Pro Cycling Minnesota

Stillwater Criterium and Overall, Men

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:49:00 +0000

By James Lockwood
Photo by: Matt Moses

Healthnet–Maxxis came into the last stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix with three objectives: win the leader’s jersey, win the stage and win the team’s classification.

“We got two out of three,” said Tim Johnson, the elder statesman on the team. “That’s not too bad.”

Johnson and his team were all smiles after teammate Rory Sutherland not only defended his lead coming into stage six – the Stillwater Criterium – but also came in second, losing the sprint up the course’s famed Chilkoot Hill by a bike length.

“I would have liked to have helped John [Murphy] win the stage,” Sutherland said unselfishly after the race. “But if I don’t go, there would have been time gaps.”

With Toyota-United’s Ivan Stevic and Bissell’s Ben Jacques-Maynes in the lead group with Sutherland and Murphy, those gaps were something Sutherland couldn’t afford to let develop. Stevic entered the day in third place overall, 15 seconds behind Sutherland, while Jacques-Maynes was only another nine seconds down in fourth place.

Not winning the stage didn’t seem to bother Murphy, who finished second overall behind his teammate. “We didn’t want to risk losing any time,” Murphy said. “The overall lead was more important than the stage win.”

Instead of Murphy winning the stage, those honors went to the surprise of the tour, Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast’s David Veilleux, who came into the day wearing the Boost Best Young Rider jersey and sat seventh overall.

“I didn’t know,” the young Quebecois said of his expectations for the race. “Because I am young, I don’t know what I can really do.” He proved himself on this course, though.

“The kid deserved it,” Sutherland said. “He’s been working hard all week.”

“He was impressive,” said Stevic, who finished fourth on the stage and lost his title as Nature Valley champion to Sutherland this year.

More impressive were Sutherland and Healthnet, who controlled the race from the start, keeping all of its riders save sprinter Kirk O’Bee at the front of the race. From that vantage point, they kept the pace just hard enough to control any attacks from the general classification threats while letting those who didn’t pose a threat dangle at the front.

Successful Living.com’s Bradley White took advantage of Healthnet’s plan to stay out front much of the first half of the 18-lap race. “I knew they were going to let something go,” said the winner of the last Freewheel Bike Most Aggressive Jersey. “I thought I would give it a try.”

What surprised him, though, was the fact that Bissell didn’t send someone to join him until late into the race. “That’s the way they win races is from the break,” White said. “Jacques-Maynes is really clutch at these kind of races.”

That move didn’t come until four laps to go in the 18-lap race, with Jacques-Maynes’ teammate Aaron Olson and Garrett Peltonen up the road along with White, Toyota-United’s Caleb Manion, Colavita-Sutter Home’s Luis Amaran and Davide Frattini, and Kelly Benefit Strategies’ Andrew Bajadali.

Healthnet wasn’t fazed, and with two laps to go, all the leaders were together. “They made sure nothing got out of control,” Murphy said. “We have the right guys who are willing to sell out to each other,” Johnson said, describing the teamwork it took to keep Sutherland in the leader’s jersey.

Sutherland returned the compliment. “We were conserving a little
bit,” he said describing how they worked until the end. “These guys rode every single meter all week.”

As the group crested Chilkoot Hill with one lap to go, Veilleux saw his opportunity to move up after using Healthnet’s train all race. It was not the team’s original plan, but it was a move that proved to work.

“My job was to just stay in there the whole race,” he said. “We were actually trying to set Bajadali up for the win.”

Sitting in fifth wheel into the last lap, he was able to carry the momentum on the steep down hill through the seventh and eighth corners to pass the leaders and take the win.

“That’s the key to this course,” he said. “You need the momentum to get up the climb. I just hit it. It was perfect for us.”

“It was a good move,” Stevic said. He also tipped his hat to Sutherland, who proved a worthy winner of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
“Losing the race overall to Sutherland and Healthnet, it doesn’t make you feel bad,” he said.

In addition to winning the leader’s jersey and team competition, Healthnet also took the Wheaties Sprint Jersey with O’Bee, winner of the Cannon Falls Road Race and the Minneapolis Downtown Classic. Nick Reistad of Jelly Belly took the Sports Beans King of the Mountains Jersey, and Keil Reijnen of Team Waste Management captured the Nature Valley Top Amateur Jersey.

Stillwater Criterium and Overall, Women

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:44:00 +0000

By Lindsey Dickinson
Photo by: Matt Moses

If the past five days of women’s professional racing at the Nature Valley Grand Prix are any indication, the women’s Olympic cycling field had better sit up and pay attention: Kristin Armstrong is coming. No really, Kristin Armstrong is coming.

The Great River Energy Bicycle Festival featuring the Nature Valley Grand Prix wrapped up under perfect sunny skies in Stillwater today, with Kristin Armstrong winning the punishing 12-lap criterium on the 1.5-mile course featuring the tortuous Chilkoot Hill. With a grade of more than 20 percent, many of the riders probably hoped the fan dressed as the grim reaper would take action and end it for them by about lap three in the race.

Consequently, lap three was about the same time Armstrong took control, dusting the field with a solo breakaway, chased for the rest of the stage by a pack of seven, including second and third place finishers Leigh Hobson of Cheerwine Cycling and Joanne Kiesanowski of Team TIBCO. Armstrong’s victory was definitive, as she beat Kiesanowski and Hobson by a margin of 77 seconds.

In addition to winning the stage and the Nature Valley GP Overall Leader victory, Armstrong took the Jelly Belly Sports Beans Queen of the Hills Competition and the Freewheel Most Aggressive Rider jersey for the stage. Katharine Carroll of Aaron’s Professional Women’s Cycling Team took second in the general classification and Anne Samplonius of Cheerwine Cycling took third.

“When you’re out here at a bike race, especially me without a team, I’m just here to race my bike and so I want to be aggressive,” said Armstrong, who rides with Cervélo-Lifeforce. “I want to get the fitness in and I’m just trying to throw a little bit of animation in.”

And animate she did. Armstrong pounded the field during the Saint Paul Downtown Criterium, which was neutralized due to poor weather, and went on to stage victories in the Time Trial, Mankato Road Race and again in Stillwater. Anything but “squeakers,” Armstrong’s victories were impressive efforts demonstrating her champion-level mentality and abilities. Her huge victory in Stillwater cemented Armstrong’s position at the head of the pack for American women’s cyclists, and earned her the admiration of the more than eight thousand fans present along the course.

The Wheaties Sprint Competition went to Joanne Kiesanowksi of Team TIBCO. “It was really great to be on the podium every day, having the jersey,” said Kiesanowski. “My team worked really hard for it and it was great because it meant that I had it sewn up going into today’s stage so I didn’t have to waste any extra energy doing that...We have a really strong team at the moment. We’ve just been racing together the last couple months and it’s showing how we’re just really gelling together. Everyone’s happy to sacrifice themselves for other people on the team. It’s a good group of girls.”

Kristin McGrath, of Colavita/Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light completed the Nature Valley Grand Prix with both the BOOST Best Young Rider jersey and the Nature Valley Top Amateur jersey. “I just kept an eye on the girls I was in the jersey races for and made sure I was ahead of them…part of my strategy was picking off the riders Kristin dropped and it ended up working out…hopefully now I’ll get my upgrade.”

As an alumnus of the Ryan Collegiate All-Stars, a composite team of the best unsigned college cyclists in the country, McGrath demonstrated the value of the opportunity provided to these women by the Ryan Companies. This year, Anna McLoon, Ryan rider and Harvard University Ph.D. student, came in 23rd overall, just 6’23” behind Armstrong. All of the 2008 Ryan Collegiate All-Stars appreciated the experience. “It’s great experience, being able to ride with top riders and huge fields. In women’s cycling you don’t get that very much at the regional level.”

Cheerwine Cycling walked away with the Touchstone Energy Team Competition prize. “For us, it’s one of the competitions each race that we try to focus on,” said Cheerwine rider Anne Samplonius, who also came in third in the general classification. “A lot of people don’t realize that this is a team sport, and a big focus for us is always to try to win the team GC. For us to do it again here, it just shows the strength of our team.”

Fans in Stillwater were treated to quite a Father’s Day show, and the racers appreciated it. “It just made so happy to see all the fans out here today,” said Armstrong. “It was an amazing crowd and the community’s amazing. It wasn’t hard to get up that hill today, because of all the thousands of people out here. I had a great time. If I had to go up there by myself 12 times it would have been a lot more difficult but all those people just brought me up there. It was a great way to end the week.”

Why did Shelley Olds ride the TT of her life?

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:25:00 +0000

(by Giana Roberge, PROMAN/Paradigm, Team Speed Queen)
Thanks BMC for providing the super fast TT03 for Shelley. Its not about the bike? It was this time. Olds was 6th place in the Riverfront time trial.

Stage 2: Cannon Falls Road Race from Com 2

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:47:00 +0000

(by Jennifer Reither, aka Racer X)

For today’s Cannon Falls stage, I had the opportunity to sit the Women’s Com 2 (the officials car that follows the front of the lead peloton) to watch some exciting racing. The women’s race today started off with a bang as the all the teams were extremely active launching attack after attack of today’s late afternoon stage. Just how aggressive were the women today? The race pace average was 24 m.p.h. for over 2 hour of racing. Today’s Q.O. M points were dominated by Felicia Gomez of Aarons as she placed 2nd, 1st and 1st. The only other rider to challenge her was Ruth Corset of Jazz Apple, who is sitting second in the QOM competition. The dirt section leading into the finish circuits shed a few riders as the teams of Cheerwine, Cervelo-Lifeforce and Tibco drilled the pace at the front of the peloton. Each lap of the technically challenging circuit lost riders off the back of the lead peloton each time through the finish line. The final time through the finish line Tina Pic (Colavita) launched her most successful move of the day winning the Cannon Falls stage ahead of Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine)

The men’s race didn’t see much action during today’s stage, as they cruised through the 60 miles of Goodhue County enjoying the warm sunny weather and spectacular views. All that changed when the boys hit the finishing circuits, then it was all business as HealthNet took control sending its power to the front, keeping it single file through the technical circuits. As Kelly Benefits was obviously working hard for the sprinter, in the end it was Kirk O’Bee by a wheel length in front of Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefit) and John Murphey (HealthNet)

Women’s review-

Cannon Falls Podium 1st Tina Pic (Colavita) 2nd Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) 3rd Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine)

Tina Pic (Colavita)– Yellow Jersey pb Nature Valley

Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) – Sprinter's Jersey pb Wheaties

Felicia Gomez (Aarons) – Climber's Jersey pb Jelly Belly

Katherine Cheatly (Cheerwine) Best Young Rider pb Boost

Amber Rais (Tibco) Most Aggressive pb Freewheel

Kristen McGrath (Colavita) Best Amateur Rider pb Nature Valley

Men’s Review

Cannon Falls Podium 1st Kirk O’Bee (HealthNet) 2nd Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefits) 3rd John Murphy (HealthNet)

Kirk O’Bee (HealthNet)– Yellow Jersey pb Nature Valley

Kirk O’Bee (HealthNet)– Sprinter's Jersey pb Wheaties

?? (Jelly Belly) – Climber's Jersey pb Jelly Belly

Keil Reijnen (Waste Management) Best Young Rider pb Boost

Jeremy Vennell (Bisssell) Most Aggressive pb Freewheel

??(Waste Management) Best Amateur rider pb Nature Valley

Stage 1: St. Paul Lowertown Criterium

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:49:00 +0000

(by Jennifer Reither, aka Jenn X)

Weather played a significant role at the St. Paul criterium tonight for the men and women’s races. Officials decided to shorten the women’s race from 40 laps to 30 laps, given the news that a significant “storm cell” was on its way. As the women lined up for call ups, the clouds open up and rain poured on the women making for a soggy start when the gun fired. Kristen Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) wasted no time immediately launching an attack and gaining 15 seconds on chase rider, Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) with a small pack including Brooke Miller (Tibco), Lauren Franges (Tibco) and Racheal Lloyd (Proman) about 45 seconds behind Armstrong. From a spectator's view, the race was complete chaos, as Armstrong lapped fields, riders were pulled and Kiesanowki was in no mans land, between chase groups. It was not until the race was finished when the crowd actually knew who was 2nd through 4th place. But the winner in the women’s race was clearly Kristen Armstrong whose strength and savvy this evening put her in the sprinter’s jersey, climber’s jersey and the leader’s jersey.

The men’s race started off with ominous skies and wet streets. Kirk O’Bee (HealthNet) made a great attack on lap two with Aaron Olsen (Bissell) glued to his wheel. The two riders gained a significant gap until Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefits) and Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) made a great bridge to O’Bee and Olsen. Unfortunately 20 laps into the race a significant crash caused the peloton to sit up and reevaluate the safety of the race. Officials called the race and the peloton agreed that tomorrow’s stage in Cannon Falls would be stage 1. Danny Van Haute (Director Sportif of Jelly Belly) suggested giving tonight’s stage money to the Children’s Hospital. The peloton and crowd cheered for the donation as the Children were the real winners tonight.

Final Recap Women St Paul Criterium

1st Kristen Armstrong Cervelo Lifeforce

2nd Joanne Kiesanowski Tibco

3rd Brook Miller Tibco

Final Recap Men’s race

No result, the stage is a wash. Stage 1 will be tomorrow in Cannon Falls.

Emile Abraham on the Fixed Gear Classic

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:53:00 +0000

(by Emile Abraham, Team Type 1)
2004 (Monex Pro Cycling Team): 2nd on Stage 4, Red Wing Road Race

After leaving Atlanta where the weather was 100 degrees and sunny it was nice to be racing in somewhat cooler weather. This was my first time racing on a wooden outdoor track and I absolutely loved it! Initially I thought my weekend would be a disaster as my bike did not arrive in Minneapolis just hours before I was schedule to race the first event. Luckily for me it was sent on the next flight from Atlanta which I received at 5:15pm and racing started at 6pm. A close call but very happy of the outcome…. There was a small reunion as I had not seen a few riders since the track World Cups and raced with Roberto Chiappa at my local West Indies vs the World cycling series in Trinidad and Tobago.

Not being a pure sprinter I was told I needed to start every event in order to be in the running for the omnium. This weekend was my first flying 200TT in many years and recorded 11.732 seconds which was a personal best for me. I had motivation from there on and told Chiappa to watch out! LOL

By the end of the night I was leading the omnium by a mere 2 points over Ben Barczewski and Reberto. Then it was off to the wrong side of the track for what was the icing on the cake for the weekend, a cook out with some really cool people who like to have a good time…. For me that’s right up my ally! I was able to go to bed well relaxed after a great evening of racing and liming (hanging out).

Day 2

Now I have made new friends and excited to compete again looking to defend my overall omnium placing. I knew all I needed was 11 points to secure my position in the omnium, with no stress the atmosphere was very relaxed…. By now I had fans in the crowed cheering for me and what more can an athlete ask for than people in the stands yelling their name? The answer…. More people yelling their name….haha

Winning the miss and out event would have most of the points I need to secure the omnium, but not having the position in the group where I would normally race the miss and out had me punching other riders tickets from the back bringing it down to a match sprint. The crowd cheering for me gave me that extra to pull of the win, now I need at least a fourth in the kerin. My legs were tired so I knew that a smart race would be a necessity and BAMM!!!! I pulled it off and was very happy. This surely made the fact that I was not riding Philly all good. The MN Fixed Gear Classic is probably the most fun I have had racing for the year.

Special thanks to everyone who made the race possible and went out off their way to ensure that the out of state riders were comfortable and had everything they needed. I would definitely come back….

Thanks for reading,
Emile Abraham

Terms from the race radio

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:34:00 +0000

(by Giana Roberge, PROMAN/Paradigm, Team Speed Queen)

Many up-close pictures of professional cyclists show them with a radio cord traveling from behind their neck to an earpiece tucked neatly away, usually behind a piece of tape. These radios allow the riders to talk to their teammates in the race as well as their directors driving the car in the caravan behind the peloton. The radios provide information as well as direction from the person driving the car. Below is a list of some of the terms used and what they mean from the director and rider’s perspective.

Attack: When told to attack, riders on the team (who are usually selected at the prerace meeting) look for an opportunity to try to escape from the pack with as few other riders as possible. They do this by sprinting hard away from the group at a time when they might get the biggest gap possible or when it will take enough effort for someone to chase them down that there is a hesitation allowing for a gap to open.

This can also be a warning that there is an attack, and it is usually given with the side that the attack is coming on and, if there is enough time, who or what team it’s coming from.

Bridge: This means that a rider needs to get from the group he or she is in to the group or rider that is up the road. When a rider “bridges” a gap, they typically do it solo or with only one or two other riders. They use an “attack” to bridge the gap. By doing this, the team ensures they have someone in the break, which can either negate the break, or help to keep it away. When someone bridges to the break, he or she has left his or her team behind but has a better chance of winning the stage. However, if a team has a rider in the overall race lead, and the break they are in gains enough time to threaten their team’s overall lead, they may be asked to “sit on” (see below) or to “situp” out of the break and let the main field catch them to assist in the chase.

Cover: Typically used in a prerace plan: “We are going to cover important breaks.” This means that when a split does occur and a break forms, or an attack happens that creates a break, the team needs to have presence there.

Bring Back: This means that the team, working together, needs to bring the attack or group up the road back by riding at the front at a pace that is faster than the break up the road. This is to protect the team’s marquis or protected rider. When the team is bringing back a break, they are doing it in such a manner that their protected rider and most of the field is sitting behind the “train” of riders at the front. Typically, this is done only when the team has a rider in the lead or when they are riding for the race to come down to a field sprint.

Counter Attack: Something that happens when one attack is brought back. It is an effective tool for creating a break, or within an already established break, getting rid of one of the threatening riders.

Chase: Used to “bring back” a break. This is a methodical use of energy, usually timed to precision so that the break is brought back at the perfect time, either to set up for a final field sprint, or when the team can best contain any counter attacks that happen when the break is finally brought back to the main field. Sometimes, a chase can happen almost throughout the race with the team riding “tempo” at the front (see below), with the director keeping close tabs on the time split and notifying the team of exactly the time difference, and the distance to the finish, so that mathematically, the team knows how much energy to invest in the chase. Typically, when a team chases it means there is someone of threat in the break. If there is a break that is no big threat but they want to keep it in a certain time range, the team will ride tempo (see below) at the front of the race. By doing this, they may sacrifice a stage win, but maintain the overall lead of the race.

Tempo: This refers to the speed at which a team rides at the front. When the team has a rider in the yellow leader’s jersey, there are times that the best way to protect the lead is to have the team ride at the front fast enough that it deters any attacks. If there are attacks and a break does form, the team maintains its organized pace line at the front and just picks up the speed enough to bring back the break. The team in the lead will ride tempo until they are close enough to the finish line that they know their lead of the race will not be threatened if an attack does go away and stays clear until the finish.

Sit on: Once in a break, a rider may sit on. This means they will pedal at the back of the break and not assist in the pace making. This is done to either negate the break, or to help slow it down by not assisting in the pace making or a rider will do this in order to rest so that later he or she can have a better chance at winning the stage or attacking the break. If the rider’s team is chasing behind, the rider in the break will never work the break and will sit on. Typically, if a rider has covered a break and the rider’s team has the overall lead of the race, race etiquette dictates that the other riders in the break do not expect the rider whose team has the lead to work the break.

Work the Break: Opposite of sitting on the break, if a rider is working the break, he or she is assisting in the pace making. This also means that his or her team is not working in the peloton behind, and is getting a chance to recover. If the team approves of the break, they will be very attentive in the pack behind the break to make sure no one else bridges to the group in front, or if they do they bring another of the team members with them.

Other information that comes across on the radios is if someone has flatted or had a mechanical, if there has been a crash, when feeding is allowed, where the intermediate sprints are, who is in the break and where they are in the overall rankings and what is for lunch back in the caravan car.

Let’s get ready to race

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:25:00 +0000

(by Jennifer Reither, aka Jenn X)
Without further ado, it’s finally here. The 2008 Nature Valley Grand Prix and the fans are in for a treat. Just by looking at this year’s start list you can see that the NVGP is regarded as one of the most prestigious women's stage races in the U.S. This SOLD OUT field brings world class racers from the teams of Cervelo Lifeforce, Tibco, Aarons, Ryan’s Collegiate All Stars, Value Act Capital, Cheerwine, Colavita, Proman and a handful of solo riders including Minnesota’s favorite local Teresa Moriarty.

What is it that brings to best racers to Minnesota? As a former racer, here is what I considered the reasons to race the NVGP:

#1 The fans! As a professional cyclist we understand it’s a spectator sport, the bigger and louder the crowd, the better the race. We aim to please and love to have packed sidelines.

#2 The courses. The courses are challenging and result in unexpected surprises. It’s not a climber’s race or a sprinter’s race. It is the most well-rounded rider and well oiled team that win stages and the overall classification.

#3 The Jerseys. There is more going on than a stage win and general classification. There is a sprinter’s competition, climber’s competition, most aggressive rider, best young rider and overall team classification. With Twin Six’s cool designs, the jersey are a coveted prize.

#4 Management and Staff. The staff of the NVGP has taken suggestions of the racers and made the event better every year. Is everyone in Minnesota so friendly? Well, Minnesota is considered the “bike friendliest state”.

#5 The Bike Festival sponsored by Great River Energy. The expo and festival is fun for fans and racers. There is cool product to try and buy. Great River always passes out clapper hands during the crits, the Wheaties Fan Zone ambassadors are located throughout the course to answer “cycling 101” for inquiring fans, Nature Valley gives out tons of tasty granola bars and Jelly Belly gives out tons of yummy sports beans.

#6 The Kids. They are the future of the sport and have always been a part of the Minnesota Festival with all proceeds going to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics. This year the NVGP has taken a bigger step toward the future, adding the Hoigaard’s Tour de Kids to the event. I am not sure of all the details, but I think this is a first time ever Tour for Kids. What I wouldn’t do to be a kid again. By what I have heard, this is gonna be FUN!

Come on Down with the whole family and be sure to say hi. I’ll be the blonde with the microphone!

JennX

MN based Kelly Benefits' Jonny Sundt on crit racing

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:38:00 +0000

Good read on the Pezcyclingnews.com site. Jonny Sundt will be part of a full 8 man contingent representing Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Keeping up with the competition

noreply@blogger.com (Chris_H) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Can’t make it out to all the races of the Great River Energy Bike Festival?

Well don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with webcasts and live updates via twitter.

Webcast Schedule:
June 7 6:30 PM CST MN Fixed Gear Classic www.myfox9.com
June 8 1:00 PM CST MN Fixed Gear Classic www.nscsports.org/velo
June 13 6:45 PM CST Nature Valley Grand Prix www.myfox9.com
June 15 12:00 PM CST Nature Valley Grand Prix www.myfox9.com

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/grebikefestival

Nature Valley Grand Prix Lineup

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:25:00 +0000

The Nature Valley Grand Prix is invitational for the men this year! Here's the men's lineup.

Men:
Toyota-United
Hagens Berman LLP Cycling Team
Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast
Successful Living.com P/B Parkpre
Team Type 1
Bissell Pro Cycling Team
Team Healthnet Presented by Maxxis
Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team
Rock Racing
Colavita Sutter Home
Battley HARLEY-DAVIDSON/Sonoma Bar
Fiordifrutta
Metra / Victor Homes / MHP
Nature Valley Cycling Team
Team Clif Bar
Team Waste Management
HRRC / Trek Stores
THF Racing
IS Corp Cycling Team
Wheel & Sprocket
TIME Pro Cycling

The women's race filled up for the first time as well!

At 145 riders, the Nature Valley Grand Prix field is likely to be the largest women’s race of the year, compared with 140 for the Montreal World Cup, 120 for the Liberty Classic and 84 for the Mount Hood Classic.

Women:
PROMAN Racing
Team Revolution
Colavita / Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light
Team TIBCO
Team Kenda Tire
ValueAct Capital Cycling Team
Aaron's Professional Women's Cycling Team
Cheerwine Cycling
Jazz Apple Cycling Team
Webcor Builders
Team Advil-ChapStick
Ryan Collegiate
HPC powered by Altarum
Flanders/MBRC
Verducci/Breakaway Racing
Nature Valley Cycling Team
SouthBay Wheelmen
Cervelo-Lifeforce Professional Cycling Team
America's Dairyland
Verve Racing
Metromint Cycling
Metro Volkswagen Cycling Team

June Podcast and More

noreply@blogger.com (Chris_H) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:53:00 +0000

Don't forget to check out the new June Podcast over at our website and while you're there you can also listen to racer interviews from the KDOG Morning Show in Mankato, site of our Queen Stage.

The June podcast takes you inside the Nature Valley Grand Prix peloton with Jeff Corbett, former team director. Find out if there's a connection between the Nature Valley Grand Prix and the Giro d'Italia - in our trivia segment much more from Super Rookie and Company.

The Former "Racer X"

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:49:00 +0000

(by Jennifer Reither, aka Jenn X)

Only weeks away from the much anticipated 2008 version of the NVGP, I sit back and relax my legs and train my vowels.... AAAA EEE III OOO UUUUUU. As I am no longer a competitor in the NVGP, but a commentator. As my heart is torn from the high of racing, my legs are happy to sit and watch the pain the wall of Mankato and Stillwater inject on the racers. I have raced the NVGP with great teams such as Colavita, Red 5, and Tria. Now I give insight and perception as I commentate all of the fantastic stages of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

While out in Minnesota many fans have asked me how does one go from Pro Racer to Race Commentator? I tell them lots of pageant talent and a knack for early morning TV appearances. But the real story is that by my second year of participating in the NVGP, I was doing TV appearances for Fox9 out in Peevy Plaza. That same morning they needed a live radio cast for KCLP94.1, with me being the only rider with professional experience I was the interviewee for a live radio broadcast. The broadcast was a hit. This same year, they needed a commentator to help with the men's race at Stillwater. Without hesitation, I grabbed the mic and in my cycling shoes ran up and down Chilkoot Hill, talking to spectators, answering questions about bike racing. By my third year into the NVGP I was being scheduled for radio and T.V. appearance talking to listeners about the NVGP and the Great River Energy Festival and suggesting the head on down to Stillwater on Sunday and ask me more bike racing questions. All this media work and I was racing too!

In early 2007 Dave LaPorte asked me to come on as an additional commentator for the event. Without hesitation, I accepted. Besides, when Dave LaPorte asks you to be part of the event you ask how high. This year would be different, all mic and no bike! The 2007 edition of the NVGP and Bike Festival was a huge success. Spectators asked question about the race, while I answered their inquiries to huge crowds that line the finishing circuits.

I expect more out of 2008 as sponsorship and ridership has increased. I look forward to seeing everyone on the streets on Minnesota in June.

See you on the road.

The former RacerX

Frankie Andreu to direct PROMAN for NVGP

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:23:00 +0000

For Immediate Release:
PROMAN Racing partners with BMC and Frankie Andreu for upcoming Liberty Classic and Nature Valley Grand Prix.

PROMAN Racing, in its third year, is pleased to announce a partnership with Swiss bicycle manufacturer BMC. The team does not operate under a large corporate umbrella but by generous donations from product sponsors, small businesses, family friends, Marin County BMC dealer Paradigm Cycles and even fellow racers; it is truly a community effort. To receive support from an industry giant such as BMC is a tremendous boost.

"The PROMAN Women's Team is a fantastic and unique program that BMC is proud to support," said Scott Thomson, General Manager of BMC North America. "Their grass-roots approach brings together a potent blend of elite and developing athletes. They ticked all the right boxes in building this program, so there was no question about BMC getting involved. We are excited to support these outstanding athletes with the best technology. It has been an exciting season thus far, and we're looking forward to having them race in our back yard at theNature Valley Grand Prix."

With a stellar roster for the upcoming Liberty Classic, PROMAN Racing is ready for the challenges of Manayunk and Lemon Hill. "PROMAN has a great roster and I think they are ready to have a great showing at the upcoming Liberty Classic! This team could be the underdog team gone wild. Look for a rider like Shelley Olds to be on the podium." Said Robin Zellner, technical director for the race, “ I have watched this team develop at a steady pace over the last few years, there is a lot of depth and dedication, they are here to stay”.

Following Liberty Classic the team returns to Minnesota for its second shot at the Nature Valley Grand Prix. The team claimed podium spots and a 6th place GC last year. “ In 2007 we were a young green team, with a stronger roster this time around and lots of racing under our belt we could spring some surprises” commented Olds.Nature Valley GP is the accomplishment of David La Porte and his tireless team. “ Its not just a race it is spectacular entertainment.” Phenomenal crowds and great support for the women’s event draws top caliber female racers from around the world.

Joining the team for these races is former U.S Postal rider Frankie Andreu who will be taking the directors seat. Although very familiar with the pro men’s peloton he is keen to experience women’s racing.
“American women currently are a dominating force in the world of cycling. I believe PROMAN Racing has the right structure and roster to help continue that development.” Said Frankie. “I look forward to making a winning formula with the PROMAN's Women's Cycling Team at the Liberty Classic and Nature Valley GP. They have a great roster for these events, and as they continue to gain experience, they will gain on the world's elite. I'm sure I will learn from the team a side of cycling I don't know much about. In return, I hope to give them the knowledge I have gained during my years racing as a professional.”

Why Andreu some may ask…”well,” said manager Nicola Cranmer, “apart from his vast experience as a professional racer, the media love Frankie, any way I can draw attention to women’s cycling is a good thing. For our team it’s not just about getting on the podium it’s also necessary to apply energy to the broader vision of women’s racing which is struggling. "

Roster for Liberty Classic and Nature Valley GP

Shelley Olds USA
Rachel Lloyd USA
Betina Hold CAN
Megan Guarnier USA
Melodie Metzger USA
Virginia Perkins USA
Kristin Drumm USA
Helene Drumm USA

Nicola Cranmer Founder/Manager
Frankie Andreu, Director Sportif
Tim Brennan, Team Mechanic
Sam Leuk, Logistics

About BMC
BMC, based in Grenchen, Switzerland, designs and manufactures
high-performance bicycles for road, mountain, track and cyclocross. Our dedicated engineers continually explore new realms of design and technology, setting ever-higher standards for excellence. We are the world's first and only manufacturer to use Easton CNT nanotechnology ina complete frame. And we lead the industry with breakthrough innovations like integrated skeleton concept (ISC) frame design, advanced pivot system (APS) suspension and use of Swiss precision bearings. BMC is the official sponsor and outfitter for BMC Professional Cycling Team. Learn more by visiting http://www.bmc-racing.com/

Emile Abraham on the Stillwater Criterium

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:49:00 +0000

(by Emile Abraham, Team Type 1)
2004 (Monex Pro Cycling Team): 2nd on Stage 4, Red Wing Road Race

Emile Abraham is one of Team Type 1’s top sprinters. He has competed in the Nature Valley Grand Prix several times, scoring a number of top 10 finishes – including runner-up on the inaugural edition of the 80-mile Red Wing Road race in 2004 (won by Dave McCook). His memories of the race, though, are overshadowed by a single stage: the Stillwater Criterium.

When someone asks me about the Nature Valley Grand Prix, I think of it as one of the great races on the circuit. It’s a hard race, but certainly not one that is out of my reach. The race has traditionally had some really good courses – with one exception. The last stage – the Stillwater Criterium – is just too hard for me.

If you are not familiar with the Stillwater Criterium, it is perennially the final stage of the race. And it is billed as one of the hardest criteriums in the country. For a guy like me, it’s not even a “criterium,” because it is certainly not a traditional four or six-corner race around streets that are as flat as a pancake.

Instead, the Stillwater Criterium features a long climb and an even longer false flat section just before a raging fast descent that dumps into an off-camber final corner. Then the climbing starts all over again. I’ll say this: The climb is steep, to the tune of 20+ percent grade.

So being a “traditional” sprinter, this race is a really hard circuit. I’ll be the first to tell you that it’s just a little bit much for me. Actually, it’s ridiculously hard. I don’t look forward to it, but at the same time, there’s a real sense of accomplishment when it’s over – regardless of whether you win or just finish.

Don’t take this as sour grapes, though. I love the Nature Valley Grand Prix. But when it comes to the last stage – I really don’t like. So if you want to see me smiling – or even winning in my specialty – head on over to the criterium in downtown Minneapolis. It’s got a great course (flat!), huge crowds and a tremendous atmosphere. I hope to see you there this year.

MN Fixed Gear Classic - Outdoor Wood Track Insanity

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Lardy) — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:39:00 +0000

posted by (Jennifer Triplett)

First of all, having an outdoor wooden track is insane. I only say this because I willingly live in a part of the country where it actually rains nine months of the year (the rumors are true!). Take for instance our weather this year. Everyone in Seattle remembers exactly where they were and what they did that one 80 degree day in April. Why? Because it usually doesn't stop raining till late June. Then last weekend we saw record temps soar into the 90's, creating massive river flooding due to our unusually high snow pack in several counties across Washington. Two days later, it's back to normal with low 60s as a daytime high and a damp chill in the air. A wooden track just wouldn't last here - it's simply too wet.

As a track racer, I look forward to the summer heat. Your body moves easier, your joints don't protest as much and it just feels good. So far this spring we've been teased by abnormal heat, which just means that I can't wait to visit a part of the country that is actually warm and dry!

My local track, Group Health Velodrome in Marymoor Park, has already hosted three weeks of preseason racing. We have to deem May as "preseason" because far to often we are rained out. But luckily the "dry" weather has held so far - and tomorrow night is the final preseason before regular Friday Night Racing begins. In an attempt to prepare for the upcoming MN Fixed Gear Classic, I've been racing with the Category 3 men. It's a great way to test my fitness and work on out-sprinting the fellas. This is my second season hanging with the guys and they've definitely accepted me, although I still hear some grumbling when I beat them in a sprint. ;) And although it's still early season for track (Elite Track Nationals aren't until October!) - my legs are getting quickly accustomed to my race gear. Though I could stand it to be a little warmer!

A friend of mine says the NSC Velodrome is her favorite track in the country. I really do think it's cool to have an outdoor wooden track and am jealous of those who get to put in some serious mileage going in circles there. As I test my ability tomorrow night, I'll also be dreaming of warmer temps and wooden planks.

Armstrong vs. Aaron’s

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Thu, 22 May 2008 01:02:00 +0000

(by Meredith Miller, Aaron's Cycling Team)

The 2008 cycling season has finally started to roll with the women’s peloton fighting it out at the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium and the Sequoia Classic. The season has yet to shift into high gear as there are still quite a few gaps between race weekends, but it was clearly obvious at these last races that the women are ready to rock and roll.

For me personally, I am excited to be racing with a new team this year, the Aaron’s Women’s Pro Cycling Team. With a bigger, stronger team this year we expect to have much success on the road, as was evident when the team placed 4 out of 4 riders in the top 10 at Sequoia’s 40km individual time trial. We were elated to have done so well, especially after having saddled up on our brand-spanking new Specialized Transition TT bikes for the 1st time just the day before the TT. But, yet, there was one woman racing who almost made us want to pack up and go home. Not because this woman is a terrible person, just the opposite really, but because she is former World Time Trial Champion, Kristin Armstrong – a woman who is so remarkably powerful and dominating she stamps her name on any TT she enters like no one’s business. Clearly, when she beat 2nd place by roughly 4 minutes she’s on track for Beijing.

Now, why do I bring up Kristin’s name? It’s because she and I were teammates during the previous 2 years on Team Lipton, and now times have changed, I have to look at her as stiff competition, the “enemy”. In Sequoia, it was the first race in a long time that I had entered in which I was actually discouraged to see her name on the start list – “damn, why is SHE here?”. In years past, it was exciting to see her win race after race, TT after TT, but now it’s different because I have new teammates that I want to see win. Although Kristin will be racing primarily in Europe this year, she and her Euro team will still be around, particularly at the Nature Valley Grand Prix, a race that Kristin has dominated by riding away from the field at both the Mankato RR and the Stillwater Criterium sealing her overall victory in 2006 and 2007.

As a teammate I was thrilled to be part of these victories, but now I will be playing a largely different role, that of making sure it’s Aaron’s on the top of the podium. How will we contain this woman, a woman who has made the NVGP “her” race? Ah, well, those are the kind of secrets that I can’t share, but you can bet that Aaron’s will be playing every card we’ve got to keep Kristin under control.

Cat's Hill Classic podium

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:50:00 +0000

(by Shelley Olds, PROMAN/Paradigm)

This year's Cat's Hill Classic was not as hotly contested as it has been in years passed. Noticeably absent from the women's 1/2 field was the Webcor duo of Karen Brems and Christine Thorburn, who have won this race more times than I can count on both hands. Also, there was no QOM competition this year, which was something I did not find out until after the race. That was a big disappointment because there should always be a King and Queen of the mountain competition in this race. There always has been, so I am not sure why it changed this year.

Megan and I rode the course the night before the race so that she could see the climb once before she raced it. The course is in really bad shape as far as the pavement goes. There are cracks in the road all over the course, especially on the descent and in the last corner. The only smooth part of the course was the 23% climb.

Moments before the race started, my teammates and I got together and talked about strategy. The plan was to make the race as hard as possible by being very aggressive with an early attack and several counter attacks throughout the race. The race was supposed to last an hour, but for some unknown reason, it was cut short by about 15 minutes, which changed the way the race played out as well. Kate and Megan started the race just as we planned with Kate going for the early move and Megan ready to counter. There was an early prime for $100 and I could not resist. I went for it and crossed the line first with ease.

For some strange reason, despite feeling less than stellar, I thought it would be fun to go for 2 more primes throughout the course of the race, as well as the non-existent QOM competition. Someone told me after the race that I would have won it if they had one. Sweet. Good job Shelley.

So, I scooped up $200 in primes and 4 canisters of my favorite recovery clif product and then all of a sudden it was 4 to go and I had just gone for a prime. So, I decided to chill out a bit, stay with the pack that had since dwindled down to about 10 riders, and rest up for the final lap. When the bell rang, it was a group of about 5 of us and I was sitting on the back of the group. I let the attacks happen in front of me and followed wheels until the downhill where I was thinking the whole time, "O.k. time to go." But for some ridiculous reason, I did not. Instead I waited until just before the corner and after Amanda Eaken had already made her move, to jump. When I did, I knew immediately that I had waited too long. I raced her to the line but it was too late.

It was a huge disappointment, as this is a hometown race for me and I believe I should have won the race. But, it was a mistake that I won't make again. I was a bit over-confident and should have trusted my instincts to go in the final lap. Lesson learned. This will just be fuel for the fire.

Thanks for reading - Shelley

(photo via snapfish)

The State of Bicycle Racing - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:07:00 +0000

by John Lieswyn
(Winner, 2002 Nature Valley Grand Prix)

(See Part I here)
So, the ASO says their Tour de France and all their other marquee events will be held outside UCI rule. Is it because the UCI's late but much vaunted doping passport system isn't viewed to be strong enough? I doubt that the French Federation (FFC) can do better. It comes down to an absolute refusal to accept the UCI's system of purchasing a license and a guaranteed entry into the Grand Tours and major events. That system forced ASO and their colleagues to allow in riders whom they suspected may be involved in illegal activities, and then they were proven right as those same riders nearly destroyed their race, their livelihoods. And now the threats are reaching the level of affairs of state and potentially will embroil and tarnish parts of the sport relatively unrelated to the ASO-UCI brouhaha. Why is this important to us "Down Under"? Because we want to see our top Aussie and Kiwi riders demolish the competition at Beijing- we don't want to see the UCI suspend some of the top competitors simply because their French compatriots showed up to work one day at a non UCI sanctioned event. There may have been lots of patriotic chest pounding when the USA walked away with half a dozen cycling golds in 1984, but as a long time teammate of two of those medalists I can say they had far less pride in having beat only half the world's best.

The State of Bicycle Racing - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:04:00 +0000

by John Lieswyn
(Winner, 2002 Nature Valley Grand Prix)

Ask many sports and leisure cyclists what they know of bicycle racing and their response may be limited to Sarah Ulmer and Lance Armstrong. If your interests are a bit deeper than that or you are dismissive of the sport thanks to the recent doping scandals, read on for my take on what seems like an open and shut, black and white case of innocence versus guilt.

It seems to be an especially appropriate time to consider this subject as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accredited world governing body of cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is currently on a collision course with the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), the owners of some of the most prestigious events in the hallowed history of bicycle racing. Thousands of words have been written in hundreds of news articles about this long running conflict which has now escalated into a showdown where neither side can win, and only the cyclists and the sport stands to lose.

The Tour de France has been rocked by scandal before, with the Festina Watches team story well known and the innuendos against Lance persistent for years. The ante has been raised now with two consecutive yellow jersey wearers implicated. First Floyd's implausible testosterone positive resulting in being the first Tour de France winner in history to be stripped of his title to the subsequent year's Michael Rasmussen being dismissed by his team while in the yellow jersey and looking certain to win the overall. As a friend and former colleague of Floyd I simply cannot reconcile the faulty "proof" with the simple reality check- why would a man who knew he was going to be tested, and had been tested day in and day out, take something so easily detected as a steroid? Many people point to his seemingly impossible recovery of ten minutes the day after losing eight...but let me just say that there were many a day when I hit the wall (ran out of energy) and couldn't pedal another stroke, only to come back the following fully refueled and feeling unstoppable. When the human body is tuned to such cardiovascular peak performance it reacts with incredible speed to whatever is put in the bloodstream. If there is no glycogen then boom, no muscle contraction - complete failure. Pour in some sugary Coke and a Snickers bar and zoom within seconds you can ride 50 km/h. So where was his team car with the Coke? When the peloton is shattered over ten minutes on a steep and twisting narrow climb, the team cars can be completely out of reach. All Floyd's men were long dropped and the bonk had hit him when he was isolated against the world's best riders. None of them were about to whip out an energy gel for him. (By the way, Leppin doesn't exist outside of Australia and New Zealand- so don't believe the hype) The most remarkable memory I have of the body's sensitivity to exertion and fluid/energy intake was at the completion of the USA Professional Criterium Championship... it's one of the few countries in the world with such an event but let me say that while it's nowhere near as physiologically depleting as seven hours in the saddle at Paris-Roubaix, it is one hell of a tough two and half hour war on wheels. This particular year I rode my heart out in an ultimately doomed breakaway during the final thirty minutes, out of fluids and sprinting around a course shimmering with forty degree summer heat. After crossing the finish line I grabbed a bottle in the feed zone and downed it like a rescued Saharan desert survivor. My eyes bugged out wide as the dry skin on my arms were drenched in beaded sweat before the bottle held in my hands was empty- less than thirty seconds. I went from so woozy that I couldn't stand up without the tripod of my two wheels supporting my weight to feeling nearly normal- in less than sixty seconds. In short, the body is capable of physical feats that to most of us seem impossible without artificial help.

Rolling back a little further in cycle racing history, I recall when I was trying to make it onto a European pro team in the early 90s. Word in the locker rooms and team buses was about a new super drug - absolutely undetectable by any testing protocol. It was years and several amateur rider deaths before we knew it as EPO. But we knew something was going on. I went from straight up wheel to wheel battle with Lance Armstrong in 1990 to a support role in '91 and '92 before we went our separate ways- he as a euro-pro and myself taking what I could get as a USA domestic pro. I still harbored dreams of the Tour and relished opportunities my US team could afford, such as Italy's 1993 Settimana Bergamasca (won by Lance in 1991). Given my recent history and strong form, I thought that I should be in the top ten no worries. How wrong I was was spectacularly showcased in a epic mountain time trial. Without special equipment, follow cars or hoopla I set off to prove my worth. Earplugs in to block the sound of the wind (a mental trick to make you feel faster) I climbed a gradual 3% narrow gorge road, an eye on the monster climb approaching. Suddenly a horn tooted and I instinctively pulled right to make way. Phwoosh, an Italian rider SHOT by me as if propelled by a circus cannon. He wasn't breathing hard and he looked at me with a smile as he pounded a massive gear at a speed in the high 40s - uphill. I'll never know if he had been holding on to the team car, he was hopped up on Pot Belge, or was just that much better than me. But that really took a lot of steam out of my boilers and it got worse from there. I had to turn to the third page of results to find my name that night. Even today I can sympathise with the thoughts going through Eric Zabel's mind as he sat dejected on the curb with a teammate after getting absolutely pummelled in yet another race... wondering what to do. Give up one's dreams, career, income and sacrifices or join the cheaters. To so many of them, it wasn't cheating if everyone was doing it. But to me... it was absolutely wrong. They snaked me out of potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars and their actions have cost many people their jobs and dreams over the past decade.

(to be continued - stay tuned!)

Rock Racing coming to the NVGP

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The always colorful Rock Racing squad is confirmed for the NVGP. Look for Rahsaan Bahati, David Clinger, Michael Creed, Kayle Leogrande and more to stir things up this year! They'll be joining some other new teams as well as established powerhouses. Stay tuned for more news !

Sea Otter NRC Podium

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:02:00 +0000

(by Shelley Olds, PROMAN/Paradigm
I want to tell everyone on the team how awesome it was racing with you all this weekend. For those of you that weren't there, let me give you a little run down:

The team for the weekend was 7 strong, with the 5 towers and the two shrimps in attendance. Going into the race, I was a little nervous and unsure about my fitness and how I would feel in this kind of a race. The circuit race at Sea Otter is pretty tough. It's about a 2-mile race course, wide-open and usually very windy with a significant climb and a fast descent on every lap. We did 22 laps on Saturday...

I knew going into the race that it was going to be a race of attrition. I also knew that I had 6 very strong teammates to race with and I was confident that we would be able to control the race. I spent the entire first half of the race conserving energy, watching other teams go for the sprint and QOM points, and spinning as lightly as I could up the climbs. PROMAN was patrolling the front and Rachel was the first to go with an early move that had Tina Pic, Brooke Miller, and Stacy Marple. The move was probably designed to set up a counter move and so Rachel covered it perfectly. Back in the field, Helene was moving towards the front to prepare for the counter. As soon as the move was brought back, Helene attacked off the front and quickly established a big gap on the rest of the field. She stayed off and increased her lead even more.

Then all of a sudden there was a group of 8 riders off the front of the peloton with members from Tibco, Cheerwine, and Colavita in chase of Helene. PROMAN immediately responded and moved our entire squad to the front of the race. There was a moment of indecisiveness when we all tried to figure out if we should bring the move back as a whole, or have one of us go across the gap to join the break. Helene had been on her own for at least 4 laps battling the wind and the course itself. It was in our best interest to send someone else up the road.

Everyone did their part to close the gap just enough for me to jump across on the climb and catch the break on the descent. As soon as I made contact, the team shut down the field and the break was gone. Helene was still off the front and we were gaining on her slowly. Eventually, Helene dropped back to the break and we were comfortably riding the winning break with everyone back in the field resting in for a possible field sprint if the break ended up getting caught.

The break was strong and sort of steady in the beginning with Cheerwine doing most of the work. They had 3 riders out of 10 in the break and one of them was Laura Van Gilder. Helene did her share of the work in the break, even after being off the front for days, and both Tibco and Colavita used a rider to set the pace. In an effort to drop the strongest sprinter in our break, Colavita's Tiffany Cromwell, put in a huge effort on the climb and shattered the break into pieces. The first three chasers were Stacy Marple, Rachel Heal and Dotsie Bausch (who was just covering the move in case they caught her teammate Cromwell). I was not far behind with Catherine Cheatley and the rest of the break was gone, including Van Gilder, Buchanan, and Helene. Now there was a break of 5 with two Cheerwine, one Colavita, one Tibco, and myself.

I did a little work early on to bring the Colavita rider back, but our chase was highly unorganized. Colavita was there to doom the break and allow her teammate to stay off, so that left 4 of us to work. I took my turn trading pulls with the two Cheerwine girls early on until it was obvious that the move was gone and there was no real commitment from anyone in our break to bring her back. That was when I started racing smart, conserving energy, and constantly trying to position myself to cover a move should it come from the Cheerwine duo. Luckily, it never did and I was able to stick with the group of 5 until the end.

With one lap to go, Stacy Marple put in a strong effort on the climb and the break split again, but we reunited at the top of the climb just before the descent. I rolled through and hit the corkscrew first, opening a little gap from the group on the descent. I was reabsorbed on the small riser before the last left hand turn and the attack immediately came from Tibco's Rachel Heal. Marple covered and they opened a small gap on the rest of us. I moved across the gap and caught the two leaders going into the sweeping turn. The group cam back together again before the last right hand turn and we were creeping towards the finish line. Everyone was waiting for the other one to attack and I was patiently waiting for the right moment to jump. I was positioned in the back and waited until about 150m before the finish to jump.

In the field behind me was Virginia, patiently awaiting her moment to unleash her sprint for the finish. Helene and her break had been reabsorbed by the field in the last lap so the field was racing for 7th. Virginia, Kristina, Rachel, and Helene were all nicely positioned in the top 10 coming into the final straightaway and finished the day for PROMAN with 5 in the top 21 riders. The entire team finished the race, which is something to really be proud of as well.

I am really proud of the team. We were a force in the Sea Otter Circuit Race this year and held our own against the best teams in the country. Everyone did their part, we communicated well, and we made decisions on the fly and as a whole that ultimately paid off big time. It was truly a pleasure joining you all for my real first race of the season. You have really established yourselves in the women's national racing scene and I am honored to be a part of it.

Can't wait to race again.

Shelley

Coming back to the NVGP

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:50:00 +0000

by Jeff Corbett
[Former Team Director, Health Net Pro Cycling Team]

Yeah, I’ve been to a few bike races in my days. How many? Probably well over 1000 in the last twenty years. But I’ve never been asked to write about why a certain event appeals to me, until now. As you can imagine after attending so many races I have found some that I enjoy and some that I would rather not remember. The Nature Valley Grand Prix is special to me. It is one of only a handful of races I can honestly say I will truly miss now that I am retired from racing and directing.

Why Nature Valley? What makes it so special? Well I would be lying if I didn’t admit that some of my affection for the event comes from my success there. You always tend to enjoy the events that your team does well at. And my teams have given me plenty to smile about having won the event overall in 2005 and 2006, as well as winning 12 of the last 26 stages over a five year run. But it isn’t the victories that keep me coming back every year; it’s the magical combination of good people, good courses, good competition, great fans, and relaxed atmosphere that mark any exceptional event.

When I say good people, I’m speaking of those involved with putting on and sponsoring the event. First on that list has to be Nature Valley and Great River Energy, without whom, I wouldn’t even be writing this right now. These companies have embraced the event not because it brings them a huge media impact or a ideal marketing platform for new products, but rather because they know that it’s events like this that make a place come alive. They know that these types of events help people build pride in their hometowns and enjoy it as more than a place to rest their heads or send their kids to school. These are important things, they’re the things that break the pattern of work and sleep that we all fall into. Much like concerts in the park or company softball, events like the Nature Valley Grand Prix help bring interesting and exciting activities to Minnesota cities both large and small. Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you all this… as a person who makes his living off cycling I should be saying that cycling is a marketing bargain and a great way to market your product and service and people love cycling. Well, all those are true but it doesn’t change the fact that most people who come out and watch a bike race in this country can’t name a single pro cyclist. So why do they come out?

Well I’ll tell you. They come for the entertainment. They come for the show. And the show is more than just the pro race, it’s all the ancillary events attached to a race. It’s the expo and the kids race, it’s the bands and the food, it’s the chance to yell and cheer for something even if you don’t understand it. The folks that sponsor the Nature Valley Grand Prix know this, and so do the folks who put on the event. That’s why they are a success.

There are many other ingredients that make the Nature Valley Grand Prix a success and I’ll be speaking about all of them in the months leading up to the 2008 edition. Stop back to read more about what makes this event a success and to hear some of my favorite tales from my years at the event. I may even be giving out a few tips on how to win the event and who to watch in this year’s edition.

[picture courtesy Pezcyclingnews]

Cole's Race

noreply@blogger.com (NVGPblog) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:20:00 +0000

By Teresa Moriarty

The Nature Valley Grand Prix is a prestigious bike race that assists families in need at Children’s Hospital and Clinics. For the past nine years, The Nature Valley Grand Prix has been summoning professional racers from across the globe, while making a positive impact on those who are with Children’s Hospital and Clinics. In the year 2000 there was no wavering from this race’s influence.

Back in the 2000-2001 school year, I had another amazing group of sixth-graders that I had worked with as an elementary teacher. Each student was unique with their own talents, all eager to break away from their lower school years so that they could set new life goals, and use their tangible talents to achieve them. However, one of my students was given a different path, a far greater challenge than five days of hard bike racing in Minnesota. His was the race against time, a goal to have a longer life. This beloved student was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Within two days of his diagnosis, Children’s Hospital in Saint Paul became his second home and classroom where lessons on life, health, and perseverance were administered by those who came to his bedside. But who was the real teacher? Cole was the educator, this eleven-year old sixth-grader. He taught others what it really means to push onward, to stay alive and fight cancer. This was Cole’s toughest race.

And where did his support come from? It came from his wonderful parents and younger brother. It also came from an amazing team of physicians, nurses, and from those who make things possible at Saint Paul’s Children‘s Hospital. The medical team tried so many new treatments for Cole, which we all know takes money, time, and dedicated people to understand about this disease. They never gave up on helping Cole to fight for his possible win.

As 2001 lead the way in our new millennium, that year gave me a new reason as to why I race in the Nature Valley Grand Prix. I race for Cole! You see, Cole will never be able to take his own bike outside again in the backyard where he made a BMX track course to have races against his brother and friends. Cole lost his race against cancer. So now, I race for Cole.

Thank you to all of the individuals who make the Nature Valley Grand Prix what it is: a prestigious bike race that assists families in need at Children’s Hospital and Clinics.

From my favorite stage in my final NVGP '05

noreply@blogger.com (John Lieswyn) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:05:00 +0000

by John Lieswyn

The following is excerpted from my Cyclingnews.com diaries and describes a stage in which I raced the day after losing yellow in a massive nighttime criterium crash. I thought I had just pulled some muscles but I was later to learn that I had actually broken my pelvis...

Epic!
Red Wing Road Race, 163km with six hilly finishing circuits 7km each. The course includes two dirt road sections, many rolling hills, strong winds and occasional rain.
EPIC! Now THIS is bike racing. Unfortunately for me, I spent most of the day groveling and hanging on. Receiving pain rather than dishing it out.
We began quite slowly today. Perhaps everyone had seen the wind on the drive in, or tired legs needed warming up. I was glad for it. Riding with a groin pull and touchy knee meant that I couldn't find a comfortable position on the saddle. Hard accelerations are out of the question. At 30km we're over the first KOM (I'm wearing the climber jersey but contesting it today isn't possible when I don't know if I can even finish the stage) and headed towards a right turn into a strong crosswind. Gord and I have got ourselves in position at the head of the field, while Tyler and Greg chance getting a flat to charge up the gravel shoulder. Jelly Belly is also ready for a jam session. Within twenty minutes we've broken the field into 8 echelons, with just a dozen in front. Milne, Baldwin (Navs), Menzies and a teammate (AB/E), Brice Jones, Matty Rice, Mariano, Dave McCook, Patey (Jelly Belly), Jonathan Page (Colavita) and four of us Health Net pb Maxxis guys. High powered split! We go out to 1:40 lead before Milne stops pulling. A Jelly Belly guy flats, they quit pulling… the JB is back on and Greg absolutely rivets us all over a small climb. McCook and Rice go OTB (out the back)…there's a lot of arguing and gapping off of each other between Navs and us…and we're losing our hard earned gap rapidly. A period of rain coincides with the second sprint. Milne pumps me again and widens his lead by another 3 seconds. Teams McGuire Realty and Webcor Builders are hard at work in the second group welding the race back together.
Over the dirt roads now, and Greg has hit the wall. He's bonking (out of fuel) and I'm close to it as well. The groups are constantly reshuffling…not much is said as we all focus on figuratively holding the wheel of the guy ahead. A Penn Cycles local team mountain biker ringer, whose name I have forgotten but deserves mention, absolutely drills it over a 1500m dirt section and singlehandedly brings the group I'm struggling to hold on to in contact with a split I'd missed.
For the middle hour of the race I wonder how much damage I'm doing to my body; it's screaming at me and I'm really unable to hold the wheel in front. I call into my radio for ibuprofen anti-inflammatories, and our soigneur Debbie crushes 400mg into a bottle for me. Hope this works. The bottle goes down with a nasty taste. That feed zone precedes the finishing circuits by just a few km… good! Gord has gone up the road with powerhouses Menzies and Pate. Now I really have a reason to "sit" (not assist in pulling at the front).
Onto the circuits and Milne is running out of guys to control the race. Attacks from Brian Jensen, Aaron Olsen (Colavita), and Jonathan Page (Colavita) blow the remaining Navigator workers off the front, and the men in red pull away from us quickly. Milne tries to recruit me to help, since Page will overtake my 2nd on GC before threatening Milne's yellow jersey. I suggest Milne try attacking as the best defense. And he does, in a perfectly timed, powerful surge. As the one who suggested it, I'm well placed to follow. Nobody else can or will respond, and we're clear! Milne closes half the thirty second lead to Page, and I finish it off. We've now got 5 riders clear and 3 laps of the residential circuit to go.
It's great to go from total suffering just to hold a wheel on flat ground to feeling like a factor again. The muscles are still all out of balance but I can now manage the pain and with each successive lap I'm closer to getting a bottle of liquids at the finish. All five of us are totally dry, and there is no feed zone on this circuit. Each time past the finish line I'm looking jealously at the bottles an illegal feeder is handing up to a competing team, but I'm not so bad off as to risk a penalty.
Last lap. In the break Pate has attacked and established a ten bike length lead over Menzies and a further couple lengths to Fraser. It was definitely possible that the three could have rejoined one another, but the issue was settled for Pate definitively as a car following a lapped group decides to stop right in front of the Jelly Belly powerhouse on a descent. Gord said Pate was fully sideways and unclipped from his pedal, executing a full emergency evasive maneuver. After that Pate tried unsuccessfully to go solo on the last hill. Game over, chalk up another race win for The Gord.
I'm not interested in the minor placings but with the strange timekeeping we're experiencing here I ride 90 percent in the sprint. Page has jumped us but doesn't get clear; Jensen comes around to take 4th on the stage. He's so excited that he pumps a fist in the air…it would be silly for a pro rider but I'm happy for Jensen. It's a big result for him!
Young Milne has done a great job containing me today. He's kept the leader's jersey on one of the most epic race days of the year. Tomorrow I have one more chance to take it back… I'm hoping my injuries heal up enough to get some real power down on one of my favorite tough-man criterium courses of the year. If Milne can stay with me, he truly deserves the overall win. Until tomorrow, then!