Four More Added To Nature Valley Pro Ride Rosters

For Immediate Release

Four More Added To Nature Valley Pro Ride Rosters; Next Qualifier This Weekend

Minneapolis (May 12, 2010) — The rosters of the Nature Valley Pro Ride men’s and women’s teams are more than halfway filled, with another two riders to be selected this weekend.

Sunday’s Bear Mountain Spring Classic in Harriman State Park in New York will be contested on a challenging 21-mile loop that includes a climb of more than two miles, with some parts reaching a 12 percent grade. This climb is likely to be the decisive factor in the race. The Pro-I-II men race 80 miles while the women’s qualifying race is 50 miles. The event is promoted by the Century Road Club Association, one of the oldest bicycle racing clubs in the nation.

“The Bear Mountain Spring Classic is one of the most challenging one-day races in the Nature Valley Pro Ride Series,” Nature Valley Grand Prix Executive Director David LaPorte said. ”The qualifiers from this race will be well-prepared for the new Menomonie Road Race, which will put even the best climbers to the test.”

Four qualifiers from the past two Nature Valley Pro Ride events have been added to the roster of each composite team for the 2010 Nature Valley Grand Prix. The 12th annual edition of the premier stage race on the 2010 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar will be held in East Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, June 16-20.

Qualifying from the Barrio Logan Grand Prix/San Luis Rey Road Race omnium May 1-2 are Brandon Gritters
(Williams Cycling presented by SC VELO) of Mission Viejo, Calif., and Emily Kachorek
(Wells Fargo Racing Team) of Sacramento, Calif. Kachorek is the wife of former pro Pete Knudsen, a Minnesota native who placed third at the Stillwater Criterium in the 2003 edition of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Qualifying from the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic April 23-25 in Oregon were Sue Butler (River City Bicycles) of Portland, Ore., and Gabe Varela (San Diego Bicycle Club) of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Butler has previously represented the United States at the cyclocross world championships in 2008 and 2009.

Previous women’s qualifiers for the Nature Valley Pro Ride are Kristen Meshberg of Lyons, Ill., and Monroe, Ga., resident Nancy Jones. Previous men’s qualifiers are Zach Garrett of Sumter, S.C. and Lawrence, Kan., resident Joseph Schmalz of the Mercy Cycling Team.

The final Nature Valley Pro Ride event is the Mt. Hamilton Classic Road Race/Memorial Day Criterium, May 30-31, in California.

Nature Valley Pro Riders who are invited to compete in the Nature Valley Grand Prix earn free entry to the race, generous travel stipends, team clothing, housing, ground transportation, and staff support for their composite teams. They also receive pro-level recognition before, during and after the events, including pre-race call-ups and participation in promotional and media appearances.

For more information, visit www.NatureValleyProRide.com.

About the Nature Valley Grand Prix
The Nature Valley Grand Prix, which takes place in Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, is the premier stage race on the 2010 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The 2010 race will include stops in Saint Paul, Cannon Falls, Minneapolis, Menomonie, and Stillwater. The Nature Valley Grand Prix is a volunteer-run event, with all proceeds donated to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, the festival’s benefiting charity. More information can be found at: www.NatureValleyGrandPrix.com.

About Nature Valley
Nature Valley, the brand that created the granola bar category in 1975, brings variety to healthy, active consumers looking for wholesome and great-tasting snacks. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Nature Valley is part of General Mills, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. For more information, visit www.NatureValley.com.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sean Weide
Communications Specialist, Trailhead Marketing
P.O. Box 24263, Omaha, NE 68124-0263
Phone: 402.541.2594 | E-Mail: sean@trailheadmarketing.com

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Tour of Elkhart Lake (WI)

An alternative to the Quad Cities on Memorial Day Weekend, is the new Tour of Elkhart Lake! Held under ABR rules this is a new twist to the annual pilgrimage to Iowa:


CRITERIUM INFORMATION:
Saturday, May 29
The criterium is a 1/2 mile course in the heart of Elkhart Lake.  Criteriums are the most popular type of racing in the USA in which participants race continuous loops for a specified time rather than a specified distance, very spectator friendly.  This exciting event favor cyclist with good agility.  Awards will be given to top 5 in each category.  After the racing has finished there will be the famous one on one, bike vs. skate 100 Meter Dash for all to watch.  CRITERIUM COURSE MAP click here
Sports messages at the finish line provided by serenitymassageandyoga.com

ROAD RACE INFORMATION:
Sunday, May 30
The road race tours through Wisconsin’s beautiful countryside on a 6.5 Mile course.  Participants will race for a specified time or distance, whichever comes first.  Awards will be given to top 3 in each category.  ROAD COURSE AND TTT MAP click here

INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL INFORMATION:
Monday, May 31
The invidual time trial is a 40 kilometer pursuit on the same course as the road race.  Cyclist must complete the distance themselves to achieve the shortest time possible.  Cyclist will complete 4 laps on a 6.5 mile course.  This event favors individuals who can maintain a fast and steady pace throughout the distance. Times will be recorded when the second team member crosses the finish line.  Participant start order and intervals will be specified closer to the event.  Awards will be given to top 3 in each category.  ROAD COURSE AND TTT MAP click here

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Weekend Ahead - May 15 & 16th

The good people in charge of the weather are promising some sunshine for this upcoming weekend of racing. Let's hold them to it!

Minnesota     
- nothing scheduled.

Iowa 
- State Fair Criterium - Des Moines, IA Sunday May 16. Presented by All 9 Yards Cycling Team. 3/4 mile hilly crit, two short steep climbs per lap with an increased prize list!

Missouri
- RMC Hellbender Omnium - Ft Leonard Wood, MO Saturday and Sunday May 15 & 16th. Presented by the Rolla Multisport Club. Criterium - A closed course located on the Fort Leonard Wood Military Installation. Course is a 1.4 mile clockwise loop; generally flat to rolling with a few areas with slight elevation. Road Race - A 35 mile clockwise loop starting in Newburg on quiet, scenic rural roads through the Mark Twain National Forest, traversing the Big and Little Piney River watersheds. The most scenic and challenging road course in the state.

Wisconsin

  LaRue-Denzer-LaRue - Baraboo, WI Saturday May 15th Presented by Baraboo Sharks. Scenic loop on rural roads with challenging climbs (they are so modest - these are BIG hills!)

  Wheels on Willy - Madison, WI Sunday May 16 Presented by Brazen Dropouts. Back to the classic 1 km rectangular course through the historic Willy Street neighborhood. Cronometro bike shop and
lots of great restaurants and stores along the course will be open, so bring your family & friends for a day of fun.

Rib Falls TT - Athens, WI  (WISPORT) Sunday May 16 25 miles with 1500 ft of vertical climbing.

Illinois
 Monsters of the Midway - Chicago, IL Saturday May 15 Presented by the University of Chicago Velo Club. 1.1 mile loop along Hyde Park’s Midway Plaisance. Counter-clockwise, with the start/finish on the south side near Woodlawn Ave. Right on the beautiful University of Chicago campus.

Fox River Grove Cycling Challenge - Fox River Grove, IL Sunday May 16 Presented by the RDS Cycling Team. A 1.2 mile course one good size hill and a twisty back end descending down to the start finish. (right next to the uber cool Norge Ski Club ski jumping hill!)

Cham-pain County 40k TT -  Tolono, IL Sunday May 16 (ABR) presented by Wild Card Cycling. Chip timing part of the MID-AMERICA TIME TRIAL SERIES.

Indiana
Men of Steel TT Challenge - New Haven, IN Saturday May 15 Presented by Men of Steel Racing. Solo or team, Nothing Aero. Max wheel profile 30mm. Fastest pedal-er wins. Course is a flat 40K, out-and-back. 20K out-and-back for Juniors, Eddy Merckx, 60+, and others upon request. Finish easily seen 1.5 miles out. Pavement is good.

Eagle Creek Park “Contemporary” Circuit Race - Indianapolis, IN Sunday May 16 Presented by Planet Adventure. Eagle Creek Park- course is a brand new course. It is flat with many technical turns. Chip timing. Planet Adventure Cycling races are here to continue the cycling tradition in Indiana and the Midwest! Brought to you by a fellow racer that has taken what all racers like and brought it to the calendar to keep racing alive!

Michigan
No road races scheduled but there are Time Trials at the Bloomer Park Velodrome and on Sunday in Grand Rapids there is the Priority Health Women's Cycling Clinic.

Ohio

Chippewa Creek Road Race  - Brecksville, OH Sunday May 16 Presented by Chagrin River Cycling. The course is a 4 mile loop with three main sections. There is a 200 ft/1 mile climb, a rolling gradual ascent with several sweeping turns, and a one mile high speed descent.


OSRS #7 - Bond Rd. Race - Harrison, OH Sunday May 16 Presented by Big Dave Sports.This 3-corner course has something for everybody. It starts on an uphill before turning onto a slightly rolling and winding ridge top before the road falls out from under your wheels with a screaming descent into the creek valley below. You’ll spend the next 3 miles on a flat and straight valley road until you see the wall spur off to the right. After the first 200 meters, you’ll experience a wicked switchback and continue up the wall for another couple hundred meters before the road lightens up to a more tolerable grade and into the uphill “sprint” finish.

Colavita-Zipp Speed Weaponry Time Trial Series -  Versailles, OH Sunday May 16 (ABR) 20 miles THE MIDWEST’S PREMIER TIME TRIAL SERIES RETURNS, WITH ALL THE FEATURES YOU HAVE COME TO LOVE, PLUS NEW COURSES AND CASH

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Flashback Quiz - Answer!

This photo was taken during the 1969 National Track Championships in Encino, CA. The rider on the left is former Junior National Champion Gary Campbell, the rider on the right is 17 year old Jim Ochowicz, later to be on the US Olympic Team in 1972 and 1976. He was the founder of the 7-11 amateur cycling team in 1981 which was turned to a professional squad in 1985. In 1986, 7-11 was the first American team invited to participate in the Tour de France, and in 1988  Andy Hampsten won the Giro d'Italia while riding for 7-11. In the 1990's, team sponsorship was transferred over to Motorola and they were the first Pro team to use radios during races. Lance Armstrong rode for Motorola during his early years as a professional and that team morphed into the US Postal squad. Jim Ochowicz, originally from Michigan, married Olympic speed skater and cyclist Sheila Young and they moved to the Milwaukee area where the 7-11 and Motorola team headquarters were based for years. In 1997, Jim Ochowicz was inducted into the US Cycling Hall of Fame.  Jim's younger brother is Bill Ochowicz, current race promoter of the Tour of America's Dairlyland. So, while much of the cycling news you read about is focused on far reaching parts of the world, and on people you will never see in person, don't forget what impact our own people, right here in the Midwest, have the cycling world abroad.

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Weekend Review - May 8 & 9

We all know that the US Collegiate Nationals took place in and around Madison, WI this weekend and those races have been covered, but what else happened around the area? Let's take a look.

In Minnesota, where some snow did fall on Friday, the weather was .. well, tolerable on Saturday for the SIbley County Road Race. It appears that there were come close field sprints according to the results, and Brian Koeneman reports on his second ride to victory this year as well as his ingenious use of the neutral rollout to take a pre-race pee break!

Iowa City had the Black Diamond Time Trial on Sunday - no reports, no results. Did it happen? Who knows!

Elsewhere in Wisconsin, Hampshire Cycling put on the Matt Wittig Memorial Circuit Race in Muskego Park. Again, NO RESULTS, but William Pankonin (XXX) does give us his version of how the race played out during his solo breakway to victory! Well done. Also, Dan Andrews (XXX) blogs about the Muskego race, but his luck was on the opposite end of the spectrum. You an prepare for these races and feel you've got it all down, but then something out of the ordinary happens and it's: "Bollocks!" "I've just paid $27 to ride this thing  . . .  there’s no way i am quitting this darn race no matter how far back or how much this hurts. i paid for this thing...i am going to finish." It's a great read.
Isaac Holton has posted some excellent quality photos for you to look at HERE, check 'em out.

In Illinois, ABR had the Verizon Wireless Two Man TT, 40k of riding pleasure. Again, NO RESULTS, but XXX comes through again with a great read from Bill Barnes in his "First TIme in the Pain Cave". A pair of green horn Cat. 5's with no aero gear GET IT DONE for some great results. Bravo!

Over in Indiana on Saturday there was the Brookside Circuit Race and ABR had the Eagle Creek Criterium. Guess what ... NO RESULTS and NO STORIES available.

In Michigan on Saturday, they had the Tour of Kensington Valley, near Detroit and by looking at the results the Men Cat 3's had a two up breakway with a photo finish sprint with the two riders finishing only 0.2 seconds apart. While over in the Cat. 5 race, the top 5 riders were only separated by 0.3 seconds! We would love to see the photo of that finish! While I don't see that finish in particular, Erika Fulk does have some nice shots posted at her page. Scott Cantanzaro tells the story of his first Pro 1/2 race: "This past saturday was probably one of the most brutal road races (Tour of Kensington Valley)  I could have imagined in May."

In Michigan on Sunday, there was the Cone-Azalia Road Race put on by the Ann Arbor Velo Club. NO OFFICIAL RESULTS posted yet, but someone took a photo of the results and we see that Paul Martin (Panther) won the Pro 1/2. About the race, Cantanzaro writes: "Sunday I had my first experience with the anomaly that is the Cone Azalia Road Race. The race claims to be the "Paris-Roubaix" of the Midwest, I wasn't really sure what to expect. Dudes showed up with all sorts of different gear: Cross bikes with road tires, road bikes with cross tires. crappy wheels, carbon wheels, etc... Long story short, more than 30% of the race was offroad on some pretty rough gravel/dirt roads." Tim Finkelstein summarizes this day nicely in his blog: I may of been DFL but I refused to DNF." Well put.

There were no races in Ohio, so that wraps up this weekend in review report!

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Flashback Quiz!

Okay, cycling fans. Here's one that you won't find 
on the internet anywhere! Can you name the riders? 
One of them was a large part of cycling history and
lived right here in the Midwest! To place this photo
on cycling's time line, it was taken in the same year
as Woodstock. You've heard of Woodstock?
 
Answer will be given tomorrow.

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2010 US Collegiate Nationals - Video

Here's some video shot during the three day weekend:

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2010 US Collegiate Nationals - Day 3 - TTT

Day three of the 2010 US Collegiate Nationals was a 19.5 mile team time trial just outside of Waterloo, WI but first let's catch up on the rest of the action from the criterium in Madison yesterday. 

Women's Division 2 saw a three up break roll down the road from about midway. Arielle Filiberti (Dartmouth), Kendi Thomas (Whitman), and Rita Klofta (DePauw) put over a minute on the hard chasing pack with Filiberti surging ahead and taking her second win of the championships (she won the road race on Saturday). Kendi Thomas came in second besting her third in the road race, and Rita Klofta earned her place on the podium.

The Women's D1 race came down to a field sprint and I suppose everyone suspected that Carla Swart would get yet another win, but NO! Wisconsin native now going to school in Texas, Jen Purcell (Midwestern State) held off Swart from the final turn and got the win, and the championship, right on the line! Little did we know that Midwestern State would later win the D1 Mens race as well.

The Men's D2 race was a barn burner with constant attacking, quite often from Minnesota State's Pat Lemieux who took second in Saturday's road race (and has been having a good season leading up to the championships). Once again it came down to a field sprint and this time it was Richard Geng (Mesa State) beating Lemieux for the victory. 

Now it's Sunday, the sun finally came out, and it was time for the team time trial held just outside of Waterloo, WI - home of Trek's World HQ. The course was a 19.5 mile mixture of open road and twisty back farm lanes, all with rollers and twists, some of which were rather tight. Whitman College took the Women's D2 title with a time of 45:26.

Women's Division 1 was taken by Indiana's Marian College with a time of 42:25, 10 seconds faster than Lees-McRae, and 36 seconds faster than third place UC-Davis.

Men's Division 2 was won by a very tight looking Mesa State with a time of 38:15, besting Western Washington and Whitman College for their national championship. 






To learn who would be the Men's Division 1 National Champion, spectators were forced to wait until the very end of the day, biting their fingernails the whole time as each team crossed the finish line and stopped the clock. With still a number of teams out on course, Colorado finished with an impressive time of 38:11 and the crowd gave out an audible "Oooooo" as they beat Lindsey Wilson by a full 29 seconds. This was repeated again as Fort Lewis crossed with a blistering 37:32 ,  this time a full 40 seconds faster than Colorado! 

The next team to finish was Marian, and the crowd cheered for them as they streaked across the line in 36:23! Over a FULL MINUTE ahead of Fort Lewis! Now there were only two teams left on course, Lees-McRae and UC-Davis. Lees-McRae posted a 4th place 37:52 and the announcers counted down the seconds to see if UC-Davis could still win, but no - 36:58. Good for second place. Marian College wins the Men's Division 1 National Championship!


Full results including the omnium results can be found on the USA Cycling site. It was a long, hard weekend for everyone, but WOW! what fun!

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2010 US Collegiate Nationals - Day 2 - Criterium

Just a quick report on the Division 1 Championship now with a full report Sunday night including the team time trial.  

Division 1 Men: A huge field lined up on the historic Capital Square criterium course in Madison this evening. There was also a very good crowd of spectators despite cold temps in the mid 40's and a brisk wind. The exact number of starters in the D1 race is unknown at this moment, but when stretched out single file, leaders were entering turn one as the last riders were exiting turn four. 

As in all the races, there was plenty of aggression right from the gun in the hour long race but nothing really got organized to gain much of an advantage.

Nearing the end of the race, with about 7 laps remaining, two riders escaped and quickly gained 10 seconds on the field. With 3 laps to go, we were shocked to see that a single rider quickly and easily bridged the gap ... suddenly there were three, holding their advantage, and looking very dangerous. With two laps remaining ANOTHER single rider bridged up ... now there were FOUR riders away and they weren't looking back. 

As the riders came into view around the last turn to get the bell for the final lap, we were shocked again to find that just as quickly as those riders had escaped, they were caught again. So, now it's down to a one lap drag race. Who's got the legs to become champion?

Around the final turn comes the pack, all together until one single rider explodes from the front ... who is it??? Who is it???

It's JOSH CARTER from Midwestern State University!

What an emotional victory for Carter who was having a hard time holding back the tears of joy! Speaking with announcer Brad Sohner after wards, it was obvious that Carter was still choked up and this victory was especially sweet. He stated that he's raced on this course before, so he knew what he needed to do, however it was a shock coming from Texas yesterday where the temperature was 90 degrees. "Yeah, it's COLD here!"

Josh Carter (Midwestern State University), your 2010 Division One Collegiate National Champion. More reports Sunday night after the Team Time Trial in Waterloo, WI, home of the Trek world headquarters.

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2010 US Collegiate Nationals - Day 1 - Road Race

When Madison, Wisconsin was chosen for the site of the 2010 USA Collegiate National Cycling Championships, was the quality of hot tubs and laundromats part of the selection process? With the start/finish area, high up on Bluemound State Park, being shrouded in clouds the entire day, and a cold 40 degree rain soaking riders most of the day, hot tubs and laundromats were probably the talk of the peloton Friday as all the riders suffered on this brutal course in Southwest Wisconsin.

The men rode 72 miles or 5 laps of this 16 mile loop, once part of the proposed 2016 Chicago Olympic road race course that has 1,900 feet of climbing per lap. This course will eat a peloton alive on a nice sunny day, but on this day, riders were constantly succumbing to the very testing elements of late spring.

If you were fortunate enough to survive the course and the cold, wet weather, then hopefully you weren't one of the dozens of riders who got flat tires today. Many a good ride was ruined by bad fortune and there's wasn't much you could do to prevent it. 

Escaping the Division 1 field was Adam Wisseman (Colorado State) and Blake Anton (Cal Poly) who finished together almost a minute ahead of 3rd place Menso de Jong (Cal Poly). Anton, seen here trailing Wisseman, took the win by a bike length on the line (see video below).

Cory Scott (William and Mary) bested Minnesotan Pat Lemieux (Minnesota State) and Richard Geng of Colorado's Mesa State College in the Division 2 championship.

Talented Carla Swart (Lees-McRae) took her third Division 1 title today over Courtney O'Donnell (Cal State) and Sinead Miller (Marian College). Swart seen here on the far left. Division 2 was won by Arielle Filberti of Dartmouth.


Racing continues today (Saturday) on the historic Capital Square criterium course that laps around Wisconsin's state capital building. A fast, but not flat, course that can be tricky in the rain due to the off camber turns. Competition ends on Sunday with team time trials in nearby Waterloo, WI.



http://www.channel3000.com/recreation/23491780/detail.html

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Fiber One Is New Sponsor Of Nature Valley's Collegiate All-Star Team

Minneapolis (May 7, 2010) – Fiber One, a General Mills brand, is the new title sponsor of the Collegiate All-Star Team for the Nature Valley Grand Prix that is being selected at this week’s USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships.


The six collegiate racers who earn spots on the composite team will wear their school jerseys but compete as the “Fiber One Collegiate All-Stars,” wearing team shorts at the Nature Valley Grand Prix in June.


The USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships are taking place today through Sunday in Madison, Wis. Eligibility for the special squad is based on the final individual overall (omnium) standings for female riders who are not members of a team that is already registered to compete in the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Each team member receives complimentary entry into the Nature Valley Grand Prix, free host housing, a support staff comprised of a team manager, mechanic, soigneur and massage therapist, team clothing and a travel stipend.


“The Fiber One Collegiate All Stars is one of the coolest programs that we have,” Nature Valley Grand Prix Director David LaPorte said. “Collegiate cycling is growing by leaps and bounds. This is a chance to showcase that part of the sport. It also help us connect the sport with people since the program resonates with the alumni of the schools that the riders represent and even with the alumni of those schools’ arch rivals.”


“I’m really excited to have Fiber One on board as a title sponsor”, said Fiber One Collegiate All-Stars Manager John Barron. “Cycling is a lifetime sport and Fiber One’s healthy lifestyles message is an excellent fit.”


Past Fiber One Collegiate All-Stars team members are a Who’s Who of young up-and-coming talent in the professional ranks, including: Kristin McGrath (Fort Lewis College) and Sinead Miller (Marian University), now both racing for the Peanut Butter and Co – Twenty12 team, Amanda Miller (Colorado State), now competing for Team TIBCO, and Erica Allar (Penn State) and Carla Swart (Lees McRae College), both now racing for Team Vera Bradley Foundation.


The 2010 edition of the Nature Valley Grand Prix will be run in East Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin from June 16-20.


# # #

For More Information, Contact:

Sean Weide
Communications Specialist, Trailhead Marketing
P.O. Box 24263, Omaha, NE 68124-0263
Phone: 402.541.2594 | E-Mail: sean@trailheadmarketing.com

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Tour of Missouri in jeopardy

Multiple sources covering this AP news report:
From CanadianBusiness.Com


Tour of Missouri in jeopardy as state withholds $1M from cycling race
By Alan Scher Zagier
Article Tools


COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Organizers of the Tour of Missouri said Thursday the international cycling race is in deep trouble and likely won't be held in a few months because of uncertainty over state funding.
"We've said all along that without the state, it's just not realistic," said Chris Aronholt, managing partner of Medalist Sports, the Georgia company that coordinates the race.
State lawmakers awarded the 2010 race $1 million from the Division of Tourism. The three previous tours received a total of $6 million in public money.
But faced with its own budget cuts of $5 million to $7 million, the tourism division says it needs the race money for more pressing projects with greater statewide benefit. And Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who last year temporarily froze the race's $1.5 million tourism allocation before changing course, doesn't seem likely to overrule the tourism commission.
The race was started by his predecessor, Republican Matt Blunt, and later championed by Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Nixon's presumed challenger in the 2012 election.
"The state money is not going toward the race," said Tourism Commission chairwoman Marci Bennett. "I hope the race organizers can pull a rabbit out of a hat as far as corporate sponsors."
The 2010 race is scheduled to be run Aug. 31 through Sept. 6.
While the Missouri race has received some corporate support, it struggled to find a title sponsor to attach its name to the event and relieve the state of what had always been intended as a short-term financial commitment.
Similar financial woes have scuttled professional cycling races in Utah, Connecticut and Georgia in recent years, leaving the Tour of California as the country's only high-level pro event.
St. Louis bike shop owner Mike Weiss, chairman of the Tour of Missouri board, held out hope that the race can be salvaged by ramping up public pressure among supporters, including state lawmakers from both parties.
"This event was 'canceled' last summer, and there was a reversal," he said. "What we're seeing right now is a calculation. It just needs to be shown that it's a miscalculation."
Aronholt said that other states are prepared to fill the void if the Missouri race disappears
"We are in discussions with and aware of interest from other states," he said.
Race boosters had hoped to lure seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and his new Radio Shack team to Missouri. Armstrong retired in 2005 but returned to racing last year.
"This is the only event after the Tour de France that could possibly have Lance Armstrong racing on home soil," Weiss said. "Why not Missouri?"
An economic analysis of the 2009 Tour of Missouri paid for by the state estimated about a half-million people watched the race and spent more than $30 million. Still, some state tourism officials have questioned the value of the race.
Weiss said the race has reduced its budget by $1 million this year and expected to collect an equivalent amount in private support.
"We have an event that is ready to launch," he said. "We have major corporations that are Missouri-based that are reluctant to commit resources because of the politics. It's kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy."

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UCI 'Cross Eyed

The 2010/2011 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Calendar of UCI inscripted events has been released. The midwest certainly has it's share of UCI 'Cross races!

25-Sep USGP of Cyclocross Planet Bike Cup Sun Prairie WI  UCI1
26-Sep USGP of Cyclocross Planet Bike Cup Sun Prairie WI UCI2

9-Oct Java Johnny's - Lionhearts International Cyclocross Middletown OH UCI2
10-Oct Bio Wheels/United Dairy Farmers Harbin Park Intl Cincinnati OH UCI1

23-Oct USGP of Cyclocross Derby City Cup Louisville KY UCI1
24-Oct USGP of Cyclocross Derby City Cup Louisville KY UCI2

26-Nov Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock presented by Scheels Iowa City IA UCI2
27-Nov Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock presented by Scheels Iowa City IA UCI2
28-Nov Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock presented by Scheels Iowa City IA UCI1

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Weekend Ahead - May 8 & 9

Lot's going again here in the Midwest. Many top riders are traveling south to Arkansas for the Joe Martin Stage Race, so here's your chance to grab up some upgrade points!
Minnesota:
Sibley County RR Saturday May 8 A 17.75 mile loop over open, rolling farm land using Sibley cty rd 12, 19, 27, 5, & 6. The finish line is about one mile up the two mile climb on cty rd 12.
Iowa:
Black Diamond Road TT  Iowa City Sunday May 9 24 miles distance if road conditions allow.
Missouri:
Thurs Night Mr Bumpy Face Track Series  St Louis. Thursday May 6th Racing practice. A variety of racing going on at the Penrose Velodrome. See flyer for details.
Wisconsin:
USA Cycling 2010 Collegiate Road Nationals  May 7,8, and 9th in and around Madison. See flyer for details.
Matt Wittig Memorial Race  Muskego Saturday May 8th at Muskego Park. 100 ft of climbing per lap.
Illinois:
Verizon Wireless Two Person TTT  (ABR) Garden Prairie, IL Saturday May 8th part of the mid-america time trial series.
Indiana:
Planet Adventure Brookside Park CMT Circuit Race Indianapolis Saturday May 8 Brookside Park criterium
IRS – Eagle Creek Traditional Criterium (ABR) Saturday May 8 Indianapolis at Eagle Creek Park, part of the Indiana Race Series.
Monrovia TT #1 (ABR) Monrovia Sunday May 9 40k, part of the Indiana Race Series.
Michigan:
Tour of Kensington Valley  Milford, MI NW of Detroit. Saturday May 8, eight mile circuit race.
Cone-Azalia Classic Road Race  Milan, MI Sunday May 9 Ten mile loop with 4 miles of gravel/dirt near Ann Arbor. "The Paris-Roubaix of the Midwest!"
Ohio:
Nothing scheduled.

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Collegiate Nationals come to Madison - May 7,8, & 9th

This weekend the US Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships will arrive in Madison for the first time since 2004. More than 500 riders from 100 teams are expected. Racing begins Friday with the road race held near Bluemound State Park, Saturday will be the criterium held on the Capitol Square course in Madison, and Sunday will be the team time trial in Waterloo at the Trek HQ. The men's road race will include over 8,000 ft of climbing over it's 72 mile distance. Complete information can be found HERE.

2010 USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships

Madison, Wisconsin

May 6-9

Friday May 7

8:30 am  Men’s Division I Road Race       Blue Mound State Park     72 miles (5 laps)

8:40 am  Men’s Division II Road Race      Blue Mound State Park     72 miles (5 laps)

1:00 pm  Women’s Division I Road Race  Blue Mound State Park     58 miles (4 laps)

1:10 pm  Women’s Division II Road Race Blue Mound State Park     58 miles (4 laps)

                       

Saturday May 8  
8:45-10:45 am    Coaching Clinic and breakfast        Madison Concourse Hotel 

12:00-4:45 pm    Registration & Packet Pick-Up*       Madison Concourse Hotel 

3:00 pm  Women’s Division II Criterium   Capitol Square - Madison     45 mins
4:00 pm  Women’s Division I Criterium    Capitol Square - Madison     45 mins
5:00 pm  Men’s Division II Criterium         Capitol Square - Madison     60 mins

6:15 pm  Men’s Division I Criterium          Capitol Square - Madison     60 mins

8:00-9:30 pm   Collegiate Awards Banquet     Monona Terrace - Madison 

Sunday May 9     
9:30 am         Women’s Division II TTT    Trek Bicycle HQ - Waterloo 19.2 miles

To Follow**    Women’s Division I TTT     Trek Bicycle HQ - Waterloo 19.2 miles

To Follow      Men’s Division II TTT          Trek Bicycle HQ - Waterloo 19.2 miles

To Follow      Men’s Division I TTT           Trek Bicycle HQ - Waterloo 19.2 miles

To Follow†    Awards Ceremony              Trek Bicycle HQ - Waterloo 40 mins‡

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Retro Ride #1

Something a little different:

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Registration Opens For Minnesota Fixed Gear Classic ! June 11-13, 2010

Minneapolis (May 4, 2010) – Registration is now open for the  Fixed Gear Classic, a thrilling three days of track racing at the National Sports Center Velodrome in Blaine, Minn., that leads off the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival.

The Fixed Gear Classic provides different fields for men (Pro-I-II) and women (Pro-I-II-III) in a unique dual omnium program that showcases separate competitions for sprinters and endurance specialists. Competition begins Friday night, June 11 and runs through Sunday, June 13. Events will include both men’s and women’s Madison races along with cross-over events like the Miss-n-Out that offer points for both omniums.

“Track was a part of the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival for the first three years, from 1999-2001, culminating with the 2001 Elite Track Nationals,” Nature Valley Grand Prix Executive Director David LaPorte said. “We brought it back in 2008, but the economy forced us to take a year off in 2009. Now it’s back, this time we hope for good. By bringing track racing under the same media and marketing umbrella as the Nature Valley Grand Prix, we hope to gain national exposure for this sport even in non-Olympic years.”

Fields are filling fast through online registration, which closes June 4. Down-loadable registration forms and more details can be found at http://www.nscsports.org/sports/cycling/events/fixed_gear_classic.htm.

The Fixed Gear Classic is run in conjunction with the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the premier stage race on the 2010 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. This year’s race includes stops in Saint Paul, Cannon Falls, Minneapolis, Menomonee, and Stillwater. The Nature Valley Grand Prix is a part of the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival, a volunteer-run event, with all proceeds donated to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, the festival’s benefiting charity. More information can be found at: www.NatureValleyBicycleFestival.com .

Attached photo courtesy: Jonathan Chapman Photography


For More Information, Contact:Sean Weide
Communications Specialist, Trailhead Marketing
P.O. Box 24263, Omaha, NE 68124-0263
Phone: 402.541.2594 | E-Mail: sean@trailheadmarketing.com

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Weekend Review - May 1 & 2

     You've seen what's happened here in Wisconsin the past few days, what about the rest of the Midwest region? Let's try to piece it together, shall we? In Minnesota on Saturday, there was the Marty Road Race near Marty, MN. Wind was a factor there just as in other areas. It appears that Pat Lemieux just nipped Adam Bergman on the line after 80 miles and a 5 rider breakaway in the Pro 1/2 event. You can find some photos here and the results here.

     Iowa had some mountain biking but nothing on the road, so we move down to Missouri and the Artie Miller Memorial Belleville Race which was really in Illinois, but just outside of St Louis. Results are here, photos can be seen here. We do have some bike cam action on YouTube which I'm guessing is Pro 1/2, but the narrative doesn't say for sure:

We already know that Wisconsin had the Circuit of  Sauk on Saturday and the LaCrosse Fitness Festival Criterium on Sunday, as well ras the WiSport Dar's Time Trial on Saturday, but in addition to all that, ABR had a criterium in a Kenosha business park. Up against stiff competition from the USAC races in LaCrosse and Chicago, as well as the first WORS MTB race of the season, they did have a pretty good Masters turnout, but other cats were rather sparsely attended. Props to ABR for providing some race details on the results link given above, check it out as it sounds like they had some fun: "Clearing skies, No rain, warming temps and a West breeze were the weather conditions. This wide road course is great for very fast speeds but wind will slow you down. Unfortunately, the owner of a business on the east north/south street did not want his driveway access slowed down by a bicycle race so the course went down an inner road, through a parking lot, then excited inches North of his driveway. This chicane tested riders technical ability. (Did I hear a possible new course for the Sept event?)"
     Next we move down to Chicago's north side for the Vernon Hills Grand Prix. Being the 3rd largest city in the US (25th worldwide), they've got their own little party going on there, so when they put on a local race it usually is a pretty big deal. Sunday was no exception as the Cat. 5's had 45 riders and the Cat. 4's had 61 !  Here's a helmet cam of the Cat. 5 finish. (I have no idea what that UFO is next to the course):

Over in Indiana at the Fat and Skinny Tire Fest, there was a road race on Saturday and criterium on Sunday. Unfortunately, there aren't any results posted yet and no stories from the roadies.  A few photos can be found here.  In Kokomo, there was a 40k TT scheduled. There is no data at this time to confirm that it actually happened however, the same goes for opening day at the Rochester Hills Velodrome in Michigan. Georgetown, OH had a road race on Sunday, part of their spring series, and we have some RESULTS! 


That about wraps it up for this past weekend. If it's not reported by Tuesday, it's not news, it's history.

BREAKING NEWS!: Mike Sherer (Verizon U25) has a recap of the Pro 1/2 events out of Indiana.

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Video from LaCrosse

Here's some video that was taken on Sunday and shared on YouTube.

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2010 LaCrosse Fitness Festival Criterium

As part of the Second Annual LaCrosse Fitness festival that included running races, bike rides, and seminars, the second annual edition of Festival Criterium was held on Sunday May 2nd, 2010 at Riverside Park, right on the Mississippi river, and just two blocks from downtown LaCrosse. With absolutely perfect weather, there was a good rider turnout from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and even some from Thunder Bay, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Actually, the racing began Saturday with a citizens 2.4 mile individual time trial up the infamous Grandad's Bluff, a brute of a road, climbing out of the Mississippi river valley. This was won by Ian Stanford (Grandstay) in 8 min 40 seconds. 

Sunday had the criterium racing on the 0.7 mile city criterium course. Morning events included the Jr. 10-14 won by Garrett Roth (IS Corp), 2nd Christopher Sodergren (Baraboo Sharks), and Sam Beste (IS Corp) third. Thomson Remo (IS Corp) won the Jr 15-18 , Jordan Cullen 2nd (Flanders), with Lionel Rocheleau (Geargrinder) 3rd. Masters 50+ saw John Van Susteren (LAPT) ride away with Gordy Paulson (Planet Bike) and despite a fairly organized chase, they were never caught.

Men Cat 4/5 were next out and this group set the tone for the rest of the day that being that turn one, was the 'crash turn'. A number of riders went down in several separate incidents, usually the result of a rider hitting his inside pedal which sent them literally flying over the curb and onto the sidewalk. The result of the race's last crash was that three riders got away and built a 20 second gap, however the horsepower it contained was just not enough and two of the three were brought back into the field. Mankato rider Toby Henkels (unatt), with his number pinned on upside down in true Cat. 5 tradition, rode strongly however and stayed away for a convincing victory. Pat Diamond (Geargrinder) was second, Paul Kumm (IS Corp) 3rd. The one Grand Performance rider who face planted turn one did decide to go to the E.R. for evaluation after some thought, so we hope all is well and that he's back on the bike soon!


The Masters Cat 4/5 riders on the local Brones squad demonstrated great team work by getting two of their riders in a 7 man break, while the remaining 4 or 5 effectively discouraged the chase to the point where the break got a lap up on the field. The only time it happened today. Too bad they didn't get the victory though. That went to Dave Gray (Flanders), John Franceschi (Geargrinder) was 2nd, Barney Sheafor (Fisher) 3rd.


Women's Open included all categories today and only the strong survived to contest the sprint. That was led by the strongest of them all, Linda Sone (Flanders) in convincing fashion. 2nd was Bianca Bergman (Texas Roadhouse), 3rd Katie Spittlehouse of Canada (Thunder Bay CC).

Master's 3/4 went without incident until about lap 20 when the "turn one meat grinder" was turned back on. Several riders were swept clean off the course just as had happened earlier, and just like in the earlier race, this set up four riders nicely off the front. Unfortunately, only two of the four had the speed to take advantage of the situation, and  were actually able to almost lap the field ...  sprinting just behind them as they finished. Jeff Melcher (Team Extreme) from West Bend held off local rider Josh Shively (LaCrosse VC) for the victory, Canadian Marian Pyszczek (Lifesport) of Winnepeg, MB took 3rd.

Masters 1/2/3 lived up to expectations as a blistering war on wheels. Multiple attacks were all neutralized over time and it came down to a one lap test of tactics and speed. On the bell it was Grand Performance and Grandstay at the front, pouring on the coals, but neatly tucked in the draft was IS Corp's super hero Chris Halverson (IS Corp) ,and right on his wheel was former Tour de France professional Jeff Bradley (Velosport IA). Halverson was first through the last turn, and first across the line. Bradley was 4th through the last turn - second across the line, and Scott Flanders (Flanders) was 3rd, but just barely.

Men Category 3 was another big focus of the local team RVCC/Brones. They managed to keep it all together until the closing laps when they sent a single rider off in search of victory. It looked like he might just hold his 20 second gap to the end, but with two laps to go, he was brought back and caught. Sitting in and resting this whole time, Garrett Ping (RVCC/Brones)  launched his winning field sprint just nipping Travis Heller (Team Extreme), and Nickolas Frye (Team Wisconsin) for an exciting victory right on the line!

You know that the racing season is in full swing when the Pro 1/2 event is the main event of the day, not the Cat. 4's, and nobody has to tell you that because you get chills up and down your spine from the anticipation. So it was today, as the largest field of the day (70) lined up and listened to an excellent live singing of the national anthem. Right off the bat, a number of riders tried to force the winning break, perhaps looking to get a lap up, but the correct combination of riders were never up the road, and the one's left behind were never happy. In fact, the racing got quite aggressive at times as evidenced by the loud discussions between the riders, but everyone was well behaved and kept their hands to themselves and on the bars where they belonged. 
Half way through, 11 riders did eventually escape including last year's second place, Pat Lemieux (Texas Roadhouse), and the winner of yesterday's Tour de Sauk, Jordan Roessingh (IS Corp). So, now all the major teams were present up the road and they gained time on the field: IS Corp, Flanders, Grandstay, Grand Performance, and Texas Roadhouse. In the closing laps, Pat Lemieux launched his own bid for victory from this lead group, perhaps to revenge his 2nd last year, but Tim Mulrooney (Synergy), and Brian Rach (IS Corp) still had enough gas in the tank to chase him back down. First across the line was 42 year old Mulrooney, easily taking the win over Lemieux and Rach. Ian Stanford (Grandstay), winner of the uphill TT on Saturday, was dropped from the break and just held off the field sprint for 11th over Colton Barrett (Grandstay). Bergman was 14th, Bradley 15th, Remo 46th, Sedgwick 47th. It was a fine ending to an excellent two days of racing in Western Wisconsin.

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Monday Motorpacing #4

Retro motorpacing!

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Back Online!

AT&T DSL was down most of the day. 

Appears fixed now, so will get the daily updates posted soon.

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2010 Circuit of Sauk (Sauk County Wisconsin)

Wind was the story of the day with gusts of 25 to 30mph making a tough course even tougher. If you didn't have the legs today, there was no way to hide in the pack and fake it - you were done. The 15 mile loop is fairly hilly with long rollers and one 'wall' that's too early in the lap to really be a deciding factor in the finish, but steep enough to thin out the pack quickly. As slow as the climbs were, the descents were screaming fast with that wind at your back, some as long as 1.2 miles. This fairly new course to the Wisconsin Cycling Association's calendar is arguably one of the most scenic, being held in a very rural area in southwestern Wisconsin, the nearest town being six miles away.

Early results include: Jr 10-14 Everett Jones (Baraboo Sharks), Women 4 Vanessa Curtis (Unatt), Masters 3/4 Jeff Melcher (Team Extreme), Men 4/5 Tony Damhoff (Unatt), 2nd Alex Ochowicz (Unatt), 3rd Andrew Tegge (Team Wheel & Sprocket)

The Men's Cat. 3 race was the only one that pretty much stayed together until the end, with a small bunch sprint being won by Brandon Meinke (Pegasus), 2nd Brian Abraham (Fisher Midwest), 3rd Mark Norton (Team Wisconsin), then Liam Donaghue and Eric Blankinship both from IL. 



The Women Pro 1/2/3 race was heavily split up by the course and it came down to a small bunch  sprint taken by Kelly Hess (Kenda), 2nd Rachel Roessingh (IS Corp), 3rd Antonia Leal (Planet Bike) , then Meshberg, Wentworth, and Spittlehouse from Thunder Bay, ON, Canada.
 


Masters 4/5 was won by Jonathon Lang (Hampshire), 2nd William Pankonin (XXX), 3rd Matthew Bennett (Unatt).

Masters 1/2/3 was taken by (surprize!) Chris Halverson (IS Corp) who solo'd the last lap and a half. 

Jr. 15-18 winner unknown! (Baraboo Sharks)(#494) who took the three up sprint over Patrick Diamond (Gear Grinder). A well earned 3rd went to Lionel Rocheleau (Gear Grinder) who came from way back, pretty much out of sight of the leaders, and bridged up to contest the sprint.  

In the Pro 1/2 event, Jordan Roessingh (IS Corp) and Cole House (BMC) led the field the first of five times up the 'wall' in their 80 mile race. For much of the race, however, it was a three man break comprised of Jordan Roessingh (IS Corp),  Frank Dierking (Team Wisconsin), and Ryan Freund (Verizon/ABD) who built up over a minute lead at it's maximum. Several small chase groups developed and they managed to close that gap down to a mere 20 seconds over the last 30 miles (2 laps). So close, but not close enough. The last time up the wall, Jordan looked relatively fresh as Dierking was glued to his wheel, but it was just too much for Ryan Freund, however, who lost contact on this move, eventually getting caught by the first chase group, and rolling in 7th. Dave Moyer (XXX) just nipped Tristin Bentzler (RVCC) by inches for third place.  Chris Padfield (ReCycling) was 9th, Dewey Dickey (Mercy/Specialized) 10th, John Acker (Wheel & Sprocket) 12th, Luke Seemann (XXX) ... well, he finished.  For the win, it was all Jordan Roessingh (IS Corp) over Frank Dierking (Team Wisconsin) in the side by side drag race to the line.

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WISPORT - DAR’S TIME TRIAL - FESTIVAL OF THE WHEEL

WILLARD, WISC. -- Brett Whyte pulled it off by a slim margin Saturday in the usually windy (and this year was no exception) Dar's Midwest Time Trial Championships in north central Wisconsin.

 

The Brone's Bike Shop team rider edged out Elmer Colyer (Big Ring Flyers) by one second to claim the men's title in the 16.2 mile time trial that is part of the WiSport Series of races.

 

Whyte won with a time of 36:57. 

It was Brone's win on the women's side too with TT powerhouse Joan Carlson scoring the overall win with a time of 40:47

 

Full results from the event can be found here: http://www.wisport.org/forum/viewtopic.php?showtopic=56

 

The WiSport Series continues May 15 with a time trial in Rib Falls, Wisc.: http://www.wisport.org/2010/pdf/2010%20Ribfalls%20.pdf 

 

Report by Nate Phelps

 

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Cat. 3's in the news?

Okay, this is for real. Springfield, IL's newspaper the State Journal - Register (a real newspaper) has an article (very short) in their sports section about local Cat. 3's changing teams! Check it: 

CHICAGO — Burnham Racing, an elite cycling development program based in Chicago, announced the additions of  Springfield’s Christopher Curran and Nicholas Ramirez to its Category 3 roster.

Curran and Ramirez finished first and second, respectively, in the 2009 USA Cycling Illinois Cat 3 Road Race Championship, last September in Willow Springs. They are currently competing for the Illinois State University cycling club on the collegiate calendar and will line up with Burnham Racing for events throughout the summer.
 “We’re thrilled that Chris and Nick are coming on board for the upcoming summer campaign,” said Eric Goodwin, Burnham Racing’s Managing Director. “We had no choice but to notice their results last fall and we assumed we would have to go head-to-head with them this year."

Burnham Racing Team.

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