Bootleg Canyon's Brent Thompson Fundraiser

Donations to PayPal Account Requested to Offset Enormous Hospital Bill from Quad Bypass Surgery

Those who have participated in Interbike’s Outdoor Demo Days know the tortuous trails of Bootleg Canyon all too well. Earlier this week, Brent Thomson, Bootleg Canyon’s Trail Master, suffered a heart attack and underwent quadruple bypass surgery on January 14th. To help offset the healthcare cost, a PayPal account has been set up for those willing to contribute.

Boulder City, NV - Brent Thomson, Godfather and Trail Master of Bootleg Canyon suffered a heart attack last Saturday while riding the trails that he has famously cut into the mountains surrounding Boulder City, a stones throw from Las Vegas, Nevada.

While he is currently resting under doctors care in the hospital, Brent is scheduled for the second Quadruple bypass in his life. Sixteen years ago he had the same surgery performed due to an unusually high hereditary cholesterol build-up.

Brent's Job Provides No Health Insurance - PayPal Donations Needed
"I try to stay in reasonable shape, and was even riding when I started to feel chest pain and severe shortness of breath," says Thomson.

"My assistant Andrew helped me out and my son Barret got me to the hospital pretty quickly. Now I'm just waiting to go under the knife."

While everyone who has ridden the trails at Bootleg can attest, Brent's dedication to creating, maintaining and promoting the trails of Bootleg Canyon has created one of the most lauded riding areas in the Southwest. Unfortunately his position comes without a health insurance policy.
Brent's hospital expenses are estimated to grow to hundreds of thousands of dollars, so any help that his friends in the bicycle industry can provide will be graciously appreciated.

Click on the link below to donate securely with Debit, Credit, PayPal and Bank accounts. It is simple, quick and safe. Brent's family and friends send you appreciation in advance.

Click HERE to help support Brent Thomson

Feel free to send get well wishes to St. Rose Dominican Hospital - San Martin ER c/o Brent Thomson, 8280 West Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89113, and call Brent at 702.204.7810.

Signed Garmin Jersey Auction Benefits Just Go Harder Foundation

BOULDER, Colo. – Time is running out to bid on a one-of-a-kind piece of cycling memorabilia that will raise money for pro cyclists Ian MacGregor and Timmy Duggan's "Just Go Harder Foundation" that supports youth mentoring and participation.

An official Garmin pro-issue jersey featuring the signatures of racers on the 2008 roster of Team Garmin-Chipotle presented by H30 is up for bid on eBay. In addition to Christian Vande Velde's fourth-place finish at the Tour de France, Garmin won the team time trial at the Giro d'Italia and Vande Velde donned the pink jersey.

One-hundred percent of the profits from the jersey auction go to the Just Go Harder Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization that relies on fundraising and donations to offset the costs of sport and mentorship program fees. MacGregor and Duggan launched the foundation in 2007 to help deserving young adults enrich their lives through mentorship and participation in cycling and skiing.

"Timmy and I both realize how much the opportunity to ski and race our bikes – as well as the influence of mentors and coaches – shaped our lives," MacGregor said. "It wasn’t the free skis or cross-country trips to races that made a difference. Rather, it was the opportunity to enjoy the satisfaction of competing in the sport and being around mentors who genuinely cared."

Bids are being accepted at: http://tinyurl.com/8byj9o. The auction closes the night of Tuesday, Jan. 13. More information on bidding and shipping costs is available on the eBay page.

Mechanic Victorious, Team Type 1's Wilson Fifth At Australian Road Championships

Victoria, Australia – Team Type 1's Matt Wilson finished fifth in Sunday's Scody Australian Open National Road Championships, 20 seconds behind surprise winner Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche Cycling).

McDonald, a 30-year-old bicycle mechanic, won a three-up sprint against a pair of riders from Team Columbia, Michael Rogers and Adam Hansen, who finished second and third, respectively. Rogers was looking to add the national road title to the individual time trial championship he won earlier this week, while Hansen was the silver medalist in last year's race.

Wilson, the 2004 Australian national road champion, arrived at the finish of the 101-mile (163 km) race 11 seconds behind fourth-place finisher Cameron Meyer. Only 45 of the more than 125 starters finished the race.

In the Scody Under 23 Men's Road Race, Team Type 1's Fabio Calabria finished 16th as Jack Bobridge (Team AIS) won his second gold medal of the week in dramatic fashion.

Bobridge sprinted clear of three breakaway companions after suffering a fall midway through the 76-mile (122 km) race. He was also victorious in the Mars Australia Men's Under 23 Time Trial.

Calabria, one of four riders on Team Type 1's 2009 squad who has Type 1 diabetes, was part of a group of 16 riders that finished one minute and 45 seconds behind the winner.

Material used was taken from a Team Type 1 press release

Photos: Courtesy of Team Type 1

Louis Garneau To Sponsor Team Type 1

Six years after the sponsorship of the Saturn Professional Cycling Team, Louis Garneau is proud to once again partner with Tom Schuler, founder of Team Sports, Inc. and General Manager of Team Type 1.

The helmet and apparel sponsorship of Team Type 1, the only professional cycling team in the world with a mission to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes, will represent a milestone in Louis Garneau history and a stepping stone of brand development similar to impact the Saturn Professional Cycling Team bestowed on Louis Garneau.

This partnership will represent the largest commitment Louis Garneau has made to the cycling industry because not only does it associate with one of the top UCI Domestic Based Men's Team, but in 2009 Team Type 1 is expanding to include a triathlon team, a developmental squad, a women's professional squad and two teams for the Race Across America (RAAM): Team Type 1 and Team Type 2.

"The concept of supporting a group of athletes that represent all levels of cycling and triathlon is the exact match for Louis Garneau who markets our brand as the 'Cycling and Triathlon Solution,'" says Pierre Perron, Marketing Director.

The pro team will be geared in up in some of the most technological and innovative clothing and helmets available including:

Carbon Ion Equipe Jersey - Developed for riders demanding a streamlined fit, the ultimate in styling, and fabrics that meet the test for comfort and maximum performance. High performance fit intended for pro cyclists. Extremely lightweight and quick drying. Radio pocket inside center back pockets are elasticized for a secure fit. Flatlock seams eliminate abrasion.

Power Bibs - Power Lycra base optimizes muscle performance, supports blood circulation, and is perfect for high intensity rides. Powermesh upper back is a skin-friendly mesh with compression properties to enhance performance. Conventional gripper is replace by a compressive Powerband that reduces lower leg pressure, provides muscle support, and does not restrict blood circulation. Contrasting flatlock seams are less abrasive and provide a "pro" look. Airgel Chamois.

Diamond Helmet - The Diamond represents our greatest achievement in helmets. At 285 grams and over 40 vents, we have designed a helmet to out perform the competition. Through patented technology, we have unleashed an absurd amount of ventilation while still meeting safety standards.

Superleggera Helmet - Our designers call the Superleggera, the pinnacle of TT helmet evolution. The Superlegegra once again pushes the limits of performance through the study of laminar airflow, weight reduction, and redistribution of weight to allow for a longer aero position.

Speed Skinsuits - The most aerodynamic fabric on the market for speeds of 15 to 45 mph. Optimal muscle support, supports blood circulation, wicks moisture, this one-piece skin is built for speed. With a sublimated power gripper that reduces lower leg pressure and provides muscle support. Speed Tech fabric's dimpled mesh construction allows for increased ventilation and comfort, but also reduces drag and improves aerodynamics.

Team Type 1 is the only professional cycling team in the world with a mission to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes. In 2009, Team Type 1 is expanding to include a triathlon team, a developmental squad, a women's professional squad and two teams for the Race Across America (RAAM): Team Type 1 and Team Type 2. The athletes with diabetes in these programs serve as examples that diabetes can be controlled through diet, exercise and the use of the best treatment and technology available today.

Team Type 1 Pro Team Roster includes:

2009 Men's Team

Director Sportif: Vassili Davidenko (RUS)
Assistant Director: Gord Fraser (CAN)
General Manager: Tom Schuler (USA)
Assistant Manager: Marc Colbert (USA)
Head Soigneur: Bill Haelsen (USA)
Assistant Soigneur/ Logistics: Sergey Davidenko (RUS)
Head Mechanic: Doug Berner (USA)
Mechanics: Chris Davidson (USA), Alex Banyay (USA)

Riders: ALDAPE CHAVEZ, Moises (MEX); ANTHONY, Jesse (USA); *CALABRIA, Fabio (AUS); *ELDRIDGE, Joe (USA); ESCUELA, Ricardo (ARG); HANSON, Ken (USA); HOLT, Dan (USA); ILESIC, Aldo Ino (SLO); JONES, Chris (USA); KOBZARENKO, Valeriy (UKR); LILL, Darren (RSA); MACGREGOR, Ian (USA); MILNE, Shawn (USA); *SOUTHERLAND, Phil (USA); *VAN den EYNDE, Willem (BEL); WILSON, Matt (AUS).

* indicates riders with Type 1 diabetes


Jack Seehafer leads an expanded women's squad for the 2009 season. Last year, the duo of Morgan Patton and Monique Hanley made history at the Kelly Cup in Maryland by what is believed to be the the first time two female athletes with Type 1 diabetes have finished on the podium of a national-level women’s bicycle race. Patton and Hanley finished second and third, respectively. Patton has lived with Type 1 the past 13 years while Hanley was diagnosed with Type 1 11 years ago.

Joining them on the squad will be the wily veteran Jen Mc Rae, formerly of Team Advil, who we last saw taking the victory at the USA Crits Series finale in Las Vegas last Fall; one of the best and brightest young riders on the national scene, Alison Powers, formerly of Colavita/Sutter Home; and the precocious talent of Samantha Schneider, fomerly of Mesa Cycles, among others.

2009 Women's Team

Director Sportif: Jack Seehafer (USA)

Riders: BALDERAS, Veronica Leal (MEX); CROWELL, Jacquelyn (USA); *HANLEY, Monique (AUS); MC RAE, Jennifer (USA); *PATTON, Morgan (USA); POWERS, Alison (USA); SCHNEIDER, Samantha (USA); KELLY, Kori (USA).

*indicates riders with Type 1 diabetes

Team Type 1's Elite/Development Team is exclusive to athletes with Type 1 diabetes and will form the basis of this year's squad for RAAM. The squad while also compete in a number of amateur cycling events nationwide (including road racing, mountain biking and cyclocross).

Elite Team Manager: Bob Schrank (USA)
Development Team Manager: Timothy Powell (USA)
RAAM Crew Chief: Dave Eldridge (USA)

Riders: BANNINK, Jeff (USA); BENNETT, Simon (AUS); BOWDEN, Alex (USA); BROOKS, Matt (USA); DRISCOLL, Adam (USA); HARGRAVE, Tim (NZL); KNABE, Lonny (USA); MEAD, Andy (USA); POWELL, Timothy (USA); ROSE, Kyle (USA); SCHRANK, Bob (USA); SPONSEL, Alistair (USA/GBR); SUPRENANT, Mark (USA); WHITE, Kerry (AUS).

2008 Team Type 1 Triathletes
(Athletes have Type 1 diabetes)

Athletes: BARTELS, Nathan (USA); ELY, Laura (USA); GILDON, Bradford (USA); HEYER, Bobby (USA); KINGERY, Tom (USA); LOVETT, Mandy (USA); PAST, Angela (CAN); POWELL, Kevin (USA); SCHERB, Cliff (USA); VOGEL, Matt (USA).

The success of Team Type 1 paved the way for the creation of Team Type 2 for 2009. This eight-person team comprised entirely of cyclists who live with Type 2 diabetes will compete in the Race Across America endurance bicycle race.

Manager: Bob Avritt (USA)

Riders: AVRITT, Bob (USA); ANDERSON, John (USA); CHAISSON, Bob (USA); CLEVELAND, Lawrence (USA); COWLEY, Peter (USA); DOLAN, Tim (USA); THUL, Mark (USA); VOORHEES, Dennis (USA).

Some material used for this post were taken from a Louis Garneau press release

Photo: Kurt Jambretz (www.actionimages.cc)

Ritchey Design Utilizes Social Networking Site to Increase Awareness for Project Rwanda

I know what you're thinking...not another social networking site! I can barely keep up with Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, CyclistVillage, and YourCycling. But how many social networking sites offer you the opportunity to turn your exercise routines into contributions for a non profit organization as worthwhile as Project Rwanda.

Ritchey partnership with Plus 3 Network helps members make "every mile count" towards bettering the economic development of Rwanda


SAN CARLOS, Calif. - Ritchey Design, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality road and mountain bike components, today announced it is working with Plus 3 Network, a beta social networking Web site, to increase awareness and fundraising efforts for the nonprofit organization, Project Rwanda.

By selecting Ritchey Design as a sponsor, Plus 3 members can choose to raise money for Project Ritchey Proj. Rwanda Rwanda with every mile they ride, walk, run or swim. The relationship between Ritchey and Project Rwanda went live on www.plus3network.com on January 7, 2009.

"Project Rwanda, while near and dear to the hearts of many cyclists in the industry, is also gaining support from thousands of individuals who simply recognize the power of a bicycle," said Steve Parke, general manager and vice president of marketing for Ritchey Design. "We are confident our partnership with Plus 3 Network will help connect active individuals everywhere with a very worthwhile cause."

Founded by Tom Ritchey after a compelling personal visit to Rwanda in 2005, Project Rwanda is committed to the concept that the bicycle can be an important tool in rebuilding a country, fostering national pride and addressing local issues facing Rwanda and other African nations.

"In the last two years, Project Rwanda has specifically helped Rwandan coffee farmers through our coffee bike program by providing a tool - our bike - that allows them to change the structure of their work day in a way that benefits their lives and the lives of their families and communities," said Susan Brown, executive director for Project Rwanda. "The contributions and awareness we gain from the partnership with Ritchey and Plus 3 Networks will help us continue this mission."

Individuals who would like to turn their regular (or irregular) fitness routines into a contribution to Project Rwanda can sign up to become a member of the Plus 3 Network at http://plus3network.com/user/signup.

For questions about how the relationship between sponsors like Ritchey and Plus 3 Network is helping dozens of nonprofit organizations garner more attention and funding, please visit http://plus3network.com/home/faq.

Life Is What Happens...

...While You're Busy Making Other Plans.

If you've followed the Triple Crankset, the above quote attributed to John Lennon sort of sums up the recent nature of the site. Though we won't bore you with the gory details, suffice it to say that the site hasn't exactly been completely dormant (even though it may just seem that way).

Over the past several months, T-o-03 has manned our Publish2 Triple Crankset Newsgroup. Publish2 is a medium that powers "link journalism," or "linking to reporting or sources on the web to enhance, complement, or add more context to original reporting."

It allows us to bring you articles from a wide variety of cycling and mainstream media outlets that you may not exactly run across on a daily basis, while helping us build up a huge library of topic related links.

Our newsgroup can be found on the inner right rail (see inset) and will soon be linked to our Twitter page (which also needs some attention) as well.

In another bit of house cleaning news, we will be cleaning out the queue in the month of January. So stories, articles, race and technologic write-ups that we intended to post before "life happened" will be intermingled with more current material.

Also be on the lookout for other new features, new interviews, and a site redesign in the near future.

We will also be "heading back to Cali" in the new year as we have once again been credentialed for the Amgen Tour of California in February.  I'm not envisioning a Lance Armstrong tête-à-tête, but it certainly would be fun to get an exclusive during his first major road race on North American soil since deciding to come out of retirement.

In any event, we hope you'll join us for the upcoming racing season and beyond.  

Team Type 1 Announces New Directors For 2009

Atlanta — Team Type 1 has hired a new director sportif, Vassili Davidenko, and a new assistant director, Gord Fraser, for the 2009 season.

Davidenko was Team Type 1’s assistant director last year under Ed Beamon, who is not returning.

“We were very fortunate to have someone with Ed’s experience to help guide us down the path of success in our first year,” said Team Type 1 General Manager Tom Schuler. “With Vassili and Gord, we have two former pros who can also relate well to the challenges a rider faces on and off the bike.”

Davidenko, 38, brings more than a quarter-century of bicycle racing experience to the team. During his 14 years as a professional, he won the Russian national road (1996) and cyclocross (1998) titles and was a silver medalist in the 1988 Junior World Road Race Championships. He also represented Russia at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and won the Athens Twilight Criterium in 2005 and 2006.

Fraser raced professionally for 13 seasons and represented Canada in three Olympic Games and five Commonwealth Games. A veteran of the Tour de France, the 40-year-old works for Carmichael Training Systems. He helped the revolutionary training system developed by Chris Carmichael open a regional training center in Tucson, Ariz.

Team Type 1 is the only professional cycling team in the world with a mission to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes. It was created in 2004 by two racers with Type 1 diabetes, Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge. The pair led the squad to back-to-back victories in the Race Across America (RAAM) in 2006 and 2007 before joining Fabio Calabria and Timothy Hargrave as two of four professional riders with Type 1 diabetes on the roster in 2008.

Last year, Team Type 1 won 45 races, including team titles at the Vuelta Mexico and Tour de Beauce.

Southerland said the team hopes to build on that success by being a part of the field at the Amgen Tour of California in February.

“With everything that we accomplished last year, we certainly set the bar high for what lies ahead in 2009,” he said. “But with a solid management team in place, we are well on our way toward accomplishing our goal of participating in the Tour de France by 2012.”

In 2009, Team Type 1 is expanding to include a triathlon team, a developmental squad, a women's professional squad and two teams for the Race Across America (RAAM): Team Type 1 and Team Type 2. The athletes with diabetes in these programs serve as examples that diabetes can be controlled through diet, exercise and the use of the best treatment and technology available today.

Photo: Courtesy Team Type 1

Race Reduced, Women Anything But Forgotten?

A few days ago, the President of AEG, Andrew Messick, provided what some believed to be a rather generic and “meaningless” quote following the news that the 2009 Amgen Tour of California Women’s race had been effectively reduced from three days down to one.

Tonight, I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Roth, Vice President of Communications for AEG, regarding the situation. Although it had been widely reported that the cities of Sacramento and San Jose pulled out of hosting the women’s race, this was not necessarily the case.

“Each city is aware of the historic implications tied to hosting a women’s race,” Mr. Roth stated.

The decision not to expand the women’s race this year was solely the organizers’.

Logistical considerations due to the Amgen Tour of California’s expansion, which will include increased live television coverage, made a more substantial women’s agenda impractical.

“It would not have been worthwhile for the riders, and at the same time we didn’t have a comfort level with the way it was setting up.”

Also partly to blame for the uproar of what seemed to an abruptly and unjustly shortening of the women’s race were the expectations that were put on the AEG to produce a three-day women’s race.

In their due diligence, AEG contacted all the pertinent cycling federations and reserved the dates on the racing calendar. The implication that the women’s race would be expanded because of the reservation was premature and unfounded in the eyes of AEG.

However, the announcement and marketing of the "$25,000 Amgen Tour of California Women’s Stage Race, Feb. 14-16. Expanded from a single-day criterium in 2008, the three-day event provides women with a major opportunity to showcase their talents as the race is held in conjunction with the men’s Tour of California," had already occurred.

Though it may be of little consolation to the hard racing women who seem to have fallen victim of a “bait and switch,” AEG will be using the information gathered from the 2009 edition of the Tour of California to build on the women’s race in the future.

When asked about the possibility of expanding the women’s race to include a racing format other than a Criterium, such as a road race, Mr Roth responded, “Certainly, we are not ruling out any scenario.”

“Last time I checked, women made up more than half the population. The women’s race continues to draw fans, and [an expansion] will help expose these role models to their fans.”

Photo: Leonard Basobas (Inaugural Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium podium)

Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Team Signs Powerhouse Sprinters for 2009

Set to start their season at the Amgen Tour of California, the women of Colavita/Sutter Home have reloaded for 2009. With the notable exception of Alison Powers, the team has added two Olympians, the USA Crit Series Champion and one of the most promising riders in the Women's peloton, in her stead.

Linden, NJ -- Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team has re-signed Tina Pic (inset), the #1 rider on the NRC circuit, who dominated the 2008 season with 12 individual victories and six podium finishes. Adding to its firepower for 2009, Colavita/Sutter Home has recruited Olympians Cath Cheatley and Rachel Heal and USA Criterium Series Champion Kelly Benjamin. Colavita/Sutter Home’s first race of the season will be the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium February 15, 2009.

Managing the team as Director Sportif will be Jamaican Olympian and veteran Colavita/Sutter Home cyclist Iona Wynter Parks, who retired from competition at the end of the 2008 season after nine years on the pro circuit, where she achieved numerous top 10 finishes in road racing and world rankings on the track.

“What excites me most about working with this squad is that the riders have proven themselves not only as athletes but also as team players,” said Wynter Parks. “We’ve signed a great combination of accomplished North American sprinters and strong, savvy all-arounders. These women all recognize the importance of great teamwork, which we will use to our advantage in stage races and single-day events.”

“We’re looking forward to kicking off the year at the Amgen Tour of California,” Wynter Parks continued. “Criteriums are our strength and we are highly motivated to race hard and well there.”

The 2009 roster for the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team includes returning riders Tiffany Cromwell (AUS), Andrea Dvorak (USA), Shontell Gauthier (USA), Tina Pic (USA), and Nichole Wangsgard (USA). New signings include Erica Allar (USA), Kelly Benjamin (USA), Cath Cheatley (NZ), Rachel Heal (UK), Heather Logan (Can), and Stacy Marple (USA).

About the riders of the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team

Erica Allar -- A talented, up-and-coming sprinter, Erica captured numerous podium finishes racing for Aaron’s Professional Women’s Cycling Team last year. She won the U23 National Criterium Championship in 2007 and has consistently finished in the top 10 at Philadelphia’s Liberty Classic.

Kelly Benjamin – A former firefighter, Kelly (inset) was a top sprinter with Cheerwine Professional Cycling Team for the last three years. In 2008, Kelly took the overall title for the USA Criterium Series last year, recording over 10 victories and podium spots on the NRC circuit.

Cath Cheatley – A World Track Championships Points race bronze medalist currently ranked #5 in the NRC, Cath represented her native New Zealand at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, competing in both the road race and the points race on the track. She is a former New Zealand national champion on road and track and claimed NRC victories in 2008, including single-day criteriums and stage races.

Tiffany Cromwell -- Tiffany delivered Colavita/Sutter Home’s first win of the 2008 season with her victory at the Garrett Lemire Memorial Grand Prix and never looked back. The Australian speedster went on to win the Sea Otter Classic and a top 10 ranking in the US Speedweek Criterium Series before heading off to Europe as a member of the Australian National Team.

Andrea Dvorak – Andrea’s versatility was on full display in 2008. The former triathlete with a law degree from the University of Virginia finished third at the CSC Invitational criterium and raced to top 10 finishes in the Tour of the Gila Mogollan Road Race and Fitchburg Longsjo time trial. At Nature Valley Grand Prix, Andrea finished fourth in the criterium stage and ninth overall.

Shontell Gauthier -- In her first season with Colavita/Sutter Home, Shontell capped off an impressive series of top 10 finishes with a victory at the Bike Jam/Kelly Cup.

Rachel Heal – Rachel joined the North American peloton in 2006 as a member of Team Victory Brewing following a distinguished racing career in Europe. She won the Bronze Medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and represented the UK in the road race at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004. Rachel earned 13 podium finishes as a member of the British national Team before turning pro in 2004. She comes over from Team TIBCO.

Heather Logan -- A former ice hockey player who went to numerous championships as a member of the Canadian National Team, Heather has used her toughness and work ethic to produce impressive results in only two seasons of pro cycling. She won the winter national points race on the track, provincial criterium championships, placed fourth in the 2008 National Road Championships, and held her own in the top finishing group at the International Tour of Thuringen stage race against Olympic contenders competing for selection by their respective countries.

Stacy Marple – A former competitive diver working towards completing her doctorate at the University of California at Berkeley, Stacy has distinguished herself as a strong climber with the strength and stamina to achieve top 10 results in tough stages races like the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Stacy comes over from Team Cheerwine.

Tina Pic – One of the most decorated cyclists in the North American women’s peloton, Tina claimed the overall NRC Champion title for 2008, the fifth time in her career. The five-time US National Criterium Champion raced to victory at nearly every major criterium, including the Mt. Tabor Criterium stage of the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, Tour of Somerville, Fitchburg Longsjo Classic, Chris Thater Memorial Grand Prix, and Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic, 12 individual victories, including Fitchburg Longsjo and the Tour of Somerville, and captured the overall US SpeedWeek Criterium Series title.

Nichole Wangsgard – Nicky opened the 2008 season with a 5th place finish at the Tour of California Women’s Criterium. A savvy all-arounder with a doctorate in education, she went on to win the criterium at the Joe Martin Stage Race and took second in the Wells Fargo Twilight criterium.

Photos: Leonard Basobas

Team Kenda Announces 2009 NRC Roster

Chicago, Illinois –Team Kenda is entering its 10th anniversary of women’s bicycle racing with a roster possessing an impressive list of palmares. The team continues to fuse youth and experience as its formula for success, longevity, and growth of the sport.

Jakie Kurth, two-time Junior National Champion, will return to Team Kenda in her final year of junior eligibility. Espoir riders will include Denise Ramsden, the 2007 and 2008 Canadian Junior National Road Race Champion, Ashley James, who is currently racing for mountain bike powerhouse Lindsey Wilson College, and climbing specialist, Ally Stacher, from the Lees-McRae Collegiate program.

Team Captain Kristin Wentworth returns along with Kat Clark, Krystal McNutt, and 9-year team veteran and Masters National CX Champion, Catherine Walberg. They will be reinforced by capable team newcomers Silke Wunderwald and Christy Keely.

The team welcomes PearTreePens.com and Skins as new sponsors for the 2009 season.

Returning team sponsors include Kenda USA, The Allen Group, Plant Solutions, Blue Competition Bicycles, Vergesport, Rudy Project, LH Thomson, SRAM, LifeSport PT, CycleOps, Ferguson and Associates, Sigma Sport, Zipp Speed Weaponry, Timbuk2, Elete, SportCrafters, Terry Precision Cycling, Headsweats, PowerBar, Deen-Gross Eye Centers, Purple Extreme, Thule, and Moszkito.

Team Kenda will continue to have a local presence with 4 geographically-focused Regional Teams that will help to develop and promote women’s cycling while supporting the sponsors in those markets.

Garmin-Slipstream and ADSI Continue Anti-Doping Program

Participation in Anti-Doping Science Institute’s New Program Continues to Demonstrate Garmin-Slipstream’s Dedication to Anti-Doping and Ethical Sporting

Boulder, CO - Slipstream Sports LLC and its chief venture, the Garmin-Slipstream Professional Cycling Team, isn’t just sporting a new name in 2009, when it will officially be called Garmin-Slipstream. The top U.S. team today announced that it will participate in a new program run by the Anti-Doping Sciences Institute (ADSI) to further its anti-doping mission. The program will include profiles from testing conducted over the last year and will share data with UCI and other international and national anti-doping agencies. ADSI has been involved in the management of the Garmin-Slipstream anti-doping program since June of 2008 as part of its previous relationship with the Agency for Cycling Ethics.

All 29 athletes on the team are voluntarily participating in the program, which will test them over 600 times in 2009. There will be an intense focus on EPO and related substances as well as continued focus on longitudinal profiling of blood and steroid levels. Detection of traditional doping products will also be included. Providing the oversight and program design for ADSI is Don Catlin, one of the leading names in anti-doping in the United States.

“When we began our anti-doping program in 2007, we wanted to help turn the tide in professional cycling,” said Jonathan Vaughters, Director Sportif of Team Garmin-Slipstream. “We wanted other professional athletes and teams to put their resources and efforts into the fight against doping. It worked. In 2009, we’re on a mission to continue what we started. With partners like ADSI and Don Catlin, we aim to continue to foster the ideals of fair sport.”

The testing program will be comprised of both blood and urine sampling and will focus on EPO, CERA and related drugs, but it will also include full screen testing for doping agents such as testosterone, cortisone, anabolic steroids, and masking agents. In addition, blood and steroid profiles will be used to detect longitudinal abnormalities and remove a rider from competition if suspicious results are found. Analytical work will be performed by Anti-Doping Research, under contract to ADSI, as well as other labs selected by ADSI. This combines the best of traditional testing and longitudinal testing into one program. By participating in this testing regimen, Garmin-Slipstream’s intention is to simply prevent any rider who could be doping from competing, and to continue to inspire fair sport.

“I have been involved in doping control for decades. When I developed the first anti-doping laboratory in the United States at UCLA in 1982, my hope was to prevent doping in sports and to work with teams and athletes who shared that hope,” said Don Catlin. “Team Garmin-Slipstream has proven that they do. I’m thrilled to be able to work with them.”

Team Garmin-Slipstream has been dedicated to anti-doping since its inception and the new Catlin program is an extension of its original intentions. It began participating in independent monitoring programs under the ACE model in 2007.

“We’re collaborating with Team Columbia on this effort with ADSI because we strongly believe that by working together, we can continue to help inspire fair sport,” said Vaughters. “Trust between teams and management is essential to success – on and off the road – and our fans and athletes alike deserve that trust.”

Special Edition Vanderkitten Zero Gs

Lexington, SC - The Vanderkitten Elite Women’s Team will be stopping in style during 2009. Ciamillo Components will be outfitting the team with limited edition Zero G brakes.

Early production units of the Vanderkitten brakes have been so well received that they will be available for sale starting in January through independent bicycle dealers at $599.99 for the pair.

“We wanted to do something special with Vanderkitten Racing, and we are very excited that the team and The Hawley Company have decided to make the brakes available for purchase by consumers”, said Ciamillo Components’ Christian Ries Foster. “We’re raising the bar for the 2009 season and the Vanderkitten brakes are another great example of how we are doing it”, said Dave Verrecchia, co-owner of Vanderkitten.

Ciamillo Components’ Zero G brakes feature a patented Power Cam that provides a mechanical advantage with extreme, modulated stopping power. The brakes produce precision performance without the dead-spot that is common in other brakes. At an amazingly low 200g per pair, these made in the USA brakes are the perfect upgrade.

Vanderkitten Racing started in 2007 and in 2008 finished as the number one team in the USA Crits Series. The team has enjoyed immediate success and remarkable popularity. Plans for 2009 include Vanderkitten Club Teams in various cities across the US. The title sponsor for the team, Vanderkitten, designs lifestyle clothing and cycling apparel for “women who kick ass” and are sold direct, through retailers, and through The Hawley Company.

On Tap...

Tis' The Season
Last year fellow Wolverine Sports Club member, Don Amboyer, was on hand to photograph the Waterford Hills MI State Championships CX in Waterford, MI. With an anticipated high of 27 degrees and snow in the forecast, the race looks to be another cold and sluggish affair.

For more races in and around your area, consult the listings below.

12/06/2008
Virginia Cyclocross Series Finale
Charlottesville, VA
2008 Arizona Cyclocross State Championships
Gilbert, AZ

12/07/2008
Bay Area Super Prestige Series #5-CCCP CX-Coyote Point
San Mateo, CA
2008 Bike Authority Cyclocross Series #4
Copley, OH
Illinois State CX Championships
Chicago, IL
Salisbury Cyclocross Race
Salisbury, NC
Capital Cross Classic
Reston, VA
Waterford Hills MI State Championships CX
Waterford, MI
SoCal Prestige Series #11
Palmdale, CA
Brookside Cyclocross Cup
Indianapolis, IN

For results and photos of some of the races above, click through to Truesport.com.


12/14/2008
Vision Quest Indoor TT Series
Highland Park, IL

12/21/2008
Sacramento Cyclocross-December
Sacramento, CA

Photo: Don Amboyer

AEG Responds to Shortened Women's Race at 2009 Amgen Tour of California

Originally slated for a three-day stage race consisting of three criterium races in Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and San Jose, the Amgen Tour of California Women's race is now just a single criterium race in Santa Rosa.

Andrew Messick, President of AEG Sports, provided this reponse to our inquires about their reasons for shortening the women's agenda.

"We paid serious consideration to extending the women's competition during the Amgen Tour of California beyond a single day by carefully researching a variety of logistical and scheduling elements; however, we have decided to continue to hold this event as a one-day Women's Criterium race, which will, once again, be staged in Santa Rosa. The second-annual Women's Criterium will be held on February 15th."

Photo: Leonard Basobas

Route Details Announced for Expanded 2009 Amgen Tour of California

Professional Women’s Cycling Race to Return to Santa Rosa During Stage One of the Men’s Race



LOS ANGELES, CA – Specific route details for the 2009 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race were revealed today by AEG, presenter of the fourth-annual event, which will once again have a world-class field of competitors, including two-time defending champion Levi Leipheimer and seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong. Already considered cycling’s most important and successful stage race in the United States, the 2009 Amgen Tour of California will be expanded to cover more than 750 miles over nine days. In its fourth running, the race will travel almost the entire length of California on a demanding course from the state’s capitol, Sacramento, to Escondido, in San Diego County.

Scheduled over nine consecutive days from February 14-22, 2009, the race will visit 16 host cities for official stage starts and finishes, with communities along the route getting the chance to see, firsthand, a lineup of some of the most elite, recognizable teams and athletes in the world. Host cities for the Prologue and eight stages include: Sacramento, Davis (new city for 2009), Santa Rosa (site of the Women’s Criterium), Sausalito, Santa Cruz (new city for 2009), San Jose, Modesto, Merced (new city for 2009), Clovis (new city for 2009), Visalia (new city for 2009), Paso Robles (new city for 2009), Solvang, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, Rancho Bernardo (new city for 2009) and Escondido (new city for 2009).

"Each year, we continue our commitment to upgrading and enhancing every element of the Amgen Tour of California, not only for the cyclists, but also for the spectators along the route, by creating an even more challenging and exciting race," said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, presenter of the race. “The added element of the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium in Santa Rosa allows us to bring professional women’s cycling to the fans as well, even further enhancing the race experience.”

One of the most anticipated professional cycling races in the world, the 2009 Amgen Tour of California will be staged over a more challenging route, and will, once again, include a women’s criterium. Highlights of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California race route include:

Prologue: Sacramento (Saturday, February 14, 2009)
Start time: 1:30 p.m.
Start Location: Intersection of Capitol Mall and 9th St.
Finish Location: Intersection of L St. and 11th St.

The first day of racing in the 2009 Amgen Tour of California will be a short, but intense, individual time trial of just less than three miles, known as a Prologue. The flat and fast route will likely take each individual cyclist less than five minutes to finish. Although it is short, the Prologue will be packed with excitement and high speed. With the start and finish lines separated by only two blocks, spectators will have the opportunity to easily see the racers at both the start and finish lines. Showcasing the State Capitol, the Capitol Mall area and the well-known Tower Bridge, the Prologue will provide a crowd-pleasing day of racing excitement.

Stage 1: Davis to Santa Rosa (Sunday, February 15, 2009)
Start Time: Noon
Start Location: Intersection of C St. and 3rd St. in Davis
Finish Location: Intersection of 3rd St. and Santa Rosa Ave. in Santa Rosa

A new stage for the Amgen Tour of California, the route from Davis to Santa Rosa will provide plenty of scenic settings for both the cyclists and the spectators. Beginning in the city of Davis, which recently was named the best cycling town in the United States by Bicycling Magazine, the route includes evenly spaced climbs throughout the stage and spectacular views. After 20 miles of flat roads, the riders will meet their first climb up a short, but steep section leading up to the Monticello Dam. Another long, flat section along Lake Berryessa will take the riders to their second climb up Howell Mountain Rd., followed by a fast descent into Napa Valley. After one final climb and a steep descent from Calistoga Road, the cyclists will finish the race with circuit laps in downtown Santa Rosa. In previous years, Santa Rosa fans have set the mark for one of the largest and most enthusiastic crowds of the entire race.

Additionally, fans in Santa Rosa will have the opportunity to watch the second-annual Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium. Held in conjunction with Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California, the Women's Criterium will begin at 1 p.m. and will showcase some of the world's top professional women cyclists competing for $15,000 in prizes. Set as a category Pro 1/2 race, the Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium will have a limit of eight riders per team. Once again using portions of the Stage 1 men’s finishing circuit in Santa Rosa, the Women’s Criterium will bring the thrill of professional women’s cycling to fans in the hours just before the men’s finish in downtown Santa Rosa.

Stage 2: Sausalito to Santa Cruz (Monday, February 16, 2009)
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Start Location: Spinnaker Restaurant at 100 Spinnaker Dr. in Sausalito
Finish Location: Intersection of Front St. and Cooper St. in Santa Cruz

Starting on the northern side of the San Francisco Bay, Stage 2 will cover more than 100 miles from Sausalito to Santa Cruz. The stage will begin with a scenic start in Sausalito on the water and will head south over one of the most iconic structures in the country, the Golden Gate Bridge, and then through the streets of San Francisco. The route will then take the riders west down the California coastline on Highway 1, flanked by the picturesque backdrops of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Redwood forests on the other. This coastal stage will include two long, but moderate climbs on Tunitas Creek Road and Bonny Doon Road, which will be followed by lengthy and fast descents. The sprint to the finish in Santa Cruz will provide an exciting conclusion to Stage 2 of the race.

Stage 3: San Jose to Modesto (Tuesday, February 17, 2009)
Start Time: Noon
Start Location: Intersection of San Fernando St. and Almaden Blvd. in San Jose
Finish Location: Intersection of I St. and 12th St. in Modesto

Fans of the Amgen Tour of California may recognize part of Stage 3 from the 2008 race when the cyclists traveled from Modesto to San Jose; however, in 2009, the racers will be traveling the route in reverse with several changes. Beginning with a climb that is synonymous with cycling and the Amgen Tour of California, the cyclists will head up Sierra Road (1,930 ft.) within the first five miles of the stage. This epic climb will be a defining moment in the race and will create an action-packed day of racing for the cyclists and the fans alike. After completing the Sierra Road climb, the riders will face fast and flat roads full of twists and turns (Calaveras Road alone has more than 40 switchbacks) before climbing Patterson Pass. The stage will finish with two circuits in downtown Modesto.

Stage 4: Merced to Clovis (Wednesday, February 18, 2009)
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Start Location: City Hall at the intersection of N St. and 18th St. in Merced
Finish Location: Intersection of Bullard Ave. and Pollasky Ave. in Clovis

Stage 4 will introduce two new host cities and the Sierra Mountains to the Amgen Tour of California. With four KOMs ("King of the Mountain" competitions) and several sprints, Stage 4 will be a test for the riders with consistently hilly and technical terrain. From the start in Merced to the finish in Clovis, this stage will be characterized by consistent climbing surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery. Fans can watch the climbs, always a spectator favorite, at any of the four locations - Hwy 140, twice on Hwy 49 and Crane Valley Road. Coming to a finish in Old Town Clovis, this stage will introduce the beauty of Central California to the Amgen Tour of California.

Stage 5: Visalia to Paso Robles (Thursday, February 19, 2009)
Start Time: 10 a.m.
Start Location: Intersection of Aceqia Ave. and Church St. in Visalia
Finish Location: Intersection of Spring St. and 11th St. in Paso Robles

At more than 130 miles, Stage 5, sponsored by Rabobank, is the longest stage of the race. A new course for the 2009 Amgen Tour of California, Stage 5 will begin with a neutral start of parade laps through Visalia’s downtown area. Once the race wends its way through the start in Visalia, the riders will experience an amazing contrast between the previous day of racing in the Sierra Mountains, as they head through the vast stretch of flat roads on the San Joaquin Valley floor. For the first 100 miles of the stage, the riders will have virtually no protection from the wind, creating a challenging ride. Winding its way back to the coast, the route, which will include two sprints, will pass by vast cattle ranches and farms. Packed full of rolling hills and large horse farms, the final 30-mile run into Paso Robles will be a fast sprint to the finish.

Stage 6: Solvang Individual Time Trial (Friday, February 20, 2009)
Start Time: Noon
Start Location: Intersection of Mission Drive and 1st St.
Finish Location: Copenhagen Dr.

The quaint Danish village of Solvang hosts some of the ProTour teams annually for training camps, as well as some of the largest cycling events in the United States. With the start and finish lines located only one block apart, Stage 6 is an ideal location for spectators to view the race. The route will highlight the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, winding through quaint towns, vineyards, farms, and one short, but steep climb up Ballard Canyon. This year's short, flat and fast time trial will create a challenging test for the riders and is expected to be a decisive day of the race.

Stage 7: Santa Clarita to Pasadena (Saturday, February 21, 2009)
Start Time: Noon
Start Location: Town Center Drive in Santa Clarita
Finish Location: West Drive, alongside the Rose Bowl in Pasadena

The race from Santa Clarita to Pasadena proved to be a difficult one during the final stage of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California, and this year will be no different. The first 25 miles of Stage 7, sponsored by Herbalife, include a gradual climb from Santa Clarita, through Acton, to the intersection of Angeles Forest Road. The route continues uphill, showcasing the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains, to the second highest elevation ever reached by the Amgen Tour of California on the towering Millcreek Summit (4,906 ft.). Descending with a 15-mile run to Angeles Crest Highway, the route begins a fast plunge to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. After more than 65 miles from Santa Clarita to Pasadena, with the mountains and the Rose Bowl serving as the backdrop, the peloton will complete the stage with five, five-mile laps on a very demanding circuit through the area surrounding the Rose Bowl. This course will provide a challenging, action-packed day leading up to the finale on Sunday.

Stage 8: Rancho Bernardo to Escondido (Sunday, February 22, 2009)
Start Time: Noon
Start Location: Bernardo Center Dr. in Rancho Bernardo
Finish Location: Intersection of Grand Ave. and Broadway in Escondido

With the final stage of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California as a difficult point-to-point road race, there is a chance to see an overall lead change, as well as a change in the KOM jersey leader on the last day. With four climbs, including the highest point ever reached in the Amgen Tour of California, and two sprints, Stage 8, sponsored by Amgen, can easily be characterized as the most difficult final stage that the Amgen Tour of California has ever seen. The cyclists will have to fight through the very end of the race, due to the addition of Palomar Mountain (5,123 ft.). At 11.7 miles, a seven percent average grade, 4,200 feet of climbing and 21 switchbacks, Palomar Mountain will provide a challenging conclusion to the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. Organizers expect a hard sprint to the finish; as with all the Grand Tours of Europe, winning the final stage of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California is a prize coveted by the riders.

Snap Judgment
Perhaps I am missing something amongst all the excitement surrounding Lance Armstrong’s return to the professional peloton and in the continued growth of the America’s premier stage race, but count me among the disappointed that the originally announced three-day Women’s Stage Race has been reduced to a single criterium.

While we wait on a response from TOC officials as to the reasons why the three-day race was shortened, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat offers a small measure of an explanation, “there was to be three cities that hosted a Women’s Criterium, but San Jose and Sacramento eventually were dropped.”

Again, did I miss something?

There are lesser sponsored and organizationally challenged races on the US Cycling calendar that run full stage races of both genders concurrently, but we are led to believe that two criteriums on streets that are already planned to be closed off for the men’s race can’t be run at an event as large as the Amgen Tour of California.

Whatever the reasons, the sport of women’s cycling will continue to languish behind the men’s if they continue to receive similar treatment. As one commenter put it, “Women's pro cycling in the US will not develop beyond where it is now if we don't offer opportunities to race.”

Photo: Leonard Basobas (Team TIBCO's Brooke Miller - 2008 Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium Winner)

Rotting Kayle

They say kale is good for you. In the cabbage family, it is known to be "a highly nutritious vegetable with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties."

Apparently, Kayle Leogrande has never heard of his namesake vegetable as he chose to put other things in his body during his cycling career. He became the latest cyclists to be suspended for doping.

To no one's surprise, Leogrande denied the allegations and claimed he was targeted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Velonews' Neal Rogers provided the details of Leogrande's case and suspension.

If you're still not swayed by the mountain of evidence against Kayle, then you need only to read between the lines of the reaction by Rock Racing's Owner, Michael Ball; the self-appointed advocate for cyclists against unfair anti-doping practices.

“Whenever a rider is suspended – be it for doping or any disciplinary issue – it brings negative attention to the sport that so many of us are working hard to cast in a positive light.”

“In Kayle’s case, knowing that several of the sport’s governing bodies were also conducting their own investigations, we felt it was not appropriate to prevent him from racing until a verdict was reached. USA Cycling and the UCI did not deny him the right to race. Rock Racing absolutely and unequivocally does not condone doping, but we do respect due process."

“The decision to not re-sign Kayle for the 2009 season had nothing to do with this case. It was based on performance."

Photo: Kyle Kuykendall

On Tap...

In The Pit
The next stop for the Chicago Cyclocross Cup, #9 in the series, is the Ed Brophy Memorial Cross For Life-Emricson Park scheduled for Sunday, November 23 in Woodstock, Illinois. The event will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For other events in and around your area, consult the listings below.

11/22/2008
Nebraska SOBE No Fear Cyclo-cross Weekend
Lincoln, NE
Wonderland Cyclocross
Lancaster, PA
North Carolina Grand Prix Races #1 and #2
Hendersonville, NC
Superior Cyclocross
Catharpin, VA

11/23/2008
Spring Mountain Cross
Spring Mount, PA
Ed Brophy Memorial Cross For Life-Emricson Park
Woodstock, IL
Cap City Cross State Championship
Upper Arlington, OH
Wisconsin State Cyclocross Championships presented SunRinglé
Hales Corners, WI
Squadra Coppi Tacchino Ciclocross
Leesburg, VA

For results and photos of some of the races above, click through to Truesport.com.


Around The Way
For upcoming cross races in and around specific areas of the country, see below.

11/29/2008
PA State Cyclocross Championships
Allentown, PA

11/30/2008
Bay Area Super Prestige Series #4 - Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
Murrysville Cyclocross
Murrysville, PA
Trashmore Cross
Virginia Beach, VA
Gene Galindo Memorial Turkey Trot Cross
Glendale, CA

Photo: Luke Seemann

Rock Racing Hires Pevenage, LaPage To Director Positions

Culver City, Calif. — Rock Racing is adding an experienced management structure to its already powerful roster by announcing the hiring of Director Sportif Rudy Pevanage and Assistant Director Laurenzo LaPage.

“Without a doubt, we have two of the most experienced director sportifs that cycling has produced in the last 20 years,” Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball said. “Rudy built a dynasty with the powerful Telekom and T-Mobile teams, while Laurenzo comes to us from Astana, a team that has won three of the past five Grand Tours.”

Pevanage and LaPage are part of an elite group of Belgians who have been successful in management in professional cycling. Joining them on that list are current Astana Director Sportifs Johan Bruyneel and Dirk Demol and former Astana Director Walter Godefroot.

“With these two heading up our team, Rock Racing will have the infrastructure to compete against the very best,” Ball said. “The caliber of riders on the bike will be matched by brilliant leadership behind the scenes.”

Pevanage, 54, followed a successful cycling career of his own with a management career that included stints with Histor (1989), Telekom/T-Mobile (1994-2002) and Coast/Bianchi (2003). He guided Jan Ullrich to victory at the 1997 Tour de France victory and three of his charges swept the podium at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia: Ullrich (gold), Alexander Vinokourov (silver), Andreas Kloeden (bronze).

During his own cycling career from 1976 to 1988, Pevenage won more than two dozen races, including the second stage of the Tour de France in 1980 (on the way to winning the points classification) as well as the team time trial stage of the Giro d’Italia in 1985.

LaPage, 42, helped direct Italian Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team) to victory at the 2005 Giro d’Italia and he was also part of the Discovery Channel staff when Lance Armstrong won his fifth (2003) and sixth (2004) Tours de France. LaPage raced professionally from 1989 to 2002.

Ball said while Rock Racing fans can expect the team’s familiar flamboyant approach in 2009, there will be some changes that are not so noticeable – including a more comprehensive internal anti-doping program.

“We are spending more money this year to hire the best riders and the best staff that go along with being one of the top professional cycling teams in the world,” he said. “We are also investing a lot of time, energy and money in 2009 on increased anti-doping measures through Scott Analytics.”

Rock Racing is the only U.S.-based professional team that has had an internal anti-doping program in place – uninterrupted – since April. The team’s testing program was developed by respected anti-doping researcher and Scott Analytics Founder and President, Paul Scott, who also served as Director of Clients at the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory and Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Agency for Cycling Ethics, Inc.

Snap Judgment
The rumors of Rudy Pevanage's return have finally been substantiated by the Rock Racing hire. Although Pevenage's qualifications, which are as famous as they are infamous, nor his cycling acumen are in question, on the forefront of every one's mind at the moment has to be if and when Pevenage's most prized pupil, Jan Ullrich will shed his standard 6-7 kilos and come out of retirement.

After all, with Michael Ball's flair for the dramatic and his ability to pull rabbits, like a Mario Cipollini, out of the proverbial hat, an Ullrich reappearance wouldn't be that out of the question.

If the German locomotive does decide to don the spandex again, it begs the question, exactly how many riders mentioned along with Operacion Puerto are you allowed to have on one team?

And even if Ullrich never races a bike again, the speculation of such will have been all worth it to Rock Racing's entrepreneurial owner.

McLaughlin and Klug Take Elite Races; Lindsey Wilson College Dominates

By Imelda March

The 8th installment of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup traveled to the southern suburb of the Village of Lansing for the Lan-Oak Cyclocross Race. The course was flat as a pancake. But what the course lacked in elevation, it more than made up for it with multiple twisty sections and a loose sand pit. The trickiest part of the course was the run up to the sand pit. A well placed barrier just before the sand pit forced riders to dismount and quickly remount just before, and sometimes in the sand pit.

This section was promptly renamed “Hecklers Lane” because it was lined with enthusiastic spectators who got more and more “creative” in their support as the race wore on. The group decided to provide the riders with the unofficial “dip for dollars” prime. The “hecklers” placed half-sunk dollar bills into the sand which tempted each passing rider to get creative in their grab for cash.


The course itself was bone dry with no mud in sight since no precipitation had fallen the day before. The weather was partly cloudy with periods of sun through out the race. Temperatures stayed steady in the low 30 degree Fahrenheit; however, as the day progressed things did not get any better because as the wind picked up the thermometer dipped south. By late afternoon a few flurries started falling and embrocating was highly recommended.

Twenty one collegiate riders represented the Midwest Collegiate Cycling Conference (MWCCC) in which they earned points in their respected categories.

Elite Women
In the Elite Women's race, it was Killjoy vs. Verdigris Custom Homes. The women kept a close watch on each other, but it was a familiar Chicago Cyclocross Cup podium name who took the initiative. Holly Klug (Killjoy) took on the vaunted duo from Verdigris Custom Homes and kept the gas on all the way into the finish. Verdigris Custom Homes teammates, Debbie Dust and June Upshaw rounded out the three-deep podium.


Results - Elite Women
1 Holly Klug (Killjoy)
2 Debbie Dust (Verdigris Custom Homes)
3 June Upshaw (Verdigris Custom Homes)
4 Leah Sanda (Flatlandia)
5 Jessica Hill (Trails End Cycling)
6 Debbie Pielet (Albertos)
7 Lisa Distel
8 Beth Christiansen (xXx Racing - AthletiCo)
9 Sue Semanszczuk (ABD)
10 Gina Kenny (ABD)

Elite Men/Collegiate Men A
The 8th race of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup would be a tale of “two’s;” two fields and two races. A relatively large 25 man field, created by combining the Collegiate Men A with the Elite Men, contested the fast and flat course in the Village of Lansing. The race itself would end up being a story of two men, one who would make the race and the other who would win it.

In the first part of the race, Scott McLaughlin (SRAM) pushed hard to stay ahead of the both the Collegiate and Elite riders. Further back, the Lindsey Wilson College duo of Clayton Omer (below) and Daniel Estevez anxiously waited their turn. Working well together, Omer and Estevez would eventually catch up to McLaughlin.


With a lap and half to go McLaughlin would get dropped by Omer who rode the sandpit cleanly. Clayton Omer (Lindsey Wilson College) would not relinquish the lead and rode to victory in front of the hard working McLaughlin. Despite his second overall, McLaughlin would take the Elite Men’s division; his fourth win of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup series. Kevin Klug (Killjoy) rolled in for third overall, 2nd in the Elite division, followed by Daniel Estevez (Lindsey Wilson College) who earned second in the collegiate segment. They were followed by Brian Conant (Pony Shop) in 5th (3rd in the Elite category) and Derek Lan (Purdue University) in 6th (3rd in the collegiate division).

Results - Elite Men
1 Scott McLaughlin (SRAM; inset)
2 Kevin Klug (Killjoy)
3 Brian Conant (Pony Shop)
4 Tim Boundy (Verdigris Custom Homes)
5 Brad Zoller
6 Brian Dougherty (Verdigris Custom Homes)
7 Eric Sondag (Vision Quest)
8 Lou Kuhn (Pony Shop)
9 Teodoro Ramos (Verdigris Custom Homes)
10 Ara Oggoian (Bicycle Heaven Chicago)

Results - Collegiate Men A
1 Clayton Omer (Lindsey Wilson College)
2 Daniel Estevez (Lindsey Wilson College)
3 Derek Laan (Purdue University; inset)
4 Jonathan Schutter (University of Missouri)
5 Kip Spaude (Lindsey Wilson College)
6 Matthew Dooley (Lindsey Wilson College)
7 Jake Zimmerman (Lindsey Wilson College)
8 Peter Smith (Lindsey Wilson College)

Collegiate Women
Not to be outdone by their men, the women of Lindsey Wilson College likewise came ready to ride. Ashley James (below) and Emily Benson would represent the mountain bike powerhouse located in Columbia, Kentucky. The teammates did more that show up to earn their points, they obliterated the field.


Like their male brethren, the collegiate women were combined with another category, in this case the Category 4 women, which made for a crowded 22 woman field. It quickly became apparent that the Cat 4 field was duly over matched by the three co-eds in the race. Ashley James (Lindsey Wilson College) took immediate command of the race and seemed to open up the throttle with each passing lap. With a lead that would swell to a gargantuan 60 seconds at times, Ashley earned the 80 points with very little difficulty. Ashley, who will be part of Team Kenda’s NRC Elite team for 2009, swept the collegiate weekend that began Saturday at Purdue University. Emily Benson (inset) took 2nd while Rebecca Chan (University of Illinois) took 3rd.

Results - Collegiate Women
1 Ashley James (Lindsey Wilson College)
2 Emily Benson (Lindsey Wilson College)
3 Rebecca Chan (University of Illinois)

Upcoming Events
The next stop for the Chicago Cyclocross Cup is the Ed Brophy Memorial Cross #9 scheduled for Sunday, November 23 in Woodstock, Illinois. This cause event will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Additional information about his race and the series can be found by visiting http://www.chicrosscup.com

Photos: Amy Dykema (first through third, fifth, seventh, eighth); Luke Seemann (fourth); Joe Gaspar (sixth); Paul Forsythe (ninth & tenth)