Do you ever make it a point to train with a group or to go on group rides? Do you have a training partner that you ride with all the time?
Dan
Lafayette, LA
Hi Dan,
I don’t have a training partner who I ride with every day. I train mostly by myself throughout the year and that really works for me. Unfortunately, everyone who rides competitively where I live has a different training schedule so between that and having regular schedules to maintain, it can make coordinating training together really difficult.
With this being the case I have gotten really used to riding alone and have tried to make the best of it. When riding alone I have no “carrot” to chase and no motivation other than what is coming from within me. And, it can be a really good thing to challenge yourself with. Once race day comes and there are tons of “carrots” to chase out on the course, racing can seem “easy”. This method works for me but isn’t necessarily for everyone.
That said, I think group rides are an awesome way to challenge yourself, get a great workout in and make some new friends while you are at it. Some people function better that way and you need to do what works for you in order to keep training fun and motivating for yourself.
The support that you get from group rides is immeasurable and is certainly nice. Also, having someone (or a group of people!) to answer to if you don’t show up is a perfect way to get motivated and get out there and train on those days you just would like to plop down on the couch instead.
Although I do both road and MTB group rides throughout the year, I don’t make it a point to do them. If it falls into my training regimen I will do a group ride and will look extremely forward to it as they always end up being a heck of a great workout, tons of fun, tons of laughs and countless stories to tell for the rest of your life!
Group rides on the road will help you learn how to follow riders closely by learning to draft, how to conserve energy overall, how to accelerate with explosive speed, and how to turn a corner keeping your speed – all of which can be difficult to learn on your own.
Group rides on the mountain bike will help you see new lines to get over rocks and roots, it will help your confidence level by seeing that certain obstacles that look like they cannot be conquered actually can be (because the gal/guy in front of you just did it!), and it will increase your technical skills because you will more than likely be hitting things going up and down the mountain at a greater clip than you would on your own.
Group rides are a great way of enjoying what you love with others who love it too. Organized group rides can range in degree of difficulty, length and pace.
To see for yourself just how fun a group ride can be, find a local cycling club in your area and ask about their rides!
Have fun!
Kathy Sherwin
SoBe/Cannondale MTB Race Team
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Weekly Update
Last weekend, hundreds of mountain bikers flocked to Laramie, Wyoming to participate in the Laramie Enduro mountain bike race. The race is 111 kilometers and climbs over 8600 feet to an altitude of 7500 feet. Laramie may seem an unlikely place for a mountain bike race, however the popular Laramie Enduro was completely sold out over two months ago.
Over 50 Pro men and 18 women battled for top spots. Top 10 results are as follows:
Pro Women:
1 Melissa Thomas
2 Gretchen Reeves
3 Jennifer Tribe Wilson
4 Kelly Boniface
5 Heather Baumgartner
6 Sarah Konrad
7 Karen Tremaine
8 Melissa Trainer
9 Jennifer Lamb
10 Kay Levesque
Pro Men:
1 Jay Henry
2 Brett Morgan
3 Adam Spector
4 James Morgan
5 Dave Muscianisi
6 Thane Wright
7 Yuki Saito
8 Patrick West
9 Derek Henderson
10 Peter Haile
11 Brad Pilling
TransAlp Challenge
The TransAlp Challenge finished last weekend. This eight day stage race traveled from Germany to Italy over 413 miles and 71,164 vertical feet of climbing. Alison Sydor (CAN) and Rocky Mountain teammate Pia Sundstedt (FIN) won the duo women's category in a time of 35:18:27 hours. Alison and Pia also won the Cape Epic stage race earlier this year, however unlike at Cape Epic,where they crashed across the finish line, the winning duo decided to finish TransAlp much more gracefully by getting off their bikes, hugging, and walking across the finish line safely. Defending champions Karl Platt (GER) and Stefan Sahm (GER) of Team Bulls won to duo men's category in a time of 29:59:25.
World Solo 24 Hour Championships
Australians dominated the solo men's category at the World Solo 24 Hour Championships in Canmore, Alberta, while Rebecca Rusch (Specialized) won the women's solo category. This race may best be remembered by the torrential downpours and thick mud. Defending World Solo 24 Hour Champion, Tinker Juarez (Monavie Cannondale) was leading the race before he had to drop out with mud in his eye.
photo courtesy of monaviecannondale.com
Results are as follows:
Solo Men:
1. James Williamson 16 laps (Canberra)
2. Jason English 16 laps (Port Macquarie)
3. Mark Fenner 16 laps (Gerringong)
4. Jeff Toohey 16 laps (Mooloolaba)
5. Cory Wallace 16 laps (Jasper)
6. Thomas Widhalm 16 laps (Wien)
7. Leighton Poidevin15 laps (Canmore)
8. Dallas Morris 14 laps (Calgary)
9. Jay Petervary 14 laps (Jackson)
10.Josh Oppenheimer 14 laps (Boise)
Solo Women:
1. Rebecca Rusch 14 laps (Ketchum)
2. Katrin Van der Speigel 13 laps (Killarney Heights)
3. Jennifer Gerbach 12 laps (Avon)
4. Carena Parr 12 laps (Canmore)
5. Karen Armstrong 10 laps (Spokane)
6. Mei Anna 10 laps (Milano)
7. Megan Dimozantos 9 laps (Muriwai Beach)
8. Jean Boyd 9 laps (Fernie)
9. Kate Aardal 9 laps (Fort McMurray)
10.Melinda Behrens 9 laps (Maryborough)
American Mountain Classic Announces "Gas Relief" Entry Fee Incentive Program
Sho-Air International is pleased to announce a "Go-Green" entry fee incentive/relief program for all competitors in the American Mountain Classic Stage Race in Brian Head, UT set to run August 21-24.
Effective July 29 through August 19th all curently registered athletes that get a new registrant to sign up for the American Mountain Classic will receive $50 refund on their entry fee, along with the new rider. Additionally any new rider who signs themselves and a friend up, who are not currently registered for the event, will each receive a $50 rebate off each of their entries after proof of purchase.
To be eligible the the "Gas Relief" incentive program, all athletes must sign up on Sports Base Online at the following link- https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?item_id=2346
Upon completing registration, all registrants who qualify should contact Ty Kady with their entry receipt for the rebate access code. Ty can be reached at Ty@shoair.com or 800-227-9111.
Fool's Gold 100
US Marathon National Champion, Jeremiah Bishop, announced that he will compete at the Fool's Gold 100 August 16, 2008 in Dahlonega, Georgia. He is looking forward to the "opportunity to rock the stars and stripes jersey at an epic long-distance mountain bike race".
For more information about the Fool's Gold 100 visit www.55nineperformance.com/100.html
Written by: Jennifer Hanks
Sunday, July 27, 2008
World Cup results, Mont-Saint-Anne, Canada: Pro Men XC
1, Julien Absalon (Orbea) 2:07:44
2, Goeff Kabush (Maxxis) +2:33
3, Burry Stander (GT) +4:52
4, Adam Craig (Giant) +5:16
5, Lukas Fluckiger (Athleticum-MTB-Team) +5:37
Open for more results
6, Jaroslav Kulhavy +6:19
7, Martin Gujan (Athleticum-MTB-Team) +7:02
8, Seamus McGrath +7:33
9, Liam Killeen (Specialized) +8:30
10, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) +9:31
11, Jose Antonio Hermida (Multivan Merida)
12, Wolfram Kurschat (Topeak/Ergon)
13, Hannes Metzler (Giant)
14, Derek Zandstra
15, Bas Peters
16, Michael Broderick (Kenda/Seven)
17, Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/VW)
18, Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis)
19, Cedric Ravanel (LaPierre International)
20, Raphael Gagne (Rocky Mountain)
21, Christoph Soukup
22, Peter Glassford
23, Barry Wicks (Kona)
24, Samuel Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
25, Max Plaxton (Rocky Mountain)
26, Kris Sneddon (Kona)
27, Jan Skarnitzl
28, Matthew Hadley
29, Todd Wells (GT)
30, Jiri Freidl (Merida)
World Cup results, Mont-Saint-Anne, Canada: Pro Women XC
1, Marie-Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain) 2:06:30
2, Catherine Pendrel (Luna) +2:53
3, Lene Byberg (Specialized) +4:28
4, Georgia Gould (Luna) +5:06
5, Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Multivan Merida) +5:24
open for full results
6, Mary McConneloug (Kenda/Seven) +6:27
7, Katerina Nash (Luna) +7:33
8, Elisabeth Osl (Ghost International) +8:41
9, Sabrina Enaux (LaPierre International) +11:33
10, Amanda Sin (3 Rox Racing) +12:14
11, Lea Davison (Trek/VW)
12, Katrin Leumann
13, Wendy Simms (Kona)
14, Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
15, Tereza Hurikova (Ceska Sportelina)
16, Laura Metzler (BH-SR Suntour)
17, Emily Batty (Trek)
18, Laura Turpijn
19, Laura Lorenza Morfin Macouzet
20, Jean Ann McKirdy (Rocky Mountain)
21, Jaqueine Mourao
Friday, July 25, 2008
Rider Chat with Todd Wells
This week we were fortunate enough to speak with U.S. Olympic team member Todd Wells (GT). Todd has been enjoying another successful season which will see him representing the U.S. for the second time at the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. He will be joining an elite list with mountain bike legend Tinker Juarez as the only U.S. mountain bikers to compete in two Olympic games.
Currently, Todd is staying with his parents in Kingston, New York, where he grew up. He lives full-time in Durango, Colorado with wife Meg and dog Winston. Wells is enjoying a little time off before traveling to Mount St. Anne and Bromont Canada for the next two rounds of the World Cup. Todd started racing mountain bikes when Ned Overend was in his thirties and has as much mountain bike knowledge as he does riding skills. Todd was nice enough to share a little of that knowledge with us.
MTBracenews.com- When someone comes to Durango what is the one trail you want to take them on?
Todd Wells- That's a tough one because we have so many good trails in the area but I would probably take them out on the Colorado Trail. It's more of an alpine forest with pine trees, aspen trees, and streams and rivers running along it or Horse Gulch.... That's where I ride myself more often. That's a high desert type scrub brush more open trail system. It's fast and rolly.
MTBracenews.com- Why do you choose to race mountain bikes as opposed to other cycling disciplines like road?
TW- I got my start in BMX and I raced BMX from the time I was 5 years-old. When I was about 16 I took some time off and switched over to mountain bikes. I always thought that I would switch over to the gravity side of mountain bikes but it turned out I was better at cross country. Things have always worked out for me on the mountain bike. I've seen a lot of guys who have kind of struggled on the mountain bike and switch over to the road because it wasn't working out for them.
MTBracenews.com- You've been racing for such a long time how has your training evolved over that time?
TW- When I was racing earlier in my career I did a lot more intensity and a lot less volume. Now I do more volume and less intensity. When I started I didn't race too much. I did just the National series and some local stuff. Now, I race World Cups and some of the National series and I race Cyclocross. So I do a lot of racing and I have found that the less intensity that I do the fresher I feel at the races and the more I am able to ramp it up for the races.
MTBracenews.com- Can you see mountain bike racing in the United States ever getting back to the level of popularity it had in the early '90s?
TW- It was huge in the early '90s. I look at Europe and it's still huge over there. I look at road cycling, BMX, and skateboarding and all those sports have peaks and valleys. Right now, I feel like mountain biking is in a valley and road racing is at a peak for the U.S. I think it will come back. Back then we had guys like John Tomac, Juli Furtado, and Ned Overend and right now we don't really have those big stars. We don't have people winning World Championships. I think as we build up our placings that will help bring some more interest into the sport.
MTBracenews.com- How do you deal with disappointments like getting a flat tire at the National Championships last weekend?
TW- The past two weekends I have had some crappy luck! In New York I had a flat tire and at National Championships I had a flat tire and a slipped cable on my front derailleur so I couldn't finish. For Nationals I was pretty bummed out because I was hoping to come away with a jersey. I was riding good when that happened so I just have to take that away from it. It seems like I only have those bad mechanicals when I'm riding well. When I'm riding bad nothing breaks!
MTBracenews.com- At the beginning of this season how did you feel about your chances of qualifying for the Olympics?
TW- At the beginning of this season I didn't think that I had much of a shot qualifying for the Olympic team. I have had good National results the last few years but my international results had really suffered... I just wasn't getting it done out there. So I thought I would be a long shot to make the team. But then after the first World Cup I had my best result ever and I thought "Whoa maybe I can make this team."
MTBracenews.com- So it wasn't until after the first World Cup that you thought you had a chance?
TW- Even after I had had my best result there in Houffalize and I had never been anywhere close to that in a big race. I wasn't sure if it was just maybe a fluke and I would revert back to my traditional position. Once I kept doing well at World Cups it became apparent that I had a really good chance at making it.
MTBracenews.com- How will your preparation going into the Olympics differ this year as compared to 2004?
TW- In 2004, you qualified based on your UCI points so we had to travel around to all these obscure races in addition to the World Cups because we were trying to maximize the amount of points we got. This year we just had to go to these five World Cups.... So I will go into these Olympics mentally much fresher. This season I have had my best international results ever, I have a lot of confidence and I have a much better outlook.
MTBracenews.com- What are your goals going into the Olympics?
TW- For sure I want to be top-10. I've been top-10 at one of the World Cups and I was really close at a couple of others. I have been able to spend a lot of time in the lead group this year and then just crack a little bit toward the end, where as before I was never even able to be in the lead group. My goal is definitely a top-10 and I would love to be able to surprise myself and get a medal.
MTBracenews.com- How does the Beijing course match up with your riding style.
TW- It's pretty rolly which is kind of my style. It rolls a bit but it's not very technical which isn't good for me I prefer the more technical courses. All in all I would say it's a good course for me and I'm hoping they'll have the pollution thing cleaned up by the time we get over there.
MTBracenews.com- It sounds like the air over there can be kind of nasty.
TW- When we were there in the fall, on the day of the race, you couldn't see one city block.
MTBracenews.com- Will you try to limit your time in Beijing prior to the race?
TW- Yeah, the whole team is going to go to this island off of South Korea which is on the same timezone and has similar humidity and temperatures to Beijing and we'll stay there until three days before the race.
MTBracenews.com- What is Winston going to do while you are in China? Will he be watching you race on TV?
TW- Winston will probably be hanging out with my brother, Troy (aka Rude) since he doesn't have his pupport and they eat dogs like him in China. He will be wearing his black Olympic kit though and cheering me on from Durango.
MTBracenews.com- Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people don't know.
TW- I play a lot of golf. The lowest I have ever shot for 18 holes is 79. I shot par once but it was only 9 holes and not on a very hard course.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Weekly Update
Weekly Update
This past weekend was supposed to be a celebration of veteran racer Sue Haywood’s (Trek/VW) career and her official retirement from full-time racing. Instead, it turned into tragedy as she crashed hard in the National Championship Cross Country race in Mt. Snow, Vermont, breaking her leg. According to Trek/VW representative, Zach Vestal.
“Sue put a foot down near the bottom of the singletrack downhill. it was a left hand turn, she put down her left foot, right on top of a slippery, rounded rock. It rolled to the outside, and she wound up with a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, down low near the ankle”.
Sue was transported from the race to Bennington where she underwent a three hour surgery to place a rod in her tibia and screws around her ankle. Sue is expected to be back on her feet in about eight weeks. Her prognosis is good.
In other news, Kathy Sherwin (SoBe/Cannnodale) broke two bones in her hand and her wrist during the Windham Mountain Cross Country race two weeks ago. She underwent surgery Monday July, 21st to place plates and screws in her hand. We can expect Kathy to be back on her bike soon with an intense focus on the upcoming cyclocross season.
Kathy broke her thumb on this same hand earlier this spring in stage 1 of the Tour of the Gila road bike race. It's been a tough year for this SoBe/Cannondale rider.
Two National champions were crowned in Super-D at Mt. Snow, Vermont last weekend. Adam Craig (Giant MTB team) won his second stars and stripes jersey of the weekend, while Rachel Lloyd successfully defended her title from last year.
Results:
Men:
1. Adam Craig (Giant MTB team)
2. Ross Schnell (Trek/VW)
3. Bryan Fawley (ParkPlace)
4. Greg Carpenter (Devo)
5. Samuel Koerber (Gary Fisher)
6. Dustin Greer
7. Michael Broderick (Kenda/Seven)
8. Harlan Price (Independent Fabrication)
9. Kirk Turner (Bikeman.com)
10.Robert Herber (Intense)
Women:
1. Rachel Lloyd (Proman Racing)
2. Marla Streb (Luna)
3. Katie Compton (Spike Shooter)
4. Kyia Anderson (Ekho/Cannondale)
5. Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth)
6. Lindsey Bishop (Mafia Racing)
7. Karen Eagan
8. Danae York (Velobum.com)
9. Rachel Throop (Devo)
10.Jennifer Tilley (Velo Bella)
Upcoming race:
Sho-Air, Team Big Bear, and Bluewolf Productions announce “America’s Richest MTB Stage race” coming to Brian Head, Utah. The American Mountain Classic is scheduled for August 21-24, 2008. This four-day stage race will travel 170 miles and climb over 14,000 feet through beautiful southern Utah. Although the course is expected to challenge top riders, it is also intended to allow weekend racers the opportunity the complete the entire stage race and wear the American Mountain Classic finisher’s jersey. Professional and amateur racers will be competing for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. The top 5 Elite solo men can expect: $2500/1500/1000/750/600 as well as a $500 bonus for individual stage wins. Elite Master 40+ will be racing for: $1500/1000/750/600/500 and Elite Women: $1000/800/700/550/400. Both Elite Men 40+ and Elite Women can expect a $250 bonus for individual stage victories.
For more information, check out: http://americanmountainclassic.com.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I just recently heard about compression socks. What are they exactly? Do you find them helpful when flying on an airplane?
Sam
Selma, AL
Hi Sam,
Compression socks are special knee high socks that give extra support and increased blood circulation. Compression socks are best known for helping with circulation, easing leg fatigue and reducing ankle swelling. They look similar to dress socks but are very different from them in that they are made from either lycra, rubber or spandex.
The main purpose of compression socks is to put pressure on the lower leg, ankles and feet. Gravity can cause blood to pool in the lower legs and feet which in turn can cause circulatory problems like fatigue, DVT and leg cramps. Wearing compression socks on long flights can help prevent these things by compressing the muscles causing less blood to pool.
I personally don't wear compression socks while on a plane. I have thought briefly about using them but that is about as far as the process went. Some of my fellow competitors swear by them and never leave home without them for those long flights. I on the other hand have never noticed any side effects from long plane rides (to include heading to Europe) without them.
If you are not going to wear compression socks on the plane, taking preventive measures to ensure your ankles and feet are happy is a good idea. Here are a few suggestions that may help you out when flying:
1) Try to get a window seat because you can put at least one leg on the arm rest of the persons seat ahead of you to stretch it out. Or better yet, get a seat that faces a wall or that is in the emergency exit row which will give you even more space to stretch the legs.
2) Put any large carry on items in the over head bin so that you have extra leg room to stretch out under the seat in front of you.
3) Make a point of constantly moving around and changing positions in your seat. Some ideas:
· put your feet on the bottom of your seat (so your legs are bent)
· sit with legs crossed in your seat (feet up off the floor)
· alternate sitting sideways in your seat on the left and then on the right hip
6) Make sure you make several trips to the bathroom and while you are up take some time to do some stretching.
7) Once off the plane and settled at your destination, get outside and spin for 30-60 minutes if possible. Using a trainer in the hotel room will work too of course.
The longer the flight, the more these things will be important to do. All of this can take some planning but it is well worth it come race day!
Kathy Sherwin
SoBe/Cannondale MTB Race Team
Monday, July 21, 2008
Final Poll Results
Poll Results for this week were interesting. When asked which one of the Olympic Team riders would have the best finish at National Championships you answered, Georgia Gould with 34% of the vote. Of course Georgia took 2nd in the National Championships by 0.33 seconds behind Mary McConneloug.
Adam Craig and Mary McConneloug both took home top honors in the Cross Country races but not the voting. 33% of you said Adam would have the best finish and Mary took in the fewest votes with just 11%. The final Olympic Team rider, Todd Wells had 22% of the votes but finished 6th in the Cross Country with a flat tire.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
U.S. STXC National Championships: Pro Men and Women Final Results
Full Results of U.S. Short Track National Championships below
Womens
1 Katie Compton (Spike Shooter)
2 Mary McConneloug (Kenda/Seven)
3 Lea Davison (Trek/VW)
4 Kelli Emmett (Giant)
5 Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
6 Zephanie Blasi (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
7 Georgia Gould (Luna)
8 Jenna Zander (SoBe/Cannondale)
9 Sue Butler (Monaviecannondale.com)
10 Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth)
11 Chloe Forsman (Luna)
12 Rachel Lloyd (Proman Racing)
13 Heather Irmiger (Subaru-Gary Fisher)
14 Heather Holmes (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
15 Caitlyn Tuel (Trek/VW/Rocky Mountain)
16 Jamie Dinkins (Devo/Vantaggio)
17 Judy Freeman (Tough Girls/Contessa)
18 Krista Park (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
19 Emily Van Meter (Sobe-Cannondale)
20 Lindsey Bishop (Mafia Racing/Felt)
21 Kyia Anderson (Ekho/Cannondale)
22 Nina Baum (Sobe-Cannondale)
23 Kimberly Flynn (Vantaggio/Specialized)
24 Tanya Nestvogel (Vantaggio/SCV)
25 Maureen Bruno Roy
26 Joy Duerksen (Cole/Marten Transport)
27 Theresa Richardson (Sobe-Cannondale)
28 Shannon Edson (Velo Bella)
29 Tracey Wallace (Team Bent)
Mens
1 Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/VW)
2 Barry Wicks (Kona)
3 Carl Decker (Giant)
4 Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
5 Adam Craig (Giant)
6 Ryan Trebon (Kona)
7 Ross Schnell (Trek/VW)
8 Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
9 Cody Peterson (Scott)
10 Sam Koerber (Gary Fisher 29er Crew)
11 Tim Allen (VooDoo)
12 Andy Schultz (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
13 Jesse Lalonde (Gary Fisher 29er)
14 James Driscoll (Floridafruitta)
15 Colin Cares (U23 National Team)
16 Tad Elliott (U23 National Team)
17 Robert Marion (Kenda Titus)
18 Thomas Turner (Outspokin Bicycles)
19 Troy Wells (Tokyo Joes)
20 Ben Thompson (Sobe-Cannondale)
21 Travis Livermon (Kobold Watch Comp)
22 McConnell Franklin (Team Devo)
23 Marko Lalonde (Gary Fisher 29/BKB/T6)
24 Michael Broderick (Kenda/Seven Cycles)
25 Christian Favata (Favatas Table Rock)
26 Travis Woodruff (Momentumendurance.com)
27 Chris Peariso (Adventure 212/Titus)
28 Mitchell Hoke (Tokyo Joes)
29 Stephen Ettinger (Black Diamond Sports Therapy)
30 Charles Pendry (Inland-BTD)
31 Dana Weber (Trek VW/West Coast)
32 Ethan Gilmour (U23 National MTB team)
33 Mike Phillips (Adventure 212/Specialized)
34 Ryan Woodall (Industry Nine/PowerBar)
35 Kyle Hammaker
36 Kevin Bradford-Parish (Lapierrebikes.com)
37 Michael Simonson (Bells Brewere/Quiring Cycles)
38 Blake Zumbrunnen (Revolution)
39 Alex Grant (Rocky Mountain Bicycles)
40 Bryan Alders (MonaVie Cannondale)
41 James Williams (Sobe-Cannondale)
42 Bryan Fawley (Park Place Lexus)
43 Aaron Snyder (Scott Bikes)
44 Spencer Paxson (Team S&M Young Guns)
45 Mitchell Peterson (MonaVie Cannondale)
46 Ryan Iddings (Lapierre)
47 Jay Richards (Salsa/Maplelag Resort)
48 Menso DeJong (Metromint Cylcing/Santa Cruz)
49 Lucas Livermon (Inland Construction)
50 Matt Rotroff (BTD/Inland Construction)
51 Colin Osborn (Team Bikeparts.com)
52 Alex Ryan (Kobold/Cannondale)
53 Matt Freeman(Cyclery USA/Gary Fisher)
54 Mike Joos (Bikeman.com)
55 Dave Harrison (Reddrox/Tamarack Resort)
56 Greg Carpenter (Devo)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
U.S. National Championships: Pro Men Final Results
Craig repeats as U.S. National Championship
Adam Craig loves racing at Mount Snow and it's really no wonder. He's two for two for National Championships here. "I'd race here until the cows come home" said the newly crowned National Champion after the race.
"I felt great during the whole way today.. I felt good after getting the holeshot with Ryan, I took control on the first climb the first lap. I've been working really hard for the Olympics and today's race was a pretty good indicator for the Olympics."
Indeed, it was a pretty good indicator as Craig finished over a minute and a half in front of his nearest competitor, a winning margin not often seen in the Pro Men's field.
On the first lap Craig established himself as the man to beat and Ryan Trebon (Kona) surged ahead with his typical first lap heroics. Unfortunately for him, it appeared the first lap was all he had in him. The towering Kona rider struggled on the second lap and fell into the grasp of the chasing group which included a very strong Carl Decker (Giant) and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher).
At the beginning of the fourth and final lap Trebon lingered in 5th. It was the final lap but Trebon was far from finished. Showing tremendous form he moved from 5th to 2nd in the final five mile lap. After the race the satisfied Kona rider would say "Second place is really good for me here. I don't like this course. I like the high altitude courses with more power climbs, so I'm really happy with second."
Although he lost the second spot to Trebon, JHK came home in third, his highest placing since returning from the World Cup circuit. While Carl Decker finished fourth and Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher) took fifth with an impressive ride by the relative youngster.
Race Notes:
Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/VW) and Todd Wells (GT) both had their races undone by flat tires.
Reporting by: Sean Sindt
Photos by: Andrea Sindt
(Copyright MTBracenews/All Rights Reserved)
1,Adam Craig (Giant)
2,Ryan Trebon (Kona)
3,Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
4,Carl Decker (Giant)
5,Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
6,Todd Wells (GT)
7, Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/VW)
8,Michael Broderick (Kenda/Seven)
9,Barry Wicks (Kona)
10,Andy Schultz (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
11, Thomas Turner
12,Jeff Schalk (Trek/VW)
13,Justin Lindine (Targettraining)
14,Troy Wells (Tokyo Joe's)
15,Brandon Draugelis (SoBe/Cannondale)
16,Nick Waite (Trek/VW)
17,Spencer Paxson (Team S&M)
18,Adam Snyder (3D Racing)
19,Andy Guptill (Windham MTN Outfitters)
20,Harlan Price
21,Alex Grant (Rocky Mountain)
22,Travis Woodruff (Momentumendurance.com)
23,Bryan Alders (Monaviecannondale.com)
24,Michael Simonson (Bells Brewery)
25,Dana Weber (Trek/VW)
26,Ross Schnell (Trek/VW)
27,James Williams (SoBe/Cannondale)
28,Matthew O'Keefe (CCB/Cannondale)
29,Ben Thompson (SoBe/Cannondale)
30,Charles Pendry (Inland/BTD)
31,Samuel Koerber (Gary Fisher 29er Crew)
32, Michael Patrick (29ercrew.com)
33,Chris Peariso (Adventure212/Titus)
34,Robert Marion (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
35,Andrew Freye (Bikeman.com)
36,Lucas Livermon (Inland Construction)
37,Mike Phillips (Adventure 212/Specialized)
38,Kevin Bradford-Parish (Lapierebikes.com)
39,Ryan Woodall (Industry Nine/Power Bar)
40,Nathan Ringquist
41,Drew Edsall (Endurancefactor.com)
42,Mike Joos (Bikeman.com)
43,Cody Peterson (Scott Bicycles)
44,Aaron Oakes (Bulldog/Campor)
45,Ryan Iddings (Lapierre)
46,Dave Harrison (Reddrox/Tamarack Resort)
47,Bryan Fawley (Park Place Lexus)
DNS Erik Tonkin (Kona Les Gets)
DNF Brendan Moore (Velorochester)
DNF Jay Richards (Salsa/Maplelag Resort)
DNF Marko Lalonde (Gary Fisher 29)
DNF Blake Zumbrunnen (Revolution)
DNF Jesse Lalonde (Gary Fisher 29)
DNF Nathan Wyatt (Carolina Fatz/Santa Cruz)
DNF Christian Favata (Favatas Table Rock)
DNF Matthew Bailey
DNF Daniel Vaillancourt (Toshiba/Santo PB Herbalif)
DNF Robert Herber (Intense/Dixon)
DNF Michael Mooradian (Spin/RR Donnelly)
U.S. National Championships: Pro Women Final Results
McConneloug outduels Gould for her second consecutive National Championship
If you were expecting the National Championship to be showdown between Olympians Georgia Gould (Luna) and Mary McConneloug (Kenda/Seven) you won't be disappointed with today's race. The women rolled off the line at 11AM with sunny skies and near perfect course conditions. Rains the previous night was just enough to knock down the dust but not create the slippery mud that Mount Snow is known for.
U.S. Cyclocross National Champion Katie Compton (Spike Shooter) was fast off the line and took the early lead on the opening 1 mile loop. McConneloug and Gould were not far behind. The two Olympians overtook Compton on the first climb and began an epic head to head battle, leaving no doubt about who are the best two women in U.S. mountain bike racing.
Although each racer has taken a vastly different path, Gould racing almost every weekend and McConneloug resting and peaking for specific races, today they appeared to be on the same fitness page. Throughout the 3 laps race each racer would take turns giving up the lead. McConneloug would surge ahead on the climb at the beginning of each lap only to lose the lead to Gould on the descent to the start/finish line.
At the beginning of the third and final lap Gould was ahead with a small margin between second place McConneloug. Her lead was not enough to hold of the strong climber and McConneloug regained first place at the top of the climb.
According to Georgia, "Mary had figured out that I was passing her on the descents. The last time down she was holding her line really tight and I couldn't get by her."
At that point Gould knew it would come down to a sprint finish. As the two riders popped out of the woods for the final time McConneloug led with Gould right on her wheel. McConneloug started to wind it up first catching Gould in a big gear. She got a small gap and gave it full gas all the way to the line. Gould finally got her gear turning and closed on the 2007 U.S. National Champion but it was too late. They crossed the line just 3 tenths of a second apart. Mary first followed by Georgia.
Behind the race leaders Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) solidified her spot as one of the top women in U.S. mountain biking with a strong third place finish making this weekend her third consecutive podium since returning from Europe.
Vermont native Lea Davison (Trek/VW) had an excellent recovery from last weekend's race to come in fourth, her first podium finish at the U.S. National Championship but probably not her last. Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher) rounded out the podium with fifth, her first podium placing of 2008.
Today's National Championship was a truly impressive race and mountain biking fans should feel pretty good about our chances at the upcoming Beijing Olympics.
Reporting by: Sean Sindt
Photos by: Andrea Sindt
(Copyright MTBracenews/All Rights Reserved)
1,Mary McConneloug (Kenda/Seven) 1:33:07
2,Georgia Gould (Luna) +0.33 sec.
3,Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) +3:02
4,Lea Davison (Trek/VW)+4:53
5,Willow Koerber (Subaru/Gary Fisher) +5:47
6,Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth)
7,Kelli Emmett (Giant)
8,Judy Freeman (Tough Girls)
9,Jenna Zander (SoBe/Cannondale)
10,Katie Compton (Spike Shooter)
11,Heather Holmes (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
12,Zephanie Blasi (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
13,Krista Park (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
14,Sue Butler (Monaviecannondale.com)
15,Nina Baum (SoBe/Cannondale)
16,Maureen Bruno Roy
17,Karen Potter (MTBmind.com)
18,Caitlyn Tuel (Trek/VW)
19,Anna Jean Dallaire (SoBe/Cannondale)
20,Johanna Kraus (Charlottesville Racing)
21,Bryna Nestor (SoBe/Cannondale)
22,Tanya Nestvogel (Vantaggio)
23,Betsy Shogren (SoBe/Cannondale)
24,Theresa Richardson (SoBe/Cannondale)
25,Shannon Edson (Velo Bella)
26,Sarah Kaufmann (Roaring Mouse)
27,Emily Van Meter (SoBe/Cannondale)
28,Marci Titus-Hall (Desalvo)
29,Lindsey Bishop (Mafia RAcing/Felt)
30,Kimberly Flynn (Vantaggio)
31,Joy Duerksen (Cole)
32,Patricia Buerkle (Vanderkitten)
33,Cheryl Sorenson (Trek/VW)
34,Jennifer Tilley (Velo Bella/Kona)
35,Natasha Cowie (Velo Bella/Kona)
DNS Kathy Sherwin
DNF Kyia Anderson
DNF Sara Bresnick-Zocchi
DNF Susan Haywood
Friday, July 18, 2008
Breckenridge 100 preliminary results
BRECK 100 SOLO RESULTS BY CATEGORY
Solo Senior 19-29 Male
Place Name City/state Sponsor Loop1 Loop2 2lptotal Loop3 Total Stat
===== ============================================================== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====
1 Zac Ramras Salt Lake City UT SKI UTAH 3:06:39.50 3:21:01.30 6:27:40.80 3:42:12.25 10:09:53.05
2 Nathan Miller Park City UT TELE FREE WASATCH/JANS 2:59:35.65 3:15:37.60 6:15:13.25 3:55:55.10 10:11:08.35
3 Peter Butt Anchorage AK 3:05:33.50 3:15:02.00 6:20:35.50 3:56:19.15 10:16:54.65
4 Bradford Sims Lafayette CO ECHELON SPOKES AND SLOPES 3:02:36.05 3:29:43.40 6:32:19.45
5 David Nairn Anchorage AK 3:15:42.50 3:17:56.75 6:33:39.25
6 Gabe Klamer Jackson WY FITZERALDS BICYCLES 3:27:42.05 3:22:37.85 6:50:19.90
7 Andrew Carney Ames IA 3:30:26.20 3:27:02.95 6:57:29.15
8 Thomas Arnold Goshen CT 3:34:01.55 3:40:04.90 7:14:06.45
9 Matthew Berdine Littleton CO 3:55:32.85 4:01:58.95 7:57:31.80
10 Brandon Newcomer Boulder CO 3:50:49.70 4:07:34.85 7:58:24.55
11 Jasen Matyas Franklin MO COLUMBIA BIKE CLUB RACE TEAM 4:00:14.30 4:06:38.75 8:06:53.05
12 Clayton Bell North Little Rock AR BELL & CO MT BIKING 4:06:25.00
13 Jonathan Wolf Morrison CO 4:01:51.30 DNF
14 Andy Schuette Columbia MO COLUMBIA BIKE CLUB RACE TEAM 4:12:48.55 DNF
Solo Senior 19-29 Female
Place Name City/state Sponsor Loop1 Loop2 2lptotal Loop3 Total Stat
===== ============================================================== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====
1 Kelley Cullen New Castle CO ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACING 3:08:17.00 3:13:44.65 6:22:01.65 3:46:18.50 10:08:20.15
2 Heather Unger Boulder CO CU CYCLING 3:55:29.15 4:30:21.90 8:25:51.05
Solo Veteran 30-39 Male
Place Name City/state Sponsor Loop1 Loop2 2lptotal Loop3 Total Stat
===== ============================================================== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====
1 Josh Tostado Breckenridge CO BACH BUILDERS 2:36:56.95 2:37:27.10 5:14:24.05 3:00:13.90 8:14:37.95
2 Evan Plews Salem OR SCOTTUSA/CSC 2:38:17.10 2:48:42.45 5:26:59.55 3:07:59.25 8:34:58.80
3 Greg Krause Littleton CO ELLSWORTH PRIMAL WEAR 2:47:30.05 2:46:00.95 5:33:31.00 3:10:41.10 8:44:12.10
4 Jens Nielsen Albuquerque NM SPORT SYSTEMS MTC 2:50:29.05 2:54:37.60 5:45:06.65 3:25:34.50 9:10:41.15
5 Garth Prosser Dublin OH SOBE CANNONDALE 2:57:49.15 3:18:00.70 6:15:49.85 3:46:47.90 10:02:37.75
6 Ryan Huth Dillon CO YETI/MSO 2:59:21.65 3:07:23.80 6:06:45.45 4:12:06.20 10:18:51.65
7 Josh Cullen New Castle CO ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACING 3:08:18.45 3:20:30.50 6:28:48.95 3:52:37.80 10:21:26.75
8 David Wilson El Paso TX TITUS/WTB 3:05:05.25 3:26:23.55 6:31:28.80
9 Steve Reiter Durango CO 3:11:56.75 3:20:19.20 6:32:15.95
10 Brian Blair Anaheim CA THE PATH BIKE SHOP 3:15:04.00 3:30:08.85 6:45:12.85
11 Jeffrey Carter Denver CO MAFIA RACING 3:12:42.05 3:35:42.00 6:48:24.05
12 Peter Piccolo Denver CO 3:29:34.35 3:27:24.85 6:56:59.20
13 Jeffrey Rank Breckenridge CO 3:22:57.25 3:36:25.45 6:59:22.70
14 Kris Arnott Salt Lake City UT SKI UTAH 3:28:47.55 3:33:57.65 7:02:45.20
15 Donnie Cole Albuquerque NM BIG WHEEL RACING 3:37:58.80 3:30:37.00 7:08:35.80
16 Dwayne Goscinski Crystal City MO DRJ RACING 3:30:10.05 3:41:30.60 7:11:40.65
17 Corey Hanson Bellvue CO GREAT HARVEST BREAD FORT COLLI 3:37:25.95 3:41:47.90 7:19:13.85
18 Andrew Gunn Estes Park CO 3:28:49.45 3:55:14.30 7:24:03.75
19 Kevin Holliday Park City UT JAN/TELE-FREE WASATCH 3:29:51.55 3:55:53.40 7:25:44.95
20 McHael Melley Chandler AZ LANDIS CYCLERY 3:31:22.95 3:59:45.95 7:31:08.90
21 Ralph Kuhlmeier Boulder CO 3:37:27.05 4:06:09.80 7:43:36.85
22 Mike Sherman Boise ID 3:51:03.75 4:00:37.85 7:51:41.60
23 Aaron Fader Bloomington IL TWIN SIX 3:45:29.75 4:11:29.00 7:56:58.75
24 Jon Meeker Salt Lake City UT 3:42:13.35 4:25:53.90 8:08:07.25
25 Tony Song Evergreen CO 3:49:51.75 4:26:44.65 8:16:36.40
26 David Stokes Longmont CO 4:08:50.80 4:16:11.85 8:25:02.65
27 Ryan Whitten Palmer Lake CO 3:33:40.90 4:58:44.45 8:32:25.35
28 Brad Walleen Aurora CO 4:00:31.85 4:58:06.35 8:58:38.20
29 Phillip Marino Denver CO 4:06:29.00
30 Derek Scott Littleton CO SCOTT ENERGY 3:30:14.85 3:57:33.10 7:27:47.95 DNF
31 Mitch Johnson Ballwin MO GHISALLO SPORTS 3:36:02.85 4:44:28.00 8:20:30.85 DNF
32 Shane Sandman Morrison CO 4:01:59.50 5:45:28.85 9:47:28.35 DNF
33 Bernie Romero Silverthorne CO 3:01:10.75 DNF
34 Cam Mayfield Flower Mound TX 4:08:36.65 DNF
35 Mike Neumeyer Nashville TN YAZOO RACING 4:40:09.35 DNF
36 Tim Check Jacksonville FL 4:48:48.75 DNF
Solo Veteran 30-39 Female
Place Name City/state Sponsor Loop1 Loop2 2lptotal Loop3 Total Stat
===== ============================================================== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====
1 Amanda Riley Carey Victor ID KENDA-TITUS-HAYES 3:12:37.65 3:23:16.95 6:35:54.60 3:45:54.95 10:21:49.55
2 Jennifer Tribe-Wilson El Paso TX 3:33:37.55 3:27:03.55 7:00:41.10
3 Eriken Tieszen Frisco CO SITNAH CYCLING 3:36:21.85 3:42:18.30 7:18:40.15
4 Cat Morrison Grand Junction CO GIRLS4DIRT-SERENITY SPA-ORR CO 3:45:09.90 3:53:20.10 7:38:30.00
5 Roslyn Stern Fort Collins CO TEAM BOB 4:00:53.40 3:56:49.45 7:57:42.85
6 Elizabeth Vollmer Denver CO MAFIA RACING 4:02:07.05 4:17:10.25 8:19:17.30
Solo Veteran 40-49 Male
Place Name City/state Sponsor Loop1 Loop2 2lptotal Loop3 Total Stat
===== ============================================================== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====
1 Theodore Fleming Lone Tree CO SPIKE SHOOTER PROFESSIONAL CYC 3:02:39.50 3:06:15.95 6:08:55.45 3:50:34.45 9:59:29.90
2 Kimo Seymour Tempe AZ LANDIS/POWERBAR 3:03:54.80 3:05:58.85 6:09:53.65
3 Danny Gnojek Silverthorne CO 3:22:58.05 3:36:59.70 6:59:57.75
4 Trever Bushnell Phoenix AZ HLHAP 3:24:19.60 3:38:34.65 7:02:54.25
5 Christopher Richmond Breckenridge CO OLD WORLD PAINTING 3:30:42.55 3:41:12.10 7:11:54.65
6 Sean Raborn Castle Rock CO POWERQUIP 3:35:19.65 3:50:31.20 7:25:50.85
7 Daniel King Phoenix AZ PROCON 3:35:23.45 4:05:35.30 7:40:58.75
8 Scott Bandoni Edwards CO 3:30:44.05 4:16:34.70 7:47:18.75
9 Leonard Goodell Albuquerque NM BIG WHEEL RACING 3:39:19.65 4:12:08.30 7:51:27.95
10 Scott Fader Alton IL 3:45:31.75 4:11:28.65 7:57:00.40
11 Greg Bigler Jackson WY WILSON BACKCOUNTRY SPORTS 3:52:06.75 4:17:48.80 8:09:55.55
12 Chad Townsend Fort Collins CO 3:55:42.65 4:15:29.45 8:11:12.10
13 Collin Price Conifer CO 4:06:27.15 4:54:32.75 9:00:59.90
14 Mark Thompson Breckenridge CO SPIKE SHOOTER 2:48:47.75 3:00:14.95 5:49:02.70 DNF
15 Kurt Ireland Loveland CO 3:24:18.05 3:38:37.15 7:02:55.20 DNF
16 Ron Harris Frazier Park CA 3:51:24.25 4:20:58.05 8:12:22.30 DNF
17 Wayne Smith Morrison CO VERTEX INNOVATIONS 3:48:08.35 4:28:47.35 8:16:55.70 DNF
18 Roger Terry Cedar Park TX SPIN CITY CYCLING 3:55:19.15 4:24:02.15 8:19:21.30 DNF
19 Paul Millar Toronto ON RACER SPORTIF 4:00:12.80 4:52:51.95 8:53:04.75 DNF
20 John Lien Boulder CO 3:49:29.30 5:08:54.25 8:58:23.55 DNF
21 Ryan O'Dell Butler OH KENDA/ENDURA 3:55:21.25 5:09:53.90 9:05:15.15 DNF
22 Mice Pont Boulder CO 4:06:24.05 5:15:41.75 9:22:05.80 DNF
23 Robert Woolf Denver CO 4:09:19.90 5:25:41.10 9:35:01.00 DNF
24 Sean Groome Tampa FL SOUTH TAMPA POSSE 4:05:13.75 DNF
25 Tony Shouse Denver CO SORE BUM 4:15:27.50 DNF
26 Scott Summey Jacksonville FL OPEN ROAD BICYCLES/VELOBREW 4:48:47.95 DNF
Solo Veteran 40-49 Female
Place Name City/state Sponsor Loop1 Loop2 2lptotal Loop3 Total Stat
===== ============================================================== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====
1 Susan Chaffee Fort Collins CO 3:56:41.95 4:26:10.75 8:22:52.70
Solo Master 50+ Male
Place Name City/state Sponsor Loop1 Loop2 2lptotal Loop3 Total Stat
===== ============================================================== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====
1 Rob Burgard Longmont CO 3:24:16.75 3:25:24.80 6:49:41.55
2 David Grauer Niwot CO ORTHOPRO 3:31:07.20 3:28:34.65 6:59:41.85
3 Leon Fetzer Breckenridge CO 3:48:07.20 3:42:16.10 7:30:23.30
4 Carl June Merion PA HUMAN ZOOM 4:33:27.05 DNF
Solo Master 50+ Female
Singlespeed Male
Place Name City/state Sponsor Loop1 Loop2 2lptotal Loop3 Total Stat
===== ============================================================== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====
1 Matt Turgeon Durango NM BIG WHEEL RACING 3:05:31.55 3:19:07.05 6:24:38.60 3:41:40.60 10:06:19.20
2 Tom Ament Phoenix AZ ADRENALIN/VASSAGO 3:18:52.35 3:39:17.95 6:58:10.30
3 Mark Elsasser Phildelphia PA INDEPENDENT FABRICATION 3:24:15.05 3:54:10.65 7:18:25.70
4 Walt Peters Lafayette CO TEAM BEARCLAW 3:41:02.05 4:07:40.50 7:48:42.55
USAC MTB National Championships: 15-16 Junior Men
1 Seth Kemp (KHS/Kenda)
2 Henry Spreng
3 Ben Sukys
4 William Curtis (Whole Athlete)
5 Jake Richards (Salsa)
6 Payson Mcelveen
7 Ben Chase
8 Jonathan Merritt (Byrds)
9 Zane Enders
USAC MTB National Championships: Junior Women
1 Essence Barton (Devo)
2 Jill Behlen (Tokyo Joes)
3 Emily Parker Vantaggio
4 Deidre York (Velobum.com)
USAC MTB National Championships: Junior Men
1 Robbie Squire (Devo)
2 John Bennett (Whole Athlete)
3 Seamus Powell (Windham Mountain)
4 Eric Emsky (Rad Racing)
5 Kerry Werner Jr
6 Zach Adams
7 Wes Lamberson (KHS/Kenda)
8 Russell Finsterwald
9 Will Curry
10 Daniel Boyes
11 Nate Byrom
12 Cody Cox
13 Graham Aldredge
14 Clayton Omer
15 Brent Hall
16 Morgan Miller
17 Cory Rimmer
18 Bryan Underwood
19 Chris Parmer
20 Andy Gallagher
21 Matthew Wiebe
22 Zachary Dominique
23 Jamie Knight
USAC MTB National Championships: Semi-Pro Men
1 Weston Schempf (C3-Sollay)
2 Benjamin Portilla (Honey Stinger)
3 Gian Dalle Angelini
4 Ryan Leech (Visitpa.co)
5 Benjamin Moore (UW Madison)
6 Justin Raynes
7 Martin Kell (Mountainsi)
8 Ben Ortt (Ray Indoor)
9 Brett Nichols (Trek/VW)
10 Troy Adams
11 John Peterson
12 Christopher Hamlin
13 Dave Walker
14 Jacob Virostko
15 Brent Mellen
16 Gabriel Keck
17 Matt Googe
18 Michael Bartlett
19 John Burns
20 Todd Wheelden
21 Sean Sindt
22 Ben Ollett
23 Timothy Carson
24 Tsering Alleyne
25 Thomas Bender
26 Robert Kelley
27 Charles Erndl
28 Caley Fretz
29 Greg Derosa
30 Ward Baker
31 Jon Rowe
32 Andrew Hoover
33 Don Galligher
34 Jamie Clechenko
35 Dax Karstrin
36 Luke Rozanski
37 Stephen Humphreys
38 Joe Brzuchanski
39 Brad Nelson
40 Thom Parsons
41 Wiley Mosley
42 Dustin Greer
43 Terry Blanchet
44 Matt Miller
45 Jed Prentice
46 Kurt Schmid
47 Andrew Rigel
48 Brandon Firth
49 Julian Hunter
50 Greg Montello
51 Brian Lariviere
52 Ralph (Reuben) Kline
53 Brian Firliet
54 Arthur White
55 Brian Wolff
56 Chris Gagnon
Power Rankings: U.S. National Championships
In Power Rankings, the "Evil Geniuses" at MTBracenews.com rank who we think will perform best at an upcoming race and why. Check it out and see if you agree.
| Rank | |
| 1 | Adam Craig (Giant) He just missed a win last weekend and will be looking to defend his |
| 2 | Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/VW) Bishop has finished 2nd-1st-3rd in XC races since returning to the |
| 3 | Todd Wells (GT) Only American rider to beat Craig this season can he do it again? |
| 4 | Micheal Broderick (Kenda/Seven) Third at National Championships in 2007, unknown how he will fair racing on |
| 5 | Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher) Fifth at |
| Rank | |
| 1 | Georgia Gould (Luna) Should be highly motivated to regain Stars and Stripes jersey, it was the only race she didn’t win last season, literally…. |
| 2 | Mary McConneloug (Kenda/Seven) Reigning National Champion knows how to peak for big races, unknown how the Olympics will effect her preparations |
| 3 | Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth) Proved last week she is fast in the technical stuff and the crash at Marathon Nationals hasn’t slowed her down |
| 4 | Kelli Emmett (Giant) If the Sea Otter and Santa Ynez race winner has recovered from the her efforts at the BC Bike Race she will be a threat for the top spot |
| 5 | Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) May have missed an Olympic spot but is four for four in podium placings since returning from the World Cup circuit |
Thursday, July 17, 2008
National Championship Results: U23 Men & Women
Chloe Forsman (Luna) continues her streak with third U23 National Champion title while Tad Elliot (U23 National Team) takes surprise win.
Full Results below
1,Tad Elliot (U23) 1:48:57
2,Mitchell Peterson (Monaviecannondale.com) 1:50:59
3,Colin Cares (U23) 1:52:43
4,Travis Livermon (Kobold) 1:53:07
5,Tim Allen (VooDoo) 1:54:45
6,James Driscoll (Fiordfruitta) 1:54:57
7,Stephen Ettinger (Black Diamond)
8,Greg Carpenter (Devo)
9,Mitchell Hoke (Tokyo Joes)
10,McConnell Franklin (Devo)
11,Kyle Hammaker
12,Aaron Snyder (Scotts Bike)
13, Victor Alber (FatCat)
14,Ethan Gilmour (U23)
15,Andrew Alesio (Fuji Bikes)
16,Tristan Cowie (Sycamore)
17, Colin Osborn
18, Dylan Alesio (Fuji Bikes)
19, Chris Peterson (Devo)
20,Alex Ryan (Kobold)
21,Kirk Turner (Bikeman.com)
22,Bradford Perley
23,Blake Harlan (Monaviecannondale.com)
24,Martin Cox (Scott)
25, Harry Precourt (Bikeman.com)
26, Mitch Comardo (Bike Barn)
DNF Matt Rotroff (BTD/Inland)
DNF Pete Ostroski (Red Jersey)
DNF Menso DeJong (Metromint)
DNF Sam Juerkovic (U23)
DNF William Rowland (Bliss Racing)
DNF Gian Dalle Angelini
Women
1,Chloe Forsman (Luna) 1:41:02
2,Jamie Dinkins (Devo) 1:42:37
3,Kylie Krauss (Pro Bikes) 1:50:27
4,Lydia Tanner (Tokyo Joes) 1:50:33
5,Amanda Miller (Vanderkitten) 1:55:30
6,Kay Sherwood
7,Rose Long (UVM Cycling)
8,Rachel Throop (Devo)
9,Becca Finley (Vanderkitten)
National Championships Preview; Mount Snow, Vermont
Once again, beautiful Mount Snow will host the United States National Championships. Located in the Green Mountain National Forest of southern Vermont, Mount Snow is the ideal locale for such an important race. After all, the race to decide the United States' best rider should be held on the best race course in the country and most racers will agree Mount Snow is it.
The five mile race course is a mix of steep climbs followed by harrowing descents through rocks and roots. It's East Coast racing at it's best. As always, weather can be the number one determining factor at Mount Snow. Current forecasts call for temperatures in the low 80s this weekend with a 40% chance of rain on Saturday.
Competition for the Stars and Stripes jersey should be fierce. Both the men and women will be sending their best riders to the line.
In the women's race look for Olympic team members Georgia Gould (Luna) and Mary McConneloug (Kenda/Seven) to be battling for the top spot. Gould seems to have a slight advantage going into the race having won at Windham Mountain last week, a course that is similar to Mount Snow. Defending US Champion McConneloug races well on the East Coast but has not raced on home soil in 2008. She won here last year, but seeing the Olympics on the horizon may shift her focus away from defending her US title.
One rider looking to spoil the Olympian's party will be Kelli Emmett (Giant). The Giant rider has had a phenomenal season winning the Sea Otter Classic and Santa Ynez Valley NMBS race. She is the only US rider to show she can contend with the Luna big-guns this season and she enjoys racing on Mount Snow's demanding terrain. If Kelli has fully recovered from her recent win at the BC Bike Race she should be riding at the front.
Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth) seems to be in great form after taking another Cross Country podium last weekend. Look for her to repeat that performance in Vermont. Trek/VW rider Lea Davison is a Vermont native and will be shooting for a podium spot. She loves the roots and rocks and was the second US rider at the recent World Championships. Lea will be looking to get back on the podium after a tough race at Windham last weekend.
On the men's side defending US Champ Adam Craig (Giant) looks poised to repeat as National Champion. The Giant rider has been the top American at every US Cross Country race he has competed in this year. He tears up the technical stuff and barely missed out on a win last weekend at Windham Mountain. Don't expect that to happen again.
Trek/VW rider Jeremiah Bishop has also been enjoying excellent form recently. The newly crowned Marathon National Champion has been logging top placings all across the country since returning from the World Cup scene. Bishop has been riding high in recent weeks and a Cross Country National Championship is well within his reach.
Todd Wells (GT) should be in the front group this weekend. He has been the only American to beat Adam Craig this season. A Short Track win in Windham last weekend proves he is in good form. Michael Broderick (Kenda/Seven) may be a wild card in this weekend's event. He was third on the same Mt. Snow course last season and has strong riding skills that should keep him in contention in 2008. Last but not least, Ryan Trebon is a former US National Champion and has the horsepower to pull out an upset win.
The Pro Cross Country races will be held on Saturday with the women starting at 11:00AM and men at 2:00PM. With excellent racing on tap and Olympic team jersey presentations after the races Mount Snow should be a happening place this weekend.
written by: Shannon Boffeli
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Because Kathy chose her question Jen will receive a free container of Carborocket energy drink from the great guys at Carborocket. Keep sending your questions and you could be the next winner!
Kathy,
Do you routinely get massages? What type of massage do you prefer? How do you feel about deep tissue massage during intense training and/or race season?
Thanks,
Jen
Yes, I do routinely get massages. I see my therapist every 2 weeks on a year round basis. And if I am not home for a month or two I will get recommendations on who to see while on the road so that I am not going without a massage or getting beyond the 3 week mark without one. I am very strict about getting massages routinely because I will get very tight and achy if I donʼt which can be no fun. I have tried to push it beyond that 3 week mark to save money but instead cost myself sleep with neck and back pain! Live and learn. Also, sometimes during hard training periods I will get a massage twice in 2 weeks. It all depends on what my body is telling me.
I have a lot of neck issues and back issues and it is fair to say that my massage therapist has saved the day more than once. She is a godsend and is certainly a part of my injury prevention by keeping my muscles supple and loose.
Finding a therapist that you know, trust, and like is imperative, and having just that one therapist work on you (when possible) is even more important in my book. I was lucky to have met my therapist because she worked out of my doctorʼs office where she did some work on me and I liked the result. I have been working with her now for at least four years.
Having just her work on me over the last several years has been great too because she can tell what is going on sometimes before I can even! She can pin point overuse, misuse, dominant sides or any other issues that are involved within hammering your body daily. This all translates to a very pro active massage session because we will get to the bottom of finding out (for example) why one side is tighter than the other in a particular week. And most of the time there is a great reason that I have failed miserably to see on my own (like using new shoes, using one side more than the other while on a trainer, glove thickness change, new stem size, etc.) and then can go home and change what I need to change to correct the problem. Having someone that knows what your muscles should feel like in the off season and on season is extremely helpful in pin pointing issues and working those out before they become permanent problems.
My therapist works out of Park City, UT and does a lot of sports work. She has been doing what she does for decades and comes to the table with a vast amount of knowledge and experience.
I have always preferred a sports massage but when you canʼt get that because you are on the road - anything will do. I had my first deep tissue massage mid season last year while in CA and as much as the therapist knew what he was doing, I prefer to be the master of creating excruciating pain for myself in training and racing ONLY. The massage table for me is as much of a physical relaxation as it is mental relaxation and the deep tissue was none of the above for me. That is not to say that it didnʼt work; it just didnʼt encompass everything I was looking for in a massage session. More power to you if you like the deep tissue massages!
There are definitely more benefits than not for working with a massage therapist. And, once you shop around and find someoneʼs work that you like, remember that it never hurts to ask for a package deal to get you started.
Good Luck!
Kathy Sherwin
SoBe/Cannondale MTB Team
Monday, July 14, 2008
Rider Chat with Heather Holmes
Heather Holmes is an up and coming professional mountain biker. After being crowned US Collegiate Short Track Champion she has ridden for the Ford Cycling team and now the Kenda/Titus/Hayes crew.
Holmes is having a phenomenal season with highlights being 6th place at the Deer Valley NMBS in Short Track and 2nd at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado. Heather is not only a talented professional mountain biker, she currently is working on her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. When she isn’t riding her bike Heather is conducting air quality research on the U.S./Mexico border. An area many U.S. companies have relocated to in order to avoid the higher air quality standards in the U.S.
Look for Heather to be climbing onto the podium at national caliber races and making the world a better place in the near future!
MTBracenews- Where did you grow up?
Heather Holmes- Pocatello, Idaho – There are some good trails there!
MTBracenews- How did you get started mountain biking?
HH- Originally a family friend in Pocatello that owned a bike shop thought I should get into it, so I bought a mid-level mountain bike and it got stolen two months later while I was going to school in Bozeman. I got an insurance check to cover the bike, but I wasn’t really interested in riding so I wanted to buy ski gear and my mom made me buy another mountain bike. It sat in my house for almost five years before I started riding it!
MTBracenews- What brought you to mountain biking from road?
HH- I really liked stage racing on the road so I was focusing on that, but about two years ago I was at the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic and I had a horrible race mentally and physically. I was almost done with my Master’s degree and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my life so I was really stressed out and needed something to help me chill out. I put my road bike away and started mountain biking a lot, two weeks later I did the Deer Valley NMBS race, had a blast and did really well so I started focusing on mountain bike racing.
MTBracenews- Do you train with a coach and if so who?
HH-Yes, Ben Ollett.
MTBracenews- At this point in your career what race result are you proudest of?
HH- I would have to say the Deer Valley STXC this year where I finished 6th, but not for the result more because I was so happy with myself for not giving up after falling and going from 4th place to 11th early in the race.
MTBracenews- How has the Kenda team helped you achieve your goals?
HH- There are a lot of great people working with the team, and I’ve been able to learn a lot from them and from every athlete on the team. All of the product support is incredible, before joining the team I rode one pair of tires at every race, now I know what different tires do and which ones to race where! I’ve also been able to do some great things through the team besides racing, like helping with women’s mountain bike camps and talking to elementary school students, I really like doing these things and I think it helps me enjoy the sport more.
MTBracenews- What is your best trait as a mountain bike racer and name one thing you would like to improve on.
HH- I think my best trait right now is my mental ability to race short track, my goal this year was to improve on my fitness and climbing ability (I felt like it was a huge weakness last year), and I would have to say that it is starting to come along!
MTBracenews- What has accounted for improvement from last year?
HH- There have been a lot of changes in my life since last year and I think all of them have accounted for my improvement, but basically I’ve switched up my training a little this year and I’ve also been able to manage my time and stress better.
MTBracenews- What are your mountain biking goals in the future?
HH- My goals for this year were to make mountain bike racing more fun, less stressful and to create a better balance in my life. Right now I feel like I’m getting a lot stronger on the bike so I’m excited to see how the rest of the season goes for me, maybe I’ll make more specific goals next year.
MTBracenews- What is an interesting fact about yourself that most people probably don’t know?
HH- I shaved my head – completely bald – about six years ago and have been growing my hair back since then. The long hair is such a pain, but after dealing with my ugly short hair for so many years I’m scared to cut it off again!
MTBracenews- What is your favorite race and why? (not necessarily where you race the best but a race that is the most enjoyable or fun)
HH- My favorite mountain bike race would have to be Brian Head because the single track is a blast, you’re out in the middle of nowhere, the air smells good and it’s close to home for me. My favorite road race is the Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend, the spectators are amazing and the riding is spectacular. Plus, when the race is done there are good breweries and martini bars to go to!
MTBracenews- What is the key to being a fast racer and working/school?
HH- Learning how to manage your time and being realistic about what you can get done is key, a lot of it is stress management and being able to prevent stressful situations from getting out of hand. I’m definitely still learning how to handle it all!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
East Coast National at Windham, NY-Men STXC
Full Results Now Available
1 Todd Wells (GT)
2 Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/VW)
3 Adam Craig (Giant)
4 Ryan Trebon (KONA)
5 Carl Decker (Giant)
6 Sam Juerkovic (U23)
7 Sam Schultz (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
8 Andy Schultz (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
9 Cody Peterson (Scott)
10 Jesse Lalonde (Gary Fisher 29er)
11 Mathieu Toulouse (Maxxis)
12 Thomas Turner (Outspokin Bicycles)
13 Jeremy Horgan-Kobleski (Subaru/Gary Fisher)
14 Barry Wicks (Kona)
15 Troy Wells (Tokyo Joes)
16 Adam Morka (3 Rox Racing)
17 Tad Elliot (U23)
18 Colin Cares (U23)
19 Marko Lalonde (Gary Fisher 29er)
20 Stephen Ettinger (Black Diamond)
21 Sam Koerber (Gary Fisher 29er)
22 Bryan Alders (Monaviecannondale.com)
23 Mitchell Hoke (Tokyo Joes)
24 Jeff Schalk (Trek/VW)
25 Charlie Pendry (Inland/BTD)
26 Eric Batty (Trek)
27 McConnell Franklin (Devo)
28 Travis Livermon (Kobold Watch Comp)
29 Bryan Fawley (Park Place Lexus)
30 Robert Marion (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
31 Travis Woodruff (BMC)
32 Aaron Snyder (Scott)
33 Blake Zumbrunnen (Revolution/Peak Fasteners)
34 Adam Snyder (3-D Racing)
35 Jay Richards (Salsa)
36 Chris Peterson (Devo)
37 Spencer Paxson (Team S&M)
38 Manuel Prado (Sho-Air)
39 Chris Peariso (Adventure 212/Titus)
40 Drew Edsall (Endurancefactor.com)
41 Greg Carpenter (DEVO)
42 Matt Rotroff (BTD-Inland)
43 Alex Ryan (Kobold)
44 Tim Madgwick
45 Dylan Alesio (Fuji)
46 Andrew Alesio (Fuji)
47 Matt Freeman (Cyclery USA)
48 Lucas Livermon (BTD/Inland)
49 Ryan Woodall (Industry Nine)
East Coast National at Windham, NY-Women STXC
Full Results Now Available
1 Katerina Nash (Luna)
2 Georgia Gould (Luna)
3 Mical Dyck (Trek)
4 Wendy Simms (KONA)
5 Heather Irmiger (Gary Fisher)
6 Emily Batty (Trek)
7 Catherine Pendral (Luna)
8 Sue Butler (MonaVie Cannondale)
9 Zephanie Blasi (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
10 Chloe Forsman (Luna)
11 Jenna Zander (Sobe/Cannondale)
12 Lea Davison (Trek)
13 Emily Van Meter (Sobe/Cannondale)
14 Judy Feeman (Tough Girl)
15 Heather Holmes (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
16 Jaime Dinkins (Devo)
17 Amanda Sin (3 Rox Racing)
18 Nina Baum (SoBe/Cannondale)
19 Caitlyn Tuel (Trek/VW)
20 Krista Park (Kenda/Titus/Hayes)
21 Kyia Anderson (Ekho/Cannondale)
22 Lindsey Bishop (Mafia Racing/Felt)
23 Kimberly Flynn (Vantaggio)
24 Theresa Richardson (SoBe/Cannondale)
25 Joy Duerkson (Cole)
26 Jennifer Tilley (Velo Bella/Kona)
Park City Perfect 10 sponsored by Jan's
The Park City Perfect 10 ten hour mountain bike race held it's second annual event. The Perfect 10 is a charity event benefiting the Park City Young Riders and the Mountain Trails Foundation.
In it's second year the Perfect 10 moved to Deer Valley Mountain Resort. The race course closely resembled the old Deer Valley Rally circuit of the late '90's. Riders start out from the Silver Lake Lodge, which sits at 8,200 feet of altitude, climbing their way 900 vertical feet to the top of Flagstaff Mountain then descending on a series of fast and technical singletrack trails back to Silver Lake for a total of 7 miles per lap. Overall, each lap included about 98% singletrack and took in some of the best trails Deer Valley has to offer.
In a fashion befitting it's name, the Perfect 10 got off to a perfect start at 7:05AM. Over 150 riders completed a Le Mans style start which was shorted after vague threats concerning running too far were made by event promoter Heinrich Deiter's wife who had entered the race. So after a little running, the race was on.
The early laps were dominated by strong riding from the Duo categories. One of the big surprises of the day came when 14 year-old Keegan Swenson (Young Riders) led lap one of the event. The diminutive Swenson, riding a 29er that looked about as tall as him, took first lap honors in front of strong local Pros Chris Holley (Gary Fisher) and Kevin Day (Kuhl/Scott).
While the Duo teams set a frenetic pace at the front the solo riders settled in for a long day in the saddle. The solo categories had a exceptional turnout with 13 Solo Women and over 30 Solo Men.
Early on, Utah local Jen Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) trailed Erin Collins (Monavie Cannondale) after Hanks logged a slow Le Mans start. At the top of the climb, Hanks caught and passed Collins. Once taking the lead the determined Revolution rider never looked back. Tapping out consistent lap times and never getting off the bike for more than 2 minutes over 10 hours. The impressive Hanks would go on to lap all but second place rider Tracey Petervary (Fitzgerald's Bicycles) completing 13 laps in 9 hours and 59 minutes. Erin Collins finished third.
After the race Hanks said, "I just tried to stay really consistent with my laps. It helped that the course was so much fun. Even after riding in circles for 10 hours I never got bored!"
For the men it was Carborocket frontman Brad Keyes taking the lead. Keyes grunted his fully rigid singlespeed into the lead early in the race. After passing the halfway point at five hours Keyes ran into mechanical problems with one of the few moving parts left on his bike. His pedals. A short way into the climb Keyes lost the body of his pedal and the spindle was soon to follow. Keyes was left to push his bike for much of the lap relinquishing the lead. He may have lost his pedal but Keyes never lost his focus. After replacing the pedal he surged back into the lead finishing with 14 laps and a comfortable gap of over 20 minutes over second place Chad Ambrose (Contender) and Utah newcomer Troy Michaud in thrid.
The Duo Men put on a show with 4 teams competing closely throughout the day. The team's positions would vary between 1st and 4th from lap to lap. Scant seconds separated the
4 teams. Late in the race the Kuhl/Scott team of Kevin Day and Ryan Blaney and the team of Charlie Gibson established themselves as the leaders. Gibson continued to put in blistering lap times which helped solidify his team in first place with a total of 18 laps.
In the Duo Coed category, two teams quickly established themselves at the top of the heap. The Gary Fisher team of Chris and KC Holley and experienced endurance team of Dave Harris and Lynda Wallenfels (Desert Cyclery). The Holleys proved to be too much for Harris and Wallenfels as Chris and KC logged some of the fastest lap times of the day at times keeping pace with the Duo Men. In the end, the Gary Fisher pair would take first spot with 18 laps.
The Duo Women raced a competitive and good spirited race all day with the three Jan's teams taking all the podium spots, led by Julie Minahan and Tanya Swenson.
After a long day of racing everyone remained in good spirits enjoying a wonderful day of racing for the racers and supporters alike. With excellent singletrack, great on-site facilities, and a large lawn for tech zone supporters, Deer Valley provided an fantastic backdrop for a truly perfect Park City Perfect 10.
Race Notes:
In between laying down some the top lap times of the day, Chris Holley pulled double duty being support staff for other racers and wrenching on his teammate's bikes. That kind of camaraderie is what makes mountain biking great. Go Chris!
writing and photos by: Shannon Boffeli
Solo Men
1, Brad Keyes (CarboRocket) 14 laps
2, Chad Ambrose (Contender) 14 laps
3, Troy Micaud 14 laps
Solo Female
1, Jennifer Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) 13 laps
2, Tracey Petervary 13 laps
3, Erin Collins 12 laps
Duo Coed
1, Chris and KC Holley (Gary Fisher 29er)
2, Dave Harris and Linda Wallenfels (Desert Cycles)
3, Michael Cruz (Team Pink)
Duo Men
1, Chucky Gibson and Partner 18 laps
2, Ryan Blaney/Kevin Day (Kuhl/Scott)18 laps
3, Kenny Jones/Tyson Apostle 18 laps
Duo Female
1, Julie Minahan/Tanya Swenson (Jan's) 15 laps
2, Paula Hanson/ Pam Hanlon (Jan's) 15 laps
3, Bethany Elison/ Roxanne Tolley (Jans) 14 laps
