Cycling News
Video: Redlands Bicycle Classic Criterium
3/31/10 - Watch Hilton Clarke (Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team) win the Pro Men's Redlands Bicycle Classic Criterium in Downtown Redlands.
Cavendish and Rogers to Start Tour of California
3/31/10 - Team HTC-Columbia will focus on both the General Classification and stage wins at the Amgen Tour of California in May with top riders Michael Rogers and Mark Cavendish. Cavendish won three stages and the green jersey at the 2009 edition of the race and Rogers placed third overall. "Mark had a slower start to the 2010 season due to an infection resulting from dental work in the off season," said Team Owner Bob Stapleton, "but he is back racing at full speed and won his first race last week in Spain. The Tour of California will be a big focus for him in the lead up to the Tour de France. "Rogers was third overall last year and he is having an excellent season this year including winning the Tour of Andalusia and coming second overall in Criterium International last week. We are excited to see what we can do in as a team in California.The Tour of California is a fantastic race that has grown in prestige every year since its inception in 2006. It's become one of America's premier sporting events and a top race worldwide," added Stapleton. "With the Giro d'Italia taking place at the same time we had to plan the roster carefully, but we have the depth in the team and two of the fastest sprinters in the World and can send strong line-ups to both of these great events." The team will arrive in California a week before the start of the race to do some reconnaissance of the course and adjust to the time zone.
BMC Racing Team Receives Tour de France Invitation
3/30/10 - The BMC Racing Team, with World Champion Cadel Evans, will compete in its first Tour de France when the world’s greatest bicycle race begins July 3 in the Dutch city of Rotterdam. The announcement of an invitation to participate as one of 22 teams comes one week after the BMC Racing Team learned it had received a berth in the Giro d’Italia. In addition to the Australian Evans, the U.S.-based, professional continental team features U.S. national road race champion and 14-time Tour de France participant George Hincapie.” Cadel Evans, who has started five Tours, worn the yellow jersey for five days and twice finished as runner-up (2007, 2008), said Tuesday’s announcement was reassuring to know all the planning and preparation he has already put in will be put to good use during the month of July. “While I was never sure we would be in the Tour, I did not have much doubt that we would be left out, as I felt our team deserved to be in the Tour de France,” Evans said. “I think for everyone at the BMC Racing Team, it is a reward for their good work in building an internationally competitive cycling team.” George Hincapie said he was “ecstatic” to receive the news. “I’m sure there will be days during the Tour when I’ll be suffering and wondering what the heck I’m doing back again,” he said. “But obviously I still feel good and I want to continue doing the Tour de France as long as my body feels good.” The U.S. national road champion signed on with the BMC Racing Team last fall without any guarantee that the professional continental team would receive an invitation to the Tour. “We have a ton of talent on the team and a lot of experienced riders and I think the ASO believes we can put on a really good show in July,” Team RadioShack, Garmin-Transitions, Team Sky, Katusha and Cervelo TestTeam also received wild card invitations to the 2010 Tour de France.
Team Fly V Australia threw down for race leader Ben Day all week
and came out victorious in the end with the overall win.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Ben Day Victorious at Redlands Classic, Borrajo Takes Sunset Stage
3/29/10 - The precarious sixth-tenths-of-a-second lead that Australian Ben Day took into the final day of the Redlands Bicycle Classic stood up for overall victory Sunday on a frenetic final stage. The Fly V Australia rider’s victory will go into the books as the first National Racing Calendar stage race win for Day and the first or the second-year continental team that has ambitions to reach even higher levels in years to come. The win was also the squad’s 18th of the season and follows Day’s wire-to-wire overall title at last week’s San Dimas Stage Race. Fly V Australia Director Sportif Henk Vogels said the victory could not have been achieved without the incredible “mateship” that exists among the Fly V Australia riders, management and staff. It was that unique Australian bond that kept confidence high throughout the four-day race. More >
Alejandro Borrajo (Jamis Sutter Home) overcame the difficult Sunset Road Race with a win.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Stevens Wins Sunset Road Race, Teutenberg Stays in Yellow
3/28/10 - HTC-Columbia women both defended the overall jersey won the final stage of Redlands on Sunday ending a successful weekend for the men and the women's teams. On the difficult nine lap circuit race set on the suburban hills of Redlands, opposing teams attacked from the gun to challenge the race lead of Teutenberg. "Amber Neben and Mara Abbott attacked all day and made the race hard from the beginning to the end," said Teutenberg."It was painful, but my team was amazing and we were able to keep it together." After chasing for the majority of the stage working for Teutenberg and finally chasing in the final attack within the last lap, Stevens topped of the day by attacking with 5km to go and surviving the chase to win the stage. "She was amazing," added Teutenberg. "She really worked so hard all day and it wasn't easy. To be able to finish it off like that is something special. Stevens was ecstatic with her dramatic win. "I'm really happy," she said. "With about five kilometers to go I heard Ina say "Go" so I thought, why not. I've worked so hard up to now why not try to win too." "It was a really hard day but it's so nice when it all works out in the end." Results >
The women get ready for battle on the demanding Sunset Loop.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Fly V Australia’s Day Avoids Crash and Keeps Lead at Redlands, Clarke Wins Crit
3/27/10 - Fly V Australia’s Ben Day narrowly avoided a pile- up on Stage 2 on the way to maintaining his overall lead heading into the final day of the 26th annual Redlands Bicycle Classic. Day, who has led the four-day National Racing Calendar event since winning Thursday’s prologue, remains sixth-tenths of a second ahead of Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) and one second ahead of Will Routley (Jelly Belly Cycling presented by Kenda) in third place. Overall, 11 riders are within 30 seconds of the lead with only the 94.1-mile (151 km) Beaver Medical Group Sunset Loop Road Race remaining. “It's going to be a pretty interesting day,” Day said. “Sunset Loop is such an iconic and difficult stage to race anyways and there’s a lot at play with the time bonuses. I expect there are going to be plenty of fireworks.” The ninth-year Australian professional said the crash that took down more than 40 riders in the last half of Saturday’s 90-minute race through the streets of Downtown Redlands was a close call. More and Photos >
Results >
Hilton Clarke (Bahati Foundation) won the Redlands Crit in front of a huge crowd.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Teutenberg Takes the Lead at the Redlands Classic, Cliff-Ryan Wins Criterium
3/27/10 - Ina-Yoko Teutenberg put on an aggressive display in the criterium of Redlands Classic on Saturday, taking 1'12" out of the field with her seven breakaway companions. Teutenberg took the yellow jersey from former race lead Amber Neben with one stage remaining and now leads by 33 second from Kat Carroll (Peanut Butter & Co.). "Actually, it wasn't our plan to attack today," said Teutenberg. "Our focus was on the time bonus seconds but it turned out a lot better than that. "My team did the perfect job keeping everything together for the first sprint at the half way mark and then led me out for the sprint. After the first sprint there was a counter attack and I jumped on it. The field was all strung out but it looked like it was going to come back together so I attacked again. "After a couple of laps the gap went up and I knew I had to give it everything. The break worked well together. Tibco had three riders in the break so it was also in their interest to keep the break alive. I had to get as much time out of the bunch as possible. "I think the race is still wide open because tomorrow's stage is pretty hard to control for a team and if the legs don't work, you can't fake it. There are also a few girls still in contention so I'm sure it will be aggressive." Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Colavita/Baci) outsprinted her breakaway partners for the win. Results >
Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Colavita/Baci) won the Redlands Criterium from a small break.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Stage One of the Redlands Bicycle Classic Flies through Beaumont
3/26/10 - Nonstop action on a grueling 17-mile circuit through the streets of Beaumont kicked off the Stage One of the 26th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic. A calm breeze replaced previous years' strong gales, giving the professional cyclists a bit of a break and the chance to put their team strategies into full effect. The women's race boasted one of the strongest fields in recent history, with many of the sport's toughest competitors. Race winner, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, marveled at the talent at the front of the peleton. "There was a stronger field this year than there has been in years. All the best American riders were out; the teams definitely brought out their best." Teutenberg, with Team HTC Columbia stayed focused and did what she knew she had to do to clench the win. "I went after the time bonuses and didn't care about the sprint jersey. My team brought me to the lines on the sprints and closed the gaps." Amber Neben maintained her overall lead in the General Classification with a steady wheel and persistence. "I felt good today. The wind helped keep it together and a lot of people going after jerseys and the stage also kept it together," said Neben, with team Dare to Be-BMW-Bianchi. "I was never in trouble or alone and everything went as expected." More and Photos>
Results >
Ina Teutenberg (HTC-Columbia) won the Beaumont Stage and picked up time bonuses
bringing her closer to Amber Neben's lead in the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
The men's peloton at the Beaumont Stage at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Neben and Day Clock Fastest Times at the Redlands Bicycle Classic Prologue
3/25/10 - A beautiful spring day with the air full of orange blossoms soon gave way to a leg grinding reality for the professional racers kicking off the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar season at the 26th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic. The American racing season is now fully underway as 114 women, and 194 men challenged the super tough 3.2 mile prologue course. The strongest teams in North America were represented in one of the longest running stage races in the United States. The women's prologue turned out to be a bit of déjà vu with Amber Neben, who very recently joined the Dare to Be/BMW-Bianchi team roared up the climb to claim the win in 10:56, followed by Mara Abbott (Peanut Butter and Co.), and new cycling sensation Evelyn Stevens (HTC-Columbia) in third. "I was really surprised at how good the legs felt today, we'll see how it goes tomorrow. I've been doing some mountain biking - maybe some of the steep climbs I've done helped today." And it was a great day for Jelly Belly PB Kenda, as two of their young riders Carter Jones 2nd, and Kiel Reynen 3rd, made a name for themselves as they sandwiched the on fire Ben Day (Fly V Australia) who won the day with a time of 9:16. Starting last, wearing bib number one as last prologue winner proving he is no fluke, Day managed to eek out a two second advantage over the young gun Jones. "To come here and do the same thing as last year and with all the pressure of defending is something different for me, I am very happy to get this win". The Redlands Bicycle Classic rolls into Beaumont tomorrow with a circuit race to kick off stage 1. 3 laps and 68 miles for the women, and 105 miles in 5 laps of the hilly and windy course that winds through the beautiful Beaumont area. A new course design takes riders up a well known climb called the Banning Bench in the first loop. It will make for a tough day to defend the yellow jersey winners on today's stage.
Results >
Ben Day (Fly V Australia) and Amber Neben (Dare to Be/BMW-Bianchi)
both lit up the Redlands Prologue course and took the win.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Hammer and Phinney Win Pursuit Titles at Track World Championships
3/25/10 - The United States Cycling Team claimed its first world title of the 2010 UCI Track Cycling World Championships on Wednesday as Sarah Hammer (American Track Foundation) re-claimed the rainbow jersey in the women’s individual pursuit. Her gold-medal performance marked her fourth visit to the podium at the world championships after winning back-to-back world titles in 2006 and 2007 and earning the silver in 2008. “Every world title is special, but this one is awesome,” explained Hammer of her third pursuit world title. “This means so much after such a long road back from the tragic 2008 season. I really take time to enjoy the entire process now. My new current set-up at the World Cycling has been great; giving me the opportunity to train with and mentor younger riders.” Recording her fastest-ever time at sea level, Hammer just missed her own American record, posting her second personal best time in the early afternoon qualifying. Her 3:27.826 qualifying mark was the top time of the day; earning her the number one seed and a chance to meet 2010 World Cup champion and 2009 World Championship silver-medalist Wendy Houvenaghel of Great Britain, who qualified three seconds down, in the gold medal final. In the men’s pursite, after qualifying second earlier today, Taylor Phinney (Trek-Livestrong) became the first American to win back-to-back elite men’s world titles on the track, re-capturing the rainbow jersey in the 4-kilometer individual pursuit Thursday night in Denmark. The U.S. women’s team pursuit squad also qualified for the finals for the first time in history, finishing fourth. Phinney clocked a winning time of 4:16.600 to beat New Zealand’s Jesse Sergent in the gold-medal final. Seeded first, Sergent rode a 4:18.495 to settle for the silver medal. Last year’s runner-up Jack Bobridge of Australia earned the bronze over Alexander Serov (RUS) in 4:18.066.
Redlands Bicycle Classic Gets Underway: Start Lists and Prologue Start Times
3/24/10 - The first NRC race of the the season, the Redlands Bicycle Classic Stage Race, starts tomorrow morning with a 3.1 Prologue. The Prologue will be a leg breaker and lung searer, finishing on top of a steep hill on Sunset Drive that has 680 feet of vertical gain. The Prologue will set the GC order going into Friday's City of Beaumont Circuit Road Race.
Start List: Women, Men
Start Times: Women, Men
Women’s Prestige Cycling Series Opens At Redlands Bicycle Classic
3/24/10 - The seventh edition of the Women’s Prestige Cycling Series gets underway this week when the Redlands Bicycle Classic begins Thursday in Redlands, Calif. Defending Women’s Prestige Cycling Series individual champion Alison Powers (Team Vera Bradley Foundation) will be a starter at Redlands, as will 2007 Series champion Mara Abbott (Peanut Butter & Co TWENTY12), last year’s runner-up and Peanut Butter & Co TWENTY12 teammate of Abbott, Katharine Carroll, and Katheryn Mattis (Webcor Builders), who was third in the standings last year. Also on the start list for Redlands is past national road champion and 2008 world time trial champion Amber Neben, who will guest ride for the BMW-Bianchi squad. The retirement of national criterium champion Tina Pic means there will be a new champion in the Sprint competition. Chasing the red jersey are some of the riders who finished in the top five last year, including Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO/To The Top Pro Cycling), Gina Grain (Webcor Builders) and Powers. Returning to defend her Best Young Rider jersey is Rebecca Much (Team TIBCO/To The Top Pro Cycling). Abbott, who claimed this title in addition to the overall crown in 2007, will also contend for the white jersey in her final year of eligibility in the competition that rewards riders whose racing age is 25 or younger. Traditionally, the teams vying for the Series team classification are among the top squads in the nation. This year shapes up to follow that pattern, with defending Women’s Prestige Cycling Series champion Team TIBCO/To The Top Pro Cycling returning, along with Powers’s Team Vera Bradley Foundation and the well-rounded Webcor Builders and Peanut Butter & Co TWENTY12 squads. Four events in four different states comprise the Women’s Prestige Cycling Series. The other three are: SRAM Tour of the Gila, April 28-May 2 (New Mexico), Nature Valley Grand Prix, June 16-20 (Minnesota) and Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic, July 20-25 (Oregon). The Series awards the top overall individual, best young rider, best sprinter and top team. Clothing manufacturer Champion System provides special jerseys to identify the leaders in the individual classifications. More Info >
The Pro Men's field crosses the dam at Bonelli Park and gets a view of the lake and mountains.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Ron Kiefel to Receive ‘Legend Award’ at the 2010 Redlands Bicycle Classic
3/23/10 - Seven Tours de France, a grand tour stage win, an Olympic medal, one national championship, and many other special performances…results of this caliber come from star athletes with incredible work ethics. Ron Kiefel is one of the original hardworking, soft-spoken, tenacious bike racers that paved the way for future American successes in cycling’s biggest stage, Europe, and the perfect candidate to receive the 2010 Redlands Bicycle Classic ‘Legends Award’. As with many of the great American cyclists, Ron Kiefel has grassroots memories of his time racing in the Redlands Classic. Kiefel even calls the infamous ‘Sunset Loop’, the Sunday stage of the Redlands Classic with punishing repeated climbing that breaks even the strongest legs, one of his favorite race courses. “The Redlands Classic was an important stepping stone for the 7-Eleven team's success in Europe at races like the Giro D'Italia and Tour de France. I am looking forward to coming to Redlands to celebrate our sport - and am happy to be selected as a ‘Legend’ of the Redlands Classic,” says Ron Kiefel, Legend Award Recipient at the 2010 Redlands Bicycle Classic. Continuing with the tradition ‘Where Legends Are Born’ the ‘Legend Award’ was created to recognize and honor cycling greats who have not only gone on to cycling greatness, but pounded the streets of Redlands along the route of their journey to the top. The ceremony will take place prior to the start of his favorite stage, the Sunset Loop, Sunday March 28th, before the pro men begin their ascent of the punishing course at 1:30 PM. More Info >
Hilton Clarke wins the Incycle/Cannondale Old Town Grand Prix.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Day and Teutenberg Win Overall at San Dimas Stage Race, Clarke Takes Stage
3/21/10 - The San Dimas Stage Race wrapped up after three days of racing with the Incycle/Cannondale Old Town Grand Prix. Hilton Clarke (Bahati Foundation) managed to win the stage after the break of five was caught and it came down to a field sprint. Fly V Australia’s Ben Day managed to hang on to the leaders jersey and the Overall after a strong display of teamwork from his Fly V Australia Team.
Ben Day told SoCalCycling.com how his race played out, “My Fly V Australia teammates really gave me an armchair ride today, once again showing our strength across the boards. After winning the first intermediate sprint in this dominate display, the GC pressure was relieved a bit for the finale.” Day continued, “Coming into the finish, the race was status quo and we had the intention to set the race up for one of our sprinters. We came up a bit short unfortunately and Hilton Clarke from Bahati Foundation picked up the win for their new team. Another Aussie winner - 3 in three days! Australia needs a ProTour team!” More >
The Men's Jersey winners.
photo © SoCalCycling.com
Sutherland and Benjamin Win San Dimas Hospital Road Race
3/21/10 - Rory Sutherland of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis sprinted out of a late-stage five-rider break to win the second stage of the San Dimas Stage Race. The winning move came as a result of strong teamwork from his UnitedHealthcare Presented by Maxxis teammates. It also came after some re-assessing of the race strategy after the team’s top rider in the overall standings, Chris Baldwin, crashed on the second to last lap. “We were able to have a quick chat going into the last lap,” Sutherland said. “I’d been feeling good all day, so we decided to have the guys lead me out at the base of the final climb to see if they could spring me off the front. “I went hard, but not too hard because there’s over 2 km from the top of the last climb to the finish,” he continued. “It’s not the type of finish that you want to try to go solo to the line. I was lucky to get a good mix of guys with me over the top.” That mix included Cesar Grajales (Bahati Foundation), Luis Amaran (Jamis/Sutter Home), Neil Shirley (Kelly Benefits) and Davide Frattini (Team Type 1). The five riders worked together and came into the finishing straight with a slight gap over the chasing field. “I started my sprint from the back and jumped across a couple small gaps,” Sutherland said. “I passed the last guy with 50 meters to go.” That last guy was Grajales, who took 2nd on the stage, followed by Amaran. Sutherland efforts, as well as the :20 time bonus on the finish line and the :04 gap to the field, moved him up to 5th overall, :19 behind race leader Ben Day. In the women’s race, Kelly Benjamin (Colavita-Baci) ) won from a break of four that was initiated by Alexis Rhodes (Vera Bradley Foundation) when she attacked across the line at the end of the first lap. The break worked well together and put Race Leader Mara Abbott and her Peanut Butter & Co Team on defense forcing them to chase. Benjamin outsprint her breakaway companions for the stage win with Rhodes taking second, Kim Anderson (HTC-Columbia) third and Anne Samplonius (Nanoblur-Gears) fourth. Mara Abbott still holds the leaders jersey with a a 16 second advantage over Evelyn Stevens (HTC-Columbia). With time bonuses on the line, tomorrow's Incycle/Cannondale Old Town Grand Prix should be a battle that goes down to the wire. Results >
UnitedHealthcare's Rory Sutherland wins the San Dimas Hospital Road Race.
photo © Danny Munson
The women's field goes up the QOM climb at the San Dimas Hospital Road Race.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Day and Abbott Repeat at San Dimas Stage Race Time Trial
3/20/10 - The Time Trial course up Glendora Mountain Road (GMR) seems to suit Ben Day (Fly V Australia) and Mara Abbott (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12). Both riders put in repeat wins, with Day winning in 2009-2010 and Abbott winning the last three years. Both riders will wear the leaders jersey at the San Dimas Hospital Road Race, which is held at Bonelli Park on Saturday. Men's winner, Ben Day covered the 3.8 mile climb with a fast time of 12:53.79, which was 9 seconds slower than his time last year. Abbott conquered the course in a blistering 14:31.14. In the mens race, Paul Mach (Bissell) finished in second with a time of 12:58.81, followed by mountain biker Sid Taberlay (Cal Giant-Specialized) with a time of 13:01. Rounding out the podium for the women are Evelyn Stevens (HTC-Columbia) with a time of 14:47.49 and Alisha Welsh (Peanut Butter & Co.TWENTY12). It will be interesting to see if Abbott can hold the lead through the final stage this year with the support of her new team, Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12. The past two years, her High Road teammates overtook her lead and the GC on Stage 2's San Dimas Hospital Road Race. Results >
Mara Abbott ((Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12) and Neil Shirley (Kelly Benefit Systems)
floated up one of SoCal's favorite climbs, GMR.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com
Interview with 2009 San Dimas Stage Race Winner Ben Day
By Christy Nicholson, SoCalCycling.com
3/19/10 - We caught up with Ben Day as he heads into the San Dimas Stage Race (SDSR) as the defending GC Champion. Last year, Ben put in a strong performance in the Glendora Mountain Time Trial to take the leaders jersey on Stage One with a time of 12:44.18 and held the leaders jersey through the final stage with the help of his strong Fly V Australia teammates. In 2009, Ben also won the Prologue at the Redlands Classic Stage Race and will be heading back to Redlands next week to see if he can repeat this victory.
SoCalCycling.com: How has the season been going so far? How is your form heading into the early season California races?
Ben Day: Hi everyone from SoCalCycling.com. Well, I don’t feel like the season has really started yet. For Team Fly V Australia, our official racing schedule starts with the San Dimas Stage Race this weekend. I have already competed in the Callville Bay Classic out in Las Vegas – a great 4-stage race around Lake Mead which caters very well for the cyclists in the US to get a bit of racing in their legs before we get into the bulk of the season. I won the time trial out there and happily, I was surprised with my form. I have had a busy off-season with a hip operation back in October, preparations with our team for 2010, and recently I was married up in Quebec, Canada. With the Amgen Tour of California coming later this year, I have had a slow build up with a strong focus towards May. But I am in a great place. My body feels great, my team have come together like no team before, and obviously my personal life is one of bliss..I can’t wait to get more into this year.
SoCalCycling.com: Last year you won SDSR, is it a goal to try to defend your title and go for the overall win again?
Ben Day: Winning San Dimas was an important event for myself and Fly V Australia last year. It really kick started our season and gave all of us the belief in what we could do and achieve together. We are driven by success, as is in an athlete’s nature, and being able to share these moments with each other is what has made us so close-knit. I’d love to come back and win again in San Dimas this year. My preparation has been a whole lot different and still the first day’s time trial is the pivotal piece - I am champing at the bit to get the racing underway. Full Interview >
Fly V Australia's Ben Day (rt) is ready to defend his title at the San Dimas Stage Race.
photo © Brian Hodes / Velo Images
Ben Day Interview >
San Dimas Stage Race Preview
3/18/10 - The dates for the San Dimas Stage Race (SDSR) are almost here. SDSR is a premier race which attracts top flight riders in all categories and provides great entertainment for spectators of all ages. Now in its 11th year, the race is hosted by Southern California Velo (SC Velo), supported by terrific sponsors, and staffed by dedicated volunteers led by Race Director Al Wiscovitch. The race consists of three exciting stages in three great venues: A challenging Time Trial up Glendora Mountain Road (GMR) on March 19th, sponsored by Glendora Chevrolet, a grueling classic Road Race around Bonelli Park on March 20th, sponsored by San Dimas Community Hospital, and fast and furious Criterium around downtown San Dimas on March 21st, sponsored by Incycle bike stores and Cannondale bikes. All three stages offer great opportunities for riders to excel and for cycling fans to see exciting racing. There is no fee for watching the races. more >
Real-Time Data Provides An Edge for Amgen-UBS Masters Team
3/17/10 - The strongest team on the west coast this year is quickly proving to be the Amgen-UBS Masters team. With over 10 team wins before March 1st, the 2010 season has started with an impressive string of victories. While hard work and talent continue to play a significant role in the team’s results, the factor may turn out to be the team’s “difference maker” in power training. Sponsored this year by iBike and iSportWest.com the team has made a commitment to training and racing by the numbers. The riders have started the season using their newly supplied iAero® power meters and, according to Callville Bay Classic 2nd place finisher Chris DeMarchi, it’s already paying off, “The time trial at Callville Bay was the first time I used my iAero in an actual Time Trial. I had a fantastic ride with huge power and I owe it to the real-time, on-the-bike data from my iAero. Focusing on the real time data and suffering allowed me to ride on the limit but not blow up. The iBike is awesome.” DeMarchi was quick to point out that while not everyone’s results may be the same as his in Callville Bay, anyone using an iBike Power Meter can reap great rewards from training with power. more >
Chris DeMarchi (Amgen-UBS) on his way to winning the Tour de Murrieta Criterium.
photo © Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com
H2O Overdrive Triple Crown-Bonelli Race XC Wrap Up
3/16/10 - With over 765 Pro Men, Women and Amatuer starts, the opening round of the H2O Overdrive Triple Crown All Mountain Series proved to be a huge success. Saturday started off with fireworks in the Men’s Cross Country race, as a select group of seven riders went off the Front. That group contained all the heavy hitters, Sho-Air/Specialized’s Max Plaxton and Sid Taberlay, Maxxis/Rocky Mountain’s Geoff Kabush, Gary Fisher/Subaru’s Sam Schultz and JHK, CFR rider Jeremiah Bishop and Specialized’s Factory rider Todd Wells. These seven riders would set the tone of the H2O Overdrive cross country race. Subaru/Fisher’s JHK was the first to get popped late into lap one, but the scrappy veteran would fight all day getting back on to the freight train, only to get dropped when the front six made multiple accelerations. more >
Menzies and Tamayo Win Tour de Murrieta
3/15/10 - Karl Menzies secured the first ever overall win for the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team PB Maxxis, finishing 3rd in Sunday’s final stage to win the omnium at the Tour de Murietta. “The guys had another good day today,” said team directeur sportif Gord Fraser. “They worked really well together yesterday in the crit and again today in the road race. They’re executing really well, and the teamwork was critical to getting Karl the overall win against some strong competition.” Menzies opened up the three-day omnium, in which riders accumulate points for their stage placings, with 2nd in the time trial Friday behind teammate Rory Sutherland. He took over the top spot in the standings after earning points for his 13th place finish in Saturday’s Criterium. Fly V Australia’s Jonathan Cantwell won the Criterium and Road Race placing 2nd Overall, followed by Anibal Borrajo (Jamis/Sutter Home). In the women’s race, Katie Donovan (Incycle/Time to Track) won the Circuit Race and Lauren Tamayo (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12) won the Criterium, which gave her enough points to win the Overall GC. Shelley Evans (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12) placed 2nd overall and Pam Schuster (Incycle/Time to Track) took 3rd overall to round out the GC podium. Results >
Floyd Landis wears the new Bahati Foundation Pro Team kit at the Tour de Murrieta Crit.
photo © Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com
Celebrate the Surf City Cyclery Costa Mesa Store's Grand Opening this Weekend
3/15/10 - Surf City Cyclery invites you to celebrate the Grand Opening of Surf City Cyclery's newest location in Costa Mesa on March 20th and Sunday March 21st. In addition to Grand Opening savings, a vendor expo with representatives from Specialized, Cervelo, BMC, Speedplay, Mavic,Oakley, ION nutrition, Motortabs, Zipp, Shimano, SRAM will be on hand to answer all of your questions and show you the latest gear! Come talk to product designers from Specialized, and check out the race winning bikes of Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara. Customers who spend $50 or more will receive a free T-shirt and rewards booklet. Catering will be provided by Avanti Cafe and Caliente Mexican Grill. Come join the celebration! More Info >
Bahati Inspires at the Bahati Foundation Launch Event
By Christy Nicholson, SoCalCycling.com
3/14/10 - The Bahati Foundation Launch Event was held Friday evening at LA Live’s Club Nokia. The event was invitation only, but awarded many lucky fans the opportunity to attend through contests through the Bahati Foundation’s social media sites and select bike shops. The Launch was held at the trendy Club Nokia, which is located at the center of LA’s entertainment capital, LA LIVE, which will be the venue for Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California (Los Angeles Individual Time Trial).
Upon arriving, guests were treated to a VIP Experience and were able to GIVE BACK with a donation to the Bahati Foundation, as well as bid on a a one-of–a-kind hand painted Cannondale Super Six Hi-Mod that was created by Mike Giant and featured a graffiti design. The proceeds for the auction were donated to the Bahati Foundation. A second bike will be auctioned off on Ebay on April 23rd. As the evening went on, the event continued in the Nokia Theater for the Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team introduction, video presentation and musical performance. more >
Photo Gallery >
Rahsaan Bahati presents the team bike and kit with the help of Major Motion
Junior Development Team Members, Corey Williams and Aasin Taylor. More Photos >
photo © SoCalCycling.com
Sutherland and Clemence Win Tour de Murrieta Time Trial
3/13/10 - The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team PB Maxxis continued its preparations ahead of the first NRC race later this month in the opening time trial stage of the Tour of Murietta. Rory Sutherland led the charge to the top of the podium, with Karl Menzies and Roman Kilun taking the next two spots just three seconds back. Shane Buysee (SoCalCycling.com) finished in 5th place at 20 seconds back and was the top amateur. In the Women’s race, Ruth Clemence (Specialized Designs for Women) won the time trial with a fast time of 26:23, with Shelly Evans (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12) finishing in 2nd in a time of 27:02 and Lauren Tamayo in 3rd at 27:33. The Tour de Murrieta continues with a downtown criterium on Saturday.
Shane Buysse (SoCalCycling.com) put in a good ride at the Murrieta Time Trial
finishing as the highest placed amateur in 5th place.
photo © Mark Johnson/Ironstring.com
H2O Overdrive Triple Crown - Bonelli Park Preview
3/12/10 - On the eve of the inaugural H2O Overdrive Triple Crown opener at Bonelli Park, things are shaping up to be a fantastic event. The US Cup staff has been putting in the final touches on what has been hundred of man hours of redesigning the Bonelli Park course. Sunny skies and mild temps are on tap for the weekend, as the snow capped San Gabriel’s set a perfect back drop to the Southern California venue.
Pro XC Course: The H2O Overdrive Pro cross country course features a four mile loop, with six hundred plus feet of climbing per lap. There will be the addition of a special start loop used on the first lap only, to let the pack sort itself out, and hopefully help alleviate the all too often bottle neck, and subsequent hike a bike that follows. more >
Bahati Foundation-OUCH Youth Track Program is Announced
3/11/10 - The Bahati Foundation announces the Bahati Foundation-OUCH Youth Track Program. The Bahati Foundation has partnered with Brent Kay, M.D. and the OUCH Sports Medical Center to provide coaching, education and mentoring for talented youth from underserved communities within Los Angeles county. The program will focus on after-school and summer sessions held at AEG’s world-class Home Depot Center Velodrome. Widely recognized as America’s Track Cycling leader, Dr. Kay and OUCH bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the local community based program. “Our goal is to provide a unique experience for the local youth, one that is heavily weighted on education. We will strive to provide the tools for future success, both on and off the bike, by focusing on hard work, perseverance and dedication. “My goal is to develop character and a sense of professionalism in an effort to help these kids realize their biggest dreams.” Said Dr. Kay, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. The Bahati Foundation recognizes this program as the cornerstone of its cycling outreach programs. “Having started in cycling through a similar after-school program I am grateful for the support of Dr. Kay and the OUCH Sports Medical Center. It is exciting to be able to offer some of the same experiences and opportunities I had to kids today.” Said Rahsaan Bahati, founder of the Bahati Foundation. Dr. Brent Kay is the Executive Director of the OUCH Sports Medical Center in Temecula, CA. OUCH provides primary care sports medicine services with Board Certified Physicians. OUCH is the Official Sports Medicine supplier to the USA Cycling Elite Track World Championship Team. Dr. Kay mentors many of the world’s top cyclists as Physician, coach and advisor. More information is available at www.ouch1.com.
3/10/10 – The Rose Bowl Ride will formally start on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 5:55 PM and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The Rose Bowl Historic Ride Committee has been meeting throughout the off season with the PPD/RBOC/City of Pasadena in regard to the current state and future of the Rose Bowl Ride and has asked that those doing the ride read and sign the Rose Bowl Code of Conduct agreement, which will be distributed the first few weeks of the Ride. Everyone’s cooperation in following the Code of Conduct is imperative in order for the Rose Bowl Ride to continue.
Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team Bolsters Roster with Floyd Landis
3/9/10 – The Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team is proud to announce two new members and ambassadors for the Bahati Foundation. Floyd Landis and Josh Berry come onto the team just in time for the Bahati Foundation Launch and Pro Cycling Team Introduction this Friday, March 12th at one of the most exciting venues in downtown Los Angeles, Club Nokia. Floyd Landis, winner of the Tour de Georgia, the Tour of California, Paris-Nice, and many other international races, joins the team with a focus on the mission of the Bahati Foundation to support inner-city youth and garner positive attention through his success on the bike. “Cycling has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had, and I look forward to helping provide the same opportunities for less fortunate kids.” said Floyd Landis. Team General Manager, Steve Owens commented “We’re confident in Floyd’s commitment to being a powerful ambassador for the Bahati Foundation and supporting the team in winning marquee events like the Tour of California.” Josh Berry, a Portland, OR resident, comes to the program as a member of the US National Team in Cyclocross. Rahsaan Bahati and Floyd Landis will be at Helen’s Cycles at 2501 Broadway in Santa Monica, CA on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 5-7pm. They will present the one-of-a-kind Cannondale X Mike Giant graffiti bike that will be on auction at the Bahati Foundation Launch, discuss the Foundation outreach programs and offer invitations to the Bahati Foundation Launch and Pro Cycling Team Introduction on March 12th. For more information please go to www.bahatifoundation.org.
Belgian National Time Trial Champion Maxime Monfort at Paris-Nice.
photo © TDWSPORT.COM
Fly V Australia's Jonathan Cantwell gives a shout out to his sponsor after taking the win.
photo © Brian Hodes / Velo Images
HTC-Columbia Women Start Off the Season with a Hat-Trick
3/8/10 – Ina-Yoko Teutenberg won her second consecutive bunch sprint in Merced on Sunday taking out the 115km Foothills Road Race. The win rounded off the Hat-Trick for the team after winning the Team Trial Trial on Friday and the criterium on Saturday. Attacking solo in the first of three laps, Teutenberg held a 30 second gap for about 20km before being caught by the field. Finally the race ended in a bunch sprint, which she won from Shelley Evans and Kelly Benjamin. "I'm happy with the race," said Teutenberg. "We tried to be aggressive early and make the race hard. I was in a solo break early which was hard so I was happy to be able to sprint well at the end of the race. "The team did another great job going with breaks throughout the day but none of the breaks stuck so then they looked after me for the sprint at the end. "It was a good weekend of racing to start the season. I really enjoy racing in Merced. We have a weekend off now and then head down to San Dimas and Redlands.
Podium Sweep for Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling at Merco Crit, Teutenberg Wins
3/7/10 – The Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team started off their season impressively with a podium sweep at the Merco Criterium. Matty Rice (Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team) attacked a five man break that included Iggy Silva (Trek-Livestrong), Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell), Andrew Talansky (Cal Giant) and Philip Mooney (Yahoo). United-Healthcare was forced to chase and brought back the remainder of the break in the last corner. Matty Rice held the hard charging field off and Rahsaan Bahati and his Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team teammate Hilton Clarke sprinted to the line for 2nd and 3rd sweeping the podium. In the womens race, HTC-Columbia women took first and third place and the Merced Downtown criterium on Saturday. Ina Yoko-Teutenberg won the bunch sprint for the second year running from American Shelley Evans and HTC-Columbia's neo-pro Chloe Hosking. "It was nice to be able to pull on the sprint today," said Teutenberg. "It's always hard to judge your form before the first race of the season and I'm lacking top-end speed right now so I was a little nervous going into it. "The girls raced really well to control the race. Kim, Chloe and Evelyn were in every break and did the perfect lead out over the last few laps. It's also nice that Chloe was able to get on the podium after leading me out." After a serious crash with three laps remaining, the race was neutralized for 15 minutes. When the officials restarted the race, they increased the lap count to six. HTC-Columbia controlled the finish. On the last lap Anderson was setting the pace with Teutenberg on her wheel. Teutenberg let a gap open up forcing other teams to chase. Anderson was caught just before the last corner and Hosking set Teutenberg up for the sprint.
SoCalCycling.com Elite Team sponsor, Incycle Bicycles, drew a big crowd at their
Grand Opening for their new store in Rancho Cucamonga.
photo © SoCalCycling.com
Fly V Australia Takes Off In Beverly Hills
3/6/10 - Amidst Australian dignitaries, shapely flight attendants and a packed ballroom of invitation-only guests, sponsors and media, the Fly V Australia professional cycling team was unveiled Friday night at the posh Montage hotel in Beverly Hills. The Honorable Peter Beattie, Queensland's Trade Commissioner, was on hand to help introduce 10 of the team’s 15 riders, as well as Team Owner Chris White, Technical Director Ed Beamon and the team’s management and staff. Several of the Fly V Australia red, white and black De Rosa bicycles were on display as the backdrop for the ceremony.White beamed with pride as he told the audience gathered at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant that the second-year, Australian-registered team was doing things “a bit differently” in its quest to one day become a ProTour team and compete in the sport’s greatest races, including the Tour de France. more >
After the presentation, the Fly V Australia cycling team splashed
up a little fun with V Australia "cabin crew" members.
photo © Brian Hodes / Velo Images
Multi-National Track Cycling Champion Michelle Bono Loses Battle with Cancer
3/5/10 - Multi-National Track Cycling Champion Michelle Bono died February 23, 2010 following a two and one half year fight against pancreatic cancer. She was 47 years old. Michelle was a force to be reckoned with both on and off the bike. If she was told something was impossible she would find a way to make it possible. Her tenacity, determination, focus and, most of all, her willpower allowed her to achieve incredible things. Michelle came to competitive cycling in 2005 following years competing in various sports including horseback riding events, body building, and paddling. At her first Master’s National Track Championships Michelle placed first in the 200 meter Time Trial, second in the 500 meter Time Trial, 4 kilometer Time Trial, and Match Sprint events, third in Team Sprint, and fifth in the 2000 meter Time Trial. At the 2006 Master’s Track National Championships Michelle placed first in the 200 meter Time Trial, 500 meter Time Trial, and Match Sprint events. Two months later at the Elite National Track Championships Michelle placed third in Keirin, the first time she had ever raced this event. These would be impressive results for any seasoned racer. Michelle’s late introduction to track cycling made it even more impressive. In 2007, Michelle was diagnosed with cancer. Like she had done her whole life she put everything she had into the fight. Michelle went to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas for treatment. The chemotherapy regimen to shrink her cancerous tumor enough for surgery was brutal. Michelle was determined to get through it as quickly as possible so she could get back on her bike in time for the 2008 Master’s National Track Championships. Fourteen months later Michelle did just that achieving remission and earning another national champion’s jersey in Match Sprint. Cancer took an incredible toll on Michelle physically and financially. Her journey was helped along the way by family, friends, teammates, doctors, nurses, and the incredible care and support she received from Aishel House during her stay in Houston. In Michelle’s memory her teammates and friends invite everyone in the cycling community who knew her or are moved by her story to help them raise at least $6,000. This amount is enough to cover one year of care for an individual staying at Aishel House. All money donated in memory of Michelle Bono will be toward this cause. Help create a little mojo for Michelle with a donation to Aishel House.
Michelle Bono recently lost her battle to pancreatic cancer. Cycling coach Eddie Borysewicz
with Michelle at USA Cycling's 2006 Master's Track National Championships.
FloydLandis.com Web Site Launched
3/3/10 - The new FloydLandis.com web site is now online. The home page features a link to highlights of “Fraud, Lies and Corruption-How they convicted an innocent man” with images of Landis' Tour de France win. The web site states, "Floyd Landis brought the same competitive drive and focus he used to win the Tour de France to his anti-doping trial. Landis became the first athlete to ever make his anti-doping trial public and was hailed a hero in his stance for athletes' rights. His moral victory stands as a victory for athletes everywhere. Landis risked it all to prove his innocence in a brutal battle against the opposition’s “win at all cost” mentality. Landis’ courage resulted in a complete overhaul of a failed system." In recent weeks, Landis was on Larry King Live addressing an arrest warrant by the French for computer hacking, which he denies. This past weekend Landis rode a strong race for Team Ouch (without teammates) at the Callville Bay Classic, placing second overall.
Floyd Landis (Ouch) enjoys the showgirls of Vegas at the Callville Bay Classic.
photo © Brian Hodes / Velo Images
Velo Pasadena Hosts Ride With the Fly V Australia Team This Saturday
3/2/10 - The Fly V Australia professional cycling team is giving fans the opportunity to ride along Saturday as it tackles the route of a stage of this year’s Amgen Tour of California. Saturday’s ride leaves from the Velo Pasadena bicycle shop at 2562 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, Calif., at 10 a.m. Velo Pasadena is owned by former professional and Armenian national champion Hrach Gevrikyan. “It’s great to have Fly V Australia out to do this kind of stuff that we do a lot of,” Gevrikyan said. “We’ll accommodate the guys who are here to hammer, as well as the Average Joes, too.” The Fly V Australia roster consists of 10 Australians, two South Africans and one rider each from the United States, Canada and Italy. The second-year continental team is holding its training camp in Agoura Hills, Calif., this week. Saturday’s ride will serve as a reconnaissance of sorts for the team, which hopes to receive a berth in this year’s Amgen Tour of California. “Cycling is about community and the professional cycling arena is the streets and neighborhoods of Main Street,” Fly V Australia Team Owner Chris White said. “As athletes, we appreciate the support and enthusiasm of our followers and fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy the opportunity to share the fun and passion of riding with local riders in their community.” Saturday’s ride leaves Velo Pasadena at 10 a.m. and heads on Angeles Crest Highway toward Cloud Burst Summit, returning to Pasadena with a total distance of about 81 miles (130 km). Fans are welcome to join the team for all or part of the ride, or welcome to stop by the bicycle shop to meet the team before the ride begins.
SoCalCycling.com Continues to Sponsor Elite Men's Team in 2010
3/1/10 - SoCalCycling.com is proud to announce our continued support of our Elite Team for the seventh year in a row. We are excited to continue our partnership with our co-sponsors Bull BBQ and Echelon Design this season.
Team Director, Frank Sarate, has built the Elite Team to include nine Category 1/2 riders. The team is comprised of seasoned riders including; Frank Sarate, Chris McDonald, Ruben Meza, Martin Adamczyk, Waylon Smith, Julio Mollinedo and Rafael Lopez.
The team also includes two young riders under the age of 25 including Shane Buysse and Uriel Rayo. “I am very excited about the composition of the team. I'm excited to be working with a mix of seasoned riders and young, up and coming riders. We hope that our years of experience will help the younger riders with their development and cycling goals,” explained Frank Sarate. The SoCalCycling.com Elite Team competes in races in Southern California, as well as select NRC races.
The SoCalCycling.com Elite Team has started out 2010 with some great results already. Shane Buysse won the Time Trial and the Overall GC at the Valley of the Sun Stage Race in the Category 2 event. In addition, Chris McDonald stepped onto the podium at the Roger Millikan Criterium taking 3rd place after lapping the field in a breakaway. more >
The SoCalCycling.com Elite Team.