Where We Go To Drink

Philadelphia, PA - There are other "walls" on the cycling circuit, but no other wall seems to be as synonymous with a neighborhood or a race as "The Wall" in Manayunk that serves as the northwestern end of the Commerce Bank Philadelphia International Championship and Liberty Classic loop.

Staying just a few miles south, in the neighborhood of East Falls, I had the opportunity to take in "The Wall" prior to race day. "The Wall" comprises all of Levering Street and a few blocks of Lyceum Avenue. It is at its tortuous best right before the intersection of Tower Street when it takes a left turn and begins to kick up at a 17% gradient.


Locals and those smart [or crazy, depending on your perspective] enough to bring their bicycles can challenge themselves in a timed effort up "The Wall" on the Friday before Sunday's professional race.

The town of Manayunk itself is a bustling environment that provides unique shopping and dining experiences. Main Street possesses both upscale chain stores like Restoration Hardware and Banana Republic, and 50 or so chic boutiques that offer up the distinctive. The 30 restaurants and eateries either lining Main St. or found just off of it, provide enough choices to keep the most discerning palette content. For the cyclist, two shops, Cadence and Human Zoom rule the roost.

Though many have equated Manayunk to being swept away to a small European destination, it wasn't always so. Locals will tell you that the neighborhood was a veritable ghost town before it was revitalized by its inclusion in the professional bicycle race.

Historically, the Philadelphia neighborhood along the Schuylkill River was originally called Flat Rock. But during an 1824 community meeting the decision was made to change the name to Manayunk, which was derived from the Lenape Indian word "manaiung" meaning "where we go to drink."

The meaning could not be any more appropriate as on race day "The Wall" was lined by cycling fans and party goers alike.

At the staging area on the morning of race day, I headed up to Manayunk to take in the atmosphere of “The Wall” and to meet up with one-third of the Triple Crankset, 53rd Tooth, who drove in from Harrisburg.

Although the temperatures were in the mid 90s, those who lined the street were highly enthusiastic both about the race in front and their drink in hand. The highlight had to be a female bagpiper and a group of male neighbors, who accompanied with cow bell, cheered loudly and in unison, "Clang, Cla-Clang, Clang...NICE LUNGS!" during her breaks.


Aye, nothing says professional bicycle race better than a lovely lass playing the pipes.


As far as the racers were concerned, the look on Laura Van Gilder's (Cheerwine) face says it all.


Photos: Leonard Basobas

The Philadelphia Attritions

Philadelphia, PA - The city known as the "cradle of liberty" turned out to be the "cradle of heat and humidity" as summer decided to announce its presence with unbridled authority on Sunday June 8th.

The predicted temperatures in the mid 90s were within an arms reach at the 9 AM start of the men’s race with the thermostat already reading 80 degrees. Toward the end of the racing, one official reported the temperature as 120-degrees on the road.

Commerce Bank Liberty Classic
The women were first to contest for podium spots. After completing four laps of the 14.4 mile course, Team High Road’s Chantal Beltman would solo across the line to lay claim to the 2008 Commerce Bank Liberty Classic title.

The race that featured several early breakaway attempts was not truly decided until the final pass up “The Wall” in Manayunk. Using a three pronged attack [seemingly a favorite tactic from the team formerly known as T-Mobile], Beltman, along with teammates Kim Anderson and Mara Abbott, would isolate Team TIBCO’s Joanne Kiesanowski after cresting the climb.

On the flats of Kelly Drive, it was Anderson who would have the first go, followed by Abbott. Kiesanowski, who placed second at the Commerce Bank Reading Classic three days prior, was strong in covering the first two moves, but was unable to mark the final effort by Beltman.

“As soon as Joanne caught Mara, I went on my own just before Lemon Hill,” explained the Dutchwoman, alluding to the short climb that precedes the final run in to the finish. “From there I just gave it my all because I knew I had nothing to lose. If the field catches me, then we have Ina for the sprint. We had it under control all day. It was awesome.”

For all her effort, Kiesanowski would still finish strong coming in seventh. TIBCO teammate Brooke Miller would take the field sprint and second place.


Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Team High Road) who won all three events of the Triple Crown last year and the first two events this year, would round out the podium.

“I would have been sad if my teammate didn’t win,” said Teutenberg, who won the Liberty Classic in 2005 and 2007. “But since High Road won, that’s all that matters. We wanted to win the race and that’s what we did.”

Teutenberg and company also grabbed the lion’s share of the women’s $27,200 prize purse, which included $5,000 for the overall series winner – a prize the German did win.

Commerce Bank Philadelphia International Championship
In a race that lasted a record 6 hours, 14 minutes and 47 seconds, the longest it has ever taken to cover the 156 miles of the Commerce Bank Philadelphia International Championship, CSC’s Matti Breschel was the main survivor in this battle of attrition.

The heat would take its toll as only 81 of the 190 strong field would complete the mandatory 10 laps. Notably missing from the final sprint was Liquigas fastman, Daniele Bennati who dropped out of the race fairly early on, reportedly with knee tendonitis.

Similar to the women’s race, several breaks attempted to go up the road but none would stick.

The most significant was a seven man break that featured Rock Racing’s Tyler Hamilton, Davide Frattini (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), Ed King (Bissell), Brian Jensen (Team Successful Living), Dan Ramsay (Time), Ben Kneller (Jittery Joe’s), and Richard Geng (Rite Aid). The group stayed away for the majority of the race only to be pulled in toward the end.

It would all come down to a field sprint with the 23-year-old Breschel taking it at the line. With his win in Philadelphia and the finishing consistency he showed over the week, Breschel would also net the top prize in the three-race series’ overall standings.


“I was all by myself on the last lap,” explained Breschel, who did not have the benefit of a full lead-out train like some of his competitors. “But I got myself in a good position going through [Logan Circle] and was able to make a long sprint to the finish.”


Americans Kirk O’Bee (Health Net-Maxxis) and Fred Rodriguez (Rock Racing) were second and third respectively.

“It was a crazy last lap,” explained O’Bee, who was contesting his eighth Philadelphia race. “As soon as I exited the last round-about, my teammate John Murphy led me up the left side and took me all the way to the 200-meter-to-go sign. I took it from there and almost had it, but I probably went a little early and Breschel was able to come over the top of me.”

Unfortunately for Rodriguez, he lost momentum when he rode over a steel grate at the 150-meter mark on the final stretch of Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

“I hit the infamous pothole that’s been there every year since I started doing this race and it threw me off balance for the finish,” he said.

Rodriguez’s third place in the final race of the Commerce Bank “Triple Crown of Cycling” follows a pair of outright victories in the event that was once known as the USPRO Championship in 2001 and 2004, a second place finish in 2000 (as the top American finisher), third place in 1996 and fourth in 2005.

Photos: Leonard Basobas (first, second, and fourth); Vero Image (third)

TRIPLE Exclusive - An Interview with Kris Keim

Dancer on the Pedals
An organization is only as good as the depth and breath of it members. In that regard, the Women’s Professional peloton is an excellent organization comprised of talented, self-assured, and intelligent individuals. One of those dynamic individuals is Kristin Keim (Team Kenda Tires).

In just a little over 2 years of racing, the 27-year-old is already a member of Team Kenda’s NRC Elite team. That fact may seem a bit unremarkable on the surface, but in her childhood and throughout her formative years, Kris danced exclusively on the floor and not on the pedals.

Seemingly bopping and hopping before she could walk, the South Carolina native aspired to one day dance and write in New York City. She would study Journalism and Dance at the University of Georgia, and earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Dance Performance from the same. But as Robert Burns once wrote, “the best-laid plans of mice and men go oft awry,” and life’s funny way of happening did just that as the years of dance had worn on Kris toward the tail end of her collegiate experience.

She would ultimately find herself on the bicycle. Relocating to one of cycling’s meccas, in Kris’s case that of Boulder, CO, her life would move onward and quite literally upward. To say that the cycling community has benefited from Kris's transition from dancing on the floor to on the pedals would be an understatement.

In addition to racing for Team Kenda Tires, Kris is an active member of the US Women's Cycling Development Program (USWCDP), assisting in the program’s marketing, and an instructor of Pilates through the Boulder based fitness studio Body Dynamics.

In my conversation with Kris Keim (K2) we discuss her dancing days, compare Pilates to Criterium racing, and tackle the question of what’s appropriate in marketing the women of the sport.

Granny’s 30 (G): With a minor in Dance Performance from UGA, it sounds as if you have an extensive dance background. When did you start dancing and what is your favorite discipline?

Kris Keim (K2): I started dancing at the tender age of 4 yrs old; if it was possible I would have started dancing at 2 years old. My parents to this day still talk about how I "danced" before I could even walk. I have studied all disciplines including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and modern, but danced ballet mostly. I attended the SC Governor's School for the Arts studying Ballet and Modern. My passion continued into my college years when I received a scholarship to dance and minor in Dance Performance at The University of Georgia. While receiving my Degree in Journalism, I also danced in the Pre-Professional UGA Ballet Ensemble.

G: Did you have any aspirations of dancing professionally? Any dance role models growing up? Were you or did you try out to be on the UGA Red Hotz?

K2: I wanted to dance professionally and do journalism on the side while living in New York. That was my dream…how things change.

In college, I thought about dancing for a small company and working on the side for a dance magazine, or something along those lines, since being a professional dancer is right up there with the pay of a professional cyclist. It wasn't until around my Junior year that I started to get burned out on dancing.

I had been dancing for nearly 18 years and my body and mind were tired. It was very difficult to manage a full time school schedule with the hours and hours of rehearsal for the Ballet Company. I was also going through a difficult time with a recent diagnosis of Crohn's Disease, and it was time for a change. I decided to try a new outlet and stopped dancing all together. I started working out in the gym and running a lot, getting more in touch with the "sporty" side of Kris Keim. In high school, I had balanced being a ballerina and a soccer player. Dancers are athletes but I have always had a competitive side too.

G: Did you just go all third person on me? How were your "jazz hands," and what do you think about when you hear Phil Liggett talk about climbers "dancing on the pedals"?

K2: I love the saying "dancing on the pedals!" My #1 fave bike term. I love Phil too [smiles]. Actually, when I first started riding I had many people say that I was a natural at climbing, and that I really did seem to "dance" on the pedals as I glided up the mountains. I might not be as fast as Mara Abbott (she drops me on training rides in the mountains and everyone is races) but I'm the happiest while standing up to climb listening to my music and shaking my booty while literally dancing on the bike! A sight to see.

G: What type of music do you like to listen to when you ride? Who are some of your favorite artists, bands, etc.?

K2: I like to listen to all styles of music, pretty much anything but country! Right now I'm not training with music because I washed my iPod in my jersey and [because of a crash] I can't ride yet. Music is my inspiration, it's what helps me clear my head or let out my frustrations. Right now I'm listening to Bloodhound Gang, Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers, Counting Crows, REM, Jay Clifford, and Thomas Jonak, to name a few.

G: Have you participated in any of the climbing events like Mt. Washington Hill Climb, Mt. Evans Hill Climb, Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, etc.? If so, which is your favorite?

K2: No! I'm still pretty new to the sport and haven't had the time to hit up any of these big boy climbs but now I'm itching too. Maybe even go after TD's [Tom Danielson] time...though I might leave that one for Mara [Abbott] because they have an ongoing feud.

[Aside: Kris’ current coach, Michael Engleman held the Mt. Evans record for 12 years, until Tom Danielson beat the time in 2004].

G: How did you get into cycling?

K2: I got into teaching Pilates, doing personal training, and teaching spin after I decided not to be dancer and was not too interested in working in an advertising agency either. I was teaching spin classes and some cyclists talked me into getting a "real" bike to ride outside. I was hooked from day one. I learned how to ride (clip in and out) one afternoon with a friend and then the next day rode like an hour, which to me felt like 5hrs. The following weekend a group of avid cyclists were doing a group ride and invited me. This little group ride ended up actually being a century. So yes, my 3rd ride on my bike was 100 miles and I finished with all of them…the rest is history.

G: When did you get started in Pilates? Most trainers and coaches talk about building a strong core, could you explain to our readers why it’s important. How has Pilates helped to improve your cycling, life, etc.?

K2: I got into Pilates through my dance training; I've been studying Pilates for almost 13 years and teaching for the past 6.

I know without a doubt that having the Pilates training in my background has benefited my cycling career. Unless there is a bike fit issue, I never have any back issues even if I'm climbing for 6 hours straight. Pilates is one of the best exercise programs for a cyclist to follow throughout the season not just in the "off" season. It helps keep the body balanced, and in a sport like cycling imbalances can cause numerous problems throughout the body.

I recommend that every cyclist find a local gym or studio and take a class 2-3 times a week or at least learn the Basic 10 Pilates routines and do it on your own time. I can't stress how important core strength is for the body; it's the center from where all our natural energy radiates. Outside of cycling I would have to admit that Pilates is my second passion in life and I love teaching it.

G: What's harder, a tough Pilates workout or a hard fast crit?

K2: [Laughs] MY Pilates class might just be HARDER for some guy bike racers; they would probably say that a 90 minute Crit would be easier.

G: As in cycling, there is a lot of equipment in Pilates, what is your favorite piece of Pilates equipment?

K2: I'm old school, I think nothing can beat doing a hard Pilates class with just your body weight and a mat... something you can do wherever you are.


G: What is your favorite piece of cycling equipment, bike, etc.?

K2: Hmmm, this is a hard one. I badly need a new saddle! And now that my Blue bike is undergoing surgery, Michael insists that a NEW saddle be added when I'm healed and ready to ride again. I'm looking for a saddle sponsor.

G: What's your favorite thing about cycling? Least favorite?

K2: My favorite thing about cycling would have to be the amazing people that I get to meet. It's great to know there are others who share your love for suffering on a bike. My least favorite thing about cycling is how unpredictable it can be. You never truly know how you're going to feel no matter how much you've trained and there's always the risk of a mechanical or crash, though that's what makes it so exciting too. It's a love/hate thing I guess.

G: Road or Cross?

K2: Road! Though I train a lot with MTB racers... hope to dabble in some cross since I won't be seeing too much action this road season. I'm excited to try something new, watch-out!

G: Crits or Stage Races?

K2: Stage Races! Crits and Kris will never mix but I'll admit to having "fun" sometimes in them. Long road races that end on a gradual mountain top finish always make me happy. I'm an endurance racer so by the end of the week I've finally found my legs [laughs].

G: Do you have any cycling role models?

K2: There are so many amazing women in this sport. It's been great to get so much support from many of them. Dotsie Bausch, Katheryn Curi Mattis, and many others have emailed me and kept my spirits high! My good friend Megan Monroe, who races for The Spot mountain bike team has dealt with her fair share of setbacks and has been a great ear for me to express all the emotions I've been dealing with. That's why I'm so passionate about the US Women's Cycling Development Program and hope to one day make a difference in this sport so others can benefit from our hard work. The women's peloton is filled with such talented, smart, confident, independent, strong, and caring woman...who can probably beat a lot of men.

G: Any favorite races?

K2: Tour de Toona, I love that race and the suffering...I'm still so sad it was cut to a one day stage. There's no other race where we do the exact same miles as the men and I love that. This was my first NRC Stage Race and it's the race that made me realize I wanted to sacrifice some important things in my life in order to reach my goals and dreams as a women's professional cyclist.

G: Speaking of suffering, you were caught up in a pretty bad crash recently at Gila, could you give us an update on your condition. How much longer to you expect to be sidelined?

K2: It's strange to think that all your goals can't be altered in a split second. That's exactly what happened when I crashed at Gila and I went from wanting to finish in the top to just wanting to be able to walk and eventually ride again. It was a difficult time emotionally and physically for me and I'm still coping with the injuries and the fact that I can't race half of the 2008 season. I'm still on the crutches and it looks like I might be able to ride/race sometime again in July. This has been a time for self-reflection and I'm blessed to have all the loving support from my family, my coach Michael Engleman, fellow teammates, other racers, fans, and awesome friends.

G: What are your aspirations as a cyclist? Outside of cycling?

K2: My aspirations as a cyclist are to be a well rounded rider who can be a good domestic for teammates I respect because I'm willing to give my all for a team I believe in. I would like to become a stronger time trialist and my ultimate goal would be to win a crit, which would probably shock everyone who knows me!

I just want to continue to enjoy riding, training, and racing...that's why I do it. I get so much pleasure from riding and racing my bike, its part of my identity now. I am a perfectionist so I want to be my best at everything I do and the same goes for cycling. I thought this was going to be a ground-breaking season for me but now I'm faced with a major setback but I'm looking at it as more of a preparation for something bigger. They keep telling me that "I'll come back even stronger" so I'm banking on that. Outside of cycling I would like to continue promoting women's cycling and sports in general. I've also had this little idea the past few years of going back to school in Sports Psychology. Dr. Keim has a nice ring to it.

G: You also work with the USWCDP in Marketing. What does that entail? In your marketing strategy, do you market the program, the women, or both?

K2: The US Women's Cycling Development Program was the BEST thing to happen to me since I began racing. Meeting Michael and receiving all the wonderful advice, mentoring, support, and coaching has kept my dream alive. I have been helping the program with small marketing projects and we're still looking for sponsors to help support the exceptional athletes we work with on and off the bike.

We just joined up with Jet Tanner and his Junior Development Team JetCycling and we are focused on creating the first ever Women's Cycling Training Institute. Many of our riders and mentors are a big part of the program like Amber Rais and her company Elemental Action we are making a difference beyond the bike too. We are desperate for sponsors though so we've been super busy working on ways to get us the financial support we need to help all our athletes. The future is bright for the program and I think we will eventually reach all our goals, which will lead to many racers achieving their dreams.

G: Aside from the obvious, does K2 have any additional meaning, as in having a great love for mountain climbing [Earth's 2nd highest peak], or in mathematics?

K2: Actually Rick Crawford was the first to start calling me and writing emails to me as K2. I liked it and started signing my emails that way and it just stuck. It's for K squared (as in Kristin Keim) but I go by Kris Keim. I like the 2nd highest peak on earth reference though; you're the second person to point that out! Fitting I think.

Some of my Boulder cycling pals have been known to call me Krispy Kreme. Hope it doesn't stick.


G: What is appealing about women's cycling, objectively? What is appealing about women's cycling relative to men's cycling? Why do you think men's cycling still takes center stage over women's? What do you think should change in women's cycling to get people more interested and excited about it?

K2: Women's Competitive Cycling has really raised the bar even since I started just 2 1/2 years ago. It's very competitive and the US fields are stacked with a ton of talent. I heard someone say that it reminded of them of the teams and caliber of racers that was similar to the late 90's for the men's peloton. This is great but it's also making it harder for women racers who also have to work off the bike and aren't financially capable of racing full time. This is where the problem and difference between men and women racers falls. There's a very small amount of women who are actually paid and supported enough to only race their bikes for a living. Most of us have to juggle working full time and training the same hours as someone whose only job is to ride/train.

We still have a long way to go before there is more equality among the two fields. I think many of us would be willing to do the same miles as the men but it's not the same because half of us aren't able to train/rest enough to endure those miles. If more of us were given the opportunity to have the support on and off the bike to dedicate our livelihoods to racing for our sponsors then I think we would be able to handle similar races as the men. This would then lead to equal payouts, which is another subject in and of itself.

We need to do more promoting of how strong, smart, and beautiful women racers are. We are role models who are successful on and off the bike, spread the word and promote getting more women riding and racing. I think this would lead to an increase in support and fans of our sport.

G: On a recent episode of E:60 (ESPN’s version of 60 minutes) they featured the very attractive Gina Carano, who is attempting to break into her sport of mixed martial arts. Many of the existing female competitors felt that promoting the sport by using her beauty detracted from the legitimacy of their accomplishments. Should beauty have a role in promoting a sport? Is there a limit, or is it to each her own?

K2: This is something that we've been pondering over when thinking of positive ways to promote the USWCDP and our riders. I feel that's it's up to the individual but I would hope that anything that was done would be classy. I am not a fan of trying to promote the sport in a provocative way because that is an avenue I would never go down. But if another racer wants to do that then that's her choice. I think it's just hard for us to get the support and respect we deserve as professionals if we aren't representing ourselves in a professorial manner. I do think it would be great to see some of our peloton beauties do advertisements for Rolex, Pantene, Cover Girl, etc. This might grow the awareness of our sport and reach new markets, which is needed in order to get more girls interested in riding and maybe even racing!

G: In the time that you have been a professional cyclist, what, if anything, has surprised you about racing a bicycle?

K2: I learn something new every time I ride or race... this is what excites me every time I swing my leg over and sit on my saddle. Every ride is an adventure and nothing can beat that.

G: What is one thing that most people don't know about you?

K2: I think I come off as a confident, independent, and strong individual, but my family and close friends know I'm actually very sensitive too. I'm the pleasing type and I hate to let people down, no matter what. I'm also addicted to dark roast coffee, burritos, ice cream and Jane Austen novels.

G: Favorites – brand of coffee, type of burrito, ice cream flavor, and Jane Austen novel?

K2: Jittery Joe's Mocha Java or any Dark Roasts, Barberitos burritos are the BEST in GA and Illegal Pete's in Boulder, CO, Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, and Pride and Prejudice; I'm still looking for my Mr. Darcy.

G: What's your most memorable moment on a bicycle? Your most forgettable?

K2: My most memorable moment on a bike hasn't occurred. It will be my first ride back after breaking my pelvis in three places and being able to finally ride again. I think that will be etched into my memory forever. I don't have a forgettable moment because I've learned something from all my good and bad days, which I feel makes you a better rider.

Race Across America Underway For Team Type 1

Near Brawley, Calif. — Team Type 1 got off to a strong start as the eight-person team division of the Race Across America got underway Wednesday afternoon in Oceanside, Calif.

Team Type 1’s Monique Hanley, Matt Brooks, Andy Mead and Mark Suprenant led off the 3,015-mile race and rode to the team’s first exchange at Brawley, Calif., the second of 54 time stations along the route that ends in Annapolis, Md.

At the first time station 54.7 miles into the race, Team Type 1 trailed the Norwegian team Byggkjop presented by BMC Cycling Team by seven minutes. Team ViaSat was the third team to the time station, one minute behind Team Type 1. Byggkjop averaged 17.55 miles an hour to 16.92 mph for Team Type 1.

Team members who began riding at Brawley were RAAM Team Director Bob Schrank, in addition to Alex Bowden, Tim Powell and Timothy Hargrave.

All eight members of Team Type 1 have Type 1 diabetes. Team Type 1 has won the eight-person corporate team division of RAAM in 2006 and 2007 and set the team transcontinental record crossing of five days, 15 hours and 43 minutes (3,046 miles) last year.

Updates on Team Type 1 are being posted on the team’s website and blog, www.teamtype1.org.

Team Type 1 is using Apidra’s rapid-acting insulin made by sanofi-aventis, as well as Abbott Diabetes Care’s FreeStyle Navigator and Insulet Corporation's OmniPod Insulin Management System, along with Dex-4 Glucose.

Team Type 1 was created in 2004 by Type 1 diabetes racers Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge to inspire people living with diabetes to take a proactive approach to managing their health and overcoming the obstacles often associated with the condition. Southerland and Eldridge are now professionals, racing on Team Type 1’s 15-member pro team.

In The Fast Lane

As much as we would like to hold our cycling heroes to a different moral standard, they are still human.

When those riders attain the brass ring after a hard fought race, we aspire to their greatness because we acknowledge that our reach, though it may be lesser, may someday be as long. In their failures, we can empathize because they remind us of our own imperfections and struggles throughout life.

The news of Tom Boonen (Quick Step - Innergetic) testing positive for cocaine use is only surprising if you equated his person to the greatness of his cycling feats.

Is it fair to label him a failure because of his recreational drug use? Perhaps, but few of us have intimate knowledge of his life outside of cycling and whether he lives it as fast as his sprint.

Is it fair to give him a pass because of his achievements and his stature in the annals of cycling? Perhaps, but keep in mind that he has actually lost more of the races that he has entered than he has won.

Life, as in cycling, is about decisions and dealing with the consequences of those decisions. Start the sprint too early and you may be overtaken at the line. Start it too late and you may never get up to speed.

Boonen is human, faster than most on the bike and now apparently in life, but lets not elevate him to anything more than a man who rides a bike for his livelihood.

Charles Pelkey (Velonews) - Boonen test positive for cocaine
AFP (Bike Radar) - Tom Boonen tests positive for cocaine

Photo: Leonard Basobas (2008 Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2)

Catching Up With The Kittens

Reading, PA (June 5, 2008) - It has truly been some time since I posted something about our friend Liz Hatch (Team Vanderkitten).

Last year, Liz was the face of Vanderkitten Racing as she traveled and raced solo to represent the grassroots clothing company. But by the fall of 2007, Vanderkitten Racing began to morph into a full fledge US Cycling NRC racing team replete with sponsors, coaches, and a bevy of new administrative logistics.

Racing on BH Connect bikes, the first-year team has begun to get its bearings on the professional circuit, and garnered some respect along the way.

In two FLICKR-styled story boards (5 photos or less), here is a recap of Team Vanderkitten's day at the 2008 Commerce Bank Reading Classic.

"Preparation"


"Opportunity"


Results
13th - Melissa Sanborn
16th - Flavia Oliveira
19th - Jennifer Wilson
32nd - Liz Hatch

Jennifer Tilley and Leigh Valletti will round out the Northern California based squad as they make an assault on the Commerce Bank Liberty Classic on Sunday, June 8th.

Photos: Leonard Basobas
"Preparation" - (from top to bottom: Jennifer Wilson, Flavia Oliveira, Liz Hatch & Jennifer Wilson, Dave Verrecchia [center], Michael Hernandez [center])

"Opportunity" - (from top to bottom: Mellisa Sanborn, Jennifer Wilson, Liz Hatch, Flavia Oliveira)

Third Annual Bikes for Kids Utah Event Deemed A Great Success

Fundraising rides and sponsorship provided brand new bicycles, helmets, locks and bicycle safety instruction to 1,000 underprivileged Utah children

Salt Lake City, UT - During a sunny spring day last weekend, Bikes for Kids Utah provided 1,000 underprivileged Utah third graders free brand new bicycles, helmets, bike locks and bicycle safety instruction at its third annual charity event.

Saturday's event also included 3K, 50K and 100K fundraising rides in which close to 120 riders helped provide funds for the bicycle giveaway.

"This year's Bikes for Kids event was the best yet," said Debbie Reid, founder and executive director of Bikes for Kids Utah. "The weather was perfect and we had great support from the community, sponsors, volunteers and the cyclists. The best part of the event was seeing all the kids so excited about getting a bike. Their smiles made it a perfect day."

Throughout the event, held in the parking lot of the Intermountain Medical Center located in Murray, hundreds of Utah third-graders were greeted by more than 125 volunteers (more than double the number of volunteers compared to last year) who helped distribute bikes and accessories.

In a festival like atmosphere, students and their families walked from tent to tent collecting bicycle accessories, were fitted for helmets, and participated in a bicycle safety rodeo.

"It was a lot of fun," said Adam Hurst, a third grader from Plymouth Elementary School. "I can't wait to get home and ride my new bike. Thanks Bikes for Kids."

(Adam was the honorary wearer of the first ever Bikes for Kids Utah KidCam. The KidCam is a helmet mounted video camera, provided by GoPro, which captured what it was like to attend the event from the eyes of a child. To see the KidCam video click here.)

Every half hour one of the 14 pre-qualified third grade elementary classes was welcomed at the event's stage. Kids were asked fun educational questions and those who answered correctly were given a free bicycle pump provided by SKS-Germany before going to the registration tent.

Also during the event, Canyon Cyclery provided a BMX freestyle show, local sports radio station 1280 The Zone handed out stickers, small footballs and pens to the children, and Utah Grizzlies hockey team mascot Grizzbee signed autographs and teased kids by pretending to carry away their boxed bike.

During the fundraising rides, cyclists were provided with a number of rest stops, which included Utah Food Service's Belgium Breakfast, Black Bottom's Watering Hole, La Caille's Brunch in France, Murray Rotary Club's Snack by the Zoo and Tucci's Finish Line Italiana Lunch. One of the cyclists who participated in the 100k ride was five-time Olympic Gold medalist at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, Eric Heiden.

The next Bikes for Kids fundraising event will be a dinner auction at La Caille to be held the evening of Wednesday, September 17, 2008 followed by the Bikes For Kids Utah Red and Blue Time Trial on Saturday, September 20. The Red and Blue Time Trial is a continuation of last year's Bikes for Kids Utah/Dave Zabriskie Yield to Life Time Trial. More information about the auction and time trial will be provided soon.

The Bikes for Kids Utah event is made possible through multiple individual and corporate sponsors who provide time, product and funds. Besides the cyclist who provided leg power, other sponsors of this year's event included:

$40,000 Sponsor:
The Sorenson Legacy Foundation

Title sponsors:
Alder Construction, Costco, Intermountain Financial and Mass Mutual.

Platinum sponsors:
Aquafina, Murray City Power, Murray Rotary, SOAR Communications, SoBe Life Water, Utah Blaze and Utah Grizzlies.

Gold Sponsors:
BlackBottoms Cycle Wear, La Caille, Red Letter Days, Tucci's Cucina Italiana and Utah Food Services.

Silver Sponsors:
Canyon Cyclery, Cottonwood Cyclery, Deseret News, Intermountain Healthcare, Healing for Life, J.R. Smith Coaching, Select Health, The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH) and Wasatch Women's Cycling Club.

Bronze Sponsors:
A-Core Inc., Magnuson Metals, MediaOne, Regan Outdoor Advertising, Skyline Electric Company, The John & Company, WorkflowOne and 1280 The Zone.

For more information about Bikes for Kids Utah, please visit www.bikesforkidsutah.org. (More video and pictures will be added soon.)

Interbike Buyer Attendee Pre-Registration Ahead Compared To 2007

Despite the nation's current economic conditions, retailers appear to be positive about the health of the bicycle industry


San Juan Capistrano, CA - June 6, 2008 - Interbike, producer of the International Bicycle Expo and OutDoor Demo trade only events, today announced individual retail buyer registration is up by 45 percent compared to the same time period last year (as of May 28). The number of pre-registered businesses is showing an even larger percentage increase of 55 percent compared to last year.

The opening of retailer registration was formally announced on Interbike's Blog, InterbikeTimes.com, and by email to retailers on May 8.

"Since announcing registration was open on InterbikeTimes, retailer registration has been very strong," said Rich Kelly, Interbike's marketing manager. "An online comment on the blog post wondered how the current economic conditions would affect registration. That's a good question and there are many factors that affect people's decision to attend the show, but so far it looks like a large number of retailers are feeling that it's important to attend this year."

Interbike registration is available online at its Web site (www.Interbike.com). Online registration saves attendees valuable time and money, and ensures access to the biggest and most important bicycle industry gathering of the year. Retailers who register before Friday, August 15 will receive free show credentials in the mail and expo information prior to the show. For attendees who register after August 15 or register on-site the fee will be $35.00.

Online registration for members is now available and online exhibitor registration will open Monday, June 16.

The trade-only gathering kicks off with two days of OutDoor Demo in Bootleg Canyon - a world-renowned outdoor cycling venue - and continues for three packed days of exhibits, product launches, meetings and celebrations at the Interbike Expo in Las Vegas.

OutDoor Demo - Bootleg Canyon, Boulder City, NV
Monday, Sept. 22 - Tuesday, Sept. 23

Interbike International Bicycle Expo - Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Sept. 24 - Friday, Sept. 26

To read the original post and comments about retailer registration and the economy, please visit www.InterbikeTimes.com.

For more information about the 2008 International Bicycle Expo, OutDoor Demo and/or OutDoor Demo East, please visit www.interbike.com.

Excusez-moi, Qui Est Un Burrito Dans Votre Poche?

Oui! Vous Remercier...

"Le Burrito" At Chipotle Lets Customers Eat Like World-Class Athletes

NEW YORK, June 6, 2008 – Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced that it will offer a new, limited time burrito in honor of American cycling team, Slipstream-Chipotle, which will compete in the Tour de France in July. Called Le Burrito, it is made to meet the dietary needs of world-class athletes and will be featured in all Chipotle restaurants nationwide throughout the Tour de France, which runs from July 5 through July 27.

“We have sponsored team Slipstream-Chipotle for three years because we share their belief in doing things the right way,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman and CEO of Chipotle. “To the team, that means working to eliminate drugs and doping from professional cycling. To Chipotle, it means eliminating the use of antibiotics, hormones and other drugs from livestock farming. That is one of the ways we are changing the way the world thinks about and eats fast food.”

Le Burrito is a Chipotle burrito filled with naturally raised chicken (from birds that are raised in a humane way, never given antibiotics or added hormones, and fed a pure vegetarian diet), black beans, cilantro lime rice, mild tomato salsa, and freshly made guacamole. This combination provides an energy-boosting ratio of 65 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent fat, and 15 percent protein that allows cyclists to perform at their best while racing.

“Professional cycling is incredibly grueling, and riders need to fuel their bodies with good, whole foods that will sustain them through their hours on the bike,” said Jonathan Vaughters, directeur sportif at Slipstream-Chipotle. “The combination of ingredients in Le Burrito is an important part of what these riders eat to keep them performing at the highest levels.”

Le Burrito will be available at all Chipotle restaurants throughout the Tour de France. To find a restaurant near you, visit www.chipotle.com.

On Tap...

Philadelphia, PA (June 6, 2008) - For obvious reasons, with two-thirds of the Triple Crankset in Philadelphia, our focus is on the last leg of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling this weekend.

PREVIEW of the Liberty Classic
PREVIEW of the Philadelphia International Championship

The first heat wave of the summer is expected to hit the area this weekend. With temperatures cresting somewhere in the mid to upper 90's, the final race of the Triple Crown of Cycling may well be a battle of attrition.

To recap the first two legs:
Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Team High Road) is two-thirds of the way through to claiming back-to-back Triple Crown of Cycling chamionships. On Tuesday, June 3rd, Teutenberg won the Lehigh Valley Classic in Allentown, PA by bridging up to the lead group in the waning moments of the race. In Reading, she made the final selection of five and took charge in the sprint by starting it from a ways out from the line.

With the support of a full team in Philadelphia, the remaining women's field may need help finding their way out of the Teutenberg triangle of southeastern Pennsylvania.

On the men's side, Yuri Metlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's) took the field sprint at Lehigh, while Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) soloed to victory after attacking on the final trip up Mt. Penn in Reading, PA.

Me, Myself, and I
If you're more interested in "being the change you seek," and feel more like partaking in rather than spectating, consult the listings below for a local race, in select regions of the country.

06/07/2008
Norfolk Classic
Stanton, NE
Sugarhouse Park Criterium
Salt Lake City, UT
2008 SCNCA Team Time Trial Championships
Los Angeles, CA
VA State Senior Criterium Championships
Virginia Beach, VA
Rapho Road Race
Manheim, PA
Indiana State RR Championships
Fishers, IN
2008 Philadelphia Amateur Time Trials
Philadelphia, PA
Ride Sally Ride
Sterling, VA

06/08/2008
Nebraska State Criterium Championships
Norfolk, NE
Peter Teeuwen Memorial Omnium Time Trials #1 & #3
Chesapeake, VA
Mill Creek Criterium
Youngstown, OH
Tour of Cedar Creek- Dan Cihak Memorial
Twin Lake, MI
Arizona State Championship Road Race
Globe, AZ
WI State Road Championship - Spring Prairie Road
Burlington, WI
Junior PCT Grand Prix Final
Philadelphia, PA
Commerce Bank Philadelphia International Championship
Philadelphia, PA
Commerce Bank Liberty Classic
Philadelphia, PA
NorCal/Nevada District TT Championship
Sattley, CA
2 Wheel Criterium
Santa Rosa, CA

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


Up The Road
06/14/2008
San Fernando Criterium
San Fernando, CA
Cyclesport Junior State Crit
Livermore, CA
Sherman Park Criterium
Chicago, IL
Wisconsin State Criterium Championships
Ripon, WI
NC Championship Road Race
Salisbury, NC
Pescadero Coastal Classic Road Race
Pescadero, CA
Bird-in-Hand Road Race
Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster County, PA
Midwest Cycling Group Allen Park Criterium
Allen Park, MI
Specialized/Sierra Nevada Criterium
Folsom, CA
Utah State Championship Road Race
Clarkston, UT

06/15/2008
Bicycle John's Grand Prix
Glendale, CA
Ann Arbor Tour de Kids
Ann Arbor, MI
Picacho Time Trial Series
Tucson, AZ
Cargas Criterium
Lancaster, PA
Virginia Farm Bureau Criterium
Hampton, VA
Chicago Time Trial Series
Willow Springs, IL

2008 Commerce Bank Reading Classic

Reading, PA (June 5, 2008) - The thunderstorms that were predicted for the Greater Reading area never materialized. Instead the thunder and lighting were provided by the women's and men's professional fields.

As temperatures reached the upper 80's, the sun shone brightly upon a very enthusiastic crowd that filled downtown Reading for an exciting day of racing.

The "I" in Team High Road
Its difficult to say whether Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Team High Road) would rather be racing with her teammates up in Montreal or in Pennsylvania defending her Commerce Bank Triple Crown Championship this week. Through two-thirds of the Triple Crown events, she has managed to win the first two without a single teammate in the field.

On Tuesday, the 33-year old certainly could have benefitted from a few friendly faces at the Commerce Bank Lehigh Valley Classic. She made it particularly difficult on herself by having to bridge up to the lead group in the final laps before taking the sprint finale in downtown Allentown.

In Reading, however, her teammates would have been reduced to spectators as she made the final selection and out-kicked her four breakaway companions to take the Commerce Bank Reading Classic.


After a few unsuccessful breakaway attempts, it was the solo effort by Team TIBCO's Amber Rais that would draw out the heavy favorites in the field. At the approximate midpoint of the 14 lap, 25 mile women's race, Rais started to channel her inner Jens and created a considerable gap between herself and the peloton.

The reaction of the peloton was swift and unmerciless once they decided to give chase. The 90 strong women's field quickly splintered into four distinct groups in their attempt to capture Rais.


Once Amber was caught, former US National and World Champion Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) would take over the pace making as she countered and took a flyer of her own.


Only a very select group of four, including Teutenberg, Rais' teammate Joanne Kiesanowski, Alison Powers (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light), and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), could go with Armstrong.

Each took their turn to make sure the break stuck, but it was the rider from Team High Road who took command in the final three laps of the race. In the penultimate straightaway and in the final turns, each of Teutenberg's breakaway companions had a go at unseating her. First it was Armstrong and then Powers, but it was all Teutenberg once they hit the long final uphill straightaway.


Joanne Kiesanowski would take second, and Laura Van Gilder would round out the podium coming from behind to edge out Powers and a quickly fading Armstrong.


With a full complement of teammates at the Liberty Classic, the rider from Mettmann, Germany is well on her way to winning the three events that make up the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling two years in a row.

Results
1 Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Team High Road)
2 Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO)
3 Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine)
4 Alison Powers (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light)
5 Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce)
6 Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine)
7 Amber Rais (Team TIBCO)
8 Shontell Gautheir (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light)
9 Kacey Manderfield (Verducci/Breakaway)
10 Lara Kroepsch (Value Act Capital)

Sevilla Rocks Reading
Rock Racing scored its biggest victory of the season Thursday when Oscar Sevilla soloed to victory in the Commerce Bank Reading Classic.


The 11 lap men's professional race started a bit inauspiciously as an early crash caused race officials to slow the race down to a crawl in the first lap. But once the reigns were removed, the peloton got quickly up to speed and stretched out single file.

With multiple breakaway attempts by various riders, it would be the final break that would ultimately succeed.


On the final lap, the group of Sevilla, Bernardo Colex (Tecos de la Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara), Moises Aldape (Team Type 1), and Team Type 1 teammate Valeriy Kobzarenko would be the first to see the climb up Mount Penn one final time.


The Spaniard attacked the trio of breakaway companions in the final six miles of the 74-mile (119 km) race that finished with three ascents of the challenging switchback climb of Mount Penn. The attack was so vicious that none of Sevilla's breakaway companions would finish in the top fifty.

Sevilla crossed the finish line six seconds ahead of Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team High Road) while Bernhard Eisel (Team High Road) won the field sprint for third three seconds later.


“I am on good form after the Vuelta a Colombia, which was very mountainous,” Sevilla said. “The race was hard but my team was very good today. This is a fantastic moment for Rock Racing.”

The victory was Sevilla’s third of the year and the 18th overall by Rock Racing this season. Sevilla also scored wins at the San Dimas Stage Race (Stage 1) and the Vuelta a Colombia (Stage 9) in May.

Results
1 Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing)
2 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team High Road)
3 Bernhard Eisel (Team High Road)
4 Frank Pipp (Health Net p/b Maxxis)
5 Brad Huff (Jelly Belly)
6 Eric Baumann (Team Sparkasse)
7 Anibal Andres Borrajo (Colavita-Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light)
8 Francois Parisien (Team R.A.C.E.)
9 Antonio Cruz (BMC)
10 Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast)

Photos: Leonard Basobas

Ready At Reading

Reading, PA (June 5, 2008) - The second race in the 2008 Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling takes place today in downtown Reading.

The town of Reading, in and of itself, reveals its tough and traditional blue-collar roots, while the Greater Reading area continues to expand and modernize.

Rain swept through the area during the evening, and the early morning overcast skies may prevent the course from completely drying out on some areas. Scattered thunderstorms and 80 degree temperatures are on the menu for later today, and they may play a part in the latter portions of the men’s race.

Speaking of the course, the disparity between the men’s and women’s courses is readily apparent at Reading, as it is in most of the races nationally and internationally.

A review of the course map reveals a difference in miles and course profile. The women will cover 25 miles by racing 14 laps on an eight-corner criterium circuit through downtown Reading streets. The men will tackle a demanding 75-mile course over 11 laps on a challenging 7.6-mile circuit that connects downtown Reading with Mt. Penn.

The two winners of the Lehigh Valley Classic, Yuri Metlushenko (Amore & Vita-McDonald's) and Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Team High Road) enter with the opportunity to sweep this week's Triple Crown events. Teutenberg and the rest of the women are first up with an 11:15 AM start, while Metlushenko and the men’s field starts at 1:00 PM. Amateur races begin at 9:00 AM.


Talking to Liz Hatch (Team Vanderkitten) yesterday afternoon, she sounded extremely enthusiastic and confident of her first-year team’s chances after a very good showing at Lehigh. The team seems to be on target to make some noise today, this weekend in Philadelphia and for the remainder of the summer.

Photo: Kurt Harvey (Liz Hatch at the Tour of California Women's Criterium)

PROMAN Racing Prepped for Philly & Valley

PROMAN Racing partners with BMC and Frankie Andreu for upcoming Liberty Classic and Nature Valley Grand Prix.

PROMAN Racing, in its third year, is pleased to announce a partnership with Swiss bicycle manufacturer BMC. The team does not operate under a large corporate umbrella but by generous donations from product sponsors, small businesses, family friends, Marin County BMC dealer Paradigm Cycles and even fellow racers; it is truly a community effort. To receive support from an industry giant such as BMC is a tremendous boost.

"The PROMAN Women's Team is a fantastic and unique program that BMC is proud to support," said Scott Thomson, General Manager of BMC North America. "Their grass-roots approach brings together a potent blend of elite and developing athletes. They ticked all the right boxes in building this program, so there was no question about BMC getting involved. We are excited to support these outstanding athletes with the best technology. It has been an exciting season thus far, and we're looking forward to having them race in our back yard at the Nature Valley Grand Prix."

With a stellar roster for the upcoming Liberty Classic, PROMAN Racing is ready for the challenges of Manayunk and Lemon Hill.


"PROMAN has a great roster and I think they are ready to have a great showing at the upcoming Liberty Classic! This team could be the underdog team gone wild. Look for a rider like Shelley Olds (above) to be on the podium." Said Robin Zellner, technical director for the race, “ I have watched this team develop at a steady pace over the last few years, there is a lot of depth and dedication, they are here to stay”.

Following Liberty Classic the team returns to Minnesota for its second shot at the Nature Valley Grand Prix. The team claimed podium spots and a 6th place GC last year. “ In 2007 we were a young green team, with a stronger roster this time around and lots of racing under our belt we could spring some surprises” commented Olds.

Nature Valley GP is the accomplishment of David La Porte and his tireless team. “ Its not just a race it is spectacular entertainment.” Phenomenal crowds and great support for the women’s event draws top caliber female racers from around the world.

Joining the team for these races is former U.S Postal rider Frankie Andreu who will be taking the directors seat. Although very familiar with the pro men’s peloton he is keen to experience women’s racing.

“American women currently are a dominating force in the world of cycling. I believe PROMAN Racing has the right structure and roster to help continue that development.” Said Frankie. “I look forward to making a winning formula with the PROMAN's Women's Cycling Team at the Liberty Classic and Nature Valley GP. They have a great roster for these events, and as they continue to gain experience, they will gain on the world's elite. I'm sure I will learn from the team a side of cycling I don't know much about. In return, I hope to give them the knowledge I have gained during my years racing as a professional.”

Why Andreu some may ask? ”Well,” said manager Nicola Cranmer, “apart from his vast experience as a professional racer, the media love Frankie, any way I can draw attention to women’s cycling is a good thing. For our team it’s not just about getting on the podium it’s also necessary to apply energy to the broader vision of women’s racing which is struggling.”

Roster for Liberty Classic and Nature Valley GP

Shelley Olds USA
Rachel Lloyd USA
Betina Hold CAN
Megan Guarnier USA
Melodie Metzger USA
Virginia Perkins USA
Kristin Drumm USA
Helene Drumm USA

Nicola Cranmer Founder/Manager
Frankie Andreu, Director Sportif
Tim Brennan, Team Mechanic

Photos: Rob Evans - 2008 PROMAN team (top) and Shelley Olds, 2nd place overall Tulsa Tough NRC (middle); Paul Doran - Virgina Perkins (bottom).

Teutenberg Takes Lehigh

The first salvo of the 2008 Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling was fired by Team High Road’s Ina-Yoko Teutenberg. The 33-year-old sprinter from Mettmann, Germany showed that she is on form by besting the likes of Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) and Alison Powers (Colavita/Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light) in the finale of the Lehigh Valley Classic.

The women kicked-off the Triple Crown of Cycling this morning by racing 25 miles over a 1-mile downtown circuit that featured a short “sprinter’s hill” on each lap.

Top Ten
1 TEUTENBERG Ina-Yoko (Team High Road)
2 VAN GILDER Laura (Cheerwine)
3 POWERS Alison (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light)
4 DUSTER Sarah (Cervelo-Lifeforce)
5 PIC Tina (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light)
6 BENJAMIN Kelly (Cheerwine)
7 PATELLA Martina (ValueAct Capital)
8 ALLAR Erica (Aaron's)
9 CHEATLEY Catherine (Cheerwine)
10 MCCAUGHEY Laura (Juice Plus/NC)