Cycling News

Ivan Dominguez wins the final stage of the 2007 Amgen Tour of CA in Long Beach.
photo © Mark Johnson / IronString.com

NorCal vs. SoCal California State Cyclocross Championships Set for January 16th
1/9/11 - The NorCal vs. SoCal California State Cyclocross Championships is set to take place on January 16th at Hart Park Memorial Park in Bakersfield. There will be a 100 rider field limit for each category,  with 50 riders from each region. Riders will be vying for a $5000 prize list with deep places and points for each rider.  The  region with the most points at the end of the day gets the prize, which is a giant trophy plus bragging rights. The event will have a marching band, bagpipes, beer garden, a fly over ramp and is billed as the hardest cross course in the State.  The course is a Classic European style with a long pavement start, two road sections, and dirt and grass sections and will also include two run ups and a fly over ramp, with plenty of room for passing. The course will be open for pre-riding by 2 PM on January 15th. More info >

Cycling Photographer Kenny Brant's Memorial to be Held Sunday, January 9th
1/8/11 – The memorial service for cycling photographer Ken Brant (Kenny B) will be held at Brown Colonial Mortuary, 204 W. 17th St. Santa Ana 92706 on January 9th at 2 PM - (Phone # 714 542-3949). Kenny was tragically killed on November 28th on Ortega Highway in a head on collision while riding his motorcycle. Ken took photos at many of the local races, cycling events and at the weekly Eldorado Park Criterium Series that were available on KennyBZ.com. More information can be found at the Orange County Wheelmen's web site.

2011 Rio Bravo Rumble Brings Running and Mountain Biking to Bakersfield
1/8/11 – Glinn & Giordano Physical Therapy, Inc has announced that the 2011 Rio Bravo Rumble will be held on January 15th, 2011 at Rio Bravo Ranch. The Rio Bravo Rumble is held on a private ranch land near the mouth of the Kern River Canyon and has grown into the premier running and cycling event in Bakersfield. Boasting over 300 registered participants from all over the United States in 2010, the challenging course is designed to test the skills of both beginners and experts alike. All proceeds of the 2011 Rio Bravo Rumble benefit Bike Bakersfield whose goals are to create Safe Routes for kids to bike to school, increase awareness of cycling as a form of transportation/commuting, and unite the biking community.

The HTC-Highroad Team trains along the California coast during their training camp.
Photo © TDWSport.com

Riders Selected for CycloCross World Championships
1/7/11 - USA Cycling has announced the first round of nominations to the United States National Team for the 2011 UCI CycloCross World Championships, slated for January 29-30 in St. Wendel, Germany. Thirteen athletes have been named to the elite women’s, U23 men’s, and junior men’s squads based on their performances over the last cyclocross season. Leading the elite women’s squad will be seven-time national champion Katie Compton (Colorado Springs, Colo./Planet Bike-Stevens Bikes). A serious contender for the world title, Compton earned an automatic nomination to the team after taking four of the five World Cup wins this season. more >

Junior Development Camp Location Has Been Moved
1/7/11 - Just received the following update ... Due to the overwhelming response to the Junior Development Camp scheduled for this weekend, it needed to be relocated to a bigger facility. The camp will be held in Claremont at 517 Wharton Dr in Claremont, CA 91711 instead of San Dimas.

Lars Boom (Rabobank) rides the snowy downhill on his way to winning the Zolder World Cup.
Photo © Sjar Adona

Wonderful® Pistachios Unveils Jersey Design
1/6/11 - The Wonderful® Pistachios Pro Cycling Team has unveiled its new jersey design and announced it will donate a percentage of the profits from the sale of all team clothing to charity. The U.S.-based, UCI Continental team headquartered in Los Angeles will sport the distinctive green, black and white colors of its title sponsor, Wonderful Pistachios. “Wonderful Pistachios has set the bar pretty high in terms of cool, edgy advertising and the jersey design they came up with for us reflects their style,” Wonderful Pistachios Team Owner and Director Josh Horowitz said. A full range of clothing (jersey, shorts, vests, jackets, etc.) made by Biemme is available for purchase on the team's new website. more >

Download and Print the 2011 SoCalCycling.com Calendar
1/5/11 - SoCalCycling.com would like to share the 2011 SoCalCycling.com Calendar, that was designed by SoCalCycling.com Elite Team sponsor Echelon Design, with our readers. Download the 5.6" x 10.5" calendar and print it directly from your printer for a handy date reference throughout the year. Enjoy! Download Calendar >

Cyclist Kit Karzen Announces the Kit Karzen Foundation to Help Kids with ADHD
1/4/11 - Cyclist Kit Karzen has just announced the launch of the Kit Karzen Foundation. The Kit Karzen Foundation seeks to enrich the lives of kids and teens with ADHD by promoting and providing the inherent benefits of cycling. The foundation assists municipalities, organizations, and non-profits in the promotion, development, and sustainability of their individual cycling-associated programs. The foundation’s mission stems from Kit being diagnosed with ADHD at eight years old. Karzen states, “I went through years of all-time lows during my time in medication programs as we were trying to contain my energy to help me focus.” At age eleven, Kit opted out of the medication programs and chose to just be himself. Years of poor grades and rocky relationships left Kit ground to his core, but that all changed when Kit’s father introduced him to the sport of track cycling. “When I was thirteen, my dad who used to race said we were going to the Encino Velodrome Youth Cycling Program. He didn’t care if I liked it, I just needed to try it.” More >

Team Garmin-Cervélo Announces Men's and Women's Team Rosters
1/3/11 – Slipstream Sports, LLC, is poised for what could be its biggest year yet and today unveiled its roster for 2011 Team Garmin-Cervélo, comprised of 39 of the world’s best men and women hailing from 16 countries. The team – a powerhouse in the men’s and women’s pelotons - is highlighted by world champions Thor Hushovd and Emma Pooley, sprint sensation Tyler Farrar, Ryder Hesjedal, 7th  overall in the 2010 Tour de France, rising star Lizzie Armitstead and men’s team leader, Christian Vande Velde. The team also boasts several current and former national champions including Murilo Fischer, Cameron Meyer, Travis Meyer and Emma Pooley. The men’s team, comprised of 29 riders, will be headed up on the road by Director of Competition, Matt White. The women’s team, comprised of 10 riders, will be headed up by director Klas Johansson. More and Roster >

Team Garmin-Cervélo Unveils 2011 Kit with a Touch of Argyle
1/2/11 - Slipstream Sports has unveiled their 2011 Team Garmin-Cervélo team kit, created by Italian apparel manufacturer, Castelli. The new design includes the signature Slipstream Sports argyle on the left sleeve of the jersey, left cuff of the short and the neck. The kits will be debuted by riders competing in Australia's Jayco Bay Cycling Classic, where they will be supplied with a full range of Garmin-Cervélo apparel including Castelli’s nearly seamless Body Paint Speedsuit. Tell us how you like the new design with a comment on our Facebook Page!

Cyclists Helping One of Their Own, the Survival Story of Damian Lopez Alphonso  
1/1/11 - At age 13, while trying to retrieve a kite caught on an electrical wire in his native Cuba, Damian Lopez Alphonso was electrocuted with 13,000 volts of electricity - the voltage equivalence of what it takes to move a New York City subway car. When Damian reached up to the wire with a metal pole, an electrical current quickly traveled down the rod, severely scorching Damian's hands, forearms, chest, and neck. The pole then repeatedly struck him in the head, disfiguring his face. He spent 52 days on life support following the accident and has had dozens of surgeries - some life-saving - since his teens. Doctors are still baffled by the fact that he's alive. Damian, now 34, hasn't allowed these seeming setbacks to slow him down - literally. Although he lost both of his hands and uses no adaptive devices, Damian is an accomplished cyclist, who finished first at the Coppa 8 de Marzo Time Trial, second at the Tour of Havana de Este, and third at the Criterium de Havana against some of the best athletes in his region. more >

At 13, Damian Lopez Alphonso was electrocuted with 13,000 volts of electricity,
which resulted in the loss of both hands. Today at 34, is an accomplished cyclist.
Photo courtesy of Marco Quezada / Fuji

New Name, Familiar Faces - Masters Team Announces 2011 Roster
12/30/10 – With more Masters National titles than any other squad in the United States over the past three years, the Amgen Masters cycling program is continually improving. Another successful season is in the books – our 2010 team of twenty four riders produced 123 victories, 249 top 3’s, 455 top 10’s, 4 National and 3 World Titles – The team looks forward to the 2011 racing season. As the team prepares for 2011, they are pleased to announce a major shift in focus, most notably the expansion of our charitable work. The upcoming season offers a new opportunity for the team to more fully engage with team sponsors on our shared philanthropic vision. The squad will be smaller, which will allow the team to work with their sponsors on specific events, corporate awareness programs, and other outreach. The 2011 squad will be known as Breakaway-UBS, to align itself with Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® initiative. Breakaway from Cancer® was created by Amgen to increase awareness of the important resources available to people fighting cancer – from prevention to education, and from cancer care to advocacy and support. more >

Breakaway-UBS's Keith Ketterer won the Gold at the 2010 UCI Cycling
MastersWorld Championships in the Mens 55-59 Individual Pursuit.

Ring in the New Year with a New Years Day Ride
12/28/10 - The 40th Annual New Years Ride (Mt. Wilson New Years Day Ride) is again scheduled to begin at 9 am in Van Nuys (start location). Due to questionable road conditions on Big Tujunga Canyon and Angeles Crest Highway, it will not be announced until the beginning of the ride exactly where it will go this year. In any case the New Years "Bicycle Parade" will travel 15 miles thru the Valley and regroup in Sunland at the 7-11 at Foothill and Oro Vista at approx 10:30AM. Normally the ride then proceed 25 miles up Big Tujunga to Angeles Forest to Angeles Crest to Mt Wilson then return to the Nix's house for a total of 80 miles. This year, if the roads are not open, some may opt to head 5 miles West on Foothill to Little Tujunga Canyon and make the 25 mile loop to Placerita Canyon, to Sierra Highway to Balboa Blvd, and return to the starting point at the Nix's for a total of 60 miles. In any case the New Years ride tradition will continue "Weather or not"! Special recognition will be given to riders who have done this ride the most, who have traveled the furthest, who is the oldest, and the youngest! For those that prefer a flatter ride with coastal views and a peloton of 400 riders, then check out the Long Beach New Years Day Ride.

The annual New Year's Day Ride rolls through Laguna Beach.
photo © Jim Parkhurst

A Message for Cyclists Regarding Rain Damaged Silverado and Modjeska Canyon
12/27/10 – We received the following information regarding the road condition and safety concern for cyclists riding near Silverado and Modjeska Canyon. "As I'm sure you've heard Silverado and Modjeska Canyon got hit pretty hard during the rains. The resulting rock and mud slides have mostly been cleared from Silverado Canyon Road, Modjeska Canyon Road and Modjeska Grade. However, there is still significant damage to home and roads. Some homes are filled with mud and there is still blockage of some side roads and still significant debris on the roads listed above. The residents and other volunteers are working very hard to clear the homes and roads but all this takes time. There is a very valid concern for cyclists and their safety as bobcats, doozers and front end loaders make their way around the flood-damaged area. The rocks and mud on the main roads that cyclists use make a safe descent probablamatic to say nothing to the obstruction of relief efforts by those whose nerves are already frayed from seeing their friends and neighbors homes destroyed at Christmas. Given the efforts and the compromised safety environment we ask the cycling community to stay away from the canyons for a week or two. We understand the pull of the canyons and the need for training so if you must ride the canyons please be mindful of the effort and even consider jumping off your bike when approached from behind. It'll be greatly appreciated and will go a long way with residents. If you'd like to volunteer to help then show up at the town center. We have planned digging parties for the next couple of weeks. You can either show up at the town center and ask one of the residents you are sure to find or send an email to Chay Peterson at [email protected]  to ask for details on what's scheduled next."

Junior Development Road Camp Set for January 8-9
12/25/10 – This year marks the 5th annual Junior Development Road Camp, which will be held January 8-9 in Pomona, CA. This year, additional coaches on-hand to provide more individual attention to the riders. Dominic Galenti and Michael Heitz will be running the camp again along with some top level riders including: former ProTour rider, Tony Cruz, who just launched his new line of Cruz Industries road bikes, Empower Coaching Systems, Dotsie Bausch, a former pro and recent Track World Cup Silver medalist, and 2010 Masters National Champion Chris DeMarchi. Riders from the SC Velo/Empower Coaching Women’s elite team will also be helping out with the camp. The camp is open to all junior riders ages 10-18 and will be split into three age groups: 10-14, 15-16 and 17-18. Upgrade points will be given for those who complete the camp. A check for $ 30, made out to SCNCA, must to be sent to reserve a spot. The check will be returned to all riders who complete the camp. Please mail the checks to:  Dominic Galenti, 874 Northwood Lane, Pomona, CA 91767. Update 1/7/11 - Due to the overwhelming response to the Junior Development Camp scheduled for this weekend, it needed to be relocated to a bigger facility. The camp will be held in Claremont at 517 Wharton Dr in Claremont, CA 91711 instead of San Dimas. Camp Itinerary >

The OUCH Pro Cycling Team during the UCI Track World Cup in Cali, Colombia.
Photo courtsey Dr. Brent Kay

Robbie McEwen and Robbie Hunter Land at Team RadioShack
12/23/10 – Sprinters Robbie McEwen and Robbie Hunter are joining Team RadioShack in 2011. Both riders were part of the Pegasus Sports project which failed to get a ProTour or Professional Continental license for the upcoming season and opted to change teams.  The negotiations between the Team and riders were settled promptly with both riders keen on joining the team of Manager Johan Bruyneel and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Australian Robbie McEwen is a triple winner of the Tour de France's green jersey sprinter’s classification. Robbie Hunter became the first South African to compete in the Tour de France. Later he was the first South African rider to win a stage in the Tour. more >

Dotsie Bausch, Lauren Tamayo and Sarah Hammer of the OUCH Pro Cycling Team
get ready to start the Team Pursuit at the UCI Track World Cup in Cali, Colombia.
Photo courtsey Dr. Brent Kay

ATOC Route and Mt. Baldy Road Washed Out After Torrential Rains
12/23/10 – San Bernardino County Officials have closed Mt. Baldy Road south of Ice House Canyon Road due to extensive road damage that was caused by flooding from the excessive rainfall that SoCal received in the past six days. This portion of the road is north of the Mt. Baldy Village and is enroute to the switchbacks and ski lift area where Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California is slated to finish on May 21, 2011. At this time there is no anticipated date for the road to reopen. In 2010, road closures caused the Pasadena to Big Bear Stage to be rerouted to start in Palmdale due to road closures on the Angeles Crest Highway that were caused by fires and mudslide damage to the route. Lets hope the road can be repaired in time for the Amgen Tour of California, so that we can have the epic mountain top finish up the switchbacks that we have been waiting for. Photos >, More Photos >

Specialized Aims to Get Kids Riding through First Gear Initiative
12/22/10 – Specialized has launched First Gear, a youth cycling initiative with a global reach that promotes cycling as a regular part of kids’ lives. The initiative's new website will highlight success stories in all of Specialized advocacy endeavors, including the great work done by Specialized dealers around the world. The site will also encourage public participation, bring awareness to partner organizations, and simply let people know what we're up to in advocacy. In 2010, Specialized dedicated $1.4 million to global cycling advocacy, a significant portion of which was directed to youth programs. First Gear will bring a voice to these efforts and encourage deeper involvement from riders, the community at large, and every Specialized employee around the world. “Getting kids out riding bikes is probably the most important thing we as a company can do,” explained Founder and President Mike Sinyard.  “A child on a bike is independent and healthy, not just for the time being, but for life. But the best part is, they don’t even realize it. They’re just out there having fun.” For 2011, Specialized's goal is to actively reach 10,000 kids around the world who wouldn't otherwise have had the opportunity to ride, which will hopefully be a lifetime on bikes. 

Richmond, Virginia to Bid on 2015 UCI Road World Championships
12/21/10 – Mayor Dwight C. Jones today announced the city of Richmond’s desire to host the 2015 UCI Road World Championships. Richmond will represent the United States’ first bid for the event since it was held in Colorado Springs, Colo. in 1986. The nine-day event will award junior 17-18, U23 and elite road cycling and time trial world championships for both men and women. The UCI Road World Championships attracts athletes from more than 70 nations across five continents and represents the most important road cycling event in the world for participating countries. More than 1,000 cyclists compete to wear the coveted world champion's "arc en ciel,” or rainbow jersey. The World Championships attract more than 300,000 onsite spectators and is viewed by a global television audience of more than 300 million people. The 2010 Championships, held in Melbourne, Australia, generated tens of millions of dollars in economic impact to the host city.  The bidding process for the prestigious event is highly competitive. If successful in its bid, Richmond will join cities including Rome, Madrid, Copenhagen and Florence that have hosted or will host the event. The winning city will be announced at the 2011 UCI Road World Championships and Annual World Congress in Copenhagen in September 2011.  To view a recording of the webcast announcement, visit richmond2015.com.

Alison Tetrick Starnes Joins Peanut Butter & Co.TWENTY12
12/21/10 - Alison Tetrick Starnes recognized All-American Scholar-Athlete graduate of Abilene Christian University is set to ride for Peanut Butter & Co.TWENTY12 in 2011.Tetrick Starnes, excelled as a NCAA tennis player at Abilene Christian University, where she also earned a B.S. in Biochemistry. She then competed as an elite amateur triathlete post-graduation before she began competitive cycling.  After attending the USA Cycling 2008 Talent ID camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Tetrick Starnes considered a career in cycling. In her first year of racing, she secured a professional contract as well as competed as a member of the 2009 US National Development Team,  racing La Route de France where she earned a 'Most Combative Rider' jersey.  In 2010, Tetrick Starnes quickly became noted for her time trialing abilities winning the Nature Valley Grand Prix time trial, and wearing the leader's jersey for three stages. more >

Alison Tetrick Starnes will ride for Peanut Butter & Co.TWENTY12 in 2011.
Photo © Wil Matthews

OUCH Win Silver in Women’s Team Pursuit, Hammer Dominates Omnium
12/19/10 - Riding for the USA, Sarah Hammer, Dotsie Bausch and Lauren Tamayo of the OUCH Pro Cycling Team took a silver medal in the women’s team pursuit at the UCI Track World Cup in Cali, Columbia behind gold medal winner New Zealand. In the finals, New Zealand posted a time of 3:22:20, with the OUCH Pro Cycling Team posting a 3:25.22. Dotsie Bausch told SoCalCycling.com, "We are still a young program in Team Pursuit as we got started a year after the other countries did. We are pretty thrilled with breaking the World Record last year while still in our infancy. I think it shows how much potential there is for us to go much faster. Its such an intense event, and we love training for it. The racing is the icing on the cake and we are already home and ready to focus 100% on Manchester World Cup coming up at the end of February. We want Gold there, and we are gunning to break our own World Record at Pan American Championships in Bogotá, Columbia next May." Bausch added, "The good news is that we have gained significant Olympic Qualifying points for the United States with the silver medal, and we plan to keep this up this season, so that in the 2011/2012 track season, we can pick and choose which World Cups to attend, for the best preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games."

Sarah Hammer went on to dominate the Women's Omnium with wins in the flying lap, points race, pursuit and elimination race.

SoCalCycling.com's Holiday Gift Ideas for Cyclists
12/17/10 - We have put together some Holiday Gift Ideas, including some our favorite products. If you've been good (or even if you've been bad), then why not treat yourself to some gifts too!

	Specialized Rain Jacket - These lightweight jackets are made of a protective polyester that is rain resistant. A nice feature is that they take up very little space in your jersey pocket, which makes them perfect to carry to wear on descents to keep the cold and wind off in dry conditions. Every cyclist should have one! Buy Now >
	Clif Shot Bloks are a daily part of our nutrition while working out. Not only do they taste great, but keep our energy levels up during our rides and runs. They come in eight tasty flavors, with Tropical Punch being our new fav. Buy Now >
	SoCalCycling.com Socks by SockGuy will keep your feet warm and comfy this winter. Your feet will love them, plus you'll look good too! Buy Now >
	Tour of California Calendar by Photographer Darrell Parks - The calendar features photos from the 2010 Tour of California, and showcases the beauty of California landscapes and professional bike racing every month of the year. Buy Now >
	NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB Plus - This little light rocks and is perfect for extending your training into the night hours. It is small enough to fit in your back pocket, easily snaps on to your handlebars and will burn for up to 3 hours. With this light there are no excuses to cut your rides short. Buy Now >

The new HTC-Highroad National Champion Kits - representing the USA,
Sweden, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Ireland.
photo courtesy highroadsports.com

HTC-Highroad Kicks Off 2011 Season with California Camp and New Kit Design
12/16/10 - HTC-Highroad's team of 25 men and 12 women, along with the team's managers and staff from around the world, convened in California for ten solid days of training and preparation for the 2011 racing season.  Together with the team's 2011 partners, the HTC-Highroad men and women underwent the meticulous processes of physio testing, bike and equipment fitting, goal setting, nutrition education, and training throughout the diverse terrain of northern and southern California. Riders received the new 2011 HTC-Highroad kit, a simple, retro-inspired departure from the team's 2010 design treatment.  The team's national champions were on hand, proudly displaying the national colors of the USA, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Ireland.

2010 Amgen Tour of California Time Trial Winner, Tony Martin, wears the new HTC-Highroad kit.
photo courtesy highroadsports.com

Rock 'N Road Cyclery Helps Feed OC Homeless with Ride and Food Drive
12/15/10 - 'Tis the Season to give gifts to family, friends, and associates.  At Orange County's premier bike shop chain, the seasonal giving has been including food for those who are down on their luck.  For the fourth year running, Rock 'N Road Cyclery is organizing a food drive in co-operation with Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed the poor and displaced in Orange County.  Nationally, the efforts of Second Harvest and it's parent charity, Feed America, is able to distribute $20 worth of food for every $1.00 donation.  There are more details about cash donations on their website at feedamerica.org. Owner Matt Ford has thrown down the gauntlet to his staff, customers, and neighbors, "Last year we collected 2939 pounds of food, which produced 2261 meals.  Our goal is to soundly beat that record.  We only have until Dec 30th to complete the effort.  I'm confident we will have a great result." To promote the drive, Rock 'N Road's Irvine store is sponsoring a ride on December 18 at 8:00 a.m., leaving from the Irvine location.  Ford says about the ride:  "All riders are welcome. There will be two ride options, the more challenging Santiago Canyon or a flatter ride through Irvine. Route slips will be given out the morning of the ride. There will be a raffle at 10:15am after the ride. Raffle tickets will be given to each person that donates food. There will also be refreshments served." more >

JV Claus has your last minute Garmin-Transitions gifts (argyle included).
photo courtesy Slipstream Sports

L’Etape du California Lets Cyclists Ride Claremont to Mt. Baldy ATOC Stage
12/14/10 – Amateur cyclists will be given the opportunity to test their mettle by riding Stage 7 of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California.  Taking place on Saturday, May 7, 2011, the L’Etape du California is being held in conjunction with the 2011 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race set for May 15-22, 2011.  Specific details of Stage 7 will be announced, along with details of the entire race route, in January.  Riders participating in L’Etape du California will cover the same route as the professionals on Stage 7 of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, arguably one of the most challenging stages in the race, which goes from Claremont to Mt. Baldy.  The route, breathtaking in its beauty and difficulty, will cover some of the most famous and iconic sections of road in the San Gabriel mountains: Glendora Mountain Road, Glendora Ridge Road, and of course the sharp switchbacks up to the Mt. Baldy Ski Area.  By the end of the ride, participants will have climbed close to 10,000 vertical feet and ridden nearly 100 miles.

Alexis Ryan (The TEAM / SoCalCross) celebrates winning the
CX National Championships Jr. Women 17-18 in Bend, OR.
photo © Dorothy Wong

Quote of the Day: BMC Racing's Team Owner Andy Rihs on Teamwork
12/14/10 – BMC Racing Team Owner Andy Rihs shared his advice for success when he presented the Swiss national under-17 football team with the "best team" honor Sunday at the Swiss Sports Awards. Rihs joined a host of other Swiss sports celebrities at the annual awards ceremony in Zurich. Awards were handed out in more than a dozen categories. Rihs said he was honored to present the award to the team which won the 2009 World Cup in Nigeria. "They are a very enthusiastic group of athletes, not hard-core pros doing it for the salary," Rihs said. "I believe in teams because teams can outperform individuals in a dramatic way. You can overcome defeats and frustrations better as a team. You're also closer. A company is a team. A family is a team. The government should be a team. But if you have a bunch of egomaniacal guys, they will never achieve anything."

Wheels4Life donates bikes in developing nations.
The DreamBike Auction is still going on now to help this great cause.
photo © Carmen Freeman

Wells and Compton Win Elite Cross Titles, Rivera Grabs Silver in U-23
12/13/10 – In front of more than 8,000 fans in Bend, Oregon, Katie Compton (Colorado Springs, Colo./Planet Bike) and Todd Wells (Specialized Factory Racing) put their stamp on American cyclo-cross racing with two dominating performances in the elite races as the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships wrapped up in Oregon. Lees-McRae College and Western Washington University warmed up the action earning team omnium titles following the morning’s collegiate races. In her quest for another Stars-and-Stripes jersey, Compton made victory look easy. After the first lap, Compton and Georgia Gould (Fort Collins, Colo./Luna Pro Team) were already pulling away from the field, but an early pit by Compton to change bikes allowed Gould to jump ahead. more >

Pegasus Sports Loses Financial Backing
12/13/10 – Pegasus Sports, the management company that manages Fly V Australia, has released the following statement, “Tuesday, December 7, 2010, Pegasus Sports was notified by its principal financial backer that financial support for the Pegasus Sports Professional Cycling project had been retracted. As a result of these changed circumstances, Pegasus Sports was not issued a Professional Continental license by the UCI Licensing Commission as expected on Friday, December 10, 2010. The UCI Licensing Commission has granted the Pegasus Sports' licence application an extension until Wednesday, December 15, 2010. Pegasus Sports is currently working with a number of parties to secure the necessary funding to guarantee the project's future and ensure the UCI's requirements for a Professional Continental license are met in accordance with the UCI's revised timeline. "The current reports by some media outlets that the Team has folded are not correct. Pegasus Sports CEO Chris White said. "I have not spoken to any of these media outlets and what is being currently reported is false and most detrimental to a very exciting project. All people associated with the Team are aware of the true circumstances and we continue to work towards meeting the UCI deadline."”

Wild Weather Challenges Riders at Cyclocross Nationals
12/12/10 – Saturday’s competitors at the 2010 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships were greeted with weather conditions that could be described as purely ‘cross – a cold snow leading to rain in the morning, followed by driving winds in the afternoon. Through it all, six Stars-and-Stripes jerseys were awarded to men’s masters, junior 17-18 and U23 champions. Racing concludes Sunday with the collegiate and the men’s and women’s elite races, which you can watch live online beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT. The U23 men led off the afternoon with what became a two-man duel lasting into the final lap. Defending champion Danny Summerhill (Centennial, Colo./Garmin Transitions-Team Holowesko Partners) and Zach McDonald (Bainbridge Island, Wash./Rapha Focus) took turns trying to ride away from each other after opening up a large gap on the rest of the field. more >

Current Cyclocross National Champion, Tim Johnson (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld),
will be looking to reclaim his title at Cross Nationals this weekend in Bend, OR.
photo © Mitch Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Day Two of Cyclocross Nationals: Alexis Ryan Wins 17-18 Title, Mark Noble 2nd
12/11/10 – Dominating performances punctuated the second day of Stars-and-Stripes competition at the 2010 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships. Seven junior national titles and three masters Stars-and-Stripes were awarded in Bend’s Old Mill District on Friday.The revelation of the day was the performance of the top two 15-16 women, who after starting approximately one minute after the 17-18 women in a combined race, eventually passed the entire field of older competitors. Reigning national champion Sarah Huang (Kenosha, Wis./Planet Bike) went off hard from the gun, but was chased down by Corrie Osborne (Mequon, Wis./Nova Cycle Sports Foundation Inc.). Osborne held off Huang to cross the line ahead of both sets of fields and earn the Stars-and-Stripes jersey. Alexis Ryan (Ventura, Ca/The Team Socalcross) took home her third national championship after dominating the 17-18 women’s race. "I knew if I went fast enough I could hopefully drop everyone, so that's what I did," explained Ryan, whose sister Kendall is also a multi-time national champ. more >

Richard Barron won the Rogers Cup (50+) at Como Street for the fourth year in a row.

Watch Cyclocross Nationals Live Online This Sunday
12/9/10 – Live streaming coverage of the men's and women's elite races from the 2010 Cyclocross National Championships in Bend, Oregon will be featured on Sunday, December 12 on UStream. The Women's race is scheduled to start at 12:30 pm PT and the Men's race begins at 2:30 pm PT.

Quiznos Pro Challenge Confirms Five International Teams to Compete
12/8/10 – The Quiznos Pro Challenge™ today officially announced the first five teams to sign on for the inaugural 2011 competition, including Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) pro teams: Team RadioShack (USA), Liquigas-Cannondale (Italy), HTC-Highroad (USA), Slipstream Sports/Garmin-Cervelo (USA), and BMC Racing Team (USA).  In total, the Quiznos Pro Challenge will host as many as 128 professional cyclists from 16 teams for the 2011 competition.  The five confirmed teams comprise some of the top cyclists in the world, including seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, world champion Thor Hushovd and former world champion Cadel Evans, as well as legendary team directors Johan Bruyneel and Bob Stapleton.  The riders from these teams who will participate in the Quiznos Pro Challenge will be defined once the team rosters are finalized for the 2011 season. “It’s exciting to see that the Quiznos Pro Challenge is already considered one of the most important races in the United States,” said Ellen Kramer, General Manager of the Quiznos Pro Challenge.  “Our goal is to connect new audiences in America with the sport of professional cycling; having several of the premier international teams already signed up is a huge step in that direction.”  Jim Birrell, Managing Partner of Medalist Sports said “We have had so many ProTour and Pro Continental teams lining up to compete in Colorado next year. Signing teams of this caliber is a key indication that the Quiznos Pro Challenge will be one of the preeminent professional cycling events in the world.”

Ryan Trebone (Kona) and Georgia Gould (Luna Chix) at the USGP Stanley Portland Cup
photo © Mitch Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Video: Classic Footage from the Tour of St. Lawrence in 1965
12/7/10 – A short film by Jean-Claude Labrecque from the 11th Cycling Tour of St. Lawrence in 1965, which was attended by riders from thirteen countries and three continents. This film has that trippy vibe from the 60's with groovy music and sound effects, cool cars, wool shorts and riders pushing huge gears. It is a must see!

2011 Tour of California Calendar by Photographer Darrell Parks
12/5/10 – As we head into the Holiday Season and New Year, Photographer Darrell Parks 2011 Calendar makes a great gift for cycling fans. The calendar features photos from the 2010 Tour of California, and showcases the beauty of California landscapes and professional bike racing. Please visit DarrellParks.com to order.

Amber Neben’s Dare to Be Project Inspires Homeless Kids for Christmas  
12/4/10 – 2008 Olympian and World Champion, Amber Neben, is currently raising funds to buy 52 homeless children bicycles for Christmas. She has teamed up with the Illumination Foundation Shelter in Anaheim and Costa Mesa, a non-profit organization that works with the homeless.  In 2009, Amber was able to impact the lives of 62 kids through The Dare to be Project. Amber said, “My athletic life is a story of overcoming adversity, of persevering, and of never giving up. I was never homeless, but I understand what it means to face overwhelming odds against reaching your dream. These kids and parents are facing a tough life. Help me encourage them not to quit on their goals. 100% of donations will go to buy bikes, helmets, and bike locks. If I am blessed with extra funds, then I will either find more kids to help, or I will put the money into grocery store gift cards for the families! I will personally deliver each bike with a hug and a talk.” If you would like to help, donations can be made through Amber’s web site at AmberNeben.com.

Amber Neben puts a smile on young boys face after he received a new bike
from Amber through her Dare to Be Project, which helps homeless kids.
photo courtesy Amber Neben

SCNCA Trustee Election in Progress, Nominations are Now Open
12/2/10 – As a contact for our active USA Cycling club, we received a notification from Southern California Nevada Cycling Association (SCNCA) President Eric Smith that there is currently an election in progress for the SCNCA Board of Trustees. We have been informed that some promoters and active clubs, including the SoCalCycling.com club, were not made aware of the opportunity to participate in building the 2011 race calendar (as was outlined in this notification), so wanted to make sure that all clubs and club members were informed of the current election.

According to the notification, four slots are up for election on the SCNCA Board of Trustees that hold a two year term. Nominations are now open for new trustee members and will close on December 14th, if you know of good candidates that can make a positive impact on the local level in our sport of cycling. Please send nominations to Jan Luke Hamasaki. A final ballot will be mailed to the contact of the active USA Cycling club and voting will begin on December 15th and run for two weeks. Each club is entitled to one vote per trustee position up for election. Trustee positions are volunteer positions and commitments range from 4-15 hrs per week and monthly meetings.

The following four incumbents are seeking re-election:
* Eric Smith – President, Permits
* Greg Aden – Treasurer
* Larry Shannon – Results Programs
* Dominic Galenti – Junior Programs

Katrina Nash (Luna Chix) outsprints teammate Georgia Gould at the USGP Stanley Portland Cup
photo © Mitch Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Christmas Toy Ride This Sunday Donates Toys to Kids in Need
12/2/10 – SC Velo and Incycle Bicycle stores are sponsoring a Christmas Toy Ride on December 5, 2010. The purpose of the ride is to carry donated toys to an annual Car Show/Toy Collection event being held at the Via Verde Plaza Shopping Center located at the corner of Via Verde and Puente Street.  All interested cyclists are invited to join with SC Velo riders to support this worthy cause by donating toys and/or participating in the ride.  Unwrapped toys can be left in collection bins at Incycle Bicycle Stores in San Dimas, Chino, Pasadena, and Rancho Cucamonga between now and December 4th.  The donated toys will be taken by the cyclists participating in the Toy Ride to the Car Show/Toy Collection event. The ride will depart from the San Dimas Incycle store on December 5th at  about 8:45 AM for an easy no-drop ride, with SAG support, to the Car Show. The Car Show starts at 10 AM.  All toys donated that day are given to kids in need that are in the City of San Dimas.  The toys are delivered to the kids by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s San Dimas station.  Last year, the San Dimas station was able to help over 500 families during the Christmas holiday due to the Car Show Toy event.

Cross District Championships (l-r) 3rd Gary Douville (Platinum),
1st Brian Lopes (Oakley/Ibis) and 2nd Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/B&L)
photo © Corey Keizer

Lopes and Mann Win District Cross Championships with Final Lap Attacks
12/1/10 - The annual Turkey Trot event was a fantastic course and the overnight rains again this week allowed for racing on fast tacky dirt and grass. This week’s event was race 14 of the Southern California Prestige Series as well as the District Championships. The Holiday weekend did not seem to make much of difference as the cool conditions and championship events made for some real winter cross racing excitement. In the women's race, Kendall Ryan led from the start with teammate and sister Alexis (Team SoCal Cross). Halfway through the first lap after the line of women charged through the double sand pit and into the curving tree lines Amanda Schaper (SDG Factory Team) found her way on the front to take charge. more >

Rahsaan Bahati, who recently signed with SKLZ-Pista Palace, diversifies with some cross.
photo © Corey Keizer