Cycling News

Ladera Ranch Grand Prix of Cycling to Benefit Local and National Charities
7/31/10 - Ladera Ranch will be hosting its 4th annual Ladera Ranch Grand Prix of Cycling, an all-day cycling event on Sunday, August 15th. The Grand Prix comprises of twelve different races throughout the day from 7am to 6pm with 100% of the event proceeds benefiting the Tinkerbell Guild for CHOC Children’s Hospital and the Bahati Foundation. Last year the event hosted 500 racers and event officials expect to have between 600-800 participants this year. And, as extra incentive, this year the race is offering over $7,500.00 in cash and prizes thanks to it Presenting Sponsor Power Balance and Supporting Sponsor Shimano, Pyramid Breweries and Rock N’ Road Cyclery.  "Last year's event blew away all our expectations. This is an ultra fast course that proved to be as exciting to watch last year as to participate", said Jeff Davis, event founder. "The third edition of this event brought out all the big names in local cycling and we anticipate an even broader range of athletes making this race one of the most exciting races of the cycling season." “ We also added a Rock N’ Road kids race in the middle of the day to bring in more families to the event.  For more information on the Ladera Ranch Grand Prix of Cycling or for a course map, please visit LaderaGrandPrix.com.

A strong break powered away from the peloton at San Marcos Circuit Race in the Pro 1/2 race.
Photo © Eddie Meza

Tony Cruz's Wednesday Night Ride, 'The Cruzer Sessions' Moves to Thursday Nights
7/28/10 - Tony Cruz's Wednesday night ride, 'The Cruzer Sessions' will be moving to Thursday nights and is effective immediately. The reason for the change is simple, riders want a day to recover between the popular El Dorado Training Series and the Cruzer Session normally held on Wednesday nights. The change to Thursday night will be effective starting this Thursday, July 15th. Hopefully this doesn't inconvenience to many people. The training schedule will remain as follows;

6:30 - 7:30:  Beginner or novice training for riders with Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Hybrids, hand powered Trikes, fixed gear Bikes, etc... (Tony helps riders learn to ride in a pace line and gives basic tips on proper bike fit).

7:30 - 8:30: Experienced riders come out to do battle with Tony. (we run an A and B group so riders have and opportunity to challenge themselves in a category suited to their fitness level and ability).

Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia) takes his fifth stage win on famous the Champs-Elysées.
Photo © tdwsport.com

Mayor Villaraigosa Pledges to Improve Bicycle Infrastructure in LA After Accident
7/28/10 - Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa released a video to thank everyone for the well wishes he received after his bicycle accident last week, where he broke his elbow while riding his bike on Venice Boulevard. A taxi cab pulled out in front of him causing him to crash. Villaraigosa has learned first hand the dangers that cyclists go through daily while trying to share the streets with vehicles and has pledged that he would like to do a better job in making Los Angeles more bicycle friendly.

Villaraigosa wrote an article on the Huffington Post sharing his plans to improve riding in Los Angeles that stated, “We're working on enforcement of traffic laws and improving the City's bicycle infrastructure. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck has reached out to the cycling community and is actively working to make the streets safer.

Last month the Planning Department released its latest draft of the City's bicycle plan update. While it's still a draft, it includes a citywide network and neighborhood network, to provide safe and convenient routes for both serious and casual cyclists.

Eventually we plan to build a network of 1,663 miles of bikeways. I encourage everyone to take a look at the plan and give input.”

Team RadioShack to Appear Before UCI Disciplinary Commission
7/27/10 - By now you have seen or heard about “JerseyGate”, where Team RadioShack attempted to wear a special black jersey with the number 28 on the back (signifying the 28 million people that are living with cancer) on the final stage of the Tour de France. Unfortunately, the UCI did not not approve the jerseys and made the Team change back to their standard red and grey kits during the neutral zone or risk disqualification from the Tour de France. It took the Team twenty minutes to make the change while the rest of the field had to wait and the TV cameras rolled. Today, the UCI is still not happy and sent out the following statement, “ The International Cycling Union (UCI) wishes to announce that disciplinary proceedings will be opened against Team RadioShack, for breaching the regulations governing riders’ clothing.  The UCI regrets that an initiative for a cause as worthy as the fight against cancer was not coordinated beforehand with the Commissaires and organisers of the event. This could have been done whilst remaining within the rules. Team RadioShack’s incorrect behaviour led to a 20-minute delay to the start of the final stage, which could have disrupted the televised coverage of the race, placing the Commissaires under the obligation to impose a fine on each rider and the team managers. Team RadioShack subsequently breached the regulations by wearing an incorrect uniform on the podium for the protocol ceremony having been instructed not to. The UCI also deplores the declarations made by Mr Johan Bruyneel who gravely offended all the Commissaires working in cycling. His remarks are utterly unacceptable, and Mr Bruyneel will be called upon to answer for his comments before the UCI Disciplinary Commission. As the action of Team RadioShack was inspired by the desire to raise public awareness of the breadth of the global fight against cancer, the UCI has decided that any fines levied as a result of this matter would be donated to the Ligue suisse contre le cancer.” Tell your thoughts on our Facebook Page >

Tony Martin (HTC-Columbia) rode to a second place finish, just 17 seconds back from Cancellara.
Photo © tdwsport.com

Cavendish Blasts to Victory on the Champs-Elysées
7/25/10 - HTC-Columbia's Mark Cavendish became the first ever rider in history to win for two years running on the Champs-Elysées as he racked up his fifth stage victory in the 2010 Tour de France.   Already the winner of stages five, six, 11 and 18 this year,  Cavendish's victory in the Tour's final stage is the fifteenth of his career in cycling's top event, and his 59th road win since turning pro in 2007. "My Tour didn't start too well and in the first week I was wondering how it would turn out," Cavendish said. "But the team rode incredibly strongly for me and I tried to make amends. As the race progressed my feelings got better and better and winning here in Paris on the most spectacular finish of them all is a great way to end the race.  When you win you get confident, when you're confident you win.  It's as simple as that. Bernie Eisel took me to the tunnel and then Tony Martin dropped me off where I needed to be to go for the win.  It's been a real rollercoaster event, but the people here in France always make it special and I want to thank all of them, the team and support staff and all the other people who have helped me all the way." Alberto Contador rode into Paris as the Overall Winner of the Tour de France. In the jersey competition, Andy Schleck won the Best Young Riders Jersey, Alessandro Petacchi took the Sprinters Jersey, Anthony Charteau won the Climbers Jersey and Team RadioShack topped the Team Classification.

Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia) celebrates his fourth Tour de France stage win.
Photo © tdwsport.com

Cancellara Wins Time Trial, Contador Holds onto Yellow
7/24/10 - In the battle for the Yellow Jersey, Alberto Contador (Astana) posted a time over the 51 kilometer course that was a nail-biting 31 seconds faster than Team Saxo-Bank’s Andy Schleck, which put Contador 39 seconds ahead on the Overall GC.  Ironically, 39 seconds was the same amount of time that Schleck lost to Contador on Stage 15 when he dropped his chain. Many had predicted that Schleck would lose more time to Contador, but he showed that his time trialing has improved and should be a great rival to Contador in the years to come.  Schleck’s Team Saxo Bank teammate and time trial world champion, Fabian Cancellara, posted the fasted time of the day with a time of 1:00:56. Cancellara said, ”I'm truly happy about the victory. Time trials over an hour are insanely demanding where you have to keep focus every second of the way to hold the rhythm and pressure on the pulse. On the paper, the course looks pretty flat and easy but believe me, it was lumpy and the headwind forced me to dig deep within myself to come up with the power to do this after a long and wearing Tour de France. But I really wanted to win. I'm sorry that Andy wasn't able to take the jersey today but we had a great Tour with both Andy and me in the leader's jersey, winning the white jersey, four stage wins and a spot on the podium.” Team Saxo-Bank team owner, Bjarne Riis added, ”Fabian was hugely motivated and showed world-class out there today. Andy did a sensationally great time trial today. He started out smoothly just finding the right rhythm and then he just fired away in a pace that was simply incredible in the head wind. He was close of taking the jersey but on the final kilometers, Alberto (Contador) was a little stronger. However, there's no doubt that Andy did the time trial of his life and I'm extremely proud on his behalf.” San Diego’s, Chris Horner rode a time of 1:08:04, which was fast enough to maintain 10th GC, making him the highest placed Team RadioShack rider.

What Do You Think?
7/23/10 - After Andy Schleck dropped his chain on Stage 15, he lost a valuable 39 seconds to Spain's Alberto Contador. This gave Contador an 8 second advantage on the Overall GC and moved him into the coveted Yellow Jersey. Tomorrow, the Tour de France riders will race against the clock in a 51 kilometer time trial and the fastest man will win. Do you think Andy Schleck can make up enough time in the time trial to take back the Yellow Jersey? Tell us what you think Schleck's chances are with a vote or comment.

Do you think Andy Schleck can make up enough time in the time trial to take back the Yellow Jersey?
	Yes, Andy will take his revenge in the Time Trial.
	No, Contador will stay in yellow after the Time Trial.
pollcode.com free polls

Cavendish Takes Fourth Stage Win at Tour de France
7/23/10 - HTC-Columbia's Mark Cavendish netted his fourth stage win of the 2010 Tour on Friday, bringing his career total of victories in cycling's flagship event to 14.  Already victorious on stages five, six and 11 of the 2010 Tour, Cavendish's latest win came on stage 18's 19- kilometre run from Sales-de-Bearn to Bordeaux.  The HTC-Columbia rider sprinted across the finish line more than a bike length ahead of second-placed Julian Dean, and third-placed Italy's Alessandro Petacchi, to seize the seventh win of his 2010 season and 58th road victory of his professional career. "When Petacchi accelerated with 275 metres to go, he surprised me," Cavendish said later.  "But I got past him okay and I was pretty happy about that.  It was easier than I expected.  I didn't know how big the gap was between me and the next guy was, though, because all I see is the finish line.  In any case, it doesn't matter how much or how little you win by, it's winning that matters." Cavendish explained that he looked back at the peloton as he reached the line in order to keep his sprint effort to a minimum.  "I wanted to conserve as much energy as possible. Tomorrow [the Tour's last time trial] will be hard; 50 kilometres by myself." Asked about his chances in  the green jersey competition, in which he is currently third, Cavendish said that at this point his aim is to take a final stage victory in Paris for a second year in the row.  "I've got to try to win on the Champs-Elysées, whatever the situation is, and that's all I can do."

Chris Horner (Team Radio Shack) and Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Transitions) perservered
on the Tourmalet. Horner finished a strong 8th and Hesjedal rode to an impressive 4th.
Photo © Slipstream Sports

Schleck Wins on the Tourmalet, Horner Moves into Top 10
7/22/10 - In the much anticipated battle on the legendary Col de Tourmalet, it was up to Team Saxo-Bank and their team leader, Andy Schleck, to attack Alberto Contador in a bid for the overall win in the Tour de France. With nine kilometers to go, Schleck upped the pace with only Contador able to follow his acceleration. Despite the Schlecks effort, he was unable to shake Contador on the steep climb. At one point, Contador launched his own attack against Schleck putting a small gap on him, but Schleck easily closed it. The two rode through the thick crowd together to the finish, with Schleck finishing ahead of Contador in an uncontested sprint for the win. "I'm so happy about today's win. To win here on Tourmalet is dream come true for me. I was very optimistic and wanted to take the jersey today but as it turned out, Contador (Alberto) was simply impossible to drop even though I did all I could to do so. My team was doing a fantastic job putting me in the best position possible before the finale but he (Alberto Contador) did a great stage as well. I am, however still motivated for the time trial. Only eight seconds separates me from the overall win and anything can happen, everything is possible,” said the Tourmalet-stage winner after the podium ceremony. "I'm very proud of what the team accomplished today. They couldn't possibly do more than what they did and Alberto (Contador) was undoubtedly under pressure but not enough to be dropped. I told Andy to keep changing his rhythm but when he answered with a counter-attack we knew it was going to be difficult. However, the Tour is not over until Sunday and you should never give up when things get tough,” said a content team owner, Bjarne Riis. San Diego's Chris Horner (Team Radio Shack) had a strong ride finishing 1:45 back in 8th place, which moved him into 10th GC. Horner has ridden as a super domestique the past few weeks in support of teammates Armstrong, Leiphiemer and Kloden, but was able to ride for himself on the Tourmalet and achieve a much deserved result.

Michael Johnson (Amgen/UBS Masters) takes the win at the Ontario Grand Prix.
Photo © Kenneth Hill / Light & Shadows Photography

Library Alehouse and New Belgium Team Up with National MS Society
7/21/10 - On Tuesday, July 27th, the Library Alehouse is donating 15% of the entire day’s sales (11:30 am – 11:30 pm) to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in support of the Bike MS Southern California Ride.  They will also raffle off two beach cruisers, one donated by New Belgium Brewing Co. and one donated by Cynergy Cycles ($5/ticket or $20/five tickets).  The restaurant will also offer cyclists a half-price appetizer with any entrée purchase during the lunch hour (11:30 am – 4:00 pm).  Even after the lunch hour ends, the Library Alehouse will continue its 15% donation to the Society.  Happy hour will continue into the evening, allowing riders and other attendees to mingle and socialize.  The Bike MS team will provide free valet parking for bikes. Bike MS is Southern California’s premier cycling event, with route options for every level of cyclist — from 15 miles on one day up to 160 miles over two days. Participants will enjoy an unforgettable weekend on October 16 & 17, and the chance to make a difference for people with MS. Monies raised support education, advocacy, research and local programs that enhance the quality of life for people with MS and their families. Cyclists and volunteers can register at bikeMSsocal.org. You are invited to stop by the Library Alehouse located at 2911 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA on Tuesday, July 27th from 11:30 am – 11:30 pm where proceeds of the day’s sales will benefit the Bike MS Southern California Ride and in turn support the 14,500 Southern and Central Californians living with multiple sclerosis.

The Devil encourages Alessandro Ballan (BMC Racing)) and
French National Road Champion Thomas Voeckler.
Photo © tdwsport.com

Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team Undergoing Reorganization
7/20/10 - A statement released earlier read, "The Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team will cease operations effective immediately.  The decision was based on financial considerations. The Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team management and riders would like to thank the generous support of our sponsors."

Rahsaan Bahati has released the following statement in response to the announcement, "Today's announcement - made by the company I employeed to manage the Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team - was not entirely accurate. The Bahati Foundation is alive and well, but the race team that supports it will be undergoing a reorganization.

Over the past year, I have learned some valuable lessons on how difficult it is to run a foundation and a business. I have never been involved with managing a team, however, by involving myself more in the day-to-day operations of both the race team and the Foundation, I am confident that the mission of the Bahati Foundation will continue to be served.

There's a lot of misinformation flying around right now. It will take some time, but the facts of what has happened and what will be happening to the the Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team will emerge.

The team has been, and will continue to be, competitive and race well. This team has been through some hard times, but it has persevered and will move forward in a much more sound and stable fashion. All the riders and staff who have been loyal to the team are moving forward with the new team.”

What Do You Think?
7/19/10 - Andy Schleck dropped his chain after launching an attack on the final climb. Do you think Contador should have waited for Schleck? Tell us what you think with a vote or comment.

Should Contador have waited for Schleck After Schleck Dropped his Chain?
	Yes, it shows fair play.
	No, that's racing.
pollcode.com free polls

Voeckler Wins, Schleck Loses Jersey After Dropped Chain
7/19/10 - France’s most tenacious rider, Thomas Voeckler, soloed to a win in  Bagnères-de-Luchon after being in a long break with 88 kilometers to go. Alessandro Ballan delivered the BMC Racing Team a runner-up finish on Monday on the 100th anniversary of the inclusion of the Pyrenees mountains in the Tour de France.  Ballan nipped Aitor Perez (Footon-Servetto) for second place after a high-speed plunge off the Port de Balès. Thomas Voeckler (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) slipped Ballan's breakaway group with 7.5 kilometers to go on the climb and soloed to the win. "I was feeling good today, but Voeckler was too strong when he attacked," Ballan said. "I couldn't follow him So I tried to go my pace. I hope this good form is going to help me in the last week and in the races after the Tour." World champion Cadel Evans finished 36th Monday and slipped to 22nd overall, 16:16 behind new leader Alberto Contador (Astana). "I'm a bit tired and sore today. I don't know what's going on," Evans said. "My tape (on a fractured elbow) and stuff fell off. I'm getting skin problems from having so much treatment and having tape holding things together. It's one ailment or the other. I'm still hanging in there. Tomorrow's another day." The race for the Yellow Jersey changed hands with Contador after Andy Schleck lost contact with Contador after dropping his chain with 2 kilometers remaining on the climb. Schleck was forced to get off of his bike, while Sanchez, Menchov, Contador and Vinokourov raced to the finish, which prompted the question if Contador should have waited to show fair play.  Schleck has promised that he will take his revenge in the days to come.

Live Video Coverage Today: USA Cycling MTB National Championships
7/17/10 - Tune in all day today for LIVE streaming video from the Pro Men's and Pro Women's Cross Country and Four Cross National Championships. LIVE BROADCAST SCHEDULE: Friday: 7:30 PM -8:00 PM Live Pre Race Show Saturday: 11:00 AM Pro Women's XC 2:15 PM Pro Men's XC 6:30 PM 4X Finals Sunday: 1:30 PM Pro Women's STXC 2:15 PM Pro Men's STXC 3:30 PM Pro DH Finals 5:45 PM Live Recap Show.
Watch Coverage >

Mark Cavendish (left) goes on to win Stage 13's field sprint for 2nd, without Renshaw's lead out.
Photo © tdwsport.com

Video: Mark Renshaw Head Butts Julian Dean in Stage 11 Sprint
7/15/10 - Mark Renshaw (HTC-Columbia) head butts Julian Dean (Garmin-Transitions) multiple times during stage 11 from our coverage. Renshaw, who was leading out teammate Mark Cavendish has been kicked out of the Tour. This is the first time in 8 years, not including doping violations, that a rider has been disqualified from the Tour de France.

Cavendish Wins, While Renshaw is Disqualified
7/15/10 - HTC-Columbia's Mark Cavendish has scored his third stage win of the 2010 Tour de France on Thursday, the thirteenth stage victory of his career in cycling's biggest bike race.  The HTC-Columbia sprinter beat Italian Alessandro Petacchi and American Tyler Farrar by over two bike lengths on stage 11, a 184.5 kilometre ride from Sisteron to Bourg-les-Valence. "I'm really pleased to have won again," Cavendish, already the victor in stages five and six, said afterwards.   "The team did a great job and we worked hard for this throughout the stage."  The sprint was not won without some controversy as Mark Renshaw was disqualified from the Tour De France after head butting Julian Dean (Garmin-Transitions) as he came along his right side while leading out Tyler Farrar. As Farrar started to sprint, Renshaw moved left forcing Farrar toward the barriers. Upon Renshaw’s disqualification from the Tour, he said, "I'm extremely disappointed and also surprised at this decision.  I never imagined I would be removed from any race especially the Tour de France. I pride myself on being a very fair, safe and a straight up sprinter and never in my career have I received a fine or even a warning." "Julian came hard in on my position with his elbows.  I needed to use my head to retain balance or there would have been a crash. If had used my elbows when Julian brought his elbow on top of mine we would also have crashed. The object was to hold my line and stay upright. "I hadn't started the sprint yet. We were still at 375m to go. After that Cavendish had to start his sprint early and I was also ready to finish off the sprint as I still had a lot left in my legs. It would have been good to try to take some more points. I only saw open space on my left. I had no idea Tyler Farrar was there. By no means would I ever put any of my fellow riders in danger."

Mark Cavendish secures another win after a chaotic sprint.
Photo © tdwsport.com

Bicycle Johns Grand Prix Cancelled This Weekend, New Date Pending
7/14/10 - Race Update: The Bicycle Johns Grand Prix scheduled for this Saturday, July 17 is cancelled for this weekend. The promoter is trying to hold the event at a later date, which is still yet to be determined. There are still lots of great races happening this summer! Check our Bike Racing Calendar for more info!

Alberto Contador (Astana) and Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) work together to put time on their rivals.
photo © Mitch Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

NOW-MS Society's Sergio Hernandez Signs with Jelly Belly Cycling Team PB Kenda
By Kendall Seyer
7/12/10 - NOW-MS Society team member and pro rider Sergio Hernandez has signed with Jelly Belly Cycling Team Presented by Kenda. “I'm excited to ride for Jelly Belly because it’s the team I feel fits me best and I’m looking forward to being an asset to the team,” said Sergio. The news comes just weeks after Sergio won the Elite State Criterium Championship title at Barry Wolfe Grand Prix May 30th. He’s had a very successful season beginning with a 3rd place overall at Callville Bay Classic and continuing with podium finishes at Tulsa Tough, Torrance, Devil’s Punchbowl and Ontario. Sergio began racing in 2003 and joined NOW-MS Society the following year. As Sergio tells the story, he met one of the club’s founders while auditioning for a commercial featuring Lance Armstrong. He never got a call back but he did end up as a rider with the NOW-MS Society U25 program. Three years later he signed a pro contract with Rock Racing. During the next three years, Sergio rode in support of former Pro Tour riders, raced in Colombia, the Tour of Qinghai Lake in China and also won races of his own including the CBR BAR series overall for P/1/2 in 2009 and a win at Superweek in his first year as a pro. Sergio signed a contract with Rock Racing for the 2010 season that was later voided when the team failed to secure a Pro Continental license. Since February, he’s been riding for NOW-MS Society, racing and mentoring the Men’s U25 team, giving back to the program that gave him his start. “I want to be able to help out the younger guys that come to the team, to help them and give them the right advice like they did with me.” said Sergio. In addition to Sergio, six other NOW-MS Society riders have secured pro contracts including one who raced with the 2008 USA Olympic Track Cycling Team in Beijing. Sergio’s first race with Jelly Belly will be the Tour of Elk Grove July 30 – August 1 in Illinois.

Sergio Hernandez (NOW-MS Society) celebrates winning the State Criterium Championship.
photo © SoCalCycling.com

Evans In Yellow, Armstrong’s Tour Hopes Dashed
7/11/10 - World Champion Cadel Evans earned the BMC Racing Team its first yellow jersey Sunday after recovering from an early-race crash on a mountainous day at the Tour de France.  Evans finished sixth on the 189-kilometer stage over five climbs, 10 seconds behind stage winner Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank), whom he leads overall by 20 seconds. Evans said a crash fewer than 10 km into the race made for a dramatic day. "I didn't have time to react," he said. "I went down pretty hard on my left side. Fortunately, my legs didn't take it. I took it all in my left arm, which is pretty sore. Fortunately, I made it to the finish."  Evans is the first reigning World Champion to wear the maillot jaune since Tom Boonen (2006) and one of five Australians to lead the Tour de France, joining Phil Anderson (1981, 1982) and Stuart O'Grady (1998, 2001), Bradley McGee (2003) and Robbie McEwen (2004). In five previous Tour de France appearances, Evans has led the Tour one other time (2008) and finished second overall twice (2007, 2008). Seven-Time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong’s Tour hopes diminished after he was involved in 3 separate crashes, which cost him over 11 minutes. He is now sits in 39th place overall, 13:26 behind race leader Evans.

Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia) shares a hug with his teammate,
after winning his second stage two days in a row after a 141 mile day.
Photo © tdwsport.com

Liquigas-Doimo has Joined Cannondale Bicycles in Supporting PeopleForBikes.org
7/8/10 - As of today, team Liquigas-Doimo has joined Cannondale Bicycles in supporting peopleforbikes.org, a movement to improve the future of cycling in the United States with more rider friendly communities, bike lanes, and bike paths to ensure safety and fitness for all. To show support, the team has placed the Peopleforbikes.org logo on the head tube of their Cannondale SuperSix team bikes and will be competing with the logo for the remainder of the Tour. The goal of peopleforbikes.org is to gather a million names of support, to speak with one powerful voice—to let policy makers, the media and the public know that bicycling is important and should be promoted.  For more information, or to sign the pledge, log on cannondale.com.

Team Liquigas-Doimo team bikes now display the peopleforbikes.org logo on the head tube.

Petacchi Blasts to Another Win
7/7/10 - Alessandro “Ale-Jet” Petacchi turned on the after burners and sprinted to another stage win during Stage 4 of the Tour de France. Following in second was Garmin-Transition’s leadout man Julian Dean who was given free reign to sprint since Tyler Farrar is suffering a fractured wrist. Dean said, “I was a bit surprised, you never start out after being in the hosptial two days ago thinking you're going to do that. I'm over the moon to achieve this but wish I was 100 percent for the sprint. I feel like maybe I could have won. But that said I'm really proud of what the team's acheived - fourth yesterday and second and fifth today. Despite the loss of Christian and Tyler being on the back foot, we have a competitive team and we're here to race.” Garmin Transitions Director Sportif,  Matt White added, “Today was a great day for the team. We knew with Tyler's injuries it wasn't possible for him to make the sprint so we left it up to the hands of two of his lead out men, Julian and Robbie. After Monday's stage, losing Christian and having Tyler get so hurt, we've found ourselves having to look at other options. Today, those options worked in our favor. Julian produced a great ride - to go from lead out man to second on the stage, considering he was in the hospital days ago, is a testament to his strength. Robbie was equally impressive. We'll continue to look at our options and hope to keep animating the Tour.” Despite HTC-Columbia’s lead out efforts,  Mark Cavendish has yet to get a stage win this year. He said,  "I'm disappointed about today. I felt really good during the stage. I feel sorry for my teammates who rode unbelievably and I just didn't finish it off at the end.  We're really motivated as a team and I'm going to go out there tomorrow and give it hundred percent again. Congratulations to Alessandro [Petacchi] for another great stage win."

Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Farnese) takes his second stage win of the Tour
followed by Garmin-Transitions leadout man Julian Dean.
Photo © Slipstream Sports

Former mountain biker Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin- Transitions) was right at home on the cobbles.
He rode in a break for most of the day and went on to finish 4th on an epic day at the Tour.
Photo © Slipstream Sports

Triathlon to Peloton:  Shane Buysse is a Man with a Bike-Racing Plan
Story and Photo by Mark Johnson, Competitor Magazine
7/6/10 - After turning in a time of 11:15 at Ford Ironman Wisconsin and clocking the fastest bike split at the 2008 Ironman 70.3 in Oceanside, San Diego triathlete Shane Buysse decided to have a go at bike racing. After all, he was consistently crushing his competitors in triathlon bike legs; he figured shelling them all in a bike race would be cake too. So in July 2009, the 24-year-old San Diego State University graduate entered a race at Cal State San Marcos in north San Diego County-and promptly got tanned, stomped and walloped by the cruel fist of pack bike racing.

"I figured I could just go to the front and ride away from everyone, but that wasn't the case," the friendly San Diegan recalls of his first bike race on a hilly circuit. After getting shelled-bike racing lingo for having his ego handed to him as a steaming plate of humble pie-Buysse watched the race ride away from him. "I was just pretty clueless. I was back of the pack. I got dropped, and I didn't know what was going on."

The six-foot, 158-pound triathlete was nonetheless hooked on the new sport. "I liked the variety. It scared me at first, riding so close to everyone," he recalls of his introduction to bike racing. "But eventually I got used to it." Full Story >

SoCalCycling.com Elite Team Rider Shane Buysse was profiled in the June
Competitor Magazine. Pick one up at your local bike shop!
Photo © Mark Johnson / IronString.com

Tour de France, Stage 2: Complete Chaos Ensues
7/5/10 - Bad weather and slick roads contributed to another crash filled day during Stage 2 of the Tour de France. The ice slick descent on the Col du Stockeu caused massive pile ups that took out many of the GC leaders including Armstrong, Contador  Evans and the Schleck brothers. The stage was later neutralized for the peloton at the urging of Yellow Jersey holder Fabian Cancellara to enable the GC riders to regain contact. Sylvain Chavanel  (Quick Step) who was off the front was allowed to continue on, where he took the stage win and moved into the Yellow Jersey. Team Garmin-Transitions said, “Today was a massively rough day for the peloton and especially our team. Weather and roads obviously played a huge factor. We had five riders crash, including Julian Dean, Tyler Farrar and Christian Vande Velde. All three are en-route to a local hospital where they will be evaluated. David Millar and Robbie Hunter also crashed. They are being evaluated by team medical staff. David Zabriskie, Johan Van Summeren, Martijn Maaskant and Ryder Hesjedal remained upright. All riders on the team finished the race which demonstrates both courage and commitment. Tomorrow is a new day and we will update when we have further information. Four of the BMC Racing Team's eight riders ˆ including world champion Cadel Evans finished with the lead group Monday following a chaotic, rainy Stage 2 of the Tour de France run on narrow Belgian roads.  Evans, Alessandro Ballan, Brent Bookwalter and Karsten Kroon crossed the line with the soft-pedaling peloton 3:56 behind solo stage winner Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step). Evans described the crash that involved him and teammates George Hincapie and Mauro Santambrogio - all of whom have road rash but nothing broken. "It was a straight road ˆ downhill with oil or whatever on it and the whole peloton went down," he said. "Sorry to the public for not racing. But it would not have been fair to the many who were injured."

 
Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) organized a neutral finish for the peloton.
Photo © tdwsport.com

Pettachi Wins a Crash Marred Stage One of the Tour de France
7/4/10 - Winds were expected to cause trouble for the riders during Stage 1 of the Tour de France, but it was the multiple crashes that were the talk of the day as the race went from Rotterdam to Brussels. Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Farnese) avoided the melee and sprinted to victory after a nice display of teammwork from his Lampre-Farnese team. Many of the favorite sprinters including Mark Cavendish, Tyler Farrar and Oscar Freire were caught in crashes during the final kilometers leading up to the sprint only to be taken out of the equation. American Brent Bookwalter (BMC Racing Team) said, “A lot of crashes early in the 223-kilometer race were caused by spectators crowding too close to the peloton. In one instance, a dog ran across the road. "It was just a really dangerous, stressful stage," U.S. national champion George Hincapie said. "Cadel (Evans) made it through safely, so that's good." Tyler Farrar (Team Garmin-Transitions) who was in contention for the sprint said, “Everything was going great, I felt good and the team was riding perfectly. Then, in the last 200 meters an AG2R rider hit my rear wheel and snapped my derailleur. I literally couldn't ride after that and had to walk through the finish and to the bus. Its a shame because everything had gone so well and the team worked so hard for me. I'm glad that we're all ok and I'm lucky that I didn't go down. Tomorrow's a new day and I think its safe to say we're even more motivated now.”

Tyler Farrar (Team Garmin-Transitions) gets a push to the finish after breaking his derailleur
200 meters from the line in the Stage 1 sprint of of the Tour De France in Brussels.
Photo © Slipstream Sports

Tour De France Start List Announced, Who's Your Favorite?
7/1/10 - The long wait is over as the much anticipated Tour de France begins this Saturday with a 8.9 km Prologue in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The official start list has been released. The GC favorites including Armstrong, Contador and the Schleck brothers who will no doubt fight till the end. Unfortunately, sprinters Tom Boonen and Heinrich Haussler will be sidelined and unable to start due to injuries incurred from previous crashes, which will make Cavendish's job a little easier. Tell us who your favorite team and riders are on SoCalCycling.com’s Facebook!