Catching air at the 4 Cross at Southridge.

Jens Voigt & Stuart O'Grady, Live at Amgen, One Show Only !!
1/25/08 - Confirmed for one night only - Your favorite German and his Aussie sidekick on Friday, February 8th at 6:00 pm. An evening of fun, laughs, racing strategy and some kickin' prizes. Bob Roll is back and this time it's finally about someone else!!! Jens Voigt and Stuart O'Grady from the # 1 ranked cycling team in the world - CSC Professional Cycling Team are on hand to discuss their racing exploits and talk team shop for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. Tickets are going fast and seating is limited. The evening will also include a VIP reception and big raffle prizes. Proceeds to benefit the Breakaway from Cancer Initiative. Tickets available now at www.velogen.org.

So Cal Riders Nominated to 2008 Olympic Long Team
1/25/08 - USA Cycling announced 35 athletes that are eligible to represent the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games in the disciplines of mountain bike, track and women’s road cycling. As part of its nomination process, USA Cycling named a Long Team of eligible athletes in the disciplines of men’s and women’s mountain bike and women’s road cycling. In the discipline of women’s road cycling, five athletes met automatic nomination including Amber Neben (Irvine). The women’s endurance squad consists of two-time individual pursuit world champion Sarah Hammer (Temecula), Dotsie Bausch (Irvine), Christen King (Huntington Beach), and Becky Quinn (Quakertown, Pa.). Sprinters Michael Blatchford (Cypress) and Adam Duvendeck (Santa Barbara) earned nominations to the men’s Talent Pool.

The 3rd Annual Imperial Classic is Set for February 9th
1/24/08 - The 3rd Annual Imperial Classic offers warm weather and a welcoming community on Saturday, February 9, 2008.  There will be $1,000 awarded to the Pro 1-2 winner and a $4,500 total purse.  Proceeds will go to the Cancer Resource Center of the Desert and is hosted by the City of Imperial and the Imperial Valley Velo Club. Race Website >

Rabobank’s Ed McGrew and Imperial Mayor Doug Cox
award Micheal “J.R.” Grabinger $1,000 at the 2007 Imperial Classic.

The Urban Cyclocross Series Brings Season to an End
1/24/08 - The Urban Cyclocross Series brought the So Cal Cyclocross season to an end today with its UCI sanctioned series finals at Bonelli Park. This course was wide and had just enough variety for riders who prefer pack style racing. With multiple small groups battling it out all day long, there were plenty of opportunities for drafting, tactical attacks at the dismounts or grassy turns and several sprint finishes along an outstanding, drag strip like, wide, paved section. The West coast’s cyclocross talent was there with a very competitive UCI Men’s  field.  Local So Cal riders had their hands full when Portland, Oregon riders Molly Cameron (Vanilla), Jason Sager (Monavie/Cannondale) and Los Gatos rider Aaron Odell (Rock Lobster) refused to let go of the leaders for most of the race. The finish brought Brent Prenzlow to the line first and a killer sprint was needed from Mark Noble to beat out Portland’s Molly Cameron. But in the end, it was Brandon Gritters who was rewarded for attending every race to secure the series overall win and the Urban Cyclocross series winner’s jersey. A shocked Danielle Hazletine (junior women) won the Sportsbaseonline drawing for the Fuji Pro cyclocross frame & fork and the free beer and hot dogs were one of the best features all day long! All 14 series leaders defended their close leads for the Urban Cyclocross Series winner’s jerseys by HotShoppe and with over 450 riders competing throughout the series Back On Track’s Urban Cyclocross is pleased to declare another first rate and successful season!  Big thanks to Jandd Mountaineering, Accelerade, Orange20 Bikes, Specialized, Reynolds, Ion Cycling, Twins Bike Shop, Shimano, Tioga, Hotshoppe and all the volunteers who made the 15^th Annual Urban Cyclocross Series another success. For complete series results and more information visit backontrackproductions.com.

Winter Classic Bike Swap and Track Race this Sunday
1/24/08 - On Sunday, January 27, 2008, Lightning Velo Cycling Club proudly presents the 3rd Annual Winter Classic Track Race and Bike Swap at the L.A. Velodrome in the ADT Event Center. A week after the world comes to the velodrome for the UCI World Cup Track Race; the velodrome will be filled with local racers battling for bragging rights, cash and prizes. The racing will include everyone from Juniors and first-time Women categories to Masters Men and Women to top Pros still in town after the World Cup and all categories in between. The majority of racing will be in Omnium format, but a Match Sprint tournament will be offered for the toughest sprinters. The feature event of the day will be a wild, action-packed Madison! The racing will be almost non-stop, filled with exciting elbow-to-elbow action, blazing speeds and definitely some razor close finishes. While the race action is hot and heavy on the forty-five degree banks of the velodrome, the Bike Swap will take place on the colonnade around the track. The Bike Swap looks to build on the past last year’s success's with more vendors for even more great deals on new, used, obscure and unique bikes and bike parts. Local and out-of-state vendors, including bike shops, dealers, clubs and cyclists just cleaning out their stockpiles, will be competing to offer all interested deals to be found nowhere else. Will that last widget to complete your dream ride be there for sale? Or will it be the first widget to start a whole new project? Come to the Bike Swap and find out. For the Bike Swap and race spectating, the ADT Event Center doors open at 8AM sharp. The Bike Swap starts at 8am and runs through the end of racing. The morning race session starts at 9AM and will run until about noon, and the afternoon race session will start about 12:30 PM and continue until the racing is completed. A full day of race watching and bike swapping is yours for only a  $5 entry charge. more info >

Team Denmark dials it in during the team pursuit.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

2008 ATOC to Expand Anti-Doping Testing and Procedures
Partnership with USADA, UCI, USA Cycling and AEG Created to Develop Unprecedented Approach to Anti-Doping Policies
1/23/08 - The upcoming 2008 Amgen Tour of California cycling road race will adopt the most comprehensive anti-doping protocol in cycling history it was announced by Andrew Messick, president, AEG Sports, presenter of the race, at a press conference today. Messick was joined by representatives of a partnership assembled to develop and enforce the anti-doping initiative, believed to be unparalleled in scope, including Steve Johnson, CEO of USA Cycling; Sean Petty, chief operating officer of USA Cycling; Bob Stapleton, owner of Team High Road, an elite UCI ProTour team participating in the 2008 Amgen Tour of California; Mari Holden, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist, former World Champion, and Athlete Ambassador to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA); riders and team officials as well as representatives of organizations and federations who helped to develop and will oversee and administer the groundbreaking program. more >

Homeless Program to Benefit from Toyota-United's Membership Efforts
1/22/08 - After two years of signing up “paid fan members” of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team, the team was able to donate a portion of the membership proceeds at the end of 2007 to the United Cycling Foundation. On February 1st 2008, the United Cycling Foundation, with the support of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team, it’s fan members and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., will donate money to an organization in Southern California, Chrysalis, who helps the homeless become self sufficient through job opportunities. Not only will the Foundation be donating funds, but riders and staff from the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team will be taking a tour of Skid Row and the Chrysalis facility to learn how the homeless are given job training. ”The team and its fans are able to “Change Lives” by donating funds to help the homeless learn skills to help them work and become integrated with society” said United Cycling Foundation’s Executive Director, Leslie Tucker. Donations are still being accepted to help the homeless people are tax deductible for 2008 at unitedcyclingfoundation.org.

Becky Quinn looks focused in the points race.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Mario Cipollini Signs with Rock & Republic
1/20/08 - It looks like the Lion King and Rock & Republic owner, Michael Ball, have come to a workable agreement that is mutually beneficial after a few tumultuous days of negotiations. It's reported that he will receive one million pounds, which should help with the one million euros he owes in taxes. Cipo is slated to ride in the Amgen Tour of California next month, which will be sure to please his many fans (and of course, the ladies).

Cipollini will be bringing style and flair to US racing.
photo © SoCalCycling.com

Quote of the Day
1/19/08 - "The internet at this multi million dollar house sucks and I'm loading pics using my cell phone ... So far camp is a bit weird, thats all I gotta say...peace." Rahsaan Bahati, while at the Rock Racing training camp.

The Martin Luther King Criterium started the road season off.
Race promoter, Don Harris, celebrates with the women's podium.

Phinney Claims Pursuit Gold and Hammer Bronze at LA World Cup
1/19/08 - Taylor Phinney (Boulder, CO) added to his remarkable streak of results with a gold medal in the men's 4-kilometer individual pursuit Friday at the third round of the 2007-08 UCI Track World Cup Classics in Los Angeles. Phinney, a 17-year-old Boulder High School senior, is quickly becoming a solid contender to represent the United States in the 2008 Olympic Games after just three months of track racing experience. Phinney's performance capped off a fast start for the U.S. contingent on the opening day of competition after Jennie Reed (Kirkland, Wash.) claimed a silver medal in the women's sprint and Sarah Hammer (Temecula, Calif.) won her second consecutive World Cup bronze medal in the women's 3-kilometer individual pursuit. more >

Taylor Phinney (Slipstream) wins Gold, while
Sarah Hammer (OUCH) takes bronze in the individual pursuit.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Slipstream Article on ESPN
1/18/08 - I haven't had a chance to read it yet, because it is really long and my tired brain didn't have the energy to process all of it at that particular moment. But, one thing that did catch my eye right off the bat is David Millar's knee sock and knee warmer combo. Recently, there have been a few nippy days where my cankles were cold and I think some knee socks would have done the trick. My second observation at a quick glance is when did Jonathan Vaughters turn into an eighty year old Englishman? ESPN Article >

Fashion dos or don'ts?

The Finals! Urban Cyclocross Series Final is This Saturday at Bonelli
1/17/08 - The 15th Annual Urban Cyclocross Series comes to a conclusion this Saturday, January 19th at Bonelli Park in San Dimas. With combined USA Cycling and UCI Sanctioned racing, you will be treated with a chance to experience competitive racing up close and at no cost to spectators. Never tried cyclocross? Grab your bike. With categories for all ages and abilities, and fantastic weather predicted, just about everyone that races a bike will be there! And we have free hot dogs and free beer! Don't miss the awarding of the prestigious Urban Cyclocross Series winners jerseys by Hotshoppe to our series winners in multiple categories. Mountain bikes and disc brakes are allowed in our USAC sanctioned events but not in the UCI races. Welcome host hotel ExtendedStayAmerica. See our site for Hotel link and special racer rates. Register online at SportsBaseOnline.com for a chance to win a Fuji cyclocross frame and fork or register on race day. For more info visit backontrackproductions.com

Get your cross on one last time at the 15th Annual Urban Cyclocross Series
Final this Saturday, January 19th at Bonelli Park in San Dimas.
Photo © Lisa Hackenberg

2008 Amgen Tour of California Announces Teams
1/17/08 - A world-class field of 17 domestic and international cycling teams set to compete in the 2008 Amgen Tour of California was announced by AEG, owners and presenters of the upcoming cycling road race.  

• Astana (LUX)
  
• Bissell Pro Cycling Team (USA)
  
• BMC Racing Team (USA)
  
• Bouygues Telecom (FRA)
  
• Crédit Agricole (FRA)
  
• Gerolsteiner (GER)
  
• Health Net Presented by Maxxis (USA)
  
• High Road Sports (GER)
  
• Jelly Belly Cycling Team (USA)
  
• Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast (USA)
  
• Quick Step (BEL)
  
• Rabobank Cycling Team (Netherlands)
  
• Rock Racing (USA)
  
• Saunier Duval-Scott (ESP)
  
• Team CSC (DEN)
  
• Team Slipstream Powered by Chipotle (USA)
  
• Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team (USA)

Record Number of Athletes May Alter LA Track World Cup Schedule
1/15/08 - The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Track Cycling World Cup Classics return to the United States Jan. 18-20, 2008 at the ADT Event Center at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. More than 400 athletes from over 40 countries, including the United States, have confirmed their participation in the three-day event at The Home Depot Center. Due to the high volume of athletes, additional races and heats may be added, and the event schedule is subject to change. Fans, ticket holders and media members are encourage to visit www.homedepotcenter.com or www.usacycling.org early Friday morning, as Session 1 on both Friday and Saturday may start as early as two hours prior to the ticketed start time. After stops in Sydney and Beijing, the Los Angeles event is the third of the four-race World Cup series in the 2007-08 season. Because there is no qualification system for the World Cup series, entries cannot be precisely foreseen. In a year where more than double the amount of athletes is competing as in previous years, additional races and heats may be added to accommodate the record number of participants, which will result in an earlier start time on Friday and Saturday, when qualification events will be held. Tickets can still be purchased online.

Waylon Smith (PAA) leads the Pro Cross Country Race in Fontucky.

Toyota-United Riders Win Big in Their National Championships
1/14/08 - Toyota-United scored two big finishes with the first coming by Ben Day who came in 3rd in the Australian National Time Trial Championships and then second to returning team member Heath Blackgrove who finished 2nd in the New Zealand National Road Race Championships for the 2nd year in a row to the same racer Julian Dean, by a slight .07 seconds. Both races were under extreme conditions as high summer temperatures rising over the past week along with fairly challenging courses produced races of attrition. The Toyota-United riders will be taking their early international race successes and using it as early motivation as they kick of their season with the 2008 Amgen Tour of California February 17 – 24.

La Grange Event Featuring Coach Rick Crawford and Silent Auction
1/13/08 - You are invited to a special night with speaker Coach Rick Crawford at Helen's Cycles in Santa Monica on Thursday, January 17th at 7:30 PM. Rick has been involved with dozens of National Champions, multiple World Champions in various cycling disciplines (road, mountain bike, downhill, triathlons), and several Tour de France participants. There will also be a silent auction with many great offerings with the funds going to support the La Grange racing programs and the Scott Bleifer Scholarship Fund. There will be free food and deals on Helen's products, as well. More Info >

OUCH Sports Medical Offers Free UCI World Cup Tickets to Juniors.
1/12/08 - OUCH Sports Medical is proud to offer free tickets to all USA Cycling Junior members for the January 18^th, 2008 Friday evening competition at the Los Angeles World Cup Track Cycling event at the ADT Event Center.  Sarah Hammer (OUCH Pro Cycling) will compete in her specialty event, the 3 kilometer pursuit, that evening with competition scheduled to start at 7:00 pm.  This may very well by Sarah’s final U.S. competition before she heads to the Olympics in Beijing this summer. OUCH Executive Director, Brent Kay, M.D. is pleased to offer this benefit to USA Cycling Juniors, “We want to pack the stands for Sarah’s pursuit while helping to support the juniors with free tickets to this World Class event”.  OUCH will also provide free OUCH Pro Cycling T-shirts to the first 1,000 fans on Friday night as well as free tickets to both the San Diego and Encino Velodrome Cycling members.  All USA Cycling Juniors, San Diego Velodrome and Encino Velodrome members simply need to present their current membership card or identification to receive their free ticket at the gate Friday evening.

Sarah Hammer (OUCH) is ready for the UCI World Cup Classics.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Charity, "Bike For A Cure"
1/11/08 - Please join us for our 50 mile "Bike For A Cure" breast cancer charity bike-a-thon February 16, 2008.   Bike to save a life, bike for someone you love or bike for someone you have lost to this disease.   Most importantly bike to bring awareness and support the cause.   Help us educate women on the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.   You can help us save lives.   The route for this 50 mile bike-a-thon will start at the Wal Mart located at 1275 N. Azusa Avenue,  Covina, California.   The route will then proceed via Arrow Hwy. to the San Gabriel River Bike Path west to Seal Beach/Long Beach, California and then turnaround and finish at the starting location.   Upon return there will be prize drawing made possible by our generous supporters, such as Helen's Cyclery Arcadia, Pasadena Cyclery Pasadena, Coates Schwinn Cyclery Pomona and many more.   There are three prize levels for the top pledge participants.   Check in is at 6:00 am and the ride starts at 8:00 am. You can download pledge forms at timeforacure.org. Join the celebration, support the cause. Presented by:  Time For A Cure

John Behrens (Bailey Bikes) cruises along at the Urban Cyclocross in Palos Verdes.
photo © Estaban Chavez

The Nine Ball Diaries - Cross Nationals Video
1/10/08 - Watch Tim Johnson (Cannondale) ride to victory over Jonathan Page (Sun Web) in this highly motivating and intense video. There was a brutal battle for the Championship title going on right from the gun and throughout the race. Tough conditions, tough men! Video (Click on Stars & Stripes) >

Tickets On Sale for UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classic
1/9/08 - The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Track Cycling World Cup Classics return to the United States Jan. 18 to 20, 2008 at the ADT Event Center at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. World Cup races are amongst the most prestigious on the UCI calendar, providing riders and countries the opportunity to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in China.  After stops in Sydney and Beijing, the Los Angeles event is the third of the four-race World Cup series in the 2007-08 season. More than 400 athletes from 40 countries, including the United States, will participate in the three-day event in California. The ADT Event Center at The Home Depot Center has hosted one UCI Track World Championships, in addition to three previous World Cups.  Last year, U.S. rider and Southern California resident Sarah Hammer (Temecula, Calif.) took home two gold medals and set a track record in the individual pursuit before claiming her second consecutive world title in April.  Hammer enters the 2007-08 international track cycling season as a favorite to win a gold medal in the individual pursuit.  Also set to compete in January is Becky Quinn (Quakertown, Pa.).  Quinn captured a national title in the women’s points race – another Olympic event – at the USA Cycling Elite Track National Championships last month at the ADT Event Center. more >

Martin Luther King Classic Bike Race Press Release
1/7/08 - It’s time again for the Martin Luther King Classic Bike Races.  Just before the 2007 holidays, Inner City Cycling Connection was issued a City motion for both a date and venue change.  The 7^th Annual MLK Classic Bike Race will now be staged on Saturday, January 19, 2008.  The course START is at 51^st and Crenshaw Blvd. traveling south to 52^nd St., onward east to 8^th Ave., turning north to 50^th and looping around to the START/FINISH. Since 2001, each year, hundreds of cyclists have braved long journeys, bad weather and tight schedules to participate in the MLK Classic in the inner city of Los Angeles.  And, for whatever reason you have joined us in the past, we thank you.  Please save the date and join us again this year and help us demonstrate our need and desire to perpetuate the MLK Classic Bike Races on King Holiday Saturday, this year and beyond. The Classic will present Pro 1-2, Masters 35+ 1-4, Women 1-3, Cat 3, and Cat 4-5.  Please note this is the first year IC3 has presented the Women’s criterium. 

Ride with George Hincapie in Breakaway from Cancer Fundraising Ride!
1/6/08 - Join 11-time Tour de France veteran, George Hincapie on February 10, 2008 for the Breakaway from Cancer ™ fundraising ride in Palo Alto. The Breakaway from Cancer ™ ride, sponsored by Amgen to benefit non-profit partners The Wellness Community and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, will feature a 25-mile course and finish line festivities. The ride takes place just one week before George Hincapie and his team take on the Amgen Tour Of California and features a great opportunity to see one the of world’s best riders (and team mate of Lance Armstrong for all 7 of his Tour De France Championships), as he prepares for the race !To register visit breakawayfromcancer.com today!  Raise funds for the charity partners and win great prizes, like a chance to lead the ride with George Hincapie and much more! For more info contact MESP at [email protected] or by phone at 818-707-8867.

Man Dug 50 Holes on Fullerton Trails as Revenge for Mountain Bikers
1/4/08 - After almost being run over by a mountain biker, a man decided to dig over 50 holes to take out mountain bikers and get his revenge. The holes measured about one by two feet and were covered with branches and brush, causing riders to go over their bars. A park ranger reported the holes to the police who caught the culprit after doing surveillance. One other reason to slow down when passing hikers on the trails ... you never know what crazies are out there enjoying nature with you! Full Story >

Frankie Andreu Leaves Rock Racing
1/3/08 - Frankie Andreu has stepped down as the Team Director for Rock Racing due to a difference of opinion in the direction that the team is headed and not being able to have more of a role in the hiring process of the riders that he will ultimately have to work with. I had a feeling this may be coming, after reading the recent VeloNews interview with Rock Racing owner, Michael Ball, which discussed Andreu's job description. Hopefully, they can find a solid, experienced replacement quickly who can provide good direction to the riders, since the season and their Malibu training camp get underway soon.

2008 USA Cycling Professional Tour Announced
1/3/08 - With 16 races on tap for 2008, this season’s USA Cycling Professional Tour features three more races than its predecessor, including a pair of brand new events, several traditional incumbents and some recently revamped or renamed properties. The 2008 Pro Tour features five major multi-day stage races across the country, giving spectators around the nation an opportunity to witness the sport at its highest level of competition. With Tours of California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Missouri on the calendar, cycling enthusiasts from the West Coast, the Deep South, the East Coast, the Rocky Mountains and the Midwest can follow world-class athletes as they race through local communities across America. In addition to the five stage races on the 2008 Pro Tour, road cycling athletes will also compete in 10 single-day events, including seven road races, one circuit race, one criterium and one time trial. Additionally, one omnium-style event will be included on this season’s calendar. Collectively, the calendar offers 44 race days compared to 32 days of racing in 2007. more >

20^th Annual Keyesville Classic Mountain Bike Race
1/2/08 - The Southern Sierra Fat Tire Association (SSFTA) is pleased to announce that the 20^th Annual Keyesville Classic Mountain Bike Race has been included in both the AMBC Series and USA Cycling Mountain Calendars with a total of $4,000 in prize money, guaranteeing that this year’s event will see a significant increase in national exposure.  In previous years, pro-riders did not accumulate any points for their efforts, but participated in the event for its grass-roots appeal, festive atmosphere, and spectacular race course and venue.  Although included in the pro-calendars, the Keyesville Classic will still be a great race for riders of all abilities, from seasoned weekend warriors to beginners with no racing experience whatsoever. Of the upcoming Keyesville Classic, Race Director Jason Smith says, “Our goal is to make the 2008 event the best in its 20-year history, by bringing in more elite-level riders, without neglecting the average guys whose continued support of the race helped keep Keyesville alive in leaner years.  Keyesville has always been a favorite among local and regional riders, and we want share this event with a wider audience.”  more >

Urban Cyclocross Continues in Palos Verdes Estates on January 6th
1/1/08 - Is your New Year's resolution to race more? Whether you are a returning competitor or want to give cyclocross a try for the first time the Urban Cyclocross is for you. Racing continues on January 6th at Peninsula XC Course Palos Verdes Estates. Several categories have only a few points separating the leaders. Elite Men are tied with Jason Lowetz, Team Bearclaw in 1st winning the tie against Brandon Gritters Rock N Road. Singlespeed B is also tied with Miguel Sutter, Pasadena Athletic edging out Frank Sison, Velosport Racing. Noah Holcomb, Cannondale MTB Team held his lead in the Singlespeed A thanks to a black cat and a turkey. Don't miss the exciting racing and free hot dogs. For more info visit backontrackproductions.com.

Mike Bell, legendary Motocross champion keeps in shape at Urban Cyclocross
Camp Irvine, Dec. 16th. Photo © Lisa Hackenberg

Southern Nevada Stage Race Kicks Off First Stage Race of the Year
12/23/07 - This year the Southern Nevada Stage Race, formerly known as Nelson’s Landing Stage Race, will be held January 25 – 27. This event is the first stage race of the year and is a perfect start to the season.

Stages:

• Underground Time Trial: This is a 20k nearly flat course with a very good road surface.
• Silver Bowl Crit:  This is a smooth, wide, and very safe course “perfect for first timers”.
• Nelson’s Landing Road Race: This is a short course with beautiful scenery and challenging terrain.

Many changes have been made to make the event better than ever, such as; an increased prize list of $ 4,500, a new timing system, adding SoCal Points (2.5 ranking), a new host hotel and more categories have been added. Come start your race season right in Southern Nevada with the Southern Nevada Stage Race.