Team Type 1’s Holt Takes Lead At Gwinett Bike Fest

Duluth, Ga. – Team Type 1’s Dan Holt finished second during last Thursday’s Gwinnett Center Criterium but it was good enough for him to climb into the overall lead at the third Annual Gwinnett Bike Fest.

The six-races-in-five-days event in Georgia features more than 600 local, regional, national and international competitors.

With the help of teammate and Team Type 1 co-founder Joe Eldridge (below), Holt bridged a gap to a group of six riders who eventually lapped the field in the 90-minute race.

“I was pretty happy I made it across the gap,” Holt said. “They (the six in the lead) were pretty far gone. I wasn’t sure I could get across, but I thought I had better try.”

With about 15 minutes to go, Holt was on his own when Eldridge’s blood sugar began to drop. Eldridge is one of four riders with Type 1 diabetes on the Team Type 1 men’s professional team.

“I was having trouble holding the wheel in the easy sections and went straight into survival mode,” he said. “I took in about 60 grams of carbohydrates to no avail. The blood sugar had dropped too low for me to help out and I had to pull the plug to get more food.”

Eldridge said it was the first time in recent memory that his blood sugar has gone low during a race.

“I reviewed what I did and realized I had not taken in nearly enough carbs,” he said.

Despite a lack of teammates, Holt still managed to finish runner-up in the sprint to Alessandro Bazzana (Fly V Australia). In Wednesday’s 50-mile Road Atlanta Circuit Race, Holt was part of an 11-man breakaway on the way to a fourth-place finish.

With only Eldridge to help him, Holt said he will do his best to hang onto the overall lead in today’s 85-mile Subaru Gwinnett Road Race in Dacula, Ga. There are two stages Saturday: the six-mile Addictive Cycles Time Trial in Buford, Ga., and a downtown criterium in Norcross, Ga., in the afternoon. Sunday’s final race is the Events Response Circuit Race in Lawrenceville, Ga.

“There’s a little bit of pressure,” Holt said. “Fly V Australia has four guys, so they are probably going to try and stick it to us. But I have a great teammate in Joe. We’ll see what happens.”

Confusion Reigns Over Powers’ Third Place Finish, Zirbel Finds Truth

Bend, Ore. – Team Type 1’s Alison Powers was congratulated by reporters for winning the Skyliner’s Time Trial Thursday at the Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic.

A few minutes later, race officials told her she had actually finished second in the 16-mile (25 km) race against the clock.

And by the time she was summoned to the podium for the post-race awards ceremony, the reigning national time trial champion was accepting the prize for third place.

The surprising turn of events was confusing for reporters covering the race and a major disappointment for Powers, who was using the race as a tune-up for the same event at next week’s USA Cycling Elite Road National Championships, which also take place in Bend, Ore.


Jessica Phillips (Team Lip Smackers), the apparent race winner, was not present for the awards ceremony. A member of her team reached her by phone but the Aspen, Colo., resident was unable to return in time for the podium ceremonies. That resulted in a $70 fine from the officials and forfeiture of the $150 she would have received for winning the race.

Alison Starnes (Team TIBCO) was listed as finishing second, two seconds ahead of Powers and 12 seconds behind Phillips. Race leader Evelyn Stevens (Webcor Builders) was listed as fourth, 15 seconds behind Powers.

USA Cycling officials blamed reporters for the confusion, saying the results being tabulated by hand were unofficial. No timing clock was visible at the finish line, leaving reporters to look over the shoulders of judges who were recording and manually calculating times from stopwatches.

Powers said she isn’t familiar with either Phillips or Starnes, having never before shared a podium with them.

“Jessica Phillips is super strong, so maybe she had an amazing ride today. It’s good for her,” Power said.

Phillips and Powers have competed head-to-head in time trials in two National Racing Calendar (NRC) events the past two months. Three weeks ago at the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic, Phillips finished 46 seconds behind Powers in an 8.8-mile (14 km) time trial that Powers won. At the Nature Valley Grand Prix last month, Phillips finished 13th, 51 seconds behind Powers, in a six-mile time trial. Powers was second that day, 13 seconds off the winning time of former world time trial champion Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team).

Thursday’s runner-up finish was Starnes’ third in a time trial this season but her first at an NRC event. At the Cyclepath Cyclery Calavares Time Trial in Sunol, Calif., in May, she lost by 10 seconds to Emily Zell (PROMAN Racing). At the NCNCA District Time Trial Championship in June in Sattely, Calif., she finished nearly two minute behind winner Molly Van Houweling (Metromint Cycling). Neither Van Houweling nor Zell are competing at the Cascade Classic.

Powers’ performance moves her into fifth overall, 1:21 behind Stevens, with three stages remaining. Friday is the 71-mile (114 km) Cascade Lakes Road Race. Saturday is an hour-long criterium in Downtown Bend, followed by Sunday’s 52-mile (84 km) Awbrey Butte Circuit Race.

Stage 3 Results - Women
1. Jessica Phillips (USA) Team Lip Smacker
2. Alison Starnes (USA) Team TIBCO
3. Alison Powers (USA) Team Type 1

General Classification After Stage 3 - Women
1. Evelyn Stevens (USA) Webcor Builders
2. Amber Rais (USA) Team TIBCO
3. Katharine Carroll (USA) Team TIBCO
4. Julie Beveridge (USA) Team TIBCO
5. Alison Powers (USA) Team Type 1
6. Alison Starnes (USA) Team TIBCO
7. Cath Cheatley (USA) Colavita Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light
8. Chrissy Ruiter (USA) ValueAct Capital Cycling Team
9. Meredith Miller (USA) Team TIBCO
10. Jessica Phillips (USA) Team Lip Smacker

Zirbel Takes Cascade's Race of Truth
Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling) once again laid down the law in an Individual Time Trial. The best placed domestic rider in this year's Amgen Tour of California Solvang ITT, Zirbel proved once again to be the undisputed fastest chrono man in the domestic peloton as he was eleven seconds faster than BMC's Ian Mckissick and 44 seconds better than Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing).

Stage 3 Results - Men
1. Tom Zirbel (USA) BISSELL Pro Cycling Team
2. Ian Mckissick (USA) BMC Racing Team
3. Oscar Sevilla Rivera (USA) Rock Racing

General Classification After Stage 3 - Men
1. Oscar Sevilla Rivera (USA) Rock Racing
2. Jeff Louder (USA) BMC Racing Team
3. Francisco Mancebo Perez (USA) Rock Racing
4. Ian Mckissick (USA) BMC Racing Team
5. Rory Sutherland (USA) OUCH Pro Cycling Team
6. Chris Baldwin (USA) OUCH Pro Cycling Team
7. Victor Hugo Pena (USA) Rock Racing
8. Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) BISSELL Pro Cycling Team
9. Darren Lill (USA) Team Type 1
10. Jeremy Vennell (USA) BISSELL Pro Cycling Team

Photos: Courtesy Brian Hodes, VeloImages

Sevilla Rocks Cascade With Victory And Race Lead, Stevens Doubles

Bend, Ore. — Rock Racing’s Oscar Sevilla threw down an attack that only Peter Stetina (Felt-Holowesko Partners-Garmin) could follow on the slopes leading to the Three Peaks Snow Park last Wednesday.

The result was a stage win and the overall lead for the Spaniard at the 30th annual Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic. Rock Racing teammate Francisco Mancebo was third on the day and moved into second overall, 27 seconds behind. Chris Baldwin (OUCH presented by Maxxis) is third, 35 seconds back of Sevilla.

Rock Racing Team Director Laurenzo LaPage said after putting five riders in the 23-man breakaway that decided Stage 1 on Tuesday, it was no accident that Rock Racing was calling the shots again.

“Our plan this morning was to send Victor Hugo Pena or David Vitoria into the breakaway to put pressure on the leaders and that’s exactly what we did,” LaPage said. “ It couldn’t have been more perfect.”

For much of Wednesday’s 80-mile (128 km) race, it looked like Sevilla’s Rock Racing teammate Vitoria was going to be the one climbing the victory platform and displacing yellow jersey wearer Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling). Vitoria and three others were part of a breakaway that gained as much as a two-and-half minutes lead before being reeled in on the final climb.

“Laurenzo laid out the plan and we did exactly what we had to do,” Sevilla said. “David had a great race and worked very hard in the break. The whole team worked hard. I’m very happy with today’s win and very happy for my team. We feel good going into tomorrow’s time trial and are confident we can hold onto the lead.”

Thursday’s Skyliner’s Time Trial is a 16-mile (25 km) out-and-back humpback course: climbing going out and descending coming back.

Sevilla’s win was his second of the season, following a victory on the second stage of the Vuelta a Asturias in Spain on April 29. It also marks the first time he has led a race in the United States since he wore the yellow jersey at the San Dimas Stage Race in March of last year.


Stage 2 Results - Men
1. Oscar Sevilla Rivera (USA) Rock Racing
2. Peter Stetina (USA) Felt-Holowesko Partners-Garmin
3. Francisco Mancebo Perez (USA) Rock Racing

General Classification After Stage 2 - Men
1. Oscar Sevilla Rivera (USA) Rock Racing
2. Francisco Mancebo Perez (USA) Rock Racing
3. Chris Baldwin (USA) OUCH Pro Cycling Team
4. Jeff Louder (USA) BMC Racing Team
5. Rory Sutherland (USA) OUCH Pro Cycling Team
6. Matt Wilson (USA) Team Type 1
7. Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) BISSELL Pro Cycling Team
8. Darren Lill (USA) Team Type 1
9. Steve Bovay (USA) BMC Racing Team
10. Chris Jones (USA) Team Type 1

Stevens Doubles Down
There seems to be no stopping the runaway locomotive that is Evelyn Stevens (Webcor Builders). Stevens who normally uses the hilly terrain in New York's Central Park as her training ground proved to be equally adept at hilltop finishes as she would win a two up sprint with Colavita's Cath Cheatley in Three Creeks Snow Park. Kristin McGrath (ValueAct Capital) would take third.

With her second consecutive victory at the 30th Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic, Stevens remains atop the General Classification, with Cheatley now slotting into second and Crissy Ruiter (ValueAct Capital) in third.

Stage 2 Results - Women
1. Evelyn Stevens (USA) Webcor Builders
2. Cath Cheatley (USA) Colavita Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light
3. Kristin McGrath (USA) ValueAct Capital Cycling Team

General Classification After Stage 2 - Women
1. Evelyn Stevens (USA) Webcor Builders
2. Cath Cheatley (USA) Colavita Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light
3. Chrissy Ruiter (USA) ValueAct Capital Cycling Team
4. Kristin McGrath (USA) ValueAct Capital Cycling Team
5. Katharine Carroll (USA) Team TIBCO
6. Amber Rais (USA) Team TIBCO
7. Stacy Marple (USA) Colavita Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light
8. Julie Beveridge (USA) Team TIBCO
9. Alisha Welsh (USA) Wines of Washington/bikesale.com
10. Robin Farina (USA) ValueAct Capital Cycling Team

Photos: Carson Blume (top); Bob Cullinan (bottom)

Stevens Surprises Again, Ben Jacques-Maynes Solos at Cascade

During this time of year, the cycling world gets caught up in a little event called the Tour de France. And while we here at the Triple have devoted much of our coverage to the Grand Boucle, it is not the only thing going, although it may just seem that way.

The 30th Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic kicked off this past Tuesday, July 21st, with the Deschutes County road race. The first of the six stage cycling event was won by Evelyn Stevens (Webcor Builders) and Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissel Pro Cycling), respectively.

NRC Darling
Stevens, the surprise victor at this year's Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic as a guest member of the Team Lipsmacker, continued to amaze, this time as a guest member for Webcor Builders as she out-kicked her team's main sprinter and the rest of the field to take the 113km road race.

She would later tell Cyclingnews, “I jumped to do a lead-out for Gina but I think I went a little too hard - no one ever taught me how to do a lead-out,” said Stevens. “I had a gap, saw 200 meters to go and I kicked it - I got it. It feels really cool to win against good sprinters. I’ve never done it before, not at this level.”

The precocious Stevens has been nothing short of phenomenal, as she has quite literally exploded on to the elite scene. Because of her unique training methods and her relative inexperience, she will be a rider to watch for years to come. It is truly a scary proposition to think about how good she could become, and not long before professional team makes her a permanent member.

Stage 1 Results - Women
1. Evelyn Stevens (USA) Webcor Builders
2. Tina Pic (USA) Colavita Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light
3. Chrissy Ruiter (USA) ValueAct Capital Cycling Team

Ben For A Friend
In the men's race, Ben Jacques-Maynes would solo to victory on a scorching Bend, Oregon day. With temperatures hovering around 100 degrees Farhenheit, Jacques-Maynes was able to get off the front of a group that numbered 21 strong with one kilometer to go. A hard charging Jeff Louder (BMC) and Paco Mancebo (Rock Racing) would round out the podium.

A jubilant but sober Jacques-Maynes would dedicate the victory to the memory of a friend after the race.

"Winning solo is the only way to do it when there are so many sprinters in the group," said Jacques-Maynes. "I want to dedicate this win to the memory of Chris Hipp. He was a close friend of mine who died of an embolism one week ago suddenly while he was out riding his bike. It is very tragic. I have been think of him a lot this week and he meant a lot to me," he would tell Cyclingnews.

Stage 1 Results - Men
1. Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) BISSELL Pro Cycling Team
2. Jeff Louder (USA) BMC Racing Team
3. Francisco Mancebo Perez (USA) Rock Racing

Photo: Team Lipsmacker (Stevens in yellow at the Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic)

Garate Conquers Ventoux, Another Spanish Treble - 96th Tour de France Stage 20

The anticipated fight for General Classification places lived up to its hype, but the day, which featured the ascent of the fabled Mont Ventoux, belonged to Rabobank's Juan Manuel Garate.

Involved in an early break of sixteen riders, the 33-year-old Spaniard would launch an attack on the slopes of Ventoux, to which only the surprising Tony Martin (Team Columbia - HTC) could respond. The pair would stay away through the immense crowds that descended on this Tour's final proving ground, but one final attack by Garate with less than two kilometers to go would finally send the 2007 Giro d'Italia maglia verde winner over the top.

Martin would hang on for second just in front of the hard charging Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank), who along with the other GC contenders had started the climb some three minutes after Garate and Martin. Astana teammates Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong would finish fourth and fifth, respectively.

Stage 20 Results
1. Juan Manuel Garate (Rabobank)
2. Tony Martin (Team Columbia - HTC)
3. Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank)

Schleck Relentless, Spain's Other Treble
Because the final stage of the Tour de France is mostly ceremonial, the battle for podium placing and standings would be decided today on the slopes of Mont Ventoux.

Short of riding his bicycle in demolition derby like style, Andy Schleck would work every angle in the attempt to pull back some time from maillot jaune wearer, Alberto Contador, as well as propel his brother Frank Schleck to a podium finish in Paris. The younger Schleck was relentless on the slopes of Ventoux. His constant attacks followed each other so closely that it seemed like one massive and continuous effort.

The 27-year-old Contador was more than equal to the task, easily capturing Schleck's wheel after every effort. Brother Frank; however, did not have the legs that earned him the victory on Stage 17. At day's end, Frank was only be able to move up one place in the standings, to fifth, and Andy was unable to garner any time from Contador.

With his fourth placed finish on the stage, Alberto Contador capped one of the most eventful Tour's in history. He would win his second consecutive Tour de France, after being excluded in 2008, and his fourth consecutive grand tour victory overall. His victory also earned Spain it's third consecutive Tour de France championship, with Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team) winning last year's Grand Boucle.

General Classification After Stage 20
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 81:46:17
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:04:11
3. Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:05:24
4. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:06:01
5. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:06:04
6. Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:06:42
7. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:07:35
8. Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:12:04
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas - 0:14:16
10. Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:14:25

Barring a major catastrophe, the final Leaders' Jerseys in Paris will be as stated below.

Jersey Leaders After Stage 20
Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana


Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team


Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas


Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank


Astana - Best Team Classification


Next: Stage 21 - Montereau-Fault-Yonne to Paris Champs-Élysées (164 km)
Outside of some of the one-day Classics, the most prestigious finish in cycling is on the famous Champs-Elysees. Can Cavendish take his sixth victory of this Tour?



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Holy Manxman, Cavendish Takes Fifth - 96th Tour de France Stage 19

Sandwiched between the final Individual Time Trial and the climb up the mystical Mont Ventoux, today's 178 km Stage 19 from Bourgoin-Jallieu to Aubenas was supposed to be a relaxed transitional stage where a break would amble off the front and the peloton would amble, er race, after, but never quite catch them.

And for the first half of the race, that looked to be the circumstance as a group of twenty strong went off the front. But apparently a few teams did not receive the morning memo.

Rabobank, which for all intensive purposes has been missing from this year's Tour, also missed today's break. Determined to salvage the remainder of their Tour, the Dutch based team set out to bring back the break and set up their sprinter, Oscar Freire, for the finale.

The team was a success in the first part, but after their yeoman's like effort to catch the break only leader Denis Menchov was left to guide Freire to the finish line.

Enter the Columbia - HTC locomotive.

With a Category 2 climb less than forty kilometers from the finish in Aubenas, many had disregarded the sprinters' chances well before the race had started. But like the knockout artists of the "sweet science," a sprinter always has a puncher's chance for a victory. And no one knows this better than Columbia - HTC, which has the ultimate knockout artist in Mark Cavendish.

A slimmed down version of the Columbia -HTC train, including George Hincapie, Mark Renshaw and Tony Martin would reel in a late breakaway attempt by Laurent Lefevre (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) and Alessandro Ballan (Lampre), and soften up the other teams' sprinters before giving way to their own. Cavendish would deliver the final blow with an incredible long distance sprint that seemed as devastating at its launch as it did during its finish.

Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team) and former teammate, Gerald Ciolek (Milram) contested the sprint, which is to say that they were closest to see Manxman claim his fifth win of this year's Tour.

Stage 19 Results
1. Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia - HTC)
2. Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team)
3. Gerald Ciolek (Milram)

With a bit of guile and attentiveness, Lance Armstrong (Astana) was able to pull back four seconds from the top two on the General Classification. Although he did not formerly contest the sprint, he was close enough to be given the same time at the finish. Armstrong now sits seventy seconds behind Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank) for second place, while building a fifteen second lead over fourth placed Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream)

General Classification After Stage 19
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 73:15:39
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:04:11
3. Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:05:21
4. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:05:36
5. Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:05:38
6. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:05:59
7. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:07:15
8. Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:10:08
9. Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:12:38
10. Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:12:41

Jersey Leaders After Stage 19
Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana


Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team


Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas


Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank


Next: Stage 20 - Montelimar to Mont Ventoux (167km)
Mont Ventoux, 'Nuff said.


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Furia, Contador Unloads - 96th Tour de France Stage 18

It is called the "race of truth" for a reason. The Individual Time Trial is cycling's equivalent of confession; a bearing of the soul, displaying all a rider's strengths and unveiling all his weaknesses.

In today's 40.5 kilometer effort, Alberto Contador (Astana) showed more strength than weakness in winning the Stage 18 Individual Time Trial around Lake Annecy.

The 26-year-old Spainard whose trademark single shot salute has become an all too familiar sight at the end of mountain stages looked to have brought out the machine gun as he unloaded on the rest of the peloton besting everyone's time at each interval. Contador would finish ahead of Olympic and former World Time Trial Champion Fabian Cancellara (Team Saxo Bank) by three seconds, and Mikhail Ignatiev (Team Katusha), who set the early best time on the road by fifteen seconds.

Stage 18 Results
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 0:48:31
2. Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:03
3. Mikhail Ignatiev (Rus) Team Katusha - 0:00:15

Other Notables
5. David Millar (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream
6. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream
9. Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana
10. David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin - Slipstream
11. Tony Martin (Ger) Team Columbia - HTC
12. Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto
16. Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana
19. Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - HTC
20. Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia - HTC
21. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
24. Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream
34. George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia - HTC
35. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
39. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Astana
43. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Slipstream
54. Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team Saxo Bank
70. Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Cervelo Test Team
119. Danny Pate (USA) Garmin - Slipstream
151. Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin - Slipstream

Lost In Translation
Two years ago, Alberto Contador was the darling of the professional cycling world. Handpicked by Johan Bruyneel to succeed Lance Armstrong as Discovery Channel's Tour leader, the then 24-year-old was seen as a veritable Spanish carbon copy of the retiring "patron of the peloton," replete with his own life threatening back story. He would even deliver at the 2007 Tour de France in Armstrong-esque fashion; dancing on the pedals and time trialing with turbine like cadence.

A political power play would exclude Contador and his Astana teammates from the 2008 edition of the Tour, but he, and they, would win seemingly every race of their choosing, including the 2008 Giro d'Italia and the 2008 Vuelta a Espana.

After today's Individual Time Trial in Annecy, the Spaniard with the infectious smile is on the verge of winning his second consecutive Tour de France and his fourth consecutive grand tour.

But, instead of being lauded and held up by the the world of cycling as the great champion that his immense talents and skills bear him out to be, he has all but been vilified and even dogged by a litany of performance enhancing allegations. Some may point to the fact that he brought these issues upon himself; unable to deal with the return of Armstrong in a mature and diplomatic way, Contador has allowed the seeds of doubt to fully take root and let his ego get the better of him. He has been a quiet, but divisive force, attacking his teammates on the road outside of the team construct, and therefore never ingratiating himself to them.

To read the Spanish papers, this is all the American's fault. But until Contador is able to embrace the sentiments of the French philosopher, Charles de Montesquieu, who once stated that “to become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them,” then he will never be considered the great champion that he deems himself to be, in any language.

General Classification After Stage 18
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 73:15:39
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:04:11
3. Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:05:25
4. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:05:36
5. Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:05:38
6. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:05:59
7. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:07:15
8. Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:10:08
9. Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:12:38
10. Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:12:41

Jersey Leaders After Stage 18
Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana


Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team


Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas


Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank


Next: Stage 19 - Bourgoin-Jallieu to Aubenas (178 km)
A classic transition stage. Will the contenders for podium spots come out to play before the dreaded Mont Ventoux?


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It's Official - Team RadioShack

RadioShack Partners With Seven-Time Tour de France Winner Lance Armstrong to Form New Cycling Team in 2010



Press Release -- RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) is proud to announce a partnership with seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong to form a new American Pro-Tour cycling team. Beginning in 2010, Lance Armstrong will compete for Team RadioShack as a cyclist, runner and triathlete in events around the world, including the 2010 Tour de France.

Lance Armstrong returned to the world stage of professional cycling in order to promote the efforts of the LIVESTRONG Foundation and their fight against cancer. From the start of the 2009 season at the Tour Down Under in Australia, Lance's return has generated significant attention and has allowed LIVESTRONG to step up awareness, grassroots action and fundraising in the global fight against cancer.

"This has been a great season so far - the response in the countries we've been to has been amazing and it's clear now that this was the right choice. Utilizing the massive media attention that the sport receives has been the perfect vehicle to help spread the LIVESTRONG message around the world," said Lance Armstrong. "To be able to compete for an American team comprised of the world's top cyclists, supported by the best coaches and staff - I couldn't be happier to partner with RadioShack, a truly iconic American brand," said Armstrong.

"Teaming up with RadioShack makes sense for a number of reasons. For one, it's very appealing to me that they have a huge base of stores throughout the U.S. and Mexico. We have an incredible opportunity to leverage RadioShack's connection to tens of millions of people to spread the LIVESTRONG message," said Armstrong. "Also, in cycling, the technology we use on our bikes matters - it allows us to compete at the highest level. It's important to me to partner with a brand that understands the role technology plays in people's lives."

"RadioShack keeps people connected in a highly mobile world through innovative technology from leading brands," said Lee Applbaum, RadioShack's Chief Marketing Officer. "As one of the greatest athletes of our generation, a father, a cancer survivor, and a tireless advocate in the fight against cancer, Lance Armstrong understands the power of keeping people connected and that's why we feel he's the perfect partner for our brand. "

"This is an exciting time at RadioShack," added Applbaum. "We are re-launching our brand with a new creative platform in early August, and now having Lance on our team - an American icon who embodies the spirit of mobility, connectivity and philanthropy - really allows us to accelerate our brand's evolution."

RadioShack also plans to activate their 35,000 employees and almost 6,000 stores across the country to raise awareness and funding for the fight against cancer through the Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG. "We know that cancer research and survivorship is near to the hearts of many of our associates and customers, and together with Lance and his Foundation, we have the power to make a meaningful difference," said Julian Day, RadioShack's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

RadioShack will also sponsor the LIVESTRONG Foundation's signature fundraising event, the LIVESTRONG Challenge Series, a 5K run/walk and cycling ride held in four cities throughout the United States, providing support for an ongoing, self-sustaining fundraising vehicle to raise money for the fight against cancer.

"RadioShack's sponsorship will help spread the spirit of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign and fuel its efforts make cancer a global priority. The cancer community salutes RadioShack's efforts and the investment they are making in support of 28 million people living with this disease," said Doug Ulman, CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Wasserman Media Group managed the partnership process on behalf of Capital Sports & Entertainment and Lance Armstrong.

The Brothers Schleck - 96th Tour de France Stage 17

Attack. It must be a common word in the Schleck family home as ever since the roads of this year's Tour turned upwards, that is all Frank Schleck and younger brother, Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank) have done, attack.

Today, the Brothers Schleck were rewarded for their efforts. The elder would win the Queen stage from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand, while Andy would watch with arms raised and take third.

Yellow jersey leader, Alberto Contador (Astana), who was the only other rider able to keep pace with the Schleck, slotted in between the brothers to take second.

Stage 17 Results
1. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
3. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank

With the Schlecks and Saxo Bank playing the instigators once again, the General Classification underwent major revisions. After a bit of fortuitous circumstance that saw Alberto Contador attack late on the final climb of the day, only to shed his Astana teammate, Andreas Kloden, who sat in second place on the virtual standings, Andy Schleck would move into second place and Frank Schleck into third.

General Classification After Stage 17
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 72:27:09
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:02:26
3. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:03:25
4. Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:03:55
5. Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:04:44
6. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:04:53
7. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:05:09
8. Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:08:08
9. Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:09:19
10. Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:10:50

It's Not Easy Being Green, Really?
One of the more remarkable efforts on a day full of them was that of Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team). Involved in the early break, the big Norwegian looked like he was a contender for the maillot a pois rouges rather than the maillot vert.

Perhaps spurred on by Mark Cavendish's (Team Columbia - HTC) comments that the green jersey competition was tainted because of circumstances that caused officials to relegate the Isle of Man sprinter at the end of Stage 14, Hushovd climbed away from the green jersey competition on Stage 17. He would extend his lead over Cavendish by 30 points.

Jersey Leaders After Stage 17
Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana


Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team


Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas


Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank


Next: Stage 18 - Individual Time Trial - Annecy (40.5 km)
The route around Lake Annecy would be beautiful on any other day for the riders of the Tour de France. But with podium placings on the line, the 25 mile trip around the lake is sure to be a torture fest. Can Lance Armstrong and Andreas Kloden climb back up into the top three and complete an Astan sweep? Will Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream) show the time trialing form that brought him an Olympic medal in the Pursuit?



Follow our commentary on the daily live blogging feed on LIVESTRONG.com

A Star Solos, Mikel Astarloza That Is - 96th Tour de France Stage 16

By all accounts, Mikel Astarloza (Eusaktel-Euskadi) has never had the opportunity, in his professional cycling career, to punch the air, raise his arms in victory, or even offer up a victory salute at the end of a race.

But that is no longer the case, as Astarloza rider soloed to victory on Stage 16 of the 96th Tour de France.

Part of the early break that would number as many as twenty-five at one juncture, Astarloza was a prominent figure throughout the day. Vacillating between the tete de la course and the first chase group, the 29-year-old Basque rider would bridge back up to the lead group several kilometers from the summit of the final climb. With two kilometers before the finish line, Astarloza was fully committed and quickly created a gap to his breakaway companions, who had no answer.

Sandy Casar (Française des Jeux) and Pierrick Fedrigo (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) would contest the placings behind and finish in second and third, respectively.

Stage 16 Results
1. Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi
2. Sandy Casar (Fra) Française des Jeux
3. Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) BBOX Bouygues Telecom

Rest, It Does A Body Good
After Stage 15, he was quick to caution us. "There might be people out there who expect me to ride like I did in 2004, 2005, but that's not reality, I don't think."

But anyone who watched Lance Armstrong (Astana) ride up Stage 16's final climb, the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, could easily counter that reality is based on perception. And what we perceived was a 37-year-old former Tour champion who could not only still climb with the best in the world, but also climb away from them.

Armstrong's Stage 16 effort; however, did not have me thinking of 2004, 2005, but of 2003. On the memorable stage to Luz-Ardiden, which saw the Texan taste pavement because of a fan's musette bag, Armstrong would ride back and then over the lead group on his way to an incredible victory.

While this effort ended once he reached the yellow jersey group of his teammate, Alberto Contador (Astana), Armstrong's flash of form caused his anxious and excitable fan base to explode.

As the commentator/moderator of the LIVE blogging feed on LIVESTRONG.com, I was instantly caught back up in my fandom as people from all over the world expressed their enthusiasm in unbridled ways. Rest, apparently, does a body good. Vive le Lance!

Shake Up
A minor shake up to the General Classification occurred after Stage 16. Rinaldo Nocentini (AG2R La Mondiale), who wore the maillot jaune from the end of Stage 7 to the start of Stage 15, fell precipitously, and out of the top ten. Defending champion, Carlos Sastre (Cervelo Test Team), on the other hand, would work his way into the top ten, slotting in at the 9th position.

General Classification After Stage 16
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 63:17:56
2. Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:01:37
3. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:01:46
4. Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:02:17
5. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:02:26
6. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:02:51
7. Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:03:09
8. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:03:25
9. Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team - 0:03:52
10. Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:03:59

Jersey Leaders After Stage 16
Alberto Contador (Spa) Astana


Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team


Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas


Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank


Update: Jens Voigt Hospitalized
On the descent into Bourg-Saint-Maurice, German strong man, Jens Voigt (Team Saxo Bank) had a horrific crash. Unconscious and bloody, Voigt was transported to the hospital where it was later revealed that he had fractured his right cheekbone and had a concussion.

Next: Stage 17 - Bourg-Saint-Maurice to La Grand Bornand (159 km)
The Queen stage of the 96th Tour de France is certain to create a further selection as the riders bid adieu to the Alps in a magnanimous way.

• Km 18.0 - Cormet de Roselend (D.902-D.925) - 18.1 km climb to 5.7 % - Category 1
• Km 56.0 - Col des Saisies - 15.1 km climb to 6 % - Category 1
• Km 111.5 - Côte d'Araches - 6.3 km climb to 7 % - Category 2
• Km 140.5 - Col de Romme - 8.8 km climb to 8.9 % - Category 1
• Km 154.5 - Col de la Colombière - 7.5 km climb to 8.5 % - Category 1

Follow our commentary on the daily live blogging feed on LIVESTRONG.com

Ritchey Design Forms Partnership with MacLean Quality Composites

Ritchey Design forms partnership with MacLean Quality Composites to produce its Superlogic Carbon rims, all versions of its high-end carbon wheelsets now shipping


SAN CARLOS, Calif. - Ritchey Design, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality road and mountain bike components, announced it has formed a partnership with MacLean Quality Composites to produce the carbon rims for its Superlogic Carbon road wheelsets.

Ritchey Design has been fulfilling orders for the Superlogic Carbon road tubular wheelset since January, and with the new partnership it is now shipping the clincher versions.

Ritchey Design Superlogic Wheelset Specifications

• Rims - Exclusive uni-directional, 100 percent high-modulus carbon
• Rear Hub - WCS V4 (24-hole, cold forged, precision bearings, alloy freehub body in Campagnolo and Shimano/SRAM configurations)
• Front Hub - WCS V3 (20-hole, cold forged, precision bearings, round flanges)
• Skewers - WCS Titanium model
• Spokes - DT bladed New Aero Light (Radial front, 2-cross rear)
• Nipples - Alloy Hex style nipples with NYLOK BLUE PATCH™ threads
• Assembly - Handbuilt at Ritchey Design California
• Estimated Weight - 1,180 grams (Tubular) and 1,420 grams (Clinchers)
• Available - Now
• MSRP - $2,850/set (Tubulars), $3,000/set (Clinchers)

Women’s Prestige Cycling Series Grand Finale at Cascade Classic

New series addition is final stop on 2009 tour

Minneapolis – The 2009 Women’s Prestige Cycling Series wraps up this week at the Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend, Oregon. Held right before the US National Championships in Bend, the Cascade Classic boasts one of the strongest women’s fields of the year.

The Team Competition has been a see-saw battle between Team TIBCO and Webcor Cycling all season, with TIBCO claiming the lead at the opener in Redlands Bicycle Classic in March, then losing it to Webcor at the Joe Martin Stage Race in May before reclaiming it at the Nature Valley Grand Prix in June. But TIBCO’s lead is razor thin, with only 769 point compared to 740 for Webcor, so the final standings will come down to the grand finale at Cascade.

In contrast, Team Type 1’s Alison Powers appears to have the individual classification all locked up, barring an unforeseen catastrophe. With 484 points, she seems to have an insurmountable lead over Team TIBCO’s Katherine Carroll (300 points) and Webcor’s Katheryn Mattis (275 points), leaving Carroll and Mattis to battle for second place.

The Series’ Best Young Rider competition is still up for grabs, but it’s a family affair, with Webcor teammates at the top of the standings. Rebecca Much took the lead at Joe Martin but then lost ground to Alexis Rhodes at Nature Valley, where Rhodes won the Mankato Road Race. While Much and Rhodes are close (484 vs. 429 points), third place Julie Beveridge (Team TIBCO) is far enough back (308 points) as a result of missing the Joe Martin Stage Race that she doesn’t represent a threat to either of the Webcor riders.

The Series sprint classification is very much in play, coming out of the Nature Valley Grand Prix as a dead heat, with Alison Powers tied with Tina Pic (Colavita Sutter Homes). The tie was broken because Powers had the higher ranking at Nature Valley. But the favorite for the Series Sprint title may be Australian Criterium Champion Kristy Broun, who’ll be racing for Lip Smackers in Cascade. Although she trails Powers and Pic (165 vs. 209 points), she scored all of those points in just one event, the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Similar performances by these three riders could see Broun vault over Powers and Pic and into the Sprint jersey at the Series finale.

Team Type 1 Women View Cascade As Tune-Up For Nationals

Bend, Ore. – The goals are simple for the Team Type 1 women’s professional squad for the 30th edition of the Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend, Ore.

“We would really like a podium finish and a stage win,” Team Type 1 Director Jack Seehafer said. “More so, I want to see them have some fun and race aggressively.”

Team Type 1 will field a reduced squad for the six-day, six-stage National Racing Calendar (NRC) event and use it as a tune-up for the USA Cycling Elite Road National Championships, which take place in Bend next week.

The team’s five riders for the Cascade Classic are Jacquelyn Crowell, Morgan Patton, Alison Powers, Samantha Schneider and Kori Seehafer. Patton is one of two riders on the team who has Type 1 diabetes.

Powers and Team Type 1 are the season-long leaders in the NRC individual and team standings. Powers also leads the overall and sprint categories of the Women’s Prestige Cycling Series, a four-race event that also includes the Redlands Bicycle Classic, Joe Martin Stage Race and the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Though she is no stranger to Bend, this will Powers’ first time to race the Cascade Classic.

“When I competed with the U.S. national ski team, we had various camps in May in Bend,” Powers said. “I’m super excited for this race. It’s a strong field and it will be awesome practice for nationals. The time trial is pretty much on the national time trial course and the last stage is the same course as the national road race.”

This year’s race includes four road races, a time trial and a criterium. Tuesday is the 71-mile (114 km) Smith Rock Road Race, followed by the 78-mile (125 km) Three Creeks Road Race. Thursday’s Stage 3 time trial is on a 16-mile (25 km) out-and-back course featuring a seven-mile climb. Friday’s 71-mile (114 km) Cascade Lakes Road Race is followed by an hour-long criterium Saturday night in Downtown Bend. The final stage is the Awbrey Butte Circuit Race, a 66-mile (106 km) race that includes laps of a 17-mile (27 km) circuit.

Team Type 1 Men Send Talent-Rich Roster To Bend

Bend, Ore. – The Team Type 1 men’s professional squad will field an impressive line-up for the 30th annual Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic.

The six-day, six-stage race begins Tuesday in Bend, Ore., and promises to be one of the most competitive stage races on National Racing Calendar (NRC) circuit this season. A record 185 riders are scheduled to compete.

Team Type 1’s eight-rider roster includes one former Cascade Classic champion, Michael Creed, a pair of stage winners from a year ago, Matt Wilson and Moises Aldape, and the rider who finished third overall here last year, Darren Lill.

Assistant Director Gord Fraser said Team Type 1 has two serious contenders for the overall in Creed and Lill.

“That being said, there’s going to be a lot of teams who have really good contenders who excel at racing at altitude at this race,” Fraser said. “There’s the Rock Racing guys, Chris Baldwin from OUCH, a full contingent from Bissell and the list goes on. This might be one of the best races of the year in terms of teams bringing personnel to do well.”

Creed has been a solid addition to the only professional cycling team in the world with riders who have Type 1 diabetes. The 28-year-old won the 2004 edition of the Cascade Classic and he has led Team Type 1 at the Nature Valley Grand Prix (fourth overall) and Fitchburg Longsjo Classic (fifth overall).

Lill finished third on the Stage 3 Skyliner's Time Trial last year (while competing for the BMC Racing Team) on the way to his third place overall behind Levi Leipheimer (Astana).

Aldape won the Stage 4 Cascade Lakes Road Race last year on the way to earning the King of the Mountains title while Wilson captured the Stage 2 Three Creeks Road Race, wore the race leader’s yellow jersey for one day and finished fifth overall. This year, both riders have been slowed by injury.

“I think we’ll see the real Matt Wilson for the rest of the year,” Fraser said. “If we have him at full strength, that will help us tremendously. The same goes for Moises.”

The balance of Team Type 1’s roster is equally as talent-laden. Shawn Milne won a USA Cycling Professional Tour series event, the Air Force Cycling Classic in May, and finished second in the final stage at the Cascade Classic a year ago.

Valeriy Kobzarenko earned the King of the Mountain crown at the TD Bank International Cycling Classic in Philadelphia last month. Chris Jones scored one of the team’s two victories at an NRC event this season with a win on the final day at the Joe Martin Stage Race and Ian MacGregor has three wins to his credit this year.

This year’s event includes four road races, a time trial and a criterium. Tuesday is the 71-mile (114 km) Smith Rock Road Race, followed by the 78-mile (125 km) Three Creeks Road Race. Thursday’s Stage 3 time trial is on a 16-mile (25 km) out-and-back course featuring a seven-mile climb. Friday’s 83-mile (133 km) Cascade Lakes Road Race is followed by a 90-minute criterium Saturday night in Downtown Bend. The final stage is the Awbrey Butte Circuit Race, an 83-mile race that includes laps of a 17-mile (27 km) circuit.

Ritchey Design's Latest Road and Mountain Pedals Available this September

Ritchey Design is set to release its latest road, the WCS Echelon, and mountain, the Pro Paradigm, pedals at the end of the summer.


The WCS Echelon Pedal, MSRP $189.95, has a body made of 6061 alloy and a cromoly spindle with (adjustable) retention claw made of carbon-resin composite. Weighing-in at 233 grams, the WCS Echelon has great strength and durability for its compact size. The distance between the axle and body platform is extremely low which creates a highly efficient pedaling arc, especially in the top of the pedal stroke - almost eliminating the traditional "dead zone." The pedal's light-weight cleat provides a wide platform for greater support and foot comfort.


The Pro Paradigm Mountain Pedal, MSRP $149.95, replaces the previous Pro V4 Mountain Pedal and has an improved bearing/axle system allowing for adjustability and service. Sporting a new anodized red body, the 255-gram pedal has a low-profile body-to-axle design for efficient pedaling. The dual-sided design has superior mud clearance and a stainless steel retention claw for easy entry and exit over the life of the pedal.

More information about the latest Ritchey Design pedals and other WCS products is available at www.ritcheylogic.com.

Trips for Kids Opens its 68th Chapter

Trips for Kids works with Ladysmith-Hawkins School District to help establish a mountain bike riding program to benefit local children in the district

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Trips for Kids (TFK), a non-profit organization that uses mountain biking trips to promote self-confidence and environmental awareness among disadvantaged youth, today announced the establishment of its 68th chapter in Ladysmith, Wisconsin in conjunction with the Ladysmith-Hawkins School District. The Trips for Kids Ladysmith Chapter will serve the district's disadvantaged youth.

"Working directly with a school district enables a chapter to connect immediately with kids who can benefit from the program. It also instantly establishes Trips for Kids as a community-based youth development resource," says Marilyn Price, TFK founder and director.

Price continued, "Since bicycles and kids are a natural match, young people can be more open to learning when bikes are involved. An ultimate goal would be to integrate bicycling into the physical education departments of schools throughout the country."

The TFK chapters in Trinidad, Calif. and Pueblo Pintado, N.M. are also associated with their local school district and TFK Triangle in Durham, N.C. regularly works with its local middle schools. The TFK chapter-school relationships allow students multiple opportunities to participate in the TFK rides and reinforce their relationship with the organization.

The TFK chapters formed in conjunction with a school have found that it is easier to reach some students on the trail than it is in the classroom. Students at schools affiliated with TFK have improved behavior, attendance and relationships with their teachers.

Matt Bunton, president of the Ladysmith TFK chapter, said, "The effort to involve the students in Trips for Kids will ultimately increase their ownership of their school and further their academic and social development. As they participate in this program, the students will learn how to successfully conquer challenges on the trail and in other areas of their life."

More than 50,000 disadvantaged young people have participated in TFK's day-long cycling adventures that take them through nearby parks and outdoor recreation areas. In addition to vigorous outdoor activity, they also enjoy the encouragement of caring adults who teach them about the environment, the importance of healthy choices and satisfaction of accomplishing their goals.

Team Type 1 Goes 1-2, Armstrong Takes Final US Race - Boise Twilight Criterium

Boise, Idaho – Ken Hanson (left) won for the second straight week and Aldo Ino Ilesic finished second as Team Type 1 went 1-2 Saturday night at the 23rd annual Wells Fargo Twilight Criterium in Boise, Idaho.


Racing in 95-degree heat on a day when the mercury reached a record 106 degrees earlier, Hanson scored his third victory and eighth podium finish of the year. It was the 21st win on the road for Team Type 1 and the second in a National Racing Calendar (NRC) event.

Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita-Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light) finished third.

Last week, Hanson raced without any teammates and won the San Rafael (Calif.) Twilight Criterium ahead of U.S. national criterium champion Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing). Hanson is the reigning U.S. elite criterium champion.

“The team was great," Hanson said. "It was awesome. It couldn't have been more perfect from a team standpoint."

A feverish chase by all five of Team Type 1’s riders closed what looked to be an insurmountable gap to a pair of breakaway riders with one lap remaining in the one hour-plus-five-laps race on the 0.6-mile (1 km), four-corner course through Downtown Boise.

“With five laps to go, the gap was 15 seconds and with one lap to go, it was five seconds,” Team Type 1 Director Sportif Vassili Davidenko said. “On the backstretch with half a lap to go, it was still four seconds. But our guys were going full gas and Aldo and Ken came out of the last corner with a 20-meter gap.”

Team Type 1 co-founder Joe Eldridge, the only rider in the race with Type 1 diabetes, was instrumental in driving the pursuit, along with teammates Michael Creed and Dan Holt. Eldridge was active throughout the race, earning two primes as fellow Team Type 1 co-founder and second-year professional Phil Southerland watched from the announcer’s stand.

Davidenko said the electrifying finish was easily the highlight of the season to date, particularly considering it came against the top two teams in the NRC standings, Colavita-Sutter Home and Bissell Pro Cycling, which each fielded full eight-rider rosters.

“All of our guys were just flying at the end,” Davidenko said. “It was unbelievable how they were drilling it. This race is a reflection of the huge progress Team Type 1 has made since January when it comes to sprinting and criteriums. It was a total team effort tonight.”

Saturday’s race was the second straight year the Boise Twilight Criterium has featured a 1-2 finish by riders from the same team. Last year, Hilton Clarke and Dominique Rollin of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team were the first two riders across the line.

Kristin Armstrong Wins Final Race on US Soil

There was some question as to whether Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo Test Team) would participate in her home town race, Wells Fargo Twilight Criterium, but a last minute decision payed off handsomely with her third victory in four years in Boise.

"It was a special night," Armstrong would later tell the Idaho Statesman. "In fact, (Friday) night, when I had dinner downtown, I decided I just really wanted to race my last race in front of this fan base. I just imagined myself watching, and I was like, 'I can't, I can't watch. Are you kidding me?' "

Liza Rachetto (SugarCRM) and Tiffany Pezzulo (DFT presented by Treads) would finish second and third, respectively.

In her final season, the 35-year-old Armstrong will most likely cap her season and career when she competes in September's World Championships in Switzerland.