Cycling News

Video - Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 Claremont to Mt. Baldy
Watch the riders tackle the first steep climb out of Claremont up Mt. Baldy on Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California. You can see the break starting to form here. We also caught up with the break and the peloton again as they climbed GMR.

Keoghan’s New Team of Pro Cyclists will pair up with Honorary Teammates, people living with MS.

Barry Wolfe Grand Prix Honors Cycling Patron Barry Wolfe's Legacy on Sunday
By Danny Lupold
5/23/11 - The Barry Wolfe Grand Prix is coming up on May 29th in Woodland Hills. This event has quite a bit of history behind it. It's going on it's 20th year and was started by Barry Wolfe, a local cycling lore who was known as the "Godfather of Cycling". Barry founded the North Hollywood Wheelmen, and patron to several homegrown talents such as 1984 Olympian and current World Masters Champion Thurlow Rogers and fellow Olympian and Tour de France rider, Roy Knickman. Barry was a dedicated cyclist, riding almost every day, and one of the original founders of the legendary ‘Simi Ride’, a 70+ mile off season training ride that has become a 45+ year old tradition.  Barry was a dedicated father, husband and businessman.  Barry died peacefully in his sleep in July 2003 after a morning training ride in Santa Barbara, and enjoying the Prologue on the first day of the Tour de France in the company of his cycling friends. More >

Matt Goss (HTC-Highroad) won the final stage in Thousand Oaks..
photo © Darrell Parks / darrellparks.com

Horner Wins Amgen Tour of California Overall, Goss Sprints to Stage 8 Win
Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/22/11 - Chris Horner (USA) of Team RadioShack crossed the finish line of the last stage of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California in Westlake Village with an overall time of 23 hours, 46 minutes and 41 seconds, capturing the Amgen Race Leader Jersey and solidifying his place at the top of the podium, while Matthew Goss (AUS) of HTC-Highroad won the final stage.  Horner’s teammate Levi Leipheimer (USA), a three-time winner of America’s biggest race, finished second overall only 38 seconds back, while Thomas Danielson (USA) of Team Garmin-Cervelo, finished two minutes and 12 seconds behind to claim third place. More >

The peloton is cheered on by fans through the first KOM out of Mt. Baldy.
photo © Darrell Parks / darrellparks.com

Leipheimer and Horner Go One, Two on the Long Awaited Mt. Baldy Finish
Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/21/11 - Amid breathtaking vistas and challenging roads with continuous switchbacks leading to the top of Mt. Baldy (elevation 7,930 ft.), RadioShack teammates Levi Leipheimer (USA), three-time Amgen Tour of California champion, and Chris Horner (USA) crossed the Stage 7 finish line in first and second place respectively, thrilling fans with a picture-perfect victory.  The second-place finish today will keep Horner in the Amgen Race Leader Jersey heading into the final stage of the race tomorrow.  Leipheimer remains in second place overall and Tom Danielson (USA) of Team Garmin-Cervelo moves up to third. More >

Team RadioShack drives the pace up GMR to bring back the break for Chris Horner
and Levi Leipheimer who were sitting in 1st and 2nd GC.
photo © SoCalCycling.com

Zabriskie Wins Amgen Tour of California Time Trial in Solvang, Horner Retains Lead
Stage Results >, GC Results >
5/20/11 – Stage 6 of the Amgen Tour of California tested the riders’ speed as they passed through the rolling hills of Solvang in an individual time trial. David Zabriskie (Garmin-Cervelo) put in the fastest time at 30'35"92, followed by Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack) in second with a time of 30'49"80 and Tejay Van Garderen (HTC-Highroad) in third with a time of 31'15"94. Chris Horner (RadioShack) put in a fast ride at 31'26"64 to hang on to the leaders jersey. Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California heads into the Queen Stage, which starts in downtown Claremont and finishes on with a grueling climb up the Mt. Baldy switchbacks.

The Amgen Tour of California Time Trial in Solvang saw Chris Horner (RadioShack)
retain the leaders Jersey and Dave Zabriskie (Garmin/Cervelo) win the Stage.
photo © Darrell Parks / darrellparks.com

Video - SoCalCycling.com Presents:
Amgen Tour of California Stage 7 - Claremont to Mt. Baldy Preview
SoCalCyclingTeam.com rider Michael Smith Larsen climbs the final ascent up Mt. Baldy up the steep switchbacks. After the climb, Michael also gives his thoughts on the climb and how he thinks Stage 7 will play out for the riders.

Timeline - Intro: 0 - 18 secs, Climb: 19 secs - 22:30 min, Interview: 22:30 - 24:06

Sagan Wins in Paso Robles, Horner Holds Amgen Tour of California Lead
Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/19/11 – With the sun shining, 21-year-old Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale raced across the finish line, narrowly beating Leigh Howard (AUS) of HTC-Highroad and Ben Swift (GBR) of Sky Procycling, who placed second and third, respectively, to clinch the Stage 5 win during the 2011 Amgen Tour of California in a time of five hours, 16 minutes and three seconds.  The longest stage of this year’s race, the 135.1-mile route was originally intended to travel along California’s iconic Highway 1, but had to be modified last month when landslides blocked the road after late winter storms.  The new route tested the riders’ endurance and delivered a spectacular sprint to the finish in Paso Robles, Calif., after winding its way through one of the most beautiful stages in the history of the race. More >

Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) won in Paso Robles after racing the 135.1 mile stage.
photo © Darrell Parks / darrellparks.com

Claremont Hosts Amgen Tour of California Stage 7 Start to Epic Mt. Baldy Climb
5/19/11 - 25,000 people are expected to descend on Claremont to enjoy the premier cycling race in the U.S., the 2011 Amgen Tour of California Stage 7, starting in the city of Claremont, Saturday, May 21 at 8:30 a.m. with the signing-in ceremony at 10:45, with riders expected to start their race at 11:45 pm at 200 W. First St. Claremont, CA at the Claremont Train Depot. Spectators may comfortably watch the entirety of the race on the Jumbo-tron at the Claremont Train Depot. The route winds through the tree-lined streets of Claremont, visiting the Claremont Colleges, and the beautiful downtown Village area, before starting the 5,000 foot climb north into the San Gabriel Mountains, ascending the Glendora Mountain Road, Glendora Ridge Road and the 3.5-mile climb summit of Mt. Baldy Ski Area. There will be a bike valet behind City Hall. For information on spectator viewing, road closures and parking please visit http://www.tourofcalifornia-claremont.org.

Horner Conquers Sierra Road and Takes Amgen Tour of California Lead
Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/18/11 - Team RadioShack’s Chris Horner claimed the first-ever mountaintop finish in the Amgen Tour of California. Horner rode away from the opposition to take the stage win on Sierra Road (San Jose). Putting his stamp on the race looked easy for Horner as he motored up the final 5.8km/3.6mi category 1 climb, putting more than one-minute into the rest of the field.  Horner, 39, is no stranger to winning, but today’s victory was the first in this race for him and Team RadioShack. From the start the team of Alain Gallopin and Axel Merckx had a plan, using all team riders one-by-one to set the pace and wear down the opposition.  The plan worked perfectly and Chris Horner now wears the golden leader’s jersey with 1:15 over teammate Levi Leipheimer.   Three-time race champion Leipheimer was fourth on the stage, coming in with Andy Schleck (Leopard-Trek) and Rory Sutherland (UHC) at the top of Sierra Road. More >

San Diego's Chris Horner rocked Sierra Road with a stage win and moved into the lead.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / clintonphoto.com

The Sky's the Limit as Team Sky Retains Lead After Sprint Battle in Modesto
Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/17/11 – Stage 3 of the 2011 Amgen tour of California was one of the last stages for the sprinters to showcase their speed at the finish, and the riders did not disappoint.  After two fast and furious circuit laps around downtown Modesto, Greg Henderson (NZL) of Sky Procycling not only took the stage win, but also overtook teammate Ben Swift (GBR) to become the overall race leader and earn the Amgen Race Leader Jersey, while keeping his team in the lead.  Today’s race started in Auburn, appropriately known as the “Endurance Sports Capitol of the World,” and took the riders 120 miles before finishing in Modesto in a total time of five hours, 14 minutes and 29 seconds. “The last 10 kilometers was very chaotic with everyone fighting for the front and multiple changes in direction,” said Henderson. More >

Greg Henderson (Team Sky) got a gap and held off the hard charging sprinters in Modesto.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / clintonphoto.com.

Amgen Tour of CA Officially Starts, Team Sky Comes Up Big
Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/16/11 – Enthusiastic crowds welcomed riders to the finish of Stage 2 of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California in Sacramento this afternoon after beginning in Nevada City, California. For the second year in a row, the small Gold Rush town of Nevada City was host to the first official day of racing in the Amgen Tour of California (the city hosted Stage 1 of the 2010 race), after dangerous weather and road conditions required a last-minute change from the original Stage 2 start host city, Squaw Valley, to ensure rider safety and guarantee a complete day of racing.  After three adrenalin-pumping circuits through the streets of downtown Sacramento, Ben Swift (GBR) of Sky Procycling won the stage and solidified himself as the overall race leader. More >

Ben Swift (Team Sky) celebrates a stage win in Sacramento.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / clintonphoto.com.

Sergio Hernandez (Jelly Belly pb Kenda) prepares for the 2011 AMGEN Tour of CA.
Interview with Sergio >
Photo courtesy Jelly Belly pb Kenda

Extreme Weather Cancels Stage 1 of Amgen Tour of California
5/15/11 - Due to extreme weather conditions and potentially unsafe roads, Stage 1 of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California was cancelled just before the riders, who were lined up at the start, were about to begin the race. “We were monitoring weather conditions up until the predicted 1:15 p.m. PT start time, and we just couldn’t safely put the riders out on the course with the current forecast,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports. “We appreciate the support of all the fans that came out to the start line in South Lake Tahoe, and we hope they understand and respect our decision, but when the safety of riders and fans is involved, there is no leeway. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the start tomorrow in Squaw Valley.” As the race was being cancelled, three-time Amgen Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer addressed the crowd from the sign-in stage and said: “The riders discussed as a group and we just don’t feel comfortable riding knowing what can happen, especially in light of what happened last Monday. We still have a full week of racing ahead of us, so we want to make sure everyone is healthy. With the weather conditions the way they are, racing today is just not possible. On behalf of all the riders, we apologize and appreciate everyone’s support and understanding.” The race will continue as planned tomorrow, Monday, May 16, beginning with a neutral start lap through Squaw Village at 10:15 a.m. PT and heading to the finish in Sacramento.

2011 Amgen Tour of California Expands International Broadcast Rights Worldwide
5/14/11 –  AEG, through its partnership with ASO, organizer of the Tour de France, has increased its international broadcast footprint of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California by increasing the number of contracted networks and territories to reach an even larger audience of cycling fans worldwide.  Beginning with the official race start in Lake Tahoe, California on Sunday, May 15, American’s most important cycling race will now be broadcast to 216 countries worldwide, including 20 new territories.

The race, which will feature 18 of the world’s best cycling teams battling it out over eight days and nearly 800 miles of scenic California roadways, will now be carried by 18 broadcast networks (a nearly 64 percent increase from 2010), offering coverage on a total of 26 networks worldwide.  This year’s eight day race will be shot in HD and, for the first time, be broadcast in South and Central America.

Programs produced for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California include the following, which will be transmitted all around the world via satellite: Two-hour daily live feed, Five-minute daily news highlight segment and a Final 52-minute program. Under the direction of director Jean Maurice Ooghe, who also produces the Tour de France, the production crew will include 50 people on site during the race, including a Cineflex helicopter, slow-motion camera and a relay plane.

Claremont hosted over 1,500 riders in the L'etape du California fun ride, which covered
the same course as Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California finishing at the top of Mt. Baldy.
Photo © Bevin Handel / City of Claremont

Roster Announced for Women's International Time Trial Challenge at ATOC
5/13/11 – The world’s best female cyclists will be competing in the inaugural Amgen Tour of California Women's International Time Trial Challenge presented by Specialized and SRAM in Solvang, California, on Friday, May 20. Held in conjunction with Stage 6 of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, the race will feature a 13-person field comprised of world champions and Olympic medalists battling it out on the same course that their male counterparts will also be competing on later in the day.  The women will be racing for a $10,000 prize pool.  Beginning at 11:30 a.m. PT on Friday, May 20, the Amgen Tour of California Women’s International Time Trial Challenge will traverse the exact 15-mile course as the men participating in the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, with the women leaving at one-minute intervals just before the beginning of the professional men’s time trial at 12:30 pm PST. more >

An Evening in Fast Company: Team HTC-Highroad at Cynergy Cycles
5/11/11 - On Monday evening, Cynergy Cycles hosted the charity gala “An Evening in Fast Company: Team HTC-Highroad at Cynergy Cycles.” The event, which benefited the “Right to Play” organization, presented the 2011 Amgen Tour of California HTC-Highroad Team.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted by photos on the red carpet by photographer Brian Hodes along with the opportunity to see the new McLaren Venge by Specialized and McLaren MP4-12C car and chassis. Guests were treated to an exquisite dinner by Wolfgang Puck, followed by the opportunity to meet the HTC-Highroad Team along with sponsor Mike Sinyard from Specialized.

Excitement filled the air as the HTC-Highroad Team arrived in their Team bus. After the Team had their photos taken on the red carpet, Team HTC-Highroad was introduced by Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan, with Team Manager Rolf Aldag adding some insightful and humorous commentary. The following riders were introduced: Bernhard Eisel (Aut), Matt Goss (Aus), Leigh Howard (NZ), Danny Pate (USA), Tejay Van Garderen (USA), Martin Velits (Svk), Bert Grabsch (Ger), Peter Velits (Svk), as well as Evelyn Stevens (USA) and Ally Stacher (USA) from HTC-Highroad Women’s Team.   A great night was had by all and provided a chance to get to know the riders better and become bigger fans.
Facebook Photo Gallery >

Click to Play Photo Slideshow: "An Evening in Fast Company: Team HTC-Highroad at Cynergy Cycles", announcing the Team HTC-Highroad Amgen Tour of CA Team.

Amgen Tour of California Announces Preliminary Start List
5/11/11 - The preliminary start list* for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California has been announced by AEG, presenter of the race.  A world-class roster of more than 140 riders from 18 elite cycling teams are set to compete in the sixth-annual Amgen Tour of California, which kicks off this Sunday, May 15, in Lake Tahoe.  The race will cover nearly 800 miles of picturesque California roadways and highways from May 15 – 22. The race, which has become the largest cycling event in America, will feature an extraordinary field of riders from around the world, including competitors from Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, New Zealand and Sweden.  “The preliminary rosters for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California once again feature some of the top talent in the world,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports.  “The caliber of riders participating this year will create a challenging race and a fierce competition starting on Sunday.” rosters >

Van Garderen to Lead HTC-Highroad in the GC Hunt at the Amgen Tour of California
5/10/11 - HTC-Highroad's Tejay Van Garderen aims for the GC and his first victory of this year at the Tour of California, showing a high level of focus and form with a strong team behind him. Armed with Matt Goss and Leigh Howard for the sprints, the team aims to have a strong start in Tahoe. "Training has been going well, I got over the jet lag and did a little altitude training," says Van Garderen, "Things are right on track- but I wouldn't say all the pressure is on me, we want to win the first stage with Goss and to take the jersey." more >

Team HTC-Highroad's Amgen Tour of California Team was joined by Specialized's Mike Sinyard
at Cynergy Cycles Charity Gala which benefitted Right to Play.
Photo © SoCalCycling.com

LEOPARD TREK Withdraws From the Giro d’Italia
5/10/11 - The riders of LEOPARD TREK wish to communicate that they will leave the Giro d’Italia as of tonight, following the tragic accident of their teammate and friend Wouter Weylandt. This choice of the riders has the full support of the staff and management of LEOPARD TREK. General Manager Brian Nygaard: “The decision needed to be taken by the riders, because they are the ones that participate in the race. We have always said that we would stand behind their choice. We wish to thank the other teams, the race organisation RCS, the Italian authorities and all the fans on the road between Genova and Livorno on today’s stage, as the peloton paid tribute to Wouter Weylandt.” Team Captain Fabian Wegmann explains the rider’s decision. “We have a lot of respect for the Giro d’Italia and for cycling, but we simply cannot continue racing given the circumstances. We are professional athletes, but we feel this is the right thing to do.”

Pro 1/2 Podium at the Barrio Logan Grand Prix: (L to Rt) 2nd, Gabe Varela (Yahoo Cycling Team),
1st Lee Muse (CashCall Mortgage), 3rd Michael Smith Larsen (SoCalCycling.com).
Photo © SoCalCycling.com

Cannondale is Looking to Hire Savvy Consumer for the Tour De France
5/9/11 - Cannondale, a leading manufacturer of high-performance bicycles for more than 40 years, is looking for one lucky person to join them just in time for cycling’s most prominent race. The brand is providing one consumer the job of a lifetime working behind the scenes with the Team Liquigas-Cannondale pro-cycling race team for one week at the 2011 Tour de France. Beginning Monday, May 2, consumers can access Cannondale’s official Facebook page and submit a one to two-minute video explaining why they’re the most qualified to serve as Team Liquigas-Cannondale’s newest addition.  Hopefuls must highlight the following in their video submission: more info >

HTC-Highroad Wins Team Time Trial and Takes Lead at the Giro 'd Italia
5/7/11 - For the second time in three years, HTC-Highroad powered to victory in the opening team time trial of the Tour of Italy, with local rider Marco Pinotti capturing the race lead. HTC-Highroad completed the 19.3 kilometer course from Venaria Reale to Turin with a ten second advantage over closest rivals RadioShack. Italy is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its unification this year, and five times national time trial champion, Marco Pinotti was the first HTC-Highroad rider to complete the course, taking the overall lead. Pinotti finished ninth in last year's Tour of Italy and won the final time trial stage in 2008. He also led the race in 2007. "It's a huge honor to be wearing the maglia rosa," Pinotti said "But this is a victory that belongs to the whole team. I can't thank them enough. We made a very strong start, and the best riders took the longest turns on the front. We made sure we kept a steady pace throughout and that's always important. It was flat all the way but it wasn't an easy course, you had to be careful with the tram lines and on the corners, some of them were very difficult. But we'd ridden over the race route this morning and we'd prepared everything right down to the last detail. Looking at the result, we couldn't have done better. It's a great day for the team." Already the winner of the Giro's opening team time trial in 2009, HTC-Highroad's victory is the second time in three years that they have taken the first stage of Italy's premier cycling event.

The HTC-Highroad team won the Team Time Trial at the Giro and put Marco Pinotti in the Maglia Rosa.
Photo © TDWSport.com

Diary: The Storm After the Calm: San Luis Rey Road Race and Dana Point Grand Prix
by Lucas Binder, SKLZ pb Pista Palace
5/5/11 - After a few weeks of relatively quiet racing the NRC circuit finally returned to Southern California with the Dana Point Grand Prix. With the Redlands Bicycle Classic in the legs it was time for SoCal's best crit racers (well, at least those who didn't go to Gila or SpeedWeek) to come out and use the fitness they had gained from the hard stage race a month earlier. But, before the Big One that is Dana Point, a few racers decided that an NRC criterium wasn't enough punishment on their bodies in one weekend and came out on Saturday for 103 hot and hilly miles of the San Luis Rey Road Race. I, unfortunately, was one of those people. Read Diaries >

Lucas Binder (2nd from left) rides in an early break at the Dana Point Grnd Prix.
Photo © SoCalCycling.com

Video - SoCalCycling.com Presents:
5/3/11 - Watch the exciting finishing laps of the Pro Men's Breakaway from Cancer Dana Point Grand Prix. Devan Dunn (CashCall Mortgage) takes a flyer with four to go with the break hot on his heels. Watch to see if he holds it!