I am still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that when you show up to “local races” in California, you are racing alongside some of the top women cyclists in the US and World. Snelling RR proved to be no different. Right from the gun I realized that it was going to be essential to keep myself protected from the wind, once the pace started to pick up with Giana and High Road setting a fast tempo, the entire field strung out single file while everyone jostled for a wheel making futile attempts to stay out of the wind. After the quick tempo was set on the first lap, attacks began on the second lap. I saw Giana counter an attack on a rolling section right before the course took a turn back into the wind. A gap was quickly established by the attackers, and Giana was up the road with about 5 other women: 2 of the women were High Road. I knew that we need more PROMAN representation in the break, so I reacted and bridged up to the break. Once I was on, Giana dropped off because she knew if she was in a break High Road wouldn't let it go, but she said it was a good "gamble" to leave me in the break with Kim Anderson (High Road) and Emilia Fahlin (High Road), Rushlee Buchannan (Tibco) and Olivia Dillon. So it was 5 of us for the rest of the race....kind of.
At the end of the 4th lap, my derailleur went into my spokes. Kim Anderson got behind me and started pushing me thinking it was a simple chain drop but unfortunately I had to get off my bike to get it out. With a big effort, I chased back onto the break. Shortly after I got back on, we went through the finish and then High Road and Tibco attacked. I should have been ready for the attack, but I reacted too late, and the three women had a gap that they held until the finish. Dillon also missed the attack but was a bit ahead of me. The lead break held us off, and Dillon and I did separate “individual time trials” for the entire last lap.
The last lap was very nerve-racking as the pace “car” (motorcycle) came up alongside me with about 6 miles to go and said there was a chase group coming in hard. He graciously added “I wouldn’t be surprised if they catch you.” Hahaha. Thanks.
With many fields racing at the same time, I couldn’t tell if the cyclists behind me were the chase group or men from other fields. I barely held the chase group off (consisting of 4 High Road women, Giana, and a Jane Despas). I crossed the finish line, and threw my chain into the easiest gearing which also threw my derailleur into the spokes, breaking it off (very sad). I am glad I waited to do this at the end of the race. I have decided from now on I am going to only use my 53-12, then I never have to worry about the derailleur and spokes having an encounter.
Thanks for reading - Megan
Sunday, February 24, 2008
SNELLING ROAD RACE
High Winds bring victory to High Roads Team at Snelling
Proman does battle in the trenches
February 23, 2008
Snelling, CA
The Snelling road race is the unofficial road race season opener for the Northern, CA race scene. It provides an early look at the riders and teams who will be contending for victories in the upcoming NRC (Nationally ranked races) and frequently has fields with the depth and names of the NRC races.
This year was no different as nearly every field closed at over 100 riders. The women’s 1,2 race had an outstanding showing with 80 or so contestants. With many of the major teams represented, including Team High Road (the #1 ranked team in the world), Tibco, Touchstone, Metromint, Team Vanderkitten, and the PROMAN Racing Team, the race promised to be hotly contested.
The course is a basic road race course with some small climbs and an uphill finish. The major factor of the race was the wind. With forecasted gusts of up to 70 mph, it was a team with strong teamwork and experienced riders that would see podium placings.
From the drop of the flag, the women’s race kicked off. PROMAN’s Giana Roberge and Team High Road’s Kim Anderson took control of the race and set a mean pace into the brutal winds. Roberge, directing from the bike, was clearly protecting and teaching her riders. The high pace and the winds had the peloton whittled down to about half its original size by the second lap. At that point, the attacks came hard, with High Road and PROMAN attacking and then countering every move.
Keeping her eyes on the group forming at the front, Roberge also was watching for her teammates behind her. The pace was brutal, the gutters providing the only protection available in the wind, and attacking once again, Roberge finally created a split that provided good enough odds that Roberge was happy with the potential outcome. Bridging the young PROMAN rider Megan Guarnier to the group, and ensuring there was some additional horse power with Olivia Dillon (Touchstone), Roberge sat up, creating the necessary split.
The group of five including Team High Road’s Anderson and Emilia Fahlin, Dillon, Guarnier and a young, talented Tibco rider quickly put time into the reforming chase group. Although the break wasn’t perfect due to the two High Road riders, the teams represented decided that that was about as good as it was going to get with so many strong High Road riders there. PROMAN liked their odds with Guarnier as did Tibco and Touchstone, and the front of the field was closed down fast.
Metromint and Vanderkitten had missed the break, and as the time gap opened, Metromint went to the front in an effort to chase it back. Amanda Eaken and Molly Van Houweling did an admirable job bringing back some time, but in the end the five at the front were working too well too allow for the two Metromint women to be successful.
After a lap the break was at two and a half minutes, and the attacks came again, furiously. The now 20 woman field soon became twelve and then a series of attacks from High Road brought it to about eight riders. With four high road riders heading up the road, Roberge attacked, up to the group and tried to go by a now two woman break of Mara Abbot (High Road) and Jane Despas (Vanderkitten). Clearing the two, Roberge had in her mind keeping that perhaps she and Abbot could work together and bridge to the front group.
Abbot came up to Roberge, bringing Despas. After a few turns, Roberge and Abbot were alone, and making good time. After a while, Abbot attacked Roberge attempting to bridge solo to the break. Looking behind her, Roberge saw three more high road riders approaching with Despas. Allowing them to catch her, and reform a group, Abbot saw the futility of spending another two laps solo into the wind and did the same.
Soon the chase group worked well, bringing the front group to almost a minute, but High Road and PROMAN’s Roberge were not interested in bringing it back entirely. In front, the main group began to shatter with PROMAN’s Guarnier facing mechanical challenges. Repeated attacks from High Road saw Anderson soloing in for a very well deserved win, followed by her teammate. Tibco saw a nice third place, with Dillon in fourth. Guarnier had to walk her bike across the line, with her derailleur having sheared off in the final meters of the race.
In the final sprint to the finish, it was High Road again, followed by Despas. Roberge, having had her hands full for the day and very satisfied with her young team’s effort, finished in ninth.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
VALLEY OF THE SUN STAGE RACE - WIN & PODIUM!
This was my second year competing in the VOS Stage Race, and I was eager to improve on last year's result (9th GC). Actually, this year I am eager to race everything after last season's time off! I chose to make the 12 hour drive, knowing that I would have the return 12 hours in my legs for the Women's T of C Criterium, because I am focusing more on stage races and time trialing this season, and because our Director, Giana Roberge, was also racing, albeit in a different category. I want to take every opportunity I can to race with her advice and strategies in my pocket. At one point, I had teammates coming down as well, but as the importance of the TOC crit sank in, they opted for fresh legs on Monday, and I don't blame them for that. So I made the drive with another friend racing in the men's category 4's.
Friday's TT was my priority. I have been working on the discipline, and while I still have so much to learn, I feel I am making huge strides. With the Sequoia TT as a target, and Nationals as a huge goal, I want to take every opportunity I have to compete in this discipline. Last year at VOS I had no equipment but a tailwind, so I was lulled into thinking I was doing well and ended up in 15th place. Note to self: if you have a tailwind, so does everyone else! You are never going hard enough that you can "relax" in a TT. Simple logic, I know, but we all know what our brains are capable of when racing! I know that now more than anything, and with my beautiful Orbea underneath me, my fit dialed by Giana, and the sheer, overwhelming desire to smash this thing, I headed off. Not exactly blazed off, due to the rain, the dirty road, and the stiff head/cross wind, but headed off nonetheless. Giana and I had talked at length about focus during a TT, and the use of mantras and imaging during racing. I am starting to learn that I do better when I am relaxed and enjoying myself. Don't get me wrong - I don't show enjoyment much on the outside, I show focus, but it's there! So, I am a little sheepish to admit, but my mantra during this TT was "wouldn't it be fun to call Scott and tell him you won?!?" Simple, a bit silly, but more than anything, TRUE. And let me tell you, it helped! I ended up taking 2nd, 58 seconds down. There are of course some excuses I could make, 20/20 hindsight, any other day, etc., etc. But what was important was that I was happy with my ride, the time was good, and I was in a good position given that I had no teammates.
The following 2 stages were difficult without a team to support me, but in the end racing alone was a tremendous learning experience. Having Giana there to guide me was invaluable, and I can't wait to have everyone working together this season. Rob was also there, and his support and positive outlook were such a comfort!
In the Stage 2 road race, I had to be conservative, which at times was so hard! As my teammates know, I much prefer to be aggressive. And so I learned a little bit more about patience. In the Stage 3 criterium, I had nothing to lose, so I worked on positioning, using my size and height, and riding like I had my sprinter in the field. And so I learned a little bit more about aggression. Overall, I learned how to race alone, defend a placing, work for a better one, and that I am back this year in full force!
After 3 days of racing we jumped in the car, took the 12 hour drive in one stride, and BANG! I found myself on the start line in Santa Rosa. I finally got to test myself against some of the best legs in the country, and got to do so on behalf of my stellar teammates! I pulled Giana aside before the race and asked her "What if I get out there and I'm flat? What if I can't do my job?" Her reply? "Too bad. You have to do it. This is what being a Professional is all about." Any guesses on what my mantra was during the race? :)
Friday's TT was my priority. I have been working on the discipline, and while I still have so much to learn, I feel I am making huge strides. With the Sequoia TT as a target, and Nationals as a huge goal, I want to take every opportunity I have to compete in this discipline. Last year at VOS I had no equipment but a tailwind, so I was lulled into thinking I was doing well and ended up in 15th place. Note to self: if you have a tailwind, so does everyone else! You are never going hard enough that you can "relax" in a TT. Simple logic, I know, but we all know what our brains are capable of when racing! I know that now more than anything, and with my beautiful Orbea underneath me, my fit dialed by Giana, and the sheer, overwhelming desire to smash this thing, I headed off. Not exactly blazed off, due to the rain, the dirty road, and the stiff head/cross wind, but headed off nonetheless. Giana and I had talked at length about focus during a TT, and the use of mantras and imaging during racing. I am starting to learn that I do better when I am relaxed and enjoying myself. Don't get me wrong - I don't show enjoyment much on the outside, I show focus, but it's there! So, I am a little sheepish to admit, but my mantra during this TT was "wouldn't it be fun to call Scott and tell him you won?!?" Simple, a bit silly, but more than anything, TRUE. And let me tell you, it helped! I ended up taking 2nd, 58 seconds down. There are of course some excuses I could make, 20/20 hindsight, any other day, etc., etc. But what was important was that I was happy with my ride, the time was good, and I was in a good position given that I had no teammates.
The following 2 stages were difficult without a team to support me, but in the end racing alone was a tremendous learning experience. Having Giana there to guide me was invaluable, and I can't wait to have everyone working together this season. Rob was also there, and his support and positive outlook were such a comfort!
In the Stage 2 road race, I had to be conservative, which at times was so hard! As my teammates know, I much prefer to be aggressive. And so I learned a little bit more about patience. In the Stage 3 criterium, I had nothing to lose, so I worked on positioning, using my size and height, and riding like I had my sprinter in the field. And so I learned a little bit more about aggression. Overall, I learned how to race alone, defend a placing, work for a better one, and that I am back this year in full force!
After 3 days of racing we jumped in the car, took the 12 hour drive in one stride, and BANG! I found myself on the start line in Santa Rosa. I finally got to test myself against some of the best legs in the country, and got to do so on behalf of my stellar teammates! I pulled Giana aside before the race and asked her "What if I get out there and I'm flat? What if I can't do my job?" Her reply? "Too bad. You have to do it. This is what being a Professional is all about." Any guesses on what my mantra was during the race? :)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
VALLEY OF THE SUN STAGE RACE - WIN & PODIUM!
Valley of the not so Sunny
February 15 – 17, Phoenix, Arizona
Sunday’s weather was finally a day to write home about. Beautiful sunny skies greeted us as we pulled into downtown Phoenix for the final stage of the Valley of the Not so Sunny.
Quickly signing in, I hopped on my bike, pedaling through the neighborhoods, watching the city come to life. Actually I think many of the people I saw were just heading home, but no matter, any place has an aura of cleanliness and a desire to start anew at 7:30 am.
As I warmed up, my legs, back and upper body bitterly complained about the strain of yesterday’s 50 KM time trial. "Oh", I thought to myself, "this criterium will not be pretty". The course was a straight forward six corner 1.6 km loop with good pavement and wide streets.
Well, when you feel like garbage and you know that you don’t have anything in your legs, the best thing in my mind is to get to the front and ride just a little bit harder than everyone’s comfort level to keep attacks at a minimum. As we lined up that was my plan.
The officials began the women’s category 4 riders 2 minutes ahead of us. That really was all I needed. I simply cannot stand having a group ahead. But, having been begged by my racing companions not to attack from the gun, I mollified my need to catch the group ahead by setting a steady pace, taking clean lines and staying on the gear in order for my group to hang with me. I had a 13 minute gap on second so it was not my desire to ride away from the group.
After about 5 laps and 3 primes we came bearing down on the women’s group ahead. I let the three women left with me know I would be passing the group in the start finish area. That way the officials would get our numbers and it was a good wide area to pass. Coming out of the final corner into the stretch I stood on the gear, cleared the field and set myself up for the first corner. Looking back I saw I was alone.
With five laps to go on the one mile course I decided I might as well keep riding. Putting my head down I concentrated on keeping my breathing steady and ignoring my screaming legs. Finally the bell, and a lap later I was crossing the line, happy to have won the first race of the season.
After a 10 hour scamper home, we are unpacking and prepping the bikes for a trip into Santa Rosa where I will direct the Proman Women’s Team in the inaugural women’s Tour of California criterium. Rob will lead a big group on our welcome to Italy Race Camp Training Tour and I know both of us are very excited to see the men blast into Santa Rosa for the first stage of the Tour of California.
Thank you all for your support and cheering – it makes a huge difference and is much appreciated.
Looking for official results? Check out: http://www.wmrc.org/vos/2008/index.htm
GIANA
February 15 – 17, Phoenix, Arizona
Sunday’s weather was finally a day to write home about. Beautiful sunny skies greeted us as we pulled into downtown Phoenix for the final stage of the Valley of the Not so Sunny.
Quickly signing in, I hopped on my bike, pedaling through the neighborhoods, watching the city come to life. Actually I think many of the people I saw were just heading home, but no matter, any place has an aura of cleanliness and a desire to start anew at 7:30 am.
As I warmed up, my legs, back and upper body bitterly complained about the strain of yesterday’s 50 KM time trial. "Oh", I thought to myself, "this criterium will not be pretty". The course was a straight forward six corner 1.6 km loop with good pavement and wide streets.
Well, when you feel like garbage and you know that you don’t have anything in your legs, the best thing in my mind is to get to the front and ride just a little bit harder than everyone’s comfort level to keep attacks at a minimum. As we lined up that was my plan.
The officials began the women’s category 4 riders 2 minutes ahead of us. That really was all I needed. I simply cannot stand having a group ahead. But, having been begged by my racing companions not to attack from the gun, I mollified my need to catch the group ahead by setting a steady pace, taking clean lines and staying on the gear in order for my group to hang with me. I had a 13 minute gap on second so it was not my desire to ride away from the group.
After about 5 laps and 3 primes we came bearing down on the women’s group ahead. I let the three women left with me know I would be passing the group in the start finish area. That way the officials would get our numbers and it was a good wide area to pass. Coming out of the final corner into the stretch I stood on the gear, cleared the field and set myself up for the first corner. Looking back I saw I was alone.
With five laps to go on the one mile course I decided I might as well keep riding. Putting my head down I concentrated on keeping my breathing steady and ignoring my screaming legs. Finally the bell, and a lap later I was crossing the line, happy to have won the first race of the season.
After a 10 hour scamper home, we are unpacking and prepping the bikes for a trip into Santa Rosa where I will direct the Proman Women’s Team in the inaugural women’s Tour of California criterium. Rob will lead a big group on our welcome to Italy Race Camp Training Tour and I know both of us are very excited to see the men blast into Santa Rosa for the first stage of the Tour of California.
Thank you all for your support and cheering – it makes a huge difference and is much appreciated.
Looking for official results? Check out: http://www.wmrc.org/vos/2008/index.htm
GIANA
Friday, February 15, 2008
COPENHAGEN WORLD CUP #4
Copenhagen Posse:
Shelley Olds - PROMAN Racing
Kele Murdin - PROMAN Racing
Steve Pelaez - Philippines National Team
Mark Altimarano - Wrench Philippines and PROMAN Racing
Nicola Cranmer - Manager PROMAN Racing & Philippines National Team
The flight was painless except my routine of boarding, movie, dinner glass of wine, sleep was interrupted as the in flight entertainment system didn't work. i freaked out momentarily but got over it - had too!
Arrived in Copenhagen to cold bleak weather.
Denmark is extremely expensive. we are hoping to go into town at some point or at least get to the Carlsberg brewery. Mark A and Connie took the train into Copenhagen last night. While i attended the Managers meeting representing both PROMAN Racing and the Philippines National Team (Steve) Shelley joined me for that as i knew the UCI were going to discuss the Olympic qualification process. I was Surprised how many National Federations had questions regarding the process so late in the game. Some astonishing rules were revealed that left Shelley, Annette and I with our jaws dropped................more on that later.
This is the final World Cup of the year and I am really taking in the magnificence of it all. The first 3 world cups were pretty surreal learning UCI protocol, unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar places. This one feels different, very different. I am more relaxed, the riders are more relaxed. The faces are more familiar and the schedule is always the same. PROMAN Racing has made lots of new international friends. We approach these events with a happy and excited attitude and it makes for a fun time.
Shelley Olds - PROMAN Racing
Kele Murdin - PROMAN Racing
Steve Pelaez - Philippines National Team
Mark Altimarano - Wrench Philippines and PROMAN Racing
Nicola Cranmer - Manager PROMAN Racing & Philippines National Team
The flight was painless except my routine of boarding, movie, dinner glass of wine, sleep was interrupted as the in flight entertainment system didn't work. i freaked out momentarily but got over it - had too!
Arrived in Copenhagen to cold bleak weather.
Denmark is extremely expensive. we are hoping to go into town at some point or at least get to the Carlsberg brewery. Mark A and Connie took the train into Copenhagen last night. While i attended the Managers meeting representing both PROMAN Racing and the Philippines National Team (Steve) Shelley joined me for that as i knew the UCI were going to discuss the Olympic qualification process. I was Surprised how many National Federations had questions regarding the process so late in the game. Some astonishing rules were revealed that left Shelley, Annette and I with our jaws dropped................more on that later.
This is the final World Cup of the year and I am really taking in the magnificence of it all. The first 3 world cups were pretty surreal learning UCI protocol, unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar places. This one feels different, very different. I am more relaxed, the riders are more relaxed. The faces are more familiar and the schedule is always the same. PROMAN Racing has made lots of new international friends. We approach these events with a happy and excited attitude and it makes for a fun time.
Monday, February 11, 2008
CHERRY PIE - PODIUM
The season opener, Cherry Pie crit.
My job... get the team a pie!
This was my first race with Proman, my new awesome team for 2008. I was given the amazing gift of being the protected rider this race - a role that came with my first taste of what it feels like to want to perform really well for your team. In the past, I've usually raced solo - and I'm the only one I can disappoint. This would be a whole different story - I had 7 super strong teammates, all of whom could have gone for the win, but they would be sacrificing that opportunity for me. I couldn't let them down.
The race began quick from the gun - downhill into a sweeping right turn. On the first hill attacks were launched. Kate, Abby, Emily, Kelly, Megan and Kristin were at the front initiating attacks, closing down breaks, and in general making their presence known. Meanwhile, I was hovering about 15 to 20 riders back - a new place for a girl more comfortable trolling the front of a crit. Kristina was with me, making sure I wasn't working too hard, pulling me up a few riders when necessary, and in general, keeping me safe.
Fairly early in the race Kristin launched a huge attack and got a good gap on the field. She stayed off the front for a while and I knew that if anyone could stay away, she could. Unfortunately, the pack chased her down and swallowed her up again. Then it was Megan launching an attack for a prime and getting a good sized gap on the field. Again, she stayed away for a few laps - taking more primes on her little adventure.
With only a few laps to go, Megan got swallowed back up by the field, and it was time to organize for the field sprint. I could see the ladies in front were getting antsy - at one point I thought a break of 3 would get a gap on the field, but going into the hill the second to last lap, they were brought back. Megan, Abby and Kristin took over at the front keeping the pace high for the final lap. With 2 turns to go I found Kristin's wheel and stuck to it like glue. She took a sweet line on the inside of the final turn and pulled me up neck and neck with a string of women who I knew would be the contenders in the race... just as Kristin started to pull off, the winning sprint was launched by Tibco's Brooke Miller and quickly followed by Felicia Gomez of Aarons. It seemed super early to me, but I went with them knowing it was now or never. I thought maybe I'd be able to come around Felicia on the long uphill, but it wasn't to be. Both she and Brooke stayed together finishing one-two, and I finished 3rd - securing the coveted cherry pie. Megan - who fought her own way to the front of the field finished 4th and captured the Most Aggressive Racer title for the day. Awesome awesome team work.
I'm so proud to be a part of this team and can't wait for the year to come!
Virginia
My job... get the team a pie!
This was my first race with Proman, my new awesome team for 2008. I was given the amazing gift of being the protected rider this race - a role that came with my first taste of what it feels like to want to perform really well for your team. In the past, I've usually raced solo - and I'm the only one I can disappoint. This would be a whole different story - I had 7 super strong teammates, all of whom could have gone for the win, but they would be sacrificing that opportunity for me. I couldn't let them down.
The race began quick from the gun - downhill into a sweeping right turn. On the first hill attacks were launched. Kate, Abby, Emily, Kelly, Megan and Kristin were at the front initiating attacks, closing down breaks, and in general making their presence known. Meanwhile, I was hovering about 15 to 20 riders back - a new place for a girl more comfortable trolling the front of a crit. Kristina was with me, making sure I wasn't working too hard, pulling me up a few riders when necessary, and in general, keeping me safe.
Fairly early in the race Kristin launched a huge attack and got a good gap on the field. She stayed off the front for a while and I knew that if anyone could stay away, she could. Unfortunately, the pack chased her down and swallowed her up again. Then it was Megan launching an attack for a prime and getting a good sized gap on the field. Again, she stayed away for a few laps - taking more primes on her little adventure.
With only a few laps to go, Megan got swallowed back up by the field, and it was time to organize for the field sprint. I could see the ladies in front were getting antsy - at one point I thought a break of 3 would get a gap on the field, but going into the hill the second to last lap, they were brought back. Megan, Abby and Kristin took over at the front keeping the pace high for the final lap. With 2 turns to go I found Kristin's wheel and stuck to it like glue. She took a sweet line on the inside of the final turn and pulled me up neck and neck with a string of women who I knew would be the contenders in the race... just as Kristin started to pull off, the winning sprint was launched by Tibco's Brooke Miller and quickly followed by Felicia Gomez of Aarons. It seemed super early to me, but I went with them knowing it was now or never. I thought maybe I'd be able to come around Felicia on the long uphill, but it wasn't to be. Both she and Brooke stayed together finishing one-two, and I finished 3rd - securing the coveted cherry pie. Megan - who fought her own way to the front of the field finished 4th and captured the Most Aggressive Racer title for the day. Awesome awesome team work.
I'm so proud to be a part of this team and can't wait for the year to come!
Virginia
Sunday, February 10, 2008
CHERRY PIE - PODIUM!
Record numbers in Napa showcase a strong cycling community in the Norcal area
The Proman Women’s Team sees early season success
Independent Fabrication’s Dillion kicks off the season with a promising start
Cherry Pie Criterium
Napa, CA
February 10, 2008
Northern California welcomed the 2008 road racing season today in Napa today with the Cherry Pie Criterium. The day dawned bright and sunny promising warm temperatures for the afternoon. With record entries, the well organized race offered a challenging but fun course to begin the racing year.
First on the docket of races were the juniors; all age groups for both the girls and boys had impressive numbers, clearly indicating that road racing is growing in popularity with all ages. Juniors now have many teams offering tremendous support, including Dura-Ace equipped full carbon bikes, parents patiently holding towels and bottles, and coaches organizing the boys and girls with tactics and tips for making it through the race. It gives one hope to see how many juniors lined up to test themselves, partaking in a sport that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Team Speed Queen and Independent Fabrication’s Rob Dillion’s race was early in the day yet 107 keen riders pulled up to the line, fired up and ready to rumble. The course was about 2 and a half minute effort each lap with a climb to the start finish and a 180 degree turn immediately following the line.
Dillion got a great start, and with a patient ride as a goal, stayed in the top ten throughout the race. After many attacks, a well organized Z-Team managed to get two riders off the front and working together the two finally cleared the field, opening a gap to 20 seconds. Eventual winner Nathan English finally powered away from his beleaguered teammate, staying clear to win the race as well as the Cycle Gladiator Most Aggressive Award.
The group entered the finish line groupo compacto with a fast rush for the finish line the field fanned out across the road. Jumping hard out of the final corner from fifth wheel back, Dillion powered his way to the line, claiming fourth in the bunch kick and fifth overall.
The Women’s 1, 2, 3 race also had a substantial field, with all regional teams and some national teams well represented. Locals Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s), Kathryn Curi (Webcor), and Brooke Miller (Tibco) all were present and all considered a threat for the win. The Proman Women’s Team fielded 8 riders, including newly signed Virginia Perkins and Megan Guarnier. Using Cherry Pie as a warm-up for the inaugural Women’s Tour of California Criterium on February 18th, Proman’s Director Sportif Giana Roberge had the women race aggressively from the gun.
The race got off to a brisk start with an early race attack by Proman’s Kristin Drumm. Drumm’s 10 second gap lingered for three laps before the Tibco Team with the help of Curi brought Drumm back to the field. Several primes kept the pace high, and despite many attempts to break free from the bunch, it was not until the youngest Proman Team rider Guarnier went for a prime and kept going that anyone was able to break completely free from the fierce pace. Clearing the field by 20 seconds, Guarnier stayed on the gear maintaining an optimistic gap. However, the organization and power of the local teams including the Metromint, Touchstone and Tibco proved to be too powerful for the solo Proman rider, and with three laps to go it was clear that a field sprint was inevitable.
From there, it was the Proman Team taking the reins and organizing a lead-out for Perkins. With the assistance of Drumm and Kristina Seley, Perkins was delivered in perfect placement for a go at the win. Making a run for the line was a very quick Miller from the front, followed closely by Gomez, with Perkins closing in fast. At the top of the hill, it was Miller handily taking the win, with Gomez in second, and Proman’s Perkins finishing in third. Proman’s Guarnier claimed fourth, as well as the Cycle Gladiator Most Aggressive Award.
Next up for both Dillion and the Proman Women’s Team is Valley of the Sun in Phoenix, Arizona. Action kicks off with an Individual Time Trial on February 15th
The Proman Women’s Team sees early season success
Independent Fabrication’s Dillion kicks off the season with a promising start
Cherry Pie Criterium
Napa, CA
February 10, 2008
Northern California welcomed the 2008 road racing season today in Napa today with the Cherry Pie Criterium. The day dawned bright and sunny promising warm temperatures for the afternoon. With record entries, the well organized race offered a challenging but fun course to begin the racing year.
First on the docket of races were the juniors; all age groups for both the girls and boys had impressive numbers, clearly indicating that road racing is growing in popularity with all ages. Juniors now have many teams offering tremendous support, including Dura-Ace equipped full carbon bikes, parents patiently holding towels and bottles, and coaches organizing the boys and girls with tactics and tips for making it through the race. It gives one hope to see how many juniors lined up to test themselves, partaking in a sport that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Team Speed Queen and Independent Fabrication’s Rob Dillion’s race was early in the day yet 107 keen riders pulled up to the line, fired up and ready to rumble. The course was about 2 and a half minute effort each lap with a climb to the start finish and a 180 degree turn immediately following the line.
Dillion got a great start, and with a patient ride as a goal, stayed in the top ten throughout the race. After many attacks, a well organized Z-Team managed to get two riders off the front and working together the two finally cleared the field, opening a gap to 20 seconds. Eventual winner Nathan English finally powered away from his beleaguered teammate, staying clear to win the race as well as the Cycle Gladiator Most Aggressive Award.
The group entered the finish line groupo compacto with a fast rush for the finish line the field fanned out across the road. Jumping hard out of the final corner from fifth wheel back, Dillion powered his way to the line, claiming fourth in the bunch kick and fifth overall.
The Women’s 1, 2, 3 race also had a substantial field, with all regional teams and some national teams well represented. Locals Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s), Kathryn Curi (Webcor), and Brooke Miller (Tibco) all were present and all considered a threat for the win. The Proman Women’s Team fielded 8 riders, including newly signed Virginia Perkins and Megan Guarnier. Using Cherry Pie as a warm-up for the inaugural Women’s Tour of California Criterium on February 18th, Proman’s Director Sportif Giana Roberge had the women race aggressively from the gun.
The race got off to a brisk start with an early race attack by Proman’s Kristin Drumm. Drumm’s 10 second gap lingered for three laps before the Tibco Team with the help of Curi brought Drumm back to the field. Several primes kept the pace high, and despite many attempts to break free from the bunch, it was not until the youngest Proman Team rider Guarnier went for a prime and kept going that anyone was able to break completely free from the fierce pace. Clearing the field by 20 seconds, Guarnier stayed on the gear maintaining an optimistic gap. However, the organization and power of the local teams including the Metromint, Touchstone and Tibco proved to be too powerful for the solo Proman rider, and with three laps to go it was clear that a field sprint was inevitable.
From there, it was the Proman Team taking the reins and organizing a lead-out for Perkins. With the assistance of Drumm and Kristina Seley, Perkins was delivered in perfect placement for a go at the win. Making a run for the line was a very quick Miller from the front, followed closely by Gomez, with Perkins closing in fast. At the top of the hill, it was Miller handily taking the win, with Gomez in second, and Proman’s Perkins finishing in third. Proman’s Guarnier claimed fourth, as well as the Cycle Gladiator Most Aggressive Award.
Next up for both Dillion and the Proman Women’s Team is Valley of the Sun in Phoenix, Arizona. Action kicks off with an Individual Time Trial on February 15th
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)