Cycling News

Cannondale Increases Sponsorship Commitment with Liquigas Pro Cycling in 2011
9/30/10 - Liquigas Sports S.p.A and Cannondale have announced that Cannondale will be the Co-Sponsor of the Liquigas Pro Cycling Team, effective January 1, 2011.  Cannondale has been a Technical Bicycle Sponsor for the past four years and team members have been riding Cannondale bikes since that time. This step is the next evolution of a partnership that was founded on the tradition of combining world-class cyclists with best-in-class bicycles and will feature an enhanced roster, increased marketing and sales support, and new Cannondale products.  “Cannondale has built itself on creating leading, innovative products. When riders in green and blue, like Ivan Basso, Peter Sagan, and Vincenzo Nibali, are regularly defeating the competition on Cannondale’s SuperSix Hi-Mod bikes, it is hard to deny Cannondale’s commitment to creating the perfect ride,” said Bob Burbank, General Manager of Cannondale. “Racing is in Cannondale’s DNA and Liquigas is one of the best racing teams in the world. We work closely with the Liquigas riders to provide us with invaluable feedback that is essential to our product development. We look forward to expanding on our relationship with Liquigas and continuing to push the status quo of Pro Tour road racing.” "During the past four years the relationship between Liquigas Sport and Cannondale exceeded a typical relationship between a team and its bicycle partner,” said Roberto Amadio, Liquigas Sport team manager.  “Cannondale has always allowed us to compete with a superb product while meeting the demands of the best riders in the world.  Next year, we enter a new phase in the team’s development as we continue to build a world-class team with the best race results as well as team management and sponsors. We're excited for this new opportunity and look forward to continuing working with Cannondale to create cycling history.” As tough as the bikes they ride, Liquigas riders have seen victories in 2010 from the Giro d’Italia to the Vuelta a España.  While riding Cannondale’s SuperSix Hi-Mod, the flagship of Cannondale’s outstanding road line, Liquigas team riders such as Ivan Basso and Vincenzo Nibali have used the bike’s explosive power transfer, smooth and confident handling and award-winning stiffness-to-weight ratio to help them attain stellar victories. Coming off of a solid 2010 season, there is no better time for both organizations to expand the partnership to form Liquigas-Cannondale for the 2011 season.

Cannondale will be the Co-Sponsor of the Liquigas Pro Cycling Team.
photo courtesy Cannondale

USA Cycling Pro Criterium National Championships Gets New Home and Format
9/30/10 - USA Cycling has announced Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the host site for the 2011/2012 USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships. Set for July 30 of 2011, the professional men's national championship race will operate in tandem with the Grand Cycling Classic. The 2011 edition will also mark a new era in American bike racing with only U.S. citizens allowed to participate in the pro criterium national championships. In previous editions, any rider who was a part of a UCI trade team could enter the race, with the first American crossing the line crowned the national champion. Following in the footsteps of the USA Cycling Professional Road and Time Trial National Championships, the professional criterium national championship event will permit only American cyclists to start. "Criterium-style bike racing is extremely popular in North America and the United States has many very talented criterium cyclists," said USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson. "Changing the format of this event to a stand-alone national championship limited to American riders is a great step that will eliminate the current and sometimes confusing disconnect between winning the race and winning the Stars-and-Stripes jersey. Now is the right time for this change, and Grand Rapids will provide the perfect venue to showcase our top American riders." The City of Grand Rapids was selected as host out of four strong, final candidate cities following a nationwide search and competitive bid process. The combination of proven experience, strong local sports commission support and solid sponsorship commitment helped the Grand Rapids bid stand out. The Grand Cycling Classic has been a strong event on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar since 2007 and consists of a classic six-turn criterium course in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. The route includes sections of the historic red brick street pavers, a renowned feature of the downtown business district.

Video: Contador Press Conference
9/30/10 – Alberto Contador gives a press conference in Spain where he explains why he believes he tested positive for Clenbuterol on July 21 during the Tour de France.

Alberto Contador Positive for Clenbuterol, B Sample Confirms Result
9/29/10 – Three time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador was notified on August 24th that he has tested positive for the banned steroid clenbuterol. The substance was found in a test taken on July 21, which was the second rest day. Contador is claiming the positive is due to food contamination. Jacinto Vidarte, Contador's spokesperson, said in a press release, "The experts consulted so far have agreed also that this is a food contamintion case, especially considering the number of tests passed by Alberto Contador during the Tour de France making it possible to define precisely both the time the emergence of the substance as the tiny amount detected, ruling out any other source or intentionally." The UCI has released the following statement, "The UCI confirmed today that Spanish rider Alberto Contador returned an adverse analytical finding for clenbuterol following the analysis of urine sample taken during an in competition test on 21st July 2010 on the second rest day of the Tour de France. This result was reported by the WADA accredited laboratory in Cologne to UCI and WADA simultaneously. The concentration found by the laboratory was estimated at 50 picograms (or 0,000 000 000 05 grams per ml). In view of this very small concentration and in consultation with WADA, the UCI immediately had the proper results management proceedings conducted including the analysis of B sample that confirmed the first result. The rider, who had already put an end to his cycling season before the result was known, was nevertheless formally and provisionally suspended as is prescribed by the World Anti-Doping Code. This case required further scientific investigation before any conclusion could be drawn. The UCI continues working with the scientific support of WADA to analyse all the elements that are relevant to the case. This further investigation may take some more time. In order to protect the integrity of the proceedings and in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code, the UCI will refrain from making any further comments until the management of this adverse analytical finding has been completed."

Alberto Contador (Astana) has tested positive. Will Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) win by default?
photo © Mitch Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

George Hincapie (BMC Racing Team) signs autographs for fans at Interbike.
photo © SoCalCycling.com

Join NOW-MS Society for a Night of Fun and Help Raise $200,000 to Fight MS
Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Sunday, October 3rd at 5pm at Bergamot Station
9/27/10 – NOW-MS Society cycling club is dedicated to fighting multiple sclerosis, a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. We ride to help those who cannot. On their own individual efforts, the team raised over $100,000 last year. They are hoping by hosting our first silent auction, they will double that effort in 2010! You can help us fight MS! Come join the cycling and endurance community on Sunday, October 3rd at 5pm at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica(2525 Michigan Avenue) for a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. All proceeds go to the MS Society, which not only helps with research; the MS Society educates and provides support for all people dealing with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. How can you buy tickets? It's easy-- by donating to the MS Society! Each $25 donation buys you one ticket to the event. Click here to submit your donations under the name Julie Guthrie, our Silent Auction Chair: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/julie.guthrie. Be sure to enter your name and it will automatically be added to the guest list with your donation amount ($25 = 1 ticket / $100 = 4 tickets). Tickets also can be purchased at the door. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Bring friends and the whole family for a night of fun, wine, appetizers and the opportunity to bid on incredible items and services. NOW-MS Society cycling club's title sponsor Phil Keoghan will be there, host of the Emmy Award winning CBS television series The Amazing Race. There’s even a rumor about a mini Time Trial race. The first 50 people through the door win a free yoga class courtesy of sponsor YogaWorks!

The NOW-MS Society U-25 Team is riding to fight Multiple Sclerosis.
photo © Kurt Stockton

Focus Bicycles Presents UCI Kross-toberfest Weekend
9/26/10 – More than just a race, UCI Kross-toberfest Weekend presented by Focus Bicycles, brings two days of world-class cyclocross competition, all-age bike events, classic bike show and swap meet to the picturesque Bonelli Park North Shore on October 2-3, 2010.  Fierce racing is sure to be seen as the first California UCI cyclocross event of the season brings some big names of cycling including 4-time Danish Champion Joachim Parbo, top-ranked elite crossers Chris Jones and U23 Zach McDonald (Rapha-Focus), Portland's Molly Cameron will bring some PNW flavor, Colorado's Chris Sheppard (Rocky Mountain/Shimano/Giro/TRP), top Canadian Craig Richey (CyclocrossRacing.com p/b Blue), HRS Rock Lobster will bring a full squad of elite men representing Nor Cal and will go bar to bar with SoCal’s best: Sid Taberlay (Sho-Air) Australian MTB World Champion, Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific), National CX Champion Mark Noble (Franco), along with the Gritters brothers Kyle and Brandon (Rock N' Road) and U23 Morgan Ryan of host TEAM SoCalCross.  This unique west coast mix will make for an exciting race. On the women' side, So Cal’s youth will shine already on the Pro level,sisters Kendall and Alexis Ryan (TEAM SoCalCross) and Coryn Rivera (Peanut Butter & Jelly) look to match up against Nor Cal's best CX Veteran's also National Champions, Sarah Kerlin (HRS/Rock Lobster) and Barbara Howe (Ibis Cycles). Look for more VIPs over the coming week!  It was Series Director Dorothy Wong's goal to increase the number of Western UCI elite races and try to bring some balance to the UCI calendar with so much of it going on East.  With the growth of the sport and the Prestige Series' popularity, it was a perfect time to bring UCI cyclocross racing West and especially back to California." More >

Video - Quiznos Pro Challenge Press Conference
9/24/10 – The Quiznos Pro Challenge held a press conference at Interbike in Las Vegas that unveiled their new logo and web site. Quiznos Ellen Kramer introduced pro riders Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Transitions) and George Hincapie (BMC Racing Team) along with former Coors Classic winner, Davis Phinney, who shared their excitement for the upcoming Colorado stage race.

Video - CrossVegas Pro Men's Race
9/23/10 – The Crowd goes nuts as the Pro Men tackle the run up at CrossVegas, which is held during Interbike.

Taylor Phinney, George Hincapie, Levi Leipheimer and Ben King field questions at the
press conference at the USA Cycling Pro Championships In Greenville.
Photo credit: USA Cycling/Casey B. Gibson

The Tony Cruz Dana Point Gran Fondo and Bike Launch Invites You to Attend
9/16/10 - US Olympian Tony Cruz and his business partner, notable research and design engineer Shane Fedon, would like to invite everyone to join them on a fun and challenging ride starting at the Alamitos Marina in Long Beach the morning of September 18th at 8am. The Gran Fondo route will take riders south to the city of Dana Point looping around the Challenging “Dana Point Gran Prix” time trial course at the far end and double back onto PCH north to our starting point at the marina. Riders are free to ride at their own pace and turn around at their leisure. The route has two rest stops where riders can buy some food and drink. The inaugural ride is 70 miles and does not include an entry fee.  Rest stops will be included in the ride at Laguna Beach/Starbucks on PCH and Laguna Canyon at the 25 mile mark and Corona Del Mar/ Rose’s Donuts on PCH at the at the 50 mile mark, where the ride will regroup for 15 minutes at each rest stop.  Riders are invited to join early for coffee and pastries at the start from Rossmoor Pastries starting at 7:15 in the Marina Parking lot. The route IS NOT a closed course, so all traffic laws and rules of the road apply for everyone participating. There will be a support vehicle for two groups in case of any mechanicals; A. fast riders and B. moderate riders. Cruz Industries hopes to see everyone out there for a great ride with friends and to help Tony and Shane celebrate their new venture as Cruz Industries. View course >.

In addition, the 2010 Cruz Industries Bike Launch will be held this Saturday evening from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm and will include a Public Launch Party and Gold Sprints with prizes and a raffle. The presentation will start at 8PM. This pre-interbike launch provides a look at the new bicycle line that has been inspired by professional cyclist Tony Cruz and industry design engineer, Shane Fedon, please RSVP for this event by e-mailing [email protected]. Invitation >

Tony invites you to join the Tony Cruz Dana Point Gran Fondo/Cruz Industries Launch.
photo © Allan Crawford

Bahati Foundation Supports World Bicycle Relief and Chicago Cubs Charities
9/14/10 - The weather was cool and soggy early on Saturday morning in Chicago but spirits were high as pro cyclist Rahsaan Bahati joined approximately 160 other cyclists for the inaugural “Wrigley Field Road Tour – 100 Miles to Go” Century Ride from Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, to Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The charity ride raised funding, awareness and support for World Bicycle Relief and Chicago Cubs Charities. Among the cyclists were SRAM Executive President F.K. Day and Chicago Cubs board member Todd Ricketts. Before the ride started, Bahati presented F.K. Day with a limited edition Cannondale SuperSix HI-MOD frame and fork with custom “graffiti” paint job by renowned graffiti artist, Mike Giant. The frameset was donated by the Bahati Foundation to raise funds for World Bicycle Relief and Chicago Cubs Charities. “To see over 160 riders raising thousands of dollars for World Bicycle Relief and Chicago Cubs Charities was awesome,” Bahati said. “But to see that group of riders riding in the rain for 100 miles was impressive. It made my experience even more memorable. It was well worth the small sacrifice I made knowing that our efforts will tremendously benefit many people in Zambia with sturdy bicycles provided by World Bicycle Relief and kids in Chicago positively affected by Chicago Cubs Charities.”

Rahsaan Bahati donated a Cannondale Graffiti SuperSix HI-MOD to SRAM Executive
President F.K. Day to Support World Bicycle Relief and Chicago Cubs Charities.
photo © Marco Colbert

Interbike Moves Back to Anaheim
9/13/10 – According to Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, Interbike, the largest U.S. bicycle trade show, will be moving from Las Vegas and coming back to Anaheim in 2011. The dates will run five days from August 8 through August 12. The  Outdoor Demo is tentatively set to be held at Irvine Regional Park the first two days and then the trade show will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center August 3  through August 5th. Interbike was last held in Anaheim in 1997 and has been held in Las Vegas since 1998. According to Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, “In early April organizers told Bicycle Retailer & Industry News they planned to move the show to early August to coincide with earlier buy/sell cycles. The show’s venue came into question later on, and Salt Lake City, Utah, and Anaheim, California, emerged as the two best options.”

A colorful display occurs as riders compete on the San Diego Velodrome.
photo © Mark Johnson / Ironstring.com

Former Professional Cyclist Antonio "Tony" Cruz Launches New Bike Company
9/11/10 – Antonio Cruz, One of America’s most prominent professional cyclists over the past two decades, today announced the launch of Cruz Industries, a new bicycle company focused on re-defining high-end bike innovation and design for professional cyclists as well as cycling enthusiast. Partnering with one of the industry’s top research and design engineers, Shane Fedon, the designer behind the lauded Fuji D6 tt/tri bike, and Fuji SST, as well as Rock Racing’s X-1/X-2 and 4815. Cruz will take aim at the high-end boutique bikes with designs that “are out of the box with no compromises.” Cruz, who was signed to the Rock Racing professional cycling team for the 2010 season was forced into early retirement after the team folded, and seized the opportunity. “The change in plans created the perfect situation to launch the company,” says Cruz. “Shane and I were both looking for a new challenge and we both have a lifelong passion for the sport. I knew that together, we could create something incredible and push the limits of bike design and technology.” more >

Mountain Biking: Specialized Invitational Finals This Sunday at Bonelli Park
9/10/10 - The 2nd annual Specialized Invitational Finals presented by H2O Overdrive will take place this weekend on Sunday September 12th at Bonelli Park, in San Dimas, California. For this race, all competitors including amateurs will get to race the exact same cross country course used earlier in March for the H2O Overdrive Triple Crown Pro cross country race. Also up for grabs on the weekend are two individual titles. The first being the Specialized Invitational title and the other being the One Day California State Cross Country championships.  This allows riders to compete for two highly sought after crowns all on the same weekend.  The Specialized Invitational has invited all riders who have raced in a US Cup sanctioned event in 2010, which includes the H2O Overdrive Triple Crown, the Kenda Cup West Series or a Kenda Cup Qualifier event.  The One Day California State Championships are open to all riders as well, with no prior qualification necessary. “Our goal at the US Cup is to simplify the mountain bike race calendar, so racers get more value in these tough economic times,” comments US Cup marketing director Ty Kady. “Doubling up with Team Big Bear to present their One Day California State Cross Country champions seems to make sense to us, and we hope the racers appreciate the merger too.”

The riders will enjoy spectacular views at the Specialized Invitational Finals.

National Championship Events Move to New Host Cities
9/9/10 - USA Cycling announced the host cities and dates for two of its 2011 and 2012 national championships events. Sun Valley, Idaho will host the USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships and Augusta, Georgia will hold the USA Cycling Juniors, U23, Elite & Paralympic Road National Championships for the next two years.  In effort to better meet the needs of endurance and gravity athletes alike, USA Cycling will split the cross country and gravity portions of the mountain bike national championships into two separate events beginning in 2011. In its first two years at its very own venue, the 2011 and 2012 USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in Sun Valley, Idaho. The event will be organized by Breakaway Promotions and will include the Olympic-style cross country, short track cross country, and Super D competitions. All categories of racers will compete on the trails of Sun Valley for Stars-and-Stripes jerseys during the UCI-mandated dates of July 14-17, 2011. After two years in Bend, Oregon, the USA Cycling Junior, U23, Elite Road Nationals will move to Augusta, Georgia. The city of Augusta, Georgia won the bid to host the USA Cycling Juniors, U23 & Elite Paralympic Road National Championships for the next two years. In Augusta, national titles will be awarded in each category for the road race, criterium, and individual time trial competitions. The 2011 event will take place June 21-26 while the 2012 edition is slated for June 18-24. More information will be announced about the USA Cycling Juniors, U23, Elite & Paralympic Road National Championship in coming months. The USA Cycling Juniors, U23, Elite & Paralympic Road National Championships and the USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships are the third and fourth 2011 national championship events announced by USA Cycling so far this summer. They are in addition to the announcement that the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships and the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships will be held in Bend, Ore for 2011 and 2012.

Brett Clare Earns Star n' Stripes in the Masters National Kilo Championships
9/8/10 - B&L Bikes athlete Brett Clare brings home the Masters National Kilo Championships title from Master's National and two top five finishes. After taking two laps on the field in the points race Thursday morning, Brett finished up fourth in the highly contested 45-49 Points race.  Friday brought on the 3k Individual Pursuit which was an even stronger showing for Brett finishing second behind former National Team Pursuit member Chris Carlson. Sunday was the final day of racing that included the Kilo for Brett, who finished on the top step of the podium this time.

Brett Clare (B&L Bikes) brings home the Masters National Kilo Championships title.

Traffic Laws to be Enforced on the Bud’s Ride and to All Cyclists at Bonelli Park
By Christy Nicholson, SoCalCycling.com
9/8/10 - The San Dimas Sheriff’s Department has taken over for the Park Police at Bonelli Park and will be enforcing traffic laws to ALL cyclists that ride around this very popular lake loop. The Sheriff’s Department has indicated that they will be ticketing riders that run stop signs and stop lights, as well as enforcing a 25 mph speed limit through the Park between the two guard shacks.

As the Bud’s Ride winds down for the year, we have been stopped the last two Wednesdays by a Sheriff’s Deputy to inform us of their intention to enforce the traffic laws, but also explain their desire to work with the Bud’s Ride so that it can continue as a Group Ride in the future. That being said, the Sheriff asked that when we approach the stop signs that we slow down to a near stop, but don’t have to put our foot down (providing it is safe - if traffic is coming then obviously definitely stop!). He also asked that we stop at red lights and to go the 25 mph speed limit through the Park between the two guard shacks.

These are some simple rules, that if followed and respected will allow the Bud’s Ride (and the valuable training it provides) to continue for another 25 years and make riding around Bonelli Park enjoyable for all. On a side note, the LA County Fair will be going on until October 3rd, so be prepared for more traffic than normal and ride with extra caution.

Vic McQuaid, Antony Galvan and TC Valentine won the 40-49 National Team Sprint title
for the second year in a row with a time of 49.2. Next up is the Elite National Championships.

U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer to Speak at Interbike Press Conference
9/7/10 - Interbike announced that it will open its 2010 International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas with a special press conference featuring keynote speaker U.S. Representative and Congressional Bike Caucus founder Earl Blumenauer of Oregon. Interbike Show Director Andy Tompkins and Bikes Belong Coalition (BBC) President Tim Blumenthal will introduce the congressman and make a few brief remarks. The purpose of the press conference is to welcome the industry to Interbike 2010, share information about the industry's show and its future direction, and hear from Blumenauer and Blumenthal on the state of cycling legislation and future government activity on behalf of bicycling. Blumenauer's visit comes at a critical time as the U.S. government continues to work on the next transportation bill, which will set the tone for cycling infrastructure investments during the next six years. The Congressman will outline where bicycling stands, and where it's going. He will pinpoint what the industry can do to support the cause.  Following the press conference, Blumenauer will spend the day at Interbike visiting with the industry. The press conference will be held Wednesday, September 22, 8:00 a.m. in Casanova Room 603, which is on Level One of the Venetian Las Vegas. All show attendees are invited to attend.

Kevin Phillips (Team Ironfly) won a silver medal in the 35-39 3k Pursuit at Masters Track Nationals.
photo © Cliff Phillips

Team TIBCO announces Team TIBCO Junior Women's Squad
9/4/10 - Linda Jackson, Founder of the TIBCO Women’s Professional Cycling Team, announced the formation of a new junior women’s cycling team, to be mentored by members of the TIBCO/To the Top professional team. Rob Jensen, a Northern California-based junior cycling coach, will direct the new team. The California-based Team TIBCO Juniors squad will focus on competing at the national and international level. The team will be led by four U.S. Junior National Champions: Katrina Howard (age 14) of Fresno, Tara McCormick (15) of Long Beach, Claire Jensen (14) of Los Altos, and Skylar Schneider (12) of West Allis, WI. Skylar is the younger sister of Team TIBCO/To the Top pro Samantha Schneider, the two-time U23 national criterium champion and recent winner of the 2010 NRC finale, the Chris Thater Memorial Criterium. The four team leaders have combined for 13 National Championships on the Road and Track, led by Howard with eight. Additionally, McCormick is the National Record holder for the 500m Time Trial in both the 13-14 and 10-12 age groups. “This fantastic group of junior women have all achieved national individual success without teammates or team tactics,” Jensen said. “ The Team TIBCO pro and elite women are so excited to mentor and share their knowledge with our new juniors. Our goal is to help them grow to new levels, so they can make a big splash on the international cycling scene for USA Cycling in the future.” The new squad is looking to bring on an additional four to six junior women for 2011. Any California based junior woman interested in being considered for the squad should send her resume to [email protected] before September 21st.

 Brandon Gritters (Williams Wheels/SC Velo) strings out the field at the San Clemente Criterium.
photo © SoCalCycling.com

Team Sky's Soigneur Txema González Dies from Bacterial Infection
9/3/10 -  Team Sky has reported the death of their soigneur Txema González, aged 43. Team principal Dave Brailsford spoke for the whole of Team Sky when he said: "We are devastated to report that Txema tragically passed away on Friday evening in hospital in Seville. His close family were with him." Team Sky's Head of Medical Dr Steve Peters explained: "Txema contracted a bacterial infection which entered the bloodstream and developed into sepsis. The toxins from this had damaged the organs in his body and he went into septic shock and unfortunately succumbed to that. I should also clarify that this bacterial infection has nothing to do with the viral infection which many of the team have suffered with in Spain, causing stomach upset." Brailsford paid tribute to a hugely popular member of the Team Sky staff, adding: "Txema will be remembered as a warm-hearted colleague who was a joy to work with and was universally respected by our team and throughout the pro cycling scene. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Team Sky soigneur Txema González.

Team Helen’s 8th Wonder Cycling Challenge Aims to Raise $100,000 to Fight Cancer
September 26th charity ride and barbeque in Malibu to benefit LIVESTRONG
9/2/10 -  Everyone has been touched by cancer.  Whether it’s a family member, friend, colleague, acquaintance, or even yourself, no one is unaffected by the merciless killer.  A Santa Monica-based cycling club wants to do something to help the twenty-eight million people currently living with the dreaded disease.  On Sunday, September 26th, Team Helen’s 8th Wonder Cycling is holding a charity bike ride and barbeque at Calamigos Ranch Malibu with proceeds going to LIVESTRONG.  The Team Helen’s 8th Wonder Cycling Challenge has the goal of raising $100,000 through donations, event registrations, and the purchase of raffle tickets. Cyclists of all abilities will challenge themselves to ride as many nine-mile circuits as they can complete in the verdant rolling hills surrounding the Malibu Country Club starting at 8 AM at the corner of Latigo Canyon Road and Mulholland Drive and finishing at the same location by 1 PM.  This special day for the family includes a fully catered, all-you-can-eat barbeque and sundae bar along with a cash bar for adults that opens at 12 PM at the Calamigos Ranch Malibu (327 S. Latigo Canyon Road in Malibu, California), a bouncy for the kids and prize giveaways.  There are three ways to participate in this effort to raise funds for LIVESTRONG.  First, purchase a $50.00 ticket to ride and enjoy the barbeque picnic.  Riding is not mandatory and everyone is welcome to buy an event ticket.  Those who do wish to ride are encouraged to register on the “Join Our Team” section, so that they may solicit donations from family, friends, and co-workers.  Lastly, online raffle tickets can be purchased for $20 from anywhere in the world (you do not need to be present to win) for a chance to win one of three prizes donated by Helen’s Cycles: Trek Madone 6 series LIVESTRONG Unity carbon frame and fork, CycleOps 300 Pro Indoor Cycle and a SRAM Red eight-piece gruppo.  Only five hundred tickets per item are available.  More info >

Slipstream Sports Announces More Additions to 2011 Team Roster
9/1/10 – Slipstream Sports today announced six additions to the 2011 roster, marking the remaining Cervélo TestTeam riders to join the newly formed Team Garmin-Cervélo. Roger Hammond (UK), Heinrich Haussler (AUS), Andreas Klier (GER), Brett Lancaster (AUS), Daniel Lloyd (UK) and Gabriel Rasch (NOR) will join teammate Thor Hushovd (NOR) in 2011. These seven will be joining Garmin riders including Tyler Farrar, Ryder Hesjedal, Christian Vande Velde, David Zabriskie and Dan Martin. “Team Garmin-Cervélo’s roster will be strong and versatile,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports. “All of these riders bring a lot of experience to what’s already a great team. I’m proud of what we’ve done since 2008, and I’m excited for what we’ll do in 2011.”

Sergio Hernandez (Jelly Belly) outsprinted Eric Marcotte (Team Pista Palace) at the San Clemente
Criterium. The San Clemente Crit was a new event that provided a challenging and fun course.
photo © SoCalCycling.com