Lindner Capital Racing TeamPresented by:Velocity Multisport

Atlanta Criterium Series/100K Classic

2008-09-09T06:53:00.012-05:00

Labor Day weekend saw no less than FIVE bike races in the ATL. The first four consisted of the Atlanta Criterium Series organized by Spincycle and spread across Friday, Saturday (2 races), and Sunday. While these races were standard, local race-sized fields, Monday's 100K Classic was in stark contrast with a field of 175 riders containing many of the nation's top professional bike racers including riders from Rock Racing, Jelly Belly, Colavita, Team Type 1, Kelly Benefit Strategies, Jittery Joes, Health Net and Rite Aid just to name a few.

Race 1
Lindner Capital was represented by Karel Sumbal in the first of the weekend's four crits. Two riders gained a lap on the field, and Sumbal was able to take second in the field sprint...just missing the podium with a respectable 4th place finish.

Race 2
In the second criterium of the weekend, Sumbal was joined by one of Linder Capital's newest acquisitions: University of Florida student Shawn Gravois. Sumbal was happy to have some help in covering the moves led mostly by DLP Racing's Tommy Nankervis and ever-strong Myogenesis rider Eric Murphy. This time around, a break did form. Eric Murphy, James Lanham (Marx and Bensdorf), Diego Garavito (Latino Cycling) and Shawn Gravois snuck away and gained some time on the field. Sumbal won the award for best supporting teammate covering all of the bridge attempts from the field thereby ensuring Gravois' successful breakaway. Gravois tried very hard to play his best hand attacking his group of 4 in the final laps, but it was not to be. In the end, Gravois brought home another respectable 4th place for Lindner Capital.

Race 3
The third of the four races gained yet another Linder Capital rider with Ryan Saylor bringing the team's tally to three. Attacks flew from the gun, the first being covered by Saylor. As soon as it was brought back, Gravois went with the next and again found himself in a group of 4 gaining time on the field. Similar to the break away in the previous race, the group consisted of Mike Niemi (Metro Volkswagen), James Lanham (Marx and Bensdorf), Diego Garavito (Latino Cycling) and Shawn Gravois. Before the group got too far ahead, Daniel Larson (CycleScience) jumped hard out of the peleton and managed to get across to the breakaway bringing the lead group to five. Seventeen-year-old Mike Niemi had a short moment of weakness and fell off of the pace of the hard charging breakaway and quickly found himself back with the rest of the peleton thus bringing the breakaway group back down to four. Many of the remaining riders were not happy with the breakaway and many more attempts to get across were made. The duo of Sumbal and Saylor made certain none would go without them having to drag a Lindner Capital rider with them--thereby stifling all attempts. Eventually, Saylor was able to slip away with Fucundo Bazzi (Latino Cycling) and race for 5th place. The peleton continued to see attack after attack and each took their toll. Many of the racers fell off the pace and soon Sumbal found himself in a group of 5 chasing after Bazzi and Saylor. Just as in the morning, Gravois again tried his best to suprise the breakaway with an attempt to go for the win solo. Unfortunately, the group would not let him go and brought him back in the final few hundred meters of the race. Four seemed to be Lindner Capital's lucky number for the weekend as Gravois brought home yet another 4th place finish. Saylor could not match the sprint of Bazzi and took 6th place. Super strong Tommy Nankervis (DLP Racing) drug the next group of five as hard as he could toward Saylor and Bazzi and nearly caught them with 600 meters left in the race. Fortunately, Sumbal managed to both sabotage the catch as well as take 8th place for an overall good showing for Lindner Capital with 4th, 6th and 8th places.

Race 4
Team Lindner Captial's Sumbal, Gravois and Saylor were joined by Jeff Kopp and Curtis Long for the last of the criterium quartet. With five riders on the same team, Lindner Capital was fully expecting to easily control the final race of the series. Surprisingly however, they were matched by 5 Locos riders and overrun by a throng of Metro Volkswagen riders. No less than 9 riders wore the blue and black outfits of the Texas based Metro Volkswagen squad giving them roughly one third of the entire field. Controlling this field was not going to be as easy as Lindner Capital had hoped. The race began and immediately the pace was high as attack after attack flew from the field. Within the first two laps, the field has already split into several groups with Long and Saylor representing Lindner Capital in the front group. Long was feeling very feisty and would not rest as the lead group displayed lack of cohesion despite having a decent gap on the next group. Long attacked numerous times until he broke free with Locos rider Oniel Samuals. Saylor was unable to cover all chase attempts of Metro Volkswagen and Mike Niemi was able to slip away with Seth Hansley (Locos). Once the big teams of the race had represenatives off of the front of the race, the pace slowed and Kopp, Gravois and Sumbal were able to regroup with the main front group. For the remainder of the race, Metro Volkswagen set tempo in the field content with just one in the top four. Long, who is having a stellar year, gave Linder Capital another great finish to add to their record with 2nd place behind race winner Oniel Samuals. Hansley bested Niemi for third and Sumbal put in another great sprint in the field to take 7th.

US 100K Classic
("Czech" out Karel on the far right!)
Finally, the 100K Classic was held early Monday morning. To give perspective, the previous 4 races posted $500 prize money for each race to the top 10 finishers. The 100K Classic gave away $20,000 to the top 35 finishers. With no less than 40 professional racers, this was easily going to be one of Lindner Capital's toughest races of the entire year. While most ameteur road races take place on back country roads, the 100K Classic takes place on main Atlanta thoroughfares. Out-gunned by many of the nation's best, Lindner Capital's main goal was simply to finish. If anyone was able to get near the front in the end, it would be a resounding success. Oddly, while there was tons of depth in the peleton the pace would remain fairly civil throughout much of the race. However, there were several times during the race that were very, very hard just to keep contact with the group. Attacks regularly blasted out of the peleton but almost all were fairly short lived. There were a couple splits that saw groups of 20 or so riders gain some ground, until one of the pro teams decided they didn't like their representation in them and would bring it all back together. Heading into the final miles of the race, all five of Lindner Capital's riders remained present in the race despite 50 or so other racers abandoning. Teamwork in a field of this size and depth was exceedingly difficult for an ameteur team. Despite this, Karel Sumbal proved that he could mix it up with the nation's best and nabbed an outstanding 14th place ahead of countless guys who make their living from racing bicycles. Curtis Long also finished a very respectable 38th place—just outside of the prize money. Two more very solid performances showed again that Lindner Capital can perform even at the highest levels of American racing.

P.S. (Thanks to Marni Rakes for the great pictures!)

-Ryan Saylor

Jacksonville Cycling Classic - Curtis Claims Two!

2008-08-13T07:13:00.010-05:00

The Jacksonville Classic saw a new venue for 2008 in the town of Nocatee, FL with a 63 mile road race on Saturday and a circuit race on Sunday. Temperatures reached the mid nineties both days and there was no rain to cool the riders down either day. Team Lindner Capital recently joined forces with Sweetbay Cycling forming an even stronger force to be reckoned within the peleton. Andrew Gonzales’ excellent sprinting ability as well as Shawn Gravois’ stellar time trialing will add ammunition to the team’s already stocked quiver.

About 45 riders started the hot road race with both Joel and Daniel Chavez (Preferred Alliance) and the Herbalife squad being the biggest players to watch out for. Curtis Long, Karel Sumbal, Clint Bridier, Victor Rodriquez and Ryan Saylor joined their new teammates Gonzales and Gravois to represent Lindner Capital. The riders rolled off the start line with some trepidation but it didn’t take long before the attacks started flying. Team Lindner Capital rode well and was present in most of the threatening attacks. A group of 7 riders slipped away about 15 miles into the race with the biggest teams being represented. Joel Chavez (Preferred Alliance), two Herbalife riders including Rudy Robaina, Dan Larson (CycleScience), Ryan Saylor (Lindner Capital), Scott Giles (Velobrew) and Shane Braley (Wheel and Sprocket) formed what seemed to be a promising break as the riders rolled quickly and shared the workload fairly evenly. Amazingly, the group was later joined by a lone Curtis Long who admitted later that he held 34mph to catch the break. Panic must have struck the field as they chased hard enough to bring back the hard working break. More attacks ensued and soon it was Grant Potter (Herbalife), Dan Larson and Scott Giles who snuck away and were soon out of sight. The trio worked hard and it looked to be dangerous. Team Lindner Capital made certain to be represented in every chase attempt. Fortunately for the peleton, Giles got a flat tire and Larson couldn’t match the power of Grant Potter so the race again came back together. Another group of 10 guys formed off the front with Victor Rodriquez and Sean Gravois covering the move. The group gained some distance on the group and it was looking like it was going to stick. Karel Sumbal bridged across with Shane Braley to give Lindner Capital good representation with 3 guys in the break. This time the break would not come back. Joel Chavez would not be denied the sprint and took the win with Allison Anjos (Herbalife) and Scott Kuppersmith (Herring Gas) rounding out the podium. A cramping Sumbal still managed to take 5th place with Gravois close behind in 8th. Rodriquez and Gravois worked hard to keep the break going and it was their work that lent to Sumbal’s solid 5th place finish.

Sunday’s circuit race was composed of two 180 degree turns spaced 1.5 miles apart and almost all of the same riders began. Unlike the previous day, the attacks started from the gun. While the initial few were chased down, Scott Giles (Velobrew) and Nate Adler (Fat Cat Bicycles) slipped away without much worry from the group. However, the duo worked steadily together and it didn’t take too long before the group was regretting the gap they had given them. Curtis Long jumped and no one responded. Long, who won the Masters 35+ race earlier in the day, again put in a valiant effort to bridge across to Giles and Adler. However, bring them back by himself was tough going and after a few minutes he was only keeping even with them. Fortunately, Gunter Hermanni (Herbalife) took off after Long and Gravois was there to cover. Gravois and Hermanni closed the gap to Long and the trio then worked to catch Adler and Giles. The catch was made and the five of them put their heads down and with the race’s biggest teams represented (Herbalife, Lindner Capital and Velobrew), the five riders were not going to be caught. All bridge attempts from the field were stifled by Hebalife and Lindner Capital. The Chavez brothers grew increasing frustrated as they were marked by everyone in the field. On the last lap, strategy played into the hands of the only team represented by two people in the break away—Lindner Capital. With Long looking like the favorite in the sprint, Gravois attacked ruthlessly forcing the others to chase while Long was able to stick to the wheels of the working chasers and rest. Gravois was brought back twice before he attacked a third time and almost snapped the rubber band the final time. However, they worked again and barely brought him back—all the while Long was licking his chops at the thought of tasting victory. Assuredly, Long did not disappoint and showed no mercy as he unleashed his powerful sprint on his break away companions. Hermanni was closest followed by Adler to round out the podium. Gravois finished in 5th after a masterful display of cunning tactics. Icing on the cake came from Andrew Gonzales as he attacked hard out of the final u-turn and motored for a mile and a half with a Frank Lopez (Herbalife) to take the very next spot—sixth place. With 3 guys in the top six as well as earning the team’s first pro/1/2 win, Lindner Capital could not have had a better race.

-Ryan Saylor

LaGrange, GA - Georgia Cup

2008-06-25T07:32:00.001-05:00

Karel Sumbal and Ryan Saylor of Lindner Capital headed up to LaGrange, GA for a Georgia Cup stage race consisting of a time trial, Georgia’s state championship crit, and a road race plus a special bonus crit with a win-and-out format.

Unfortunately, the LaGrange race was competing with better paying races in Tennessee. That, combined with summer heat stifling many racers motivation to race, led to a miserable turn out. Six Pro/1/2 racers turned out for the 1.6 mile time trial. Pro-racer Oscar Hanao (Clinica Union) edged out Gainesville, Florida’s Gary Yates (Naples Cyclery) by three tenths of a second for the win while another Gainesville rider, Brett Miller (Naples Cyclery) took third. Karel took 5th place while Ryan would have earned the lantern rouge position overall had the stage race not been cancelled due to lack of participation.

Next up was the Georgia State Championship Criterium. Bolstered by some masters entrants, the criterium hosted around twenty racers. Henao again demonstrated his dominance and broke away by himself to lap the field by the end of the race. Many attacks flew during the race, but nothing would stick (except Henao). Karel sprinted very well and just missed the podium to take 4th place while Ryan was determined to maintain his theoretical lantern rouge position.

The unusual format of win-and-out was next on the menu. In this race, racers raced the first five laps as they would any other criterium. Then, the winner of every single lap for ten laps won $100 and the race ended on the last $100 sprint—the 15th lap. Once a racer won $100, his race was over. Despite the race being open to categories 1-4, the continued trend of poor participation was again present. With only about 18 riders in the field, over 50% of the entrants were going to leave $100 richer. Fortunately for the Lindner Capital riders, both Karel and Ryan were able to recover some of the weekend’s expenses. Karel again sprinted well for the 4th cash give-away while Ryan attacked the remaining group and rode solo for half a lap to take the next-to-last $100.

The final race was the road race. The race was supposed to be a 102 mile endurance marathon. However, only eight “Pro-Am” riders showed up for the last race of the weekend. With so few riders, the promoter combined the Pro/1/2 riders with the masters 30+ field and shortened it to 68 miles (though they would be scored separately). Lindner Capital decided to team up with the Naples Cyclery riders for this race in order to strengthen its ranks by numbers. The race saw many attacks by Lindner Capital and Naples Cyclery, but the Clinica Union riders chased them all down. In the end, Karel unleashed his powerful sprint and could only be bested by Henao giving Sumbal his first Pro/1/2 podium finish. Temporary teammates Yates and Miller finished 3rd and 5th respectively to add to the team’s spoils.

Florida State RR Championships

2008-06-19T08:37:00.008-05:00

This past weekend was the Florida State Road Race Championship weekend. Saturday was the state championships for each age category, and Sunday was for your actual USCF racing category.

On Saturday Ryan, Jeff, Curtis, Karel, and Victor raced in the 30-44 age category (later split out in 5 year increments). Curtis spent the majority of the day in a break which would be caught near the end (a theme for Curtis this weekend)...but, still managed to take 3rd place in the 35-39 category. Karel was 9th in the 30-34.

Sunday Ryan, Jeff, Curtis, Karel, Victor, Clint, and myself represented Lindner Capital in the Pro 1,2 race. There were full squads from Toshiba-Santos, Preferred Alliance, Herbalife and various other regional teams. The course was a 5 mile loop with a couple short steep hills...and a bunch of heat! The race started quickly and we all took turns covering different moves. Drifting back from covering an early break, I see a few guys go up the road with Curtis latched on. This is somewhere around 10 miles into the race.

This break would remain in the lead until about 15 miles to go. Curtis and a Team 19 rider were doing 50-75% of the work, while 4 riders from the three big teams in the race sat on and wouldn't pull...and then try to attack. It's amazing how racing has changed over the past 10 years in Florida. With an influx of foreign riders and their negative riding tactics, the entire dynamic of racing has changed.

Going into the last lap everyone was back together...and then Joel Chavez and John Durango attacked. The remaining Lindner Capital riders were out of position, and with the "Yellow Line Rule" being strictly enforced, we were left to watch them ride away. Strangely, the huge Herbalife squad didn't make an effort to chase and gave the race away. There was one spot left on the podium up for grabs, and coming down the finishing straight it was curb to curb. With nobody able to take control with a race leadout, it was free form chaos. Jeff, Karel, Victor and myself were lined up together trying not to get run off the right hand side of the road...but trying to squeeze through. It turned into a bit of a mess, but Karel was able to storm to a 10th place, while Jeff cruised home in 15th.

It was a rough day, and hoped for a podium spot...but in cycling, even with the best plan and efforts, you're left with the cards you've been dealt. Although we weren't on the podium, 10th place is a great finish and the entire team worked very well together.

Thanks to Karel's fiance, Marni, and Kevin for staying on the course the whole day and handing up water to a very thirsty crowd.

Sween

Georgia Cup, Union City

2008-06-04T06:37:00.004-05:00

The Lindner Capital Cycling Team headed up to Union City, GA this pat weekend to once again take part in a Georgia Cup GC Race. We really enjoy doing these races because they require you to be a good all-around rider if you want to win. The race involved a 10 mile TT on rolling hills with a few longer climbs, a Crit, and a 91 mile road race that would serve as the Geargia State Championship. Curtis, Karel and Jeff were the only full time team members that were able to go so we brought along our Junior rider, Cody Vance to give him a taste of some Pro,1,2 action. GA Cup races are Pro,1,2,3, although he would be the ONLY 3 in our field. We also asked a friend of ours, Adam Baskin, who rides for Team 19 to ride for us for the weekend. Marni Rakes, Karels fiance raced in the Lindner Kit in the women's 3,4 race as well.

Time Trial
We all new this would be a really tough TT because of the elevation change over the 10 miles so we drove the course on Friday night and got a little feeling of where to push it and where to recover. Jeff turned the second fastest time of the morning running a 21 flat getting the Lindner boys there first podium of the weekend. Curtis dropped his chain in the first 600m and the race director let him re-start and he finished a very respectable 7th.

Criterium
Saturday evening it was really hot and the field was really small for the Crit so we knew it would be a tough race. When the field is small and strong you have to react to everything. Basically there is no place to hide. So with that Curtis decided to attck on the second lap and see if he could establish a break and that he did. A few riders bridged up to him, including riders from Myogenesis, Clinica Union, and Hincapie Barkley U23. They break sat at 15 seconds for a few laps and when the Hincapie rider was dropped Curtis and the Myogenesis rider pushed the pace and the break was gone. With Lindner Capital, Myogenesis, and Clinica Union controlling the small field there was no way anyone was going to go across to Curtis. Curtis delivered the second podium of the weekend getting a solid 2nd place finish. Karel came in 7th and Jeff 13th. The young lad, Cody did a good job working on the front as we asked him to do and then dropped out with his full pride intact and our respect.

Road Race
Sunday morning came very quickly with an 8am start and we learned that Curtis was in 1st place overall and Jeff was in 3rd. Two riders sitting atop of the GC was very surprising and we new what that meant in the RR. Everyone would attack us and make us work our butts off to win the GC. As we rolled out we new we were in trouble when we saw how many hills there were on the course. Curtis and Jeff are not very small and gravity tends to work against them in the hills. The team did a lot of work on the front for the first 50 miles just trying to control the pace of the race and discourage attacks but at mile 60 we could no longer hold the field back. A break of 3 got up the road and we held it at 2 minutes or less for the entire race but with the day growing hotter and the hills getting longer Curtis and Jeff knew they were in trouble. Karel, Cody, and Adam were lost a different stages of the race on one climb or another. Curtis and Jeff found themselves in a group of 3 in the last 10 miles and went into survival mode just taking turns with hard pulls to limit the time loss. In the end the two finished two minutes behind the leaders Jeff (13th), Curtis (15th). Overall Curtis finished 9th in the GC and Jeff finished 11th. We were pretty discouraged after the race but we were really happy to get two 2nd place finishes for the weekend. Of note, Karel got lost after he dropped out of the RR and ended up riding 115 miles making it bake to the start finish by way of Pick-up truck!

Thank You,

Jeff Kopp
Owner
Trek Bicycle Store of Jacksonville
9965 San Jose Blvd. #6
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 880-7227
www.TREKJAX.com

American Bicycle Company
240 S. Third Street
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 246-4433
www.ABCBIKE.com

2008 Sugarloaf Road Race - Ryan Saylor

2008-05-12T12:56:00.003-05:00

The weekend of May 3rd and 4th saw racers from around the state gather in central Florida for possibly it’s most difficult road race of the year. The Pro/1/2 race consisted of a 75-mile race with 7 times up the notorious Sugarloaf Mountain. Being in Florida, Sugarloaf is obviously not actually a mountain but it is about a one-kilometer leg-breaker of a hill.

As usual, Florida’s finest lined up for the tortuous test of testosterone. Ricardo Hernandez (Blue Star), Joel and Danel Chavez (Preferred Alliance), Ivan Franco (Toshiba/Santo) and Alison Anjos (Herbalife) were among the tough men to keep an eye on. Ryan Saylor was the sole representative for Lindner Capital.

Soon after the group rolled out the attack began. With a few miles, a group of four slipped away including Ivan Franco, a Preferred Alliance rider, a Blue Star rider and Shawn Gravois (Team Florida) who won the time trial the day before. With a long race ahead of them, these four riders had their work cut out for them. The rest of the field saw many attacks to try and establish a chase group, but with all the biggest teams represented in the break, nothing was getting away.

The first time up Sugarloaf had anxious riders practically sprinting up the difficult climb. The break away split apart as Ivan Franco and Shawn Gravois dropped their break away companions. However, they continued to fight and were soon completely out of sight of the field. During the next 4 of 7 laps, the race largely remained unchanged. There were countless attacks but all were brought back. Ivan Franco and Shawn Gravois maintained their lead on the rest of the field.

Finally, Daniel Chavez snuck away with Jorge Perez (Toshiba/Santo), put their heads down and headed toward Franco and Gravois. Another chase group formed within a lap of Chavez getting away which contained Ricardo Hernandez, Brett Miller (Naples Cyclery), Nat Faulkner (Epic Cycling), Adam Baskin (Team 19), Andy Holland (Naples Cyclery), Alejandro Bello (Blue Star), Alison Anjos (Heralife), Maikel Matos (Preferred Alliance) and Ryan Saylor (Lindner Capital). This group shared the work to try and bring back the four people up the road. Strangely, as the group pedals around a bend they came across Ivan Franco sitting on the side of the road, out in the sun on a hot day looking as if he were in pain. It was unclear if Franco had cramped up, crashed or suffered some other ailment. Nonetheless, the group started to become unhinged as riders were starting to bonk and others were getting anxious and wanted to break up the group. Soon, the chase group split apart into smaller group as Holland and Faulkner rode away from Anjos, Baskin, Maikel, Bello and Saylor while Miller, Hernandez were dropped.

Meanwhile, Gravois who had been off the front since the beginning of the race was completely cooked and was passed by many of the front groups. Holland and Faulkner caught Chavez and Perez to form a lead group of four with half a lap to go and were chased by a group of 5 including Anjos, Baskin, Bello, Matos and Saylor. Chavez out-climbed Faulkner who was just ahead of Perez and Holland. Matos and Bello outpaced the rest of the chase group while Anjos, Baskin and Saylor traded punches up the final climb. Saylor managed to drop Baskin and came around Anjos in the sprint at the top of the climb to take 7th place.

SE Crits Series, Beaufort, SC

2008-04-30T14:02:00.002-05:00

Here is the race report from yesterday's race in South Carolina...ouch!

"We, got our butts handed to us tonight in a huge way. The race was so freakin fast from the gun. I can't even put into words how fast things get in these races. One thing this Crit series is doing is setting the bar a an entirely new level. Beaufort is a gorgeous small town in the South Carolina Lowcountry but I had lactic acid in my eyes so I couldn't see it very well. 142 riders started 47 finished and only 20 were on the lead lap. The main problem.....ok.... major problem was turn one. The start/finish stretch was really long, slight downhill grade, and two lanes, so we were going 35mph single file into turn one which was 90 degrees and down to a very narrow single lane, we called "The Alley". There were two layers of hay bales and then some giant cushions up against all the street signs and telephone poles. Good thing that they were there!! Huge crash early in the race in turn one almost neutralized the field, approx 40 riders went into the pits including Karel and myself. Turn one very was sketchy from that point on. I have never scene riders blow up like they did last night in the middle of a lap. Literally 5-10 riders would get dropped because one riders could not hold the pace. Curtis lasted about 20 minutes as did Karel. I made it 32 minutes. I was cutting deals with myself at 27 minutes to make it one more lap. All three of us were pretty mentally crushed after that performance but we I rolled off the course things were put into perspective. There were full domestic pro teams sitting on the sidelines watching the race just like us. We thought, heck, they do this for a living and lasted as long as us so we now are understanding that these races are a roll of the dice. A good position is the difference between lasting 20 minutes and finishing. In the end Hilton Clarke from Toyota United won in a sprint just edging out Kyle Wamsley from Colavita. We will find out more about levels of suffering tonight in Waltorboro, SC.

JK"

Article on Athens Twilight

2008-04-30T06:56:00.004-05:00

This year I didn't go to Athens Twilight...so Jeff, Curtis, Karel, and Ryan will be filling out the race report about that race and some of the others that they are doing in the "Speedweek" series.

But, Athens is the original...the fastest...the most fun (and painful) criterium that I've ever done (and 99% of the crit racers will agree). Below is an article written by an ex-Pro rider from the Athens area. It was published many years ago, but I think it helps capture the atmosphere that is the "Athens Twilight"...

Road Rage
What It’s Like To Be On A Bike In The Twilight

The Athens Twilight Criterium is, by consensus, the fastest one-hour of bicycle racing on this planet. The speed is insane. The maniacal speed is a direct result of the course - it's a one-kilometer rectangle that riders can whip around without braking, even through the corners. If a rider even feathers the brakes, he's (she's) losing ground. The Twilight is an opportunity for a rider to slap his chain onto the big ring, open the throttle and flat-out haul arse. The insane speed is also a direct result of the racers. These are the adrenaline junkies, the ones with the need for speed, the fastest guys and gals in the world over short distances. These lunatics can lean their bikes, and their bodies, around this one-kilometer rectangle at precarious angles and ludicrous speeds that defy Sir Isaac's general principles, and maybe one or two of Moses' ten tenets. Going this fast must be a sin. But if you think this race is all fun and games, think again.

Easy Riders
You see them before the race - glabrous and glistening, heavily oiled, gliding philosophically on their bikes through the parking lot. They're wearing a tan fit for a bejeweled and bedaubed country club wife with a heavily insured husband. They look cool; they look calm - like an unprepared, but veteran trial attorney. But look closely: inside they're falling to pieces; they're coming undone. If you took their shirts off, you'd see: their brittle torsos are as white as cotton. The tan's a façade. They may even be smiling now, but as Conway and Loretta would say, "It's only make believe." The Twilight averages over 30 miles-per-hour for one solid hour. This is no joking matter. Does a condemned man rejoice in the moments before placing his back to the wall and his chest towards the muzzles of a dozen pointing rifles? It's absurd to think so. These aren't nihilists. These are disco sprinters (vainglorious fools) who think getting dropped in this race, in front of everyone, is a fate worse than death. These moments of dread and despair before the race feel like a hundred little rats chewing on the inside of your stomach. In these worrisome moments, many riders realize that they, like Henry Fleming, might fling the rifle and head for the hills in a moment of impending catastrophe - their red badge of courage a poop stain in their pants. When a racer is standing at the starting line, he does his best impression of a relaxed rider. But relaxing when thousands are staring laser-guided missiles through you ain't easy. And, it's too noisy to concentrate - this Rabelaisian crowd is cackling like a henhouse full of lusty roosters. The pretend-unperturbed rider's heart is actually beating against his chest like a sledgehammer pounding on a thin tin roof.

Mad Dash
A couple hundred corralled cyclists are bobbing and bouncing like a field full of insaniatics, waiting for the gate to fall so they can escape from the asylum. The riders on the front row don't dare look back; they don't want the riders behind to see the terror raging in their eyes. Their common consideration? They might be trampled to death in the very near future. When the gun finally fires to start the race, a rider sprints to the first corner as if his life depends on it. It might. It's the maddest dash of the entire race - the dash to the first turn. If a rider makes it to the turn first, or near the front, he can hit the throttle and floor it out of the corner and accelerate down the road with no obstructions. Clear sailing. If he gets to that first corner too late, its like a bucket of sand poured into a small funnel; it just takes a little time to get all of it through. The point: in the Twilight, if a racer comes out of the first turn too far back, his race is over and it's only 10 seconds old. Finis. Finito. The End. Good Night, Irene! In order to survive 60 laps, the total distance of this race, a rider must get through the first lap unscathed and well placed. He can't be too far back from the front. Generally, only 50 or so will finish. The rear of the field is like the tail of a whip. The unfortunate souls at the wrong end of the single-file line are getting whipped and tossed about like a fly in a tornado. If a rider can't hold the wheel directly in front - that is, keep his front wheel about six inches from the forward rider's rear wheel, sometimes while traveling at speeds topping 40 miles per hour - his night won't last long. It is impossible to bridge gaps in this race. If a rider 20 places in front of you allows a gap to open, he and everyone behind him will be out this race in a matter of seconds. It is a modern-day example of Darwinism: to live, one must keep up with the herd. Become separated, and the vultures will soon feast.

Speed Demons
If the racer is still alive at the end of the first lap, and not too far in arrears, then he must bury his muzzle in the crack in front of him and hold on for his honey's life. During the first 10 laps, a rider's pain meter is quivering at the far end of the red zone. He is feeling the scalding lactic burn in his legs caused by excessive speed. The fastest riders in the world are uncorking the top-shelf bottles of high-octane. These merchants of speed know that in the first 10 laps they can cause an explosion in the field. Over half the field will get dropped, quit the race or crash in the first five laps. The disco sprinters want to shred the field and dump as many riders as possible, now. This leaves fewer to contend with later. In most criteriums, if a rider survives the first 10 laps, he knows he will survive until the end. In most criteriums, after the initial frantic, escape from the Titantic-like frenzied free-for all, there is an ever-so slight decrease in speed. A small incremental drop in speed can do wonders for a rider's ability to stuff his lungs back down his esophagus and recover his runaway breath. But the Twilight is not like "most" criteriums. In fact, it's most unusual. The speed does not drop. It is relentless. It is like trying to play chess while your heart rate is a constant 200 beats per minute. Riders carry out silent disputations with themselves in the first five laps. See one grimace; his inner self, the rational one, has just scored with a cogent point phrased as a question: this is fun? But these two-wheeled warriors, at least the ones that are left, are also master magicians, real Svengalis. They've been outwitting pain for years. Pain, they know, is strong like a bull, but smart like a tractor. They trick pain; they confuse pain; they endure pain like a visit from a mother-in-law. They force pain to a back row. And just when they think everything is under control, the race becomes faster. A rider is pedaling 37 miles per hour and is struggling to hang on. He looks up the road and sees a group of four riding away from the front of the field. He looks down at his speedometer on his handlebars. He's going 38 now. The four are still riding away. This can't be possible.

Road Runners If a rider can hang on and hold out for half the race, something happens. The demon of self-doubt is put to sleep. Confidence begins its slow drip into the veins. You don't need to see a rider's face to know: look at the way he handles his bike. A rider with confidence does not ride with his fingers over the brake levers; he's down in the drops, gripping the bars. He's sailing through turn one in a perfect arc, coming out of the corner in front of the Georgia Theatre cruising comfortably two inches from the curb, intentionally coming within centimeters of the heads of the habitués that are stretched out over the barricade. (No one's ever been beheaded.) He's smiling. He's entered the Zen-zone. This is special. If a rider makes it to the end, there is another factor to consider. Pro teams are expected to win. This is no longer about sportsmanship and fair play, if it ever was. Riders bump and grind and jostle for position. Various invectives are hurled. Psychological tactics are employed. The best sprinters in the world play a terrifying game of chicken: hit the brakes or hit the fence, take your pick. Back off Jack! Riders may be at The 283 Bar afterwards downing a cold beer, but at this point in the race, this is a job. This is a paycheck. This is thousands in prize money. This is winning. These boys are living. The last two or three laps of this race are spectacular. The big teams are amping up the speed as high as it can be humanly maintained. The reason: it's impossible for a rider to move up if he's 20 back and already pedaling at his limit. The disco sprinter on the team - the one expected to win - is sitting forth, fifth or sixth wheel. Out of the last corner, the sprinters have moved up and are now second, third or fourth wheel. These are the spots the winner will come from. The last 200 meters is simply a stripped-bare example of sheer speed. Racers look as if they are trying to tear their bikes apart at the seams as they pull and jerk and twist and pedal in a violent display of inner angst. They cross the line. It's all over. All smiles. That was the greatest race they've ever done. They can't wait to do it again. Have you ever watched film of mountaineers climbing Everest? They're miserable. Their teeth chatter like a jackhammer. Have you heard them speak of their experiences after they return? They can't wait to go back. They're sick, the whole lot of them!

-David Crowe

Georgia Cup #3 - Chattanooga, TN

2008-04-23T09:13:00.004-05:00

Karel Sumbal made the 12 hour drive from Tampa up to Chattanooga to take part in the 3rd stop of the Georgia Cup series. He was alone and up against a stacked field of Pros and elite amateurs, but still managed to unleash his fast finish in his favorite event...the criterium.

Our European cycling phenom "Czechs" in with his report below.

"Last week I went to Chattanooga for the GA cup race. It was 3 stages race. In TT I got my usual bad result 65th out of 75 riders. But in the night crit I did better. There was over 90 guys on the start line and they were announcing all the "big guys" names and saying that it is the most competitive field in the GA cup this year so far. Among the regulars there were 8 guys from Toshiba with Frank Travieso and Mark Hekman (last year Athen's winner) and Keith Noris (National Champ U-23) leading the squad. The Inferno Team with Jeff Hopkins had lots of guys too. The DLP racing, Team Type1, Jittery Joe's and BMC were presented as well.

The race started very fast and stayed like that until the end. The loop was pretty technical with 6 corners and long wide open straight road up to the finish line. There was several breaks but nothing stayed away for very long so the main field was getting ready for the last sprint. Toshiba started their lead up train with 5 laps to go and they really push very hard pace to avoid any jumps from the field and secure their sprinters. I was trying to get to the end of their train where Frank Travieso was sitting but everybody else wanted exactly the same thing so it was very scary elbow to elbow. One second I was almost there next second I was 15 places deeper in the field. But in the last lap I manage to get right on the Travieso's wheel in the last corner. The sprint was pretty long and I was sprinting with few other guys head to head. Frank won, Jeff Hopkins get second Chris Scott got 3rd, Oscar Henao got 4th and I got 5th. I was happy with my place in that competitive field but at the same time I was a bit disappointed because I was so close to be on the podium!!! Oh well maybe next time...

The road race was pretty hard too. Again the field close to 100 guys and pretty challenging terrain in Chattanooga hills in front of us. We did 92 miles (4 loops). First 3 of the 4 loops were OK. There was some break at the front but Toshiba team kept it with in 1min to secure Travieso's over all lead. In the last loop the break got back to the field and the real race started. It was very windy and the field stretched to a single file. After several hard moves the field started splitting and I was in the second group. I tried very hard to bridge back to the front group but it was very hard. I got help from other 4 guys but we still couldn't close it for several miles. We were very close but couldn't quite close that gap. Than when we got close for few bike lengths I jumped across and got back there but I was pretty much done. I gave everything I had in that moment and need some time to recover. Unfortunately in the next hill one guy from BMC launched very hard attack and split the field again this time into many small groups. My vision was pretty blurry and I was just hanging on some wheel in front of me. I had no idea on what position I am. After few miles we formed into a bigger group and were heading to the finish. Somebody said that there is like 30 guys in the front group and that we are racing for 30ish place. I decide to sprint anyway and got 3rd from the main field. After the results came up I realized that there was only 10 guys and I got 13th out of almost 100 guys who started. Frank Travieso won again, Mark Hekman got second and Tod Dullin from DLP racing gets 3rd place. My over all place wasn't that great because of my TT time. In the crit everybody gets the same time and so did the guys who were in my group in the road race so I got 32nd place over all."

-Karel Sumbal

SC State Criterium Championships

2008-04-22T13:34:00.003-05:00

The following report was submitted by Jeff Kopp. Great job this weekend guys!!

"With the South Carolina State Championship Criterium Title on the line Curtis, Jeff, and Clint decided to throw Florida’s hat in the ring. The Crit was held in Hampton Park just off of the Citadel Campus. A flat fast 1 mile loop looked like it would be a good course for us. We knew it was going to be a tough race when we looked at the start list and noticed riders from SC, GA, NC, TN, OH, and FL along with one Professional Team DLP Cycling. The race was fast from the gun with attacks going off non stop. Each team was constantly sending riders up the road in order to establish a break. We had decided as a team since we were only three strong we would sit in for the first 15 minutes and get a feel for which teams were worth watching. We each took turns getting into a move in which the Pro Team DLP Cycling was involved with because we figured nothing would go without them. It turned out DLP Cycling was killing all of the breaks in order to set things of for their sprinter Boyd who was from SC and had also won the day before. With about 8 laps to go a group of 10 riders formed off the front of the field and for some reason the large field was content to just let them hold a 10 second advantage for a few laps. With about 3 laps to go Clint decided to try and get the field to close down the gap and tried jump across the gap into a stiff headwind. After a strong push the effort got to him and he decided to come back to the protection of the peleton. With two laps to go Curtis decided that Lindner Capital better be represented in the group off the front in case the field got lazy and jumped across. DLP Cycling and others finally organized at the front and quickly shut down the break. Jeff grabbed Curtis’s wheel as he skillfully powered onto the back of the DLP Cycling lead out train. It was a really good position and several teams tried to bust in on the DLP Cycling train but Curtis and Jeff held strong. Out of the last corner with about 600meters to the line we were in perfect position about 7 riders from the front. As the sprint started Curtis stood up to start the long lead out and pulled right out of his pedal!. Jeff dove to the right of Curtis to avoid any slow down but Curtis skillfully clipped back in without missing a pedal stroke. We guessed that was probably a 1 in 10 shot. At 35 mph clipping out is REALLY SCARY! The sprint was on and Jeff having lost Curtis’s wheel the deal was to both sprint for results. Lindner Capital ended up 6th (Curtis) and 7th (Jeff) for the day"

Atomic Race Weekend Road Race

2008-04-09T08:48:00.002-05:00

Thirty five pro/1/2 racers headed to Quincy, Florida April 6, 2008 to race in the Team Atomic Race Weekend Road Race. After the criterium was cancelled the night before due to lightning, the racers were chomping at the bit to get on their bikes and mix it up. Lindner Capital was represented by Jeff Kopp, Clint Bridier, Curtis Long, Karel Sumbal and Ryan Saylor and was the largest team in the field with five riders. Other major teams present were Naples Cyclery and Velo Brew out of Jacksonville. Though they were there without strong team representation, the men to watch were obviously going to be Joel and Daniel Chavez (Preferred Alliance) as well as professionals Emile Abraham and Joe Eldridge of Team Type-1.

The race started under overcast skies. Lindner Capital decided to be aggressive right from the start. Since Curtis Long had been under the weather the last couple of weeks and it was questionable whether he’d be able to finish well, he decided to go out on the attack early to put pressure on the other teams. Someone attacked hard right off the start line but the group reluctantly followed and chased him down. Then Long counter attacked and with such a long race ahead, the group decided one person could not make it on his own and let him go.

Over the next 10 miles, Clint Bridier and Jeff Kopp set tempo on the front to discourage chasing and bridge attempts up to Long while Karel Sumbal and Ryan Saylor focused on going with and sitting on every attack. Eventually, Gary Yates (Naples Cyclery) recognized that, being on one of the largest teams in the field, catching up with someone from the largest team would provide lots of support in the field to discourage chasing and stifle attacks. Lindner Capital had the same thought and let Yates go to help their lone teammate up the road. Sure enough, Yates caught Long and the two worked well together and were quickly out of sight from the field.

Bridier and Kopp continued doing an outstanding job setting tempo and covering attacks until Kopp suffered a flat tire. He drifted back through the pack and waited for the wheel truck. Bridier dropped back to help Kopp pace back up to the field while Sumbal and Saylor continued their jobs of covering attacks. The value of Bridier’s and Kopp’s presence was immediately felt once they were absent from the group.

Sumbal, who has had bad luck in many of the races so far this year, was determined to get a good result today and was covering almost every single move that came from the field and eventually found himself off the front with current Master’s National Criterium Champion Jason Snow (YSG/Metrahomes/Wendy’s) and Daniel Domingo (Velo Brew) and worked diligently to stay away and catch up to his teammate.

At this point, it was looking very good for Lindner Capital with 2 guys in the top 5 on the road. However, the Chavez brothers were none too happy with racing for 6th place and chased and attacked relentlessly to bring back the chase group. Saylor successfully stifled these attacks for probably 15 miles but they were taking their toll on him. Finally, Joel Chavez attacked and Saylor cracked and could not answer. Chavez gained a gap on the field with a couple cohorts. With perfect timing, Jeff Kopp sprinted past the field and up to Chavez group. Kopp had just caught back up to the field after chasing for 15 miles with the help of Clint Bridier. Unfortunately, the mammoth effort required to get Jeff back to the field cost Bridier his race as he selflessly sacrificed himself for teammate Kopp.

Unfortunately, despite the efforts of Kopp and Saylor the Chavez brothers were eventually successful and almost single-handedly brought back Karel’s chase group of three while Long’s and Yates’ lead had grown to 4 minutes. After several more moves were unsuccessful, a group of seven riders slipped away including Jason Snow, Emile Abraham and his teammate Joe Eldridge, Joel Chavez, a Velo Brew rider, Andy Holland (Naples Cyclery) and Ryan Saylor. Because Saylor and the Naples rider both had teammates up the road, they had a free pass to not help in the effort to chase down the breakaway. Even still, the five others in the chase group worked together enough to bring back the dog-tired legs of Yates and Long bringing the breakaway to nine riders with 15 miles left in the race.

The miles were taking their toll on everyone, especially Curtis Long and Gary Yates who had spent almost the entire race off the front. With about 5 miles left in the race Emile Abraham attacked on one of the climbs causing Long to lose contact with the break. Only Joel Chavez could respond to Abraham’s attack and the two were not to be caught by the remaining 6 breakaway riders. Abraham, who has won many national level races out sprinted Chavez to take the win. Eldridge attacked on the final rise before the finish and no one could respond to him either, leaving the remainder shooting for fourth place. Young Andy Holland put in his last dig at the top of the same rise. S aylor followed but could not come around him in the final meters and took third 5th place finish of the season. Impressively, a spent Long was able to hold off a chase group of three and hold on to 9th place while Sumbal was only bested by Daniel Chavez for the group finish and took a respectable 14th place.

-Ryan Saylor

Webster Roubaix

2008-03-24T08:05:00.006-05:00

"Fifty-one men showed up for the 105 mile long Webster Roubaix road race, known for it’s 2.5 mile long dirt road stretch on a 9 mile long loop. Conditions were near perfect with a temperature around 60 degrees and overcast skies. Many of the usual suspects of Florida racing were present including Herbalife, Preferred Alliance, and Blue Star as the major players with surprise visits from Scott Tietzel (Jelly Belly) and Daniel Holt (Team Type-1). Team Lindner Capital was represented by Karel Sumbal and Ryan Saylor.

The race started off neutral in the middle of the dirt stretch. Once the last rider hit the pavement, the race officially started and the attacks began to fly. One group of three slipped off the front and lingered about 30 seconds off the front of the group as Herbalife and Blue Star set tempo to keep them from gaining too much of a lead. After a couple of laps the trio were safely back in the group. Unfortunately, Ryan Saylor suffered a broken spoke at the end of the second lap and despite a fairly quick wheel change could not catch back up to the field.

On the 5th of 12 laps, six men escaped the grasp of the field for good. Daniel Chavez and Chris Keen (both of Preferred Alliance), Joel Chavez, Bobby Sweeting (Toshiba/Santo), Daniel Holt (Team Type-1) and 16-year-old Mike Niemi (Metro Volkswagen) rode steady and were soon out of sight of the field. Although Herbalife missed the break and had 3 riders on the front of the field chasing, it simply wasn’t enough. The break away continued to gain advantage. Then, during a moment of lost concentration, University of Florida student Chris Keen overlapped wheels with fellow Gainesville resident Mike Niemi in a turn and lost control and crashed taking Daniel Holt down with him. Holt quickly scrambled and was able to regain contact with the break away but Keen was out of the race leaving only 5 men in the breakaway.

Meanwhile back in the field, more attacks came as racers wanted to at least form a chase group. Eventually, Alison Anjos (Herbalife), Ricardo Hernandez (Blue Star) and Sean Coleman (U.S. Military) slipped away to form a chase group and Garrett White, Adam Baskin (Team 19) and Donnie Autore formed yet another chase group. While Karel Sumbal was active in the closing laps trying to get in a late move, all were reeled back in by the field.

Bobby Sweeting (another University of Florida student) surprised the crowd and out sprinted Daniel Chavez to take the win. Daniel Holt took third, Joel Chavez forth and Mike Niemi took 5th.

With two chase groups of three between the breakaway and the peleton, the field was now sprinting for the last money place of twelfth. Andrew Gonzolas graciously took that money with sprinters Frank Lopez and Karel Sumbal close behind to take 13th and 14th places respectively ahead of the hard charging field."

-Ryan Saylor

Perry-Roubaix

2008-03-19T12:05:00.007-05:00

Below is the update from Ryan...also of note, Karel Sumbal did the Masters 30+ race on Saturday morning and finished in 3rd place for a podium spot!

"This past weekend Jeff, Curtis, Karel and Ryan headed up to Perry, Georgia to represent Lindner Capital in the Perry – Roubaix race weekend. There was a time trial and circuit race on Saturday and a road race with a dirt section on Sunday. The format was an omnium, not a stage race meaning the overall placings were not based on time, but rather points earned for placing in the top 15 of each race.

Time Trial

The time trial route was mostly on a Georgia state highway in an out and back configuration. The course was rolling with one fairly long climb near the turn around.
Jeff in route to a 12th place finish
The weather was pretty nasty in the morning with a bunch of freak tornados striking the Atlanta area just a couple hours north the same morning. Fortunately, it eased up for the time trial except for some strong wind. Forty two people registered for the time trial and Floridians Bobby Sweeting and Frank Trevieso (both of Toshiba) took the two top spots. Jeff was Lindner Capital’s top finisher at respectable 12th place.

Circuit Race

The circuit race was later in the day and the weather remained stable with no rain but plenty of wind gusts to make things difficult. Toshiba controlled much of the race covering the breakaways that they didn’t initiate themselves. While Lindner Capital was able to stay in the mix of most of them, eventually one slipped away and within a couple laps it was obvious that they were not coming back. More attacks ensued to create a chase group. Jeff and Curtis remained active and were able to get in many of these. Finally, Curtis got in a strong chase group with Mike Niemi (Metro Volkswagen) and two Toshiba riders including Frank Trevieso. The field slowed to a crawl watching these four ride away. It didn’t take long and the original breakaway ended up lapping the field despite the relatively long lap. Additionally, Curtis’s chase group was also about to take a lap from the field and caught the field/breakaway. This brought the number of people who lapped the field to about a dozen riders. After getting some reprieve in the group, Curtis was ready to take on the sprint and found his way up to Jeff Kopp’s wheel who took him up near the front of the group. Curtis unleashed his sprint and was able to beat all but 4 of the dozen who lapped the field. It was a great finish in a tough race. Karel again showed his sprinting prowes s and also finished near the front of the group taking about 4th place of the lapped riders.

Road Race

The road race saw clear skies and cool but not cold weather. The course was rolling with two fairly tough hills to hurt the rider’s legs. Additionally, there was about a 2 mile long dirt (clay) section the racers had to traverse every lap of the 8 lap, 100 mile race. With a hard rain the night before the race however, the dirt had a gummy feel but was not loose sand as it was in 2007. It wasn’t long into the race before the attacks started to fly. Ryan got into a break of 6 riders eight mile s into the race. The break included 2 Myogenesis riders (one of the larger teams in the field) as well as Daniel Vaillancourt, a Toshiba rider (formally of Colavita/SutterHome), which seemed like a good mix. The break stayed away for close to 40 miles and despite a steady and fairly balanced workload, the 6 riders could not keep the field away and were caught half way through the race. More attacks followed and two riders, Australian Tommy Nankervis (Toshiba) and Canadian Bruno Langlois (Myogenesis), who both previously raced on Jittery Joe’s, were able to get away never to be seen by the field again. Later a chase group formed with six more riders containing Floridian Sean Coleman (US Armed Forces Cycling Team) who took 2nd in the race in 2007. The group was quickly out-of-sight of the field and 65 miles into the race, it seemed as if the breaks were established as the field grew lethargic. Finally, Ryan slipped away with two riders and the trio worked steadily. Soon the 6 man chase group was in sight and another lap later, the two groups merged to form a 9 man group chasing duo Nankervis and Langlois. The race was taking its toll however and the 9 men split into three, three-man groups over the course of the last lap. Ryan made the 2nd group of three who worked diligently to keep the following group at bay and the group ahead in sight. In the closing miles, it was apparent that none of the groups would catch each other. Ryan attacked his group with one mile left in the contest and was able to hold them off until the finish for 6th place."

-Ryan Saylor

Ryan Rages at Rouge Roubaix!

2008-03-11T07:28:00.004-05:00

Ryan Saylor was the sole representative from Lindner Capital at Rouge Roubaix and has compiled this report:

2008 Rouge Roubaix

"Mike Niemi and I made our way up to the 10th edition of Rouge Roubaix Road Race this past weekend in St. Francisville, Louisiana. This classic road race covers 100 miles in one big loop and traverses greatly varying road conditions from smooth-as-glass, fresh pavement to horrible, pothole ridden roads plus three fairly long sections of dirt/gravel roads. The “A” race (pro/1/2/3) started at 8am with well over 100 riders. Temperatures at the start were a finger-freezing 37 degrees, but were expected to reach the low 60s by the end of the race causing many quandaries for the racers when deciding what to wear.

With a long race ahead and near freezing temperatures, the race started expectedly slow. Soon after the start, Mike’s young Metro Volkswagen squad (directed by former Florida racer Nathan Rogut) took control of the race and sent three riders to the front to set tempo early in the race. While their pace was far from fast, it was just fast enough to keep almost everyone content with just sitting the slipstream. However, some impatient racers couldn’t sit still and would intermittently attack only to get reeled back in by the steady effort of Metro Volkswagen. Eventually, a Hotel San Jose rider attacked and a Metro Volkswagen rider was sent up to him. I saw this as an opportunity since the most well represented team i n the race, Metro Volkswagen, was now in a break so I jumped across making the break three strong. It quickly became evident that the break was going nowhere because the Metro Volkswagen kid wasn’t pulling. Despite this, we quickly gained a minute gap on the field. I was satisfied working in our destined-to-fail break because I hoped to make it to the first dirt section without trying to compete with 125 guys going ballistic trying to be the first to the dirt and my plan worked. We were caught a few miles into the first dirt section and I elbowed my way into the front of the hard charging pack. The group hammered through the first 8 or so mile long dirt section only to hit the pavement again all together. For the nex t 25 miles or so (all smooth pavement), Metro Volkswagen again went to the front and set tempo while the rest of the field lazily sat on. However, the second dirt section started with a mile long climb and the selection seemed to form with 12 or so riders slipping off the front (including myself) and managed to get out of sight of the field. Unfortunately, lack of cohesion made the gap short lived and we were caught a few miles later when back on paved road. The group stayed together again until the third and final dirt section about 75 miles into the race. This section also started with a steep, leg-breaking gravel climb which finally fractured the field into several smaller groups. While one guy slipped away solo, I found myself in a group of 10 who tried suc cessfully to fend off the next group for the remaining 25 miles. Amazingly, the solo guy held his lead until the finish (I didn’t even know he was off until after the race was over). I managed 4th place in my group for 5th overall.

This was a great race and I would recommend it to any of you who are up for a little adventure."

- Ryan Saylor

Georgia Cup #1 - Albany

2008-03-04T07:44:00.018-05:00

Once again, here is another great race report from Ryan Saylor:

Regions Bank Albany Stage Race
Team Lindner Capital made their way up to Albany, Georgia the first weekend of March for the Regions Bank Albany Stage Race, the first stop of the Georgia Cup race series of races. Jeff Kopp, Curtis Long, Karel Sumbal, Clint Bridier and Ryan Saylor were in attendance to represent Lindner Capital. The weather was nice all weekend which made for some great racing. The stage race consisted of three stages—a prologue, a criterium and a 85 mile road race. Some big teams were represented in the race including Jelly Belly, Health Net and Jittery Joe’s.

Time Trial
The time trial snaked around the crit course in downtown Albany and ended up being a little less than 2 miles with no less than eleven 90 degree turns and one 180 degree turn around a roundabout. John Murphy (Health Net), who just two weeks prior tied Tom Boonen for 20th in the Tour of California Prologue (and finished one second faster than Bobby Julich), smoked the Albany course with a time of 4:07 to win the opening stage in a field of 70 Pro-Am starters. Notably, Florida’s own time trial specialist, Grant Potter (Herbalife), just missed a podium spot and took 4th. Curtis Long again proved he’s a force to be reckoned with in the race of truth with his 9th place finish. Jeff Kopp also had a great ride and missed a top ten by less than one second taking 11th.

Criterium
Later in the day, 74 riders lined up for the criterium. The race had eight 90 degree turns per lap with some brick crosswalks thrown in for good measure. Attacks were fast and furious throughout the race but none could gain any significant gap.

Criterium start and Karel sprinting for the line

In the end, the group was destined for a field sprint and Curtis Long again came through for Lindner Capital. Long led the pack through the last two turns and opened up a massive sprint but Emilio Esconeguy (Latino Cycling Team) edged him out by the width of a tire. Floridians Chris Scott and Seth Hansley (both of Locos Grill & Pub) rode well to take 4th and 7th respectively and Lindner Capital’s Karel Sumbal avoided his string of recent bad luck an d finished a strong 8th place thus giving two riders in the top ten for Lindner Capital.

Curtis on the podium after taking 2nd in the criterium

Congrats for Curtis...and the ever popular Czechoslovakian, Karel Sumbal

Road Race
The road race course showed the riders the fantastic roads just outside of Albany. The roads were relatively flat and lined with many open pastures with which the breeze tended to pick up speed. The race started off at a cool 51 degrees, but the sun brought the temperature above 60 in the first hour of racing. For the first 5 miles or so, the cool weather kept the pace easy. As the riders warmed up, so did the race. It seemed as if alarms sounded every time John Murphy (Health Net) or Nicholas Riestad (Jelly Belly) attacked as the group quickly reacted to each of their moves. Within the first 10 miles of the race, a group of three formed off the front including 16 year o ld Floridian Mike Niemi (Metro Volkswagen). Niemi, just a junior in high school, is the training partner of Lindner Capital’s Ryan Saylor. While the field didn’t seem too concerned with the break away, the three kept their heads down and worked relentlessly to stay away. The field continued to see attacks which even brought the break away trio to within two hundred meters at one point. The three would not give in and continued their fight. As the apathetic field started to dally, the gap opened again and the break was soon out of sight. About 30 miles into the contest, a chase group of 10 formed containing Lindner Capital’s Ryan Saylor. By the 40 mile mark, the chase group caught the break away and the break was then 13 men strong. One of the 13 poorly took a musset bag in the feed zone, crashed and ended his race early bringing the break away down to 12 riders. The gap continued to grow between the break away and the field and swelled to over 4 minutes. Saylor nabbed two time bonuses during the race for a total of 4 seconds in intermittent “king of the mountain” sprints. While the break away rotated steadily for mile after mile, attacks continued in the field and eventually another 10 riders slipped away to form a chase group. However, the break away was not to be caught. Saylor, not known for his sprint, could only muster 7th place in the end just edging out his tra ining partner Niemi who is required by the USA governing body of cycling to race the pro/1/2 races using junior [smaller] gears. Karel Sumbal (Lindner Capital) finished strong taking second in the field sprint.

Team Lindner Capital ready to start...as Jeff wonders why he can read his arm warmers, and nobody else can...

Karel takes 2nd in the field sprint

Overall
The overall standings were overshadowed by the road race with the lead group of the road race finishing 4 minutes faster than the chase group and six minutes faster than the field, thus neutralizing time gains in the time trial except for the twelve who were in the road race break away. In the end, Mike Niemi (Metro Volkswagen) took 7th overall and Ryan Saylor (Lindner Capital), just four seconds slower, took 10th overall. Fifth place and tenth place overall were separated by just 5 seconds. Stage races often make riders think about where they could have saved a second here and a second there and the Albany edition of the Georgia Cup was no different!

Results for all races can be found here.

- Ryan Saylor

Note: The race leader going into the road race, John Murphy, was disqualified for multiple "center line rule" violations. From what I hear through Curtis, he got into some kind of shouting match with a motorcycle official...and some obscene gestures and language were used, and the official DQ'd him...strange turn of events for such an incredibly gifted rider.

Lake Mary Criterium

2008-02-28T08:25:00.006-05:00

Lindner Capital once again rode very well to finish with some great results on the day. Curtis and Jeff lined up to do the Masters 35+ just to gain more fitness for the upcoming events of the season. Both held their efforts to around 80%, like the day before, and were able to easily take 1st and 2nd in the field sprint finishing in 2nd and 3rd place overall. They then got ready for the Pro 1,2 race (Curtis' 4th of the weekend!).

Ryan "Strongman" Saylor sent in the following report:

"The Lake Mary Crit was blessed with better weather with mostly sunny skies. The fairer weather brought many more racers to the start of the pro/1/2 race with close to twice as many riders as the previous day. Among the extra riders were Jeff Kopp, Clint Bridier and Andy Mills who joined Curtis Long, Karel Sumbal and Ryan Saylor to represent Lindner Capital. The 3 corner course had wide turns and was laden with attack after attack, none of which could stay away for very long. Lindner Capital raced well throughout the race being present in almost every break away of the day. Moreover, the break away presence by Lindner Capital was spread amongst ALL of its riders, not just a select few. Unfortunately, some of Karel Sumbal's bad luck from last weekend resurfaced as a rider in front of him knocked over a cone and cause him to crash hard landing on his head. Fortunately, he was able to regain his composure enough to rejoin the group after taking a free lap. The most significant break happened with 20 minutes plus 5 laps to go in the race. Seven riders slipped off the front with representation by one Herbalife rider and TWO Lindner Capital riders (Long and Saylor), Shane Braley (Wheel N Sprocket), Todd Sanders (Toshiba/Santo), Bobby Sweeting (Aerospace Engineering Group) and another rider. The group worked together erratically and while they remained clear of the bunch, they never gained a substantial gap on the field. Reportedly, Florida strong man Joel Chavez (Preferred Alliance) chased for lap after lap in attempt to bring back the 7 man break. After 20 minutes off the front, the breakaway was struggling to keep cohesion. Sweeting attacked the break hard but could not shake Saylor, the Herbalife rider and Braley. The four worked furiously together in the closing laps but were swept up on the last lap by the hard chasing group. Going into the last turn, Jeff Kopp attacked for a long sprint from 400 meters out and was only passed by four riders with Eduardo Colon, Rudy Robaina (Herbalife) and Horace McFarlane respectively filling out the podium."

-Ryan Saylor

Sanford Lakefront Criterium

2008-02-28T08:17:00.005-05:00

Once again Lindner Capital had a successful day. Before the Pro 1,2 race, Curtis decided to do the Masters 35+ race for extra fitness. Racing at about 80% effort he was able to snag second place between two Herbalife book ends. About an hour later he lined up for the Pro 1,2.

Ryan "Strongman" Saylor, our race correspondent, has sent in this report of the action:

"The Sanford Criterium was a soggy race and was not well attended by many of the usual suspects. The most obvious absent racers were those from the south Florida area. Nonetheless, twenty-eight brave souls lined up for 70 minutes of slogging it out on a six turn course riddled with brick roads and painted corners. The two biggest teams in the race were Herbalife Racing Team and Texas Roadhouse. Herbalife had 6-8 riders while Texas Roadhouse had at least 4 or 5. Lindner Capital was represented by Karel Sumbal, Curtis Long and Ryan Saylor. Karel rode pretty well surfing the front of the group for most of the race while Long struggled to find a rhythm. Saylor's corning skills proved to be lacking on the wet course as he struggled to keep pace through the turns. Zach Morris, who took 2nd in the Gainesville crit, and Allison Anjos (both of Herbalife) riders slipped away without enough reaction from the field and that was the last the group saw of them. Karel, despite missing the break, continued to ride smartly near the front. With 5 minutes and 5 laps to go, Mike Niemi (Metro Volkswagon), current US Junior National Time Trial Champion, attacked the group in an attempt to go for 3rd place without the danger of the closing lap craziness of a bunch sprint. Grant Potter (Herbalife), a time trialist himself, would have no part of it and brought him back with 5 laps left in the race. Saylor, who somehow found his way to the front, immediately attacked in another attempt at the final podium spot. Three laps later, Saylor was joined by Bobby Sweeting (Aerospace Engineering Group). However, the duo was caught with one lap left in the contest. The bunch sprint was won by Chad Burdzilauskas (Texas Roadhouse) followed by Rudy Robaina (Herbalife) who were teammates in 2007 on the now defunct CycleScience Racing Team. Sprinter Frank Lopez got the best of Lindner Capital's Karel Sumbal who took a respectable 6th place."

-Ryan Saylor

Race for Humanity Criterium

2008-02-18T14:51:00.004-05:00

Here's a wrap up of the Dade Race for Humanity Criterium last Sunday...thanks again to Ryan for the race report:

"Sunday's Humanity Crit saw only Victor Rodriguez, Karel Sumbal and Ryan Saylor for Lindner Capital. With another large field starting the crit and many racers looking for revenge for Saturday's battle of endurance, the race strung out to single file from the gun. Victor and Karel rode smart from the onset and stayed in the front half of the field seemingly out of trouble. Saylor started near the back and quickly found himself near the rear of a field that was breaking up in several places. Within 15 minutes of starting the race, Saylor was off the back in a small group of discouraged riders who watched the field disappear in the distance around the many turns of the tight course. The field saw many attacks and threatening breakaways, but it wasn't until Ivan Franco escaped with John Durango (both of Toshiba/Santo) that a break actually stuck. Franco and Durango were flying through the turns and increased their lead over the field every lap. Not long thereafter, the break awa y duo lapped the sad group of about eight dropped riders (containing Saylor) who refused to forfiet thier entry fees. Franco and Durango blasted past the dropped riders without concern while the struggling group could not miss the fast wheels that just passed them and latched onto the two blazing teammates. It soon became clear that their misfortune was turning around as the Toshiba/Santo riders were pulling the dropped riders back into contention. Seth Hansley (Locos) and Saylor were the only riders able to keep pace with the breakaway and were delighted to find themselves back in the peloton and in contention for 3rd place. Several more laps ticked off and Saylor was able to join Rodriguez near the front of the group. Unfortunately, a tough race took it's toll on tired riders and one of several crashes took down Lindner Capital's sprinter Karel Sumbal who suffered a broken fork in the collision. Suprisingly, Saylor managed to hold onto 13th place (one spot out of the prize m
oney) with Rodriguez close behind. After this weekend, Karel's luck can only get better and we'll look for him to place well in Orlando next weekend!"

Ryan Saylor

San Antonio Road Race

2008-02-18T14:44:00.004-05:00

Ryan Saylor for the second weekend in a row made the winning break to finish 8th place in the hilly San Antonio Road Race. He sent in this report from Saturday:

"San Antonio proved again to be a brutal venue for the 2008 edition of the Race for Humanity. While eighty five miles isn't the longest road race around, add in some long central Florida hills and the miles take their toll. The weather couldn't be much nicer to the racers with blue skies and a high around 80 degrees. Lindner Capital was represented by Jeff Kopp, Curtis Long, Victor Rodriguez, Karel Sumbal, Clint Bridier and Ryan Saylor. With over one hundred racers starting the pro/1/2 race, the large field started relatively slow with the group pedaling with nervous trepidation. Soon however, the attacks starting flying and Phil Gaimon slipped away with a handful of riders which did not include any of the normal Florida big names. They did however gain about a minute and a half on the field who did not seem overly concerned with the move. Phil Gaimon unfortunately got a flat tire and was forced to wait for the wheel truck which trailed the field. This seemed doom for the break away, but rumor had it that Frank Trevieso, now with Toshiba/Santo, bridged across to the break and replaced Gaimon with a different set of worthy legs. Not too surprisingly, after changing his wheel Gaimon caught back up to the field. After some relentless work from Gaimon combined with sporadic attacks from the field the break was eventually brought back about 50 miles into the race. More attacks followed from Winston David (Aerospace Engineering) and Gaimon until the rubber band broke again--this time with Gaimon, David and Allison Anjos (Herbal Life). The trio quickly gained over a minute lead before Daniel Larson (CycleScience) attacked the field with a Preferred Alliance rider in tow. The two also gained a lead on the field and seemed to be on their way to bridge to the leading trio. Ryan Saylor ( Lindner Capital), jumped out of the field with yet another Preferred Alliance rider and after some leg breaking work tagged onto Larson and the Preferred Alliance rider. Larson, Saylor and the two Preferred Alliance riders worked together, but didn't seem to gain on the lead trio. After 10 miles of suffering, the four chasers were caught by yet another group of chasers containing many of the usual Florida big names (Joel Chavez, Ivan Franco, Ricardo Hernandez, John Durango, Rudy Robaina and more). The chase group then swelled to as many as a dozen riders or so. However, the group's unforgiving pace left five riders heading back towards the peleton while Saylor found himself unfittingly among what seemed to be a Spanish armada of strong men. Outgunned, Saylor sat on the back of a blistering fast group until the lead trio was run down with only a few miles left in the contest. Broken, Allison Anjos and Winston David could n ot withstand the final attacks from the anxious favorites and rolled in just behind the lead group. John Durango outsprinted defending state road race champion Joel Chavez for the win. Rafeal Meran rounded out the podium. Ricardo Hernandez took fourth. Phil Gaimon, not known for his sprinting, managed to come away with fifth followed by Ivan Franco in sixth. Ryan Saylor hung on for 8th place. After some unfortunate mishaps, Kopp, Long, Rodriguez, Sumbal and Bridier rolled in strong amongst a peloton which left over half the starters as casualties."

Ryan Saylor

Pictures from the UF criterium

2008-02-14T13:18:00.008-05:00

Thanks to Jim Wright from the Jacksonville Racing Club for these pictures!

Ryan covering Joel Chavez

Ryan making the jump to the winning break

Me in an early break with Phil Gaimon...some guy sitting on in pink, and then an Herbalife rider bridged up...but, it all came to nothing

Me looking back for some help as Joel attacks

Shawn Burke - Velocity Multisport Coaching

2008-02-12T12:34:00.000-05:00

Speaking of sponsors...I have to tell you about another one of our sponsors, Shawn Burke. Shawn and his associates (Rich McLaughlin, Susan Wallis) at Velocity Multisport set up training plans for our team and is one of our new sponsors this year. Everyone knows, or should know, that the single best thing you can do to help you reach your potential in any sport is to get a coach.

Velocity Multisport has a wealth of knowledge in triathlons, swimming, running and cycling. They're able to plan an athlete's season using data from heart rate monitoring history...or more accurately, watts. I found the following short clip about Shawn on the internet and just wanted to share it.

Shawn Burke - Athlete Spotlight

Shawn...in a short movie!

Thanks to Velocity Multisport for all their help and support for the coming year.

University of Florida race weekend

2008-02-12T09:44:00.001-05:00

Saturday
Today was an 8 mile time trial...about 4 miles out and back with a few small rolling hills. There was a tailwind on the way out, and a headwind on the way back.

Since this race is organized by UF students, there are always delays. The first wave of riders started an 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours behind schedule. I'm not going to complain because I'm happy that they are taking the initiative to keep this race going. I know it's a thankless job, and we all appreciate the opportunity to have another race on the schedule.

The results are posted, but they are still incomplete. Curtis had a great race and was the top finisher for our team in 9th place. I snuck in ahead of Jeff for the next spot, and the "Koppster" continued to show his TT prowess one place back. So, we ended up in 9th, 10th, and 11th. Two top 10's...not bad.

The Koppster giving lessons on proper TT warmup and form...

Sunday
This was the downtown Gainesville criterium course that has a bumpy brick section all the way from corner 1, through corner 2, and about 25-50 yards on the back stretch. As an added bonus, right before the 3rd corner there was some construction in the road which had been filled in with limestone...nice.

The way the course was setup, it made it somewhat difficult to get away. There were many attempts before a group of 4 leapt off the front and included one of our newest team members, and Gainesville resident...Ryan Saylor. This was a good move and we were happy with Ryan representing Lindner Capital for a possible win. Unfortunately, a group of 3 bridged up to Ryan...and the rest of us missed it. Having only one person in the break of 7 wasn't great odds. The breakaway had a lot of horsepower and gained a gap very quickly. We covered the rest of the attempts to latch onto the break...but none of those came close.

Ryan rode a great race and was 5th, an excellent effort for one of our "non sprinters". It was great to see Ryan place in his hometown race, and we were all happy for him.

Our first tier goal is to put someone in the top 5, and we accomplished that level. The whole team rode great and worked together as a cohesive unit. Only good things can come from working together...and they will.

Chris Lieto...and Baseperformance.com

2008-02-12T08:35:00.000-05:00

So...Jeff Kopp tells us that he has this buddy of his from high school who is a pretty good triathlete, and he's going to have him come in and speak at the Trek Store. Turns out, it's one of our sponsors...and 4 time Ironman Champion...Chris Lieto! I'm not sure what they've put in the drinking water around Jeff's high school, but I want some...it seems that most of Jeff's old buddies have turned Pro in some sport.

Now Jeff tells me that we need to help Chris find a place to do a little training while he's here. Hmmm, well cycling we have covered (Jeff took care of that)...running, he's on his own...now a place to swim. Danny "Aquaman" Domingo volunteered to take him to the YMCA at Ponte Vedra. Danny does a great job putting me in the hurt box every time we dip a toe in the water, so it was nice to see him get some of his own medicine for once. Below is Danny's brief report after I asked him if he showed Chris who was boss:

"NO HE SHOWED ME.. nice fellow - tell Jeff thanks a bunch.. nice to swim with the guy who led Hawaii till mile 16 on the run. It was a hard swim – i need some fitness - 18x100s as follows:

5x 100s on 1:20 – holding 9-10s – swim
5x100s on 1:15 holding 7s - Chris was 5s -swim
5x100s on 1:20 had to take a 50 break – and put on paddles to keep up- 1:10s
3x100s swim on 1:15 – 6-7s Chris was 5s. swim

We were gonna do 20 but the pool was closing. . He is fit..."

Later that day Chris went at the Trek Store to give a presentation. A lot of athletes, especially those who are world class like Chris, talk about their results and how they've done in their races...but, he spoke about how to set and accomplish goals. It was more of a motivational speech that was highly entertaining, informative, and got the whole crowd involved. When it was over he hung out and answered questions and posed for pictures with anyone who wanted them. Not only an incredible athlete, but a great speaker and very personable guy. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.

He's also spent a lot of time developing a nutritional line that should be coming out this month. It's part of a venture called Base Performance Nutrition, and will have products to be used before, during, and after a race for recovery...keep an eye out for those products in both of Jeff's stores soon.

Jeff introducing Chris Lieto

Chris Lieto asking for another Salmon wrap from Native Sun

Setting goals and how to achieve them

Chris and Jeff...two Pro multisport athletes, between the two of them they have running, cycling, swimming, triathlons, water polo, football, and bull riding covered...did I miss anything??

Me telling Chris his days of having the fastest bike split in triathlons are numbered...he looks worried!

Here's another account of Lieto's presentation.

Battle of Olustee Training Race

2008-02-06T08:18:00.000-05:00

Due to illness and other engagements, Lindner Capital was absent from the famous Battle of Olustee training race in Gainesville, FL. This is a great ride, and am sorry to have missed it this year.

Although, we have this amusing report written by Phil Gaimon:

"On a hot Sunday afternoon somewhere near the Georgia border, an epic battle was brewing. The 75-strong field was pumped, fueled from a 45 minute store stop, and itching for intensity after Dan Larson decided to let a team of prematurely-attacking (and kinda creepy) recumbents just ride away from the group. We turned a corner and began to head back south. Eying a hill in the distance, I looked to Kerry Duggan for a sign.

“Can I go?” I asked.

Kerry replied with a simple gesture, pointing his finger in the air, and firing to start the festivities. I shot off as hard as I could, and the field hesitated behind. They were motivated when they figured out that it was on for real this time, and I wasn’t sure where the next turn was, so I came back pretty quickly, only to be countered by Jim Wright and his tandem partner, cruising along at 35 mph in their national champion jerseys. The field had learned how dangerous they were last year, so the rotation was quick to organize, and a small group bridged, soon followed by the rest of the field.

Attacks went back and forth for the rest of the day, as the aggressive group and the tandem factor eliminated any need for an organized rotation. Most of the attacks contained some combination of myself, David Gutt, Gary Yates, a GCC guy named Andreas, Big Phil, Little Mike Niemi, Chris J, Rudy Robaina, and the tandem (which may or may not have contained a motor). The group thinned on some of the hills, but as 15 active riders ripped each others’ legs off, most of the field was able to sit in and save energy for the sprint.

Big Phil was dangling off the front as we turned onto Millhopper. His well-timed move was countered by Jim Wright, who has been informed that it’s dick to bring a tandem on a group ride, but he’s old so he’ll probably forget by next year. As out-of-towners mumbled to each other asking where the sprint was, I took advantage of the twisty roads and confusion and tried to sneak away. I had a solid gap and good legs, but it was not to be, as the resilient Gary Yates dragged Rudy Robaina up to me with 1 k to go. With the remaining group of about 40 riders breathing down our necks, they refused to work, which made me wonder why they had bothered to come across at all. I tried to explain it to them, but they insisted on saving every last bit of energy for the sprint ahead, although I was welcome to drag them to the line if I was so inclined. It was a wise choice on their part, as I blew up and got a great view of the sprint, rocketing backwards through the field as if I had pulled a parachute.

Gary led out the sprint, and it appeared that Rudy had victory in the bag until David Guttenplan unleashed the powerful sprint that he pulls out of his ass whenever he needs it (if he can find it among all the furniture in there). Inches from oncoming traffic, David was gaining fast. Tragically, the hometown hero had found the hole too late, and ran out of road, leaving Rudy Robaina with the final glory, as Dan Larson claimed the final podium spot. The 115 miles was completed in about 4 hours and 45 minutes."

Lindner Capital takes 3rd and 4th

2008-02-06T07:56:00.000-05:00

Curtis and Jeff returned Saturday evening from the Space Coast Time Trial with Lindner Capital's first podium placing of the year. Jeff was 3rd and Curtis was 4th in the opening race of the year, and the first time trial.

Great job in St. Cloud, Florida and an excellent way to begin the season!

Bring It On Series #2

2008-01-30T08:33:00.000-05:00

This past Satuday was the Florida Famous training criterium, Bring It On Series, and it was the second of a three part series. I wasn't able to make it, but our newest team member, Ryan Saylor, sent in this update:

Hello Team,

The race this weekend proved to be a valuable one for all that attended. It was useful in the sense that we know we have work to do when working together as a team.

Another surprising turnout of 40 riders in the A race despite cold, wet conditions in the hours leading up to the race. Fortunately the weather started to break about 30 mins before the race started and by the end of the race the roads were almost dry. With seven guys in the race, we were the biggest team in attendance.

I think we were all pretty confident that a good result wouldn't be too difficult for us, but Phil Gaimon (Fiordifrutta), the Chavez brothers (Preferred Alliance), Gary Yates (Naples Cyclery) and Winston David (Aerospace) kept us on the defensive all day. With constant attacks for the first 15 laps of the 25 lap event, the rubber band was stretched thin many times but just wouldn't break until fairly late in the race. Finally 10 guys got up the road with only Mitch Hall representing Lindner Capital. While Mitch worked hard to keep the break going, there were too many guys up there and some decided not to rotate which kept them in reach for the hard charging pack. Just before the pack closed in on the break, 4 riders slipped away off the front of the break. Dan Chavez, Gary Yates, Phil Gaimon pushed the pace hard while John Salsbury (Jacksonvill Racing Club) was able to hang on. Chavez outsprinted Gaimon followed by Yates and Salsbury. The pack was nipping at their heels and Lindner Capital's saving grace was Karel Sumbal who nabbed the field sprint with the help of some of our guys (unfortunately, I was too far back to see who helped, though I know Mitch was up there).

So, kudos to Karel and the helping mates. It does seem a little embarrassing that with 7 guys in the race that we didn't make the break. Good thing it was just a practice race! Next race, no break will get away without us in it!

Men's A - field of 43
1 Daniel Chavez - Preferred Alliance Cycling Team
2 Phillip Gaimon - Fiordifrutta
3 Gary Yates - Naple Cyclery Gulf Coast Racing
4 John Salsbury - Jacksonville Racing Club
5 Karel Sumbal - Lindner Capital
6 Charles Jerabek - Jacksonville Racing Club
7 Shane Braley - Team Wheel & Sprocket
8 Joel Chavez - Outspokin Inc.
9 John Cody Vance - Beaches Velo Sport
10 Anthony Alexander - Helens Racing
11 Gerald Bouchard - Cycle Logic
12 John Fau lk - Colavita Racing Inc.
13 Roger Montes - Cycle Logic
14 Rob Robins - Cycle Logic
15 Jayson O'Mahoney - Cycle Logic
16 Diego Henao - Team American Classic
17 Unknown
18 Anthony Musalo - Cycle Logic
19 Beck Frydenborg - Team Florida
20 Kenneth Sallot - Cycle Logic

2008 - Rider List

2008-01-22T08:43:00.000-05:00

The 2008 Lindner Capital racing team riders:

2007 season wrap up slide show (20 minutes)...

2007-12-26T13:43:00.000-05:00

2007 - Pro 1, 2 Results
1st - Atomic Omnium, TT (Andy)
1st - "Bring it on!" Race #1 (James)
1st - "Bring it on!" Series Overall (James)
1st - Athens Twilight Amateur Finals (James)
2nd - Atomic Omnium, RR (Jeff)
2nd - Atomic Omnium, Crit (Curtis)
2nd - Athens Twilight Amateur Finals (Curtis)
2nd - Lake Mary Criterium - (James) *TA
2nd - Georgia Cup #1, RR -(James) *TA
2nd - Georgia Cup #1, Most Aggressive (James) *TA
3rd - Stuart TT (Jeff)
3rd - Atomic Omnium, GC (James)
3rd - "Bring it on!" #2 (James) *TA
3rd - Georgia Cup #1, GC (James) *TA
3rd - Georgia Cup #1, TT (Jeff)
4th - Camp Murphy CR (Curtis)
4th - Atomic Omnium, TT (Jeff)
4th - Atomic Omnium, GC (Jeff)
4th - Atomic Omnium, Crit (James)
4th - Athens Amateur Qualifier Cat. 2 (Curtis)
4th - Georgia Cup #1, TT (James)
5th - Tour of Bahamas, GC (James) *TA
5th - Atomic Omnium, GC (Jeff)
5th - Atomic Omnium, RR (James)
6th - Atomic Omnium, TT (Curtis)
6th - UF Criterium (James)
6th - Spin City Classic, CR (Victor)
7th - State RR Champ. (Victor)
7th - Perry-Roubaix, RR (Curtis)
7th - Deland Cup, RR (James)
8th - Palatka RR (Victor)
8th - Sugarloaf CR (Victor)
8th - Georgia Cup #1, Crit (James)
8th - Perry-Roubaix, CR (Curtis)
9th - Atomic Omnium, GC (Andy)
9th - Tour of Bahamas, RR (James)
9th - Atomic Omnium, Crit (Andy)
9th - Perry-Roubaix, CR (Victor)
9th - Sanford Lakefront Crit (James)
10th - Perry-Roubaix, GC (Curtis)
10th - Perry-Roubaix, TT (Curtis)
10th Jax Cycling Classic, RR (James)
*** Crit = Criterium
*** CR = Circuit Race
*** GC = General Classification
*** RR = Road Race
*** TA = Top Amateur
*** TT = Time Trial

2007 - Masters Results
1st - FL State TT Champ. M30-34 (Curtis)
1st - FL State Criterium M35+ (James)
1st - Superweek, Stage 1 M30-39 (Curtis)
1st - Superweek, Stage 5 M30-39 (James)
2nd - Superweek, Stage 6 M30-39 (Curtis)
2nd - Superweek, Stage 9 M30-39 (James)
2nd - Superweek Overall M30-39 (James)
2nd - FL State TT Champ. 35-39 (Jeff)
2nd - FL State Criterium M30+ (Curtis)
2nd - FL State RR Champ. M30-34 (Curtis)
3rd - FL State RR Champ. M40-44 (Victor)
3rd - Athens Amateur Qualifier M35+ (James)
4th - FL State RR Champ. M35-39 (Jeff)
7th - Athens Amateur Qualifier M35+ (Jeff)

Seasons over!

2007-09-21T07:56:00.000-05:00

The season has wound down and with only a race or two left, most of us have called it a year.

There were a couple races in between my last update and this one.

Victor went down to Palatka to race a field consisting of on half Preferred Alliance, and a mix of others winding down the season. He was able to make the final break and snatched 8th place. Victor rode great this year and is always super fit...he's been a great asset to the team.

Curtis and Jeff attended a time trial and a circuit race in Stuart. The Koppster smoked the TT course and "stole" 3rd place...wow, this guy is turning out to be a TT powerhouse...I shutter to think about what he'll accomplish next year! In the circuit race, Curtis bridged to the final break. After a looooonnnnnggg season, he wasn't totally on top of his game...but did his share and ended up in 4th place, while Jeff did his part in the pack. Curtis has found an extra gear this year, and will be a rider to watch in 2008.

What a fantastic year we all had! We worked well as a team, and had some great results. I want to thank all of our sponsors for their support during this busy year...

Thanks to American Bicycle/Trek Store of Jacksonville for supplying us with outstanding equipment and service through the whole season. Jeff, Tony, Mike, Tim and the entire staff always went that extra mile...by far the most professional and friendliest bike shop in town!

Thanks to Kona Multisport for the continued support for our team, and helping Jeff become one heck of a rider in such a short time. You guys know your stuff!

Tony Boselli at Whataburger was very generous with his help to the team. He's also turning into quite an endurance athlete...racing in triathlons, and even coming out on some of the rides to give the best draft in the city! A true gentleman and a world class athlete.

Thanks all for a great year...and see you in 2008!

Sween

...more Superweek (International Cycling Classic) pictures...

2007-07-26T08:25:00.001-05:00

Series of James winning the MGA Proving Grounds Road Race...

Curtis on one of the Alpine Valley climbs...ouch, ouch, ouch...

Curtis at the Bensenville Criterium finish...

International Cycling Classic - Day 9 (7/22/07)

2007-07-23T14:32:00.000-05:00

Well...it's all over but the cryin'...

Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Cycling Grand Prix
Today's stage was in Evanston, IL...the home of Northwestern University. The course was flat and fast, with 6 corners. This was the last race in the series, and I was still 9 points behind the leader. The plan was to race hard, and leave it all on the road...and that's what we did.

Knowing how fast the course was, I figured it would come down to a field sprint...and it was fast the whole time. After some shadow boxing among the favorites, as well as the guys high up overall, it came back together with about 6 laps remaining. With 3-4 laps to go Grant Potters Herbalife team took the front to string it out. With 2 corners to go on the last lap, Curtis took the front and drilled it through the final turns and dumped us out onto the finishing straight. I unfortunately misjudged the final sprint, and started slightly too late. I ran out of room, and Grant won relegating me to second.

The overall series leader finished 7th, so I missed out on winning the overall by 4 points. If it weren't for me crashing out on Stage 2, then the overall may have been different...but with all of our bad luck this week, 2nd isn't too bad. Curtis rode like an animal all week, and Jeff rode himself into the ground while he was here...so a big thanks to those two guys!

ABRT results:
2 - Stage wins (Curtis and James)
5 - Podium's (top 3)
12 - Top 10's

Below are some podiums pictures from the last race, and for the overall.

James being interviewed after taking 2nd in the final race. Notice our lovely podium girl holding the flowers...

...thanking the folks from Illinois and Wisconsin for the races...

...2nd in the final race, Stage 9...

Podium placing for the overall, 2nd place in the series...

...another overall series podium shot...

International Cycling Classic - Day 8 (7/21/07)

2007-07-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

Carl Zach Cycling Classic
The course today had 8 turns with a sharp downhill turn, and a slight uphill finish for a total lap distance of .7 miles. Curtis and I are concentrated on trying to win the overall, so we are racing full tilt.

About lap 2 in the 50 lap race there was a 10 man split, and I bridged across to it. Later, Curtis bridged up with a few other riders, and that was the break. During the next few laps there were several premes, and Curtis took one for $50. Two riders ended up getting away, and lapped the field. As the top 3 overall watched each other, two others got across to lap the field. The rest of the break got within 200 yards of lapping the field, but then the attacks started and the gap stabilized.

After Curtis and I made several attempts to get away, I got away solo for about 3-4 laps...but was being chased pretty hard. I dropped back to the group with about 8 laps to go. Curtis made the next move and stayed away solo to take 5th. My early efforts took some of the sting out of the old legs, and combined with being overgeared I got rocked in the sprint and ended up 9th. I lost 1 point to the leader and 2 points to the guy in 3rd place.

Tomorrow is the last race of the series...and we're going out with guns blazing. I'm going to take some chances, which could drop me out of second place...but I came here with the goal of winning, so we'll see what we can do.

Curtis found his new home...

Me with Otto Wenz, Jr. He started Superweek from a single race in 1969 to the longest running multi-day bicycle series in the Unites States. A member of the United States Cycling Hall of Fame, and one heck of a personable guy...thanks Otto!

International Cycling Classic - Day 6 & 7 (7/19 - 7/20/07)

2007-07-20T20:38:00.000-05:00

Humbolt Park Criterium
Yesterday's race was around a park, with an uphill climb on the backstretch. After a few turns there was a downhill curving finish. The top 3 places overall in the series are very close in points, so the day was spent with us watching each other. This opened up the door for Curtis to get away in a break with 8 or 9 other riders. Jeff stayed in the pack to help hold things together, and then lead out the sprint at the end. Curtis took 2nd place, and I was able to get 10th...which moved me only 1 point closer to the lead.

Later that evening was the Pro 1,2 race...and Jeff wanted to at least race in one of the Pro 1,2 races while up here. The race was 100k, and Jeff raced for 30 minutes and then dropped out. He could have finished, but wanted to be able to help us the next day...a true teammate!

Shorewood Criterium
Today we raced a couple hours Northwest of Milwaukee. The course was on an .8 mile course with 7 turns for a total of 30 miles. Curtis and Jeff kept the pace high and I tried to attack several times...but I wasn't able to shake the series leader. Halfway into the race, the guy who is 3rd place in the series attacked with 1 other rider. They were able to stay away for the rest of the race, and I was 3rd with Curtis coming in 6th place. I made up 2 points on the leader, but we're running out of races.

Curtis and I are pretty tired, so we're ready for this series to be over. Our plan is to keep racing full tilt right to the end, and hopefully take over the lead. I'm tired...so I'm off to bed. Below are some picture for your amusement...

This is Jeff buying custard from Kopps

Here is Curtis doing work on his throne...

Jeff isn't too impressed by the Pro's

Jeff in the Pro race...

"Stick a fork in me...I'm done!"

Jeff and Curtis by one of the Rock & Republic Cadillac's

International Cycling Classic - Day 5 (7/18/07)

2007-07-18T17:02:00.000-05:00

MGA Proving Grounds Road Race
Today's course was 8.9 miles with a couple little climbs, and one that required the use of my 39 x 21 and 39 x 23. The finish had a small hill with the finish about 200 meters from the top. The roads were very narrow at times, and the yellow line rule was strictly enforced. There have been 2 deaths within a year up here, so they take the riders safety seriously.

Curtis and I were in 4th and 5th overall in points, so we had to try and make something happen. Today was the last road race, which have double points, until we start doing criteriums again tomorrow.

The race was 5 laps, and on lap 2 three riders attacked up the road. About two miles later, Jeff went off the front with 2 other guys. One dropped and came back to the pack quickly, which left him with one other helper. About a mile or two later I attacked with 3 other guys. We caught Jeff and started bridging up to the first 3 riders. We caught Jeff, and he immediately went to the front and began chasing back the front group. After we made it, Jeff dropped back to the pack to recover after his massive efforts. Without his help, we probably wouldn't have made it.

We now had a total of 8 riders in the break. At one point we had about 1 1/2 minutes on the pack, which dwindled to about 40 seconds going into the last lap. In the last 5 miles there were several attacks, and going up the hill there was 1 rider with a small gap. I was able to sprint up the hill and past the last rider to take the win.

Vance James from Team 19 and a slightly rested Jeff Kopp strung the field out for the last couple miles to lead into the last hill. Curtis made an early bid going up the final hill and was just caught by a few riders over the top. Curtis finished 14th on he day to gain a few points to add to his total.

Two wins in five days for ABRT. I haven't seen the overall after today, but I think I'm in second place, with first place 9-12 points ahead. We have 4 days of criteriums, and will try and make up the points over the next few days. It will be tough, but at least we now have a chance.

Vance and Adam from Team 19 hanging out after the race today...

International Cycling Classic - Day 3 & 4 (7/16 - 7/17/07)

2007-07-17T16:23:00.001-05:00

Alpine Valley Road Race
Yesterdays stage was at the Alpine Valley Ski Resort...pretty scary words for us Florida boys. True to its name, there were 3 leg breaking climbs per lap that required the use of 39 x 23 for gearing...and I was wishing I had a 25. Each day either Curtis or I have had bad luck, and yesterday it was Curtis' turn. On the first climb of lap 1 Curtis dropped his chain onto his bottom bracket, which required him to get off the bike to put it back on. I waited near the back, and luckily the pace was slow...so he was came back quickly. On the next climb it dropped again, and he had to stop for neutral support to fix it. His front derailleur must have been jarred in the plane ride, and was out of alignment. The SRAM guys fixed it the best they could, but now Curtis was 4 minutes behind. The SRAM car started pacing him back up, but as they were closing they got a call about a crash in another category and had to turn around to go help.

On the second lap 3 guys got away, and stayed away the rest of the race. A lot of guys were just in survival mode, and were looking to make it through the stage. Each lap we dropped a rider or two as we hit the series of "leg breakers". Curtis was able to pick them up a couple at a time, and continued on to try and score some points. The points went 25 deep, and it looked as though not many more than 25 would finish. In the end a few guys were able to drift in ahead of the main pack, and I was able to sprint in for 8th. Curtis finished 24th for a couple points. We were glad to be done.

Whitnall Park Road Race
Jeff Kopp arrived to help with the cause, so it was nice to have another teammate. Today's course was more like a circuit, about 2 1/2 - 3 miles in length, with a uphill finish. The uphill stretch wasn't hard enough or long enough to break up the group. Jeff flatted near after a couple laps, and was forced to chase for 2-3 laps before finally making contact. He was pretty cooked, and stayed at the back to try and recover. With 2 laps to go, Jeff found himself at the front, so he pulled for just over a lap to keep it strung out and discourage attacks. The last lap had a lot of pushing and shoving, a couple crashes...so it was pretty hectic. Coming into the last turn I was way too far back, so had to sprint up the hill to make up spots. Curtis grabbed my wheel and we came around everyone except 3 others who had already started their sprint...and we just ran out of room to pass. Curtis was 4th and I was 5th. Going into today, we were 8th and 10th overall...so this should have moved us up some. The guy who won today was leading the series...so he moved further ahead. The other 2 ahead of us on today's stage are also well placed.

With the bad luck we have had, it doesn't look as though we will be able to win the overall...but we'll see what happens.

As a side note, we have host housing here in Milwaukee...it's pretty great. Peter and Ann are hosting us, as well as 4 members of a German team. The house we are staying in was built by the founders of Schlitz back in 1907 and is right on Lake Michigan. The house was later given to the University of Wisconsin, who couldn't raise the money to maintain the structure...so they sold it back to some of the "Schlitz kids" who then divided the house into condos and sold them. This was an amazing mansion...I can't even describe it in enough detail. I was reading a book about the historic architecture here in Milwaukee...and this house was on the cover! Some of the stained glass reliefs were imported from Europe and date back to the 16th century! I have a picture below...but will take more...which still wouldn't do it justice.

Below are some pictures for you're enjoyment.

House built by the founder of Pabst beer...this city was built on beer!

Our host housing...built by the founder of Schlitz...

...another shot...we're staying on the left side...

...and here is he right half...

Curtis reflecting on the 2nd floor balcony...we're actually sleeping on the 3rd floor.

Picture of me updating today's blog...

My wife's favorite beer...taken out the window from the highway...

Jeff's new business...

Some say Curtis is he devil...and here is the proof...

International Cycling Classic - Day 2 (7/15/07)

2007-07-15T20:29:00.000-05:00

Well, some days you have good luck...and some days you don't.

Today's course had 6 turns on a .9 mile course for 40 miles. The field was bigger today...so this made the race pretty dangerous at times. The course wasn't difficult enough to split up the field, or fast enough to keep it lined out for any significant period of time.

Towards the end a break of 3 guys got away, and we missed the move. This means that we were going for 4th place. With 1 1/2 laps to go I was in pretty good position, but it just wasn't fast enough, so the pack was spread across the road...and I ended up getting shoved off he road. I went over the curb which dropped off into a rut on the other side...my wheels got stuck and I had to unclip at 30+ mph to try and stay upright. Luckily I did, but during the jarring my chained dropped off my chainring onto the bottom bracket...game over. Curtis was behind me, but was able to jump the curb and go onto a sidewalk and come back down a driveway. This sent him back about 30 places...but he sprinted the last lap to move up and end up 5th in the sprint for 8th overall. It wasn't the results we were looking, but at least Curtis made some points. He is probably in 2nd or 3rd overall now.

Tomorrow is a race in a place called Alpine Valley...Curtis and I just got done driving the course, and all I can say is, "Oh brother"! There are several long, steep, leg breaking climbs! So pray for us Florida, criterium riding, flatlanders!

We're staying a place called Alpine Valley Resort...it's a strange place. The place is in the middle of nowhere, and it's practically deserted. It reminds me of the resort in the movie The Shining! "Redrum...redrum" - for those of you who saw the movie.

I'm not totally sure of our internet access form here on out...but I hope to at least get to a Starbucks and updated periodically. Below are a couple non-race shots...until next time...

Picture of the "Rose" water tower in Rosemont, Illinois

This is some granola, free range, grain fed, organic, hippie place where Curtis buys his milk...I don't know...ask him...

I thought this was an interesting sign...

Curtis calling for the ski report...

This is the backside of the ski slope...they added dirt to make it higher! I find this strange...

International Cycling Classic - Day1 (7/14/07)

2007-07-14T16:23:00.000-05:00

Curtis and I have traveled to the midwest to take part in what is know as Milwaukee Superweek. There are a series of races that take place throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. We're racing the Masters 30-39 series, which consists of 6 criteriums and 3 road races...all one after another...9 days of suffering.

Today we raced at a place called Blue Island, Illinois. I'm not sure about the name, since it is not an island...I suppose that is a job for Google. Anyhow, I'm updating this from the hotel...so will have to be brief.

Curtis Won!!

Curtis bridged to a break that ended up with 9 riders, and they lapped the field. He then won the field sprint! One heck of a ride. I was able to get 5th in the field sprint for 12th place. Wow...what a start! With his win, he is now leading the series.

Can't get away from these Herbalife guys!

Stay tuned for more updates...

Deland Cup Omnium (6/23/07 - 6/24/07)

2007-06-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was another blistering hot two days of racing...each race beginning at 11:00 am! The action took place in Deland, Florida, which is the home of Stetson University. This time we had Clint, Curtis, Jeff, Victor, our new recruit from UF, Mitch Hall, and myself

Saturday was a 70+ mile road race in the mid day heat, followed by a 7 mile time trial in the late afternoon heat. On Sunday we had a 80-90 minute circuit race in the mid day heat. Does anyone else see a theme here?? (Hint: Caliente)

When you race bikes, there are some days when you feel like you can cover any move. There always seems to be a tailwind at your back and you can attack at will, or bridge to any break. This only happens a couple times a year, but during those days you feel like everything around you is happening in slow motion. Now, think of the opposite of that kind of day, and it will describe how I felt this weekend...

Saturday - Road Race
The first 7 mile lap felt ok, but it was all down hill after that. The course wasn't difficult, but there were constant attacks. Our new recruit, Mitch Hall, rode great covering a series of early attacks. Clint and myself also covered several early attempts to gain freedom from the shackles of the peloton.

I knew I wasn't feeling great, and this was reinforced at the bonus sprint. Since this was an omnium, there were points awarded at the finish of each stage, as well as a bonus sprint during each race. Curtis brought me near the front, but we ended up getting caught going into the headwind side. I was a little far back, but sprinted anyhow...and ended up 4th in the sprint...one place out of the points. A huge effort, with nothing to show for it. I really never recovered, and would drift to the back of the pack to try and conserve what little energy I had left for a final sprint at the end of the race. Curtis, Jeff, Victor, and Mitch were all active and covered almost all of the breakaway attempts. Each lap saw the pack get smaller and smaller due to the heat, and everyone looked pretty tired.

In the end, two riders were able to just barely hold off the hard charging pack. I was able to sneak into 5th place in the sprint for 7th overall. Victor was 14th, Mitch 18th and Jeff 20th. But the sprint wasn't without incident...within the last mile there was a big wreck. Luckily none of our rider went down, but judging from the large mound of blood soaked towels, someone was hurt pretty bad. Hopefully everyone will recover quickly.

Saturday - Time Trial
Without getting involved in too much detail, we all rode as fast as we could. The race was behind schedule, so in the ensuing chaos, the officials had to nullify all of the results. At least we got in a good training time trial, but it wouldn't count towards the overall.

Sunday - Circuit Race
Another super hot 11:00 am start. As with the prior day, my legs didn't have any power. This was too bad, especially considering how our team rode! Curtis, Victor, and Mitch covered all the moves...and chased down the ones they missed! Jeff and I were saving ourselves for the closing laps of the race...well, I was just hanging on. With about 3 laps to go there was a breakaway or 3 riders that included Jeff. This would have been a stellar result, but Jeff rode a little too hard in the break and was dropped with 1 lap to go. The remaining 2 riders stayed away, and in the ensuing field sprint I gave what I had left to get 15th. Not the results we would have liked, but we really rode well as a team. I was very impressed by everyone's efforts, and only wished I would have had a little more power at the end of the race to pick up a good result for the team.

This was the last race before Jeff, Curtis and I head to Superweek on July 13th...so until we return, drink a few cervezas and stay out of the sun!

Cheers!

Florida State TT Championships (6/17/07)

2007-06-21T12:08:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday Jeff and Curtis traveled to Olustee, FL to represent ABRT at the State Time Trial Championships. Both of these guys have been gearing up for this event, and have been riding well.

Jeff had a blazing time of 54:54 for the 40k event, which put him as the 4th fastest time of the day. He placed 2nd in the Masters 35+ category. This time smashed his personal best, and has shown that all the hard training has paid off!

Curtis went even faster...with a 54:48, which was the 3rd fastest time of the day. His time was also a personal best by over a minute. This placed Curtis 1st in the Masters 30-34 age category, and successfully defended his state title from last year.

Both of these times were incredible, and were accomplished aboard their Trek TTX time trial bikes. Proving that good results are accomplished through hard work, and having quality equipment.

Congrats to both!

State RR Championships (6/9/07 - 6/10/07)

2007-06-15T07:33:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was the Florida State Road Race Championships in Ocala, FL. It was super hot!

Age Graded Championships - Saturday
On Saturday was the race for the age categories. The state championship placings would be given out in 5 year increments (30-34, 35-39, 40-44), but we would all race in the same race. This made for a HUGE field, with varying levels of ability. The race was about 55 miles, and didn't have any climbs or crosswinds to make it difficult. The finishing stretch started with a slight downhill section with a tailwind...which made for a very fast finish.

The race basically stayed together the whole time, except for a few breaks that couldn't get established. About 3 miles to go there was a wreck that took down several riders. Heading into the final rise before the finish, about 1 1/2 miles to go, Jeff attacked hard. About 1/2 mile later there was a huge wreck, that took down dozens of riders. The leadout started, and Jeff was swept up 150 meters from the line at 45 mph. Curtis was able to finish 2nd in the 30-34 category, Victor placed 3rd in the 40-44, and Jeff was 4th in the 35-39. Two podium spots, not a bad day!

Our best wishes go out to those involved in the wrecks. I know that riders had broken ribs, broken collarbones, and at least 1 concussion. Get better soon.

Pro 1,2 Championships - Sunday
This was a very, very hot day...no wind, it was like an oven. The last time I raced in heat this bad was in Tobago, which at least had some wind to help cool off a bit. Throughout the race there were several breaks, but nothing would stick. Jeff, Victor and Curtis were in many very promising breaks, but none really gained any time until about 5-6 laps to go. Victor was able to get in a break of about 13 riders, that would eventually parse down to 9. Victor was riding great, but unfortunately we weren't able to get another rider in the break to help him. He did a lot of work to keep the break from getting caught, and then paid the price in the sprint...he cramped up really bad. He rolled across the line for 7th, a great result considering he wasn't able to pedal during the sprint!

The weekend was pretty successful, and we only missed out on a state championship jersey due to some poor officiating...but that's a story for another time. Our next race is the State Time Trial Championships this coming weekend. Jeff and Curtis are ready to go, so we hope they bring back a win for ABRT.

Cheers!

...Athens Video(s)...

2007-05-30T15:40:00.000-05:00

Before the melee...

Covering some of the early moves...

James off the front in Athens...1 lap to go...

Right after turn 4 on the final lap...

Courtesy of CycleHardPaul

Atomic Memorial Day Omnium (5/26/07 - 5/27/07)

2007-05-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

This past weekend the while "gang" headed over/up to Tallahassee for the weekend. Jeff, Curtis, Clint, Victor, Andy, our new recruit Wes, and myself were all present for a 3 stage omnium put on by the folks from Atomic Race Team. The race had good venues, but the Pro 1,2 peloton suffered with a small turn out due to racing in other parts of the Southeast, and further North...so the Pro 1,2 field was around 35-40 riders. We were in pretty good shape with 7 guys, but were outnumbered...as usual...by Preferred Alliance who had 10-11 riders.

Criterium

The criterium was a large course with a big sweeping downhill turn, which started the first uphill section. The course then flattened out before the sharper uphill section leading into the only real turn to the left, and then onto the finishing straightaway.

Our plan was to have a representative in every break, and be aggressive. During the race there was a "points" sprint that would add to the overall omnium score. As it neared two Preferred Alliance riders attacked going up the last hill, and Curtis latched onto the back. I was able to squeeze through the pack after having to lock up my back wheel to avoid some erratic riders. We made the last left hand turn, and I was able to take the sprint with Curtis nabbing third. The race progressed and Curtis rolled off the front to test the "waters", and was soon joined by a Preferred Alliance rider. They worked well together and started putting time on the pack. A second break formed, which would later be caught, but not before another Preferred Alliance rider bridged across to Curtis and his teammate. Knowing Curtis was a strong time trialist, we were happy with this race situation. There was a time trial later in the afternoon, and Curtis should be able to outperform his breakaway partners in that discipline. This might propel him into the omnium lead. In the end, Curtis took second, while Clint and Andy lead me out to win the field sprint to take fourth. Andy was able to hold on for 9th even after his lead out!

Time Trial

This was held on the same course as the criterium, but with an added downhill section, and then a 180 degree turn that took you back up the long hill and toward the finish. It was a short course, around 2.5-3 miles. In the end Andy took first place in the TT! The pro mountain biker scorched the course...and left everyone else crying about their performance. A bit further back, Jeff was 4th and Curtis 6th.

We didn't receive the overall omnium results, but knew we probably had 2-3 of the top 5 spots. The 95 mile road race the next day would be interesting.

Road Race

This was a 19 mile loop course, with much of it covered by a canopy of large Oak trees. The were some small rolling hills, but no major climbs or wind due to the foliage. This made it a pretty easy course to sit in, and the canopy offered some periodic shade so it never got too hot. The only thing that could add difficulty would be the distance, 95 miles.

After a couple of miles I moved to the front and put in a couple small attacks to see how people would respond. Just as I returned from one, a Preferred Alliance rider attacked and Jeff took off after him. The two started working together, and before you know it...they were out of sight. Now that each of the big teams had a rider up the road, the pace slowed drastically. This was fine with me...especially with me trying to find fitness and get in some long miles. Throughout the day we never received any credible time splits, but knew they were pretty far up the road. We think at one point they were around 10 minutes! The rest of the pack finally put together a chase around lap 3...but it would prove to be too late. Jeff was able to hold onto the diminutive Preferred Alliance rider until a hill about 2 miles from the finish...and then his 210+ pound body would have no more! Jeff then put it into time trial mode through the finish to take second on the day...wow...that had to have hurt...a 90 mile breakaway with two riders...awesome!

Curtis sacrificed his overall chances to try and lead me out in the field sprint. Curtis went early with Victor on his wheel...and just as he was winding it up at 40 mph (yes, 40) a Preferred Alliance rider came from the left and ran me off the road into the grass! I was able to stay upright, and hop back onto the road. By this time the sprint was full on, with a swarm coming from the left...I sprinted hard and was able to salvage a 3rd in the sprint, and a 5th overall for the day. I was lucky not to crash, especially at 40 mph...so I guess we were very fortunate...

Jeff "Huge Draft" Kopp playing with the kids...

Omnium

In the end I was 3rd, Jeff 4th, Curtis 5th, with Andy finished 9th in the omnium.

Overall we did pretty well, but all of us being competitive, are never totally satisfied unless we've won. Looking back we did achieve our goal, with 1st in the TT, 2nd in the criterium, and 2nd in the RR.

Here's an article in the Tallahassee Democrat interviewing Jeff

Tallahassee newspaper pictures from the criterium

Our next race is in 2 weeks at the Florida State Road Race Championships in Ocala...until then...

Cheers!

Florida State Criterium Championships (5/20/07)

2007-05-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

(Thanks to Team19 for these pictures!)

Florida State Criterium Championships
(Masters 35-44, 30-34)
This race has been held the last several years in Lakeland, FL. The course is 4 corners, with a very fast downhill section into turn 3 followed by a long uphill drag to the finish out of turn 4.

Due to a host of issues, like Curtis having a sinus infection and on heavy antibiotics, Clint getting some sort of bacterial infection caused by food poisoning, and me only having one week of riding in the legs after 2 full weeks off the bike...we decided to try to win a Masters state championship as a first priority, with results in the Pro 1,2 secondary. "A bird in the bush, etc."...you get the picture.

The Masters 30-44 race was first, and it was stacked! Herbalife had the same idea we did, and had 6-7 strong riders. Also in the race were full squads from ASV, Team 19, and many other riders making up a very large field. Since there was a state championship for 30-34 and 35-44 in the same race (but scored seperately), we had two shots at a state title. For ABRT we had Jeff, Victor, and myself for 35-44...and Curtis for the 30-34 category.

I've won the age graded state time trial a couple times, and the age graded road race a couple times...but, never the criterium! I've been 2nd and 3rd many times...and was hoping for a change. Also, Curtis has won the age graded time trial, and has been either 2nd & 3rd each time he has done the criterium...so we were both hoping for at least one of us to pull off a win!

The race was pretty fast with a lot of attacks. It seemed like there were constant attacks througout the entire race, but either Curtis or myself were in 90% of them. Victor wasn't feeling well, so after taking a couple premes he dropped out. Also, Jeff started having problems dragging his 210+ lb fame up the long hill on the front side of the course...so he called it a race. With 3 laps to go Brian Lancaster from Team 19 attacked...I knew this was a good move, and Brian's a very strong rider. So, with 2 laps to go I saw Curtis at the front after being realed back in from another breakaway attempt...so I jumped hard into the first turn and sprinted off in pursuit of Brian. I didn't catch him until turn 1 going into the last lap, he pulled through turn 2 and halfway down the back straight. I then pulled the rest of the way down the back straight and through turn 3 and turn 4. Coming out of turn 4 I jumped hard up the right hand side and he didn't respond, so I kept going hard all the way through the line for the win. Curtis sprinted in and placed second in the 30+ category...which is amazing considering how sick he was...I didn't even think he would make it too the race!
James being interviewed for Univision/Telemundo

Florida State Criterium Championships
(Pro 1,2)
Curtis and Victor opted to sit out the Pro 1,2 since they both weren't feeling too well. In the Pro 1,2 we had Jeff, Andy and myself. The race was fast, and also had a lot of attacks. During the last part of the race there was an eight man break up the road...and Andy was in it. This break should have been gone...there were 3 Peferred Alliance, 2 Cyclescience, 1 NERAC, and a couple others along with Andy. It turns out the Preferred Alliance guys didn't like the make up of the break and quit working. I guess they liked losing better, because even though they had 12 guys in the race...they didn't even get a podium placing. Anyhow the break got caught, and going into the last lap Andy brought me close to the front. I was cramping pretty bad in the sprint and ended up 13th...and they paid 12 places. Andy rode an awesome race, and if it hadn't been for the lack of knowledge on race tactics by others, he would have had a great shot at placing top 3.

But...we achieved our goal for the day, and that was a state championship jersey! We also had a silver medal with Curtis, so in all we can't complain too much.

P.S. Oh, and this was my birthday!

Cheers!

...Athens pictures...

2007-04-30T19:06:00.000-05:00

Ouch, ouch, ouch...
(Steve Boyette Photography)

Checking to see if the Karma girls saw me...
(Steve Boyette Photography)

Does anyone have a beer??
(Steve Boyette Photography)

Why are the Karma girls on the outside?!?
(Steve Boyette Photography)

The start...going into corner #1
(Bob Brussack Photography)

What's with that goofy look on my face?!?
(Bob Brussack Photography)

Athens Twilight Criterium (4/28/07)

2007-04-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

Wow...where do I begin...Jeff, Curtis and I went to our favorite race of the year in Athens, Georgia. This race is held in the downtown section of Athens, right next to the University of Georgia. The course is 1 kilometer long, 4 corners, and anywhere between 25k-40k screaming, piss-drunk college kids and cycling fans. Racing the course is like being in a super loud tunnel constructed of people.

The race has been held since 1980, and I started racing it when I was about 16 years old in 1985 or 1986...jeesh I'm young! This was my first big race as a junior, and I got the cockiness beat right out of me...a great eye opener.

Morning Qualifier Races
On Saturday morning there are qualification races to do the Amateur Finals race, which is run before the Pro race. The last 2 years I have done the morning Masters 30+ race with Curtis...and the last 2 years I have taken 3rd, and Curtis has taken 4th in the qualifying race...EACH TIME (weird). Curtis has had better luck in the Finals race, and has come extremely close to winning on several occasions, with several top 5 finishes. Of the 4 times I've done the Finals I have placed 7th...EACH TIME (weird). This year they changed the Masters race to 35+, so Curtis was too young, and would have to qualify in the Category 2 race.

Jeff and I were first up in the Masters 35+ race, and they took the top 15 for the Finals. The race was pretty slow, with most of the riders concentrating on not wrecking and saving their energy for the final sprint up the hill. Two rider got away late in the race, and the rest of us sprinted for the remaining positions. I won the field sprint...for 3rd (again...weird), and Jeff was 7th. Curtis raced a couple hours later...stayed upright, and took 4th place (again...weird) in his race. Now we had all qualified for the Finals, and were one step closer to our goal.

Twilight Amateur Finals
The downtown course is always packed, and this year was no different. For our event, there were probably 15k-20k people lining the course...and they were lined up 4-5 deep along the entire finishing straight.

The entire race is only 20 laps making the starting position crucial, so we would forgo the warm up and stake out our spot on the starting line. There were about 120-130 riders with a mixture of categories. There were top qualifiers from each category, and many quality riders. I noticed a few ex-pro's and many Category 1's and 2's. Lined up next to me was Roberto Gaggioli, who has won the Pro event...and has had over 200 Professional victories. He's now "retired", and decided to do the race with us by qualifying in our Masters 35+ race earlier in the day...Oh, brother.

The starter's gun finally fires, and we sprint off the line towards corner 1. Corner 1 is pretty special...it's very narrow, and is taken after blasting down the slightly downhill front stretch. I've crashed there a couple times, once giving me a nice black eye dealt to me by my racing glasses. Turn 2 is next, and once through is a nice uphill drag for half of the back stretch. Turn 3 is a fast one that heads very quickly into the infamous last turn...number 4. Many a pileup has taken place here, and I have had my own share of bouncing off metal barricades or the stray rider trying to move up in the final turn. Gaggioli and a couple riders had a slight break, and were closely following the pace car...I jumped across to them, but it soon fell apart and we were back in the pack.

On about lap 4, Curtis jumps into a small breakaway and takes a $40 preme. The break is caught a couple laps later. About lap 8 a rider makes a strong attack on the back stretch and gains a nice gap. He continued to stay in front and slowly gained small amounts of time each lap. Going into lap 9 they rang the bell for a $40 preme, and I decided to bridge across...I caught him right before turn 3. After exiting turn 4 I stayed on his wheel, then sprinted past him to take the preme. The best line of the weekend was shouted by one of the race announcers as I sprinted by the rider to take the preme, "...SOMEBODY CALL A COP...THAT GUY JUST GOT ROBBED!" I almost started laughing! Call the Kopps?? Oh, COPS.
I tried to wait for the guy I just passed, but he seemed a bit tired from his earlier efforts...so I decided to keep going alone. There were 8 more laps to go, but I decided that if I got caught then one of my teammates would have a great chance to counter attack.
Me suffering to keep speed up the hill...
I glanced back on the straight aways to see if the pack was gaining, and on lap 5 I could see the entire pack lined out chasing. Luckily Curtis and Jeff were "enthusiastically" blocking, and helping disrupt the chase efforts. The "Kopp" patrolling the pack...with an eye on Gaggioli
Each lap seemed soooooo long, and the hill on the back stretch started to take it's toll...but, it was amazing how you can push yourself with so many people screaming for you. While I was in front I took 4 more premes (That helps with the gas money!). I didn't know I truly had it until I came out of the last turn and looked back to see I still had a good gap. The finish was great, it was so loud I couldn't hear anything...then, more good news...Curtis dusted the field to take second place! Jeff rolled in 26th, and just 1 place out of the money...in his first twilight race! ABRT, 1st & 2nd place (and 5 premes)! The victory lap was pretty cool, and all 3 of us were ecstatic. Jeff strolling over to take part in the "scrum"
Having great teammates made all the difference in achieving our goal.
Am I really that short in real life?!?
Curtis, me, and a non-English speaking Argentinean
Posing with 2 of the Karma girls...mommy!

Now is a time for me to take some R&R, and get ready for the next part of the season. Ending the first half with a win was very nice, and hopefully the success will continue in the second half!

P.S. I'll post more pictures as they come in...so check back.

Cheers!

...Jacksonville picture(s)...

2007-04-23T09:42:00.000-05:00

Night crit in downtown Jacksonville

(www.grayquettiphotography.com)

Jacksonville Cycling Classic NRC (4/14/07 - 4/15/07)

2007-04-17T07:32:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a race in our home town of Jacksonville, Florida.

Friday - Trek Concept Store Grand Opening...

On Friday night we attended the grand opening of our main sponsors new Trek Concept store. The place is big...over 7,000 sqft of Trek/Lemond/Bontrager/Nike heaven! Jeff was a bit nervous opening his second bike shop, especially when the featured guest, Bob Roll, couldn't attend after being hit by a blizzard in Colorado. The plan was to have a question and answer session with Bob Roll and Sam Kouvaris, who is a local sports news anchor. On short notice, Jeff was able to have 3 riders from the Rite Aid pro cycling team attend (Bill Elliston, Michael Norton, Ryan Dewald). I raced with these 3 guys down in the Bahamas, and they were all super cool.

With catastrophe averted, the evening was awesome...with food provided by Native Sun, bike demo's, and a few beers. Everyone had a great time.

Saturday - Jacksonville Cycling Classic NRC Criterium

Last year this race was epic, with rain and wind like I've never seen. Florida is currently in drought conditions, and hasn't rained in weeks...until 1/2 hour before the scheduled start time! Our race began at 8:00 pm, so it was dark, rainy, and very slippery. The race took off quickly, with the guys in front trying to split the field up from the start...well, it seemed to work. Combined with the speed and slick surfaces, there were many crashes. I had a great starting spot, so was safe from most of the early lap melee...but the rest of the team wasn't. Andy decided not to wreck his pro mountain bike career, and smartly dropped out. Curtis crashed once, and Jeff crashed twice before calling it a day. Victor also got caught up in the crash fest, and pulled out. The worst of the lot was Clint, who crashed on lap 2 and dislocated his shoulder. Luckily, once he stood up it popped back into place.

Considering I was sliding on 3 of the 4 turns, I decided to stay in but be very cautious and not take any risks. Towards the end of the race it stopped raining, but I remained true to myself, and didn't take any risks. I rolled in for 31st, and all of my skin in tact. Out of the 140+ starters, 44 finished...a pretty rough night.

Sunday - Jacksonville Cycling Classic Road Race

Curtis called me earlier in the week and told me to look at the forecast for Sunday. High winds, with gusts between 30-40 mph...during our 100 mile race...you've gotta be kidding me! Anyhow, he suggested that we group together on the crosswind sections, and form our own echelon. This means that if the wind is coming from the right hand side, the next rider will be behind and slightly to the left of the rider in front of them...to get the best possible draft. The road is only so wide, so if there are 10 riders staggered across the road, then the other 130 are all lined up at the very edge with little or no draft...this is one of the ways a race breaks apart into smaller groups. The best way to conserve energy, at least for a couple riders, is for the team to form it's own echelon, and that way at least some members of the team are getting a little draft. This turned out to be a good strategy that for some strange reason was not used by any of the other teams. I would rather do some work and get a little draft, than be in the gutter all day! It took a couple laps, but we were finally able to dial in our team echelon in both of the long crosswind sections. We stuck to the strategy, and the team worked to keep me out of the wind...so if it came down to a sprint, I could give it a shot.

On the 2nd or 3rd lap of the race, we were battling in the crosswind section that leads to the start/finish area...and a rider crossed wheels with another rider and went down. He wasn't too far in front of me, and I had nowhere to go, but right into his back. Once on the ground I scrambled for my water bottles, and realized my rear derailleur was bent into my spokes...so I gave it a good yank back over to get it close. I didn't take time to make it perfect considering the peloton was speeding away. Luckily, the follow cars had to stop and weren't too far ahead, so I sprinted after them. I made it onto the back of one of them, and they let me pace back to the pack (Thanks guys!!). Curtis, Jeff, and Andy had dropped to the back of the pack and made sure I made it back on.

With 2-3 laps to go Curtis was in a VERY promising move with riders from Rite Aid, Aerospace Engineering, and Preferred Alliance. The Preferred Alliance rider didn't seem as interested in staying away for a podium finish, so didn't do a lot of work...which, along with a chase by the Kelly Benefits team, spelled the demise of this breakaway. Then with 1-2 laps to go a break of 8 riders got away...Curtis tried to make it across, but after just returning from his previous efforts, didn't make it. By the last lap Curtis, Jeff and I were all starting to cramp up. I rode as conservatively as possible to save some for the finish. A Pro triathlete friend of ours, Danny Domingo, was still in the race near the end...and he helped pull me closer to the front of the pack. Andy covered a late breakaway that was just off the front. Then Victor came by and took me near to the front going into the last 600-700 meters. A rider from Herbalife attacked up the right hand side of the road about 400 meters out, and Chris Scott from Locos had a go up the left side. I decided to go now instead of getting swarmed by the remaining riders and jumped about 300 meters to go...I passed Chris, but didn't catch the Herbalife rider. I ended up second in the field sprint, and 10th overall.

This placing was an incredible team effort by each ABRT rider. We stuck to the game plan by forming our own echelon on every crosswind section, and kept me out of the wind as much as possible. This enabled me to sprint to a top 10 finish against a very high quality field. Everyone should be proud, not bad for a bunch of guys with real jobs...

Cheers!

...Perry-Roubaix pictures...

2007-04-06T08:43:00.000-05:00

(Courtesy of Kim Mickalonis)

(Courtesy of Kim Mickalonis)

(Courtesy of Kim Mickalonis)

Perry-Roubaix Stage Race (3/31/07 - 4/1/07)

2007-04-03T12:43:00.000-05:00

Our adventures this week took us to Perry, Georgia. Home of the famous Perry-Roubaix road race. We had Victor, Curtis, Jeff, Clint and myself ready to face this new challenge. Unfortunately for me, I had started to feel the effects of a cold on Thursday...so it hit me this weekend. On the bright side, I'll have it out of the way before the big races in Jacksonville and Athens.

The first stage was a time trial, approximately 9.6 miles, out and back. It was on a rolling course, which added to the difficulty. Jeff and Curtis had great rides, getting 14th and 10th respectively. I managed 17th, with Clint and Victor a little further back. Curtis' form is starting to come around, and his time proved it. The pay went 10 deep for the overall, so he was holding onto the last money spot.

Later that afternoon we did a circuit race, about 3 miles per lap, for 20 laps. Dan Larson had won the morning time trial, so Cyclescience kept an eye on anyone close to his time. I wasn't feeling well, so decided to try and attack as much as possible to make everyone chase. Through the course of the race, I put in about 5-6 pretty good attacks, only to have them all brought back. The course made it easy to sit in, and hard to get up the road. Clint patrolled the front, chasing down several breaks and was in several himself. Towards the end, the pack let 2 guys get away that weren't racing for the overall classification. In the ensuing field sprint, Curtis and Victor took 8th and 9th overall, with Jeff and I in 13th and 15th. The overall stayed the same, so Sunday's road race would be the deciding factor.

Sunday brought the famed Perry-Roubaix road race, 88 miles, with two good hills and about 2 miles of Georgia orange clay/dirt. This section was pretty rough, with rocks, holes, sand, and a few narrow strips of hard packed clay. If you were able to ride at the absolute front, or the absolute last, then you could pick your line...otherwise, you could end up in some thick sand...and then in a ditch. A break went early as we all were waiting for the chaos of crossing the dirt road for the first time. The first rider to the dirt section crashed, and from there it was a mass scramble to try and stay toward the front. Everyone seemed to make it through ok, and as we passed the start finish for the first of 7 laps they told us the break had 4 1/2 minutes! As we went through the dirt section each lap, it became softer and softer. This made it more important to be at the front each time, I tried to guide Curtis the best I could through a couple of the dirt sections, so to keep us both out of trouble. Jeff and I took turns attacking in different breaks, but couldn't find the necessary horsepower to stay away.

With 2 laps to go I got in a break with Jason Snow, David Guttenplan, and one other rider. We rode pretty well together, but I started noticing the effects of my cold...cramps. My legs were cramping up the long climb before we headed to the dirt section. I hung on, and we started picking up the last remnants of the early breakaway. We went through the dirt section, and got caught at the end by a small group of riders. By this time I really started to have some cramping problems, but hoped they would go away. We made the last turn going into 1 lap to go...and my legs seized! Just as they did, the remainder of the field caught the break, and they started their last lap. My race was done.

At the end 2 riders got away, with a couple single riders between. 36 riders finished, spread out over 21 minutes. Curtis took 7th (3rd in the field sprint), and retained his 10th place overall. Victor finished in the same pack, while Jeff, Clint, and I called it quits with 1 lap to go.

The road race course was challenging and fun...and really dirty, especially with the orange Georgia clay! Everyone rode well, with Curtis stepping up and salvaging our weekend with 3 top 10 placings, and 10th overall. Combined with Victor's placing we had 4 top 10's and 10th overall.

Next up is the NRC race in Jacksonville...ouch!

Cheers!

Spin City Classic (3/24/07 - 3/25/07)

2007-03-27T08:36:00.000-05:00

Curtis told me this morning that memory fades with time, so I had better fill out this race report soon...actually, I was waiting in hope that the memories of the pain from this weekend would fade!

Saturday - Downtown Criterium
We lined up Saturday night around 8 pm for a criterium in downtown Orlando. Before they started putting this race on, I had no idea Orlando had such a cool downtown area. There are lots of restaurants and night clubs, which are surrounded by brick streets near Lake Eola. All that being said, the course has 4 corners and is very bumpy. There are many exposed man hole covers, storm drains, crosswalks, and other obstacles that are pretty jarring at 30 mph.

We had Curtis, Victor, Clint and myself vying for the larger than normal prize list. Our team had chosen to take the last 2 weekends off from racing, and I really felt the lack of speed in my legs! The race was 90 minutes, plus 5 laps...so it was also fairly long.

I hate racing from the back, so stayed toward the front mixing it up the best I could. It took a lot of effort to stay near the front, so I went through about "30 books of matches" or "a case of bullets" or...whatever you want to call the energy used during a race. Curtis said he was at the back with a heart race of around 150 bpm! I was near redline 75% or the race...in retrospect, I should have dropped back and took a breather. A break of 7 or so were off the front for the majority of the race, which was pretty astonishing considering our speed. But, as the race started it's final laps, they started losing their lead. I wasn't feeling very well at all, but Curtis and Victor brought me to the front with about 4 laps to go. Curtis kept going and pulled the break back together. With about 2 to go I almost puked, not a good sign...on the last lap Victor came by me before the last turn...but I tell him I don't have it, and it turns out he doesn't either. I sprint out of the last turn, but I can't make up ground on anyone...so like an idiot, I let up halfway down the finishing straight. I end up 26th place...and they paid the top 25...hmmm, nice move. Curtis, Victor, and Clint all finished right behind me. For the last 12 minutes of the race my heart rate was 180-193 bpm, ouch.

Sunday - Circuit Race
This race is ALWAYS windy, and in the gutter all day long. For some reason, I have never had good luck during this race weekend...I was hoping that would change. On Sunday we had the same team as last night, but added the fresh legs of Andy and Jeff. Nice...a full squad! The race started pretty fast, and the wind made it really hard. We all took turns trying to cover different breaks, and pull back the ones we didn't make. At one point, I was in the gutter...on the rivet...in the hurt box...only to look up and see it was Jeff on the front chasing a break! If I had the strength, I would have went up and told him to slow down before he dropped me!

As the laps wound down to about 6 to go, I looked back...and there was nobody there. Around 80-90 started, and only about 45 were left. At that point, there was a big break up the road of about 25, which had Victor and Andy in it. Jeff attacked to try and bridge the huge gap. A few seconds later Jason Snow attacks, and I chase after him...Jeff and I get together with Jason and start chasing. Jeff is pretty cooked from his work throughout the day, and does his last hard turn to bring us closer to the next group. By this time my legs are cramping pretty bad, and Jason does 75% of the work to bring us up to the split. Now there are around 2 laps to go. I look up ahead and there is a break of 5 away...then Victor bridges across...nice! I'm still hurting, and just trying to follow wheels. Our group splits up a bit more on the last lap, and I end up 17th. Victor does the lion's share of the pulling in his group, and takes 6th. Victor is finally starting to recover from getting sick while racing in the Dominican, and showed it today.

It was a VERY hard day/weekend, especially with the break we all had since our last race. It was great having everyone together on Sunday...overall our results weren't exactly what we would have liked, but unless you win...they seldom are...

This next weekend we do a 3 day stage race in Perry, Georgia...with the road race called Perry-Roubaix, and part of the course is on dirt road. It should be a tough course, but a great weekend of racing.

Cheers!

...more Albany Georgia Cup pictures...

2007-03-10T14:02:00.000-05:00

Clint chasing after the break
(Courtesy of Kim Mickalonis)

Jeff coming out of the last turn
(Courtesy of Kim Mickalonis)

James sprinting for something...?
(Courtesy of Kim Mickalonis)

Georgia Cup #1 - Albany, GA (3/3/07 - 3/4/07)

2007-03-05T10:15:00.000-05:00

Curtis, Jeff, Clint and I headed up to do the first Georgia Cup race of the season. These are well planned, and include at least 3 races over the weekend. The race in Albany consisted of a 3.3k time trial and criterium on Saturday, followed by a 148k road race on Sunday. The field was well attended and consisted of a full Aerospace Engineering pro squad, a VW squad from Canada, a variety of Georgia amateur teams...and single riders from the professional teams Navigators, Health Net, and Jelly Belly (who just returned from the Tour of California).

The time trial was in the morning, and encompassed part of the criterium course...plus a little extra...including a round-a-bout at the bottom of a downhill. After seeing some of the earlier riders crash while trying to negotiate the round-a-bout, I made note to not overcook the turn. We all made it through unscathed, with Jeff Kopp securing his first Pro 1,2 podium with a 3rd place! I was able to squeek in for 4th, with Curtis and Clint not far behind.

Jeff almost "towering" over his competition in 3rd place

Considering the short length of the time trial, the gaps were very small going into the late afternoon criterium. The course was a 1.1 mile, 8 turn, windy ride. During the criterium there were 4 time bonus sprints going 3 places deep, 5,3,1 seconds respectively. They rang the bell, and I saw the Health Net rider attack...so I jumped on his wheel. He forced me into doing all of the pulling through the last 3 turns, but I still beat him in the sprint. After that huge effort, I was a bit cooked, and went to the back to rest for a while. I didn't take part in the second bonus sprint, but had a go at the third...I was just nipped at the line and got second. Not too long after that effort, the Health Net and Jelly Belly rider took off. They didn't have a big gap, and I wasn't too worried because Aerospace had missed the move, and would logically either pull it back or send someone across. Neither happened, and since this was a time based event...the entire field gave the race away. The last laps were free form chaos...Aerospace went to the front with all their riders to lead it out, and Curtis was right behind them with me on his wheel. Unfortunately, Aerospace wasn't able to keep it strung out, and the last lap was spent trying to stay upright as we were swarmed by everybody and his mother. I haven't seen the results yet, but I was around 8th...with Jeff a few places back.

We weren't able to see the full results of the overall going into the road race on Sunday morning, but thought I was in about 5-6th and Jeff in about 10-11th. Sunday brought weather in the very low 40's, and a bunch of incredibly wicked wind...everyone of us Florida boys were freezing! Each of the laps brought several fierce crosswind sections, with miles of riding in the gutter with no draft...Belgium style. Going into the final 25 mile loop, there was a 5-6 rider break with about a 1 1/2 minute lead. In the longest, most windy crosswind section, Aerospace combined with the Jelly Belly, Health Net, and Navigators rider to put it in the gutter for good! Jeff and I had been fighting all day in the crosswind sections to hold our spots near the front...so we were at least close to the front when the bomb went off. Guys were getting dropped left and right, and there were many gaps that had to be closed. I had to close one huge gap and looked over my shoulder to see the two guys behind me blow...that was the last we would see of the pack. The next several miles consisted of time trialing in the gutter with no draft...and as I came to find out, this would be the same for the remainder of the race.

We caught the front group, which gave us a pack of about 15 or so riders fighting out the finish. Aerospace kept attacking trying to unseat the Jelly Belly rider, but he was getting help from Navigators and Health Net to keep it together. About 2 miles to go Donny Autore attacked and everyone waited. Aerospace decided to chase, and Todd Henriksen started leading it out with 1k to go, with me on his wheel. I knew I was a little too close to the front considering it was a head/crosswind finish slightly uphill...but I didn't want to have to try and come from behind. Spying the 200 meter to go sign I jumped, passed Donny, and thought I may win this one...but Frank Trevesio from Aerospace was just able to squeek by me with the "leadout" I have him. I ended up second, which is good, but will be evaluating what I could have done differently on this one for the rest of the year. As I always say, "You win VERY few, and lose MANY" when racing bikes.

Road race finish...me on the left...Frank Trevesio on the right...Keith Norris in the middle...

I ended up 2nd on the stage, 3rd overall, and 2nd in the Most Aggressive category (based on the sprints the day before)...and was the only amateur on the podium for all three podiums.

Second in Road Race

Second in Most Aggressive

Third Overall

Third Overall

Overall we had a very successful weekend, and keep knocking on the door of that first elusive win.

Cheers!

...new Lake Mary pictures (under February)...

2007-03-02T09:20:00.001-05:00

Lake Mary Pictures...

Team Florida TT & Criterium (2/24/07 & 2/25/07)

2007-03-01T08:08:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we participated in the season's first time trial...ouch! The course was an out and back 10 miles, with rolling grades, and some very hefty crosswinds. The way out was a head/crosswind, and the return was a tail/crosswind. By the time the Pro 1,2 field left the start ramp, the wind was really kicking! The earlier categories luckily didn't have to deal with such windy conditions.

As of today, the entire Pro 1,2 results haven't been posted on the internet, but I did see some results at the race on Sunday. Jeff "Kenetic" Kopp came in with a time of 23:14 for 11th place, I had a 23:18 for 12th place, and Curtis Long had right at 24:00.

Sunday brought us the downtown Gainesville criterium. A rectangle course with a downhill/uphill section on the front and back stretch, and a large section of cobbles from turn 1 through and after turn 2. As the race proceeded the section between turn 1 & 2 was filled with people yelling. It actually reminded me of Athens...it must have been because of all the drunk college kids screaming their heads off every time we ripped through the cobbled section.

We covered attacks the entire race, and in the waning laps had Curtis in a 3 man break. I thought it was going to make it, but it was brought back within 4-5 laps to go. Andy Mills covered the last serious move, but it all came back together. I found Curtis with 1 1/2 laps to go, and followed his wheel going into the last lap. The race course wasn't too difficult, so there were a LOT of people at the end. This always makes for a dangerous, pushing shoving match as the race winds down...and today was no different. I lost Curtis' wheel somewhere on the last lap, but was able to latch onto Dan Larson & Rudy Robania from Cyclescience. Curtis took it hard down the backstretch to keep it lined out, but as we hit turn 3 a Wheel & Sprockets rider swung wide and pushed Dan and me wide right. This put us on the right hand side coming out of the last turn...and of course, the wind was coming from the right! At this point, all you can do is sprint as hard as you can into the headwind. Andy Crater won the race, and I ended up 6th with Jeff taking 11th.

Next weekend we head to Albany, Georgia for the first Georgia Cup race of the year...it should be fun.

Cheers!

Habitat for Humanity Road Race (2/17/07)

2007-02-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

Bike racing...one week you're up, the next you're down.

This road race was 85 miles with some hilly terrain, wind, and cold. There was a good field assembled that looked to be around 80-100 riders. Some of the talent included Aerospace Engineering, Preferred Alliance, Cyclescience, Josh Thorton from Kodak-Sierra Nevada, Kyle Wamsley from Navigators, and a team from South American with stage racer Wendy Cruz...along with all the other local talent.

The race started briskly, and with narrow roads and the yellow line rule strictly enforced...it was a huge task to get to the front! Ryan and Clint did what they could to cover early moves, while Curtis was suffering from his 10 hour marathon hunting expedition the day before. We missed the strong early move that had representation from all the major teams, which put us into chase mode. It proved difficult, and no time was retrieved from the leaders. As gaps formed, different groups went up the road...and it all became pretty confusing. What I did know, was that I didn't make the front split.

Jeff was able to infiltrate a break on lap 2-3 and headed off. On the last lap, Victor's legs started cramping and missed the next split. With about 3 miles to go I attacked and bridge up to the group in front of me with about 1000 meters to go...but was really cooked by the effort to get there. Jeff tried to lead me out as his giant legs siezed from dragging his huge body over all the previous climbs (although, he made some really interesting grunting noises as this happened, you should ask him to replay them for you!). I just went to the line as fast as I could, and was about 3rd in the sprint from our group. Great job by Jeff for staying in the break, and giving all he had left at the end for the lead out! This really wan't his type of course.

When the results were posted...there were around 20 people in front of our group! Wow, talk about losing track of riders! This was really a good lesson on staying attentive early, and being aggressive. This race wasn't nearly as hard as the road race in the Bahamas, and I could have done another lap or two when I was done. Results in bike races are pretty unpredictable, there are so many factors involved...the race course, wind, temperature, weather, tactics, crashes...and a lot of luck. I'll keep in mind this experience, and try not to make the same mistakes next time...and hope for a little more luck.

Cheers!

Lake Mary Pictures...

2007-02-15T12:47:00.000-05:00

Pro 1,2 Podium at Lake Mary Criterium
(www.orcracing.com - Craig Creeden)

Jeff Kopp enjoying the Pro 1,2 experience...allllll aboard...
(www.grayquettiphotography.com)

James trying to get away with Jason Snow...feel the pain...
(www.grayquettiphotography.com)

...more of the above...
(www.grayquettiphotography.com)

James and Victor hitting turn 1
(www.grayquettiphotography.com)

Heading down the back straight
(www.grayquettiphotography.com)

Below is a sequence of shots with Yosvany Falcon smoking me to the line
...next time!
(www.grayquettiphotography.com)

Lake Mary Criterium (2/11/07)

2007-02-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

Warm and sunny, unlike last years windy and cold slugfest. This course is long with 4 corners...a headwind on the back straight, and a tailwind on the front.

The same folks from yesterday were there, plus a full squad of Andy Crater's team, Wheel and Sprockets out of Wisconsin. It was pretty easy to sit in, but hard to be out front. Today the whole team was involved covering breaks, and pulling back the ones we missed. Victor Rodriguez, Ryan Stoner, Jeff Kopp, Clint Bridier and a battered Curtis Long all were big factors.

During the waning laps a 5 person break was away without an ABRT rider, and Clint, Ryan and Curtis brought it all back together. With about 5 laps to go, Jeff brought up to the font. With 2 laps to go I was on Aerospace Keith Norris' wheel in second, a little too close than I would have liked...but you have to take what you can get this late in the race. After turning the 1st corner on the last lap Keith pulled off, and I let up waiting for a lead out train to come by...Curtis went hard up the left and I jumped into 3rd spot behind Aerospace's Chris Frederick. Curtis pulled to the 3rd turn, and Chris took over. Chris looked back, and then drilled it through the 4rth turn and down the front straight. I knew I had at least 1 Aerospace guy on my wheel, otherwise Chris would never lead this out. Right before I was about to jump, Chris' teammate Yosvany Falcon fly's by and I jump after him. He already has a bike length gap, and I feel riders coming up the left hand side...so I give what I have left finishing 2nd.

Yosvany was first, me second, and Ivan Franco from Aerospace was 3rd. We achieved our first goal of the year, a podium spot in a Pro 1,2 race. I think once everyone on the team has settled into the season, we can make one more step up...

Cheers!

Sanford Lakefront Criterium (2/10/07)

2007-02-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

The weather was warm, with a headwind on the front straight, and a tailwind on the back. The course was shortened to 4 corners this year, with a nice section of brick/cobbles after the first turn...just to add some excitement.

The field was pretty big, and contained a full squad from Aerospace Engineering, Preferred Alliance, Cyclescience and many others. The race was fast, with a bunch of "physical contact." Curtis Long took the first $20 preme, and was riding very strong when one of the Aerospace guys cut sharply to avoid a manhole cover and hooked his front wheel. He went down hard, and landed on his hand...and somehow badly bruised his heal (not to mention trashing one of his newly rebuilt wheels).

I covered many breaks, and took a preme. Late in the race we missed a large break with about 4-5 Aerospace, 2 Cyclescience, several Preferred Alliance, and several others. I bridged up solo, and we started gaining time. At one point we were out of sight, until Chris Frederick attacked...and nobody wanted to bring him back. We all stopped pedaling, and went back to the pack.

With 4-5 laps to go Ryan Stoner brought me closer to the front, and with 2 to go Jeff Kopp brought me a little further. Jason Snow from Cyclescience jumped really hard on the back straight, and high-jacked Aerospaces leadout. He won the race with 2 Aerospace guys right behind him. I was a little far back, but was able to pass Joel Chavez at the line for 9th.

We're still working out our tactics as a team, and this was a good start to the season as a full squad.

Cheers!

Bahamas pictures...

2007-02-09T10:44:00.000-05:00

Curtis headed to the front.
(Photo: Rob Jones-www.canadiancyclist.com)

Curtis and I watching the field thin down.
(Photo: Rob Jones-www.canadiancyclist.com)

Curtis moving up the inside.
(Photo: Rob Jones-www.canadiancyclist.com)

The Rite-Aid Pro team dragging Curtis and I to the start...really good guys. The guy on the left is Ian Ayers. This picture was "borrowed" off of Jake Rytlewski's blog.

Tour of Bahamas (2/3/07 - 2/4/07)

2007-02-08T08:13:00.001-05:00

It was a jam packed two days of racing and adventure!

Curtis and I made it to Nassau, Bahamas and checked into our Wyndham "Last" Resort hotel. After going to the Friday kick-off meeting we found out the start list...much different than last year! There were 4 pro teams, Rite-Aid (DS: John Wirsing), Kelley Benefits (DS: Jonas Carney), Slipstream/Chipolte (DS: Jonathan Vaughters), and Aerospace Engineering (DS: Roberto Gaggioli, but wasn't there). Also, the entire U23 national team (VMG, DS: Chann McCrae) was there...all 20 of them! These guys were like big gnats flighting around the peleton..you swat one, and another one is right there! They were getting ready for the Tour of California (at least 8 were going).

What could be the top team in Florida this year, Bike America/Potters Landscapinig, were also there getting ready to go race in Belize next week. Also thrown in were Ricardo Hernandez (last years winner), Laser (Daniel Chavez who is Joels brother), and many other assorted amateur teams and rogues like Curtis and I. In all there were over 100 riders in the Pro 1,2 field.

The good news was that the start/finish was in the same spot each day, the bad news was we had to ride 10 miles each way to get there. Which wasn't a big deal, until the last day. The roads were narrow, full of pot holes and sand, with the assorted large debree thrown in for good measure. They also wanted us to observe the center line rule...jeesh! A pretty big ask for such a large field.

Stage 1: 3 Mile TT
We pedaled out for Curtis' 10:40 start time...I started at 11:08, so if Curtis was going to make us late...then he would only be hurting himself :-) We were told that it was a shorter distance to the start than it actually was, so we arrived just as Curtis was being called to the start house. I finished pinning his number on just as his 30 second man left the ramp. Not exactly the best way to start your TT.

Curtis let me know that the turnaround at the top of the hill wasn't marked well, and told me how to make it through the quickest way possible. This helped out a great deal, and made my job much easier. Coming back into a headwind made it really hard. Ricardo Hernandez was my 30 second man, and Ivan Franco started 30 seconds behind me...ouch. Anyhow I finished in 6:22, with Ricardo doing a 6:3?, and Ivan going just under my time with a 6:18. This placed me in 11th overall, and with 15 places in the overall, I hoped to hold my spot. Curtis paid for his efforts to make it to the start on time, and finished a bit further back.

We rode back to the hotel and got ready for the next stage at 4:00 pm...of course the elevators in our lovely hotel were stuck, so we walked the 8 flights to our room.

Stage2: 45 Mile Circuit Race
This was a 6-7 mile circuit and flat, with some scattered showers. Halfway through the race they had a bonus sprint for time, 3 seconds, 2 seconds and 1 second. Curtis suggested I go for the bonus sprint, instead of banking on a chaotic field sprint finish...this proved to be great advice. The race was fast and furious, with countless attacks. I think Curtis or I were in every one. The sprint lap came and Slipstream and Aerospace setup the pain train. I came out of the last corner on the inside about 15-20th place and sprinted to the front just as Aerospace was releasing Frank Travesio from his leadout...I was coming around him, but he got me by half a wheel. Eric Keim from Aerospace was 3rd. The race progressed when a large break formed toward the end of the race, Curtis recognized the danger and made a long solo bridge...ouch. Aerospace wanted to setup Travesio for the win, so they wouldn't work in the break, and started chasing it down. The break looked very diverse, with all the teams represented...but it was caught around the last lap. The last lap was quite a battle, it was pin-ball galore...so I didn't move up as far as I should have, and came in 20th making sure there weren't any time gaps between me or any of the leaders. Gene Dixon (Athens, GA race director) was there doing timings and results, so everyone had wireless transponders on their forks...so it would pick up any time gaps. With the 2 second time bonus, I had moved into 8th place. Ricardo Hernandez won the race.

At the end of the day, we ended up with 95 miles...and arrived back at the hotel in some nice misting rain...and the dark.

Stage3: 102 Mile Road Race
This was a 17 mile circuit with one hill that didn't seem like much in the beginning...but turned into my ass kicker in the waning laps. The first lap was once again crazy fast, and then slowed down slightly as we progressed. It got hot! I went through about 6-7 bottles, and those who know me...know I don't usually drink that much. I also stuffed down a ton of food. Curtis went with several breaks early on to make sure we were represented. There were 2 time bonus sprints today, but decided to not waste the bullets...and make sure I had a shot at finishing with the leaders. Aerospace's Trevesio was trying to unseat Slipstream's Will Fishkorn (he did a 6:01 TT!!) from the lead. Trevesio was 1 second behind after his bonus seconds and finish from yesterday.

With two laps to go, a large split happened in the field going over the hill about 1.5 miles before the finish. As I went over, I started cramping...and thought it was over. The group was almost out of site...a couple guys attacked and I jumped after them, knowing my race was over unless we caught the group. We ended up with about 6 of us, and we chase back on after a few miles...I was pretty cooked. Each lap Aerospace, Slipstream, and Rite-Aid would put in in the gutter in the very long crosswind section. This would be the finish of many riders race. By this time I REALLY was starting to cramp. We started up the hill where the feed zone was, going into the last lap...I grabbed my musset that had 2 water bottles and a gel. Both of my hamstrings locked...I got over the top and started chasing. The race carivan started passing me, and as Jonathan Vaughters went by, he was yelling in his teams race radios to drill it...not what I wanted to hear. I was able to muster the energy to pace back through the cars...and catch the group again. Now I had to make it over the hill one last time and stay with the leaders to preserve my place...oh, and not totally have my legs seize like a car engine running without oil!

As the Slipstream and Aerospace drilled the last lap, and up over the last hill...I barely made it. With the tailwind finish we were being led out at about 38 mph, and gaps started to form in the group. I was able to stay seated and power to the finish in 9th place...and make sure there weren't any gaps in time. I still haven't got word on my place on that stage, because Curtis and I had immediately ride back to the hotel to pack our bikes and head to the airport. That day we ended with about 125 miles...double ouch.

A couple of the guys ahead of me didn't make the split that happened about 2 laps to go...and 1 or 2 were dropped on the last lap. This helped me move up to 5th overall. Ricardo Hernandez won again (although not without contraversy). Curtis was able to cover the breaks when I couldn't, and paced me to the front when needed. We were a bit short handed this weekend, but we rode well together...and I appreciate him sacraficing his race to help our efforts. I can't wait to race full force.

We had a good trip, and some very hard miles. I haven't hurt that bad in a race in at least 3-4 years...probably the last time I did the Pro 1 race at Athens.

Final results from a Canadian online mag...
http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dailynews/February/2.4.071.07PM28.shtml

Full results from cyclingnews.com
http://www.cyclingnews.com/road.php?id=road/USA/2007/feb07/feb04bahamas

Stage 1:
James - 11th

Stage 2:
James - Field, with a 2 second time bonus sprint. 8th overall

Stage 3:
James - 9th. 5th overall (Top Amateur)

Cheers!
Sween

“Bring it on!” Race Series #3 (2/3/07)

2007-02-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

From Truesport.com

“Bring it on!” Race Series #3
Alachua, FL

| February 03, 2007 |

The third and final stage of the “Bring it on!” series saw the coolest temperatures of the three stops, but still managed to defy the weather forecasts to stay dry.

The A grade finale was up for grabs as the points leader James Sweeney (American Bicycle) was absent to compete at the concurrent Tour of the Bahamas. While several riders were still within striking distance of his points total, the task proved too difficult. The closest contender, Bobby Sweeting (Aerospace Engineering-Toshiba-JetNetwork) aggressively sought the win early on, and found himself in the first real breakaway with Dan Larson (Cycle Science) and Jon Salsbury (JRC). This group was later joined by several other contenders to form a large selection of over 14 riders. After this reshuffle, the Cycle Science team sought a more favorable finishing mix with several successive attacks. Eventually, Jason Snow (Cycle Science) got clear for good with strongmen Jim Wright (JRC) and Gary Yates (Bike Route). Snow took the three up sprint clearly for the win and was followed in order by Wright and Yates. Larson managed to win the next tight sprint over Sweeting for 4th. Sweeney’s series lead held up though, and he was awarded the title in absentia. Jim Wright charged to a close 2nd, and Sweeting finished 3rd.

Like the A grade men, the Women’s event was also dominated by Cycle Science, with Cindy Tompkins taking the top spoils. Jackie Crowell (Cycle Science), who already had two straight victories in the series, again overcame a large handicap to help her teammate close the deal. In one of the toughest catches of the series, outmarkers, Kristin Bowers and Jessica Tomasello (both Atomic Racing) made the scratch markers, Crowell and Angela Connaughton (Helen’s), work hard to get on even terms. This came to pass in the closing laps and as the race wound down, Tompkins escaped with Alexis Dabroski (Team Florida) in tow. The veteran Tompkins won this battle for the win, while her teammates Crowell and Alane Balweg took the next two spots in the field sprint. Tomasello capped her hard ride with a very good sprint to round out the top 5.

The very large B grade event finale was split into two groups, Cat 4 and Cat 5, for fair play and safety.

The main B (Cat 4) race was nearly an exact replica of the previous weeks B race. Again, Wes Wolfenbarger (JRC), winner of week 1, and 15 yr old Mike Niemi (Chain Reaction), escaped together and charged out ahead. The script changed in their favor this time however, and they did manage to survive to the finish. Wolfenbarger dropped off the pace on the final lap and Niemi came through solo for his first ever race win. In the field sprint, the regional Colavita team put together a great leadout to take the 3rd and 5th place spots for Cody Vance and Adam Baker respectively. Local rider James Penrod (Cycle Logic) sandwiched between them for 4th. While the B series overall was a dead heat coming into the day, Wolfenbarger’s second place sealed it up, as the week two winner Ashish Patel (UF) punctured on the final lap, and Romero Gill (JRC) finished outside of the points positions.

The “bonus” B race (Cat 5) had plenty of action in its own right. In the end a small break of four stayed clear and Todd Ireland (Atomic Racing) narrowly beat Ed Joy(unattached) to the line for the victory. Talmadge Mincey(unattached) and Josh West(unattached) earned the 3rd and 4th spots respectively, and Thomas Hendry (Atomic Racing) won the field sprint for 5th.

The official Florida Points Series Calendar will begin next week with criteriums in Sanford and Lake Mary. www.floridacycling.com

Results and report courtesy of Team Florida Cycling

Women
1 Cindy Tompkins Cycle Science @1:30
2 Alexis Dabroski Team Florida @1:30
3 Jackie Crowell Cycle Science @2:15
4 Alane Balweg Cycle Science @1:30
5 Jessica Tomasello Atomic @0:45
6 Angela Connaugton Helen's @2:15
7 Christi-Ann Hansley Kenda @1:30

Men B (Cat4)
1 Mike Niemi Chain Reaction
2 Wes Wolfenbarger JRC
3 Cody Vance Colavita
4 James Penrod Cycle Logic
5 Adam Baker Colavita
6 Paul McManus unattached
7 Masoud Rezaei Velo Brew
8 Victor Arber Team Florida
9 Mike Sanford Team Florida
10 Paul Messal Cycle Logic

Men A
1 Jason Snow Cycle Science
2 Jim Wright JRC
3 Gary Yates Naples Cyclery
4 Dan Larson Cycle Science
5 Bobby Sweeting AEG/Toshiba/Jet Network
6 Dave Potter ASV
7 Chuck Jerabek JRC
8 Daryl Tompkins Bike Route
9 Rebecca Larson Aaron's Corporate Furnishing

Men B (Cat5)
1 Todd Ireland Atomic Racing
2 Ed Joy unattached
3 Talmadge Mincey unattached
4 Josh West unattached
5 Thomas Hendry Atomic Racing
6 Robert Stewart Velo Brew
7 Alastar Coomer Tunwald CC

SERIES RESULTS
A Grade
Rider TEAM Total
James Sweeney American Bicycle 10
Jim Wright JRC 9
Bobby Sweeting AEG/Toshiba/Jet Network 8
Jason Snow Cycle Science 7
Gary Yates Naples Cyclery 5
Kyle Wamsley Navigators 5
Winston David AEG/Toshiba/Jet Network 5
Dan Larson Cycle Science 3
Rebecca Larson Aaron's Corporate Furnishing 3
Roel Vanmuysen Klaipeda Splendid 3
Shane Braley Wheel and Sprocket 2
Chuck Jerabek JRC 2
Dave Potter ASV 1

B Grade
Rider TEAM Total
Wes Wolfenbarger unattached 11
Mike Niemi Chain Reaction 6
Adam Baker Colavita 6
Ashish Patel Team Florida 6
Romero Gill unattached 6
Victor Arber Team Florida 5
Cody Vance Colavita 4
Dayne Johnson Atomic Racing 4
James Penrod Cycle Logic 3
Joe Veglucci Higher Ground 3
Dan Heggblod Colavita 3
Josh Powe Team Florida 2
Brian Stalvey Colavita 2
Paul McManus unattached 1
Steve Deroche Cycle Logic 1

Women
Rider TEAM Total
Jackie Crowell Cycle Science 16
Cindy Tompkins Cycle Science 13
Alexis Dabroski Bike Route 5
Angela Connaugton Helen's 5
Amanda Tosh Team Florida 5
Christi-Ann Hansley Kenda 5
Marilyn Cullinane Naples Cyclery 4
Mandi Hall unattached 4
Alane Balweg Cycle Science 3
Jessica Tomasello Atomic Racing 2
Delene Beeland Team Florida 1

all rights reserved. © TrueSport.com 1997-2007

“Bring it on!” Race Series #2 (1/27/07)

2007-02-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

From Truesport.com

“Bring it on!” Race Series #2
Alachua, FL

| January 27, 2007 |

The second “Bring it on!” series race in Alachua, FL enjoyed another great day.

The A grade race featured another difficult battle with some young guns emerging from the shootout. After initial flurries of attacks, a large group formed that included many of the previous week’s aggressors. Again Jim Wright (JRC) Gary Yates (Bike Route), Shane Braley (Wheel and Sprocket), James Sweeney (American Bicycle), Chuck Jerabek (JRC), Roel Vanmuysen (BEL, Klaipeda Splendid), Ryan Saylor (Cycle Science), and Dan Larson (Cycle Science) were in the mix. They were also joined by some new faces including Jason Snow (Cyclescience), Jon Salsbury (JRC), and two young professionals from the Aerospace Engineering-Toshiba-JetNetwork team, Bobby Sweeting and Winston David. The 14+ rider group proved rather “heavy” and only just dangled in front of the chasing field. Eventually, the efforts among the lead group allowed them to pull away, but not for any true organization.

This back and forth battle up front eventually saw Sweeting and Vanmuysen escaping in the closing laps. This duo’s tenuous lead evaporated on the final lap with the field nipping at their heals on the charge to the finish. Sweeting did manage to hold on for the win, and for icing on the cake his teammate David bolted out of the remainder of the lead group to claim second. Last week’s winner James Sweeney charged up to 3rd while Vanmuysen hung on for 4th.
The Women’s event was again dominated by Jackie Crowell (Cycle Science), who easily eliminated her increased handicap and rode on alone for her second straight victory of the series. The field behind came charging in en masse and Christ-An Hansley (Kenda) bested the rest for 2nd. Local hammer and former pro Angela Connaughton (Helen’s) claimed 3rd and rising star newcomer Amanda Tosh took an impressive 4th.

The B grade event served up all the suspense and action of a top pro event. Early on, two riders, Wes Wolfenbarger (JRC), winner of week 1, and 15 yr old Mike Niemi (Chain Reaction), built a quick advantage. This lead was steadily built to a maximum of 1 minute, but then began to fall as the finish drew near. While Wolfenbarger dropped off the pace, Niemi continued the fight to the bitter end. The field finally made contact with him a half a mile to go, and the race ended with an wily field sprint. In the final turn Masoud Rezaei (Velo Brew) led, but clipped a pedal and nearly lost control. Several riders pounced on this misstep and it was Ashish Patel (UF) who took a razor thin, photo finish win from Romero Gill (JRC). Close behind, it was Dayne Johnson (Atomic Racing), Joe Veglucci (Higher Ground), and Josh Powe (UF) taking 3rd-5th respectively.

Going into the final week, James Sweeney has a comfortable lead in the A series, Jackie Crowell has effectively clinched the Women’s series, and there is a three way tie for for the B grade title between, the two race winners Wes Wolfenbarger and Ashish Patel, and the consistent place getter, Romero Gill.

RACE REUSLTS

Women
1 Jackie Crowell Cycle Science @2:15
2 Christi-Ann Hansley Kenda @1:30
3 Angela Connaugton Helen's @2:15
4 Amanda Tosh Team Florida @1:00
5 Cindy Tompkins Cycle Science @2:15
6 Mandi Hall unattached @1:30
7 Delene Beeland Team Florida @1:00
8 Heather Davis Team Florida @1:00
9 Alex Lechner Team Florida @1:00
10 Alexis Dabroski Team Florida @1:30
11 Kristin Donahue Team Florida @1:00
12 Hannah Kirshner Circle A @0:00
13 Megan Giesa Team Florida @0:00
14 Justin Pfaff Cycle Logic @0:00

Men B
1 Ashish Patel Team Florida
2 Romero Gill unattached
3 Dayne Johnson Atomic Racing
4 Joe Veglucci Higher Ground
5 Josh Powe Team Florida
6 Steve Deroche Cycle Logic
7 Masoud Rezaei Velo Brew
8 Anthony Musalo Cycle Logic
9 Mike Niemi unattached
10 Michael Chiavella Team Florida
11 Matt Greene Team Florida
12 Mike Sanford Team Florida
13 Young-Ki Chang Team Florida

Men A
1 Bobby Sweeting AEG/Toshiba/JetNetwork
2 Winston David AEG/Toshiba/JetNetwork
3 James Sweeney American Bicycle
4 Roel Vanmuysen Klaipeda Splendid
5 Chuck Jerabek JRC
6 Jason Snow Cycle Science
7 Shane Braley Wheel and Sprocket
8 Gary Yates Naples Cyclery
9 Jim Wright JRC
10 John Salsbury JRC

SERIES STANDINGS AFTER RACE #2
A Grade
Rider TEAM Total
James Sweeney American Bicycle 10
Bobby Sweeting AEG/Toshiba/Jet Network 6
Kyle Wamsley Navigators 5
Winston David AEG/Toshiba/Jet Network 5
Jim Wright JRC 4
Rebecca Larson Aaron's Corporate Furnishing 3
Roel Vanmuysen Klaipeda Splendid 3
Shane Braley Wheel and Sprocket 2
Chuck Jerabek JRC 2
Gary Yates Naples Cyclery 1
Jason Snow Cycle Science 1

B Grade
Rider TEAM Total
Wes Wolfenbarger unattached 6
Romero Gill unattached 6
Ashish Patel Team Florida 6
Victor Arber Team Florida 5
Adam Baker Colavita 4
Dayne Johnson Atomic Racing 4
Dan Heggblod Colavita 3
Joe Veglucci Higher Ground 3
Brian Stalvey Colavita 2
Josh Powe Team Florida 2
Steve Deroche Cycle Logic 1

Women
Rider TEAM Total
Jackie Crowell Cycle Science 12
Cindy Tompkins Cycle Science 7
Amanda Tosh Team Florida 5
Christi-Ann Hansley Kenda 5
Marilyn Cullinane Naples Cyclery 4
Mandi Hall unattached 4
Angela Connaugton Helen's 4
Delene Beeland Team Florida 1

Results and report courtesy of Team Florida Cycling

all rights reserved. © TrueSport.com 1997-2007

“Bring it on!” Race Series #1 (1/20/07)

2007-02-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

From Truesport.com

“Bring it on!” Race Series #1
Alachua, FL

| January 20, 2007 |

As some of the earliest races hosted in the US each season, the traditional “Bring it on!” series in Alachua, FL serves as an icebreaker for many riders in the Southeast and Florida. The current edition continued to offer some opportunities to shake off the cobwebs against some excellent competition.

The A grade race featured Kyle Wamsley (Navigators) taking on a group full of current and former masters national champions, former state champions and up and coming local elite. The race, and the season, was opened by masters champion Jim Wright (JRC), who wasted no time by attacking straight off the line. The groggy group took its time rolling up to speed and after several stop and go efforts, two chase groups eventually formed. The first contained Gary Yates (Bike Route), Phil Bailey (UF), Shane Braley (Cycle Science), James Sweeney (American Bicycle), and Rebecca Larson (Aaron’s Corp. Furnishings), and the second was composed of Wamsley, Chuck Jerabek (JRC), Roel Vanmuysen (BEL, Klaipeda Splendid), Ryan Saylor (Cycle Science), and Dan Larson (Cycle Science).

As all of the above riders hammered away after one another, the field drifted further back and was soon in jeopardy of being lapped by them all. By the time the race hit 5 laps to go, all eleven workers had taken the lap advantage and were on even terms with one another. This set the stage for a hard mass sprint to the line. In the end, masters rider James Sweeney bested the Continental pro Wamsley, while the day’s first attacker, Wright, finished in 3rd. On top of this, Wright’s aggressive efforts also claimed 7 of the 10 offered primes. Rebecca Larson had a strong finish to claim 4th, and Braley rounded out the top 5.

The Women’s event was headlined by Jackie Crowell (Cycle Science), a reigning junior national champion, making her official senior debut. After making quick work of the handicap, Jackie forged on alone and ended the event with a considerable advantage. Her teammate Cindy Tompkins had a strong sprint to seal 2nd, and Naples Cyclery rider Marilyn Cullinane completed the podium.

In the B grade race, a large, varied group battled throughout the duration of their event for multiple primes and prizes. This constant activity inhibited effective breakaways, and the group ultimately came to the line en masse. When the dust settled, Wes Wolfenbarger (unattached) came in for a clear sprint win ahead of Victor Arber (Team Florida), and Adam Baker (Colavita Regional). Two more Colavita regional riders, Dan Heggblod, and Brian Stalvey claimed 4th and 5th respectively.

Results and report courtesy of Team Florida Cycling

Women - 15 miles
1 Jackie Crowell Cycle Science @1:35
2 Cindy Tompkins Cycle Science @1:35
3 Marilyn Cullinane Naples Cyclery @1:35
4 Mandi Hall unattached @1:35
5 Amanda Tosh Team Florida @:00
6 Delene Beeland Team Florida @1:00
7 Heather Davis Team Florida @1:00
8 Kristin Donahue Team Florida @1:00
9 Alex Lechner Team Florida @1:00
10 Tracy Wallace Team Florida @1:00
11 Megan Giesa Team Florida @:00
12 Kelli Ritari unattached @:00
13 Stefanie Sherrill Team Florida @:00

Men B - 23 miles
1 Wes Wolfenbarger unattached
2 Victor Arber Team Florida
3 Adam Baker Colavita
4 Dan Heggblod Colavita
5 Brian Stalvey Colavita
6 Romero Gill unattached

Men A - 27.5 miles
1 James Sweeney American Bicycle
2 Kyle Wamsley Navigators
3 Jim Wright JRC
4 Rebecca Larson Aaron's Corporate Furnishing
5 Shane Braley Cycle Science
6 Gary Yates Naples Cyclery
7 Roel Vanmuysen Klaipeda Splendid
8 Chuck Jerabek JRC
9 Ryan Saylor Cycle Science
10 Dan Larson Cycle Science
11 Phil Bailey Team Florida
12 Scott Pfaff Cycle Logic
13 Andrew Holland Naples Cyclery
14 Masoud Reznel Velo Brew
15 Lorne Johnson Bike Route
16 Dave Comiskey Team Florida

all rights reserved. © TrueSport.com 1997-2007