Toyota- United Wins Hoehn Motor Sports Del Mar Criterium and Series
3/25/08 - The California-based Toyota-United racers added two wins of their own for a total of four team victories over the holiday weekend.  It was a gorgeous 75-degree day in Del Mar, California where Toyota-United contested the Del Mar Criterium.  Continuing to display winning form, recently crowned Mexico Time Trial Champion Chepe Garcia escaped with one rider from the Time Pro Team before winning the race in a sprint.  Just behind the break were Toyota-United’s Hilton Clarke and Dominique Rollin, who finished 3rd and 4th respectively.  Hilton's top three placing enabled him to win the Del Mar Criterium series.

San Dimas Stage Race Starts this Week with a Stacked Field
3/24/08 - The San Dimas Stage Race (SDSR) is just around the corner and what an exciting race it is going to be. As we prepare the race bibles, permits, course marshals etc., the pro men's teams are preparing their best riders to race for stage wins and the coveted overall yellow jersey!  The teams include National Champions, strong climbers, Tour de France veterans and Olympians. You can be assured it will be a battle. National champions include Tony Cruz (BMC former USA Criterium Champion), Alejandro Cortes (Columbian Road Champion) & Franco Font (Puerto Rican past Road and TT) riding for CAICO a Columbian team, Sebastian Haedo & Alejandro Borrajo from Argentina riding for Colvita Sutter which has had 7 wins so far this year! Healthnet/Maxxis is sending Kyle Gritters (U23 Crit USA Champion), as well as Rory Sutherland! Neil Shirley who finished 3rd last year in the USA National Road race and strong rider Trent Wilson will be with the Jittery Joes team. Rock Racing is well represented with Peter Dawson from Australia a World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist at Track, as well as Tyler Hamilton Gold medalist Time Trial USA. Oscar Sevilla an animal on the hills and is a Tour of France veteran. Jeremiah Wiscovitch will be defending the U25 white jersey for Rock Racing and is the favorite local pro. Charles Dionne (Canadian National Road Champion) will be racing for Successful Living while Toyota United is sending a strong team including Chris Baldwin (National TT Champion) along with Ivan Dominguez and Chris Wherry (National Road Champion). Bissell Pro Cycling is sending an 8 man squad. Jelly Belly Pro cycling and Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast are other solid teams entered. Symmetrics Cycling with a strong contender Jacob Erker and Time Pro Cycling are a few of the great teams which will be here in San Dimas on March 28th - 30th. On the first day, the cyclists do a 3.8 mile Time Trial up Glendora Mountain Road. Day 2 is a 7.8 mile rolling loop at Bonelli Park, San Dimas for a total of 84 miles, and Day 3 is the 6 corners of speed criterium on the palm lined streets of Old San Dimas. This is definitely going to be a fantastic race to watch. Most of these pro teams were racing in the Tour of California and will be preparing for the Redlands Classic the following week.

Sea Otter Classic Challenges Participants with Tons of Activites
3/22/08 - Now more than ever before, Sea Otter Classic participants are faced with having to choose from an event schedule aimed at pleasing everyone. Live bands, recreational rides, beer and BBQ, the Mountain Bike Ride Zone, moto stunt shows, movie premiers, events for kids, and festival shows where "loop outs, x ups, augering, can-cans, and dumptrucks" become part of the dialect, pack a full roster of things to do at the 18th Annual Sea Otter Classic. If you thought that Sea Otter was only about BMX, road and off-road racing, then check out what else you have to choose from. more >

Chepe Garcia continues his winning streak at the Del Mar Crit.
 Podium: 1st Chepe Garcia (Toyota-United), 2nd Thomas Soladay (Time Pro Cycling)
& 3rd Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United). photo © Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com 

As the Cycling World Turns...
3/20/08 - There are some interesting things happening in the cycling world today. The Boys in Argyle received an invite to the Tour, while Astana got dissed despite having last year’s Tour winner and Tour whiner on the team. So much for the Let Levi Ride campaign making a difference. In domestic news, Rock Racing failed to get a start at the Tour de Georgia. After reading a recent Velo News article, Medalist Sports Jim Birrell doesn’t seem to be a fan of Michael Ball’s “renegade approach”. Too bad ... instead of Rock gear, TDG fans will be forced to buy Waffle House hats and coffee mugs for souvenirs now. It is also confirmed that Eddy’s son, Axel Merckx, is considering working for Rock as a Team Director now that Super Mario has called it a day. Does anyone wonder whatever happened to Floyd Landis? Well, the Landis appeal started quietly Wednesday in New York City before a three-man panel of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. So far, there hasn't been any drama surrounding the appeal compared to the circus like hearing last Spring. Finally, in an ironic twist of fate, Dick Pound has been sued by the UCI for injurious and biased remarks Pound made relevant to the UCI's anti-doping efforts. This sport is one big soap opera.

Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefits) leads the pro mens peloton
in the Sequoia Cycling Classic Crit in downtown Visalia.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com.

Cannondale SuperSix Product Review
By Frank Sarate
3/20/08 - Cannondale is been best known for making top shelf aluminum frames. However, they have gradually made their entry into the carbon market with the introductions of the Six 13, System Six aluminum/carbon frames and the Synapse, which is their full carbon frameset tailored towards recreational riders with more relaxed angles.   With Cannondale launching it’s new SuperSix full carbon race frameset last year, you could catch the Liquigas and Barloworld riders hitting the podium in last years Tour de France stages on board their new Cannondale SuperSix rides.   Cannondale has always used large and manipulated tubes shaped for their bike lines to reduce weight and increase stiffness. The SuperSix uses exceptionally larger tubes, which allows them to create a frame that is as stiff and responsive as some aluminum frames on the market with a more comfortable ride. More >

The Cannondale SuperSix is a full carbon luxury ride.

MOTOR TABS™ Sports Drink Goes Grape, Offers New Variety Pack
3/19/08 - Sports Engine LLC’s MOTOR TABS™ Fluid Replacement System, the official sports drink of Ironman triathlon world champion Michellie Jones, Spencer Smith and several local cycling teams, has introduced two new items for 2008, including a 12-count variety box and a 24-ct. Grape box. Both items will be available in March at bicycle, multi-sport and running retailers. “These new offerings are direct results of listening closely to consumers, elite athletes, trade partners, and product testers,” said Greg Sellers, Sports Engine’s manager. “Responding to market demands is an important facet of our long-term growth strategy.” more >

Encino Velodrome Opens with Improved Track Surface
3/19/08 - The Encino Velodrome begins its 2008 race season with an improved track surface courtesy of a grant provided by the Channel Islands Bicycle Club. For forty-five years, the concrete racing track in the heart of Southern California’s Sepulveda basin has played host to exciting bicycle racing action, including the 1965 US National Championships, the 1968 US National Championships & US Olympic Trials, and the 1972 & 1973 Grand Prix of the United States (televised on ABC's Wide World of Sports). Through the work of US Concrete Design, several expansion joints were repaired and a high spot that had developed over the years was removed.

Mario Cipollini and Rock Racing Part Ways
3/18/08 - "From a business perspective and from an overall team standpoint, the relationship between Mario Cipollini and Rock Racing was not advantageous, and would not work long-term. We have terminated his contract and wish him luck in future endeavors." said Michael Ball, Rock Racing Team Owner in a press release. Ciao Cipo! We enjoyed watching you race while it lasted!

Toyota-United’s Hilton Clarke does the Double
3/18/08 - "Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team added two more victories this week to its stellar start in 2008, compliments of Hilton Clarke. Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team fielded five riders in Sunday’s LA Circuit Race around the Los Angeles International Airport and finished with Hilton Clarke taking 1st and Dominique Rollin taking 2nd.  It was a great team effort in the field sprint with all five members assisting Hilton to the victory. Dominique Rollin finished on the wheel of Hilton Clarke for a Toyota-United one-two punch. Rollin said, “It was a great team effort all day. During the final field sprint we really pulled away on the final 1km and Hilton had a great finish with me on his wheel and no one behind us for 10 meters.” Clarke said “It was cool to have the chance to follow as all our guys took turns with the lead out. The last 1.5 km, I just had to hold on to the wheel of my teammates, which was the hardest thing. First, I had Chepe, then Caleb, followed by Dominguez, then Rollin at the end. All I had to do was to hold on to their sprint for the finish. When Rollin launched his sprint I looked back and there was no one left behind and I just had the legs to pull by and finish just ahead of him.” The conditions were fast, on the way out the wind was in the racers faces, but on the way back there was a strong tailwind with the Toyota-United boys reaching speeds of 45mph as they approached the finish line.   At Del Mar Criterium earlier in the week, the race was held in twilight conditions on a short half mile course. It was a very tricky and technical track that did not really allow the riders to reach high speeds. Caleb Manion and Hilton Clarke worked together and lapped the field with one other rider, but it was Hilton Clarke winning the race and teammate Caleb Manion in 3rd.

Hilton Clarke won the Pro 1-2 race at the LA Circuit Race with Toyota-United
teammate Dominique Rollin taking 2nd and Kayle Leogrande (Rock Racing) 3rd.
photo © backontrackproductions.com

Moninger To Receive "Legends Award" At The Redlands Bicycle Classic
3/17/08 - The 2008 Redlands Classic Organizing Committee announces Scott Moninger as recipient of their coveted "Legend" Award.  The award was created in 2007 to honor a past RBC athlete "who has embodied enduring class, sportsmanship, and character throughout their careers, both on and off the bike. This individual represents all the best attributes of a professional cyclist and contributes to the sport in a positive way" according to RBC marketing director Scott Welsh.  Scott Moningers' tenure as a pro lasted an amazing 17 years, a feat in itself that demands respect from the entire cycling community. His personal dynasty at Redlands started even before being considered a professional, on his way to earning that coveted designation he won the 1989 edition of the race. Scott went on to win again in 1995 as well as make four podium appearances before showing up for his final "hoorah" in 2007. Moningers' participation in the Redlands Bicycle Classic continues this year not as a rider, but as a team director for the highly successful Toyota-United Pro Cycling team. Moninger will be on hand to direct his team in hopes of creating its own legend and will be presented the "Legends Award" during a special ceremony at the race.

Ina Teutenberg (High Road) turns on the afterburners to outsprint
Brooke Miller (Tibco) in the Sequoia Cycling Classic Crit in downtown Visalia.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com.

Kyle Gritters Wins a Stage in Tour de Taiwan
3/16/08 - All week, Kyle Gritters of the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis has been attentive to covering breaks. Today, his attentiveness in covering a move - and following course directions, even when the race officials didn't - earned him the win in Friday's Stage 6 of the 2008 Tour de Taiwan. The rolling, 127 km stage was chaotic, according to team directeur sportif Mike Tamayo, due in large part to the rainy, windy conditions affecting the race. But he said things got really interesting in the latter part of the stage. After a series of breaks - including one of 20 riders that included all the race leaders - came and went, Taiji Nishitani (Asian Racing Team), who came into the day sitting third overall, slipped off the front with another rider who posed a GC threat. As he had for the first main break of the day, Gritters covered and made the group, which ended up at six riders, including Valeriy Kobzarenko (Team Type 1), who had been in the early break as well. more >

Kristen Armstrong crushed a competitive women's field by over
4 minutes in the Sequoia Cycling Classic time trial. Full story >
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com.

Wine Valley Cycle for Sight Returns to Help Veterans
3/15/08 - Northern California's most popular cycling event and wine festival returns to the beautiful Napa Valley in an effort to support the establishment of an interactive rehabilitation center for our Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan---as well as supporting "Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind and Visually Impaired". This high profile event is part cycling event and part wine festival, attracting cyclists from all around California and Nevada. The day begins with your choice of a challenging 50 mile route or more moderate 25 and 15 mile routes past vineyards and wineries throughout the scenic Napa Valley. You return to "Northern California's" most popular post ride Wine Festival offering tastings of Napa Valley wines and microbreweries, cuisine from Napa Valley restaurants, a silent auction offering exclusive wine lots and more, and live entertainment featuring Bob Sarlatte and "Butch Whacks and the Glass Packs". Visit cycle4sight.com for all of the details and to register on-line.

Ben Jacques-Maynes won the time trial in the Sequoia Cycling Classic in Exeter.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com.

Sequoia Cycling Classic Kicks Off This Weekend in Visalia
3/14/08 - When racing kicks off this weekend for the Sequoia Cycling Classic, all eyes will be on the pros. Nearly 250 professional cyclists are expected to compete for more than $50,000 in cash in this weekend’s Sequoia Cycling Classic — the only National Race Calendar event in the Central Valley this year. “This will be the largest showing of professional racers by far since the race has been brought back to Tulare County,” said Mark Purnell, pro team liaison for the Sequoia Cycling Classic. “These could be future U.S. professional champions or Olympic qualifiers,” Clark said. “If people want to see action-packed racing, this competition is the one to see.” Also during the two-day event, race organizers will pay tribute to two fallen riders, Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson, who were killed in a crash Sunday in Cupertino. Gough, who was expected to have a promising performance at the Sequoia Cycling Classic will remain on the start list for Saturday’s Yokohl Ranch Exeter Time Trial. There will be a moment of silence observed at the time she would have otherwise began her race. At the Visalia Criterium, both riders will be recognized with a moment of silence before their respective races. Any teammates that show up at the event will be "called-up" to the line before other riders for special recognition.

16 year old Kendall Ryan (Major Motion) won the Tour De Murrieta Circuit Race,
with Bonnie Bourque (Acqua al 2/SDBC) 2nd and Tracy Kubas (Bicycle Johns) 3rd.
photo © Dorothy Wong

Message to Rose Bowl Riders - From the The Ad Hoc Committee
3/13/08 - Rose Bowl Riders, You Rock! Thank you for all your help with the guidelines. Over 100 have signed so far. Thank you for your kind words of support. Now, we need your help again. We will face the city council for our last okay on Monday night. We need riders to attend (go to the Pasadena City Council web site for details). Even more we need you to write to the City Council members to tell them how happy you are with the way the ride is turning out. How willing you are to work with the city to come up with this equitable solution, etc. Letters need to remain positive. The city wants us to stay; we need to show them how responsible we are. Please help! Please don't think someone else will do it for you. The ride is yours! This is the last hurdle!! If you have any questions contact the Ad Hoc Committee:  Mark Rich, Chris Ziegler, Chris Keller, Robert Llamas, and Katie Safford. Ride Rules and Guidelines >

Del Mar Crit Podium in the Pro 1-3 race:  1st Hilton Clarke, 2nd Matt Wilson
& 3rd Caleb Manion photo © Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com 

13th Annual Los Angeles Circuit Race Take Place This Sunday
3/13/08 - The 13th Annual Los Angeles Circuit Race is this Sunday, March 16th at Westchester Parkway just north of LAX airport. With combined support from 8th Wonder Racing and Cynergy Cycles this year’s event should proved to be another exciting race. There is still time to register online, but category 5 beginner fields are filling up fast. Sign up online at sportsbaseonline. After online registration is closed, you may still sign up on race day for categories that have space. For more information visit backontrackproductions.com. This year's LA Circuit Race is also host to the season opener of Masters Cycle League (MCL). MCL is team competition for Masters 35+ teams. Be sure to register your 35+ team for MCL. MCL sign up sheets will also be available on race day.

Memorial Ride For Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson on March 15th
3/12/08 - Team Roaring Mouse Cycles and Third Pillar Racing Team are holding a joint memorial ride this Saturday, March 15th, to honor the lives of Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson, two teammates killed on Steven's Creek Canyon last Sunday while on a training ride. They welcome friends, family, fellow cyclists and all those whose lives have been touched by Matt and Kristy. The ride will include a visit to the site of the crash site for those to share their memories. Web sites have been set up where a message can be left for both Kristy and Matt. Memorial Ride Info >

2008 Southern California State Series (XC/SD)
By: David Sheek (outsideallday.com)
3/12/08 - Brains boiling, fast paces, and jagged rocks This explained the first race of the Southern California State Race Series of Mountain Biking (MTB) presented by Team Big Bear. It was an impressive weekend of MTB racing in Southern California as there was perfect 80+ degree weather, a great park, and a record setting number of competitors between the cross-country (XC) and Super-D (SD) events bringing in a total of 465 racers. This does not mention all the loyal family, friends, and others that came out to share in the events. However, the best part was really that Southern Californians experienced the warmest temps felt in months for the first weekend of the So. CA Series. The hot temperature shocked a lot of bodies as racers were dehydrating but the course was fast and fun. There was definitely some carnage along course as a few racers saw the paramedics due to dehydration or crashes. I guess the long off season has created some over zealous competitors looking for the win, one of the racers seen on course tore open his right forearm and cheek but with blood, literally pouring from him, he was delighted to slowly finish his lap. more >

Jose Manuel “Chepe” Garcia Wins Mexican National TT Championship
3/11/08 - Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team kicked off the first racing week in March with Jose Manuel “Chepe” Garcia winning the Mexican National Time Trial Championship in his home country of Mexico. The victory will go a long way to assist “Chepe” in making the Mexican Olympic team that will be racing in Beijing this summer. Congratulations Chepe!

Two Cyclists Killed by Sheriff's Patrol Car in the Bay Area
3/11/08 - Two cyclists were killed on Sunday in Cupertino, when they were struck head-on by a sheriff's deputy who may have fell asleep at the wheel. A third cyclist was seriously injured. The crash happened right before 10:30 am, when the deputy on a routine patrol crossed a double-yellow line and crashed into three riders. The deputy was placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway. "He's taking it very hard," Sgt. Don Morrissey said. "The whole department is saddened." The crash killed Kristy Gough, 30, of San Leandro and Matt Peterson, 29, of San Francisco. Christopher Knapp, 20, of Germany, was upgraded from critical to stable condition at Stanford University Medical Center. SoCalCycling.com would like to extend our condolences to the families, friends, teammates and NorCal Cycling Community.

Product Review - Williams Wheel System 19s
By Frank Sarate
3/10/08 - When you think of purchasing a new pair of wheels, you look at price, weight and durability. I have been using the Williams Wheels for the past several months and I would have to say the first thing I noticed were the hybrid ceramic bearings. I can’t think of any other wheel that has ceramic bearings at this price point. The ceramic bearings make a difference on how the wheels roll.  You can feel how much smoother they really are over some standard sealed cartridge bearings. I can really feel the difference when climbing and when coasting down hills they feel really fast and smooth. The latest models of the 19s come in silver and black anodized which compliment any bike and they look really clean.  The weight is a scant 1430 grams for the set. You will notice how they jump out of corners and accelerate on the climbs. The Williams Wheel System 19s are definitely a good all around wheel set. more >

Urban Expeditions continue with Pasadena ARTRide
3/9/08 - The adventures continue as Urban Expeditions brings the Art Ride to Pasadena Art Night. Join C.I.C.L.E. and friends for a guided bicycle tour of Pasadena and its cultural institutions Friday evening, March 14, 2008. Cyclists and art lovers alike will enjoy this relaxing and engaging evening, perusing Pasadena's large collection of art galleries and museums, as well as absorbing live performances by local musicians and musical groups. ARTRide is produced in conjunction with ARTNight, when Pasadena's cultural institutions open their doors to the public at no charge so that everyone may experience the rich culture and history of Pasadena and the beauty that is Pasadena at night. The Pasadena ARTRide is a recreational social event open to all skill levels. The ride will begin at One Colorado and wind through the streets of Pasadena, stopping at various at institutions. Participants will have time to explore exhibits and listen to music at each stop. The pace of the ride is relaxed and easy, and beginning bicyclists should feel free to join the ride. The ride is lead by experienced cyclists, and includes a sweep rider to ensure the group stays together. ARTRide is a part of Urban Expeditions, a monthly ride series of community-focused bicycle rides aimed at getting people out of their cars and onto their bikes for a cleaner, greener city. The Urban Expeditions series is made possible in part by REI. For more information, visit bikenow.org.

The 35+ podium - winner Rich Weiss (CA Pools Racing),
Greg Leibert (Cynergy Cycles)and Gustavo Corona (Amgen-Giant).
photo © Brian Weaver

Sho-Air/Sonance’s Wilkerson Leads SoCal Podium Sweep in Merced
3/7/08 - Sho-Air/Sonance’s Travis Wilkerson picked up his first win of the season at the Merco Credit Union Cycling Classic in Merced this weekend. A clear but cool day greeted the cat. 2 field of over 110 riders for the 96 mile jaunt through the rolling hills of central California. The race began with some wind and a flurry of attacks, though none stuck. During the third of four laps on the 24 mile loop, a group of eight including Wilkerson attacked into the headwind on the backside of the course. Midway through the final lap, the breakaway group and driven the gap up to 1:15 on the main field. With 8K to go, the gap had shrunk to under a minute, but the group continued to cooperate until there were just 700 meters to go. Wilkerson placed himself second wheel and opened up the downhill sprint at the 300 meter mark. The gap he quickly opened remained through the finish for the victory. Southern California represented itself well in the race. Of the eight riders in the break, six were from SoCal. Platinum’s Gary Douville came home second and NOW’s Erik Losak completed the podium in third. The race started and ended fast with an average speed of 25 mph over the 96 miles. Sho-Air/Sonance and Wilkerson hope to build upon this successful start to the season and place themselves on many more podiums this year. Sho-Air/Sonance Elite Cycling was formed as part of the Velosport Cycling Club in 2007. The team is made up of six category 1 and 2 riders. In just over a year of existence, they have picked up numerous wins and podium places. The team can be found on the web at velosportelite.com, and the club at teamvelosport.com.

Travis Wilkerson (Sho-Air/Sonance) topped the podium with Gary Douville (Platinum) in second and Erik Losak (NOW/MS Society) third in the Merco Road Race.

Redlands Bicycle Classic Seeks Families To House Professional Riders
3/6/08 - The 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee Seeks Families To House Professional Riders. Sports fans everywhere savor any opportunity to be “in the mix” with their favorite athletes and equally relish any opportunity to be apart of “their” teams success. Cycling is no different, enthusiasts of all levels enjoy the up close and personal nature that the sport of professional cycling offers its fanfare. The Redlands Bicycle Classic takes the close nature of cycling a step further. We offer our competing teams Host Housing from gracious local families, this tradition continues to be one of the unique aspects of the race that keep cyclists coming back to Redlands. “I still keep in touch with them through e-mails and Christmas cards,” says Alison Dunlap, two time RBC champ and former World Mountain Bike Champion, of her host family. Host Families are another integral part that makes the Redlands Bicycle Classic Legendary. “For a week every year, it’s like having an extended family at our home. You feel like you play a role in their racing experience here at Redlands” says long time participant Leslie Pompa. more info >

A Jittery Joes rider sprints to victory at the tough North End Classic Crit in Yuma.
photo © Gilbert Echevarria

Important Info for All Rose Bowl Ride Riders
From the Rose Bowl Ride Ad Hoc Committee
3/6/08 - We have spent the past six months in negotiations with the City of Pasadena regarding the Tuesday / Thursday Rose Bowl “Peloton” Ride.  The meetings have been very positive, and we are working with the city to address the needs of all users.  We are pleased with the outcome.  The ride will continue!  We have developed a set of rules and guidelines for the members of the peloton in order to ensure the safety of the ride and its continued existence.  The ride depends on all of us.  Please read the rules document, print it out, sign it and bring it to your first ride.  The ride will begin on Tuesday, March 11 at 5:55.  If you have any questions contact the Ad Hoc Committee:  Mark Rich, Chris Ziegler, Chris Keller, Robert Llamas, and Katie Safford. Rules and Guidelines >

America’s Richest MTB Stage Race Made for Everyone
American Mountain Classic - Brian Head, Utah
3/5/08 - Sho-Air International, Team Big Bear and Blue Wolf are proud to announce America’s first XC endurance Mountain Bike Stage Race. The event will take place August 21-24, 2008 in and around Brian Head, Utah. Racers will travel 170 miles in four days and climb over 14,000+ feet through some of the most beautiful country & trails found anywhere. The American Mountain Classic - Brian Head is designed to be a true stage race, not a lesson in survival. The course layout will offer a variety of terrain and elevation changes to challenge the world’s top riders, yet allow the amateur racer a chance to complete the entire stage race and wear the American Mountain Classic finisher’s jersey. This is America’s Richest MTB Race offering the Top Elite Men, Elite Women and Elite Master’s 40+ racers the chance to compete for over $ 20,000 in prize money, making the American Mountain Classic the richest US MTB stage race ever! more >

Come Race in Beautiful Sunny Mazatlan May 20-24
3/4/08 - The 9th Vuelta Mazatlan is a 5-Day stage race in one of the most beautiful beach towns in Mexico. The races consist of 2 criteriums and 3 road races and include age-graded categories (30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+). A pro race is currently in the works and in the past has included top Mexican teams. Registration is inexpensive, only 250.00 pesos, and takes place in person on Monday May 19th at Las Flores Hotel from 16:00 to 22:00 hrs. 4 of the 5 races will finish in surrounding towns. If you have not yet raced in Mexico, you will be amazed at the turnout from the locals, and you will likely be amazed at how many autographs you will be asked to sign. Expect big podium award presentations daily with stage winners and Leaders jerseys. After racing you can find incredible authentic local cuisine for lunch and sponsored dinners with official race results. You can stay at the host hotel and go with the organizers transportation or rent a car and do your own exploring. Car rental will require a driver to support your racing. Alternatively, there will be numerous supporting vehicles from others. Those of you who do not speak Spanish can network with the numerous English-speaking riders going. This race is ideal for families as anyone who is not interested in racing can stay at the pool and drink coronas while watching the seagulls fly by...

The 2007 Vuelta Mazatlan Final Stage Criterium.

US National Team for '08 Track World Championships Announced
3/4/08 - USA Cycling announced today its selections to the National Team for the 2008 UCI Track World Championships. Set for March 26-30 in Manchester, Great Britain, the World Championships will feature nine American athletes after five riders met automatic qualification criteria and four earned discretionary nominations. Receiving automatic nominations to the team based on performance throughout the 2007-08 season were Sarah Hammer (Temecula, CA) for the women’s 3-kilometer individual pursuit, Jennie Reed (Kirkland, Wash.) for both the sprint and keirin events, Michael Blatchford (Cypress, CA) in the men’s sprint, Michael Friedman (Pittsburgh, PA) in the men’s scratch race and Taylor Phinney (Boulder, CO.) for the men’s individual pursuit. Athletes named to the squad based on discretionary nominations include Becky Quinn (Quakertown, PA) in both the women’s points and scratch races, Adam Duvendeck (Santa Barbara, CA) for the men’s sprint, Bobby Lea (Mertztown, PA) in the men’s omnium competition and Colby Pearce (Boulder, CO), who will compete in the men’s points race and team with Friedman for the men’s madison.

Competitor Radio Interview with Rock Racing's Michael Ball
3/3/08 - I have heard Rock Racing's Michael Ball called the Devil in our forum, amongst other things, but in this interview I heard someone that is very passionate about the sport of cycling and excited about all of the teams he is supporting. At the end of the interview, he gets really pumped over how his women's and men's team did at the Valley of the Sun (even with a little race like the Amgen Tour of CA going on). Also, be on the lookout for MB to suit up and be on the start line soon. Good for him! Interview >

Behind the Scenes at the Amgen Tour of California
3/3/08 - For a behind the scenes perspective of the ATOC check out Eric Smith's Blog. Eric works for Medalist Sports and is the SCNCA Prez.
I am now almost 48 hours removed from the race and thought it would be fitting to offer a few final thoughts about the 2008 Amgen Tour of California. Defining moments for me: first rider off in Palo Alto, driving through Davis, Sprint in Patterson on Stage 3, driving Stage 3 without getting sick, trying to open the car door against the wind on Stage 4, the Course Marshals being hammered by the wind and rain on Stage 4 and 7, the Rock Racing girls, the race start in Modesto, Sierra and Balcom, driving through La Canada Flintridge, and entering into the Rose Bowl. Read More >

Rock Racing and Scott Analytics Announce Anti-Doping Partnership
3/2/08 - Rock Racing today announced Scott Analytics, Inc. as the team’s anti-doping partner. The team will participate in the company’s new Athlete Passport Program, a testing methodology that ensures athletes are in compliance with anti-doping regulations by monitoring biological markers in urine and blood.“Rock Racing is proud to partner with Scott Analytics in our commitment to change this sport for the better,” said Team Owner Michael Ball. “The Athlete Passport Program will ensure the integrity of our team and reinforce our position that all of our riders should be eligible to race.” Similar in scope to the UCI Passport Program, the Athlete Passport Program consists of approximately twelve blood collections per rider per year, monitoring biological markers indicative of possible blood doping,  and approximately four urine and serum collections per rider per year, monitoring biological markers indicative of anabolic or hormone doping. The program was developed by respected anti-doping researcher and Scott Analytics Founder and President, Paul Scott, who also served as Director of Clients at the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory and Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Agency for Cycling Ethics, Inc. “We are thrilled to have Rock Racing on board at the launch of our program,” Scott said. “Rock Racing and Team Owner Michael Ball are serious about the ethical conduct of their riders and we are proud to support the team’s commitment to fairness.”

Astana leads the way through the start/finish area on the Rose Bowl Circuits.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com.

2008  San Diego Century Bicycle Tour Set for May 17
3/1/08 - Featuring some of the best riding in scenic  North San Diego County, the 2008 San Diego Century Bicycle Tour (SDC) is set for Saturday, May 17.  Offering three distances to choose from (37, 66 and 103 miles), the 2nd Annual SDC is a non-competitive tour and is open to all cyclists age 12 and older. All rides will start and finish at Mira  Costa College in Cardiff by the Sea.  Tour amenities include SAG stops, water/replacement fluids, food, toilets, support, mesh bags, finisher's cups, Finish Line Party, parking, photos and more.  The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is being held in conjunction with the Encinitas Sports Festival held May 17-18 and includes the City of  Encinitas 5K, the Encinitas Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon and a Sports Expo. For more information, visit encinitasrace.com.