Euro Pro Connection #8

Switzerland's Tour of Romandie continues today with a twisty 23.4km time trial in the town of Moudon. Wisconsin's Matthew Busche (Radio Shack) had stated that he's been feeling more comfortable on his TT bike but finished this stage in 133rd (beating Mark Cavendish by 16 seconds!). Illinois' Christian Vande Velde (Garmin - Transitions) put in a smoking 15th place, 1:14 behind the winner. We finally get some photos of these two riders, from stage 2. Busche seen here riding behind Sergio Paulinho.

Over in the Tour of Korea, Jelly Belly's Michael Friedman continues to lead the overall after 7 stages. While listed as a resident of PA, he does have family in the Chicago area and so get's recognition here!

Read more...

Get Well Brad Sohner!

You may or may not know him by name, but you know his voice ... one of the strong announcing voices of 10 Speed Productions who are at the finish line of every Superweek and Tour of America's Dairyland stage. Brad unfortunately broke his arm in a bike wreck recently, but is otherwise doing fine and fully plans on being trackside at ToAD and Superweek again this summer. (seen here at Shorewood with super fast South African Jay Thompson, then with the MTN team). Heal fast Brad ... we love your work!

10 Speed Productions will also be at the finish line of next month's Collegiate Nationals in Madison this May 7, 8, and 9th.

Read more...

Artie Miller Memorial Bicycle Race - Belleville (St.Louis)

Add this one to the calendar for this weekend:


Artie Miller Memorial Race - Belleville, IL Sunday May 2, 2010 presented by Velo Force Racing Team and Big Shark of St. Louis. $1,999 in cash and prizes, Course Description: A 6+ turn technical criterium circuit with an uphill finish along the historic streets of Downtown Belleville.

Read more...

Odds and Endz

Okay, so there's not much new going on here in the Midwest, so can I go National for a bit?


Tour of the Gila - Did you see that Team Radio Shack is going with a retro kit? Using logos from the 60's.

Then there's this whole thing at the Dana Point GP in California with Rahsaan Bahati: “Going into the turn 6, Jake Keough saw me underneath him and he did a couple chops, OK, no problem, to protect the inside,” said Bahati. “He came underneath and out of the straightaway he saw me on his hip, looked at me, turned right, right, right until I went down. It was so blatant. That’s why I was so upset."  Since they will be racing in the Midwest, we owe it to ourselves to know what's going on.

But did you see the video? Bahati got *CHOPPED!* big time, and HE got fined? Can't wait to see those guys race here!

Read more...

Season Opens at Rochester Hills Velodrome this Saturday

The first velodrome to open here in the Midwest, Rochester Hills , in Michigan, begins their summer schedule this Saturday, May 1st at 10am.


Here is their weekly schedule as posted on their web page:


Monday
10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.   ~ Open Riding (for season & day pass holders)
5:30 p.m. - ½ hour before park closing  ~ Young Riders Night for junior riders, basic instruction & practice.

Tuesday
10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ~ Open Riding for season holders.
5:30 p.m. - ½ hour before park closing  ~ Elite Rider Training Session, high intensity efforts.

Wednesday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ~ Open Riding for season holders.
5:30 p.m. - ½ hour before park closing  ~ Race Training

Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  ~ Open Riding for season holders.
6:00 p.m. - ½ hour before park closing  ~ New Rider "Track 101" Velodrome Intro Riding Class
(Open riding is also available but "Track 101" riders take precedence.)

Friday
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   ~ Open Riding (for season & day pass holders)
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ~ Warm Up for NAS-TRACK Madison Racers (June - August)
7:30 p.m. ~ NAS-TRACK Madison Racing League Races

Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  ~ "Track 101" - Velodrome Intro Riding Class
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  ~ Development Races - Scratch, Points, Madison Training
4:00 p.m. - ½ hour before park closing  ~ Open Riding (for season & day pass holders)  


Sunday
10:00 a.m. - ½ hour before park closing  ~ Open Riding for season holders.
  
Remember that this is a 200 meter wooden track with banking of 44 degrees in the turns. NPR did a short story on this velodrome which you can listen to here.


The Rochester Hills Velodrome is located just north of Detroit.


View Larger Map

Read more...

Weekend Ahead - May 1 & 2

OKay, there's a lot of racing offered up this coming weekend, May 1 & 2, 2010. Let's take a look.

Marty Road Race - Marty, MN Saturday May 1, Northwest of the Twin Cities, put on by the Loon State Cyclists. 16 mile loop with chip timing.

Circuit of Sauk - Reedsburg, WI Saturday May 1, West of Baraboo put on by the Baraboo Sharks Racing Team. A 15 mile scenic loop with one significant climb, otherwise rolling through the beautiful pastures of western Wisconsin.

Vernon Hills GP -Vernon Hills, IL Sunday May 2, North suburb of Chicago, put on by RDS cycling. Flat, one mile criterium with 4 corners. Part of the Illinois Cycling Cup.

Grand Dad's Bluff Hill Climb TT - LaCrosse, WI Saturday May 1. Part of the LaCrosse Fitness Festival. 2.5 mile TT with 600 ft of climbing. See video below.

LaCrosse Fitness Festival Criterium - LaCrosse, WI Sunday May 2. presented by the LaCrosse Velo Club. Nifty city criterium course right on the Mississippi River.

Dar's Midwest Festival of the Wheel TT - Willard, WI Saturday May 1. WISPORT  16 mile loop.

Kenosha Business Park Criterium - Kenosha, WI Sunday May 2. ABR Fast 1.2 mile criterium part of the IL / WI Rider of the Year (ROTY) Competition.

Fat & Skinny Tire Fest RR - Winona Lake, IN Saturday May 1. presented by KCV Cycling. 8.8 mile laps with good prize money. Check out ALL the cycling fun at the official website: FatAndSkinnyTireFest.Com

Villiage Road Criterium - Winona Lake, IN Sunday May 2.  Day two of the Fat and Skinny Tire Fest. 0.55 mile long, fast criterium loop with good prize money!

Kokomo Time Trial Series #1 - Kokomo, IN Sunday May 2. Presented by the Break-Away Bicycle Club. 40k for Men, 20k for Women. Out and back - course record: 50:51 (sounds fast!)

Georgetown Road Race - Georgetown, OH Sunday May 2. presented by Big Dave's Sports. 12 mile loop with one small climb. #6 of the Ohio Spring Race Series.

Lastly, the mountain bike racing is also beginning this weekend in both Iowa and Wisconsin.

Read more...

Wednesday Fixie Fix #6

Surface NYC made a trip to Velodrome in Kissena Park

Read more...

Weekend Final Results - April 24 & 25, 2010

All the weekend results are now posted. Good, now we can get on with our lives!

• Ken Woods Memorial Road Race - Canon Falls, MN
• Goosetown Racing Time Trial - Iowa City, IA
• Iowa City Road Race - Iowa City, IA
• Old Capitol Criterium - Iowa City, IA
• Big Shark Tour of St. Louis - St. Louis, MO
• Whitnall Park Spring Criterium - Hales Corners, WI
• Fitchburg Fast and Furious - Fitchburg, WI
• ABR Single Bong TT - Kansasville, WI
• WiSport Pedal For Proceeds RR - Whitewater, WI
• Willow Time Trial - New Boston, MI
• Spring Valley RR - Waynesville, OH
• Races at the Lake - Munroe Falls, OH
• Vandervorts Corner RR - Dayton, OH

Read more...

Power To The Peloton

What kind of power does it take to ride away from a P/1/2 field? 632 watts according to the Verizon U25 team who was kind enough to share some power data from the Leland Kermesse in Illinois two weeks ago as Ryan Freund and John Meyers did a two up TT for 70 miles, winning the difficult gravel race in grand fashion. So, if you can push 3.9 watts per Kg for 3 1/2 hours, then maybe you can join them in their next winning move!

Read more...

The Euro Pro Connection #7

Today is the Prologue of the Tour of Romandie in Switzerland. Midwestern riders on the start list are Matt Busche (Radio Shack) and Christian Vande Velde (Garmin - Transitions). Matt just completed the 258km Liege-Bastogne-Liege in Belgium, looking for THE break but didn't make the cut when it mattered. "I began the day looking for the early break. With the race starting on a gentle climb, it suited my ability to hopefully get in. I was unfortunately not part of the right mix of guys though, and missed the break. I remember seeing them go away though, knowing that was likely the break, but my legs were not so good and I couldn't/didn't make the jump because I was trying to recover from a previous effort. The break was gone and I was sentenced to spend the rest of the day in the field." You can follow the Tour de Romandie daily over on Cycling Fans.

At this past Saturday's Whitnall Park race, BMC's Cole House showed up. Oneida, Wisconsin's BMC rider (2007 Wisconsin State Road Champion) competed for the US National Team in Belgium's Triptyque des Monts ed Chateaux (Hills and Castles of Triptyque). Held not far from the Tour of Flanders, USA's Talor Phinney went on to get 2nd overall, but Cole had a different experience as blogged by Ben King. Cole states: “I followed Phinney through a corner. I guess he didn’t learn his lesson in the time trial, because he pedaled through it and washed out. My fork snapped, and the support vehicles were caught behind Nate’s crash. That was the end of my race. Phinney kept going.”

Recently, Cycling news did an article on Cole House which is great reading. Currently aged 22, this is his last year riding U23 and hopes to go full Professional next year. 

Read more...

Monday Motorpacing #3

Oui, c'est une bonne formation à motorpace derrière un Derny!

Read more...

Weekend Review - April 24 & 25 - early report

With cold rain covering much of the region, this was one springtime weekend to be remembered for a while. Soggy shoes and embrocation were the norm. Even up in Minnesota, at the Ken Woods Memorial Road Race, they got rain in the morning. Field sizes seemed moderate but most fields drew riders in from surrounding states.  In the Pro 1/2, Grand Stay Hotels put 4 riders into the top 5, Pat Lemieux took the Collegiate A race, and Leah Prudhomme won the Women's Pro 1/2 event. You can find many great photos from there at SkinnySki.Com.
Moving down to Iowa and the Old Capitol Criterium weekend, Steve Tillford has a nice write up of what went down in the Pro 1/2 road race on Saturday (official results are not yet online) and in the 33rd Old Capitol Criterium on Sunday, Pat Lemieux took the win with a nice solo effort. 

At the Big Shark Tour of St. Louis Saturday morning there was the Carondolet Circuit race in the morning (photos) and the Big Bottom Time Trial in the afternoon. The TT had to be stopped half way due to lightning, hail, and tornado warnings.
Despite the conditions, Don Lowe took the opening TT with a blistering average speed of 29.775 mph. 

Here in Wisconsin, it was time to pretend you were Belgian again as the temperatures never got out of the 40's and the water never stopped running through your toes. Fresh from his own cycling trip from Belgium, Luke Seemann (ChicagoBikeRacing.Com) gives an excellent report on conditions in Hales Corners: "As soon as I stopped riding, I started trembling with cold. I was soaked, and my feet felt like bricks. Quickly I headed to the car and cranked up the heat." No strangers to this type of weather, Cole House (BMC) was present to show everyone how it's done across the pond as well as IS Corp's Tristan Schouten (raced UCI level 'cross in Belgium) who took this day's Pro race as well as Sunday's Fast and Furious race on Sunday in Fitchburg. Of course Schouten lives in Sheboygan, right on Lake Michigan, and it's always cold there anyway.  Andrew Zens of Chicago's Team Spidermonkey also shares his race stories.
No results coming out of Michigan or Ohio just yet, so let's wrap this up with a little video from our WiSport friends who share their experiences from Saturday:

Read more...

Volunteers needed for Collegiate Nationals

Wisconsin Cycling is announcing that volunteers are needed:

On May 7 though the 9 the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be hosting Collegiate Cycling Nationals here in Madison, Wisconsin. There will be over 500 top collegiate racers from around the country coming to Madison to participate in this event. Right now they still need volunteer help to make this event a success. Volunteers will get a free T-shirt!
Times help is needed are as follows:
Road Race at Blue Mounds State Park
Friday May 7th 7am to noon
Friday May 7th 11:45 to 4:30pm
** 100 Volunteers on Friday are needed to make the event a success
Those who volunteer for both shifts on Friday will be provided with food and refreshments!
Criterium on the Capitol Square in Madison
Saturday May 8th 2:45 to 8pm
Team Time Trial at Trek in Waterloo
Sunday May 9th 7:30 to 10:30am (Please be aware that this is Mother's Day.) 

Please contact Yvonne Schumacher at yschumacher@wisc.edu if you are willing to help or if you have any questions. 

Read more...

Cutter's Win!

From the Indiana Daily Student:

The Cutters take their fourth win in a row after a 30 minute rain delay in the 60th running of the Little 500 bicycle race, at Indiana University. On Friday, Teter won the women's edition of the race.


Elsewhere, word has it that in Iowa, at the 33rd Annual Old Capitol Criterium Weekend, a rider hit a deer! Wha? Hopefully more details on that later.


In Whitewater, Wisconsin,  Nate Phelps reports:  Christan Griego battled wind and rain to ride to a solo victory Saturday in the Pedal for Proceeds RR in Whitewater, Wisc. Griego (Brones) held off the field for about 19 of the 24 miles of the race to capture the victory by about a minute over the chasing field. Julie Phelps (Big Ring Flyers) took the women's win. Wind, rain, mud and manure were the elements (and the fashion worn home by all) during the day -- typical weather for this weekend of racing.  The WiSport series (www.wisport.org) continues next weekend with Dar's Midwest Time Trial Championships in Willard, Wisc.

Lastly for now, in Hales Corners more racers fought the rain and cold in the Whitnall Spring Criterium. Photos and results from that event later, but here's some 'sights and sounds' from today's Pro 1/2 race.

Read more...

Little 500 Bicycle Race - Listen on-line today and tomorrow!

WIUX Radio will be broadcasting from today's Women's race and tomorrow's men's race in Bloomington, IN.

Kappa Kappa Gamma has the pole in this afternoon's 100 lap, 25 mile race where there is a 70% chance of rain. The Cutters have the pole for Saturday's 200 lap, 50 mile, men's event. 

Note that those times are Eastern time! You may also have to set your firewall to allow the audio stream to connect.

Read more...

The Euro Pro Connection #6

You may not be able to pronounce it, but the Eyjafjallajokull volcano kept Matt Busche (Radio Shack) from racing in the Flesch Wallone this past week. He is on the start list for Sunday's 96th running of Liege-Bastogne-Liege however. Good luck Flip!


Sadly, that's about all the news there is to report from our midwest Euro Pros. Here is an interesting read about Team Radio Shack's 'service course' though: "We have two team buses, twelve team cars - six race cars and six soigneurs cars - two big mechanical trucks, two small trucks, two private cars, two VIP vans, one camper and a lot of bikes," he told Cyclingnews, adding with a grin, "If this volcano doesn't clear up, we'll probably have two ferries."

Read more...

The Weekend Ahead - additions

These races were missed in the weekend preview:


Louisville, KY Jude Clark Criterium Saturday April 24, 2010 All categories and just across the river from Indiana.


Kansasville, WI  Single Bong TT Sunday April 25, 2010 ABR A great course right on the IL / WI border. - - >

One more addition:

Whitewater, WI Pedal For Proceeds RR (WISPORT) Saturday April 24, 2010 at UW-Whitewater. Details are fairly hidden since there doesn't seem to be a 'flyer'. Go to the WISPORT page, then Racebook and scroll down until you find it. Ugh!

Read more...

The Weekend Ahead

Assuming the cold, rainy weather has no bearing on riders' decision if they will be racing or not, let's see whats happening across the Midwest this weekend, April 23 - 25. European racing? Who's got time? Look what's going on right in our own backyard!

Canon Falls, MN  Ken Woods Memorial Road Race Saturday 4/24/10 Just down the road, south of the Twin Cities and sponsored by the Gopher Wheelmen. "The course is 21 miles of good paved road with rolling hills and one longer gradual climb shortly prior to the finish. The entire course is in open farmland where the wind can be quite a factor. KWMR is also once again part of the collegiate district championships, with collegiate road race fields and a team time trial." 21 to 84 miles for all categories with chip timing.

Minnetonka, MN  UMN Spring Criterium  Sunday 4/25/10 1.2 mile twisty course at the OPUS business park. This is a collegiate only race event.

Iowa: The 33rd Annual Old Capitol Criterium Weekend!


Iowa City, IA Black Diamond TT  Friday 4/23/10 10 miles for all categories (5 miles out and back) starting at 4pm and presented by Goosetown Racing. Bring a pump, bring your own water. Plenty of pain available on site.

Iowa City, IA Iowa City RR Saturday 4/24/10 Part of the Old Capitol Criterium weekend. 13 mile loop with rolling hills southwest of Iowa CIty. All USAC Categories.

Iowa City, IA Old Capitol Criterium Sunday 4/25/10 Here it is, the big one! $5,800 total prize money and featuring the Pro 1/2 Chris Lillig Memorial Cup.

St. Louis, MO Tour of St. Louis Three races in two days presented by the Big Shark Bicycle Company. Two day, three race omnium, points awarded 10 deep in all categories plus daily prizes.

St. Louis, MO Carondelicious Circuit Race. Morning of Saturday April 24, 2010. Course Description: An undulating 1.3 mile circuit course along the beautiful lakes in Carondelet Park in South St. Louis City. The course is winding, wide open, with silky smooth pavement. The course has two mild climbs and an uphill finish.

St. Louis, MO Big Bottom TT Afternoon of Saturday April 24, 2010 9 miles out and back on smooth, fast pavement. Bring your aero gear!

St. Louis, MO Delmarvolous Criterium Sunday April 25, 2010 0.8 mile rectangular criterium. Course is wide open, mostly re-paved, fast and very Delmarvelous.

Hales Corners, WI Whitnall Park Spring Classic Saturday April 24, 2010 presented by Team Wisconsin / MC2. A challenging 1.1 mile loop with 80 ft of climbing per lap and soft turns, running clockwise. Not much rest on this one, and hope you like to climb!

Fitchburg, WI Fast and Furious Sunday April 25, 2010 presented by Mad City Velo. A new race on a new course.

New Boston, MI Willow TT Saturday April 24, 2010 (registration closed, no race day registration!) 13.2 miles with electronic timing.

Spring Valley, OH Spring Valley RR Sunday April 25, 2010 part of the Ohio Spring Race Series held in the greater Cincinnati / Dayton area.

Read more...

Ride or Race? Centurion and Race the Lake

There is a new kid on the block: Centurion Cycling. It is a mass start ride/race held this year in three North American locations - Colorado, Wisconsin, and Ontario. The Wisconsin event is going to be held on Saturday August 8 starting in Middleton with a route that extends 25, 50, or 100 miles towards Blue Mound State Park, the highest point in Southern Wisconsin and includes 6,000 feet of climbing. While similar to "Race the Lake" which is a mass start ride/race around Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago, there will be no prize money for this race, but it will be fully staffed and equipped with chip timing. Yesterday, Centurion published their route maps and the 100 miler is a real leg breaker, featuring two laps up the infamous Pinacle Rd just outside Blue Mound State Park. 

Race the lake will be held on Sunday, August 22nd and is a one lap, circuit race around Wisconsin's largest lake, Lake Winnebago. "Lake Winnebago…One of the largest inland lakes in the United States and the most popular lake in Wisconsin will be the 90 mile course for the event. This is the LONGEST timed, all citizen bike race in the United States." It features not only a brutal "KOM" climb cresting at High Cliff State Park, but a $2,000 first place prize that really gathers attention from area racers such as last year's winner Ryan Bauman of Trek/Livestrong. Here's the payout: 

PRIZE MONEY: $10,000 prize purse to overall female/male winners!
Overall Male winner - $2000, 2nd place - $1500, 3rd place - $1000 4th place - $700, 5th place - $600, 6th place - $500, 7th place - $400, 8th place - $300 9th place -$200, 10th place - $100.
Overall female winner - $1500, 2nd place - $800, and 3rd place - $400

You'd be hard pressed to find another race around here with that kind of payout!


So, check you calendars. You may find yourself on the starting line of either of these great events this coming August.

Read more...

Wednesday Fixie Fix #5

Yup. That's Lance!

Read more...

Visions of the Velodrome

The track racing season will be starting in a few weeks, so let's take a look ahead to see what we might expect to see. There are 22 velodromes in the USA, 6 of them are right here in the Midwest! So, dust off that track bike, it's time to get your speed on!

Northbrook, IL   Ed Rudolph Velodrome is a 382 meter track that was resurfaced last in 2004. They have USAC racing on Thursday nights starting May 13, 2010.  There is open riding where riders can practice or train on the track. Rider development programs are held on other nights of the week.

Indianapolis, IN Major Taylor Velodrome This is a 333 1/3 meter, concrete track with seating for 3,000 fans. The track is open for training for a $5 fee. Racing begins May 15th and then continues on Thursday and Friday nights throughout the summer.

Rochester Hills, MI Bloomer Park Velodrome This track opened in 2000 is a 200 meter wooden velodrome with bankings of 44 degrees. Their season opens Saturday May 1st with a weekly "NAS-Track" league on Fridays and some Saturdays.

Blaine, MN National Sports Center Velodrome This is a 250 meter wooden track with banking of 43 degrees. It was built in 1990 and is the same design that was used in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Racing begins Thursday May 20th, training days are running right now.  

Kenosha, WI Washington Park Velodrome  This is a 333 meter asphalt track built in 1927, making it the oldest operating velodrome in the United States.  USAC races are held on Tuesday nights, Master's only races are on Wednesdays, and stock bike races are held on Mondays. The track is open to the public for riding and training since it is a city park.  Racing begins May 18th.

St. Louis Penrose Park Velodrome This is a concrete track with 28 degree banking. The season opens May 6th with a racing clinic then continues with sanctioned racing Thursdays, time trials on Wednesdays. The velodrome is a public park so is open for riding and training on non-race days. 

Read more...

Weekend Review - Update: Leland Kermesse and WISPORT

The photos are now beginning to appear from Flatlandia's Leland Kermesse. Those gravel sections look tough as evidenced by this photo from "rombike". More photo links on the race web page.

Matt Hanson reports from WISPORT: 

41 hardy souls braved 20 to 30 mph NW winds to turn out to Willard Wisconsin, for the inaugural event of the Wisport season, The WiSport Friendly Century or Less.
The riders started south for 4 miles with a brisk tailwind. They would enjoy very little more of that in the next 36 miles, as the route turned mostly west and north. The group stayed pretty close together with no one falling off the pace. After a brief respite from the wind while traveling east, they made it to the first rest stop at the 20-mile mark. No body wanted to linger too long and soon they set off for the next 20 miles to the second stop in Thorp, which was all into the wind.

In Thorp they met up with the riders that were doing the 40 mile route and had attended the free riding clinic where Varrick Olson put on a presentation on rest and recovery and went over some of the finer points of pack riding. Once again, Steve Fouts assisted him.

Next up was the part of the ride that everyone had been looking forward to. 20 miles back to Willard only now the wind would be at their back. It didn't take long with speeds running very close to 30 mph for the front riders.  Four Big Ring Flyers made the turn towards Willard. I may have chuckled a bit to myself, okay I thought it was pretty funny, when Nate Phelps forgot how sharp that turn is when coming from the north, and was muttering a bit as he was nearly off onto the gravel.

Chris Mueller took the traditional chocolate bunny trophy for being the fastest male rider and Kim Myszkewicz took the other trophy for being the fastest female. Everyone enjoyed the post ride meal put on by Lead Butt Racing. BBQ, aged cheddar and Gorgonzola cheese, pasta salad, cookies, and banana bread

Many thanks need to go out to everyone who helped out with the ride.

Georgia J. made the BBQ Darlene B. made cookies and the most excellent banana bread Kim M. made cookies, Gary J. manned the last corner and helped with cleanup, John and Linda B. helped with set up and Linda did a great job of setting up the food. Scott B. made pasta salad, got provisions, bought beer, set things up, drove the lead vehicle, helped with clean up, Steve F. helped with setup, helped out with the clinic, Varrick O. put on the clinic Jerry B. helped with setup and clean up. Kevin S. did a few things

Read more...

Monday Motorpacing #2

Something to help 'ya rev up the week.

Read more...

Weekend Review

A multitude of races kept Midwest racers busy this past weekend. Each region had their own little race and riders pretty much kept it local so here's a quick recap to review the scene as a whole. Here in SE Wisconsin there was a pair of criteriums. Saturday had Velo Trocadero's race at Menomonee Park which has a 0.9 mile closed circuit around an old quarry. Every catagory had good representation and hard racing. Field sprints were the rule and the Pro 1/2 was won by IS Corp's Erik Loberg. From there, racing moved west to Madison on Sunday for the Great Dane Velo Club's (GDVC) criterium in corporate park, the same place racing was held last Sunday, but the direction was reversed.

Illinois riders headed south of Chicago for the Leland Kermesse, a farmland road race held on largely gravel roads that the city riders seem to fall in love with for one day of the year.  Verizon U25 p/b Geargrinder rode away with the Pro 1/2 by sending John Meyers and Ryan Freund off the front at the start and they were not seen again until after the finish, 75 miles later. “Ryan was killing it today. It felt like there were 15 miles where my entire universe revolved around Ryan’s rear hub- the only thing I could focus on.”

Minneapolis riders took to western Wisconsin roads at the Durand Road Race held under ABR rules, on a rolling 13.5 mile loop southwest of Eau Claire. (photo: SkinnySki.Com) Breakways seemed to rule the day over there where Pat Lemieux beat Jordan Roessingh in the Pro 1/2 race. Also present were top riders Adam Bergman and Duane Dickey.

The WISPORT Series that holds most of their events in central and northern Wisconsin had the Willard Friendly Century which is metric in length and included a racing clinic for newer riders. While no prizes were awarded, reports give the impression that this was race pace to the very end. 


Indiana had the Ceraland Challenge on Saturday and the Mooresville Criterium on Sunday, Michigan had the Ann Arbor Cycling Club put on their third Sunday criterium of April,, in their month long series, and in Iowa, Chain Reaction Cycling hosted the Eagle Point Criterium in Dubuque, over looking the Mississippi river. (this editor has some not so fond, painful memories from this one!) More news is needed from these events!

Edit: An XXX rider reports on his experience in Dubuque

Read more...

Menomonee Park Criterium - Menomonee Falls

Albeit breezy and a little chilly, it was a beautiful day here in Wisconsin as racers battled on the 0.9 mile twisty circuit under a cloudless, blue sky. Field sizes were not huge, but those that did show up, came to race and race to their full potential. Lots of action was to be enjoyed in all divisions. While not the fastest class of the day, the Men's 4/5 is easily the premier race of the day if judged by sheer number of riders and spectators. There is not shortage of supporters when these guys are out there. 

Today's race came down to a field sprint with the top two separated by mere inches. Here Kelson Danielson (5Nines Cycling) beats Andrew Tegge (Wheel & Sprocket) right on the line with Lionel Rocheleau (Team Geargrinder) coming in third.

Twenty one riders competed in the next event, the Women's Cat. 4 plus Junior 15-18 Girls. There were several attacks throughout the race but it came down to a sprint on the line taken by 15 year old Sarah Huang (IS Corp). While she won the bunch sprint, she get's credit for the Junior 15-18 (2 riders) and Ashley Jensen (Team Kenda) get's the Cat. 4 Women's race. 

Kaitlin Antonneau (Team Kenda) won the Women's Open division over Carrie Ann Kopernik (IS Corp) and Sarah Huang (IS Corp).

Next up was the Master's 35+ Cat. 4/5 which was won in a field sprint by Richard Baisa (South Chicago Wheelmen) while the Master's 35+ Cat 3/4 was taken by a solo effort given by Albertus Rohling (Unattatched). Take note of this name because he won last week's GDVC race in the same manner! Ken Peerson (Michaels Cycles) was second, Michael Davis (California Giant) third.



The Men's Cat. 3 race went pretty much straight from the gun with two riders escaping and staying away for the duration. 
Brandon Meinke (Team Pegasus) and Darrell Kohli (Team Geargrinder) almost got caught but held 20 to 30 seconds on the field for the duration of the race. Meinke took the win over Kohli and a last lap crash decimated the field with Kelby Shaw (River Valley) taking third.

The Pro 1/2 race went blasting off last today and despite a very fast tempo right from the gun, numerous breaks were off the front. An initial 10 rider break got about 20 seconds but were caught at half way. 8 more got away after that and with 5 laps to go they still only had 30 seconds over the field which was chasing for all they were worth. In the closing laps two riders were attempting to bridge but were ultimately unsuccessful. Down to the final sprint it came with IS Corp's Erik Loberg taking the sweet win with a final surge at the last moment. BUT WAIT! Down goes a rider at the back of the bunch! He said that he bumped wheels with another rider and that took him down, and he went down HARD breaking both a wheel and his frame. Other than some scrapes he was okay himself which is good. On the upside, if you're going to crash, crash were there are cameras ... LOTS of them! For example, the finish line camera? Apologies for not having more Pro 1/2 results. Computer problems at the last moment prevent us from give them out at this time, but we will publish them as soon as they are available!

About now, someone is asking "What about Leland?". Well, what about it? Send us your report, we'll be glad to publish it! 

Read more...

fRAZZ

How about a little Frazz today?

Read more...

Cycling is about community ...

Here's an interesting article from the Indiana college newspaper The DePauw:


"In the spring, I travel hours away from campus every weekend to compete against other collegiate cyclists in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin with other members of the cycling team. Being off-campus on the "biggest weekend of spring semester" is just another two days of preparation for nationals and summer racing for me. They are an opportunity to be a part of the amazing community created by collegiate cycling"

Read the entire article HERE.

Don't forget that Collegiate Nationals will be held in Madison on May 7,8, and 9.

Schedule

General Info

Read more...

2010 Tour of America's Dairyland registration discount

You can save yourself $20 if you sign 

up for their 'Six Pack' of races. 

Offer ends May 15th. 

Details and registration are HERE.

Read more...

The Euro Pro Connection #5

Just an update: Wauwatosa's Matt Busche (Radio Shack) will be racing in La Fléche Wallonne on Wednesday April 21, 2010 which will be televised on VS TV on Sunday April 25. After that, he will be racing in the Liege-Bastone-Liege, Sunday April 25, 2010 which is on VS TV that same day, followed by the 659km, 6 day Tour de Romandie in Switzerland. Good luck Flip!

Read more...

2010 Mid-America Time Trial Series

More ways to get your pain fix. Click on document to see in full screen.


2010 Mid America Time Trial Series

Read more...

The Euro Pro Connection #4

Not a whole lot to report on this week since news out of Europe is slim. We do know that Hudson's Bjorn Selander (Radio Shack) was riding in the Circuit de la Sarth, but he was not listed as a starter in the prestigious Paris - Roubaix. Well, here he is on the deck at Paris - Roubaix! Unfortunately, he did not finish, but props. for getting the opportunity to ride! (photo from Velonews).
Matt Busche (Radio Shack) was riding in the Tour of the Basque Country where he finished 98th but more importantly his teammate Chris Horner won the overall on the final day! Congratulations to Team Radio shack on this fine stage race victory. 

While not a European race, the Tour if the Gila in New Mexico is listing Greenfield, WI rider James Stemper (Kenda Pro) as a starter in the Professional event. Also listed as starters are: Doug Foxworth (Bicycle Heaven), James Slouson (Bicycle Heaven), and Franco Panveno (Alberto's) all in the Masters 40+. The Category 2 start list includes David Paquette (Team Wisconsin/MC2), Garrett McAllister (Team Wisconsin/MC2) is in the Cat. 3's, Mike Balco (XXX/Athletico) is in the 4/5's, and Rebecca Much (Tibco) is in the Women's Pro 1/2. Good luck riders!

Read more...

WISPORT - That 'Other' Cycling Series

WISPORT begins it's 22nd year of grassroots racing this weekend and continues until the end of September. WISPORT proclaims that it is for the 'normally obsessed', or the weekend warrior. Not fit enough to race in a 'real' USAC race? Not sure if you can hang in a large group? Or perhaps you find yourself on vacation in Wisconsin and want to race but there are no sanctioned races around .... here you go! Don't be fooled however, these are well run, well attended events often with USAC Cat 2 racers participating, so you're guaranteed a good time no matter your level of fitness. Check 'em out at www.wisport.org.

Sat 17-Apr-2010 WiSport Friendly Century & Clinic Willard, WI Ride

Sat 24-Apr-2010 Pedal for Proceeds Road Race Whitewater, WI RR

Sat 01-May-2010 Dar's Midwest Time Trial Championships Willard TT

Sat 15-May-2010 Rib Falls Time Trial Rib Falls TT

Sun 23-May-2010 L'Alp Bl'Huez Time Trial Blue Mounds State Park TT

Sat 05-Jun-2010 Panther Dash Time Trial Montfort TT

Sun 06-Jun-2010 Panther Dash Road Race Montfort RR

Sat 12-Jun-2010 Frederic Lions Time Trial Frederic TT

Sat 26-Jun-2010 Brice Prairie Time Trials Brice Prairie TT

Sun 27-Jun-2010 LaCrosse Area YMCA Road Race Holmen RR

Sat 03-Jul-2010 Omro Classic Road Race Omro RR

Sat 10-Jul-2010 Greenwood Road Race Greenwood RR

Sun 11-Jul-2010 Get the Lead Out Time Trial Greenwood TT

Sat 17-Jul-2010 Penokee Range Bike Classic Mellen RR

Sat 24-Jul-2010 Blue Mounds Classic Road Race Blue Mounds RR

Sat 31-Jul-2010 Fire House Fifty Road Race and TT Grand View TT

Sat 14-Aug-2010 Real Wheel'n Road Race Mauston RR

Sat 21-Aug-2010 Kirke Vei 20K Time Trial Cottage Grove TT

Sat 28-Aug-2010 Big Ring Flyers Time Trial Hudson TT

Sat 04-Sep-2010 Flambeau 40 Bike Race Park Falls RR

Sat 11-Sep-2010 Ride the Rock Road Race Fort Atkinson RR

Sun 12-Sep-2010 Cleghorn Road Race Cleghorn RR

Sat 18-Sep-2010 L'Alpe Bl'Huez Time Trial II Blue Mounds State Park TT

Fri 24-Sep-2010 Wisport World's Drag Race Waumandee DR

Sat 25-Sep-2010 Wisport World's Road Race Waumandee RR

Sat 25-Sep-2010 Wisport World's Time Trial Waumandee TT

Sat 25-Sep-2010 WIsport Year End Banquet Waumandee 

Read more...

Thursday Night TT's - Madison - Starting in May

Madison's Two Tyred Wheelmen are again holding time trials on Thursday evenings beginning in May. These flyers were posted at the GDVC race this past Sunday and do not seem to be online anywhere.

Read more...

Wednesday Fixie Fix #4

Read more...

2010 Hillsboro - Roubaix ... The Stories

Here's a quick review of rider blogs. What happened out there? Not to be all inclusive, just a few of the 600 stories from out on the roads Saturday.

Super Ape: I gave it everything i had on that last climb and only andrew was chasing. about a block or 2 after the climb he caught up as we started the first descent onto the bricks. still giving it everything and were both neck and neck to that last 90 and were both sprinting for the long straight to the finish. lungs, body, legs are screaming and i am not giving up without a fight. i feel all pain and just push through it. i am in the drops out of the saddle, were close, really close. hes still in the saddle and throws his bike at the line. my wheel crosses first, by an inch and it is done. funny though, as we both acknowledge i took it at the line, his timing chip actually makes it to the line first in a fraction of a second. 

 Pedaling With A Purpose: For the last two years this race has been a qualifier for the Nature Valley proride composite team. The top finishing cat 1 Man and 1/2Woman each earn a spot on an all expenses paid composite team for the Nature Valley Grand Prix Stage Race coming up in June in Minnesota. What a cool opportunity. Since I'm not currently on a supported team this year, I was really hoping to win this. ... Turns out the 7 ahead of me for whatever reason took a pass on the pro ride, so I'm going to Nature Valley this year!!! Pretty excited to be on a fully supported team and get to just race. 

To be Honest with You: 4 miles in i was in the back 1/3rd of the pack. not due to fitness, but more a lack of skills. i need to work on getting my arse in the front half of packs and hope that comes with more races. the back was all that CAT 5s are said to be; brakes, surges, brakes, surges, squirrels, brakes, and surges.

then, everyone yells slowing, i hear brakes, i hear metal, i hear a pop, and the guy in front of me locks up his brakes. i got no where to go, so i continue forward on my line, slowing, but not braking, and i believe i pushed that guy off the road into the ditch. i either got my tire square on his or into his RD. not sure, but my first thought was braking hard was not the right thing. 5 seconds later i see Matt, who had been riding well near the front, floating back. remember the pop? as we pass i say, "flat" he says "flat" then i say "fuck" and slam my bars.

4 miles in his day was done.

Chris Uberti (P1/2 Winner): To give you an idea how fast we were going, going into the last lap the breakaway, which was no fluff group (Kyle Jacobson, Ryan Freund, and Ben Damhoff) had four minutes on the field, but within twenty miles from the start of the final lap they had all been brought back.

  ... Going into the finish it was looking more and more like a field sprint so I stayed in the top five going up the climb. By the top Greg and Kirk had moved up to the front ahead of me and our lead-out was set. We made the sharp downhill left-hander and hit the cobbles for the last time with Greg at the front at 45 mph. We made it through the descent without getting swarmed, Greg swung off just before the last corner, and Kirk took over the lead-out. Since it was a strong headwind I tried to wait on the sprint. By the time we hit the 200 meters I still hadn’t seen anyone so decided to initiate my sprint. After a few pedal strokes I still hadn’t seen any wheels, so I looked back: I saw Kirk, then a bunch of space. Going through the corner and coming out Kirk had gapped pretty much the entire field, and I had some space for the win.

Read more...

Gregg Bednorski Memorial (GDVC) #1 - Madison

The Wisconsin Cup is off and running after the first USAC race in the state yesterday on Madison's southwest side. The course is a "D" shaped course, just under a mile long and next week's race will be run on the same course, but in the opposite direction. In the early bird races this week, the U15 Juniors was won by Everett Jones (Baraboo Sharks), the 15-18 Juniors was won by Spencer Oswald (Baraboo Sharks), and Heidi Stangl (unattached) took the Women Cat. 4's. 

 The Master's 3/4 riders had their hands full with Albertus Rohling (Unattached) who rode off the front by himself, and just kept going! There were multiple attempts to catch him, but they were all unsuccessful and absorbed. Jeff Melcher (Unattached) came in second, Richard Amen (Team Extreme) third. 
 

Rohling didn't seem too taxed after crossing the line. He seemed to be thinking: "That's it? Hmmm, maybe I should do another race?"
 

The Men's Cat. 5/Citizens race featured a field of 52 riders at the start, but the fast tempo quickly had riders trailing off the back like a comet getting too close to the sun. About half of that number gelled into the main pack. On the bell for the final lap, two riders escaped off the front barely holding off the fast approaching field as they crossed the line. It was 1. Patrick Diamond (Gear Grinder), 2. Erik Kolda (O2 Cycling), 3. Jarred Cassady (Fisher Road Team) 

The Cat. 4 event developed in a similar fashion to the Cat. 5 in that after one lap of easy going tempo, the afterburners were lit, and slower riders were sent off the back in a hurry. With 10 laps to go it was obvious that it was probably going to come down to a field sprint and that's just what happened. Ryan Carlson (Wheel and Sprocket) appeared to have it in the bag, but once again Matt "Speedy" Haiduk came from behind and nipped Carlson for the win.  Check out the finish line photo!

Master's 4/5. Some riders, who rode the Elite Men's 4 race, stuck around to do the Master's 4/5 which immediately followed. This race too, came down to a field sprint with Michael Froh (Velo Trocadero) opening it up from the last corner and holding it to the line for the win. As the dust settled, it became obvious though, that this wasn't a straight cut sprint finish as we now see three riders laying in the road just after the final turn. Word has it that the field came through that last corner real hot, and the rear wheel of one rider simply skipped sideways, putting his bike into a wobble that ultimately he could not control. Two others went down with him and none were quick to get back on their feet. They hit hard and they stayed down. It was apparent that one rider had hit his head and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. We with him well and hope for a full and fast recovery. 

Masters 1/2/3. Deja Vu for the fast Masters racers as Chris Halverson (IS Corp) get's his first win of the season. A group of 10 riders got away in the first half of the race and it looked like they were going to be able to hold it to the end. As the bell rang for the last lap, the pack had gained enough time on the break to get just within striking distance and a number of riders let it all hang out in order to bridge that gap. Additional attacks on the back straight must have been fast and furious because the field came around the last turn all strung out and it was Halverson powering ahead for the victory. Surely, many more will follow.

Andrew Stoll (IS Corp) won the
field sprint in the Men's Cat. 3 event which was a barn burner - start to finish. The entire race was attack! attack! attack! with a few racers getting up to 10 seconds advantage ,but no more. At the bell, Chazz Martin (IS Corp) took a serious flyer, but even he was denied escape. Ric Damm of Ripon shares his Garmin data with us and it shows that the speed of that race was around 40kph the entire time.

About 60 riders lined up for the Pro 1/2 event, and it was fast as usual. Again and again riders would gain up to 10 seconds only to be denied escape. There was always plenty of horsepower at the front and at one point the field was strung out to a long single line, not unlike like a rubber band being stretched to it's breaking point. If even just one rider had let a gap open up, the field would have been split in two, but everyone stayed on the gas and the pack stayed together. Strongmen Chad Hartley (Kenda/Gear Grinder) and James Stemper (Kenda/Gear Grinder) were often at the front pressing, pressing to get something going, but in the closing laps it was Kyle Jacobsen (IS Corp), Adam McClurg (LAPT), and Tristan Schouten (Planet Bike) who managed to get a 15 second lead. With two laps to go, Stemper was again on the point, pulling for all he was worth, trying to bring back the escapees - which he did. Crossing the line as the bell rang, Stemper pulled off - job well done, however it was Dan Ajer (Unattatched) taking the hotly contested field sprint for his second win of the year. It took a photo finish to separate the top 5 riders in this one.

The Women's 1/2/3 race was the
last of the day, and Team Kenda was present in force showing a total of 8 riders on the start line. It was no surprise then that they ended up with two in the breakaway with Kristin Wentworth getting the win over
Rachel Roessingh (IS Corp), and Kelly Hess (Kenda) coming in third. 

Racing continues at this same course next Sunday after Velo Trocadero's event at Menomonee Falls Park on Saturday.

[Excuse the spaces in the text above making it hard to read. This software is horrible! Will be looking for a remedy A.S.A.P. - Editor]

Read more...