/2 racers for it's men's team. Swami's-FPPI DET has 2 roster spots open in 2009 for male U25 development racers. Swami's has a competitive support package and aggressive race schedule for 2009 which we will discuss with potential racers. more details>

Bike Tech
9/3/08 - We spotted the '09 Shimano Dura Ace on Amgen/Giant team member Wayne Stetina's bike recently. The new gruppo is 135 grams lighter than the current version and will be available to the consumer this Fall. The Dura-Ace Di2, which will offer electronic shifting, will be released in January, as well.

The new Shimano Dura Ace levers and brakes are now lighter.
photo © SoCalCycling.com

Rock Racing’s Hamilton Wins National Title In Photo Finish
9/1/08 - Rock Racing’s “Fast Freddie” Rodriguez predicted it. Tyler Hamilton made it happen. But ultimately it took a photo to decide it. Hamilton edged Blake Caldwell (Garmin-Chipotle presented by H3O) by two-thousandths of a second Sunday at the Greenville Hospital System USA Cycling Professional Road Race Championship. The thrilling finish capped the 115-mile (185 km) race that earned the 37-year-old his first national title to go along with the Olympic gold medal he won at the individual time trial in Athens in 2004. “This was all about redemption for Tyler,” Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball said. “Winning the most prestigious one-day race in the U.S. almost a year to the day after he pretty much retired was what this team is all about – giving guys second chances.” Caldwell’s teammate, Danny Pate, earned third place from a chase group of three riders. But the winner of the race – who will wear the stars-and-stripes jersey for the next year – was not immediately known until the finish line photo was carefully reviewed. However, Hamilton said he had a feeling his last-second slingshot out of Caldwell’s draft had earned him Rock Racing’s 38th win of the season in front of thousands of fans in Downtown Greenville. “It was so close, either it was a tie, or I got it,” the Boulder, Colo., resident said. “I wish there was another five feet before the finish line (because) the finish came up really fast. “This is a special day and a win for the team. Sure, I get to wear the jersey, but it was really a team effort.”  Hamilton said he drew additional motivation for going after his third win of the season from the death of his grandmother. The Marblehead, Mass., native has won more than 30 races since turning professional in 1995. “She was 102 (years old),” Hamilton said. “My dad has been pretty down, and I was like, ‘I want to do this for her.’ I felt something special over the past couple of days.”