Redlands - Stage Two

Redlands, Calif. - Heading into Stage Two of the Redlands Bicycle Classic Rock Racing's Santiago Botero was in the overall lead. Botero held onto his overall lead staying safely in the pack during the criterium formatted race. Jeff Louder (BMC) took home the Stage Two prize, just ahead of Luis Alberto Amaran with Colavita Sutter Home/Cooking Light, and Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United).

For the majority of the 1.2 mile, seven turn downtown Redlands criterium race, sponsored by 1st Centennial Bank/KWB Wealth Managers, a break of four, Curtis Gunn (Successful Living Pro Cycling Team), Shawn Milne (Team Type 1), Louder, and Amaran maintained an 18 second lead on the field. As the pace quickened, the tete de course was reduced to three when Milne clipped his pedal coming out of the second-to-last turn and went headfirst over the handlebars. X-Rays later revealed Milne broke his right thumb at the metacarpal (knuckle) joint.

“I couldn’t believe my misfortune,” Milne said. “I wasn’t the strongest guy in the group, but I was the fastest. So there was a good chance that if I had good position, I probably would have won.”

Dominguez was the beneficiary of Milne's misfortune by taking the field sprint and the final podium spot.

Louder, however, benefitted the most as the day's tactics and race certainly played into his victory. "It was a bit of a cat and mouse game," said Louder. "The rest of the group was coming hard. I led through the last half of the race and was just trying to keep it up. It was a tricky race. I'm not really a sprinter, but this race favors a strong technical rider. I don't have fast legs, but if I get in the lead group, like today, it works."

Aside from phenomenal action on Stage Two, American cycling legend, Scott Moninger, was presented with the 2008 Legends award for his representation of the cycling community, both on and off the field. Redlands Mayor John Harrison introduced the award and Dan Rendler, the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic race director introduced Moninger with a summary of his vast accomplishments during his 17 years of racing, including 275 wins, two NRC championships, and two Redlands Bicycle Classic victories. "This race has always been special to me, since 1989," lamented Moninger. "The community support is what makes it what it is. Thanks a lot to Redlands."

Women's Teams Battle on Stage Two Race, Set Up Grand Finale

A mass of wheels settled against each other as the professional women cyclists lined up in downtown Redlands for day three of racing in the Redlands Bicycle Classic. The Stage Two 1.2 mile downtown Redlands criterium race, sponsored by 1st Centennial Bank/KWB Wealth Managers, brought opportunities for riders to push ahead and grab the winning title. 19-year-old rising Swedish star Emilia Fahlin from Team High Road sprinted across the finish line first, with Alex Wrubleski, from Webcor Builders, and Brenda Lyons, from Advil/Chapstick rounding out the top three. Mara Abbott (High Road) maintained her lead in the overall.

The criterium race zipped through downtown Redlands and gave riders technical corners and numerous opportunities for attacks. Place changes and fast paces created an ebb and flow to the race, and left the crowd guessing who would strike the hardest and pull ahead. "This course has a lot of corners and fast laps, which I like," said Fahlin, who was a first time Redlands Bicycle Classic participant. "Everyone talks about this race. It's a big goal for the team." Fahlin fought her way to the end, knowing she had to keep her wheels spinning. "After I took off seconds for the first bonus I was a little tired, so I had to push it."

Mara Abbott, Fahlin's teammate, looked forward to tomorrow's Sunset race closer. "Every year Sunset is a good race, with something unexpected always happening. It's a great course."

For more information about the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic, presented by PossAbilities, including current race results, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.

Photo: Leonard Basobas

Redlands - Stage One

Rock Racing’s Botero Solos To Victory And Into The Overall Lead

Beaumont, Calif. — Rock Racing’s Santiago Botero made the most of his first-ever victory in the United States Friday at Stage 1 of the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

In winning the 85-mile (138 km) Beaumont Circuit Race, Botero moved into the overall lead, he won the sprinter and the climber jerseys and he scored his first victory since capturing the Vuelta a Colombia last August.

“I am still not on my best form because I have only been training the past five months and I have not yet raced this year,” Botero said. “I wanted to win today for (Rock Racing Team Owner) Michael Ball, who gave me a chance to continue my career.”

Ball, who was one of the first to congratulate Botero at the finish line, said the victory solidifies his vision of making cycling even more exciting by bringing world-class talent to the domestic scene.

“What we did here was what would have happened at the Tour of California,” Ball said. “We were shortchanged and the fans were shortchanged. But there are more great things from this team to come.

“If they allow us to race domestically, you’re going to see results like this time and time again. We have a tremendous amount of talent that has come onto this team to support the guys we had last year.”


Botero, the 2002 world time trial champion and King of the Mountains in the 2000 Tour de France, leads the race by 54 seconds over Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United Pro Cycling). Francois Parisien (Symmetrics Cycling) is third overall, one minute and seven seconds behind.


Botero powered away from a group of five breakaway companions who had been off the front since the second of five laps around a 17-mile (27 km) circuit featuring more than 700 feet of climbing each lap.

The six gained a maximum lead of more than five minutes with about 30 miles (48 km) to go. But the chasing efforts of the Health Net and the BMC Pro Cycling teams trimmed the lead down to 3:10 with only one lap remaining.

Knowing the gap was coming down, Rock Racing Team Director Mariano Friedrick told the 35-year-old three-time Tour de France stage winner to attack.


“Mariano told me this was my opportunity,” Botero said. “He knew I had to get away from Sebastian Haedo because he is a good sprinter and we needed the bonus seconds on the finish line for me to take the lead.”

Botero’s initial acceleration quickly gained him a 25-second advantage over the five that he eventually stretched out to 52 seconds by the finish line. Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home) finished second and Burke Swindlehurst (Bissell Pro Cycling Team) was third. Rock Racing’s Freddie Rodriguez took the field sprint for seventh place, 1:46 behind Botero’s winning time of 3:18:15.


Rock Racing now faces the task of defending the overall lead heading into the final two stages of the race: Saturday’s 1st Centennial Bank/KWB Wealth Managers Criterium and the Beaver Medical Group Sunset Road Race. Ball said there will be no repeat of the San Dimas Stage Race last weekend when Rock Racing’s Oscar Sevilla lost the overall lead on the final day criterium by one second.

“We have a very strong team overall – be it sprinting, climbing or time trialing,” Friedick said. “But it’s certainly going to be a fight to stay in the front during tomorrow’s criterium. We’ll work just as hard to defend the jersey as we did to take it.”

Ball said the sight of Botero wearing the yellow, green and red classification jerseys – all at the same time on the podium – whetted his appetite for even more success in what is the first men’s event on the National Race Calendar.

“What I’d love to see is for us to get all of the jerseys,” Ball said. “Freddie takes the sprinter jersey, Sevilla takes the climber jersey and Santiago takes the overall. I’d love to see Santiago, Oscar and one of our other guys in first second and third overall on Sunday. That would make me very happy.”

Carroll Delivers, Abbott Remains in Yellow
The skies cleared and the wind somewhat cooperated on April 4, as the pro women cyclists crowded the starting line of the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic Stage One Circuit race in Beaumont, Calif., ready for 4 laps of 17.5 miles. After battling it out with her breakaway companions, Katherine Carroll (Aaron's Cycling) sprinted to a big win in Stage One.

Alex Wrubleski (Webcor Builders) followed with second; and Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine) grabbed third. Mara Abbott (High Road), just a few seconds behind in a group that bridged to the breakaway kept the yellow jersey, coming off of her win at Thursday's Prologue race.

"Our team raced well today; we knew we had to put pressure on High Road," reflected Carroll. "I got a little antsy and ended up being on my own for a while. I hoped to hold it so I could repay my team for all their hard work. Winning the green jersey wasn't the objective for the day, but my legs worked."

This year's course required different strategy from the former Oak Glen Stage One race. The 17.5 mile course takes riders through Beaumont's rolling hills, bordered by open fields and a cheering community. However, Bogart Park's grueling hill throws some of the hardest obstacles at cyclists. After the steep climb, sand rides the wind as it surrounds the riders. In order to come out strong, the athletes have to stick with the group and hold on to their place. However, many found the challenge
inviting.

"I thought the course was fantastic," said Hobson. "It was definitely a challenge with the climb, but it wasn't as selective as a mountain top finish. Teams could race more aggressively."

Photos: Vero Image

On Tap...

The Ronde
This is undoubtedly my favorite time of the cycling season, the Spring Classics. Like the other true monuments of cycling the Ronde van Vlaanderen is known simply by its shorter name, The Ronde.

The 92nd edition looks to be hotly contested, as the cobbled semi-classics have produced a variety of winners and the usual power brokers of the cobbles have yet to show their "true " form.

The favorite remains "Tornado" Tom Boonen (Quick-Step), who is seeking his third Flanders victory. Others on the list of top tier contenders are last year's champion, Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-Fondital), 2008 Omloop Het Volk winner Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux), Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis), who has surprised everyone by winning this year's Dwars door Vlaanderen and Brabantse Pijl, and Fabian Cancellara (CSC), winner of Milano-San Remo.

My pick to click is Fabian Cancellara (CSC), who surprised everyone by his efforts in the mountains of the Amgen Tour of California.

The Women's version of the race looks to be as equally contested. Usually decided favorites Nicole Cooke (Halfords Bikehut) and Marianne Vos (DSB Bank) may be focused on other prizes this year, such as the Olympics, thereby leaving the outcome of the race highly unpredictable.

My surprising pick to win is rising Swedish star, Emma Johansson (AA-Drink), who lives and trains on the Flanders' parcours.

You can watch all the action LIVE on Cycling.tv, or via the internet on Cyclingnews.com starting at 6 AM EST.

Start List - Men
Start List - Women

MORE:
- Men's Preview (Cyclingnews.com)
- Women's Preview (Cyclingnews.com)

Local Flavors
If you're not fortunate enough to be in Belgium for Flanders or Redlands, California for the Redlands Cycling Classic, below are some local races from a few select regions of the country.

04/05/2008
Wards Ferry Road Race
Sonora, CA
Waterford Hills Training Series
Waterford, MI
2008 Bob Hansing Memorial Cup Series
Encino, CA
Hell of the North
Salt Lake City, UT
Evergreen Park Criterium
Sheboygan, WI
Martinez Bay Front Criterium
Martinez, CA

04/06/2008
10th Colossal Cave Road Race 2008
Tucson, AZ
Santa Cruz Classic Criterium
Santa Cruz, CA
Tyson's Corner Circuit Race
Vienna, VA
Vandervorts Corner
Clarksville, OH
NCA Spring Training Series #3
Papillion, NE
Burnham Racing Spring Super Criterium
South Beloit, IL
Redlands Bicycle Classic-Criterium
Redlands, CA
Anthill Criterium
Irvine, CA
3 RVS Spring Tune Up #2
Auburn, IN
PICC Spring Training Series-Fairview
Fairview Township, PA

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

Sylvester Speaks

Several months ago I ran across the story of David Sylvester on ESPN.com's Page 2. The self-proclaimed "regular guy" from Philadelphia, PA embarked on a life journey by bicycle as way to gain donations and publicity for a scholarship fund in the name of his friend, Kevin Bowser, who was killed on 9/11 at the World Trade Center.

Throughout his journeys, David, an avid cyclist himself, has confirmed what we have long expected, that there is real power in our pedals.

As stated on David's website, "I used to live by the adage “the true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching." I did this until I started riding my bicycle across the continents of the globe and I found out that a lot of people were watching; watching and being inspired. I saw that by doing a simple act, riding a bicycle, I was able to motivate others to do something to contribute to the world."

Since then, David has "made the cover of multiple newspapers, raised a lot of scholarship money, had different works published by Time Warner and Disney, made an award winning documentary, continued to bicycle more, become a proud role model for simply riding a bike, received thousands of emails from around the globe, become a member of the Explorers Club, inspired many globally, bettered the world in his own way, improved the confidence of others, evolved, become a better son, a better brother, a better uncle, a better friend, a better man and more."

Although there are many interesting stories and photos on David Sylvester's website, one in particular struck a chord.

With the issue of race coming to the forefront as part of our national discussion, with the continuing challenges that we, as a nation and a global entity, face in regard to the issue, and in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s death, I asked David to re-post the following text and photo.

WARNING: The original text contains some language which some may be deem offensive.

"Hi Folks!
My name is David Sylvester and I recently completed a charitable bicycle trip in Africa, riding over 7,000 miles from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa. The trip made me the first, and only, African American to cross two continents on a bicycle. I have plenty of great and fascinating stories. Many are funny, others bittersweet, some are poignant, but all are entertaining. Surprisingly one story has stood out and if it was not for the fact that I have a picture of it, many would never believe it; and it is for that reason that I am sharing it with you.

While in Lilongwe, Malawi, I came across a store by the name of “Niggers” —that’s right “Niggers”! The other riders, who were all white, could not wait to inform me of this to see my reaction. Initially, I thought that it was a very bad joke, but when the other riders were adamant about the existence of the store, I had to see it for myself.

What I found was a store selling what the owner called “hip hop” style clothing. It was manned by two gentlemen — one of them asleep! (Talk about living up to or in this case down to a stereotype.) I asked the guys what was up with the store name. After hearing my obvious non-Malawian accent and figuring out that I was from America, the man thumped his chest proudly and said “P-Diddy, New York City! We are the niggers!”

My first reaction was to laugh because many things when isolated can be very funny, but it quickly dawned on me that this was so not funny at all. It was pathetic. I did these bicycle trips across the USA and through the ‘Mother Land’ in honor of one of my good friends, mentors, and fellow African American, Kevin Bowser, who died on 9/11. Here I am, a black man, riding across the world on his bicycle in honor of another black man, riding ‘home’ and what do I see?? Some Africans calling themselves Niggers! They were even so proud of it they put it on their storefront to sell stuff. When I relay the story to folks back home in Philadelphia, most of them will laugh too and rationalize it by saying “well, we can say it to each other” or “there is a difference” or even “they just spelled it wrong. It should have been “nigga’s” or “niggah’s”. Gee, like that would make a difference.

The issue is not the spelling. I was wrong. We are wrong. There is no justification for an infraction of this magnitude. The word and the sentiment behind it is flat out wrong! We have denigrated and degraded ourselves to the point that our backwards mindset has spread like a cancer and infected our source, our brothers, our sisters, our Mother Land. I have traveled all over the world and have never seen a store by the name of “Jew Devils”, “spic bastards”, “muff divin’ dykes” or anything like that-—only the store niggers!

I am to blame for this. Every time I said the word I condoned it, by not correcting others or rationalizing it gave it respectability, by looking the other way when others said “hey nigga what’s up” allowed others to see it and ultimately that when I purchase CDs, DVDs, T-shirts and other stuff, I enriched it. I now see the error in my ways and I am so sorry black men and women. The flame that we called entertainment, that was only to warm and entertain us, now engulfs us and scorches our own self-esteem. If a child only knows to refer to men and women as niggers, bitches, pimps and hoes, then what is he/she to grow up thinking of themselves and others as he/she gets older?

This is no joke. You can read some more stories on this site. The bottom line is this I rode over 12,000 miles on two continents through 15 states and 13 countries and broke two bikes in the process, to get to a store in AFRICA called niggers. I am willing to step and admit my part in the havoc that we have wrought on our mindset, but I think that we all are to blame.

I will finish with four things:

• If you don’t like being called a nigger, bitch, faggot, dyke, spic, Jew dog, wop, towel head or anything of that ilk- then THINK. THINK before you speak those words, write those lyrics, support that rhetoric and most of all THINK before you purchase! Purchasing is akin to compliance- I may like the beats and rhythms of some songs but I can not support it any more. You rappers are intelligent- find another word to describe your selves
• A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!
• Read the quote below. If they call you a nigger is one thing but if you answer to it then there is really something wrong!
• Please forward this to the black folks that you know and let us please, please stop the madness

—D A V I D

“It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.” –Bill Clinton"

David Sylvester is available as a speaker or presenter [colleges, universities, schools, businesses, conventions]. You can contact him at sylvester_david@hotmail.com or 267 252 1974 [voicemail]. To make a donation go to http://www.contribute2.org/

Redlands - Prologue

The professionals started the Redlands Bicycle Classic, which is on the United States Cycling Federation (USCF) National Racing Calendar (NRC), with a prologue time trial yesterday. But unlike your standard point-to-point stage race, Redlands test riders in a variety of racing formats. In addition to the Prologue time trial yesterday, riders will be faced with a Circuit Race today on Stage One, a Criterium on Saturday's Stage Two, and a Road Race on Sunday's Stage Three. The overall winners of the four day event will be crowned on Sunday.

Redlands, Calif. - April 3, 2008 - With energy surging through their legs and determination beating in their hearts, professional cyclists from around the world fought for top spots at the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic, presented by PossAbilities, Prologue time trial on April 3. Rory Sutherland, with Health Net - Maxxis; Ben Day, with Toyota United; and Dominique Rollin, also with Toyota United took the top three spots for the men's race, respectively. Mara Abbott, with High Road; Kat Carroll, with Aaron's; and Kim Anderson, with High Road were the top three women's finishers.

"The time trial is tough. There are so many variables that it's hard to gage how well you're doing while you're racing," says Sutherland, a Canberra, Australia, native who won two stages of last year's race. "I feel good with my results, but you never know what could happen. By the end of tomorrow everything could be different."

Cyclists powered up the tough 8% grade on Wabash Ave. in Redlands before sprinting across the Sunset Drive finish line. The racing was tight with only two seconds separating the top two men, and only 25 seconds between the top two women.

This race was just a taste of the explosive racing set for the rest of the week.

For more information about the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic, presented by PossAbilities, including current race results, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.

Results - Women
1 Mara Abbott High Road 11:10.21
2 Katharine Carroll Aaron's 11:35.63
3 Kim Anderson High Road 11:36.37

Men
1 Rory Sutherland Health Net - Maxxis 9:51
2 Ben Day Toyota-United 9:53
3 Dominique Rollin Toyota-United 10:00

Photo: Leonard Basobas (Mara Abbott at the Women's NRC kick-off in Santa Rosa, CA)

PossAbilities Handcycle Prologue Race Kicks-off 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic

The Redlands Bicycle Classic kicked off yesterday, April 3rd, and runs through this Sunday the 6th. In its 24th year, the Redlands Bicycle Classic has grown from an event to promote awareness of downtown Redlands, California to a full blown cycling festival.

Redlands, Calif. - April 3, 2008 - For the second year, the PossAbilities Handcycle Race brought some of the most inspirational athletes to the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic, presented by PossAbilities, a community outreach program of Loma Linda University Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic, and Neurosciences Institute. A wide range of handcyclists, from local athletes to world champions lined up at the April 3rd Prologue starting line with unbridled strength as they prepared to fight for the best position. Scott McNeice took first for the kneeseat (athletes racing while kneeling on seat based on extent of disability); David Lee was first across the line for the longseat (athletes with legs extended); and Erica Davis won the women's race.

The prologue's 5K course, the season opener for the U.S. Handcycling Series, is one of the more challenging races many athlete's face. After a start on Highland Ave., the route begins a steady climb to Wabash Ave., where it turns into an 8% grade, before finishing in the Sunset Drive hills.

The PossAbilities event blurs the line between people with disabilities and those without as it displays the sheer determination and talent of the handcyclists. "Despite the tough terrain, handcyclists understand how to overcome obstacles," says Hoai Luong, PossAbilities program coordinator. "These riders overcome obstacles everyday, which is an inspiration in itself. They are propelled to champion status when they come out here and exceed the ordinary, challenging themselves above and beyond."

Several of the competitors are world champions. McNeice is the first ever handcycling champion and has held every title handcycling offers. He is on track to compete in Beijing for the 2009 Olympic Games. Lee won the 2007 Redlands Bicycle Classic Handcycle competition and is also aiming for Beijing in 2009.

The 2008 handcycle races continue on Friday, April 4, with the first Handcycle Circuit Race in downtown Redlands, near City Hall. The final event will take place Sunday, April 6, with the PossAbilities Handcycle Criterium on Citrus Ave. in downtown Redlands. For more information about the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic, presented by PossAbilities, including current race results, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.

Top Ten
1 Scott McNeice
2 Oz Sanchez
3 David Lee
4 Carlos Moleda
5 Neil Harding
6 Gerard Ah Fook
7 Dan Davies
8 Rick Gilliland
9 Harold Warner
10 Erica Davis

Team Type 1 Ready For First National Race Calendar Event

Redlands, Calif. – Team Type 1 will field a roster that shapes up well to handle the first event on the National Race Calendar, the Redlands Bicycle Classic, which begins Thursday in Redlands, Calif.

Sport Director Ed Beamon said a talented field will once again be the hallmark of the four-day race. Some of the biggest names in U.S. professional cycling – Davis Phinney, Alexi Grewal, Scott Moninger and Chris Horner – have won the Redlands Classic since its inception in 1985.

“The opening time trial will certainly set the stage, but with two circuit races and a criterium, there will be an opportunity to shake things up a little bit with aggressive racing,” Beamon said.

Team Type 1 was founded in 2004 by U.S. racers Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge to inspire people living with diabetes to take a proactive approach to managing their health and overcoming obstacles often associated with the condition. This is the first year Team Type 1 has fielded a professional squad, after winning the corporate team division of the Race Across America the past two years.

Four of the 15 riders on Team Type 1’s professional squad have Type 1 diabetes. Two of them – Southerland and Australian Fabio Calabria – are on the roster for Redlands. Team Type 1’s other riders for the four-day race are: Moises Aldape of Mexico, Australian Ben Brooks, Valeriy Kobzarenko of the Ukraine and Chris Jones, Ian MacGregor and Shawn Milne of the United States.

Beamon said Milne and Kobzarenko will be looked upon as contenders for stage wins. Milne won Stage 5 of the Tour de Taiwan last month, while Kobzarenko was runner-up on Stage 6. Team Type 1 also has a second place finish on team classification to its credit at the Tour of Langkawi in Malaysia in February.

“I think Shawn definitely will be one of our targets for the week and Kobzarenko gives us an added dimension,” Beamon said. “He’s capable of a decent time trial and he likes to race aggressively as well. That combination should give us two guys to try and set up.”

Thursday’s 3.1-mile (5 km) prologue Sun Time Trial is primarily uphill and may very well set the tone for the remainder of the race, Beamon said.

“Anytime there’s a time trial in American racing, it’s consequential because there’s not that many stages after that to disrupt what happens after that stage,” he said.

Friday’s Stage 1 is the new 85-mile (138 km) City of Beaumont Road Race featuring three rated climbs on each of five laps of a 17-mile circuit. It replaces the Oak Glen Road Race that finished with a brutal mountaintop finish.

Stage 2 is the 1st Centennial Bank/KWB Wealth Managers Criterium Saturday on a highly technical, one-mile (1.2 km), nine-corner course in downtown Redlands. Five time bonus sprints that are up for grabs virtually guarantee action from start to finish during the 90-minute race.

Sunday’s Stage 3 Beaver Medical Group Sunset Road Race is a challenging 91-mile (146.5 km) race featuring a climb on each of five laps around a circuit, as well as two time bonus sprints.

“The final day is always decisive,” Beamon said. “It is a difficult stage to control, and the field generally explodes because of the aggressive racing.”

That situation was illustrated in last year’s race when overall leader Scott Moninger (BMC) could not stay with a breakaway, allowing Andrew Bajadali (Jelly Belly Pro Cycling) to steal the victory.

No Joy: Inaugural Flight for Tour of America Grounded

In an Effort to be Included on the UCI Calendar, Aqu, Inc. Reschedules Inaugural Tour of America Until 2009

Pressing forward with route details and sponsorship agreements, Aqu also announces executive team

LUMBERTON, N.C. - March 31, 2008 - Aqu, Inc., organizers of The Tour of America, a multi-stage coast-to-coast professional bicycle road race, today announced rescheduling of the inaugural race until September 2009.

Since the original announcement of the Tour of America in September 2007, Aqu executives and staff members have met with cities along the proposed route, potential sponsors and race teams, as well as staff members of USA Cycling and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the sport"s governing bodies.

"After we announced the Tour of America last fall, we hit the ground running to make the event happen in 2008," said Frank Arokiasamy, Aqu"s president and director of the Tour of America. "Everyone we have spoken with wants to see a 'Tour de France-style" race here in the United We want to work with USA Cycling and UCI to establish this event as a compliment to the major international races, and at the same time not conflict with established races in the United States. Overall, we want to make sure the Tour of America strengthens the sport of cycling and the race calendar. In addition, potential sponsors and route cities have expressed strong support for a fall 2009 race."

Exact dates for the fall 2009 edition of the Tour of America has not been finalized. Tour of America staff are currently finalizing route details, sponsorship agreements and proposed dates to comply with USA Cycling"s race application process. Once the application is submitted, USA Cycling will review it and submit the 2009 Tour of America"s dates, along with all of the races on the national calendar, to the UCI for approval.

The Tour of America currently includes a staff of more than 25 people, including the following:

* Tour Director and Sponsorship - Frank Arokiasamy
* Race Director - Richard Dunn
* Team Relations Director - Todd Nurnberger
* City Relations Director - A.M. Noel
* Events Director - Rachel Enter-Guzman
* Volunteer Director - Rick Warren
* Marketing Director - Brian Ispen
* Merchandising Director - Auburn Collins

For more biographical information about the above staff members, please visit the About Us page.

The 2009 Tour of America is also looking for volunteers to help with city and race coordination along the race route. For more information about volunteering, please visit the Volunteer page.

Background
The Tour of America will be a 21-stage, 2,200 mile (more than 3,500 km) professional bicycle road race. It will be the largest spectator event in the history of U.S. sports, traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The event will include close to 200 riders, from 21 of the world's elite cycling teams in the world to participate and will boast a prize purse currently pegged at $10 million, the largest purse of any international cycling event.

The Tour of America will start in New York"s Central Park and finish in San Francisco Bay Area. (To see the complete schedule, please visit the Routes page.

Until this venture by Aqu, all major international cycling races were held outside the U.S. Smaller stage races are currently held throughout the United States and draw respectable spectator crowds and provide significant economic impact to local communities. However, these races are geographically located within single states, while The Tour of America will span approximately 18 states and will travel through hundreds of towns and cities along the way. As such, the 2009 Tour of America is expected to attract literally millions of spectators along the 2,200-mile route.

Cities along the race"s route include New York City, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Denver, Las Vegas, Sacramento, Napa, Santa Rosa and Palo Alto, to name a few.

For information about The Tour of America, please visit www.TheTourofAmerica.com.

For All The Marbles

Democratic Nominee to be Decided by Match Race

With Hillary Clinton declaring late last week that she has no intent on dropping out of the race, and with no clear cut resolution in sight to determine the nominee, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman, Howard Dean, has come up with an alternative process to decide the already contentious and divisive campaign.

Dean and Steve Johnson, USA Cycling CEO, held a closed door meeting this past weekend to discuss the the matter of setting up a match race between the two candidates. The meeting was reported to have lasted into the "wee hours of the morning." Central to the discuss was an appropriate venue and date as to help decide the nominee well before the Democratic National Convention in August.

The most likely venue for such an event would be in the very shadows of democracy itself, Arlington, VA. The match race would take place immediately following the men's professional race at the CSC Invitational held on June 1st. The details of the match race are in the preliminary stages at best as neither campaign has come to a complete agreement on terms.

The match race is believed to consist of:

• 52 laps - representative of the 50 states and Puerto Rico and Guam
  
• 2 primes - one for the all the pledged delegates of the state of Michigan, and the other for those of the state of Florida
• Winner - will receive the remaining non-committed superdelegates

Neither Johnson nor Dean could be reached for comment regarding the race for all the marbles, but Democratic elder statesman, Al Gore, chimed in stating that he was in favor of settling the matter in an environmentally friendly matter.

The early line from Unibet.com has installed the Senator from Illinois as the early favorite.

Obama 3-1
Clinton 12-1

The grassroots effort by Senator Obama seems to favor him in the overall, but the Senator from New York's ability to surge in the polls may favor her in the sprints for primes.

In any event, the DNC is so welcoming of a conclusion to their primary season, so that they may begin campaigning against Republican nominee John McCain, that Dean re-enacted his infamous scream from 2003, YEEAHHH!

Sevilla Edged Out On San Dimas’ Final Stage

San Dimas, Calif. — Rock Racing’s Oscar Sevilla came up an excruciating one second short of victory Sunday at the San Dimas Stage Race.

Sevilla and his Rock Racing teammates lost a hard-fought battle during the final stage in a race that was the closest finish in the nine-year history of the event.

Canadian Cameron Evans (Symmetrics Cycling Team) emerged from a two-man breakaway during the 90-minute Cannondale Incycle Old Town Classic Criterium to earn enough bonus time in mid-race sprints and at the finish line to climb from 11th place to first overall.

“It was a little bit of a miscalculation on our part,” Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball said. “We will re-adjust things next week at the Redlands Classic and come out on the top like we intended to today.”

Rock Racing impressively defended Sevilla’s yellow jersey during the San Dimas Hospital Road Race Saturday and rode hard on the front during much of Sunday’s race around the six-corner course. But in the end, it came down to a single second separating Sevilla and Evans after nearly five hours of racing over three days.

“I probably should have taken a little more responsibility toward the end,” an obviously disappointed Sevilla said. “Maybe I could have gone to the front with four or five laps to go to help do a little bit more in chasing. But it was so aggressive in the last couple of laps that there really was no organization.”

Sevilla came into the final stage with an eight-second cushion over Peter Stetina (VMG-Felt-RMG) and 19 seconds over Ben Day (Toyota-United Pro Cycling). But time bonuses of 10, six and three seconds were available to the first three sprinters at the 30 and 60-minute marks of the criterium.

Sevilla earned three bonus seconds with a third-place finish on the first bonus sprint – which was won by Toyota-United’s Day. But immediately after the sprint, Evans launched an attack to initiate the decisive breakaway that included Amaran and Chris Jones (Team Type 1).

The leading trio eventually gained a 25-second lead that grew to more than a minute with less than 30 minutes of racing remaining. At that point, Rock Racing initiated a full-throttle chase to bring back what was now two escapees, with Team Type 1’s Jones having been dropped after the second bonus sprint.

Despite a valiant effort, the gap between the breakaway and the field didn’t come down dramatically until the waning laps, when teams other than Rock Racing began eyeing a chance at winning the field sprint.

Sevilla, who was racing this weekend in the United States for the first time, now joins Rock Racing teammates Santiago Botero, David Clinger, Michael Creed, Tyler Hamilton, Kayle Leogrande, Victor Hugo Peña and Fred Rodriguez in the first National Race Calendar event of the season. The 24th Annual Redlands Classic begins Thursday in Redlands, Calif.

Abraham Third At San Dimas Finale

San Dimas, Calif. – Team Type 1's Emile Abraham won the field sprint Sunday for third place as the San Dimas Stage Race wrapped up with the Cannondale Incycle Old Town Classic Criterium.

Abraham improved on his fourth-place finish in Saturday’s Stage 2 San Dimas Hospital Road Race with an impressive sprint from the final corner that left him a bike length ahead of the hard-charging field by the finish line.

“I got the perfect lead-out,” Abraham said. “The guys are really motivated and we know the team is strong and we can get results. It’s just a matter of us meshing together and we’ll be able to win some of the best races in America.”

Ahead of Abraham, Luis Amaran (Colavita-Sutter Home) won the stage while runner-up finisher Cameron Evans (Symmetrics Cycling Team) captured the race overall. The pair originally broke away with Team Type 1’s Chris Jones 30 minutes into the 90-minute event.


“Unfortunately, Chris got gapped off when Amaran attacked with about five laps to go,” Team Type 1 Sport Director Ed Beamon said. “At that point, we told him to go back to the field so he could hang onto his place overall.”

That set the stage for the spectacular lead-out that delivered Abraham to his second top three finish of the season. Ben Brooks and Shawn Milne looked after the multi-time Trinidad and Tabago national champion as the pace quickened in the final laps around the six-corner course through San Dimas’ city center.

“Ben and Shawn did an awesome job to keep me up at the front,” Abraham said. On the final lap, Shawn and I got together and we were right behind the train of Alex Candelario of Kelly Benefit Strategies-Medifast). When we hit the final stretch before the last turn, Shawn just drilled it and we were 1-2 going into the final corner. I knew once I came off the turn, I had to go.

“It was all headwind the last 300 meters, but I was strong enough to hold off the field.”

So fast was Milne’s lead-out, Beamon said, that the field closed what had been a 45-second lead with one lap to go down to only 21 seconds by the finish. The result nearly allowed Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) to hold onto the lead he had held since Friday’s opening time trial. Instead, Evans won the race overall by one second.

Jones led five Team Type 1 racers in the top 30 with his 13th place overall, 41 seconds behind Evans. Teammate Ian MacGregor was 20th, 57 seconds back, Moises Aldape was 22nd, 59 seconds behind, Milne was 24th, 1:04 behind and Brooks was 29th, 1:08 back. Abraham finished 56th overall, 2:18 behind.

Next up for the squad is the Redlands Classic, a four-day National Race Calendar event in Redlands, Calif.

Photo: Courtesy of Team Type 1 [Team Type 1's Emile Abraham (right) on the podium at San Dimas with Stage 3 winner Luis Amaran of Colavita-Sutter Home (center) and runner-up Cameron Evans of the Symmetrics Cycling Team].

Seconds

Today, the 29th of March, marks the Triple Crankset's second year of existence.

Though we have been corresponding and writing about cycling since our Trek Travel trip through the Pyrenees in 2003, we only officially put pen to paper, or rather finger to keyboard in 2006.

During our first year, we were definitely writing for ourselves and for those with whom we travelled. But through a matter of happenstance and a lot of work, we have begun to reach a broader scope of the vaunted cycling community in our second year.

That said, we have a multitude of individuals to thank. Some have been with us from our humble beginnings, others we are just getting to know.

In no certain order, we would like to extend our gratitude to:

Dan McCormack - One of the originals who rode with us in France. Ride on Rider.

Leo Cordery - Owner of Bicycle Generation in Deerfield Beach, FL and another one of the originals.

Shannon Hutchison-Krupat - The lady with one of the most infectious smiles; she was one our very first interviews and helped introduce me to the wonderful world of women's cycling.

Sean Weide - We have certainly profited from your vast knowledge of cycling and of those in the industry. Your contributions to our blogging experiment have been immeasurable.

Liz Hatch - Your loyalty is unmatched and your friendship unwavering. I truly appreciate your willingness to support our site. Heal up and see you in Philly!


Vanderkitten [Dave Verrecchia, Mark Zefeldt] - Your welcoming nature has always made me feel like part of your grassroot effort to create a racing team.

Knut Walther Baldersheim and Kurt Asle Arvesen - Our unending thanks to Knut for helping us to make an interview with KAA possible, and to Kurt for being so gracious in taking the time to answer our questions before his preparation for Worlds. Tusen takk!

Kathleen King - Your passionate disposition toward cycling and art are truly infectious. We appreciate your constant support and feedback.

Amber Rais - Your physical talents make you a great cyclist. Your openness, candor, friendship, and audacity to strive for something to benefit us all makes you a great person. We look forward to future contributions and collaborations.


Michael Engleman - The man who more than "walks the walk." Your dedication to women's cycling is an investment that will never take a downturn.

Dave "Poppa P" Politis, Chip Smith, and Maura Lansford of SOAR Communications - Thanks for your guidance and for the information you supply to the site.

Pip Gregson - Yoga instructor and bike shop co-owner extraordinaire. Your contributions and friendship have been invaluable to me. You Rock!

Katie W. - One of my best friends. Thanks for letting us accompany you on your journey toward becoming an Iron[wo]man. Run like the wind in Boston.

Amy K. - Your continued friendship and support behind the scenes is much appreciated.

Other notable mentions: Kurt Harvey, Chris Lees, Nicola Cranmer, Shelley Olds, Carmen D'Aluisio, Kris Keim, Steve Hatch, Sheena Johnson, Luke Seemann, Carlos Cabalu, Johlene Hess, Kerri Martin, Molly White & Bianca Dillon.

To others not mentioned above who have placed a link to us on their site or who have linked to one of our post:

Spoke Punchers
PROMAN Professional Cycling
Team TIBCO
Its All In Your Headset
Robert T. Metz
Adventures on Bicycles
Are We There Yet?
Donald's Daily Draft
Untitled
theclothezline
The Virtual Musette
Trust But Verify
B Misc
Steroid Nation
Podium Cafe
Bicycle Design
Cozy Beehive
FredCube
BlogNetNews - Cycling

If I have inadvertently forgotten anyone, my apologies [I'll make sure to update the list above if I have].

For our readers, thank you, and please feel free to leave us a note when you drop in.

So what's on tap for the upcoming year...more interviews, reviews, and a new home...STAY TUNED.

Sevilla Overcomes

It's been sometime since we heard the name Oscar Sevilla tied to a result; his name bandied about with the doping scandal Operacion Puerto with more regularity these days. But there he was, like former Rock Racing teammate, Mario Cipollini, fresh off a plane and in California riding well once again.

The cynic in me is aligned with the race organizers, doping and cycling organizations, and the multitude of those disenchanted that look at riders, like Sevilla, as a large stain that needs to be extracted from the sport.

The realist, and perhaps optimist, in me, however, says that the baby-faced precocious talent we once saw emerge at cycling's highest level has some ability and looked only to level the playing field in a dope riddled peloton.

Regardless of which side you fall on, I am not here to advocate for summarily dismissing those past offenses, but rather a refrainment of passing judgment on the remainder of his body of work as a result of those past indiscretions.

Afterall, with doping agencies and laboratories such as the LNDD purporting to the infallibility of their own results [as in the Landis case], if Sevilla and any of those other implicated or confessed riders ever waivers from the narrow path again, they should mostly likely get caught.


Sevilla Delivers a Victory for Rock Racing

San Dimas, Calif. — In his first race in the United States, Oscar Sevilla overcame a mechanical difficulty Friday to deliver Rock Racing an impressive victory at the San Dimas Stage Race.

A shifting problem with his rear derailleur forced Sevilla to get off his bike and remount his chain in the final half-mile of the uphill Glendora Chevrolet Mountain Time Trial.

Despite those troubles, Sevilla still bested runner-up Peter Stetina (VMG-Felt-RGM) by eight seconds and third-place finisher Ben Day (Toyota-United Pro Cycling) by 16 seconds. Sevilla’s winning time of 13 minutes and five seconds on the twisting, 3.8-mile (6.1 km) course would have certainly been faster had he not had mechanical difficulties, Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball said.

“He lost at least 35 seconds – or even more by having to stop,” Ball said. “To have him pull off this victory today is very gratifying. Our original track was to see Oscar at the top of the GC (general classification) at any given race, especially domestically. So we’re back on track.”

Sevilla was one of three Rock Racing riders excluded by race organizers from competing at the Amgen Tour of California last month. The former best young rider at the Tour de France (2001) and a two-time runner-up at the Vuelta a España (2001, 2002) scored his first victory since winning the Route de Sud in France last June. It was the fourth win of the season for Rock Racing.

“I was very nervous before the start, but I was motivated to do well today,” Sevilla said. “I haven’t been able to race in so long that I had a lot of butterflies.”

Sevilla said his biggest concern was jet lag following a 10-hour flight Tuesday from Madrid to Los Angeles.

“Last week I was feeling pretty good but with all the traveling, I didn’t know if I would have my racing legs today,” the 31-year-old said.

Rock Racing Team Director Mariano Friedick is now a familiar position – having to help defend the race lead. In 2006, he was racing in San Dimas in support of former Toyota-United teammate Heath Blackgrove, who won the race overall.

“I know exactly what this race is like and I have complete faith in these guys,” Friedick said.

Rock Racing’s Michael Creed was also impressive Friday with a ninth place finish, 26 seconds behind. Other Rock Racing finishers were: Tyler Hamilton, 23rd at 41 seconds; Jeremiah Wiscovich, 50th at 1:09; Peter Dawson, 67th at 1:33; Kayle Leogrande, 84th at 1:52; Adam Switters, 90th at 1:55, and Rahsaan Bahati, 126th at 3:26.

Saturday’s second stage is the San Dimas Hospital Road Race. The 84-mile (135 km) race comprises 12 laps of a seven-mile loop over rolling terrain. The final stage on Sunday is the Cannondale Incycle Old Town Classic, a six-corner, 90-minute criterium in the San Dimas city center.

On Tap...

With the fireworks of the northern Spring Classics set to go off next weekend, our attention turns to the track and the domestic scene.

The 2008 World Track Championships started this past Wednesday at the British National Cycling Centre in Manchester, England. With the velodrome boards recently overhauled [yes, I'm one of the few who actually owns a piece of the old pines] and with the Olympics merely a scant 4 months away, this championship promised to be a fast a furious one.

After two days of competition, cheery old England has certainly had plenty to cheer about. Bradley Wiggins (GBR), the reigning World and Olympic Pursuit champion, once again dominated the field in the individual event on Day 1, while heading up the Gold medal winning effort in the team pursuit the following day.

Victoria Pendleton and Shanaze Reade (GBR) added to the hometown gold rush by defending their World Team Sprint championship.


But perhaps the most amazing result for the home nation had to be Rebecca Romero's victory in the Individual Pursuit. It bears repeating [except for those in the US Cycling camp], but Romero really did hammer defending champion Sarah Hammer (USA) in the finals. If you haven't yet read about the former champion rower turned cyclist, her story is a startling example of finding or "falling into what you were truly meant to do."

Other Results:
Men's Scratch - Aliaksandr Lisouki (Belarus) - Gold; Wim Stroetinga (Netherlands) - Silver; Roger Kluge (Germany) - Bronze.

Men's Team Sprint - France - Gold; Great Britain - Silver; Netherlands - Bronze.

Women's 500km Time Trial - Lisandra Guerra Rodriguez (Cuba) - Gold; Simona Krupeckaite (Lithuania) - Silver; Sandie Clair (France) - Bronze.

As an aside, a happy belated birthday to US Cycling legend Rebecca Twigg, who once dominated the Individual Pursuit taking away 6 World Championships. Twigg turned 45 this past Wednesday the 26th.


Party On, Dudes
Although not on the NRC any longer, the domestic circuit takes a stop in the hometown of Bill S. Preston, Esq. and Ted "Theodore" Logan with the San Dimas Stage Race this weekend.

Men's Start List
Women's Start List

For a more local flavor, check out these races in select geographical areas.

03/28/2008
Tucson Bicycle Classic
Tucson, AZ
San Dimas Stage Race
San Dimas, CA

03/29/2008
Kirkwood Road Race (TM)
Christiana, PA
Ronde Van Brisbeen
Birsbane, CA
Orosi Road Race
Orosi, CA
Hillsboro Roubaix 2008
Hillsboro, IL
NCA Criterium Training Race #2
Norfolk, NE
Waterford Hills Training Series
Waterford, MI
2008 Uptown Greenville Criteriums
Greenville, NC

03/30/2008
Quick Release Spring Training Series #24
Ann Arbor, MI
Fisk Knob Time Trial
Cedar Springs, MI
Jefferson Cup Road Race
Charlottesville, VA
Hanford Sentinel Criterium
Hanford, CA
Hueston Wood
College Corner, OH
Becker Time Trial Series
Long Beach, CA
Mingo Creek Spring Road Race Series
Nottingham Twp, PA
3 RVS Spring Tune Up #1
Auburn, IN
Spring Training Camp 2008
Nellysford, VA

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


Up The Road
As the entrance of April usually marks the beginning of the northern Spring Classic campaigns for the European peloton, it signifies the Redlands Classic for the domestic one.

04/03/2008
Redlands Bicycle Classic-Stage Race
Redlands, CA
Thursday Night Training Series
Trexlertown, PA
RMR/Salt Aire-Utah Time Trial Series
Salt Lake City, UT

04/05/2008
Wards Ferry Road Race
Sonora, CA
Waterford Hills Training Series
Waterford, MI
2008 Bob Hansing Memorial Cup Series
Encino, CA
Hell of the North
Salt Lake City, UT
Evergreen Park Criterium
Sheboygan, WI
Martinez Bay Front Criterium
Martinez, CA

04/06/2008
10th Colossal Cave Road Race 2008
Tucson, AZ
Santa Cruz Classic Criterium
Santa Cruz, CA
Tyson's Corner Circuit Race
Vienna, VA
Vandervorts Corner
Clarksville, OH
NCA Spring Training Series #3
Papillion, NE
Burnham Racing Spring Super Criterium
South Beloit, IL
Redlands Bicycle Classic-Criterium
Redlands, CA
Anthill Criterium
Irvine, CA
3 RVS Spring Tune Up #2
Auburn, IN
PICC Spring Training Series-Fairview
Fairview Township, PA

Mama's Boy?

Humans, unlike some animals, are not bred for a specific purpose. Talyor Phinney's life purpose, however, certainly seems to be reflective of his physiological inheritance. If Taylor were a thoroughbred he would be said to have come from good stock.

Though his father, Davis Phinney, is certainly the more decorated and well known cyclist in the family, the infancy of Taylor's career seems to indicate that he's more a chip off the old maternal rather than paternal block.

Like his mother, Connie Carpenter-Phinney, a former World Track Champion in the pursuit, Taylor has vaulted himself into the World and Olympic picture for the United States in the same discipline.


At the 2008 World Track Championships, which began yesterday, Taylor finished in 8th overall while setting the 3km world record for juniors in the process.

A truly amazing feat for the 17-year-old who only started out on the pines last fall.

MORE:
USA Cycling [Velonews] - Phinney Sets PR and Junior World Record
Vicki Michaelis [USA Today] - Olympic Quest a Ride for the Phinney Family

Photo: Reuters

Large Feet...

...Big Bike.

If you are Leonid Stadnyk, a Ukrainian man recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's tallest human, you can't simply walk into the local shop and ride off on a brand new bike. Afterall, there aren't any stock frames for someone 8-foot-5-inches tall and weighing 440lbs [and to think he was once the smallest child in his class].


Only a customized ride [this one given to him this past Sunday by an organization for the disabled] could work for the former veternarian, who suffers from acromegalic gigantism as a result of a benign tumor that stimulated his pituitary gland at the age of 14.

If you're wondering what type of dimensions the bike could possibly have, a one-of-a-kind bicycle once produced by Connecticut-based Cannondale Bicycles for basketball star Shaquille O'Neal might give you some indication.

To accommodate the 7'1", 320 lb. frame of O'Neal, the bicycle featured a super-beefy 2 3/8" diameter downtube, and had a top tube height of 37.2".

And yes, those are flats on end of those cranks, above, as even the finest Italian shoe maker doesn't have a last to make clip-ons for a size 27 shoe nor does Look make a pair of Keos that big.

Welcome to Mellow Johnny's

As reported in the Austin American Stateman last month, Our Boy Lance Armstrong is set to unveil a new bike shop in May, Mellow Johnny's; a Lance-ism in reference to the famed Maillot Jaune of the Tour de France.

Hey, wasn't opening up a bike shop Mike Anderson's idea?

In any regard, Armstrong hopes that the "bike shop, commuting center, training facility and cafe in a 1950s-era building at the northwest corner of Fourth and Nueces streets" in Austin, TX will help to transform the cycling community.

Armstrong said he'd like to see Austin evolve into a place like Portland, Ore., where biking is part of the culture and people pedal to work, to restaurants and to run errands. "Walk outside, and the streets are lined with bikes — because they have a safe place to ride," Armstrong said of the city long known for its bicycle-friendly amenities and policies.

What can the good people of Austin expect? Knowing LA's penchant for perfection, probably nothing less than "the coolest bike shop in the world."

Our Boy Lance (OBL): Welcome to Mellow Johnny's. What can we help you with?

Average Joe Cyclist (AJC): Ah, dude…you're Lance Armstrong!

OBL: Yup, last time I looked in the mirror I was.

AJC: What the…I thought some other dude was managing the store? What are you doing here?

OBL: Just stopped by to visit the store and see how things were going. The boys just headed out on a ride. So what can I help you with?

AJC: Well, I was just going to check out the shop and look for a new ride. I'll just cruise around if you've got things to do.

OBL: Nope, let me show you around and we can try to set you up with something.

AJC: [looking around] Cool, dude!

OBL: So whattya think of the shop?

AJC: There's an awful lot of black and yellow in here.

OBL: Signature colors.

AJC: Oh yeah right.

OBL: So let's set you up with a ride. They're over here.

So this is Trek's new top of the line Madone 6.9 Pro. It's got an integrated seat mast and a sloping top tube like the rest of the '08 line, but I never really cared for that type of geometry...[leaning in] for sissies if you ask me [laughs]. So I've made sure we carry the older line of Madones as well.

AJC: Is the Madone line the only one that you carry?

OBL: Nope. We've also got the Equinox line. This tricked out baby is the TTX 9.9 SSL. It's got a race proven geometry that helped me win many a time trial and 7 Tours.

AJC: Ah, ok. What else ya got in here?

OBL: Glad you asked, cause we carry the absolute shit in here…Shimano, Oakley Sunglasses, Giro Helmets, HED wheel sets, Nike clothing, Deda handlebars…you know the ones with the shallow drops…the absolute shit!

AJC: Well thanks LA. You hit me with quite a lot, maybe I should sleep on it.

OBL: Nonsense! Let's just head over here to the fitting area. Grab one of those Shiner Bocks out of that bucket by the cafe while you're at it and we'll talk about which Madone you want.

Plus if you act now, we'll throw in a pass to the local 24 Hour Fitness, a free coaching evaluation from Carmichael Training System, a couple of free samples of FRS, and here's the cherry on top…wait for it…some Nike three quarter length black cycling socks.

Hhhmm, hhhmmm?

AJC: Doesn't Trek also make Lemond bicycles? Got any of those around?

OBL: Out.

AJC: Huh?

OBL: OUT! I thought you were serious about bikes, now you're just wasting my time.

Team Type 1 Unveils Lineup For San Dimas

San Dimas, Calif. – Team Type 1 will field a much different lineup for its third stage race of the season – and its first in the United States – when it takes the start line Friday at the San Dimas Stage Race.

On Team Type 1’s roster for the three-day, three-stage race are Americans Chris Jones, Ian MacGregor, Shawn Milne and Phil Southerland, Australian Ben Brooks, Mexican Moises Aldape and Emile Abraham of Trinidad and Tobago.

Southerland is one of four riders with Type 1 diabetes on Team Type 1’s professional roster. Earlier this month, he competed in the Tour de Taiwan with Abraham, Jones and Milne – who finished second overall. Aldape, Brooks and MacGregor raced for Team Type 1 in its first action of the season, the Tour of Langkawi in Malaysia.

Team Type 1 Sport Director Ed Beamon said he is anxious to see the chemistry that develops among the seven who will race in San Dimas.

“This will be the first test for the new TT1 squad against the American teams, so we are excited to see how we stack up,” Beamon said.

Brooks and Jones raced at San Dimas last year, with Brooks finishing fifth overall and Jones placing 12th.

“I am hoping Chris Jones will have a good ride on the hilly time trial, and we expect to take an aggressive approach to the road and criterium,” Beamon said.

Racing begins with Friday’s Glendora Chevrolet Mountain Time Trial, a twisting climb that gains 1,375 feet in elevation over the 3.8-mile (6.1 km) distance. Saturday’s Stage 2 is the 84-mile (135 km) San Dimas Hospital Road Race that comprises 12 laps of a seven-mile loop on rolling terrain. The final stage Sunday is the Cannondale Incycle Old Town Classic, a six-corner, 90-minute criterium in the San Dimas city center.

Team Type 1 will be without the services of Matt Wilson and Dan Holt, both of whom are out with broken wrists. Wilson broke his wrist in a training accident last week while Holt crashed Saturday midway through the Webster-Roubaix Road Race in Webster, Fla. Despite his injury, Holt still managed to finish third.

“It is a big disappointment losing Dan,” Beamon said. “His injury is a little more serious than Matt’s and he will most likely lose a bit more time. We were really counting on Dan in the early season criteriums, so this is another unfortunate setback.”

For the second straight year, the San Dimas Stage Race is assured of crowning a new champion. Last year’s winner, Scott Moninger (BMC Pro Cycling Team) has retired. The 2006 champion, Heath Blackgrove (Toyota-United Pro Cycling), did not compete last year but is schedule to compete this year.

Weather forecasts for San Dimas call for nearly ideal conditions, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to upper 60s. This race is the final tune-up before the National Race Calendar schedule for men begins at the Redlands Classic, April 3-6.

On Tap...

La Primavera
The European peloton's next stop is La Classiclisma, Milano-San Remo. As is the case with the Belgian classics, the men who hail from the home country are usually favored. Of the Squadra Azzura, none should be more favored than David Rebellin (Gerolsteiner), who captured the Paris-Nice title last weekend.

If you are looking for someone else other than an Italian, the smart money seems to swaying toward former World Champion Oscar Freire (Rabobank). In the end, the winner of San Remo is often as unpredictable as its finale, which always comes down to a very late break or a bunch sprint.

Around the Way
For a more local flavor to your weekend, head out to these races in select geographical areas.

03/22/2008
Copperopolis Road Race
Milton, CA
Lake Ontelaunee Time Trials
Leesport, PA
NCA Criterium Training Race #1
Lincoln, NE

03/23/2008
Steel City Showdown Sunday USCF
Pittsburgh, PA
Easter Sunday GP-11th Annual
Ontario, CA
Bonny Doon Hill Climb
Santa Cruz, CA
Dixie Classic Criterium Series- Part 1
Winston-Salem, NC


As always, click through to Truesport.com for photos or results for some of these local races.

Up The Road
03/28/2008
Tucson Bicycle Classic
Tucson, AZ
San Dimas Stage Race
San Dimas, CA

03/29/2008
Kirkwood Road Race (TM)
Christiana, PA
Ronde Van Brisbeen
Birsbane, CA
Orosi Road Race
Orosi, CA
Hillsboro Roubaix 2008
Hillsboro, IL
NCA Criterium Training Race #2
Norfolk, NE Criterium
Waterford Hills Training Series
Waterford, MI Open (Pro-am)
2008 Uptown Greenville Criteriums
Greenville, NC

03/30/2008
Fisk Knob Time Trial
Cedar Springs, MI
Jefferson Cup Road Race
Charlottesville, VA
Hanford Sentinel Criterium
Hanford, CA
Hueston Wood
College Corner, OH
Mingo Creek Spring Road Race Series
Nottingham Twp, PA

Team Type 1 Gets Nod For Tour de Georgia

Atlanta – Team Type 1, a first-year professional team that has twice won the Race Across America corporate team division, will be among 15 squads at this year’s Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T.

Team Type 1 was founded in 2004 by racers Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge to inspire people living with diabetes to take a proactive approach to managing their health and overcoming obstacles often associated with the condition. Four of the 15 riders on the Team Type 1 professional squad – Southerland, Eldridge, Tim Hargrave and Fabio Calabria – have Type 1 diabetes.

“This is great news for Team Type 1, and it is a major stepping stone toward our hopes of getting to the Tour de France in 2012,” Southerland said. “Being a native of Georgia, it means the world to me to be able to take part in the biggest race in the state, if not one of the most prestigious in the entire country.”

The 660-mile race begins Monday, April 21 on Tybee Island and ends with a circuit race through the streets of Atlanta on Sunday, April 27. The Tour de Georgia is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious stage races in the United States.

Eldridge said Team Type 1’s berth in the race – which is now in its sixth year – is a major milestone in sports for people with diabetes.

“For the first time, we’ll have riders with diabetes racing against guys who will be competing in the Tour de France,” Eldridge said. “This is our opportunity to show the diabetes community, as well as fans of pro cycling, what we are able to achieve.”

The eight racers who will represent Team Type 1 in the race will be announced at a later date by Team Type 1 Sport Director Ed Beamon and Assistant Sport Director Vassili Davidenko.

Beamon said the squad will have its sights set on a stage win and not necessarily the overall individual or team classification.

“With the terrain that Georgia presents – up and down and rolling – we’ll put a squad together that will be good in that arena,” Beamon said. “Field sprints won’t be for us and realistically, with the climb up Brasstown Bald mountain (on Stage 6) being such a decisive element in the classification, trying to win the race overall would be a real reach for us. However, that stage will be a good opportunity for Chris Jones to show what he can do.”

Team Type 1 has already experienced success this season on the international stage, having finished runner-up at the Tour de Taiwan with Shawn Milne last week and second in the team classification at the Tour of Langkawi in Malaysia in February.

Next up for Team Type 1 is the San Dimas Stage Race in San Dimas, Calif., March 28-30.

Photo: Courtesy: Marco Quezada