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KBS Racing in France & South Korea for California preparation

Posted on 22. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

Kelly Benefit Strategies Pro Cycling announced today their participation and rosters for Tro Bro Leon, UCI 1.1 and Le Tour de Bretagne Cycliste – Trophée des Granitiers in France as well as The Tour of Korea, both taking place at the end of April.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to compete in prestigious races like Tro Bro Leon and Le Tour de Bretagne Cycliste – Trophée des Granitiers. Our team has worked very hard to get where we are, and receiving invitations from these great European and Asian events validates what we are doing,” said Jonas Carney, Performance Director. “We will not go to France simply to participate. We are bringing a very strong team and we hope to get results.”

Alex Candelario, Dan Bowman, David Veilleux, Zach Bell, Ryan Anderson and Scott Zwizanski comprise the KBS roster for France. Reid Mumford, Andy Bajadali, Neil Shirley, Cheyne Hoag, Guy East and Ryan Anthony will represent KBS at The Tour of Korea.

“Racing internationally is the best way to prepare our riders for the big events and that is what we are doing. In the US, there are no races as long as what we will do in Korea or as difficult as what we will face in Brittany,” said Carney. “These races will be excellent preparation for the Amgen Tour of California and the Philadelphia International Championship.”

This weekend the team will race in the Redlands Bicycle Classic as well as the Veulta Ciclista de Uruguay.

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Team Type 1’s Pro Men Look for Fortune at the Tour of Morocco

Posted on 22. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

Friday, March 26th will kick off Team Type 1’s first international stage race of the season, the 23rd Tour of Morocco. The race, which totals ten days of racing, spread across ten stages – two of which are split stages – begins in the Moroccan capital of Rabat and concludes in Morocco’s largest city – Casablanca – on April 4th.

Team Type 1 brings six professional riders to the start line, including Mike Creed, Aldo Ino Ilesic, Chris Jones, Valeri Kobzarenko, Javier Megias Leal and Shawne Milne, under the watchful eye of team director Michael Carter. “I think that we’ve got the best team we could possibly have for this race,” said Carter of the squad he’s assembled for Morocco.

Over the course of ten stages, riders face a total of 1,510 kilometers of racing action. The riders’ longest days in the saddle come during stage nine and the two parts of stage six, when riders face 190-kilometer courses (stage six is made up of one 120-kilometer stage and one 70-kilometer stage).

For the most part, the race is a flat affair, however riders will face various fourth category climbs throughout the race before reaching any major climbs. Those climbs come on stage three, where riders must ascend a second and third category summit, and the seventh stage, where a third category climb stands in their way.

One rider hoping to sprout wings on the race’s major climbs is Leal, who came to the squad this year from the Pro-Tour team Footon-Servetto, who Carter describes as a “climber extraordinaire.” “Whenever you come from a Pro-Tour team, you definitely have a leg up on everyone else,” explains Carter.

Carter also points to Milne as a rider who could make waves in Morocco, saying “he’s not a pure climber like Javier is, but he’s very good on the power stuff.” Another weapon in Team Type 1’s arsenal is newcomer Mike Creed, who “has a ton of experience and is just a great all-arounder.”

Team Type 1’s mixture of tenacious breakaway artists and sprint specialists sets them up perfectly to challenge for multiple stage wins. While the climbs may be few and far between, there will be plenty of opportunities to spring winning moves throughout the race. As far as the team’s true leader goes, Carter is hesitant to name one specific rider. “Things will evolve. It will be the strongest rider; the guy who’s doing the best. It really could be any one of those guys to be honest. They’re all in really good condition and they all have their own attributes.”

Team Type 1 will have twelve chances to perfect their tactics and take home a victory on international soil for the first time this year. Carter is looking at the hilly stage seven as a highlight of the team’s tactics saying, “by then, we’ll know, who’s who, who’s strong, who’s been able to stay out of trouble and who’s had the best fortune.”

By the time racing concludes on April 4th, Team Type 1 hopes to be the team with the best fortune.

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Independent panel issues two-year suspension to Clinger

Posted on 19. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

Colorado Springs, Colo. (March 19, 2010) – USADA announced today that an independent, three-member American Arbitration Association/Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS) panel issued its decision that David Clinger, an athlete in the sport of cycling, receive a sanction for testing positive for two prohibited substances.

Clinger, 32, of Sandy, Utah, tested positive for synthetic testosterone and modafinil in a sample collected from him on July 30, 2009, after placing second in the men’s road race at the USA Cycling Elite Road National Championships in Bend, Oregon. Synthetic testosterone is prohibited as an anabolic agent and modafinil is prohibited as a stimulant on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List, which has been adopted by the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union “UCI” Anti-Doping Rules. Clinger’s two year period of ineligibility began September 3, 2009, the day he accepted a provisional suspension.

As a result of the doping violation, Clinger has also been disqualified from all competitive results achieved at and subsequent to the USA Cycling Elite Road National Championships, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes. Results from the 2009 USA Cycling Elite Road National Championships have been revised for the elite men’s road race and medals will be awarded accordingly. The revised results are as follows:

NOTE: The AAA/CAS decision is available on the USADA website

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Team Type 1 Announces 2010 Rosters for Six Teams

Posted on 19. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

Team Type 1 today announced the full rosters for its six racing teams. The organization’s 66 athletes will compete in events across three continents that range from international stage races to world-class triathlons to the epic Race Across America.

“The growth of the Team Type 1 programs increases our ability to achieve our mission—to inspire people around the world living with diabetes to live full lives,” said Phil Southerland, Team Type 1 Founder and CEO. “I know that every day this year in some part of the world there is a Team Type 1 athlete training, racing and inspiring people with diabetes. Our athletes with diabetes turn in amazing results year-over-year and have started off the 2010 season with great success across the board.”

Already taking podiums in early 2010 races, Team Type 1 has a roster of athletes totaling 66 with a full-time support staff of 15.

Team Type 1’s full 2010 calendar here: http://teamtype1.org/calendar#calendar_event_7

The Team Type 1 Professional Men’s Team, coached by cycling veterans Vassili Davidenko and Michael Carter, includes a strong mix of veterans (Michael Creed, Valeriy Kobzarenko, Shawn Milne), sprinters (Eldridge, Ken Hanson and Aldo Ino Ilesic), stage racing specialists (Chris Jones and Davide Frattini), European talent (Javier Megias, Thomas Rabou and Martijn Verschoor) and an abundance of promising newcomers (Will Dugan, Alexey Shmidt, Thomas Soladay and Scott Stewart).

Four of the 17 Professional Men’s Team riders have Type 1 diabetes: Fabio Calabria, Eldridge, Megias and Verschoor. In addition to nine Americans, there are riders from Australia, Holland, Italy, Russia, Slovenia, Spain and the Ukraine.

Find more information about the Team Type 1 Professional Men’s Team here: http://teamtype1.org/teams/team_type1_men

The Team Type 1 Professional Women’s Team will be led by Jack Seehafer and includes a total of four women—seasoned pro Kori Seehafer, Team Type 1 veteran Morgan Patton, and newcomers Jackie Crowell and Mandy Marquardt. Seehafer, Patton and Marquardt have Type 1 diabetes.

Find more information about the Team Type 1 Professional Women’s Team here: http://teamtype1.org/teams/team_type1_women

The Team Type 1 Development Team, led by Tim Powell and rider Tim Henry, includes six riders, all of whom have Type 1 diabetes, from three countries. Australia will be represented by Simon Bennett and Justin Morris. From Holland is Olaf Kerkhof. And from the U.S. is Stradford Helms, Matt Brooks and Alex Bowden.

Find more information about the Team Type 1 Development Team here: http://teamtype1.org/teams/team_type1_development

The Team Type 1 Elite Team, known for its record-setting victories in the prestigious Race Across America, will be led by three-time RAAM participant, Bob Schrank. The remaining eleven Team Type 1 Elite Team members are Jeff Bannink, Adam Driscoll, Dustin Folger, Lonnie Knabe, Andy Mead, Kyle Rose, Daniel Scheider, James Stout, Mark Suprenant, Kerry White and Jerry Willis. All Team Type 1 Elite Team members have Type 1 diabetes.

Find more information about the Team Type 1 Elite Team here: http://teamtype1.org/teams/elite_raam

The Team Type 1 Triathlon Team will be led by athlete/managers Matt Vogel and former Kent State fullback, Tom Kingery. Intent on being a force in the national triathlon scene, Vogel and Kingery will be joined by Nathan Bartells, Patricia Brownell, Laura Ely, Bradford Gildon, Bobby Heyer, Angela Past and Kevin Powell.

Find more information about the Team Type 1 Triathlon Team here: http://teamtype1.org/teams/elite_raam

Team Type 2 is in its second year of competition on the national scene. The team is comprised of athletes with Type 2 diabetes and is focused on the Race Across America. The 18-person squad is led by team member Tim Dolan, and includes on its roster John Anderson, Bill Arnold, Phil Bruno, Bob Chaisson, Larry Cleveland, Rob Coburn, Peter Cowley, Jay DeCora, Joe Gerber, Malcom Goggin, Fred Legrand, Lakshmi Seshradri, Ed Tepper, Mark Thul, Anthony Vita, Dennis Voorhees and Saul Zuckman.

Find more information about the Team Type 2 here: http://teamtype1.org/teams/team_type2

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Support the Tour of Missouri

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

The Tour of Missouri, the professional bicycling race that has taken place throughout the Show Me State since 2007 and has highlighted the state in a prolific and invaluable way, today announced a special campaign to solicit support for the race, scheduled for August 31 – September 6, 2010.

Over the course of three years, an estimated 1.2 Million spectators from more than 40 states and 20 countries have lined the roads of Missouri to see more than 120 world-class athletes race. The event also has been seen on FOX Sports Midwest, Versus and through live webcasts that have reached viewers in more than 170 countries.

“Like the Tour de France, this event has transformed Missouri into a tourist destination by showcasing the sights and sounds of Missouri to the world. And best of all, it’s been a free public event that all walks of life have enjoyed,” said Mike Weiss, president of the Missouri Bicycle Racing Association. “There is still debate at the state level for support of this event. We need continued state, and even general public support outside the realms of traditional corporate support, to continue this race. It’s essential for not only the event’s success but viability.”

Weiss, who also was a key initiator in the event’s concept, added that the Tour of Missouri has become more than a “bike race”, and each year has been an international festival for community pride statewide while providing a healthy direct and indirect economic return.

“I have talked with leaders of cities across the who have hosted the Tour, who have seen how it brings communities together and really improves a city’s quality of life,” said Brent Hugh, Executive Director of the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation. “The Tour is like a big community celebration and its health and wellness focus has inspired people across the state to get out and improve their fitness while enjoying Missouri’s great outdoors.”

Hugh added that in these global times, the event also has become a great international experience for those attending. Athletes from more than 30 countries have competed in the Tour of Missouri over the past three years making this the most international sporting event Missouri has hosted since the 1904 Olympics.

The economic impact on Missouri has been measured at more than $75 million over the past three years. Host cities have received media impressions in more than 170 countries. More than 30 cities have played host to the event and derived international recognition from the event.

On behalf of the non-profit group Tour of Missouri, Inc.,

Weiss and Hugh announced the following ways individuals can support the Tour of Missouri:

• Join the movement at “Support Tour of Missouri” by posting your comments at www.facebook.com/tourofmissouri. More than 4,000 people have joined since Monday, March 15, many submitting their views of the event.
• Donate by going to www.tourofmissouri.com, then click through on the donation button. There are various levels with various premium benefits for your support. Because the Tour of Missouri is a not-for-profit venture, all your donations are tax deductible.

Also, individuals may voice their support by email or call one of three places:

1. Governor Jay Nixon’s office (573 751-3222, http://governor.mo.gov)
2. Tourism Director Katie Danner Steele’s office (573-751-3051, DirectorMoTourism@ded.mo.gov)
3. State legislators (or any number of state legislators (MoBikeFed.org/ContactElectedOfficials)

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John Murphy Sixth at Nokere Koerse

Posted on 17. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

At the Belgian semi-classic Nokere Koerse the BMC Racing Team posted two top-ten spots on Wednesday. John Murphy came in sixth, Swiss Danilo Wyss managed ninth.

The BMC Racing Team displayed a solid team performance on the 192-km-long one-day race from Oudenaarde to Nokere in Belgium. The reigning American Criterium champion Murphy got himself sixth in the sprint.

“500 meters from the goal Alex (Moos), John (Murphy) and I were still together, but we were squeezed a bit and so lost time on the slight incline of the cobblestone street,” as  Wyss described it.

“It was a very nervous finale with mass crashes five kilometers before the finish. Luckily none of the riders on our team was involved,” assistant sport director Mike Sayers commented, who indicated he was very satisfied with the cooperation of the team. “We would have had good chances for a victory with a strong start to the sprint in the finale, but Cofidis got ahead of us.”

The Belgian Jens Keukeleire secured the victory for the French team.

For  Sayers it was his first time as Assistant Sport Director in Europe. “Everything is much bigger and more professional, a very good experience. It’s an honor for me to be a part of the race here,” the former American cycling pro added.

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Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team p/b Colavita Rosters for California Races

Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita will open the 2010 racing season in California with the San Dimas Stage Race and Redlands Bicycle Classic.

Jamis/Sutter Home begins the North American season with a stage win and numerous podium finishes to its credit. At the Rutas de Americas in Uruguay (UCI 2.2), Alejandro Borrajo sprinted to victory in the stage two road race. His brother Anibal took third in the next stage and finished 5th overall. Luis Amaran provided an outstanding preview of his versatility at the Valley of the Sun last month, taking second in the time trial, second in the criterium, third in the road race, and second on general classification.

“Jamis/Sutter Home is excited to return to North America for the start of NRC racing,” said Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre. “Last year, our squad took second overall at Redlands so we are aiming for the win this year.”
Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita rosters for San Dimas Stage Race and Redlands Bicycle Classic include:

• Luis Amaran (CUB)
• Alejandro Borrajo (ARG)
• Anibal Borrajo (ARG)
• Ivan Dominguez (USA)
• Jamey Driscoll (USA)*
• Nick Frey (USA)
• Andy Guptill (USA)
• Ignacio Peyeyra (ARG)**
• Tyler Wren (USA)

*San Dimas Stage Race only
** Redlands Bicycle Classic only

The San Dimas Stage Race in San Dimas, CA begins on March 19 and continues through March 21. The Redlands Bicycle Classic in Redlands, CA runs from March 25 through March 28.

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Third Pillar launches Elite Women’s Team

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

Third Pillar Systems has announced title sponsorship of the newly formed elite women’s team out of the San Francisco Bay Area. The company has been the title sponsor of a men’s team for several years and is looking forward to the expansion. Leading the team’s evolution is Mark Davis who has worked closely to develop a strong relationship between Third Pillar Racing and the cycling community in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Third Pillar Racing team raced at Merco Grand Prix

“When I came to Third Pillar Racing, I was impressed with the organization of the team; it was the first time I had teammates who selflessly executed pro tactics in the amateur categories. As opposed to several other clubs I have raced for, Third Pillar Racing has a real team structure and culture. I have Jon Orban to thank for creating this new opportunity of taking Third Pillar’s corporate strategy of providing innovative solutions through diversity and applying them to Third Pillar Racing.”

Jon Orban was eager to oblige; “Third Pillar has always prided itself on taking the less traveled path to achieve the highest levels of success. Third Pillar Racing embodies the principles of our company to create wins.”

Now those principles will be on display nationally in the cycling world.

The original inspiration for the national women’s team stems from the tragic loss of rising-talent Kristy Gough, who was struck and killed while training in 2008 by James Council, an on duty Santa Clara Deputy Sherriff. To carry on Kristy’s passion for cycling and athletics, Third Pillar decided to support a national women’s team for 2010.

Mark states, “What was missing was an elite women’s component to Third Pillar Racing. Kristy’s story moved us to fill that void on the team.”

This vision was made easier by the hard economic climate in the bicycle industry. As many top women’s teams in the USA have downsized or folded unexpectedly due to financial strains, Third Pillar’s commitment and funding was not only a bolt from the blue, but paramount in making the vision a reality.

“I had asked [Jon Orban] about starting the team in March and I was given the go ahead to approach potential riders that would fit in the Third Pillar family; by October we were having to turn riders away.”

The roster consists of powerful sprinters and all-round road racers. Karla Kingsley, Virginia Perkins, Charlotte Hart and Martina Patella. Dr. Stacy Sims will balance racing, coaching, and other current projects with Lance Armstrong, Garmin-Transitions, and Clif sport drinks. The team will also support a female development team consisting of Brigit Cory, Emily Matheu, and Tracy Hogan. Australian rider Jasmin Hurikino will also being joining the squad.

Davis stated “Our ultimate vision is to build one of the most successful and positive forces in women’s U.S. cycling for 2010 and beyond. I envision Third Pillar Racing going head to head with Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12, Touchstone, and Webcor Builders Bridge Team regionally as well as having the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest national powerhouses.”

As for continuation of the men’s team, ambitions lie in bolstering a masters men’s team. “We would like to be at the same level as the Amgen or Specialized Master teams.”

As a result, Third Pillar Racing has also added ex-professionals to its roster: Erik Saunders, Jim White, Jacques Benoit and Rodger Bennett. While racing for Third Pillar’s master’s team, the men will support the elite women in training and act as race directors.

For 2010, Third Pillar Racing is partnering with BackBeat Apps, Park Road Fitness, Northern California based bicycle manufacturer Leopard Cycles, Vetta, Bebop Pedals, Dedicated Athlete, EDGE Components, Specialized, Silicon Valley Sports Medical, Kenda Tires, ProNet, Five Rings Cycling Center, Clean Bottle, and Ralph King Furniture.

Davis stated “Despite the down turn in the economy and the struggles women’s racing has recently seen, I was floored by the high level of interest and the high quality of support we have from our sponsors. Their financial and product support truly helped make this team happen.”

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Much wins final stage to take the overall title of the Tucson Bicycle Classic.

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

Tucson, AZ – Rebecca Much did exactly what she needed to do to secure the overall title of the Tucson Bicycle Classic Sunday. “I just kept thinking that if I can win this stage I can win the overall,” she said.

Rebecca Much - photo c Larry Rosa

She timed her sprint on the uphill finish to perfection, going 100 meters from the line to take the win in the circuit race, and secure the 10-second time bonus she needed to make up the seven-second deficit she had to the race leader going into the stage.

“I haven’t won a sprint in a long time,” she said. “There was another time bonus sprint on the line about half-way through the race, and I used that one as practice to make sure I got it right for the finish.”

Much opened the three-day race by taking 2nd in the time trial, and followed it with another 2nd place in Saturday’s road race. Tucson continues a strong early season for Much, who also got the win two weeks ago in Snelling.

“Tucson is a really good race,” she said. “It’s well run, and everyone raced well. It was good preparation for San Dimas and Redlands. I’m really excited about those races.”

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Menzies secures overall win at Murietta

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by lyne.

Murietta, CA – Karl Menzies secured the first ever overall win for the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis, finishing 3rd in Sunday’s final stage to win the omnium (points) at the Tour de Murietta.

Karl Menzies - photo c Jonathan Devich, Epic Images

“The guys had another good day today,” said team directeur sportif Gord Fraser. “They worked really well together yesterday in the crit and again today in the road race. They’re executing really well, and the teamwork was critical to getting Karl the overall win against some strong competition.”

Menzies opened up the three-day omnium, in which riders accumulate points for their stage placings, with 2nd in the time trial Friday behind teammate Rory Sutherland. He took over the top spot in the standings after earning points for his 13th place finish in Saturday’s crit, after helping teammate Eric Barlevav to 4th place in the stage. He sealed the overall with his 3rd place today.

Barlevav finished the race in 4th overall. “That was a good result from Eric for his first stage race with UnitedHealthcare Presented by Maxxis,” Fraser commented.

The Tour de Murietta, was the second test in the team’s “re-season” preparation for the NRC-opening Redlands Classic begins March 25. The team will make their final preparations next weekend at the San Dimas Stage Race.

The roster will change up a bit for San Dimas, with Brad White, Andrew Pinfold, Max Jenkins and Jake Keough joining Sutherland, Menzies, Jonathan Clarke and Chris Baldwin.

San Dimas kicks off Friday with a 3.7-mile climbing time trial. The race continues Saturday with 12 trips around a challenging 7-mile circuit, and finishes Sunday with a 90-minute criterium around a 1.2-mile course in San Dimas.

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