On Tap: Dana Point Grand Prix

Posted on 08. Apr, 2010 by lyne in race

One for the sprinters. The NRC continues, only for the men however, with the calendar’s first stand-alone criterium the Dana Point Grand Prix on Sunday, with a total purse of $15K on the line.

For its fourth edition with new title sponsor Indie Hops., a 2.25-mile (3.6km) time trial was added on Saturday to test the riders. The time trial does not count for NRC points. The event does also offer races for other categories including women pro/1/2 races.

The start lists are not known as this point but what we do know is that the men’s crit should be a battle of sprinters and fine tuning of  leadout trains.

Last year’s winner Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing) now with Bahati Foundation Racing Team is returning to defend his  bunch sprint  victory ahead of Jeremiah Wiscovitch (SC Velo) and Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita/Sutter Home). No Haedo this year as he is racing in Europe with the ProTour Saxo Bank team but Jamis/Sutter Home is bringing four riders to contend: brothers Alejandro and Anibal Borrajo, Ivan Dominguez and Guido Palma. The UnitedHealthcare p/b Maxxis team is working on its leadout timing for its two main sprinters Jake Keough and Andrew Pinfold; Redlands was the first time that their train was in effect for the pair who finished 2nd and 3rd in the crit. The UHC roster also includes Eric Barlevav, Adrian Hegyvary, Tim Johnson, Roman Kilun, Morgan Schmitt and Brad White.

The women’s race in 2009 also came down to a bunch sprint after the break and race was neutralized due to a major crash. Nikki Butterfield (Webcor Builders) took the win ahead of teammate Gina Grain and Cath Cheatley (Colavita-Sutter Home).

In conjuction with the Casa Dana Group, the organizers are working on a live webcast for Sunday’s race which should be available at danapointgrandprix.com. Also Cox Cable will be broadcasting live on local channels 30 and 855.

Follow @podium_live on twitter for live updates during the race.

Killer Cove Road Time Trial Saturday 10 April 2010
	Length: 2.25-mile (3.6km) Start Intervals: 30 seconds, Start times: first category at 7am;  women  8:55am, men  9:20am. See startlist The  course includes long straight sections, technical cornering, downhills and a short 18% grade 0.2-mile climb above the Dana Point Harbor. View video of the Time Trial View interactive map via MapMyRide View DPGP Criterium and Time Trial Location
Killer Cove Road Time Trial Sunday 11 April 2010
	Length: 0.8 mile (1.2 km) Start times: women: 12:55pm for 55 minutes men: 4:00pm for 90 minutes Relatively flat and very fast 6 turn L-shape course with 2 slight rises. Start/Finish located across from Heritage Park overlooking Dana Point Harbor. View pdf of map View video of 2009 DPGP Men’s race View DPGP Criterium and Time Trial Location

The Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling is organized by the Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation, a 501 c(3) non-profit corporation with a mission of community cycling advocacy and growth. All proceeds will be donated to charity. In prior years, portion of the proceeds from the race have been donated to the Dana Point Boys & Girls Club and the 5th US Marine Support Regiment. In 2010, Indie Hops is also sponsoring the Cascade Cycling Classic and the Mt. Hood Cycling classic.

Tags: dana point GP, dana point grand prix, nrc