Elsewhere...

For the past seven years, the cycling community has gravitated toward France and watched with wonder, and a bit of pride, as an American won the biggest bike race on the calendar. But during the month of July there are actually other cycling events. So away we go...

Tour of Austria
The 7 Stage race was won this year by "The Hope," Tom Danielson. Sure the field was depleted because of the riders present at the Tour, but a victory is a victory. For Danielson, it's another race (and more experience) in the European peloton, and a chance to be the team leader. All of this should bode well for Discovery Channel and Danielson come September, as he leads the team at the Vuelta a Espana.

Superweek
On a local note, the International Cycling Classic (ICC), also known as Superweek (and yes its been so super that the week has actually been extended to a fortnight) is taking place from July 7-23.

From the official website:
"The ICC is now the oldest and longest-running multi-category cycling race in the United States with races in cities from De Pere in Northern Wisconsin to Chicago. The event has a long-running tradition of international participation. Each year, a European contingent travels overseas to compete in the Classic, many of whom are emerging stars on the European racing scene."

The past winners and participants list reads like a who's who of North American cyclists: Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Freddy Rodriguez, Bobby Julich, Chris Horner, Gord Fraser, and Mark McCormack.

So if you're looking to test yourself, come to the Midwest, as the racing is fast and hard. Click here for a full schedule of events, as races occur everyday.

USA Cycling National Festival
Well its received little fanfare, but the US Nationals are going on right now in Seven Springs, PA. On a personal note, one of the juniors I've had a chance to ride with on occassion for the past two months, John Tomlinson (xXx Racing-Athletico; Chicago) did an amazing job competing in the time trial, criterium, and road race events in the Juniors 13-14 category. A fairly humble kid, JT was amazed (and a bit overwhelmed) by the competition and the size of the juniors' fields, but definitely held his own as he placed in each event, 49th, 27th and 36th, respectively. When asked to describe his first event, the time trial, JT stated, "Ah, the time trial didn't go so well...I think I (my time) was beaten by some 10 year old girl."