Ride Ventura RSS

RideVentura on hold

info@rideventura.com — 2008-04-25T00:21:25-07:00

Hello Race fans. B-Dal here. RideVentura.com is going to be taking a break for the next few months as I head out on the road. I will be updating my personal site to document my adventures with my new team ValueAct Capital Professional Womens Cycling Team.

Check out the B-Dal blog here.

Cheers.

The Next Chapter

info@rideventura.com — 2008-04-17T22:13:54-07:00

Good evening everyone out there in RideVentura land. Sorry it has been so long since my last entry as life has been pretty crazy these days.

Many of you have seen me in various places and working for a few different organizations. Sometimes I am wearing Green, Kelly Benefits, maybe Yellow for Mavic but now the chapter and color is changing to Blue for Value Act Capital Professional Women's Cycling Team.

That is correct kids, looks like I may have gotten the chance to run my own team, well at least be their mechanic. First off I will be taking care of them at this weekend's Sea Otter Classic in Monterey and at the end of the month I drive to the remotest of areas in New Mexico for the Tour of Gila. Needless to say I am pretty happy dude these days with all the great opportunities on my plate.

Here is my kooky schedule for the next 2 months.

4/18 - 4/20 - Sea Otter Classic - Value Act Capital
4/21 - 4/26 - Home
4/27 - 5/4 - Tour of Gila - Value Act Capital
5/4 - 5/5 - Drive home
5/6 - 5/7 - Drive my little yellow Mavic Car to Boulder CO
5/8 - Fly Home
5/9 - Drive to Bay Area to pick up KBS team car
5/9 - 5/18 - Mt Hood Cycling Classic - KBS Medifast
5/18 - 5/22 - Drive KBS Team car to Baltimore
5/23 - Fly home
5/23 - 5/31 - Home!!
6/1 - 6/9 - Philly Week
6/9 - 6/11 - Drive to MN for Nature Valley Grand Prix
6/11 - 6/15 - Nature Valley GP
6/16 - Home

As you can see this is one kooky schedule and for the first time in my life I will be away from my family more then I ever have. I am very happy to have the greatest wife and fantastic son that any husband or father could ask for. I will miss them very much but in this day and age, work is work and you have to go where the money is.

See you all when I am in between trips or home for a break. I promise to shoot as many pictures as I can and post them quickly.

Take Care everyone!!

BD

Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast: Back At TOC

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-28T09:08:47-07:00

Team Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast have stepped up to take PEZ-Fans along as their season rolls out – through the eyes and words of a different rider each month, and to get us going we asked Jonny Sundt about his Tour of California.

With the season well underway, there’s little time to connect with riders and even less to think about what happened last weekend or even last month. But the guys at

- Reported by By Jonny Sundt, Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast-

It seems way too early to be looking back, recapping, or doing anything other than getting ready for the upcoming season. But it’s been a month since the ToC ended, and the crew here at Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast have been in the grind full time, some staying at the team house in Oxnard, CA; some bouncing from home to the California races, and back.

Some of the young guys are balancing school with the early season racing, and Martin Gilbert is still racing on the track over in Europe. But you wanted to hear about the Tour of California though, didn’t you?

Race reports are like origami, depending how you fold them up and present them they can be very pretty (ooh! a swan!) so I’ll just give you folks the plain piece of paper , and let you make what you want of it.

We all got sick……really sick. With the exception of Reid Mumford, who seems to be of an amazingly strong constitution, and that, coupled with copious amounts of Purell, and a refusal to shake anyone’s hand got him to the finish healthy. It was funny to watch the behavior of the entire peloton change as riders started dropping like flies in the first few days of the race. When we got to the race hotel for the start in Palo Alto it was all hugs and handshakes, two days later riders were treating each other like lepers.

The team are riding LeMond Triomphe framesets, SRAM gruppos, and Bontrager wheels, bars, stems and seatposts, and Selle Italia saddles.

As far as I can tell Astana is the only team that was 100% healthy for the entire race. I have a few good theories for this. They imported some crazy Kazak super virus, had their guys vaccinated, and enjoyed the carnage. Since they spent pretty much the entire race riding the front, nobody was able to breathe on them and get them sick. Their mechanic/bodyguard/handlers were so scary looking (I’m not kidding I’m talking ex-KGB or something) that even the flu is scared of them.

It’s hard to write about races that were disappointing on a personal level, and even harder to write about things that were disappointing for the whole team. I’ll try to be real, but still positive.

I am not whining I swear. I was very excited that our second-year team got invited to the biggest race in North America. It was a nice confirmation that we really did a great job at in the last half of the 07 season. I got all my new stuff, an annual second Christmas that, no matter how many years I ride as a professional, I will never tire of.

The list of great new gear would take my whole entry so here are a few highlights for me:
Lemond improved on a great design, and gave my (and your) Triomphe a stiffer and slightly more raked-out fork, which makes the bike markedly better handling at race speeds. I know that sounds very bike geek-techy, but if you could use the descent off of Mt. Hamilton to test ride all the bikes you are considering buying next, you would know exactly what I am talking about. And the paint job is really cool.
• See the PEZ Review here.

Mt. Borah not only did an amazing job on our clothing once again, but took the time during last season, and this off-season to talk to the riders, and put the feedback to good use. The little details make a huge difference when you are spending all day on the bike.

Yes. SRAM’s RED group is that good, and no, you can’t test ride my bike around the parking lot, because if I let you I have to let everyone, and if our head wrench Jordan sees you riding my bike he will think you stole it, and most likely tackle you … but, you can touch it, just for a second.

I could go on all day here, but I’ll spare you.

I got the chance to ride with some of the guys from Amgen last week, and visit their headquarters in Thousand Oaks, CA. Matt, Jerry, and Bruce took the team out for a nice ride, and even bought us lunch at the cafeteria on the corporate campus. Calling it a cafeteria is bit of a stretch in my book. It was nice, and there was no surly lady in a hairnet shoveling slop onto our plates.

It was nice as well to be able to thank some of the folks from Amgen personally for their support of the race and cycling in America. I was amazed to find out that their cycling club is something like 900 riders strong, and nationwide.

Well, that’s about it for now. I have to go chase my sweetie around the house with the digital camera and see if I can talk her into posing in a KBS/Medifast jersey for the Daily Distractions... I need some PEZ socks!

Shiny side up, but if you really need to fall down, the left side is cheaper...

Jonny Sundt

Direct from the Team Website – here’s About Jonny
“A noted and respected team player, Jonathan "Jonny" Sundt has been called "a great lieutenant on the roads of North America" by the 2005 Tour de Georgia press. He raced the world cyclo-cross circuit in 1999 and 2000 and for the Broadmark Capital Elite Amateur Team from 2001-2002. Sundt has been with Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team for the past three years, taking 19th place in the US PRO Criterium Championships in Downer's Grove, Illinois (2005), 11th place in Stage 6 of the GP Cycliste Beauce, Quebec (2005) and 2nd place in the Sprinter Competition, Wachovia Classic in Trenton New Jersey (2004).”

• These guys have one of the cooler team sites I’ve seen, check 'em at KBSMedifast.com
• And see more LeMond bikes at LeMondBikes.com/

San Dimas Stage Race Starts this Week!

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-25T08:46:43-07:00

The San Dimas Stage Race (SDSR) is just around the corner and what an exciting race it is going to be. As we prepare the race bibles, permits, course marshals etc., the pro men's teams are preparing their best riders to race for stage wins and the coveted overall yellow jersey!

The teams include National Champions, strong climbers, Tour de France veterans and Olympians. You can be assured it will be a battle. National champions include Tony Cruz (BMC former USA Criterium Champion), Alejandro Cortes (Columbian Road Champion) & Franco Font (Puerto Rican past Road and TT) riding for CAICO a Columbian team, Sebastian Haedo & Alejandro Borrajo from Argentina riding for Colvita Sutter which has had 7 wins so far this year! Healthnet/Maxxis is sending Kyle Gritters (U23 Crit USA Champion), as well as Rory Sutherland! Neil Shirley who finished 3rd last year in the USA National Road race and strong rider Trent Wilson will be with the Jittery Joes team. Rock Racing is well represented with Peter Dawson from Australia a World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist at Track, as well as Tyler Hamilton Gold medalist Time Trial USA. Oscar Sevilla an animal on the hills and is a Tour of France veteran. Jeremiah Wiscovitch will be defending the U25 white jersey for Rock Racing and is the favorite local pro.

Charles Dionne (Canadian National Road Champion) will be racing for Successful Living while Toyota United is sending a strong team including Chris Baldwin (National TT Champion) along with Ivan Dominguez and Chris Wherry (National Road Champion). Bissell Pro Cycling is sending an 8 man squad. Jelly Belly Pro cycling and Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast are other solid teams entered. Symmetrics Cycling with a strong contender Jacob Erker and Time Pro Cycling are a few of the great teams which will be here in San Dimas on March 28th - 30th.

On the first day, the cyclists do a 3.8 mile Time Trial up Glendora Mountain Road. Day 2 is a 7.8 mile rolling loop at Bonelli Park, San Dimas for a total of 84 miles, and Day 3 is the 6 corners of speed criterium on the palm lined streets of Old San Dimas. This is definitely going to be a fantastic race to watch.

Most of these pro teams were racing in the Tour of California and will be preparing for the Redlands Classic the following week.

Easter Sunday Ride Crash

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-23T14:46:42-07:00

Hello everyone. Todays Sunday ride we had over 70 riders with guests from the Value Act Capital women's professional cycling team and members of the Time Pro Cycling team and the rest of our normal cast of characters. Aside from a normal days ride we had a crash today near the final sprint at Solimar.

With a final sprint field of around 30 riders we were around 500 meters from the final sprint area when a touch of wheels between Nick Ianetta and Randy Perkins caused both riders to hit the deck at around 30-35 miles an hour.

Nick seems to have taken the brunt of the crash with Randy hitting the 40 grit pavement tearing some holes in his shorts, jersey and elbow. Nicks injury seems to be centered around his collar bone and shoulder area. I hope that he and Randy will be ok, but I am sure that Nick made a trip to the hospital. I will post more on this story when we hear how Nick is doing.

For those who do not know Nick he is the owner of Stone West, a Ride Ventura sponsor, and one of the largest speciality stone suppliers in the area. He has been riding with the group for almost a year now and has really become part of the rides.

There were many of us that were very close to the action that avoided being part of this crash. Some of us ran into the bikes in front of us and with some stroke of luck we were able to avoid the pavement.

It has been a long time since we have had a crash during the sprint. As a matter a fact the last one I can remember was nearly 5 years ago when myself and Antonio, a Sunday rider, locked handlebars during the Polo Fields sprint and hit the pavement at 35 mph. I walked away with a softball size hole in my shorts and a cracked elbow. Antonio cracked his helmet and lost some skin. Both of us were lucky as Nick and Randy were today.

I want to wish then a speedy recovery and just say this one point to all that are reading. Lets ride within ourselves and remember that this is just a hobby and that we all have lives outside of the bike that are much more important.

Take Care everyone.

Cheers from Ride Ventura.

BD

Shimano 2009

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-21T07:25:31-07:00

Shimano is getting in the game. Take a look at these levers. The shifting cable is now internal. No more extra cables hanging out in front.

Now we should remember that these are very early prototypes but chances are pretty good a finished product might be showing up by the Giro and for sure by the Tour de France.

Looks like the SRAM HEAT finally got to the boys at Shimano.

Finally!

Mavic Crew at Tour of CA 2008

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-20T08:08:04-07:00

Just in case you guys thought I did not work during the TOC this year. Here is some staff pictures we took before the start of the Prologue in Palo Alto.

See you all down the road.

bd

Successful Living Comes Out Swinging

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-19T09:17:22-07:00

The Successful Living Pro Cycling Team kicked off its 2008 season this weekend with the Sequoia Cycling Classic 40k TT on Saturday and 90 minute criterium on Sunday. Fantastic teamwork earned a 2nd place finish in the criterium by Cody O'Reilly and a 8th place in the TT by JR Grabinger.

The team started the week with an intense training camp in Ventura, California where they logged an average of 5-6 hour days in the saddle. The time trial in Exeter, California was a long out-and-back course that would give a preview of the fitness levels of the competition in the early season. “I really wanted to get on the podium but I gave it everything and even after a 40-hour ride week I was less than 30-seconds off my goal so you can’t be disappointed with that,” said JR Grabinger. When the results were posted Saturday afternoon, Successful Living placed 4 riders in the top 20, which was the most of any team represented.

On Sunday’s criterium, most major domestic pro teams were present and the pace was blazing from the start gun. With constant attacks the peloton was single-file for most of the race. Successful Living represented in every serious move with Curtis Gunn, Brian Jensen and JR Grabinger doing the lion’s share of the work.

20-laps to go, new team member Charles Dionne was involved in a nasty crash and unfortunately broke his elbow. The original plan to set up Dionne for the finish shifted to plan B with the team quickly regrouping and went straight to work for team’s young gun Cody O’Reilly.

The remainder of the race was attack after attack with no move getting more than a few seconds off the front. With 8-laps remaining Kelly Benefits/Medifast Team was the first to organize their lead-out train. This began the battle of the lead-out trains with few other teams fighting for the front in the closing laps. Blow-by-blow into the final lap, it was Successful Living and Colavita/Sutter Home side-by-side leaving their designated sprinters to finish the job. Cody O’Reilly had a great final sprint but was narrowly beaten by Sebastian Haedo of Colavita/Sutter Home. “The team was amazing!” said O’reilly. “They gave it everything and I could not have done this without them. You are going to be seeing a lot of our team this year on the front!”

Next on tap is San Dimas Stage Race March 28th-30th.

Streaming coverage of both races can be watched on the web at IBN Sports (http://www.ibnsports.com/cycling.asp) with commentary by Dave Towle.

TIME Pro Cycling Update!

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-18T18:09:59-07:00

DANIEL RAMSEY and MIKE STOOP took two great wins last weekend. Mike Stoop won a shortened Out Like A Lion Road Race in Albemarle, NC while Daniel Ramsey stamped his authority on the Food Lion City Park Criterium the next day in Salisbury, NC. We are thrilled to get off to a winning start. See www.timeprocycling.com for details.

Team Training Camp in Brevard, NC concludes Wednesday March 19th. We had a great 2 weeks here in the mountains of North Carolina. Now we are shifting gears to head west for a month of racing in California that will include the San Dimas Stage Race, Redlands Bicycle Classic, Garrett Lemire Memorial GP, and the Sea Otter Classic. This is the first season that we have attempted to field a team on the west coast and we are looking forward to starting some of the longest running and most prestigious events in the country.

Peter Brentlinger has taken excellent photos of the team in Greenville, SC. We will use these photos to complete the bios on the website and add to the gallery. Thanks to Jim Conrad of SUN PRINTING in Winston-Salem, NC we will be producing posters and trading cards soon! They will be available on our website.

And…. the Team welcomes our new road manager Will Verbarg. He has worked in the past years with the Nerac pro cycling team and so already has worked with former Nerac riders Jon Hamblen and Adam Myerson.

That’s all the news for now,

Enjoy the photos of the weekend’s races courtesy of TINA WRONA PHOTGRAPHY-
Thanks for the support!

Momentum Auto Sales . Hincapie Sportswear . Dedicated Athlete . Heels.com . Sun Printing . Mountain Khakis . Lazer Helmets . Michelin . SRAM

10th Annual Sedona Century 2008 Bike Tour

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-18T07:15:59-07:00

Sedona, AZ - March 17, 2008 - On Saturday, May 3rd at 8 a.m., hundreds of bicyclists from all over the country will converge at the Old Town Mission in Historic Old Town Cottonwood near Sedona to participate in the 10th Annual Century Bike Tour.
Riders can choose from one of three bike routes: 33 miles, 47 miles or, for the bike masters of the universe, 100 miles!
The Sedona Century Bicycle Tour is an annual major fundraising event to benefit vital outreach programs of the Old Town Mission. All proceeds will go to benefit the Old Town Mission located at 116 East Pinal Street in Cottonwood, Arizona, a Christian outreach ministry that distributes food and clothing and offers program and services addressing health care, dental, chiropractic, physical therapy, and vision as well as a legal clinic to low-income individuals and families in the Sedona area.
Hundreds of riders participate each year; entrance fees assist in fundraising, along with area business sponsorships, in-kind donations and a host of helpful volunteers. The Sedona Century is traditionally held the first Saturday in May at a time when the Northern Arizona weather is optimum for cycling. This unique tour winds though the beautiful Sedona/Verde Valley landscape, internationally known for breath taking red rocks, expansive vistas, flowing rivers and ancient Indian ruins.  Rider registration fees include: official t-shirt, full ride support, rest stops, lunch, massage and other amenities. All event proceeds go to provide emergency resources and healthcare services for families and individuals in need through: Mission Day Resource Center, Free Health Center and Legal Clinics, Mission Back to School Program and Holiday Food Programs and Events.

Previous year's Sedona Century Bike Tour

At 6:30 a.m. on May 3, there will be a Continental Breakfast followed by a lunch at noon and massages for those with stiff and aching muscles (that means everyone!).
Discounted room rates will be provided by the Cottonwood Inn Best Western (928-634-5575), Quality Inn, and Summit Resort (928-204-3100). Please mention the event before booking to receive the discount.
Major sponsors include Absolute Bikes in Sedona, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Sedona Motors, artwerk and elete Electrolyte Add-In™.

100 Mile Route
 For more information please contact the Mission.
To register, click here. Minimum donations are $40. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and those donating more than $40 will receive a gift certificate from Absolute Bikes, Sedona.
For more information visit www.sedonacentury.com.

Lawyer says cyclist crash deputy was fatigued

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-13T22:59:49-07:00

PLEASANT HILL -- The attorney representing a Santa Clara County sheriff's deputy who struck and killed two competitive bicyclists in Cupertino said Wednesday that the officer had worked a lengthy shift the day before and that fatigue may have been a factor in the crash.

She would not confirm witness reports that the deputy, 27-year-old James Council, told people at the crash scene Sunday morning that he had fallen asleep at the wheel. Council "doesn't know what happened" when he veered across the center line of winding, two-lane Stevens Canyon Road, killing the two cyclists and injuring a third, attorney Mary Sansen said. "The possibility exists," she said, "that we're never going to know what happened."

Two men who came upon the accident scene a short time after the crash said Council had said he thought he fell asleep. Since then, Council has not spoken, publicly or to investigators. Sansen said in a lengthy interview in her Pleasant Hill office that prosecutors who must decide what charges, if any, to file in the case may need to look at Council's work schedule before the crash.

Council was 4 1/2 hours into a 12 1/2-hour shift when the accident occurred at 10:25 a.m. Sunday. He worked a 6 a.m.-to-6:30 p.m. shift on Saturday, the sheriff's office said, meaning that with the switch to daylight-saving time Sunday, Council had 10 1/2 hours off between shifts. "A 12 1/2-hour shift is brutal," said Sansen, who specializes in representing law enforcement officers. "You're not sitting behind a desk. Even if you don't work in a high-crime area, you're always on alert for 12 1/2 hours. It is exhausting."
She added, "Nobody goes home at the end of a 12 1/2-hour shift and goes right to bed."

Confident he was sober

Sansen declined to say exactly how Council, who lives less than 10 miles from Cupertino in Santa Clara, spent his time between his Saturday and Sunday shifts.
She said she had "not the least concern" that alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident. She said she has urged Sheriff Laurie Smith to turn over blood test results to the California Highway Patrol, which took over the crash investigation.

Council was charged in 2001 in Los Angeles with drunken driving and engaging in an exhibition of speed, records show. The more serious charges were dropped in a plea bargain, and Council pleaded guilty only to street racing, earning two years of probation. The Department of Motor Vehicles said Council had no other blemishes on his driving record in the past 10 years. "I hate to see someone tagged for life for something they did when they were 20," Sansen said.

8-hour shifts rare

Deputies in Cupertino, which contracts for services with the sheriff's department, work either three 12 1/2 hour shifts a week or four 10-hour shifts, depending on the team to which they are assigned, said Sgt. Don Morrissey, an agency spokesman.

Shifts of 10, 11 and 12 hours are common in police work. Eight-hour shifts are rare.

Asked if the department was reviewing the length of shifts in light of Sunday's accident, Morrissey said, "The sheriff hasn't ruled out looking into any of these things. But we don't want to jump to any conclusions.

"We want the investigation to run its natural course and reveal a cause," Morrissey said. "We're focused on the loss of life right now." Officials with the county's Deputy Sheriffs' Association, which represents deputies in negotiating contracts, did not return telephone calls. In Oakland, a state arbitrator recently allowed city officials to switch some officers from 10- to 12-hour workdays over the objection of the officers' union. The officers were represented by attorney Michael Rains, who works in the same law firm as Sansen.

Survivor in good spirits

Killed in Sunday's crash were Kristy Gough, 30, of San Leandro and Matt Peterson, 29, of San Francisco, who were on a training ride with 10 other cyclists. Also struck was 20-year-old Christopher Knapp of Germany, who suffered broken bones. He was released Tuesday from Stanford University Medical Center.

Knapp is resting at his home in the San Mateo area, said Rob Artigo, 40, who was among the riders in Sunday's training group. "His spirits are incredibly good," Artigo said.
The CHP said Wednesday it could forward its crash findings to Santa Clara County prosecutors in 30 to 60 days so they can make a charging decision. Sansen said she hoped Council would not be charged. She said, however, that she would not be surprised if her client faces charges of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
She said she believed the case did not amount to felony manslaughter, which requires a finding of gross negligence.

Deputy advised not to talk

Sansen said she had advised Council, at least for the time being, not to speak to investigators. "You want the truth on the record," she said. "What you don't want is someone having an emotional meltdown. There are cases where for days or weeks I don't allow a client to give a statement because they're not in an emotional state to give a coherent statement." Council is "completely devastated," said Sansen, who added that she told him not to read newspaper stories about the crash.

Making matters worse for Council and his family, Sansen said, is that he had a sister who was struck and killed by a vehicle at age 7, when Council was 3 or 4. Council was hired as a sheriff's deputy 18 months ago, joining the department where his father is also a deputy. Council is on paid leave. A memorial service for Peterson is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at Sports Basement, 1590 Bryant St. in San Francisco. A remembrance for Gough is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Five Rings Cycling Center at 297 N. Amphlett Blvd. in San Mateo.

In addition, friends of Peterson and Gough are planning to ride to the accident site Saturday. The ride leaves from the parking lot of Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, 12345 El Monte Road. Organizers are asking cyclists to meet at 2:30 p.m. for a 3 p.m. departure.

E-mail Demian Bulwa at dbulwa@sfchronicle.com.

Schwinn signs with Team in Training

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-13T08:33:56-07:00

MADISON, Wis. - Schwinn Bicycles, America’s most recognized bicycle brand, today announced the signing of a partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT), the world’s largest endurance sports training and fundraising program, to become its first-ever national bicycle sponsor. Schwinn is owned by Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

Under the terms of the two-year agreement, Schwinn will become the exclusive bicycle sponsor of TNT starting April 1, 2008. With the help of its dealer partners nationwide, Schwinn will provide relevant cycling information, bicycle demos, on-site event support and product discounts to the 39,000 cycling, triathlon and marathon participants who train and fundraise through the organization each year.

“For more than 100 years, Schwinn has helped people realize their two-wheeled dreams,” said Steve Reeds, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Schwinn Bicycle’s IBD division. “We are honored to carry on this tradition by helping Team In Training participants achieve their training goals.”

Now in its 20th year, TNT participants have raised more than $850 million for lifesaving cancer research and to help blood cancer patients live longer, better lives. The program provides coaching to help support participants crossing the finish line at century rides, triathlons and marathons.

"Over 20 years, we have seen Team In Training expand from a single sport program - the marathon - to a multi-endurance sport program with challenges such as triathlons and 100 mile rides," said Nancy L. Klein, LLS senior vice president marketing communications. "We are thrilled to have Schwinn's support because it’s a brand that people already know and trust."

To learn more about Team In Training, please visit www.teamintraining.org.

About Schwinn

Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon and has built some of the best-known and best-loved bicycles of all time. Schwinn has been an indispensable player in revolutionizing bicycling around the world. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America’s most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages. Information about Schwinn bicycles is available at www.SchwinnBike.com.

About Dorel

Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company. Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety, quality and value. The Company’s lifestyle leadership position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and bicycle categories with an array of trend-setting products. In the Juvenile segment, Dorel’s powerfully branded products such as Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1st and Bébé Confort have shown the way to safety, originality and fashion. Similarly, its highly popular brands such as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and SUGOi have made Dorel a principal player with both independent bicycle dealers and mass merchants. Dorel’s Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported. The Company exerts relentless innovation and marketing flair across all of its divisions. Dorel is a $2 billion company with forty-six hundred employees, facilities in seventeen countries, and sales worldwide.

US operations include Dorel Juvenile Group USA; the Cannondale Sports Group; Pacific Cycle; Ameriwood Industries which produces ready-to-assemble furniture; Altra Furniture; and Cosco Home & Office. In Canada, Dorel operates Dorel Distribution Canada and Dorel Home Products. Abroad, operations include Dorel Europe and IGC in Australia, a manufacturer and distributor of juvenile products. Dorel Asia sources and imports home furnishings products. Dorel China has eight offices which oversee the sourcing, engineering and logistics of the Company’s Asian supplier chain.

About Team In Training

Since its inception in 1988, when a team of 38 runners trained together for the New York City Marathon and raised $320,000, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training® program (TNT), has prepared more than 360,000 people—approximately 39,000 participants annually— to achieve their dream of completing a marathon, half marathon, triathlon or 100-mile (century) bicycle ride. And, in that time, TNT participants have raised over $850 million to support blood cancer research and patient services. The enormous success of this program has helped make possible advances in blood cancer therapies and treatments that have prolonged and enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. LLS’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has provided more than $550 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

Schwinn Bicycles
Chris Holmes, 608-268-8920, cholmes@schwinnbike.com
or
SOAR Communications
Chip Smith, 801-523-3730, csmith@soarcomm.com

Skinny Tires for Survivors

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-06T08:09:25-08:00

MOAB — Phyllis O'Grady postponed postoperative cancer treatment five years ago to ride in the Moab Skinny Tire Festival, but she knew it was the right decision when she fell under the spell of Utah's red-rock country on one of the rides.

"It's a spiritual, magical, mystical place," said O'Grady, who lives in Denver. "I just got so emotional. It was like a reassurance that I knew I was going to be fine. I had this epiphany."

Since then, O'Grady has become a key volunteer for the annual four-day tour, which benefits the Lance Armstrong Foundation. She won the award for top fundraiser that first year — qualifying her for a trip to Austin, Texas, for Armstrong's Ride for the Roses — and now she works tirelessly accumulating items for the Skinny Tire silent auction.

She has a photo on her cellphone showing her kissing Armstrong on the cheek, and another of him returning the favor. "He took cancer out of the closet," said O'Grady, 54. "Before Lance, nobody talked about cancer. It was hush-hush, because it was always a death sentence. Everybody looks at him as being the miracle man, because of how severe his cancer was, and everybody wants a piece of that miracle — and prays that it will happen to them, too."

Since its inception in 2001 with 12 riders motivated to do something about cancer, the Moab Skinny Tire Festival has grown to 500 riders and raised more than $600,000. This year's tour opened Saturday with a 50-mile ride northeast along the Colorado River with spectacular views of soaring, rust-colored canyon walls and the towering spires of Castle Valley. A 44-miler with a 1,700-foot climb Sunday took riders to Dead Horse Point, a dramatic vista 2,000 feet above the river where Thelma and Louise took the plunge. Some say the view rivals the Grand Canyon.

Some participants do only the two weekend rides, but there are two more. Monday was an easy 40 miles along the river that treated observant riders to ancient Native American petroglyphs. Today's epic finish is a 46-mile trip through Arches National Park with a 2,700-foot elevation gain. For Colorado riders itching to get on their road bikes in the final weeks of winter, Skinny Tire is an ideal way to start the season because its challenges are modest, never extreme. But everyone knows there's more to this tour than bikes and geologic wonders.

"Because Moab is a beautiful place, and it's a great cause, I like to be part of it and be a supporter," said Marty Jemison, a two-time Tour de France rider for U.S. Postal who runs tours in Europe. "These are the kind of miles you want to be doing early season. And you're with people who are riding for a purpose."
Many are cancer survivors, or riding in memory of loved ones who didn't beat it. As Armstrong might say, this tour isn't just about the bike.

"Everybody will tell you, it becomes like a family," O'Grady said. "That's why so many people come back year after year. (Saturday) I wound up riding alongside somebody who was telling me her experience with breast cancer. I was like, 'I've got to get your e-mail, and we've got to communicate,' because she was talking about a lot of interesting things I didn't know about. That's what this is all about."

At a social gathering Saturday night, riders heard a voice-mail message from Armstrong, who said he wished he could have been there in person.
"When people go to do something that challenges them, and they can attach that to a worthy cause, it gives them that extra motivation to do even more," said Chris Brewer, grassroots events coordinator for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. "Even more could mean going faster (or) wanting to fund raise for the organization, but it adds another sense of purpose that isn't necessarily there just because you're going to a destination to do a bike ride or a 5K."
Riders also heard from Saul Raisin, who was a rising young talent riding the European pro circuit for the Credit Agricole team until a crash in 2006 left him with a severe head injury just before he was supposed to make his major tour debut on the Tour d'Italia. The story of his miraculous recovery offered tremendous inspiration to a room full of people living with cancer.

"If I can come here and give one person hope, that's a successful mission," Raisin said.
Being from northwest Georgia, Raisin was astounded by the scenery here.
"It was beautiful," Raisin said. "I was looking at these valleys and ravines, and I can't help imagine the dinosaurs and the ancient rivers that created this. It's incredible."

Moab has that effect on people. Something about its timeless natural beauty touches people deep in their souls — and stays with them when they leave.
"There's something here that you just can't explain," O'Grady said. "It's all around you. When you look around, it is so magnificent, and it's so huge, you know there's something bigger and beyond yourself.
"It's a healing feeling. I feel like I have to come here every year to get my dose of healing."
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com

Moab rides
Other rides organized by Moab Skinny Tire Events, which raises money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation:
Moab Century Tour: Sept. 19-21;
42-, 70- and 104-mile routes.
Moonshadows in Moab: Date TBA;
ride under the full moon into canyon country on a 40-mile route to Dead Horse Point State Park.
Information: skinnytireevents.com

Womens Racing is Kicking Ass in 2008

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-06T08:02:19-08:00

Women's North American racing improves in 2008

Women road racers historically have had fewer opportunities for the high caliber racing a UCI event provides than their male counterparts, and recently this has been even more the case on the North American continent. But after several years of stagnation, the 2008 calendar finally shows an increase top notch races on this side of the pond. Joining races such as the Liberty Classic and Le Tour du Grand Montréal in early June is the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, which upgraded only its pro women category to UCI status. Race director Chad Sperry, who has also successfully directed the other Oregon race, the Cascade Classic. That race ran into problems with the women's category last year when it fell on the same weekend as the U.S. national championships.

Sperry said that he hopes the Mt. Hood upgrade will help promote women's cycling in general, as well as the Oregon races. "Frankly, we'll never be a Tour of California, but the core group here has always wanted to help women's cycling. And there are so few UCI opportunities in the U.S. compared to the men. We had a huge UCI stage race in the women's challenge in Idaho [from 1984-2002 -ed.] and we wanted to get something similar to that. It's been a model for us, except we have kept the pro men's field intact, partly for the media and financial backing."

"We want the women to understand that we see them as just as important to cycling in North American as the men."

"We are increasing the prize list by more than double, but the big thing is being on the UCI calendar," said Sperry. "It was a big leap for us." The race is also increasing its potential spectator and viewership, moving two stages to downtown Portland. "The prologue will be right downtown along the Willamette River starting around 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday," said Trey Smith, director of public relations.

"Then we are doing a crit on Wednesday during the day about a mile outside of downtown, about 1.5 miles with a nice little elevation gain in it. It should be a good, fun course. The city of Portland has been hugely supportive of us in this endeavor. We are going to be televised on Comcast regional, and I just read we will be on the Verizon network."

Sperry said that the biggest challenge in upgrading to UCI status would be competing with races in Europe. "The one thing I think we will struggle with in terms of Europe is we are in competition with Tour de l'Aude. So we are probably going to see more Oceania and Canadian teams, and of course all the U.S. teams. I think some European teams will wait to see if they get the invite for Tour de l'Aude."

Nobody puts Baby in the corner

Starting the year off in mid-March is the Sequoia Cycling Classic, which is not going UCI in 2008 but is highlighting the ladies by only being on the National Racing Calendar for women. Race director Sheri Clark said that the impetus behind the decision was a combination of adhering to NRC minimum prize requirements while still offering equal opportunities for women. When the race could not afford to do both, it erred on the side of keeping the women as the featured race in lieu of the usual mentality by promoters to give the men top honors.

"The increase in minimum prize requirements forced us to make a decision," said Clark. "Last year we had equal payout for men and women and we wanted to maintain that equity. The main issue is that we have an early race, so when we put our bid applications in the fall, we have to think about if we can raise the extra funds. And we didn't want to make a commitment that we wouldn't be able to fulfill."

"We want the women to understand that we see them as just as important to cycling in North American as the men. Last year we were well appreciated for having equal prize pay out, and the last thing we wanted to do was the common decision to push the women aside. We will still have pro men, but it will be half the prize list."

The decision by the race is part of a larger plan to bring the race back to the prominence it had in earlier year. "We are still in the rebuilding process - there was a time when it was the premier race. We are increasing the time trial from 30km to 40km; it's the same layout, just a little longer. We will also be having a jumbo screen on sight to hopefully increase the community interest."

A similar situation is occurring down in Oklahoma with the third Tough Ride and Race at the end of May. Spokesperson Chris Zenthoefer said that competition from bigger men's events around that weekend means the race puts the focus on getting smaller men's teams; but since there are fewer women's teams overall the race needs to do things to attract them specifically.

"For the women, in order to draw them, we need the NRC rating," said Zenthoefer. "There are only so many women racers out there, so along with the big prize money we needed to have the rating. We have competition from other men's events such as CSC and Philly, but we focus on getting the smaller teams or riders that aren't on the main squads that weekend - and we still get a full men's field. Last year was the second year, but the first year in the NRC. We do have a pro men's event but the women's race is the only NRC rated event."

Moving on up
Some races are moving their dates, including the Tour de Leelanau in northern Michigan near Traverse City. According to race director Steve Brown, the rationale behind the date change from September to 25 May serves a purpose for both the women and the men. "Last year we got completely squashed by the Tour of Missouri," he said, regarding the other UCI race on the same weekend, which attracted the top domestic teams. "This year the [UCI] calendar said it was Saturday the 24th, but we are going to ask the UCI to move it to Sunday the 25th, because it would conflict with our local marathon. Having the cycling race on Sunday will still be good and will allow us to pair with the runners."

Having the race in late May is also possibly helping the women, since it will flow right into the well-established Montreal World Cup and Le Tour du Grand Montréal. This will help the race find the necessary amount of international teams to meet the UCI guidelines. "My big challenge is to find five international women's teams, so of course I am going to be looking across the border to Canada. We are absolutely looking to the Montreal race; my hope is that the women's teams will look at us as a tune-up for Montreal."

The Montreal World Cup and Tour of Montreal are once again highlights of the season for the women, and like last year, the Tour of Prince Edward Island will be run by the same promoters in the following week. The race won an award from the Canadian Cycling Association and was well received by riders who attended the inaugural event.
However, the race still falls during the UCI rated Liberty Classic, which is part of the well-known Philly week of races. This will cause teams, particularly smaller ones, to choose between the two events. But this can be seen another way, as a good problem to have enough races where they start to push up against one another.

The rest of the calendar looks a lot like previous years, with a lot of criteriums offering both men's and women's categories. The Tour de 'Toona will again be another featured race on the women's calendar, offering equal stage distances as the men and even more prize money comparatively.

A growing trend?

Looking to the future, the possibility of even more women's UCI races is likely, after the successful running of a NRC women's race during the 2008 Tour of California. Andrew Messick, President of AEG Sports, said that there are plans to turn this race into a women's UCI event that will coincide with the Tour of California. "This was the first step," he said regarding the NRC criterium. "It isn't particularly hard, as we have the build-out and heavy lifting for a city to have the race already, it is just a matter of closing the roads a little earlier. In the larger context of what it takes to pull this race off is not much, it is adding on to what is already there. And why shouldn't we do that? We are prepared to provide the leadership and spend the money. It was a great race and the fans loved it. It is good for the women who raced and I'm glad we did it."

The biggest hurdle to making a UCI race happen with the men's Tour of California is that it occurs during the women's world cup in Geelong, Australia. "We don't want to create something that competes with the UCI world cup down in Geelong, so our vision is to try to work the calendar a little so we aren't asking people to choose between our race and Geelong. It would be a pity as there aren't a lot of races out there for women, and to have them all in the same time -- you think that would be something easy to work out. And we will do that within the channels."

Ride Ventura Discussion Forum

info@rideventura.com — 2008-03-04T15:32:25-08:00

Hello everyone. Sorry for the long break. Life has been pretty busy these days. Check out our new discussion forum. Please take the time to post comments, stories, pictures to our new section.

Thanks

Cipollini and Ball's relationship on the rocks

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-27T12:37:28-08:00

Italian Mario Cipollini, 40, wants his say in Rock Racing management

The relationship that was started last fall in a Las Vegas discotheque could come to an end if Mario Cipollini does not get his say in the management of Rock Racing. The Italian, who came out of retirement at the age of 40 to race in the Tour of California last week, and his lawyer met with the owner of the team, Mike Ball, yesterday to discuss the coming season.

"We need to sit at the table and make clear who is in command," said Mario Cipollini in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport's Luigi Perna. The Italian from Lucca and lawyer Giuseppe Napoleone were scheduled to meet with Ball later in the day.

"The boss is Ball, but after him it is me. Therefore I want to manage the squad starting now. I can organise the participation in [Milano-] Sanremo. To find men to race is not a problem. ... If Ball does well it will continue, otherwise goodbye. I now understand that the name Cipollini still has value, in the United States and elsewhere."

Cipollini was happy with his return, but not with the fiasco surrounding the team and Ball's backing of Tyler Hamilton, Oscar Sevilla and Santiago Botero. The riders, all allegedly linked with Operación Puerto, were barred from racing by the organiser, but continued along daily by riding behind the race caravan and signing autographs for fans at the stage villages.

"For a week I had an infinite amount of patience ... Maybe it was my great desire to return to racing with an important project. However, we can't go forward like this. We are not able to continue to pull along this heavy weight that ruins our image, and now Ball also understands this. It is not enough to advertise and show off models."

Soigneur: Leogrande confessed to me last summer

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-25T20:53:57-08:00

By Neal Rogers - Velo News

A former team soigneur says Rock Racing’s Kayle Leogrande told her last July that he used performance-enhancing drugs at Wisconsin's International Cycling Classic, also known as Superweek.

In a sworn affidavit obtained by VeloNews, dated October 27 and filed with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Suzanne Sonye says Leogrande confided that he had used testosterone gel, had taken “lots of things,” including EPO, and that he had put soap on his wrist prior to entering a doping control at Superweek, hoping that by urinating on the soap, it would “f— up the test.”

Rock Racing issued a statement by team owner Michael Ball: “Rock Racing supports all of our riders. We live by the principle that one is innocent until proven guilty. Kayle Leogrande has denied the allegations regarding an alleged admission by him of an anti-doping event. We are asking that everyone respect the proper process. If there is a finding of a doping violation, we will address it internally and determine the appropriate course of action that should be taken. As always, Rock Racing subscribes to the highest principles of conduct as well as fairness and we stand by those principles.”

Leogrande filed suit anonymously last month, trying to stop USADA from testing a B sample of his urine. He sued after learning the agency planned to test the sample, even though an A sample was negative, to establish a doping case against him. The suit charges that by telling race organizers and the UCLA testing lab that he is under investigation, the agency was damaging his reputation and ability to compete in races and secure sponsors.

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USADA won’t talk about ongoing cases. However, USADA general counsel Bill Bock told VeloNews that testing a B sample after a negative A sample “is not prohibited, and certainly we believe it to be permissible.”

Indeed, evidence such as Sonye’s testimony is admissible under provisions of the WADA code that allow the use of non-analytical evidence (that is, more than just lab results) to establish a doping violation.

Sonye told mechanic Jordan Schware about what she said Leogrande had told her, and Schware told her to contact team managers, which she did, according to the affidavit.

Schware confirmed the conversation to VeloNews.

A former professional cyclist who rode with the Saturn women’s team, Sonye joined Rock Racing in July 2007. She resigned last month, soon after former director Frankie Andreu left the team.

Andreu said Sunday that he applauds Sonye's decision to cooperate with officials investigating the case against Leogrande, the 2006 U.S. criterium champion.

“I fully support Suzanne Sonye's cooperation with USADA,” Andreu told VeloNews. “It has taken courage for her to step forward and do the right thing. Doping cannot and should not be tolerated in sport any longer. Cycling is doing more than any other sport to rid itself of the perils and evils of doping. It's because of people within the sport like Suzanne that will change the climate in cycling to one of clean and fair competition.”

Tour of California - Day 1 - The Drive

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-15T08:08:06-08:00

Good morning everyone! Are you chomping at the bit for the start of this years race? Are you all following the drama surrounding the Astana team and them being banned from the ASO events, Tour de France and many of the spring classics.

Well yesterday I began my journey north for the start of the 2008 Tour of California. The drive north on Hwy 101 to the Palo Alto area takes around 5 hours without any sort of traffic. Good news for me, there was none. Now most of the teams were due to begin assembling in the Prologue area late Thursday or early Friday. My job this year is much different then in years previous.

Year 1, I had a new baby boy and a bicycle retail store to run. So no race for me.

Year 2, I had the privilege of being one of a few members of the tight nit press corps which included some of the top cycling journalists in the world.

Year 3, I will be joining the men in yellow, Mavic Neutral Support, to work this years event. But not the entire event. Due to the overwhelming demand to be on their crew there is limited space and time. So this year I will be helping them with step up, working the Prologue and a new Women's Pro Event in Santa Rosa taking place just hours before the arrival of the men's race.

Now back to the drive. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the teams driving their rigs north on 101. As I passed through San Luis Obispo, I was wondering if the newly relocated High Road team would be pulling out, but nope. As a matter of fact I did not see any sort of sign that the Tour of CA was due to start in a few days until I arrived in PA.

I got off the freeway and was heading for the hotel that Mavic would be staying and as I was waiting at the light, a rider wearing a lightly colored kit with alot of white ripped through the intersection. A few moments later I could up with this rider, an Astana rider, Chris Horner is his name. So this would be the first sighting. A few moments later the entire High Road team was pedaling north on El Camino Real.

So the drive was over the new Mavic SAAB's are rapped and waiting for the big yellow truck. Problem number one for this years event. The Mavic truck with all the bikes, wheels and motorcycles, were stuck in Wyoming for a few days because of a winter storm. Last night I spoke with the head of Mavic Neutral on the phone and he stated that they had gotten as far as Utah and had to stop due to DOT regulations regarding driving restrictions. Hopefully they will be able to make it by Saturday. Just in time to set everything up and get moving for a noon start time on Sunday.

More tomorrow.

Pros ready to rise to Tour of California challenge

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-13T22:03:34-08:00

With just a few days remaining until the start of the Tour of California, pro riders are descending up on California. The opening stage will kick off with a 3.4km prologue time trial in Palo Alto on Sunday.

Few teams can claim such a meteoric rise in the pro ranks as the Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast pro cycling team. A year ago Jonas Carney was grabbing the reigns of a brand new team with a lot of goals. Fast forward 12 months and he is leading many of those same athletes plus some high performance new additions to the Tour of California.

The team's roster, announced Wednesday, includes Andrew Bajadali, winner of the 2007 Redlands Classic and Alex Candelario, overall winner of the Tour de Nez last season. Canadian Keven Lacombe, Dan Bowman and Jonny Sundt will also ride in the Tour, plus three riders injured in 2007 and now racing stronger and faster than ever: Reid Mumford, Justin Spinelli and Nick Waite.

"We're here to make a mark," said Carney from the team's training camp in California. "In one short year we've gone from being an unknown team to competing in the Tour of California. That kind of success really validates what we are doing as a program and a team. Our athletes are ready, highly trained and fired up. We're in California to race not watch."

Joining Carney to help call the shots will be Ken Mills, newly appointed performance manager for the team. Mills will assist with all race logistics and team preparation throughout the Tour and the 2008 race season.

Successful Living set for 2008

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-12T16:27:26-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ken Yamakoshi
Team Successful Living Pro Cycling
info@teamsuccessfulliving.com

Team Successful Living Aims High for 2008

Ventura, Calif. (February 12, 2008) -- Successful Living Pro Cycling Team announced today their roster for 2008 with more speed, power and experience. Impressive results from the 2007 season gained serious recognition, which included 5 NRC victories. The team plans to continue their momentum with the addition of Canadian Criterium Champion, Charles Dionne and looks to aim for the NRC title within the next two seasons.

The organization is very focused on running a detailed goal-oriented program. As encouraged by the president of Successful Living, Russ Dalbey, all team members are required to write down their goals for the season. The team will be working on planned goal setting at the training camps starting this month. “First step is to take inventory of all the goals we want to achieve as a team and as individuals and physically write them down,” said Director Steve Hegg. “It’s important that everyone knows each others goals to create accountability, camaraderie, and focus throughout the season.”
The management is confident this will be a key factor in the achievements of the cycling team this season and beyond. “Reflecting on the success of 2007, the goals for next season are definitely attainable,” stated Manager Ryan Yee.

Helping to lead the charge will be Canadian Charles Dionne, two-time San Francisco Grand Prix winner and former member of the Pro Tour team Saunier-Duval. Mr. Dionne will bring a wealth of experience and discipline to guide the team into all the major races in the US. Leading by example with goal setting, Charles has already set some solid objectives for this season including earning a spot to represent Canada in the upcoming Olympics in Beijing, China, and retain his Canadian National Criterium Champion title.

Ricardo Escuela will return as the team’s sprint-ace. A virtually unknown at the beginning of last season, Mr. Escuela made his mark early going neck-to-neck with the best sprinters in North America. Mainly know as a fierce sprinter, ironically his most notable victory was at top of Pilot Butte in the first stage of Cascade Cycling Classic against the best climbers in the nation. He has demonstrated to be a strong overall racer and will be a marked man at the start line in 2008.

Alessandro Bazzana returns for his sophomore year in the states as an overall performer in the NRC circuit. The 23 year old from Bergamo, Italy was first recognized last season in the nationally televised inaugural US Open in Virginia. Late in the race Alessandro tenaciously kept attacking after his breakaway companions refused earning him respect from many seasoned pros and turning the heads of all the team directors. Mr. Bazzana’s hard work paid off when he won two NRC races later that season back-to-back at the Cougar Mountain Classic in Sonoma, California.

“Last year was a learning year for our new foreign riders,” said Steve Hegg. “Now that they know the style of racing here in the US and the competition, you will definitely see more of these guys on the podium.”

The team has made some key up-and-coming acquisitions to round out the roster including Brad White from Discovery Channel/Marco Polo and Brian Jensen from HRCC/Trek. Brad White, who will enter his full season as a professional was instrumental in helping Levi Leipheimer and George Hincapie earn their podium spots at Pro road national last year in South Carolina. “We have some great talent on our team and each rider will be given an opportunity to shine through out the season,” commented Steve Hegg. Brian Jensen returns to pro cycling after taking a hiatus to complete his college degree. “We’ve had an eye on Brian all last season,” said Ryan Yee. “He was a full-time student last year but earned some impressive results racing as an amateur.”

The team also added two U23 young guns Cody O’Reilly (20) and Eric Bennett (22). Cody has demonstrated his abilities with Kodak-Sierra Nevada last season as a first year professional. He was instrumental in helping his team earn numerous victories last year. Eric Bennett, a former multi-time National BMX champion will bring his talents and winning attitude to the squad as a neo-pro. Eric spent the 2007 season racing for the Time Development Team under the direction of pro-veteran Eric Saunders.

The team has organized three training camps between now and April to prepare for the launch of the 2008 NRC season in Redlands, California. First camp will begin this week in Ventura.

2008 Team Successful Living Pro Cycling

New for 2007

Charles Dionne (CANADA – Colavita/Sutter Home)
Eric Bennett (USA – Time Factory Development Team)
Brad White (USA – Discovery Channel/Marco Polo)
Brian Jensen (USA – HRCC/Trek)
Cody O’Reilly (USA – Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada)

Returning

Alessandro Bazzana (ITALY)
Chuck Coyle (USA)
Ricardo Escuela (ARGENTINA)
JR Grabinger (USA)
Curtis Gunn (USA)
Alexi Martinez (USA)
Christian Valenzuela (MEXICO)

Staff
Steve Hegg – Team Director
Ken Yamakoshi – Team Manager
Ryan Yee – Rider Manager
Alex Banyay – Team Mechanic

Sponsors

Successful Living - Title Sponsor

Parkpre USA, Albabici, HED, Panaracer, Selle SMP, TRP, Sigma Sport, Defeet, Xpedo, Giro, Cytomax, Nalini, Hibros Sport, Scicon, Sportsbase Online, Louise Garneau (shoes) IceToolz, Chiropractic Sports Institute, Alpha Q

The team is managed and operated by Lemire Racing, LLC.

About Successful Living Pro Cycling Team

Based in Ventura, California, Team Successful Living Pro Cycling managed by Lemire Racing, LLC enters its third year of competition under the continuous title sponsorship of Successful Living. The team is comprised of 12 full time professionals who earned over 30 victories including 5 NRC wins in 2007. Team Successful Living is directed by Olympic Gold Medalist and Bicycle Hall of Fame Inductee Steve Hegg. For more information on Team Successful Living, visit www.teamsuccessfulliving.com .

About Successful Living

For people who want more out of life, Successful Living is a lifestyle optimization company that provides integrated and superior products and services that encourage and support good health, strong relationships, and prosperity based on a simple, practical and proven philosophy so you can live a happy and successful lifestyle. For more information, visit www.successfulliving.com .

###

Tour of CA photo gallery

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-12T12:03:55-08:00

Good day everyone. As we get closer and closer to the event kick off I will post posting, as close to live, photos as I can.

There will be link to a 2008 Tour of California web photo gallery that will be updated as fast as my phone will upload the photos.

Enjoy and stay tuned.

Rock Racing Announces Amgen Tour of California Partnership

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-10T21:49:44-08:00

Rock Racing, founded by cyclist and Rock & Republic CEO/Creative Director Michael Ball, and AEG announced a sponsorship agreement that names Rock Racing as the official fashion apparel sponsor of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race. With its sexy, rock star fashion and aggressive approach, Rock Racing brings the edge back to cycling.

That same edge and style will soon be available to cyclists around the world, with the launch of Rock Racing merchandise. Rock Racing’s new line of apparel will be distributed to high-end specialty stores throughout the United States beginning in March 2008. The Rock Racing brand will be available in all of North America, Europe and Asia by 2010. The line will also expand its scope beyond cycling to provide a full line of premium sports apparel. The Rock Racing line premiers with jerseys, bibs, arm and leg warmers, hats, shoe covers, socks and track suits. A new addition to the 2008 Amgen Tour of California, the Rock Racing Podium Girls will be visible hostesses outfitted in Rock Racing apparel and featured daily at race functions as well as within the online and televised race coverage.

On the Road Again

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-07T11:56:22-08:00

G'Day everyone. Your friendly local bike wrench is heading on the road again with the men in Yellow, Mavic Neutral for the 2008 Tour of California. It is my hope to get a daily journal of the events and daily goings on at this years race from inside the barricades and the yellow cars.

After my successful trip to Colorado last month I was able to hang out with the now head of the Special Service Course (SSC) division of Mavic. Oh yeah for those of you that own Mavic products and all ways wondered what that SSC meant on your wheels, that is what it means.

I am heading up north next Thursday for a few days of preparation work before Sundays Palo Alto Prologue. Then it is off to Sausalito for the start of Stage 1 and finally to the finish area in Santa Rosa where myself and 3 other gents in Yellow shirts will be in charge of the first womens pro event being held on the streets of Santa Rosa before the mens event comes to town.

Again I will have my trusty new MacBook in hand and digital camera in the hopes of bringing you shots and stories not written on Velo News or Cycling News.

Stay tuned kids.

Cheers,

BD

Bobke, Jens and Stewey at Amgen

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-07T11:45:59-08:00

One Show Only !!
Confirmed for one night only - Your favorite German and his Aussie sidekick.

Friday, February 8th at 6:00 pm. An evening of fun, laughs, racing strategy and some kickin' prizes. Bob Roll is back and this time it's finally about someone else!!! Jens Voigt and Stuart O'Grady from the # 1 ranked cycling team in the world - CSC Professional Cycling Team are on hand to discuss their racing exploits and talk team shop for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California.

Tickets are going fast and seating is limited. The evening will also include a VIP reception and big raffle prizes. Proceeds to benefit the Breakaway from Cancer Initiative.

Click HERE to order tickets.

Raffle prizes are also listed on the website or simply click here.

Coming?? Just ask yourself "what would Jens do?"

If that interests you, don't forget the Sunday Ride.

Breakaway from Cancer Charity Rides
Join us for a day on the bike as we host two rides around the Conejo Valley. Pre-registration for the event is $40. Your entry fee includes a breakaway bag, fully supported bike ride with sit down lunch and more (maybe CSC? - Definitely Bobke and yes, he climbs very well).

For more information and to register, visit www.bikestyleusa.com.

Tour of CA Support Vehicle

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-05T09:23:50-08:00

Driving on the 101 yesterday and low and behold I see one of the new security measures rolling north for the start of Tour of CA. This is one of the many steps that the Department of Homeland security is taking to ensure the safety of the riders and spectators for this years race.

And if you believe that I have some ocean front property in Arizona I am selling for cheap! ;)

Oh yeah who ever said cell phones take crappy pictures.

Team High Road now based in SLO

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-05T07:29:24-08:00

Team High Road has changed its headquarters from Germany to the USA, it was announced yesterday evening. The UCI ProTour Council (UPTC) met in Geneva and said that "it approved the change of nationality of the High Road team. This team will now be domiciled in the United States rather than Germany."

The team confirmed the change in a press release, calling itself, however, an "international" team. It noted that it had moved its headquarters from Bonn, Germany, to San Luis Obispo, California, as approved by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

"We are an International team and proud of it," said team owner Bob Stapleton, from the USA. "We are open to committed athletes from wherever they come from. One of the simple pleasures of this team is the international diversity and personal character each athlete brings to the team."

In emphasizing the international nature of the team, he noted that the 42 athletes making up the men's and women's team come from 16 countries, including seven national champions from Australia, Germany, Norway, Italy and the USA, 11 former national champions and three current or former world champions.

The team will continue to maintain its logistical base in Bonn. "We remain committed to our European operations centre in Germany and our excellent staff located there," Stapleton noted.

The team lost its former sponsor, T-Mobile/Deutsche Telekom in November. Speculation had abounded since then that the team would apply for a license in the USA, and increased when the team announced that it would hold its training camp and team presentation in California this year instead of on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Dorel Buys Cannondale

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-04T20:52:08-08:00

MONTREAL, Quebec (BRAIN)—Dorel Industries has just announced the acquisition of the Cannondale Bicycle Corporation.

The total value of the all-cash transaction will be $190 (U.S) to $200 (U.S) million, subject to Cannondale's earnings results for the year ending June 30, 2008.

The transaction, which will be immediately accretive to Dorel's earnings, is being financed through debt.

Cannondale and Sugoi are being purchased from an affiliate of Pegasus Capital Advisors, which acquired the company in 2003. 2007 sales for Cannondale and Sugoi were approximately $200 million.

Dorel president and chief executive officer Martin Schwartz said that in light of the acquisition the Company's Recreational/Leisure segment is being split into two distinct operating divisions.

A new Dorel Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBD) division, the Cannondale Sports Group, is being created and will focus exclusively on this category with premium-oriented brands. Cannondale, GT Bicycles and Sugoi will all be part of the Cannondale Sports Group, according to Schwartz.

Backed by Dorel's extensive resources, the Cannondale Sports Group will build on Cannondale's strengths to grow significantly within the IBD channel.

"Our intention is to build a world-class company that dealers will want to buy from," said Schwartz. Pacific Cycle will become a stand-alone division with an exclusive focus on mass merchant customers.

"The Cannondale purchase is consistent with Dorel's plan to concentrate on its core businesses. Since buying Pacific Cycle in 2004 we have learned a great deal about the bicycle industry and have found it to be a true value driver for Dorel. We are committed to pursuing this sector, and this important transaction will position us globally in a most material way. Dorel recognizes the importance and potential of the Independent Bicycle Dealer channel and is purchasing Cannondale as the first step to become the world's number one IBD player. Cannondale will be the crown jewel of this new Dorel division, which will seek additional such growth opportunities," he added.

"We're excited about the future for Cannondale and our retailers. Cannondale's goal is to be the number one supplier to the IBD channel. Dorel's vast resources and experience provide us with long term stability and the ability to accelerate our goals for growth with our retailers," said Matt Mannelly, president and chief executive officer of Cannondale.

Dorel purchased Pacific Cycle (Schwinn, Mongoose and GT Bicycle brands) in 2004.

Pegasus bought a bankrupt Cannondale in January 2003 for approximately $58 million.

Results from Boulevard Road Race - San Diego

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-03T07:12:50-08:00

Here are the results from yesterdays Boulevard Road Race down in San Diego. This is the first race of the season for many riders and the first time many of us will be able to see the new teams in action.

Many of the 2008 Tour of California teams were in attendance as most of them are finishing up their training camps here in California. BRR was a good place to see what teams are right on track for this months show down at the Tour of California. From the looks of it, Toyota was the domitating factor yesterday but as always, Dan the Man Bowman likes to get into the mix with a 4th place on the day. The rest of the top ten was mixed with KBS, Toyota and one Rock Racing rider.

Way to go KBS you did well as a team for the first race!

1. Heath Blackgrove - UCI CT: Toyota- United Pro Cycling Team
2. Benjamin Day - UCI CT: Toyota- United Pro Cycling Team
3 .Jonnie Clarke - UCI CT: Toyota- United Pro Cycling Team
4. Daniel Bowman - UCI CT: Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast
5. Jared Barrilleaux - UCI CT: The Jittery Joes Pro Cycling Team
6. Caleb Manion - UCI CT: Toyota- United Pro Cycling Team
7. Brian Buchholz - UCI CT: Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast
8. Justin Spinelli - UCI CT: Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast
9. Adam Switters - UCI CT: Rock Racing
10. Dominique Rollin - UCI CT: Toyota- United Pro Cycling Team
---------

14. Andrew Bajadali - UCI CT: Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast
16. Rudolph Napolitano - UCI CT: Rock Racing
21. Kevin Klein - Rock Racing
23. Jonathan Mumford - UCI CT: Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast
25. Daniel Ramsey - Time Pro Cycling

KBS Medifast Camp Pictures

info@rideventura.com — 2008-02-02T23:17:13-08:00

More Pictures from the KBS Medifast Camp in Oxnard.

Each rider gets 2 road bikes and 1 TT.

Most of these are Tour of California machine awaiting final touches.

2008 Lemond Carbons with SRAM Red and new Ti Speedplay pedals

SRAM Red is super clean stuff

1300 gram XXX Lite Bontragers with new SRAM Red cassettes and Michelin Pro Race 3 tires

Teams are Here

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-30T21:26:21-08:00

Here are some sneak peek photos of the 2008 Kelly Benefits team as they prepare for their assault on the upcoming season. Over the last few days I have been lending a helping hand to the team as we get all of their Lemond's equipped with SRAM Red and the 08 Bontrager wheels.

More photos to come.

The Teams are Coming to Town

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-28T11:08:33-08:00

Good morning every one today is Monday January 28th and this marks the official beginning to winter training camps here in Ventura. Now some US Pro teams have already had their camps and others will be in the coming weeks. But just to let the local cycling faithful some have been riding the streets of Ventura already.
Friday afternoon I was driving up Harbor Blvd toward town from the harbor and noticed this blob of black kitted cyclists headed my direction. As I passed them by I noticed the Skull icon on their jerseys and took it to mean the Rock Racing crew was blowing through town. Not soon after that I saw one of their black Cadillac Escalades with bunches of wheels on the roof.

Then today another team will be riding the roads in preparation for the 2008 Tour of California, Kelly Benefits Stratiges presented by Medifast. The boys in green and yellow will be holding their training camp this week to do some recon work on stages 5,6 & 7 and then many will be housed in Oxnard in the weeks following the TOC for some local stage racing as well.
Welcome back KBS it will be great to see the team again!
Cheers,
Brian

Trebon coming home before Cross Worlds

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-25T12:03:47-08:00

Kona-Yourkey.com rider Ryan Trebon, the 2006 national champion and three-time Crank Brothers USGP of Cyclocross series winner, has withdrawn from this weekend’s world cyclocross championship in Treviso, Italy.

Kona team director Mark Peterson told VeloNews Tuesday that Trebon, who complained of back and leg pain throughout the 2007 cyclocross season, has not fully recovered from the spectacular crash that occurred at December’s national championship. The defending champion and heavy race favorite violently collided with an out-of-control rider on a section of course that doubled back on itself, ending his race.

Trebon, whose best result at ’cross world’s was 15th in 2005, said he made the decision to call it a season “two minutes” into the January 13 World Cup event at Liévin, France. He returned to the U.S. on January 18.

“My back has been messed up since [nationals], and I missed a bunch of training,” Trebon told VeloNews. “I’ve also had a sinus infection, so I couldn’t train much. With the bad back and bad form I wasn’t racing well or finishing well, and I wasn’t getting better. Actually, I was progressively getting worse. So it came to a point where I could keep sitting over there and beating myself up and finishing 40th, or I could recover and get better.”

Trebon added that Kona team management was supportive.

“When something like this happens you find out who really supports what you’re doing, instead of just helping you when things are 100 percent,” Trebon said. “You find out who has your best interests in mind.”

Trebon’s best result racing in Europe during the 2007-08 ’cross season was seventh at the October 13 GP Wallonie. Peterson said Kona was disappointed but sympathetic.

“I told Ryan to come home last week,” Peterson said. “He’s been over there injured, in bad weather so he can’t go train and do intervals. He’s just been suffering. This is the time of season you have to be going super fast to compete. He’s not able to ride at the level that he expects of himself and that we expect of him, so it’s time to bring him home and get him healthy.”

In the past Peterson has chided Trebon for his reluctance to soldier on when things aren’t going his way. However, he expressed satisfaction in the way Trebon has handled his setbacks since nationals.

“Of course Ryan is frustrated and disappointed,” Peterson said. “I think if everything was going perfectly, he’s capable of a top-five finish. But he’s done a lot better this year at taking things in stride. I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised. That he didn’t have a lot more angst after that crash at nationals says a lot of his maturity.”

Peterson said Kona is now banking its podium hopes on Wendy Simms, the Canadian national champion, who rode to top-five World Cup finishes January 13 in Liévin and a week later in Hoogerheide.

“I knew that Wendy had it in her,” Peterson said. “It’s been a somewhat frustrating season for her, but she’s always been pegging this season for worlds.

“People forget this is the first season she has not had a full-time job [as a biology instructor at Malaspina University-College]. She hit that plateau during the USGPs and has been waiting for her next peak, but it’s coming around and she’s had some good finishes over in Europe.”

Time Factory Team Announcement

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-24T16:13:04-08:00

After a successful 2007 season, the Time Factory Development Team will evolve from a six-rider elite amateur squad into a twelve-rider UCI Continental team for 2008. With the new status comes a new name, Time Pro Cycling, while the main focus of the team remains the same: teaching the sport of cycling to young riders and bringing them to the next level.

The management team of James Bennett, Erik Saunders and Pat Raines remain committed to the goals of the team. "When we went into forming this team last year we wanted to do something completely new," said Saunders. "Looking back on all the things that happened in each of our careers the theme seemed to be lack of guidance and mentorship and plain old indifference to development. It was important to us that we do the team for the guys who are right in that spot where they need a little guidance to be great."

In its first year, the team won two medals at the U23 National Road Race Championships (2nd and 4th), one medal in the 17-18 National Criterium Championships (3rd), scored two National Calendar Race top ten finishes and a host of regional wins.

The team was able to show its riders on the national stage and two of them were picked up by established programs where their career can begin. At the end of their first year with the team Eric Bennett graduated to Team Successful Living, and Chris Monteleone to the US National Team. "Our team is the youngest pro team in the US. Our goal is to give young riders the support and mentorship that they need to perform in the nation's top events, launch a career in cycling, and move on to bigger programs. We are obviously very proud of these two guys and happy that we are successful in our mission earlier than we had hoped," said Bennett.

The competitive focus will hinge on U23 Nationals, the Tour of Pennsylvania, the USA Crits Series, and selected other events.

2008 Roster:, Andy Baker (19), Jackie Simes (20), Nick Frey (21), Eric Barlevav (22), David Duncan (23), David Guttenplan (23), Mike Stoop (24), Jered Gruber (25), Tom Soladay (25), Captains: Daniel Ramsey (30), Jon Hamblen (33), Adam Myerson (36)

Saturday Ride - NOT

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-24T11:09:15-08:00

A big thanks to John Camilli for this picture taken at the top of Hwy 33 just past Rose Valley. We are pretty sure there will be no ride to Rose Valley this weekend.

AT&T now title sponsor of 2008 Tour of Georgia

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-24T09:18:25-08:00

On Wednesday, officials from the Tour de Georgia Foundation, Inc. and AT&T Inc. announced a new branding for the American spring cycling event, which will become the Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T. As the Presenting Sponsor for 2008 tour, AT&T will own exclusive rights for "Communications Services" for the race scheduled from April 21-27.
Last year, AT&T's sponsorship included naming rights to the Overall Leader jersey awarded after each stage. As the Presenting Sponsor in 2008, AT&T will maintain ownership of the leader's jersey and will receive prominent branding at all venues of the race, as well as the tour's website.

Clif Bar Launches Collection Program

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-24T07:29:07-08:00

BERKELEY, CA (BRAIN)—Clif Bar and TerraCycle have announced the nation's first program designed to reduce the amount of energy bar wrappers going into our landfills, while educating people about the benefits of reusing waste materials. Together the companies have created the Wrapper Brigade, which will donate two cents to charity for every used wrapper collected by individuals and organizations.The collected wrappers will be fused and woven into a strong material, which will then be used to make backpacks, gym totes and other products. These items are expected to be available at major retailers by early next year.Clif Bar is sponsoring the program and TerraCycle is providing product collection and reuse expertise. Both partners recognize that millions of energy bar wrappers are discarded each year. Together they want to help make reuse rather than disposal the norm for used wrappers.Anyone can sign up for the Wrapper Brigade program by visiting www.terracycle.net/brigades. There is absolutely no cost to participate. Within one to two weeks after signing up, you receive four collection bags that hold 200 energy bar wrappers each. You simply mail the collection bags back to TerraCycle and designate the charity you want to support with your wrapper donation. All shipping fees are covered by the program to encourage people to collect as many wrappers as possible.

Tour of California organizers announce breakthrough anti-doping program

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-23T21:03:24-08:00

Organizers of the 2008 Tour of California professional cycling road race assembled late Tuesday to unveil and discuss a new anti-doping protocol which will be introduced and administered during the upcoming race beginning February 17. Presenters of the Amgen Tour of California, AEG Sports president, Andrew Messick along with USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson spoke candidly about the new anti-doping program as being the most comprehensive anti-doping program in cycling history.

The program is said to exceed a cost of more than one hundred thousand [US] dollars and is funded by the organizers. It will include a summary of blood samples taken from every rider entered in the event prior to the start of the race and tested for blood manipulations and EPO along with urine samples of thirty percent of the riders. The samples will be tested for banned substances like steroids, hormones, diuretics and various masking agents.

Daily, each stage winner, current general classification leader and three additional riders will be earmarked for post-race screening for steroids, hormones, stimulants and various masking agents. In addition, there will be three riders selected for testing during each morning and evening, totalling eight riders tested per day or three more than the normally required in standard competition testing protocol.

Furthermore, all participating teams will be required to be clear of any doping investigations. A roster of riders will be submitted to the UCI and USA Cycling to confirm that none have an outstanding open investigation. Should any be found, the rider's team will be asked to withdraw or replace him.

Results of the blood tests will be incorporated into the newly introduced UCI biological passport program, an individual electronic file for each rider in which all of the results of blood doping tests are accumulated over time. The samples will be analyzed by two accredited WADA labs, blood samples will be taken to the Sports Medicine Research and Testing laboratory at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Urine samples will be analyzed in Los Angeles at the UCLA Olympic Analytical laboratory.

"AEG believes in fair and honest competition and we have a responsibility to do what is necessary to ensure that the Amgen Tour of California is clean and that the best rider wins," said Messick. "The sad truth is that we can't talk about elite cycling without addressing incidences of performance enhancing substances. We are here to talk about what we intend to do to ensure the athletic integrity of our race. We are pleased to say that the program that we have developed is a collaborative effort between all of the stakeholders in elite cycling: UCI, USA Cycling, USADA and our European friends at the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, riders, teams, race owners, sponsors, drug testing agencies, national and international governing bodies for our sport. As a group we are unanimous that this is a powerful step to a clean sport."

17 teams have been invited to compete in the Tour of California including ten European and six domestic squads. USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson said the American national governing body feels a profound challenge ahead with regard to cleaning up doping problems to ensure a fair playing field. "Cycling is committed to zero tolerance," said Johnson. "It's critical to ensure that up and coming riders can realize their dreams without the obligation of confronting the temptation to cheat."

Johnson cited greater risks and lower benefits as incentives for riders not to cheat. "The UCI and USA cycling are one hundred percent committed to this program. We want to move aggressively in that direction so that the opportunities to cheat are less. This is a higher standard than even the Tour de France...with the extra blood sample and the use of the blood passports. We can assure that no rider who is cheating will start this race."

Dr. Steve Elliot spoke on behalf of the event's title sponsor Amgen, one of the largest biomedical manufacturers. He noted that while his company manufactures medicines like EPO for people with debilitating diseases, it does not promote the inappropriate use of the substances. "It's unethical and we need to teach our young athletes that sport is fun, exciting and competitive without doping," said Dr. Elliot, who added that his company was excited to be part of what it believes to be the "cleanest and most excited race ever".

Team High Road owner Bob Stapleton has been at the forefront of anti-doping program with his former T-Mobile squad and will continue his effort into the coming season. He called the new anti-doping programs a progressive step forward for all sport for three reasons. "This shows unity and purpose to make progressive change in the sport where the stakeholders have come together to create what I think is a unique protocol that makes the sport better and is an example to sports overall in terms of acting together to make change."

"Secondly, it's a bit of a new paradigm and with the profiles and tests that will be created that will make future events better because the tests that are done here will be saved in profiles and stored," added Stapleton. "Lastly, it's important to have a level playing field. Every athlete wants to win, and we are proud to participate in a race where everyone has a fair chance."

Quick.Step to ride Roval wheels in 2008

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-23T12:53:37-08:00

Specialized scored a virtual coup late in 2006 when it landed the bicycle sponsorship position for the Quickstep-Innergetic team of world champion Paolo Bettini and Belgian sprinting superstar Tom Boonen. However, while the team rode Specialized frames through the 2007 season, it utilized Fulcrum wheels and Campagnolo cranksets instead of Specialized-branded units.

That situation has now at least been partially remedied in Specialized's eyes by the addition of the company's Roval wheel line to the team (now known simply as Quick.Step) sponsorship package. Boonen did use a Roval Rapide Star Carbon front wheel during the prologue and time trials of the 2007 Tour de France but the entire team now will reportedly ride Roval wheels exclusively throughout the 2008 season for all events.

Specialized says it has developed five models specifically to suit the team's needs. The box section rims and three-cross lacing of the Roval Roubaix 322X will be used during the spring classics, while the Roval Rapide Star Carbon wheel that Boonen used last year will continue on as the front aero wheel of choice for timed events.

Moreover, Specialized will cooperate with team component sponsor Campagnolo to build three out of five of the Roval team wheels using "Specialized-engineereed hubs and spoking patterns alongside Campagnolo-engineered rims and spokes/nipples systems." Those wheels will be built at Campagnolo's facility in Vicenza, Italy.

"We are all proud to have finalized this ambitious cooperation with a strategic partner like Specialized. We feel confident that this could be the first step in an important expansion of our mutual interest and business goals," said Angelo Caccia, International Sales Director of Campagnolo Srl and President of Campagnolo North America, Inc.

Specialized founder and President Mike Sinyard added, "I have always had the greatest respect for Campagnolo. The brand's quality, integrity and history make them one of the most distinguished companies in our sport. It is a great honour that Campagnolo has agreed to work with us to co-develop and assemble world-class race wheels. I look forward to other similar projects in the future."

Slipstream going to the Giro

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-22T12:28:59-08:00

American continental professional team Slipstream-Chipotle has received an invitation to compete at this year's Giro d'Italia, Slipstream team manager Jonathan Vaughters confirmed with VeloNews Saturday.
Vaughters got the news last week from RCS director Angelo Zomegnan, who is expected to announce the full list of teams invited to the Giro in coming days. In addition to the May 10-June 10 Giro, Vaughters said Slipstream would compete in other RCS events such as Milan-San Remo, held March 7, and Tirreno-Adriatico, held March 12-18.
Though the team has not yet been invited to race at the 2008 Tour de France, Vaughters said he would start many of his team's Tour hopefuls at the Giro. Riders that have expressed interest in both grand tours include David Millar and Christian Vande Velde.
"We'll probably have quite a bit of overlap from the Tour squad to the Giro squad," Vaughters said. "We're going to do it old school and have a pretty similar squad, not totally the same, but fairly similar squad to both and just not race much in between."
Vaughters said he hoped to give a pair of the team's young climbers, Tom Peterson and Lucas Euser, their first chance at a grand tour. Although much of the Giro's climbing comes in the final week, the racing "just isn't as fast on the flats as at the Tour, so younger guys can actually have a chance to make it to the end and be all right," he said.
Vaughters said that in addition to meeting with RCS, he spent last week in Geneva, Switzerland, meeting with the UCI wild-card commission's Alain Rumpf. Because of UCI's new "biological passport" anti-doping measures, Vaughters said that continental professional teams hoping to receive wild-card invitations to ProTour events must apply with the UCI and put themselves through the same administrative auditing and anti-doping procedures as ProTour teams.
"We basically had to go into a board room and plead our case," Vaughters said. "I haven't heard yet, but I think we are. We were given a scorecard that shows how your team is graded on a 4.0 scale, something we can all relate to, and we received a 3.56 out of 4.0."
Vaughters said in all five continental professional teams would be selected by the wildcard commission to be eligible for invitations to ProTour events, adding that two other teams he expected to receive wild-card invitations to ProTour events in 2008 are Agritubel and Barloworld.

Rock Racing Camp Photos

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-22T11:24:47-08:00

Well many teams are assembling their arsenals for the 2008 racing season and one team that has been in the news a lot these days is coming out into the light of day, Rock Racing. According to sources close to the team Michael Ball, team owner and owner of Rock & Rebublic jeans, has banned the press from the team camp which began on 1/18 somewhere in Malibu. But as with many things in this world there are always folks that snap images and post them to the web. I give you team rider Rashaan Bahati. Here are some photos he snapped with his camera phone over last weekend. You will see images of Santiago Botero, Freddie, Sevilla and many others.Enjoy. I will post more when I find them.

2008 Tour of California makes Team announcement

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-17T16:34:29-08:00

Tour of California organizers announced a field of 17 domestic and international cycling teams set to compete in the 2008 edition of the race from February 17-24. In the third edition of the annual event, 136 racers will cover 650 miles (1,046 km) over eight days from Palo Alto - Stanford University to Pasadena.

"The success of the Tour of California over the past two years has created a very positive reputation among the professional cycling community, which has helped to ensure the high level of competition that people have come to expect from our race," said Kristin Bachochin, senior director of AEG Sports, presenter of the race

Among the top teams are Team CSC, the world's number one ranked team and Team Astana, the new team of last year's winner Levi Leipheimer. Health Net presented by Maxxis will lead the domestic squads as the winner of the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The teams are split among those which compete for the UCI ProTour and those which race predominantly in the US. Jonas Carney's Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast team is one of those which will benefit from the chance to race the larger outfits.

"Even though the new Astana Cycling Team is making its US racing debut, we are bringing numerous riders who have found success on U.S. soil in the past," said Philippe Maertens, spokesman for the Astana Cycling Team. "The riders are excited to begin the season in California and are motivated to help Leipheimer defend his Amgen Tour of California title."

Several of the 17 professional cycling teams will hold their pre-season training camps in California

Teams for Tour of California: Astana, Bissell Pro Cycling Team, BMC Racing Team, Bouygues Telecom, Crédit Agricole, Gerolsteiner, Health Net Presented by Maxxis, High Road Sports, Jelly Belly Cycling Team, Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast, Quick Step, Rabobank Cycling Team, Rock Racing, Saunier Duval-Scott, Team CSC, and Team Slipstream Powered by Chipotle, Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team.

Feathers in the Cap

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-14T13:56:41-08:00

Happy new year everyone out there in cycling land. I have a very interesting report to file today.

Some of you know that I have been in the process of getting back into the bicycle industry in a big way after closing Shoreline Cycles in September of 2006. And many know that I spent a few days last February hanging out of the side of a press car during last years Tour of California. And if that was not enough, I was the interim team mechanic for Kelly Benefits Strategies pro road team in March and April last year also.

KBS Medifast Team at Redlands 2007

And then for the balance of the year I consulted on a number of projects and worked with teams in the attempt to line up something up for 2008.

In October of 2007, USA Cycling announced their mechanics training session held once a year in January at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. I was in. This was the ticket to moving and validating my place in the very small fraternity of the mechanics union and it would allow doors to open that might never get opened. So I contacted USA Cycling and signed up for the sessions.

A quick bio on the sessions. They are held for 4 days in January at the OTC. January folks. Anyone been to Colorado in January? It is fricken cold. Well to be specific highs were in the 30's and the lows were in the single digits at times. Anyway back to the Bio. Three full days of training offered hands on in various aspects of race mechanics and support.

My trip started at 4am on the morning of January 10th as I awoke to kiss my wife and son goodbye for a few days. I climbed into the car and was off to catch a 6:30 flight to Colorado Springs.

As we began our decent into the Springs I was overwhelmed by the majestic beauty of the Rockies. Just west of town is the famous Pikes Peak. This time of year it was covered in snow.

Pikes Peak. This was the view we awoke to every morning at the OTC.

The sessions were due to start at 12pm on the 10th and I arrived at the OTC at noon on the dot. From that moment forward we were going full speed. Day 1 started at noon and ended at 9pm with one small break for dinner at the OTC. Oh yeah all the lodging and meals were covered in the session fees. So we were eating with a number of current Olympians and future Olympians at every meal. It was an awesome experience.

Anyway back to the story. We started our sessions at noon on Thursday as a large group of 55 wrenches from all over the country. The age range was from around 17 to 70 with 2 women joining the crew as well. I have to say that I had a chance to work with both of them over the last four days and they were as sharp if not sharper then anyone of the guys at this clinic.

The main USA Cycling repair shop and the track bikes on the ceiling are from the 1984 games in Los Angeles.

The main supply room. As you can see Specialized is the main sponsor of the U23 program!

A shop in Minnesota sent 20 or so guys from their stores. There were guys from the east coast, west coast, Texas. Oregon and even Germany.

We were given a manual, schedule for the 4 days and an exam. Yep a good old fashion exam. 100 questions regarding what was covered in the sessions, what was in the manual and what is in the real world of working on bikes. We had instructors from all over the industry and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each one of them.

Dave Arnauckas - Shimano Multi-Service Supervisor
Matt Bracken - President of Independent Fabrication
Hercules Castro - SRAM Technical Training Coordinator
Chris Clinton - Promechanics.com
T.J. Grove - USA Cycling Team Mechanic U23 National Team
Mike Hall - SRM Techinical Advisor
Ric Hjertberg - FSA New Technology Manager
Calvin Jones - Park Tool Lead Mechanic
Justin Koch - USA Cycling Operations Manager
Andy Stone - Shimano Multi-Service Technician
Tom Vinson - USA Cycling National Events Manager

Each one of these gentleman brought many years of knowledge and experience to the sessions and we are all that much smarter having had the chance to work with each of them over the last few days.

Me in front of the Olympic Rings.

We started our days with a 7am breakfast and ended them with huddle sessions to work on the exam. There were many challenges to the last four days, being away from my family, trying to get any sort of sleep, and dealing with the cold.

All and all the trip was a great one. I made a lot of friends and gained alot of knowledge. In addition I earned a USA Cycling Pro Mechanics license, as well as a UCI Pro Mechanics license. The ladder will allow me to work for teams outside of the US and more importantly allow me to work the Olympics in Beijing if called to do so.

So I have to give a big shout out to some of my new friends, Hector, Julie, Ryan, Steve, Mark, Dylan and Ralf. Each of you will be great mechanics and pro's at whatever you do in your lives.

Thanks to my family for putting up with me and thanks to Justin at USA Cycling.

Brian

As the Rock Rolls

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-06T16:17:00-08:00

Many rumours, speculation and critical reports have been surfacing over the past month about the American-based Rock Racing team, funded by the outspoken and controversial Michael Ball, owner of the designer jeans company Rock & Republic, which serves as the title sponsor. From the confirmation that Tyler Hamilton signed with the team to speculation that Mario Cipollini was in negotiations, the off-season has been tumultuous for the team - and the latest shoe to drop was the mutual separation between director sportif Frankie Andreu and Ball.
"Before Christmas they made some business strategy decisions with me and other members, and that made it obvious to me where they were heading," Andreu told Cyclingnews regarding his reasons for leaving. "Since then I was left out of the majority decisions."
Andreu's departure is one indication of the perceptive sea change for the team - from a new, alternative team with exciting prospects to one that is pushing boundaries, possibly too far. Andreu himself was singing the company's praises to Cyclingnews just last August - and indicating that the team would only be adding a couple of new key riders in 2008 to compete at a higher level. This is in contrast with what has been subsequently reported in terms of additions to the team.

The names of riders that have been linked with the team include Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero, Oscar Sevilla and Mario Cipollini. The signings of Hamilton and Botero have been confirmed in media reports while Sevilla and Cipollini remain rumours. However, according to multiple sources wishing to remain anonymous, both riders are joining the team. Both Botero and Sevilla have been associated with the Operación Puerto investigation, and Hamilton served a two year ban for blood doping.

'Win at all costs' mentality costly
But Andreu said the decisions he questioned went beyond riders and covered all aspects of the team. "Rider choices, sponsor choices, the way they were handling the prospective sponsors... they are an aggressive team and everything they do is aggressive. The cycling community is small and to me it is important to keep friends and not win at all costs."
Andreu said that the signings of some riders were not ever discussed with him. "They had talked about the Cipo thing before but that got all shelved," he said. "Once I was off the team I found out he was going to training camp and possibly signing, along with Sevilla and Hamilton.
Andreu continued saying that when he found out when certain riders were being discussed he expressed his concern over possible negative impacts to the team's reputation -- though he would not name specific names.
"I did a lot of speaking with the management guys there regarding at least a couple of riders and how it could affect the reputation of Rock & Republic. But Michael thought otherwise and wants to grow the team and win races."
Andreu also commented to Cyclingnews that Hamilton was not a concern for him. "For me, Tyler is not so much a problem - he has done his time."
The root of the problem could be Michael Ball's management style, which could be best described as unconventional. Cyclingnews was the first to hear the "win or you're fired" mentality from Ball, and Andreu said his dealings with the owner were quite rare. "I've only ever spoken with Michael Ball actually once. We were not allowed to talk to him directly, I speak with [his staff] who passes it on to Michael who tells them what to tell to me."

Landis linked, despite ineligibility?
Another of the many speculations involving the team came out of Andreu's departure - that Floyd Landis, who is currently appealing his suspension for a positive testosterone test during the 2006 Tour de France, is going to become the new team director. Cyclingnews spoke with Landis directly regarding the idea.
"I don't want to comment... I don't have any agreement with the team," he said. "I know there are a bunch of rumours about it but I don't have any comments." Landis did confirm that he knows the team and Ball, saying that he supports their decisions. "I do know those guys there, the majority of them. I know that Michael Ball has made some very bold statements, but I wish them success. Those guys that they have on the team deserve a second chance."
According to USA Cycling and UCI rules, Landis would be unable to serve in any official capacity as a director, needing a license in order to do so.
For his part, Andreu is not too worried about landing on his feet, having been in a similar position before directing this team. "I'll stick with the television and race announcing. Add for 2009 focus on putting together a team where I can have more control."
"My interest would be to have some younger riders to develop, but to have a good squad to race in the US. The focus wouldn't be completely on the winning. Right now companies want more community involvement to really network the branding for the sponsor to the public. I know how to put a team together, the hard part is finding a sponsor and making it so they get their return. There is more than just winning races for sponsors."
Representatives from the team declined to respond to repeated inquires to comment.

Tony Pedeferri - Fundraiser!!

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-04T07:34:32-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I know some of you already received the Presto Pasta flyer from Terri Q. in a previous e-mail, but I thought I'd follow it up with what I posted earlier today on Tony's secondary/picture website (http://pullbackthecovers.blogspot.com/), which has the addresses of the 3 Presto Pasta restaurants.

All 3 Presto Pasta restaurants will be holding a fundraiser for the Pedeferri Family on Monday, January 7 AND Tuesday, January 8. 20% of the sales will be donated and $25 gift cards will also be sold with $5 being donated (Note: Gift cards may not be redeemed on the dates of the fundraiser). The addresses for the 3 participating locations are listed below, and you can find out more (i.e., menu, info) by going to www.prestopasta.com/

Remember to go to www.pedeferri.com for the latest updates on Tony. Thanks.

NEWBURY PARK
1025 Broadbeck Rd.
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 498-7737

VENTURA
5722 Telephone Road
Ventura, CA
(805) 658-2898

CAMARILLO
1701 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA
[Drive Thru Available]
(805) 445-7737

Hangover Ride 2008

info@rideventura.com — 2008-01-02T12:31:48-08:00

Happy New Year everyone from Ride Ventura and the Shoreline Cyclist. Here are a few pictures from yesterdays 5th Annual Hangover Ride. The winds in Ventura were blowing 35+ when we started but as soon as we got 5 miles north of town the winds were gone and we had glorious sunshine all day. Here are some of the pictures taken yesterday. Thanks to the following people who made yesterday's ride a lot of fun!!

Jim L, Jim H, Alex Y, Jan S, John C and girlfriend, Michelle and Mike, Willem, Anna, Nick I, and the guy in the Army jersey.

Thanks. A full ride write-up is coming soon.

Brian

Riding along Cabrillo Blvd - The start area of Stage 6 for the Tour of California

Jim Hines sporting the Ventura kit

Jim H

Perfect day to be on the bike

Look John does smile. :)

Nick I gives the days ride a thumbs up.

A good day for Alex.

Da ladies

Anna and Michelle

Willem and Jan - Tarmac baby!

The Patrons - Jim and Mike