Talent Pool Qualifier: ADT Center Los Angeles, CA

Talent Pool Qualifier: ADT Center Los Angeles, CA

Mass Start Test

Yesterday I completed my first legitimate attempt at making the time standard for the Mass Start Test in order to qualify to be a member of the 2008 National Track Talent Pool. I was extremely fortunate to be accompanied by Niki Cranmer and Rob Evans, who have supported me so often in the pursuit of my dreams. It's people like them that inspire me everyday.

We hit the road early in the morning and drove the 5.5 hour ride down to L.A. We arrived around 2:00 p.m., which was too early to ride the track, so we headed out to a cafe to kill some time. Around 4:30 we were able to get on the track and so Ben Jaques-Maynes, Rob, and I all jumped on and began warming up. I did a few flying 500m to get a feel for the track and the pace. It felt great to be back on that track. It's very intimidating at first, because it is so steep, but being back on it was so refreshing and fun. I am looking forward to Nationals already. After about an hour or so of practice, the testing began. My event was the 3rd of the night and it came fast, leaving me little time to be nervous. I was very nervous right before the test though. Luckily, the rider attempting the test right before me was Christen King. She's raced World Cup events before and done pretty well, so I knew she'd be one to observe. I watched her do her 3 warm up laps and then complete the test with what looked like such ease. She passed the test with time to spare. I was very impressed with her poise and quiet strength on the track. Her warm-up behind the motor was also something I took notes on and will use prior to my next attempt for sure.

Immediately after she finished, the official pushed me onto the track to start my 3 lap wind-up. In retrospect, I definitely need to be going faster on the rail before I dive down to the start line. I wasn't going fast enough to ensure that I make the standard for the 1st two laps and I also held back a bit in fear of going too hard and fading too much to make the overall time standard. When I tried this test a few weeks ago at the OTC, my effort was extremely painful and I was loosing a second on every lap. I was disappointed with that result and I was worried that it would happen again. However, at the OTC, I did make the first time standard for the first 2 laps but did not make the overall. This time, my splits were all very consistent and I was keeping the last 1500m of splits within a very small range. This was an improvement. So, I finished the test in 2:36:6. The time I needed to make was 2:30:85. I am confident that I can make the time standard with a lot of hard work and dedication. It is a much more attainable goal now that I know exactly what I need to work on and how to perform the test on that track.

I am extremely motivated now to succeed in making the time standard. It was a great experience. Special thanks to Des Dickie for all of the information and support at the track yesterday. Also, Niki and Rob are amazing and I couldn't have done it without them.
- Shelley

GIANA DAY 11 & 12 & 13 AUSTRIA

Austria – Germany – Austria - Our own Tour of Austria
Day Eleven from St. Johann Austria

Today was a “day off” for both Rob and I. We had a long transfer last night to St. Johann through the mountains. The weather this morning was amazing mountain weather. We are in the center of the Austrian Alps; they are like rugged old men, towering above where we stay in their all their majesty keeping watch over the velvety green valleys.

We are staying in a really lovely pension and our overall group has almost doubled. Tracy has done an excellent job through the years organizing a great trip for Masters riders to test themselves against the best in the world and the numbers validate all her hard work. After a wonderful breakfast we headed out on our bikes for a tourist day. I warned Rob that I was up for an adventure which for me means several hours of riding, most of which I will have no idea of where we are or how we are to get home.

We headed out on the course and turned up to Wachesse which is a stunning lake town where the mountains fall down into the turquoise lake. From there we descended for 5 kilometers or so and turned right climbing through a mountain pass over to the another valley.

As we rolled through the valleys, the gorgeous picture book towns and up and down the mountains I decided that this was as close to paradise as I was going to get. I knew where we were for about 50 of today’s 150 kilometers but the ride was so spectacular that I don’t think Rob was concerned. It was just one of those days you could ride forever. Rob tried to document the beauty (see below) but the pictures really don’t do the area justice. This is simply one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been blessed to ride my bicycle.

Tomorrow is a World Cup Road Race for me and a tough hill climb for Rob. As we sit here and watch it blow rain sideways I am skeptical about my race. I want to come into Wednesday’s Time Trial as well rested and healthy as possible, so I am not fully committed to tomorrow’s road race.

Italian domination
Day twelve from St. Johann, Austria

As I woke this morning I could hear the rain pounding on the window and the rain blowing the nearby branches. The mountains surrounding us were ensconced in clouds and the world outside was nothing but wet. The TV weather said it was 4 degrees (about 40 F).

I stumbled down to breakfast, already dreading a cold wet race in the rain. Breakfast held little comfort as everyone was talking about how miserable the descents would be (especially the people who were not racing today). I had my fresh bread, gallon and coffee and went back up to the room.

Normally, I would have headed out for a ride but the down duvet and pillow were calling to me. Crawling back into bed, I promised myself it would only be for a few minutes. About two hours later I woke up, in a tiresome déjà vu, to rain and wind.

Now it was decision time. I believe every athlete gets to this point. The argument for me not to race was strong. I did not want to get sick or crash before Wednesday. Although this was a big World Cup race, it was not my priority. However, the alternative would be to go out into the pissing down rain and train by myself which was not something that warmed my heart.

So I pulled on my shorts, my wind proof base layer, my arm warmers, my jersey, my rain jacket, my cap for under my helmet, my borrowed wool socks, my booties, and then oiled up my legs. When it is raining as hard as this, keeping your legs bare is the way to go. Leg or knee warmers just get wet and hold the cold on the muscle. I used a heavy oil to keep the moisture out with some embrocation underneath to keep the muscles and tendons warm.

My warm-up consisted of the 500 meter ride to the line. I knew I was risking getting dropped on the climb (which was about 3 kilometers into the race) but I was cold and staying dry was paramount. As we were called to the line, the announcer asked the women not to take any pushes on the climb. I had to laugh at that – would there be any spectators on the climb on a day like today?

The gun went off and we headed out into the woolly weather. Immediately, I remembered that riding in the peloton in the rain is extremely uncomfortable. Spray from the wheel in front of you hits you in the face, visibility is poor and you have to truly trust that people are going to take good lines. The alternative is sitting in the wind, and that was not part of my plan for the day, so I sucked it up and sat tight in the Italian formation.

This field had some very good depth. There were six Italians, a bunch of Frenchies, my friend Inna Pannina (with some support from her Russian friends) and a bunch more riders I had not seen last week.

As we hit the climb, the Russians and Italians upped the tempo. My legs creaked a bit but surprisingly began to warm up. Soon there was a group of six of us, with Inna and I being the only non-Italians. The attacks came from the right and then the left, but I was able to respond. As we neared the top there was a lot of cheering and yelling and sure enough a big crowd waited to greet us. Only in Europe would there be a crowd standing in the pouring rain and wind to watch cycling.

From the climb we hit the descent and I stuck to my plan. It would have been a great time to attack. A huge group was off the back and Inna was isolated. But the Italians were smart and hit the descent hard, trying to gap Inna and me. I watched as two of them got about 15 seconds on us, but instead of making a huge effort, I used the corners to close the gap. Once again I was on Michelin’s Pro Grip tires and as everyone else slid sideways on the wet corners I was able to hold my line. Having that kind of confidence in your tires makes a huge difference.

Hitting the half way mark, most of the field was back together. There was a lot of yelling in Italian (they like to yell – it is good intimidation), French, Russian, German, Dutch and maybe some English (but Americans don’t yell much unless they are scared and the Brits, Aussies and New Zealand riders are too polite) as the road narrowed. Pushing and shoving, these women put themselves where they needed to be. The racing became fierce as we headed toward home.

On the backside of the time trial climb I put in the attack I had been waiting all race to make. I had an immediate gap and looking back saw the Italians and French organizing. I hit the top of the climb and put my head down, pretending like I was in the time trial. I needed an opener in any case and this would be it.

I was away about 7 kilometers before field finally caught me. From there the attacks came fast and furious, but I snuck in about 5th wheel and hung out there. If the Italians were going to chase me down, I was not going to help them bring anything back. If they wanted it to be a sprint, they would have to work for it.

We were single file all the way until the 2000 meter to go mark. At this point, I moved up to third wheel and sat tight on the wheel in front of me. Coming around the final corner to the finish, I stood up to sprint but my effort off the front cost me a bit and my power was not what I had hoped. The Italians went streaking by me for first and second place. I came across in eighth place, and headed directly back to the hotel. No standing around in the rain for me.

There is nothing as heavy or as dirty as race clothes from a day in the rain, especially in Europe on farm roads. Let me tell you, it was not all dirt on my clothes. The sink wasn’t going to cut it for this batch of laundry. Rob and I headed out to the laundry mat bringing many pounds of dirty and wet clothes. It took us a good while to get everything cleaned, but some fresh bread and cheese made the time go much quicker.

Tomorrow is my final preparation day and a World Cup for Rob. I plan to head out to the TT course for one more ride on it to check my equipment choice and if the weather allows do a little motor-pacing. Rob races in the afternoon, so hopefully the weather will clear for his race. He has a big field, probably one of the most competitive he has ever raced in. I had six Italians to cope with; he will probably face 20 or so. His field may be well over 100 riders, and every one of them will be strong and equally determined to be first to the line. He certainly will have his work cut out for him.

Until then!

Who is hiding in the Peloton?
Day thirteen from St Johann, Austria

This morning was again sunny, warming my hopes that Wednesday’s time trial would also be dry roads and pleasant conditions.

After breakfast, Rob and I headed out to the course for my final preparation before Rob’s World Cup Race in the afternoon. I rode over to the start, riding the course in my head, with Rob patiently following behind in the car. I wanted to “race” the course at speed but without expending a lot of effort. Rob is an excellent motor driver because he has spent so much time behind the motor on a bike. Usually my friend Renee drives for both of us, so this was a bit of a change, but Rob kept the motor steady, upping the pace when I asked for it and dodging trucks, cyclists riding three abreast, rabbits, rocks and big piles of manure – all at 55 km an hour with me “attached” to the bumper. For those of you that think motor pacing is fun – think again. It is incredibly stressful for the driver; and the rider must have complete faith in the driver to do it correctly.

I check my gearing, pacing, and tactics one more time. Happy with the result we headed back to the hotel where Rob changed attire and I changed bikes. We then headed out for Rob’s warm-up before going over to the start line.

As I waited for Rob’s race of over 150 guys to start a guy in the group said to me “I know where Santa Rosa is.” He was obviously German and obviously knew what he was doing judging from his “kit”, his bike, and his overall appearance. “Oh yea,” I said “How’s that?” Turns out he was over to Santa Rosa with the Mercury Team in 2000 and 2001. He just finished to the Tour of Germany (a very upper UCI Tour) on Sunday and was here to blow his legs out. He rides for a VERY high profile German team (not to be named) and is a very well known professional rider, hiding out in non-team kit. I failed to mention this to Rob at the start but I did point out to him some of the T-Mobile development guys I saw.

I headed up to the climb so I could be there to feed when the group came through. The field was absolutely flying with attacks left, right and center. It was an exciting race to watch and each time by Rob was sitting in the middle of the field holding his own.

The feeding was equally exciting as you had everyone from professional soigneurs (care takers) feeding to the general public to girlfriends literally chucking bottles into the field in hopes that their boyfriends would catch them. It was overpoweringly loud on the climb with the cheering of the crowd, yelling coming from the pack, the announcer's excitement describing blow by blow action, horns from the caravan and the lead cars, gears frantically shifting as riders come over the top of the climb, and of course the Italian families’ shouting direction to their riders rising above all else. It was bike racing mayhem at its best.

After they passed through the third time I rolled down to watch the finish. A group of about 8 came through and then the field about 30 seconds later with Rob finishing in the top 30 which was a super strong finish in such an elite field.

The afternoon saw us preparing for the TT with me taking a much needed nap, and enjoying an early dinner. Panic set in about 8 pm when I began to pack for the race and discovered I had forgotten my TUE form (an exemption for the Albuterol I need to race). Thankfully help from home in the form of Renee and my doctor Ann saw me receiving the necessary paper work this morning – just in time! Now if I am tested (hopefully) I will have what is necessary.

I am about two hours out as I sit and write this. The nervousness is palpable in our little hotel room. Hopefully I will be writing a very positive report in a few hours.

Until then! Thank you all for your support. It has meant a tremendous amount to me.

NATIONAL CRITERIUM CHAMPIONSHIPS

National Criterium ChampionshipsDowner's Grove, Illinois

Niki and I headed out to Chicago early Friday morning for a weekend of racing. The plan was to race on Saturday on the same course as the national championship event on Sunday. We arrived 2 hours early for the race, which we thought was at 5:30 that evening. According to one website, the race was supposed to start at 5:30, but apparently a different website said it started at 5:15. The officials decided to actually start the race at 5:10. All the while, Niki and I expected to start our race at 5:30, so we went for a quick warm-up ride away from the course around 4:45. We thought we were fine, but when we got back to the car for the final preparations, one of our friends asked us why we weren't out there racing. Confused, we hustled to the course in our jackets still because it was dumping rain this whole time. We jumped on the course thinking it was open for the women before the start, but spectators on the sidelines were yelling at us to get off the course if we weren't racing. Still confused, we looked back from the sidewalk and saw the women's field driving hard up the course obviously racing already. I ripped my jacket off and told Niki to jump in with me. She was dead set against it, and rightfully so probably. I couldn't stand to miss the race and so I waited until the last rider passed and jumped on the course ahead of the follow vehicle.

Having never been in this situation before and clearly unfamiliar with the exact rules for missing your start, all I thought about was making sure I got in there and had a chance to race. It took me some time to move up in the field and when I finally saw the front of the race, there was a strong 4-man break off the front with most of the big teams represented. Honestly, I wasn't even thinking about being down a lap or missing the start, I just wanted to race. In retrospect, what I did was stupid, but like I always say, you live and learn. In a race that was so clearly unimportant to most of the riders, who really cares. I did not impact the race in the end and I made an honest mistake. I swallowed my pride and apologized to the officials. They seemed humored by my inexperience and naivety. And told me to be less obvious about jumping in next time! Niki and I smiled, laughed, shook our heads and moved on. No big deal. Sunday would be a new day and a more important race.

That night and at registration the next morning, we confirmed that the race started at 10:00 a.m. We found a trainer to borrow and I began warming up while Niki took care of the other details. At 9:45 I was ready to go and after the final preparations I headed over to the course for a few warm up laps. The rain had let up for a few minutes but it still didn't look like it would be a dry race. There were probably about 50 or 60 riders at the start line. I had a good idea of who to watch and with Niki and Rob on the course and on the radios, I felt confident. The course was long and it would be difficult for all the riders. Half of the course was uphill, including the finishing straight, which was only 150 meters after the 8th and final turn. Shortly after the start the prime bell started ringing. There were probably a dozen primes ranging from $50 to $100 each with one half-race prime valued at $500. The race was 31 laps long. It seemed to go on forever and I started to cramp after about 10 laps. There were very few attacks. It began raining again right around the same time I started cramping and it became very hard to see. It was really coming down hard and the race changed pace drastically as you could sense the fear in many of the other riders. There started to be crashes in what felt like every other lap. It was a battle to stay out of trouble, which meant do whatever you need to do to stay near the front.

With 3 laps to go, I was riding in the top 15 and fighting hard to stay as close to the front as I could, even if it meant sprinting on the uphill to get back out in front of the race. With one lap to go, I was sitting in about 6th wheel at the top of the climb and had to hit my breaks because a rider in front of me hit hers. Two girls moved ahead of me on the outside and I had to sprint to catch back onto the wheel ahead of me. From this 5th corner to the last, the positions didn't change. It was a chase and no one ended up getting caught. Only Tina Pic was able to move up in the last 3 corners, which is why she is wearing the National Jersey yet again. Congratulations to Tina and the Colavita women. Tina's a phenominal rider and absolutely always deserves to win. Once again, I walk away with some valuable lessons. I was not satisfied with my result, but upon reflection, there were several things I could have done differently. I am extremely motivated to do this race next year and have a much better idea of how I need to race it. The conditions certainly affected the outcome of the race, as many riders were forced out of contention by crashes and mishaps in the final laps. Thanks to Niki, Rob, and Ann for all your amazing support. Even though I had no teammates out there on the course with me, I certainly did not feel like I was alone.

Thanks for reading. -Shelley

OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER - SHELLEY OLDS REPORT

2007 Women's Talent I.D. Pool Camp

Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, CO

Attending this camp was such an incredible honor and privilege for me and I learned so much and met so many great people. All of the 7 women selected for this camp were so talented and so focused. I couldn't have asked for a better group of athletes to share this experience with. All of the coaches were incredibly gracious and helpful, offering advice and sharing their knowledge of the sport with us so freely. The camp started on a Tuesday and ended on a Sunday. The first few days were dedicated to track riding followed by a series of different physiological lab and field tests throughout the last three days. The Olympic Training Center was everything I imagined it would be. I was humbled by all the amazing athletes surrounding me in a variety of different sports. I took some time to tour the facilities and watch some other athletes train and compete. The first day, we went out to the track for a basic introduction to track riding provided by a National Champion in multiple track events, Colby Pierce. We did some pacelines, some flying 200m and some flying 500m efforts. All of the girls were new to track riding and racing and seemed to really enjoy it. After a quick lunch, we went out for a 1.5 hour road ride. That evening we attended a couple of very informative presentations by USADA, a sports nutritionist, and a sports psychologist.

The next day we went out to the track again. This time our coach was USA Cycling Coach, Clay Worthington. Clay would be timing our splits for a Mass Start Test and helping us more with race tactics and rules for the racing we would do later that evening. The test was developed to qualify riders hoping to ride for the National Team in International Track Endurance Events. For the women, this test is a flying 2k. The first 500m must be completed in under 33 seconds and the entire 2k must be finished in under 2:30:75. It is incredibly hard. I messed mine up pretty bad. Still, it was a good learning experience. Clay immediately offered some advice and Jim advised me to try another one for the experience. That afternoon we watched some tapes of World Cup track races and had a presentation on Training Peaks, software for tracking and monitoring your training progress.

Around 5:00 we rode back over to the track for a night of local track racing. We registered for the Women's Races and the Men's B Races. I ended up doing a 5 lap scratch to qualify for the women's match sprint event, racing the final in the match sprints, a 5 lap scratch race with the B men, a 10 lap tempo race with the women, a miss n out, and finally a 25 lap scratch race with the women. I ended up placing in all of the events except the Miss n Out and loved every minute of the racing. I was extremely impressed with the other women, especially because they had never raced a track bike before. They all held their own and it made for very fun and challenging racing. Clay offered some valuable feedback at the end of the night.

The next morning we reported to the sports medicine lab to undergo a 20 minute lab test. I warmed up on a trainer for about 20 minutes and then they put a very large tube in my mouth and pinched off my nose. They set the wattage to a fixed level for 10 minutes and informed me that they would be increasing the wattage for the last 10 minutes. I'm not sure what went wrong, but I was miserable during the test. Even in the first half, I felt like I was struggling. After about 15 minutes, I asked to be taken off the machine. I couldn't get enough oxygen and was starting to feel light-headed. I was extremely disappointed about not finishing the test. I didn't know what to do in this situation. Should I keep pushing despite the obvious illness, or should I sit the afternoon ride out and try to recover. I spoke with the coaches and ultimately opted to sit out the 3 hour road ride that afternoon. It was the longest afternoon of my life and I really felt like I was missing out.

The next day I didn't want to stay alone again and so I decided to head out with the girls on a road ride that would involve a specific type of physiological field test. We rode about 45 minutes out to a climb with about a 1.5 km stretch of a 5% grade. We would each be doing a standing start one after the other and racing the clock to the finish 3 separate times. It was a very hard test and I didn't know how I would feel, so I went out hard on the first one to make sure I got one decent effort in. Immediately after finishing I started coughing and didn't stop the rest of the day, literally. The coaches told me not to do any more and after everyone was done we rode up and over the climb and back to the OTC. I had an individual meeting with Jim Miller that afternoon, the Director of Endurance Programs. He gave me some great advice about how to achieve my goals.

Jim has been instrumental in raising the bar for women in the United States and wants to see that we get the experience we need to compete and win in World and Olympic competition. I admire him so much for all that he has done for the sport. He was straight forward and honest, yet he seemed to have a smile on his face at all times. The last day was another field test out on the road. We rode out to the base of a mountain and did a little preview run of the 20 minute climb we would each be doing against the clock. I did not perform the test for time, but did get a chance to ride slowly up to the top. On our ride back to the OTC we saw a bear and two cubs crossing the street in a residential area. It was really cool. We had a wrap up meeting that evening and all too soon, the camp was over. This experience was one that I will never forget. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet all the people who worked with us at the Olympic Training Center. I will be able to use everything I learned and have established some great relationships with some amazing riders and coaches.

This quote sums up the experience nicely. "Making a dream a reality will require diligent persistence applied daily... courageously." - Clay Worthington

Thanks for reading. - Shelley

GIANA DAY 8 & 9 & 10 AUSTRIA - WIN!

Oh for some professional etiquette
Day eight from Deutchlandsberg, Austria

This morning brought bright sunshine and a delightful breakfast. As my race began at 12:30 I went for about a 50 kilometer group ride with the Aussies here (about 12). It was a joy to ride with such good riders. The pace line was organized, steady and very safe. It was a lovely ride which included a stop for coffee, good conversation and beautiful weather. What more could you ask for? I got back had a snack and headed down to the start for my race.

Today’s race was a 35.5 kilometer handicap event. A handicap race always makes for an interesting format. The slowest (oldest) category begins first with a 50 second gap, then the next at 50 seconds, then the next (which was my category) then the last. The points for the overall are given to the first eight that cross the line and are not divvied up by category.

After a look at the overall, I had to get some points today if I wanted to maintain my second place in the overall and/or move into first. So as the race began, I was patient, letting the other women in my category chase. We all came together as a group after about 5 kilometers and then the race began for real. Unlike the last road race, I played a game of patience today waiting for the opportunity to attack and get clear. I did not want to come to the line with the bunch.

Unfortunately for me, 35 kilometers is just not a long enough race nor were there enough climbs for me to truly soften up the field. Fellow American Susan Shook (super strong) rode an awesome race, attacking hard a few times, helping me in my cause.

At one point Susan was away with my main competitor Inna Pannina. The gap opened to about 15 seconds and it was clear the entire field was all stacked up behind me waiting for me to chase. I let the gap open a bit longer then brought up the pace to them splitting the field and as I had planned, caught them near to the bottom of a good little digger through the town of Grosse Flaurian. I attacked on the inside of Susan and she kindly shut the door, forcing everyone around her.

Soon I was clear with just Inna and a German rider attached to my wheel. At this point it was decision time. The girl who was sitting in third overall by only one point was not there, and I liked my chances against these two more so than the entire field so I committed to the cause and settled into TT mode for the last 15 kilometers of the race.

Inna tried to pull through but her pulls were much weaker than mine (she is much smaller than I am). The other woman shook her head when I asked her to pull through and pulled a finger across her throat to say she could do no work. So it was me pulling into the wind and working to open the gap. From what I understand there was quite a chase behind but I was determined not to get caught and slowly the gap opened. It never blew open though and the field was breathing down our neck for most of the last 10 km.

Both Inna and I let the German stay on and told her not to sprint. She repeated it, “nein” and nodded. Agreements like this happen all the time in the pro peloton. I agree to do the bulk of the work and Inna and I sprint it out at the end. The German gets a free ride and for that agrees not to sprint. I was happy with the agreement; it made sense and was proper etiquette.

Coming into the uphill drag into the finish, Inna and I began the sprint but I had very little left in my legs and Inna passed me about 10 meters from the line. I sat up at this point, thinking I would be second when out of no where the German came by me. I was pissed. I mean really angry. I rode up to her at the finish and actually shook her jersey telling her that you just don’t make agreements and break them at the line. She spoke no English but I think I got my point across. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do at this point save for kicking myself for believing her. Just because I know and respect the rules of the professional peloton, does not mean everyone does. My mistake. It will not happen again.

My mistake has cost me the overall though. I will not be able to pass Inna even if I win the final event, the time trial because I missed out on the second place points today. I should be able to hold on to second place in the overall, but I was hoping to give a good effort at the overall jersey.

After the race, Rob and I rode the 50 K out to Saturday’s 19 kilometer time trial course for a preview. I like it. It is a very difficult, very technical course. It should be challenging and will bring the toughest and most determined riders to the top of their respective groups. Saturday will be my last test before the World's on Wednesday. As we bare down on the very reason I am here in Austria, I am fairly happy with my fitness. A few more hard efforts, some leg rubs, good food and sleep and I should be ready to give it my very best effort.

Before the time trial, Rob has his own handicap race tomorrow. He will race with the Master’s one, two and three categories so the race will be fast and furious. Fortunately for him, his race is 67 kilometers. Too bad I cannot race with the men!

Until then! Thanks for reading.





The final test before Worlds
Day nine and ten from Deutchlandsberg, Austria

Before I begin I have to apologize for my tardy reporting. Yesterday we opted for a late pizza in lieu of writing. A decision which was well worth it today at about 9:30 am. I was in desperate need for something over than a meat bi-product.

Yesterday was the men’s handicap race, run in the same format as my race the previous day. Rob had two laps to race for a total of 60 kilometers. His group (Master’s 1) was the smallest so they had they had to work very hard to catch the master’s 2 which had at least triple the riders.

I rode Rob’s course backwards so I could give him time splits to the group ahead. The first lap Rob’s group was just off the back of the Master’s 2 and Rob was driving the pace. As the groups came together things got organized but ahead of them the Master’s three were even better organized with a Russian directing. Every single rider in the front group took a turn and in two laps Rob’s group could not bring them back. The groups finished about 20 seconds from each other with the powerful Russian winning. Rob had a great finish after doing so much work and finished up 16th.

Last night at about 9 PM I was famished beyond belief and we wandered out in the mist to find a pizza place. The pizza was phenomenal; the closest to something resembling our food from home, a comfort I think we both needed after eating so much foreign meat and schnitzel.

This morning dawned early for us. I had a 9:24 start so breakfast was at 6:30. After a gallon of coffee and some fresh bread and jam we headed to the start. I had a nice warm-up; one hard effort told me I would be ok, although my position has been doctored in the past few days to conform to the strict UCI rules.

As I was doing my final prep and putting oil on my legs, we watched as a Slovenian oiled himself up. I mean oiled. He did it in front of all the riders warming up; shorts rolled up far enough to see everything (and I do mean everything). Bare chested he oiled the front of him (no part was overlooked) and then turned around, pulled down his shorts and oiled his backside for all the world to see; no nook or cranny was missed. Well, I pretty much lost breakfast about then because Rob and I were laughing so hard. It was quite a show; I had never seen anything like it. I was still chuckling as I rode to the line.

I was off third in my group, with my nemesis Inna one minute in front of me. As I started I immediately realized my new position was affecting my power output and I was going to have to monitor my effort very precisely. I caught my 30 second woman within five kilometers and was about 5 second back on Inna at the turn-around (10 kilometers).

The return home was very slow due to the wind and I tried to time catching Inna at a time when I could go fast by her. She knew I was coming and tried her best to hold me off. As I went by her she accelerated hard but I kept my tempo and soon was by her. With five kilometers to go, I knew I was at my limit and worked hard on maintaining good form.

I could see Rob coming at me as he headed out on course but could not even wave, much less smile. By this time I had breakfast on my legs and was seeing only the white line in the center of the road. Finally the 1000 meter sign made its appearance; but it was the longest 1000 meters of my life. A long uphill drag into the headwind saw me get a bit bogged down, committed to a gear that maybe was a bit too big. Finally I crossed the line in 25:50, the winning time for all the women, well over a minute over second.

After pulling on dry clothes, I rolled back around in time to see Rob coming into the finish, breathing hard and gunning for the line. His time was good enough for fifth place (25:57).

Final awards are tonight. I will be second in the overall, but Rob will either be second or third depending on how the points sort themselves out.

Now the packing begins so that we are organized to head to St. Johann tonight. Tomorrow we will ride into Germany and Monday is a World Cup for me. I am feeling good about Wednesday and with a few more days on the time trial bike am confident I will be more comfortable in the position.

Until then! Thank you for reading.

Damen 2:
Giana Roberge 25:50

Master’s 1
5. Rob Dillion 25:57

GIANA DAY 5 6 & 7 AUSTRIA

Just how far is 300 meters?
Day five from Austria

This morning brilliant sunshine graced the mountainsides of Deutchlandsberg and everyone at breakfast has a smile reflecting the sunny skies.

On the menu for both Rob and I was 300 meter street sprints. The fastest four times would qualify for the finals at 5 PM. Sprinting, especially from a standing start, is just not my forte and I looked to the event with a mix of dread and cynicism that this was not a “real” race. After all what can you prove in 300 meters? (To all you sprinters out there – just kidding!) Rob, however, was thrilled to sprint so I kept my smile on, not wanting to begrudge him the enjoyment of such a silly event.

I had to go at some God-awful time in the morning which barely gave me enough time to eat, much less prepare properly. Ironically, the shorter the race, the harder the warm-up so I was on the bike about 90 minutes prior and did a hard tempo ride to waken my legs up. They shrugged at me, uninterested in racing yet another day, especially without my typical five cups of coffee. I knew it was not going to be a pretty event – and I was right.

As we warmed up, we saw all sorts of equipment choices in an effort to scrape together just a fraction of a second more. Time trial bikes, helmets, booties, deep dish wheels, super light wheels, the start area was a real equipment goober’s dream. I was laughing to myself because in 300 meters a time trial helmet is really not going to do you a spot of good but a great jump and a powerful start will get you in the game.

I did give my sprint a good go, using borrowed super light weight Zipp wheels from a really nice Aussie who is staying with us. I was surprised to see I had qualified for the finals, but looking at the list, quickly figured in my mind that fourth would be where I would finish. I was right. I did close on the girl in the finals, almost coming by her; had the line been five meters further down the road I would have had her… but that is for another day. In horse-racing it would have been by a nose.

Rob’s race went much better than mine. Rob qualified second, narrowly missing beating his partner in the first round. The finals saw him giving an awesome effort and coming by the number one qualifier; however, in the end his competitor had a final surge, leaving him with a very respectable second place. Rob was disappointed by his speed (42.8 kilometers an hour) until I explained that that was his average speed and to go from a standstill to full speed in 300 meters and average almost 43 kilometers an hour is actually outstanding. I think he is satisfied with that when he realized that he must have been going at least 50 km/hr by the finish (35 miles/hour for those of you not euro-cized).


Overall today was a fun and relaxing day. We had an adventure at the supermarket, coming home with all sorts of food products including balsamic in a tube, mustard in a tube, a delicious cheese and a loaf of bread that weighed 1000 grams. Considering Rob’s frame weighs 900 grams we got a good laugh out of the fact that the bread here is heavier than a bike frame. But man oh man is it delicious. It has carrots, apples, all sorts of seeds, and yes, pumpkin. You could eat solely this bread and almost cover all the food groups.

We also had a funny experience ordering pizza. Looking at the menu, I pointed to what we wanted and asked for the number (3). When the pizza was ready there were three pizza boxes waiting for us! Good thing everyone here is always hungry from all the riding and pizza always goes over well.

Tomorrow Rob has a 100 kilometer brute of a race. I will be riding to the start and then to his finish with some clothes before we ride home. Unfortunately, rain is yet again in the forecast, and Rob has his work cut out for him with a very competitive field and rolling terrain highlighted by one major climb. It will be European racing in all its glory.

Until then!

Master's Men 1.
2. Rob Dillion

Master's Women 2
4. Giana Roberge

Master's Women 3
3. Julia Emblin
6. Tracy Lea

Master's Men 5
2. Dirk Crowley




UP down and all around the Austrian Countryside
Day six from Deutchlandsberg, Austria

Today was a day off of racing for me but a 96 kilometer hilly road race for Rob. The sun was again shining, although we would get storms later in the day, as we headed out to the start. Rob and I were escorted by Syd Lea who kindly took us the back way, out of harms way and away from the traffic. Of course, I did not know the route he was taking us on so I was a bit nervous and kept checking my watch. Rob did not know where were going, so he did not think to be nervous. But Syd was on perfect track and brought us to the start with plenty of time for Rob to make his last minute preparations.

What are they saying? Was that "GO?"

It was quite a festive start with a band playing and lots of locals there to cheer on the competitors. A quick introduction and Rob was off onto the narrow, twisty back roads of Austria.


Look - there is a band!

While he was racing his guts out, I headed to the finish riding his course. The crowds were just awesome on the main climb and as I approached the 100 or more spectators let out a tremendous cheer, only to be followed by a disappointed “damen” as I approached. There were no women’s races today, so once it was known a woman was on the course the excitement came to a quick halt. Although I was climbing just fine, I had many offers of pushes up the mountain. Amazing how much the spectators want to be helpful when they see a woman climbing. I declined many times and had to almost sprint away from one very persistent older man who was sure I really needed some help.

Once I got near the finish, I realized I still had 90 minutes until Rob would finish so I kept on rolling up the 17 kilometer climb to Slovenia. It was a stunning ride and just my kind of climb. Not too steep, with incredible vistas, big sweeping turns and smooth pavement. (I am not sure it was the best preparation for tomorrow's race but it was a climb that needed to be climbed.) The descent was wicked; fast, fast, fast. Good thing my Mom has no idea of just how fast those skinny little Michelin tires will go down hill!

As I neared the bottom I passed a man who was working pretty hard. I guess in any country it is the same: a man gets passed by a woman and he just can’t let it go. No matter if he drops dead from the heart attack it takes to catch her, he will absolutely kill himself to pass her. I can guarantee you this man had never ridden as hard as he did in those five minutes it took for him to catch and pass me. However, as he came past me I upped my cadence and was by him once again. I am sure I was smiling as I went by, and I did the polite thing by giving him a little wave and hesitating for him to get on my wheel. He declined and I did not see him again.

Back in Eibiswald at the finish, the crowd eagerly anticipated the finale of the group Rob was racing in. His category is very competitive and the crowd follows the results with enthusiasm. The finish had a 1 kilometer kick that was a quite a digger after 90 some odd kilometers. The winner and second came in solo but as the chase group rounded the corner to the finish, I could see Rob’s Soulcraft kit come into site. Digging deep in the sprint, Rob came up with a fifth place finish, another very respectable and well earned placing.

All the people in our group had a great day, highlighted by Dirk Cowly's (Sports Base Online) win in the Master’s five category. Dirk attacked from the gun and stayed away for a really impressive win.

After a quick stop at the local gas station to refill bottles, we began the ride back to Deutchlandsberg. Every racer was taking the same route home so there were 100s of riders on the road. We watched as our group from the hotel went whizzing by and quickly took off to catch them. After about 2 kilometers of chasing we were on the group and after 500 meters at the front on the front of a group of about 60 riders. It was so cool. All the cars were very patient and as we caught and passed group after group the Americans and Aussies all commented on how well bikes and cars got along in Austria. It was truly refreshing to see that it is possible.

Back at the hotel, a quick bike change saw us out on our time trial bikes riding tomorrow’s team time trial course. It is 14 kilometers and we are competing in the mixed team category. I am pretty psyched, happy to be competing in something I am a little more prepped for. Rob and I should have some fun on the out and back course. Winning times in the past have been in the mid-20 minutes, so we are gunning for that. From what we have been told it is an extremely competitive race with people coming from all over Europe to try their hand at this event. We will have our work cut out for us.

Until then!

Master's 1
5. Rob Dillion

Master's 5
1. Dirk Cowley


Oh for six seconds
Day seven Deutchlandsberg, Austria

Today started at the crack of dawn with the peeling of church bells celebrating the holiday here in Austria. It is Mary Farht day (yes that is right). Fahrt (a very popular word here) means “to go”. Today celebrates the day Mary ascended to heaven, or so Tracy explained to us (with a good bit of giggling on my part) at breakfast over enough coffee to help me ascend somewhere, though I am sure it would not be to heaven.

No amount of seriousness worked for Rob and I today as we headed out to the time trial course. Maybe it was the early hour, maybe it was the lack of sleep because a band outside our window played raucous Austrian music until 4 AM, or maybe it was just that we were punchy, but in any case neither one of us were in the mood to work hard. Our warm-up consisted of bantering back and forth and envying the cows still asleep in the fields.

Because we have been racing and training so much, warm-up really was a snap. You either have good legs or no legs at all. Initially, I thought I had good legs but after the first hill in my warm-up my legs were bitching at me like an old house-wife whining about having to work again. I also think the cigarette smoke is catching up with me because my asthma was so bad this morning I sounded like an 80 year old woman with emphysema and a voice box.

No holders at the start left me clipped in and balancing on the gate so I could lead us out when they said go. The opening to the road was about three feet wide and it took all I had when I pushed off not to swing into Rob as he got clipped in. “Great,” I thought, “I am going to crash us before we are even on the course!”

Each team was at one minute intervals and it was not long until we came upon our one minute, then two minute, then three minute couple. We were doing things pretty close to right, although it was our first time on the TT bikes going full on. Our pulls were smooth, we stayed in a tight formation, despite the fact that Rob probably did not want to stay behind me after last night’s pasta. We hit the turn-around and came back down the gradual descent into town at an average of over 50 kilometers and hour.

Rob and I were doing a fairly good job at swapping turns, although I almost crashed us at one point waving him to come by. My arm warmer caught on my bar pad and woops, we were almost on the pavement. Rob gave me quite a look as he came by and I smiled merrily; my way of saying “Sorry that was a close one, wasn’t it?” I just could not stay as focused as I needed to be; I was having way, way too much fun out on the course doing what I love with someone who I enjoy riding with so much. But Rob was focused and kept us on track, upping the pace at a steady rate and taking some super hard pulls.

We lost some time coming into one of the round-abouts when I saw the sign pointing straight. I hesitated, knowing we were supposed to turn right, probably costing us the six seconds that would have won us the race. As we came into the finish we rode side by side, of course, pushing each other all the way and crossing the line together in a time of 19:25. (Yes, that’s right, 19:25 in 14 kilometers… not too bad!) The Austrian Team beat us by a mere six seconds; acceptable considering that the man is a professional and the woman has been racing all year… they have won it many years in a row.

I was, of course, disgruntled at being beat, especially by six seconds, but Rob in his infinite wisdom pointed out the obvious to me (my 10 weeks on the bike, our first TTT together, racing yesterday (which neither of the winners had done) and by lunch time I had come to terms with second place. I aim to win on Saturday though.

After an hour spin we headed out to a “real” lunch. What we really craved was a cheese burger, but there is nothing like that here so we settled on Chinese food which, in the end was a passable lunch. Not great but not terrible. What was fantastic though was dessert which was a minimum of a quart of ice cream featuring 5 different flavors, chocolate sauce, fresh fruit (which is why I ordered it, honestly) and a blue colored sauce which was heavenly. I have to admit (sheepishly) that with Rob’s help we managed to eat most of it. The glass it came in was big enough to bathe in, and the amount of ice cream would have normally held me for a year, but I couldn’t stop eating it. Ice cream over here is so totally different than the states; it is fresher and the milk is not as pasteurized so the flavors are really wholesome and fresh. Rob will probably never let me order again; between the three pizzas and the gallon of ice cream I am sure he is a bit skeptical of my skills with menus in general. He did not complain too much though as he helped me with finish the dessert.

As we walked back to our hotel we stopped in the lobby to look at the pamphlets. We are staying at a hotel that is run by a butcher family. We got a great chuckle out of the pamphlet (see pictures below). Meat is a mainstay here and there is meat here I have never seen and hope never to eat. There is “meat” here that is solely fat, the meat has maybe been rendered away or fled for its life but it is certainly not in the final product. I guess that is what they mean here by “meat bi-product.”


How would you like a flying weiner for lunch?


No really, this is meat!

Tomorrow is a handicap race for me and a day off for Rob. My race begins with the category four riders starting, then 40 seconds later the threes, then the twos, etc. The point is to catch the front group as the points for the overall series is up the road. After the last road race, I am still designing a plan to get me clear of the European mafia.

Until then!

ELITE NATIONAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFIER

It was another exciting weekend of racing with the powerful women of Proman. There were a lot of first times… oh-I-guess-I’ll-try-it, even though I have no idea what I’m doing.

Emily smoked the 3k, blowing her competition away! But when she came into the pit, barely out of breath and saying how much fun she had, everybody, including Emily knew that next time she will be much, much faster. I think she said her goal for Elite State championships is 16 seconds faster!!! Gotta love the confidence, after only one race!!

Tracey dominated the 200m tt, followed by matched sprints. Even with the bad-girl moves thrown down by the young Davis girl (bumping bars, trying to cause a crash), Tracey out-sprinted everyone for the gold! Receiving advice from every single person at the track (and some of it actually accurate) Tracey took everything in stride, and earned some serious respect from all. Tracey also showed her sprint in the Keiren with a silver

Niki as usual was very aggressive out there. She pushed the limit on her start of the 500m race… unfortunately a bit too much on her first try and was called for a false start. No big deal because you get a 2nd chance. I think that caused her to hesitate a bit on her next start, but she still ended up with a PR! Her new favourite race is the keiren where she picked up bronze behind Tracey. This race can typically be aggressive with lots of bumping reminiscent of her days racing thoroughbreds!

The field of competitors in the 500m was pretty tough, including my team mates of course. My time wasn’t my best, but enough to squeak out a bronze and get Proman on the podium! I know what I need to work on before Elite States.

The Team Pursuit on Sunday was a good learning experience. It was a little frustrating because the officials goofed up the lap cards, so we did the 3-riders-sprint-to the-finish-line twice (thank you Tracey)! Overall we had good communication and good form, but a few minor mishaps that we learned from. The king of pursuit, Larry Nolan provided us with very valuable advice before and after the race. Bottom line… we won the gold, but more importantly we have a good list of things to practice before Elite States!

My favorite event the Team Sprint was SO FUN! I have done this event with Shelley, Niki, Helene and now Tracey, who had a screaming fast 24 second lap two! One more gold… I simply can’t lose with a Proman team mate!!! Thank you all for doing this race with me!
~ Lorraine

GIANA DAY 3 & 4 AUSTRIA - WIN!

A criterium in Europe? You must be kidding…
Day three from Deutchlandsberg, Austria

This morning rain greeted us. Hard, driving rain. Rain that makes the cobbles in the area treacherous. I laid in bed listening to the rain pound on the window and worked myself into quite a state by 7 am. I was pretty well convinced that there was no possible way I would make my way around the 1 kilometer course without either crashing or getting dropped.

But breakfast called and I spent a solid hour sitting at the breakfast table lavishing my fresh baked bread with the homemade jams and drinking the superb coffee. Watching the rain fall, I opted to go to the supermarket and explore the candy aisle in lieu of a training ride. Seriously. A candy aisle in Europe is a veritable party for your mind and mouth with every conceivable gummy, hard, chocolate and sour candy available.

After making my way out with only a yogurt gummy candy, we decided the roads were dry enough to head out for a ride. It was about noon and my criterium was scheduled for 2 PM. I took Rob out on a course that I thought I knew well. As we rode out of town the sky darkened once again but I paid no heed. Nothing was going to come between us and our training.

As we rode along I was reminded that this area’s economy is based on pumpkins. Every course at dinner has pumpkins in it; from the soup to the salad dressing to the sauce on the pasta or meat, pumpkins caress every dish. The pumpkin oil used in the salad dressing is actually quite lovely.

Perhaps it was the musing about pumpkins that got me a bit off course. Rob might say we were lost, but I did have a general idea of the direction we needed to go. Of course as we bore down on the two o’clock hour, I realized we were still quite a bit from the Deutchlandsberg. Why is it when you are off course (lost) you go faster? We were flying along through the narrow little rides, over hill and dale when the clouds opened. When I finally recognized where we were it came with the realization we were still 20 km from the race.

Well, nothing to do but get yourself to where you need to go. We pulled into the course in time to talk to Tracy about how the miss and out format would work and get some oil on my legs. I did not need to warm-up.

The officials would pull two women every lap until only three were left. At that time it would be bell lap. Oh, and there was a neutral first lap – very important as it allowed you to get a good position when the race actually began.

At this point my stomach was in knots and for the first time in years I was nervous. I mean sick to my stomach nervous. I remembered why bike racers are skinny and it has more to do with the pre-race stomach than it does miles in the saddle.

Fortunately, I had very little time to think about my nerves. My plan was to race the first two laps and then pull out if it was dangerous. After a brief count down we were off. I went right up to the motorbike and immediately wanted to pass but was given a stern shake of a finger. As we came into the start finish I stood up and accelerated to maintain my front position, which according the people watching busted up the group and created what would become the winning break of six.

The course was very technical and still a bit wet. Thankfully I was riding Michelin’s Pro Grip tires which were ideal for the wet cobbles. They were unbelievably predictable and gave me a tremendous amount of confidence to ride aggressively.


Thank you Michelin for such great grip!

So I stayed at the front, content to take the corners as I saw fit. Knowing that the women behind me were struggling in the corners I jumped into and out of every turn, trying to take a little bit out of their legs so that I had half a chance in the sprint.

After quite a few laps like this, I offered to let someone else do some work. As my main competitor (Inna) came by me and into the corner, I knew I had made a poor choice. For the most part crits do no exist in Europe and it is clear the minute you ride in the bunch that the cornering skills are lacking.

So back to the front I went just as we got the bell lap. There was a slight up hill grade after the start finish and I gave it some gas up to the 180 degree turn around. Looking back I noted that I had a bit of a gap and decided to stay on it. At least I would be able to get to the final corner first, which I did. Coming out of the final corner I kept my eyes on the finish and with a bit of a jump came across the line first.

Coming home for the win

Flush with the win, I quickly threw on my still damp leg warmers and jacket and Rob and I headed out for some more training. A few more hours in the saddle and we would come back for his race.

A slight miscalculation on our part. His race did not begin until 7 pm, and Rob’s 7 hour warm-up might have not been the best preparation for the crit. His race began fast and furious with a guy dressed in full Fassa Bartolo (I mean full – leg warmers, arm warmers, hat, booties, jacket, jersey and shorts… oh and bike) drilled it from the time the motor bike pulled off until he crossed the line in first. Although I had warned Rob how exciting it is to race with people who have no idea how to corner, much less carry speed through the corners, he got to learn it first hand. After some near misses, and almost full stops, Rob was in the front group and had a strong finish in fourth place.

Would you please get out of my way?

Tomorrow’s race is a circuit around Deutchlandsberg for me and a rest day for Rob. I suspect we will go adventuring if the weather allows for it at the finish of the road race. I am now tied in the series for first, so tomorrow I will look for an opportunity to move up before the dreaded street sprints on Monday.

Stay tuned for more from Austria!

Results:

Masters 1
4th – Rob Dillion

Master’s 4
4th Dirk Crowly

Damen 2
Giana Roberge - PROMAN- USA
Panina Inna
Michaela Brunningraber

The women's podium



One more picture from yesterday's hill climb

GIANA ROBERGE RACES IN AUSTRIA - PODIUM!

Are you sure there is a top to this climb?
Racing begins in Deutchlandsberg

Today featured two different hill climb races. The first was for the younger group of masters; a 7 kilometer climb up to Trauhutten which averaged a 16% grade. I think whoever determined it was 16% had maybe one of Austrian beer too many the night before. The climb was a brute, with no respite, and 16% was when the climb actually eased up.

Rob raced up the climb, and due to the cold and rain, and hoping to get some extra training, I rode up it with extra clothes for him for the descent. Cruelly, the climb allowed you to see the town of Trauhutten, making you on three different occasions believe you were almost to the top. At the top, sadly, you cannot even enjoy the view, which I am sure was spectacular because the only thing you are seeing is the pavement in front of you and the stars swarming through your vision threatening to blind you. Oh yeah, and there is the feeling that you might throw up if you look up the hill any longer.

Rob rode awesome though and finished third in his group; a fantastic start to the two weeks of racing. As I climbed up, grateful I was not racing it, I had some epiphanies. The first is that the beautiful prayer nooks along the side of the mountain are really for cyclists seeking salvation from the climb. And, there is no doubt that the nooks around here are used on a regular basis. A soft climb here still involves at least 1000 meters of gut wrenching pitches, usually at that magical 16% average gradient.

I raced a good deal later than Rob, and took the opportunity to get in as much training as possible. After all, I am still missing a good deal of base, just being on the bike for nine weeks, and am looking to not only enjoy the European country-side again but gain some much needed fitness along the way. Plus I really needed to get the extra ten pounds of fluid from travel out of my legs and the cigarette smoke from the hotel’s restaurant out of my lungs.


After a good solid training ride, I headed out to the start of my race. Today’s feature was a meager 4 kilometer race with a one kilometer hill climb. Those of you that know me know this is not my ideal race and so I approached it warily. Tracy outlined the women to watch and as I began to stage I actually got nervous. I have not been nervous before a race for years and I had to actually smile as I began to chew my nails and look frantically for a bathroom. Ah yes, it is good to be back to racing!

As the count down began in German, the women were already edging off the line. The key girl to watch had teammates who immediately drilled it from the gun, which made me happy. No negative racing here! The first two kilometers of the race were a slight uphill grade with a cross headwind. As the road swung into the wind the team hesitated and I thought, “well it might well be a good time to test some legs.” I stood up accelerated very hard, and hit the right hand turn which took us down a steep descent. When I looked over my shoulder I saw the group chasing but I had a good gap so I stayed on the gear and came into the climb past the lead motorcycle, who was a bit surprised to see me coming around him so fast. Hitting the climb I slipped my chain onto my small ring and began to battle gravity. By now, a Russian woman had come up to me and I surged several times trying to break her loose. She would respond but could not come by me, and we spent 800 meters this way.





Is this thing ever going to end?

The crowd on the climb was excited to see the women battling it out and we received quite a bit of loud cheering, which is always good for inspiration. As we round the last switch back (which incidentally was sickly steep) I saw a prayer nook and wished I could use it to pray for a 27, which I needed badly at this point. The Russian then put in a good attack and it was my turn to cast around for an answer but I came up short and had to settle for second place. The main field though was a good minute behind us to I enjoyed the agony of the last 50 meters; the spectacle of the crowd, the announcer saying my name, the banners, the flags, the finish. It is a glorious thing the finish of a bike race and I thanked all the many people and sponsors who have supported my return so that I could again enjoy the sounds, sights, and smells at a finish. Oh yes, and there are always smells – we are in Europe don’t forget!

Rob met me at the finish with my leg warmers and vest and off we went for another adventure. This included yet another climb of a (guess what) 16% grade. The view was of course amazing, churches and castles dotting the mountain sides, fog laying in the valleys and of course cow bells blessing the mountain sides. But, I was truly lucky today, for at the top was a tree loaded down with fantastic pears just begging to be picked and savored later in the hotel room! Truly a bright finish to a wonderful day.




In the act of stealing pears - but they were by the road - I swear!

Tomorrow is a miss and out criterium. The final corner has a nice section of cobbles onto a very narrow street with the finish only about 50 meters up. Again, not really my style of race, but after today I am feeling a little feisty so I might just see what I can stir up!

A quick thank you: Thank you to ongoing support from Proman Paradigm Women's team, thank you to all of my clients who have inspired me to return, thank you to Michelin for their ongoing support and help, and thank you to the wonderful people who bless my life with love and daily support to whom I could not do this ...

Stay tuned – more to follow.

Results:

Rennergebnisse Fur Versehrte:
Roman Bor
Syd Lea
Thomas Winkler

Rennergebnisse fur Masters 5
1. Ewald Wolf
2. Johann Taucher
3. Dirk Cowly

Damenklasse 3
1. Susan Shook
2. Clare Greenwood
3. Lubov Vasilkova
4. Julian Emblin
8. Tracy Lea

Masters 1
1. Leon Vibholm
2. Alfred Platter
3. Rob Dillion


Damenklasse 2
1. Panina Inna
2. Giana Roberge
3. Michaela Brunningraber

Giana races in Austria

Rob assembles the bikes in Austria ... notice the brilliant packing!

The trip begins

I welcome you back to my reports of my adventures in Europe. Old habits die hard; one of the highlights of my racing has always been to share the experience with those at home. So, as I return to racing, return to the roads of Europe, and return to the life of a bike racer, I again sit in front of the key board in order to share with you all the delights and challenges offered by both a foreign country and a sometimes difficult sport.

And so, after a 3 year sabbatical I am back to racing. After nine weeks of training, I find myself in Austria, with ten days of racing before I tackle my primary goal of the World Time Trial Championships on August 22nd.

The trip began about a week ago as we prepared the bikes and assembled equipment required for so much racing. Then the packing of the bikes themselves began; they were carefully cleaned and tuned, disassembled then wrapped in foam tubing and each is set gently in its respective bike bag. The careful handling ends at home; the airlines do not have the same tender approach to the bike bags, heaving them from trolley to trolley, without a care for the delicate piece of equipment nestled inside.

We pulled out of home at 4 am for the 7:50 flight to Dulles. After a very brief lay-over, we settled into seats which would become a form of torture after 6 hours. Comforted by fresh banana bread, baked the evening before, we waited patiently for the children next to use to fall asleep. After what seemed like an eternity of bad air, screaming children and long lines at the loo, we arrived into Munich. Really, European travel is not as glamorous as it would seem and arriving a bit smelly needing to brush your teeth does make things a bit anti-climatic.

Fortunately, the rental van was big enough to put all the luggage in without taking the bikes out of the bags and after a brief look at the map, we were off – direction Salzberg. From the A10 in Salzberg we took the A2 direction Graz and finally wound our way through the Austrian Alps into Deutchlandsberg. Skirting the mountains offered fantastic vistas of the lush green carpets of fields running up the into the rugged mountain sides, ending abruptly into ragged rock cliffs which sprouted upward, kissing the brilliant blue of the sky. The fields were dotted with Guernsey and charlais cattle, all happily grazing oblivious to the spectacular view around them. We could hear the cattle bells gracing the quiet of the mountainsides, making for a movie like setting.

Each town we came to was marked by a gorgeous church of castle which was visible from many kilometers away. Each steeple was unique, and all several hundred years old. Standing stoically at the entrance to the town, the castle or church greeted us, as it had the many travelers before us, looking like it was prepped for a postcard.

Finally we arrived into Deutchlandsberg after 500 kilometers of driving. Weary from over 40 hours of travel, we had time for a quick shower before dinner. At dinner we were greeted by the other US riders here. We are also being joined by several Aussies. Dinner conversation consisted over Tour de France discussion, and it was interesting to hear the Aussie’s talk about their country’s disquiet over the drug scandals.

Tracy Lea, organizer of the trip, explained over our dinner of fresh pasta and salad that the hill climb waiting for us tomorrow would require a 27. Deciding to scout out the climb ourselves we drove the 7 kilometers this morning. A 27 at the minimum … personally, I will be praying for a triple.

Ready to race! It all fits...



Racing begins at 1:45 and goes throughout the afternoon. Jet lagged, with heavy legs, our goals today are minimal. I am hoping to open up my legs and prepare for the upcoming road races. The rain that welcomed us this morning is hanging around for the afternoon, promising to make my return to Europe absolutely authentic.

Stay tuned and welcome to the journey!
~ Giana

SISQUOC ROAD RACE

Sisquoc seemed well-attended when the three of us pulled up to the line. The race was 4 laps totaling 43 miles, which would suggest that it would be a lot of racing and a lot less sitting in. The first lap proved active with Southbay Wheelmen's Jen X and Jennifer Wilson making some early moves. Kate, Kristina and I were able to cover all of the attacks not letting anything go. We tried to keep the pace high throughout the first lap, and especially over the gradual climb nearest the finish. The pack was still together after the first lap. The second time around was much more low key until Jen X made a move with a Bicycle John's rider that stuck for the entire third lap. Kate attacked half-way through just after the climb and attempted to bridge to the break, but was neutralized largely in part by a downhill into a turn. Once she was caught, I counterattacked her move and tried move up to them at the beginning of the third lap, but the whole field was on my heels, as it was clear that PROMAN needed to do the work to catch the break. Kate worked at the front quite a bit to bring the move back and attacked again up the climb on the backside to string out the field a bit more which eventually caught Jen X and the BJ rider. The majority of women in the field did not seem to be concerned about working to bring back the two, but Kristina, Kate and I continued to be active even after the break was caught. At the beginning of the fourth lap the two were finally caught and the field was back together again. At this point it seemed as though everyone was content to wait for the field sprint, but PROMAN and SBWM continued to keep the pace high for the remainder of the last lap. About a mile to the finish Kristina told me that she was cramped, but she managed to do to help and hang in to the finish. Kate did an awesome job of maintaining a solid rhythm and strong tempo at the front. By this time, it was obvious that a field sprint was ahead of us--unfortunately so was a men's field that we were quickly approaching, which compromised several of our positions at the end. Kate had an awesome position going to the line, but Betsy from America's Dairyland came over the finish first for the victory. - Abby

TIMPANI CRITERIUM - PODIUM!

Timpani Criterium - 55 minutes
Field: 40+
Team mates: Tracey
me 2nd, Tracey 6th

A healthy field of over 40 women showed up for the Timpani crit, 6 or 7 mints, 2 VACs, Taitt & Hannah, 6 Easton/ Los Gatos, 3 or 4 Dolce Vita etc. A fairly inactive race. Jane Despas opened up the session with a few tt laps followed by some attacks, the bigger teams were not active, Tracey and I attacked a few times to try to encourage a break but no one wanted to work it. We both stayed near the front for most of the race in anticipation of something happening. There were a few primes, mostly tires, needless to say we needn't go for them as we have an endless supply of the fabulous WTB Solano tires.

I am struggling here to write anything! It really was a very quiet race until about 5 to go. There was a last minute prime and then with 3 to go, they showed 3 to go twice, so the girls that saw it the first time were mentally counting down the next few laps, I saw 3 to go the second time around as did most of the field. well with 2 to go, some of the field thought it was the last lap including my leadout gal Tracey! She moved to the front like a bat out of hell to position me, meanwhile I am thinking to myself this was way too soon to be sitting on the front with 2 to go! Tracey set 'me' up perfectly just a lap too soon, the good thing was that she saw I wasn't there and went for the line (and 'won') many others sprinted too, including the beautiful cat 3 Dolce Vita train, which had set up perfectly for the cat 3 win (cat 3 were picked separately), all only to cross the line with the ref ringing the final lap bell! At this point of confusion, los Gatos had Lori Alverez on the front followed by another rider, i was sitting 3rd wheel, i glanced behing me and there was Mary Ellen, Taitt and Hannah, there was certainly some horse power right there. Tracey meanwhile was aggressively making her way back to the front but had less than a lap to do it. Before the final turn i decided to jump, i knew the race had been slow and that Mary Ellen has a ferocious sprint left in her legs due to an inactive race. I had to take a chance as i didn't want Taitt or Hannah to make the first move, well as soon as i jumped i knew the 6 hours on my mountain bike with loads of climbing was taking its toll! My legs felt wooden! I rounded the turn into the finishing straight and pushed as hard as I could (which didn't seem very), sure enough, I heard the familiar grunting sounds of Mary Ellen, she passed me easily . i was sure i was going to get swarmed in this seemingly endless sprint, but i didn't! Taitt was 3rd, Natasha Perry 4th, Hannah Banks 5th and Tracey made it through the pack for 6th!

Its unfortunate that our leadout didn't work out, it was a very confusing moment. This happens occasionally, sometimes in your favor and sometimes not! Thanks for reading

~ Nicola