Reality Bites

The photo below has been circling the internet like a viral video. I've got no reason to doubt its authenticity, as the reality of the matter really does outweigh any reason for wanting to manufacture it.

So say you're taking part in a one day Classic and while traversing over 224km you suddenly have an urge, or rather the urge. What do you do?

As one caption stated, "rockin the dookie drawers," oh no you didn't? Another reason to have black bibs.

Tornado squishing around the Roubaix velodrome

No Giro For You!!!

The powers that be in professional cycling have broken out the Seinfeld equivalent of the Soup Nazi. In the case of the Grand Tours, call it the Triumvirate of Cycling Nazis: UCI President, Pat McQuaid, Tour de France Director, Christian Prudhomme, and Quick-Step boss, Patrick LeFevere.

All three have recently agreed to bar any questionable cyclists from the three Grand Tours, until the implicated (defined as guilty in this case) can prove their non-involvement/innocence in their respective scandal (Operacion Puerto in this case).

If this holds true to form, the biggest loser of the bunch may be Tyler Hamilton (Tinkoff Credit Systems), who not only served a 2 year suspension for alleged homologous blood transfusion, but is facing a case of what I can best describe as reverse double jeopardy (double jeopardy meaning that the accused cannot be tried for the same crime twice) by being newly implicated in Operacion Puerto.

This point is lost on Oude Granny. Perhaps my mind has dulled in the aging process.

So Hamilton who served a suspension for a doping infraction is essentially being barred from this year's biggest races because they have potentially found new evidence that he actually did dope two years ago??

Isn't that the biblical justice equivalent of cutting off the arms of a man who has already had his hands cut off for stealing?

"Yeah, you know that bread that you stole?"
"Darn right I do, you took my hands for it!"
"Well, now we really know you did it...WHACK!"

No Racing For You!!!

Erin Go Bra!

For the past 2 years, I've been itching to go on the Centuries Tour of Ireland. It encompasses 9 centuries of Irish history, as well as 9 centuries of bike riding around the beautiful Irish coastline. (And knowing Granny, perhaps 9 centuries of Guinness to boot).

Now there's another reasons to head to the Emerald Isle during late Summer/early Fall, as professional cycling has returned with the 5 Stage, Tour of Ireland (August 22-26, 2007).


Stage 1 - August 22: Kilkenny - Cork (St. Patrick's Hill), 160 km
Stage 2 - August 23: Clonakilty - Killarney, 167 km
Stage 3 - August 24: Tralee - Ennis, 190 km
Stage 4 - August 25: Galway - Galway, 212 km
Stage 5 - August 26: Athlone - Dublin, 135 km

The most surprising, and maybe that's not the proper word, about the promotion of the upcoming event was the inclusion of Irish model, Jenny Lee Masterson. Not that that's a bad thing mind you (as you can see below). After 15 years of not having a professional cycling race in the country, maybe the organizers felt they needed a "hook" to bring out the old laddies and lasses? Maybe she was there merely to model the outfit to be worn by the TOI podium girls? Again, not a bad thing.

Regardless, I guess it never ceases to amaze me that the advertising axiom of "sex sells," almost never seems to fail. As if having Irish cycling legend, Sean Kelly, present wasn't enough!

On second thought, do we even need Sean Kelly in the photo? Erin Go Bra (yes, that's a play on words) INDEED!

Photo ©: Gerry McManus/www.gerrymcmanus.co.uk

On Tap - Part II

Ever since I saw the trailer for the movie The Flying Scotsman online, I've been anxiously awaiting its debut. Well the wait is finally over, so go check it out. Our friends over at the movie's official website, www.theflyingscotsmanmovie.com, have sent us the initial reviews, which may be enticement enough to get you indoors from this gorgeous weather.

04.05.2007 - James Snyder - The New York Sun: "screenwriters John Brown, Declan Hughes, and Simon Rose turn those rules upside down in a third act that is less a celebration of celebrity than a sobering look at the costs that accompany it...there are flashes of brilliance here. Director Douglas Mackinnon's racing footage, which cuts between a telescopic technique that offers the vantage point of the spectators and a closely mounted camera that shows Graeme's tunnel vision from the racetrack, is riveting...The Flying Scotsman" is the rare film that stays with its hero after the gold medal is placed around his neck and the chase for glory has come to an end."

04.05.2007 - Bill Zwecker - Chicago Sun-Times "Turmoil and victory meet in remarkable 'Scotsman'" and "Miller is a revelation here...Unlike so many motion pictures, where all forms of mental illness are interpreted by over-the-top acting, Miller's approach is far more realistic and likely similar to the true fight that millions face with this wide-spread affliction worldwide...Even for audiences who normally would not be interested in cycling, "The Flying Scotsman" is a good choice, because this film is about so much more."

04.05.2007 - Tom Keogh - Seattle Times - ""The Flying Scotsman's" inspirational tale sends spirits soaring" and "Jonny Lee Miller ("Trainspotting") is enormously sympathetic and appealing as Obree"

04.05.2007 - Kyle Smith - New York Post: "The Flying Scotsman" is different. It's an underdog story with teeth...the movie is refreshing in its suggestion that even victory may not cure every ailment"

04.05.2007 - Sarah Kaufman - Washington Post:" a classic tale of the heroic little guy that goes beyond the sport of cycling, told with elegant restraint in this sensitive and beautifully rendered film...Miller is key to the film's success, with his earnest, sweet-faced looks and evident dark side. He plays Obree with just the right understated intensity, a believable competitor who fights back fiercely with his wits and a few tight-lipped words."

03.05.2007 - John P. McCarthy - Catholic News Service: "Obree's bouts with depression prevent this film from being just a sentimental movie with a formulaic outcome. Director Douglas Mackinnon uses his subject's troubled psyche to generate suspense; and the cyclist's friendship with a Protestant minister, the Rev. Douglas Baxter (Brian Cox), lends a subtle religious dimension...Exemplifying the movie's good taste and sensitivity, lovely music and scenery don't overwhelm the central plight of this lionhearted athlete."

03.05.2007 - Michael Wilmington - Chicago Tribune: "Mackinnon, a TV star director making his theatrical feature debut here, has a flair for pace, colour and performances. The writing is more heartfelt than usual for a movie like this; one of the writers, Rose, has been working on the project for 12 years. "The Flying Scotsman," like many movie bios, invents some characters and plays with the truth, though not too much. But the movie, which endured a few bumps and trials of its own on its path to the screen, tells a tale both fast and moving. And when Miller as Obree takes his whirls around the track, it gets your heart pumping and your blood up".

On Tap...

On the Continent
No, not that one (even though the Tour of Romandie wraps up on Sunday, coverage on Versus). This week's On Tap...segment is taking on a decidely North American flavor as two events conclude this weekend, the Tour of the Gila and the USA Crits SE.

The Tour of the Gila is a 5 day stage race held in New Mexico. In its 21st running, past winners include Kevin Livingston, Jonathan Vaughters, Chris Wherry, John Lieswyn, and Chris Baldwin. On the women's side, the winner's list is equally impressive with names such as Kristin Armstrong, Kimberly Baldwin, Genevieve Jeanson, Amber Neben, Mari Holden, and Jeannie Longo.

After 2 Stages, Nathan O'Neill (Health Net/Maxxis) carries a slim lead into the weekend over last year's winner Chris Baldwin (United Pro Cycling). Webcor Builders' Mara Abbott heads up the women's GC, but a well placed Dotsie Bausch (Colavita-Sutter Home/Cooking Light), who was recently featured in ROAD magazine, is lurking.

Across the country, the USA Crits SE series wraps up this Sunday in Decatur, AL. This Crit series is held over 8 days and in three states, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. After 5 races, Tina Pic (Colavita-Sutter Home/Cooking Light) has already come up with three victories, the last two back-to-back. The last victory was probably the most impressive as she fought through several competitors from Cheerwine. On the men's side, there hasn't been someone as dominant, but the racing has been fast and furious with primes being offered on almost every lap.

In the Hole and Up for Grabs
Later on this month, over the Memorial Day Weekend, the DeSoto American Triple T triathlon tour will be held on the banks of the Ohio River in Shawnnee State Park. This 3 day event includes 4 races: a sprint, an Olympic, as reverse Olympic (bike, swim, then run), and a Half.

Our IronGal in training, Katie, was slated to do this event with a friend, but her work schedule won't allow her to compete. If you're interested in participating in this 100% sold out event, contact Granny through my email. Click HERE for a printable flyer of the event.

Sick and Tired

The above title was the ubiquitous catch phrase of my former college roommate, Billy, who for some reason or another always spoke with a twang that ranged from Kentuckyish to Bayouish although he was originally from Kansas City, MO.

It would go a little something like this, "So, how's it goin,' Billy?" "I'm Sick and Tired, Sick and Tired." "So Billy, ya gonna head to the game?" "Sick and Tired...Sick and Tired."

But, Billy's sentiments aren't lost on the fans of professional cycling, especially in its current state. We are all just a little bit more than "Sick and Tired."

At times, I feel like comedian, Chris Rock, who during a bit about Michael Jackson, exclaimed, "Another Kid...Another Kid?! C'mon Man...Another Kid?!!"

Another Scandal...Another Scandal?!! C'mon Man...Another Scandal?!

The fact is, the use of performance enhancers has long been sports’ (not merely cycling’s) dirty little secret, only reaching a crescendo in the past few decades. How far back does it go and to what extent have people used extraordinary means to win in cycling? It’s been purported that as early as the 19th Century cyclists were known to have taken caffeine, sugar pills, and even cocaine to enhance their performance. In the late 1960s, even the great Eddy Merckx was not without his critics. Just look at the following list (in no particular order and simply off the top of my head) of cycling scandals and those who have been accused of, alleged to, implicated, confessed, suspended, retired, and even died from doping in cycling’s recent past.

Lance Armstrong
Tyler Hamilton
Floyd Landis
Roberto Heras
Santiago Perez
Frankie Andreu
Oscar Carmenzind
Operacion Puerto
Jan Ullrich
Oscar Sevilla
Ivan Basso
Jorg Jaksche
Liberty Seguros Squad
David Millar
Jesus Manzano
Kelme Squad
Festina Scandal
Marco Pantani
Richard Virenque
TVM (Dutch) Squad
Members of the 1984 US Olympic Cycling Squad
Dutch Cycling in the late 1980s
T-Mobile (Telekom) in the late 1990s
Bjarne Riis
Laurent Fignon
Eddy Merckx
Tom Simpson
Tammy Thomas
Kirk O’Bee
Adam Bergman
Matt Decanio

And that's literally just what, and who, came to mind while I was writing this, imagine if I actually put some research into it? So why is it all coming to a head in these, and what some consider, the darkest days of cycling?

The main reason is that anti-doping agencies, such as WADA and USADA, have adopted a “fight fire with fire,” an “eye for an eye” philosophy and have seemingly dropped their ethical standards down to the level of those that they are trying to catch. While their methods have certainly vindicated those riders who have raced against known cheaters, their McCarthyistic and Gestapo-like tactics have also tainted innocent riders along the way, merely because of their associations. As a person of science, I'm especially distraught at their current disregard for certain known standards and practices. Would you really trust your life to some of these laboratories if they were doing an analysis to diagnose your disease condition?

But Granny, I'm a lowly Cat 5. racer, this doesn't even affect me?

Oh, Really?

You may not feel it directly. You may even choose to disregard all that transpires in the professional ranks, but we've all been implicated to some extent. A friend in the women's ranks, Liz Hatch, is even beginning to feel "a trickle down effect." Honestly, how much longer will it be before someone brings into question one of your hard won efforts? How much longer will it be before we begin to question the sheer talent of a phenom in the junior ranks, attributing it rather to performance enhancing drug use?

It just goes to show that when one person attempts to elevate him/herself above the rules the opposite occurs to the rest of us.

Cranky? You Bet...

Sick and Tired? No Doubt.

Shop-Boy

It wasn't exactly my official welcome to Ann Arbor, MI, but it very well could have been, as I finally (surprising even to me) strode into a local bike shop, Two Wheel Tango, to aid a friend in buying a new mountain bike.

If you're a person who reads the cycling rags, more specifically the Bicycle Retailer rags, then you're probably already familiar with the Tango, which seems to perennially be in the Top 100 Bicycle Retailer list.

So what makes Two Wheel Tango so special? Well, the tag line on their website says it best, "Passionate About Bikes." Whether you're interacting with one of the well-skilled wrenches, the owner, Dennis, or one of the sales persons on the floor, you can easily sense where their passions lay.

Because my buddy was busy looking at bikes, I got a chance to look around and talk to a member of the staff, Steve. Like most shops I've been to, Tango carried the standard variety of bicycle brands, Trek, Specialized, Fisher, but also some lesser known brands (at least to the general public) like Guru, Ibis, and Orbea.

Steve, in his second go around with the shop, having worked there when he was younger, took me through the paces. He showed me the new Adaptalite technology of Specialized glasses, and told me about the various cycling groups and rides around the area.

The current version of the shop is located in a small strip mall, on Packard Road, but a new and additional location is already well underway (see inset). The new location will be especially pleasing to those in the area who are currently in the market for a mountain bike, as there are plans to build a small trail on the site for test runs.

Store Hours:
Mon - Fri 11 am to 8 pm / Sat 10 am to 6 pm / Sun Noon to 6 pm

What Happened?

Doping, Doping, and Doping...
You hear the word so often these days that...

...its almost become synonymous with "cycling" (what's next, looking up the word cycling in Webster's and finding a reference to performance enhancing drug(s)?).

...you have to begin to wonder whether "doping" somehow refers to you being a dope for even liking (let alone loving) the sport.

...you have to question whether the sport has ever been without performance enhancing drugs?

Regardless on what side of the fence you fall (and there seems to be a very distinct line between the athletes and the anti-doping agencies these days), both sides seem to be pulling the sport of cycling into the same arena, oblivion.

For a sport that is considered (in America) fringe at best, its fanbase is being drowned by the constant barrage of waves of deceit, McCarthyistic tactics, and yellow journalism. In its current state, the only names we'll soon remember are those of the legendary heroes whose bravado was tied to a sense of competition and some higher glory; for love of the sport, and not monetary compensation.

At some point this year, the professional cycling ranks may resemble those of the highest amateur ranks in another fringe sport, Track & Field. Athletes will train, lose, win, and possibly set or challenge records, but there won't be anyone to care.

Katie's Korner

HELLLO KATIE!
You can call me toaster strudel! It sounds much cuter than burnt toast, but both apply equally as well. I am burnt! But I did cross another landmark today...92 miles on the bike in 5 hours and 20 minutes. I then followed that up with a 20 minute transition run.

The run felt much better this week after the bike than last week. I also think I got a good feeling for the foods (how much I need to carry). The worst part was how sore my neck got. My legs were pretty tired at the end.

So far, 3 hours post (ride & run), and no headache. Tried salt pills (1 at mile 80, 1 at mile 90) and they seemed to help. Still not sure about the honey goo's, as they may aggravate my stomach. The weather was beautiful, and although I sunscreened up this morning.....I forgot to put it on the back of my hands!! Oops! I guess I was caught red handed! (Oh Boy!).

I just tried to nap but my brain is racing....I dont' know why? I am really tired but couldn't fall asleep. I think I'll go get some food.

Stace, it was so much fun riding with/seeing you yesterday. Let's pick another date now to get together...even if only for a bit!

Len, thanks for coming "salsa dancing" with us last night. You are so much fun! Wish you lived closer!

B, Good Luck on Finals! You'll do AWESOME! I Love You!

HAPPPPPYYYY BIRTHDAY TO MICHELLE AND STACIE!!!

And now off to aloe my hands....
Katie

Update: I had intended to join our IronGal on her latest long training ride, but a partial tear to the gastrocnemius muscle prevented me from saving Katie from the sheer boredom of riding alone. Oude Granny is getting old (quite literally as I also celebrated a birthday last week). For those in the Barrington/Lake Zurich area, we'll try to schedule some group rides once I'm up and going.

From this Friday's On Tap..., the original limited opening date for the movie, The Flying Scotsman, was pushed back to May 4th. My apologies to any and all of you who have wanted to see the film, and were thrown off by the misinformation from this blog.

Monday Morning Advocate

Welcome the second installment of the Morning Advocate. In this feature we'll share with you articles we've read, stories we've heard, or groups we know of that advocate cycling or use cycling to advocate their chosen cause. Think of it as saving the world, someone else, and/or yourself, one pedal stroke at a time. Today, we'll look at the Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG.

No doubt that you've seen the April 9th Newsweek by now. But 10 years after the Lance Armstrong Foundation was founded, where do we really stand in the fight against the second leading killer?

A couple of years ago, the battle had a prominent face in Lance Armstrong and although he hasn't shyed away from the fight, he's certainly been less visible to the general population with his retirement. That's not a criticism against LA, but more of a warning to all; the lack of a crystallizing point person doesn't mean that the various forms of cancer have also retired or gone away.

Last year, T-o-03 brought up the following point and its appropriate to do so again.

Did you consider your LIVESTRONG wristband as just another "fad" like the Pet Rock (you do have to take a wayback machine for that reference)? Did you just want to be en vogue and feel a part of the US Postal/Discovery Channel army? Did you wear the band because it held a deeper meaning? Now look around, are the same people who were never without the band a couple of years ago still wearing it?

Hopefully it just means that more people have become personally involved, and become real advocates for the cause.

As far as LA goes, he's recently approached Capitol Hill with the same zeal as when he held a stranglehold on the peloton stating "We Have to Be Ruthless!"

Turning a Pedal In Anger...

Have you ever wondered what Phil Liggett or Paul Sherwen mean when they throw out the above expression? The image below (Photo: AFP) says it all.


After a few near misses this year, and barely missing out on a feat (the Ardennes treble) accomplished by his countryman, Davide Rebellin, Danilo Di Luca, has captured his first significant win of the season and claimed the one that got away, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, from him in 2005.

On Tap...

Water, Water, Everywhere...
Its been well chronicled that 75% of the earth is covered by water, with 3% of that water being fresh water.

Our cycling analogy; the boys over at Gerolsteiner currently own 66.7% of the Ardennes Classics and are looking to add the remaining 33.3% come Sunday.

In 2004, Davide Rebellin completed the unprecedented Ardennes triple; winning the Amstel Gold Race, La Fleche Wallonne, and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. This year, Rebellin and his Gerolsteiner team are poised for the hat trick, as Stefan Schumacher claimed Amstel and Rebellin, La Fleche Wallonne.

Gerolsteiner's main competition should come in the form of two riders, the Spaniard, Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) and the Italian, Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas). Interestingly enough, both were able to win two-thirds of the Ardennes Classics in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

So what's On Tap...possibly Gerolsteiner water at this Sunday's running of Liege-Bastogne-Liege; the mother (quite literally, as its nickname of La Doyenne means "old woman" in French) of cycling's monuments (it first running was in 1892).

Again, watch it LIVE on Cycling.tv, or see the re-cap on Versus. To follow it on the internet, tune into Cyclingnews.com.

Traveling Blogger
Oude Granny is on the move again, as I will be in Barrington, IL, for a group ride (where I'll also be checking in on our IronGal in training, Katie). During my short stay in the Land of Lincoln, I also hope to take in The Flying Scotsman. Look for a review next week.

Katie's Korner

Yada, Yada, Yada...
Blah, Blah, and Blah weather. Fog and drizzle, 51 degrees. Blah!

But that's okay....I have finally come out of my slight depression from not running Boston (Marathon) and I am ready to rock and roll.

A great new finding are these honey packets that are intended to work like the goo packets! I hope they work for fueling on the bike/run because that would help a lot.

Today, I did a longer run off of the bike and it felt pretty good. Carla has been such a help in instructing me in what to do. My problem, I always default to running because it is the easiest thing, just walk out the door. However, I can't just do that.

Also, I started back going to see the Chinese doctor. For those of you who don't know, Dr. Guo is amazing! He has helped out so many people in my family...and it is all natural. Don't ask me how it works...but it does and it's much better that loading up on drugs. Granted, I am taking about 50 herb pills each day, but that's different!

I did go to him a while back but wasn't patient enough...You see, herbs don't work like pharmaceuticals, they take time. So I have told myself that I will be patient and maybe this will be the solution to my stomach issues.

Back to my training...I have noticed a smidgeon of an ache at my medial right calcaneus...and I am always fearful that it is indicative of plantar fascitis. I have been icing, rolling out my ITB and working it good...so hopefully it does not come to fruition (For those readers not fully acquainted with our IronGal in training, Katie is a Physical Therapist, so the lingo just kinda flows).

Last week did a 2 hour run on Saturday and a 4.5 hour bike ride with a transition run on Sunday. The weather was beautiful and they both felt great...except for the transition run. My stomach got all cramped up and my legs felt like they were stuck in mud.

Okay Enough!
Katie

Katie is the Triple Crankset's resident IronGirl in training. We have been following her progress as she trains for the the Ford Ironman Coeur d' Alene triathlon on June 24th.

One Down...99 to Go

In the March 2007 edition of Bicycling magazine, the "100 Best Climbs in America" were featured. Whether I totally agree with some of their selections is another matter, but I was fortunate enough to be in the southern Illinois area to ride one of them, Makanda Road Hills.

The description of the climb was as followed:
Makanda Road Hills
Makanda, Illinois
1.75 M, 9% AG, 800 FVG (Miles, Average Grade, and Feet of Vertical Gain)

Locals Say: A dose of brutual reality in an arty town. Find It: South of Carbondale on Rt. 51, running east to west. Don't Miss: The Southern Illinois University at Carbondale cycling team churns over this pair of hils on its training rides - look way toward the back and you might see frequent Bicycling contributor Mike Magnuson. Info: siu.edu/~cycling/index.htm.

As I was down in the area for the annual relay foot race, River to River (80 miles splits among 8 runners), I wasn't in the mood to seriously tax myself. On the SIU cycling website, I found exactly what I needed and printed out the directions for "The Quick Spin - Makanda and Back," approximately 17 miles.

The route was easy enough to follow and the traffic was minimal (which was great considering the lack of any shoulder). After a few small rollers on Old Rt. 51, I crossed over Rt. 51, into Makanda. From the tower across 51, it was fairly easy to see why some locals call these the Happy Face Hills (see inset).

Traveling west to east, the hill actually starts out on a small descent that brings you to the base of the climb. It kicks upward immediately and continues going upward around a small turn (not a switchback). Once you crest the hill, there is a small flat and then a nice long descent into the town of Makanda.

Rather than complete the loop back to Carbondale, I thought I'd test the climbing legs going in the opposite direction (and according to Bicycling's description, going east to west is the best way to get the full effect of the pair of hills). The long descent in the other direction was now a long winding ascent, and the initial descent a nice short and steep climb before you hit Rt. 51. This pair of climbs was well worth it even though I had to turn around and tackle the climb back into town.

After a brief respite in what could best be described as downtown Makanda (see inset), I headed down Springer Ridge Road and back to Carbondale.

If you're in and around the area and in need of shop assistance, surprisingly, there are plenty to choose from; all in less than a 100 yard radius (Phoenix Cycles, Carbondale Cycles, and The Bike Surgeon).

On Tap...

I know this is premature, looking at the date, but Oude Granny is going to be incommunicado for a little stretch.

Bald Is Beautiful
You don't have to go far to find out what's On Tap...for this weekend, as you only have to go to either Velonews or Cyclingnews.com to follow the action up Brasstown Bald later today. The climb has fast become the signature of the Tour of Georgia and produced some memorable mano-y-mano battles:

Grajales v. Armstrong (2004)
Danielson v. Leipheimer (2005)
Danielson v. Landis (2006)

The stage is set for another battle, but not by the contestants I mentioned yesterday. After a more than respectable ride in the ITT, Janez Brajkovic has taken command of this race. Meanwhile, David Canada Gracia lost a little over 2 minutes to Brajkovic. Canada Gracia, a strong climber, will find it extremely difficult, however, to pull back that much time. Instead the American, Christian Vande Velde (CSC) will (and should) have a go at Brajkovic being only 12 seconds in arrears. The easy money is on the Slovenian and Discovery, which pretty much has a stranglehold on this race (the exception being Landis' win last year).

Ardennes On Tap...Quite Literally
The first of the three Ardennes Classics kicks off this weekend with the Amstel Gold Race. Unlike the early Spring Classics, these races are more suited to the all-around cyclists and Grand Tour contenders.

Look for Alejandro Valverde to make a serious effort this weekend as the Amstel is the only one of the Ardennes that he hasn't yet won.

Break in the Weather
It looks like the wintry weather has finally broken in the Northern climates, so go out and test your indoor trained legs this weekend. For those in Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, and Seattle areas, at least take a walk to the local theatre to see the opening of the Graeme Obree film, The Flying Scotsman. Click HERE for the Trailer (700K). As for Oude Granny, I'm off to test my legs down in southern Illinois and won't be back till Tuesday. Have a great weekend, and as a friend says, "No Head Winds."

Three Strange Days

The last three days of the Tour of Georgia have been, well, interesting.

Daniele Contrini's Stage 1 win reminded me of a Points or Scratch race in track cycling where there's a prime (pronounced "preem," a prize within a race) involved on certain laps. Usually some of the lesser (less experienced or lacking in form) riders will go hard to collect the primes because they know they can't win the race. In Contrini's case, his team, Tinkoff Credit Systems, is extremely short handed at the moment, not only in this race but overall as their management has had to scramble for riders (they recently signed Jorg Jaksche). If you know you don't have the team to challenge for the overall, what better time to go for a win but on the first stage?

Next, Day 2 saw Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United) dupe the sprinters and come up with a big win. In essence, Stevic (like Popovych last year) stole the show from an anticipated mass sprint.

Then yesterday, Stage 3 saw some of the big favorites go almost 30 minutes down in the overall, with Gianni Meersman (Discovery Channel) claiming the title of strongest breakaway rider.

Foregone Conclusion
After three stages and with the upcoming climb up Brasstown Bald, the contender list for the overall in the Tour of Georgia has seemingly been pared down to two individuals, and to two ProTour teams: David Canada Gracia (Saunier Duval - Prodir) and Janez Brajkovic (Discovery Channel).

It'll be strangely interesting to see the climbing support both Canada and Brajkovic get from their all-star cast of domestiques:

Saunier Duval - Prodir
Gilberto Simoni
David Millar
Ruebens Bertogliati

Discovery Channel
Levi Leipheimer
Tom Danielson
George Hincapie (see inset; already handling the bidon chores)
(Photo: Photo Sport International)

Katie's Korner

For those who have been following Katie's progression from triathlete to IronGirl on this blog, and tired to track her online during this Monday's Boston Marathon, you probably already know that she chose not to run it. The massive Noreaster that even affected us back in the Midwest was the deciding factor. Given that the Ironman Coeur d'Alene is a couple of months away, our gal Katie really does have "bigger fish to fry."

Boston Gone Bad
For those of you who don't know, I did not run Boston. The weather was terrible which led to decreased motivation. I had to decide to run or not, and as long as I did not cross the start line, I could defer my qualification to next year....

So looks like I will be back in Boston next year.

Yes, I'm bitter. To put that training in and have the weather be shitty, it sucks. It sucks even more sitting in the airport listening to everyone's horror stories. I guess the only good thing...is that they were HORROR stories because the weather was so bad. In the long run, I think I made a good decision. I think I will get more out of it next year. There weren't even any fans out there cheering!! Not even on Heartbreak Hill!

Carla, I don't know what this means in terms of training for this week. Don't take it easy on me...I didn't run 26 miles yesterday! I did run today though....the weather still sucked.

Len: Thanks so much for the coupons....I plan to order something but not sure what. Didn't get the official jacket seeing as I didn't run it. Plan to get that next year. Also, are you still coming in town in 2 weeks? Would love to go for a ride! Or grab a bite with you and Stace.

Just want to say thanks to you all though. It meant so much to get so many encouraging words. I can't tell you how awesome that was. And, despite the weather and the hefty costs of the trip, it meant the world to be able to spend time with my parents and Brandon. That's Priceless!

Finally, Congrats Ame, on qualifying for Boston. We can go together next year!

Love to All,
Let the Ironman training resume....
Katie

Argyle Armada

As reported by Andrew Hood in Velonews, Team Slipstream/Chipotle has earned a wild card entry into the 87th Volta a Cataluyna in Spain (its second European wild card invite this year; Criterium International from the ASO, no less).

Why is this important?

For starters, Cataluyna is on the ProTour racing calendar, and therefore, the 20 ProTour teams will be lining up for it. Its also extremely rare that a wild card spot goes to an American based team. If Oude Granny's memory serves him correctly, the last time a prestigious European race had two US based cycling teams in it was back in the day when Mercury-Viatel lined up with US Postal Service.

Regardless of the possible reason for their inclusion (Slipstream's European base being in Spain), its certainly something for the boys in argyle (and DS Jonathan Vaughters) to raise their arms about. Afterall, it matters more what you do with the opportunity rather than how you got there.

A Wee Bit-O-Fun

Perhaps its due to the lack of sleep from insomnia, but for a moment I thought Tom Boonen was on an ALIAS rerun (at 2am in the morning). Actually, one of the recurring characters, Sark (actor David Anders) on the now defunct show could have been Boonen's twin (a la separated at birth). You decide...

Boonen Brothers?

In the Clear?

If you've read Velonews the past couple of days, you've probably run across a couple of features about Tyler Hamiton (Tinkoff Credit Systems; Photo - Casey Gibson).

Are you happy that he's back in the peloton? Did you think he's served his time (after a two year suspension)?

Or better yet, do you think he should have been suspended to begin with? What!?

Athough Tyler Hamilton's appeal to the Court of Abitration for Sports was denied, many questions (gray areas) linger from a verdict that for most was decided in black and white.

Two years later, Hamilton is "still pretty pissed off," but seems to be looking up the road rather than behind him, "I do try to use it as motivation. I'm certainly still angry which helps me to ride my bike faster."

Tour of Redemption?

The start list for the Tour of Georgia looks more like a tour of redemption as several other formerly suspended riders are in the field:

David Millar (Saunier Duval - Prodir)

Adam Bergman (Colavita/Sutter Home - Cooking Light)

Kirk O'Bee (Health Net - Maxxis)