Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Rumor has it... Major is out and the Springs is in
Rumor has it... from an insider in Colorado Springs ... that discussions are under way to move Masters Track Nationals from the Major Taylor Velodrome in Indianapolis to Colorado Springs! Stay tuned, more to come soon... at this time however, this an unconfirmed rumor... Later, the Jet
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Victory Salute Like a PRO
Just in case Len hadn't covered all the racing technique drills for you - this is worth thinking about.
Victory Salute Like a PRO
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Victory Salute Like a PRO
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Sunday, April 12, 2009
I love the Classics
It culminated today in Boonen’s win at Paris-Roubaix.
When I think of the spring classics I think of Belgium. However Paris-Roubaix is a French race, on French terrain, but it runs to the doorstep of Belgium, so if a Belgian wins Paris-Roubaix they become a National hero. Boonen of course is Belgian, he won, and he is more than a hero.
To me the images of Paris-Roubaix are the cobbles, the weather, the spectators, and the flags. Although the race is on French territory, the Belgian flags were very prominent today. If you watched the race coverage today – you saw them flying high.
Belgium is 58% Dutch, the northern more prosperous area is called Flanders where they speak Dutch (Flemish). The Flag of Flanders is the bright yellow flag with the black lion. The south of Belgium is called Wallonie where they speak French. The flag of Wallonie is the bright yellow flag with the red rooster. The Belgium flag is the black/yellow/red vertically striped flag. So if you've been wondering what those flags represent - you now know.
Today we saw the Belgian pride demonstrated along the route with all three flags flying high above thousands of spectators. OK, let’s try to ignore those fans booing the non-Belgian riders and those running across the roads in front of the riders; because in the end Tom Boonen won for a second year in a row! It was a great race to watch.
Tommeke! Tommeke! Tommeke! The pride of the north.
to learn about the Regions, Provinces, and Flags of the Provinces of Belgium
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Saturday, April 11, 2009
CVA '09, message from Claire
Hello Friends!
There have been a lot of rumors flying around and I know most everyone is in the dark as to why we have not yet published a calendar or a track opening date, and so we’d like to make you all aware of the situation that the CVA is currently dealing with that has caused this information to be delayed.
For as many years as any of us can remember, the USOC, and in particular John Cotton, as an employee of the USOC, has been very flexible with us during our summers, often staying open 7 days a week for as many hours as John could stand. Usually during the summers it is not unusual for John to work over 60 hours a week. We have been spoiled in that regard and hopefully we are all able to recognize that. This past month, the USOC cut sixty jobs (thankfully not John’s) and are attempting to cut millions of dollars from their budget. Our track, being a facility owned by the USOC, is subject to the USOC’s choices in terms of scaling back. We were originally told that the track would only be open on the weekends and certainly not at any time in which we would need to use the lights.
With the help of Pat McDonough, who has left USA Cycling, we have a proposal into the USOC to open the track and staff it. Our proposal is still being assessed by the USOC and as a result, nothing has been posted or set in stone in terms of the CVA calendar. Pat is working hard with the USOC to continue to make our track racing and usage a reality. As soon as there is a response back from the USOC, we will get everything put up online immediately!
We want everyone to be aware that if our proposed plan goes through with the USOC, things are going to change quite a bit. There will still be Tuesday and Thursday night racing, our normal weekend races (sprint days, TT day, creamed corn, districts, etc.) but training availability times are going to change. There will not be as much flexibility and training times will be set times during the week. This is a big change for our track, but we are asking everyone to stay positive, give us feedback, and help the community to adapt as a whole to these changes.
On an uplifting note (provided the proposal is approved): we are going to work hard this year to turn Thursday nights into a big deal, not only for our riders, but also for spectators and the community as a whole. We are looking at a potentially huge season this year with the opening of the Boulder track and an increased rider base. We are really excited to use this opportunity and turn Thursday nights into sponsor nights with feature races, crowds and large racing fields.
So, this is what is going on. We apologize for not posting this and communicating sooner. Help spread the word among your fellow riders and help spread the correct information. If you have any other questions or concerns, email cvatrack@gmail.com and let us know. We will post as soon as we hear from the USOC. One last note, when you see Pat McDonough around this summer, please thank him for all of his hard work! Please also take every opportunity you get to thank John Cotton for all he does and has done and will continue to do for the CVA. John is our greatest support and without him, we would not have functioned for 25+ years!
Thanks!
Claire Landis-Tyson on behalf of The CVA Board
There have been a lot of rumors flying around and I know most everyone is in the dark as to why we have not yet published a calendar or a track opening date, and so we’d like to make you all aware of the situation that the CVA is currently dealing with that has caused this information to be delayed.
For as many years as any of us can remember, the USOC, and in particular John Cotton, as an employee of the USOC, has been very flexible with us during our summers, often staying open 7 days a week for as many hours as John could stand. Usually during the summers it is not unusual for John to work over 60 hours a week. We have been spoiled in that regard and hopefully we are all able to recognize that. This past month, the USOC cut sixty jobs (thankfully not John’s) and are attempting to cut millions of dollars from their budget. Our track, being a facility owned by the USOC, is subject to the USOC’s choices in terms of scaling back. We were originally told that the track would only be open on the weekends and certainly not at any time in which we would need to use the lights.
With the help of Pat McDonough, who has left USA Cycling, we have a proposal into the USOC to open the track and staff it. Our proposal is still being assessed by the USOC and as a result, nothing has been posted or set in stone in terms of the CVA calendar. Pat is working hard with the USOC to continue to make our track racing and usage a reality. As soon as there is a response back from the USOC, we will get everything put up online immediately!
We want everyone to be aware that if our proposed plan goes through with the USOC, things are going to change quite a bit. There will still be Tuesday and Thursday night racing, our normal weekend races (sprint days, TT day, creamed corn, districts, etc.) but training availability times are going to change. There will not be as much flexibility and training times will be set times during the week. This is a big change for our track, but we are asking everyone to stay positive, give us feedback, and help the community to adapt as a whole to these changes.
On an uplifting note (provided the proposal is approved): we are going to work hard this year to turn Thursday nights into a big deal, not only for our riders, but also for spectators and the community as a whole. We are looking at a potentially huge season this year with the opening of the Boulder track and an increased rider base. We are really excited to use this opportunity and turn Thursday nights into sponsor nights with feature races, crowds and large racing fields.
So, this is what is going on. We apologize for not posting this and communicating sooner. Help spread the word among your fellow riders and help spread the correct information. If you have any other questions or concerns, email cvatrack@gmail.com and let us know. We will post as soon as we hear from the USOC. One last note, when you see Pat McDonough around this summer, please thank him for all of his hard work! Please also take every opportunity you get to thank John Cotton for all he does and has done and will continue to do for the CVA. John is our greatest support and without him, we would not have functioned for 25+ years!
Thanks!
Claire Landis-Tyson on behalf of The CVA Board
Thursday, April 9, 2009
1st Vic's win at KHMTT
Race Report and Results: Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial Series, Cheery Creek, CO
Just to add to Karen's summary. The storming Dennis Hastings racked the first Vic's win at the KHMTT. No one was within 45 seconds of Diesel Hastings @ 23:05.
Just to add to Karen's summary. The storming Dennis Hastings racked the first Vic's win at the KHMTT. No one was within 45 seconds of Diesel Hastings @ 23:05.
Also noteworthy, Burt, another race of truth expert, was a strong second place in the 45+ group.
Stay tuned, weekly we have alot of fun down there, especially when the weather cooperates. Without a doubt everyone gets a good dose of suffering.
Cherry Creek Time Trial Series
Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial at Cherry Creek State Park
The first time trial series of the year began last night at Cherry Creek Reservoir and will continue every Wednesday night from 04/09/09 - 05/20/09. Vic's Espresso has 6 team members participating in the time trial series this year. Go Vic's!
KHMTT Website
Results at ACA
The first time trial series of the year began last night at Cherry Creek Reservoir and will continue every Wednesday night from 04/09/09 - 05/20/09. Vic's Espresso has 6 team members participating in the time trial series this year. Go Vic's!
KHMTT Website
Results at ACA
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
We are sponsored by Vic's Espresso after all
It's Time to Make a Coffee Run
An interesting article in The New York Times about the affect of caffeine on athletic performance. Read it here: have a cup
Monday, April 6, 2009
BMCT Winter 2009 Track Team
Indoor Velodrome in Boulder, CO
What’s happens when the Vic’s/Peerless Boulder Master Cycling Team has an opportunity for winter training at Boulder’s first indoor velodrome? How about 5 track records!
Front Row (L-to-R) Jim Kinsinger, Larry Bosch, Steve Worley, Zack Gould
What’s happens when the Vic’s/Peerless Boulder Master Cycling Team has an opportunity for winter training at Boulder’s first indoor velodrome? How about 5 track records!
Front Row (L-to-R) Jim Kinsinger, Larry Bosch, Steve Worley, Zack Gould Second Row (L-to-R) Neal Henderson, Jerry Greenleaf, Paul Mack, Barry Messmer
Back Row (L-to-R) Joe Paulson, Alden Lowney, Scott Rost, Bill Brant
Note: BMCT Track riders not in photo; Brad Wallace, John Tally and Dennis Hastings
BMCT Track riders just completed a 12 week coached program on the new Boulder Indoor Velodrome. What started out to develop safe track riding skills evolved to include several hotly contested track racing events.
Many thanks to several of the coaches that helped us along the way, Colby Pearce (just finished 6th in the Worlds Points Race), Cari Higgins (current multiple event Senior Track Champion) and Neal Henderson (just successfully guided Taylor Phinny to be the youngest Track World Champion ever), not to mention the wisdom provided by BMCT’s own Masters National Track Champions, Steve Worley, Larry Bosch, Paul Mack and Brad Wallace.
It started with track safety, how to enter and exit over the ‘cote azure’.
The next lesson was to NOT ride too slow! This was the most difficult lesson of all, as we did have several riders slide off the 47% bank walls. I won’t mention any names but you know who you are... Above all, we learned to communicate, a few simple track commands; stick, stay, rail and pole. In the beginning our pace line was ragged, with some overlaps and gaps, as we were not yet comfortable riding close together in such tight turns. Over time this changed, as we got comfortable on the 130 meter track and our skills improved.
Over the 12 weeks we developed a series of drills that included Pace Line work (on the stayers line and in the sprinters lane), Standing Starts, Individual Sprints, Team Sprints aka Olympic sprints, Hot Laps, Individual Pursuit, Team Pursuit, Under / Over team drill, and mass start racing events (scratch and points).
The most contested event was the Team Pursuit where the 45+ racers took on the old guys (55+). Our old guys rock, they own this event as they finished the season undefeated, the fact is we were never close, they were that good. Proof that experience and treachery can overcome youth and vitality. We took names, and will be looking forward to redemption.
Our speed is best demonstrated by the 4 ‘Hot Lap’ records on the board at the track. A “Hot Lap’ is when you wind it up on your own, get to top speed then drop into the sprinters lane at full throttle for an electronically timed lap. Congratulations to the 4 currently on the board.
45-49 John Tally ‘JT’ 8.548
55-59 Steve Worley 8.879
60-64 Lars 9.079
65+ Jim Kinsinger 8.982
Honorable mention to Joe Paulson who held the 45-49 record for several weeks, until JT recently broke it. Good job guys, just keep it in the house.
Just how fast is a Hot Lap? Lets look at JT’s lap, 130 meters in 8.548 seconds = 54.7 KM per hour =
The next lesson was to NOT ride too slow! This was the most difficult lesson of all, as we did have several riders slide off the 47% bank walls. I won’t mention any names but you know who you are... Above all, we learned to communicate, a few simple track commands; stick, stay, rail and pole. In the beginning our pace line was ragged, with some overlaps and gaps, as we were not yet comfortable riding close together in such tight turns. Over time this changed, as we got comfortable on the 130 meter track and our skills improved.Over the 12 weeks we developed a series of drills that included Pace Line work (on the stayers line and in the sprinters lane), Standing Starts, Individual Sprints, Team Sprints aka Olympic sprints, Hot Laps, Individual Pursuit, Team Pursuit, Under / Over team drill, and mass start racing events (scratch and points).
The most contested event was the Team Pursuit where the 45+ racers took on the old guys (55+). Our old guys rock, they own this event as they finished the season undefeated, the fact is we were never close, they were that good. Proof that experience and treachery can overcome youth and vitality. We took names, and will be looking forward to redemption.
Our speed is best demonstrated by the 4 ‘Hot Lap’ records on the board at the track. A “Hot Lap’ is when you wind it up on your own, get to top speed then drop into the sprinters lane at full throttle for an electronically timed lap. Congratulations to the 4 currently on the board.
45-49 John Tally ‘JT’ 8.548
55-59 Steve Worley 8.879
60-64 Lars 9.079
65+ Jim Kinsinger 8.982
Honorable mention to Joe Paulson who held the 45-49 record for several weeks, until JT recently broke it. Good job guys, just keep it in the house.
Just how fast is a Hot Lap? Lets look at JT’s lap, 130 meters in 8.548 seconds = 54.7 KM per hour =
34 MPH! at 136 crank RPM! (using a 48/15).
One of the most electric moments was when ‘Old School’ met ‘New School’. In a 2 up attack drill, our own Junior Zack Gould with ‘Colby’ (only one name required), attacked and lapped the pace line using the sprinters lane. That session they had the ‘Hottest’ laps we had ever seen, ah yes, the inspiration of youth.
We have a tie for most improved BMCT Trackie between Jim and JT. Both started a little tentatively… and both ripped some smoking hot laps!
One of the most electric moments was when ‘Old School’ met ‘New School’. In a 2 up attack drill, our own Junior Zack Gould with ‘Colby’ (only one name required), attacked and lapped the pace line using the sprinters lane. That session they had the ‘Hottest’ laps we had ever seen, ah yes, the inspiration of youth.
We have a tie for most improved BMCT Trackie between Jim and JT. Both started a little tentatively… and both ripped some smoking hot laps!
We also invited and trained on the track with Whitey DeBroux, our sponsor from Vic’s Espresso. How great is that to have a sponsor who can train with the team? Whitey is in this team portrait taken under the track.
I can’t say enough about my teammates. Thanks to their professionalism and diplomacy, the 12 weeks worked well for all of us to improve our cycling skills and our ability to work together as a team. Some early results are in, and we have seen power improvements by as much as 7% over the 12 week period.
For any athlete over the age of 50 this level of improvement is great news, as more often than not you see a slight decrease each year, some measure success by minimizing the decrease. However, with the testing and training insight we get from the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, these guys are like a fine wine, they just keep getting better with age.
Yours Truly, Jerry the Jet A track ‘Weenie’ and proud of it!
Note: On Thursday evening April 2, ‘the Jet’ set the 50+ record for most laps in an hour, at 312, al la Merckx style (sans aero gear). This was a lap more than the current record for the 40+ as well. “I only wish I had more fast twitch so I could get on the board with a one lap effort!”
How does one set an hour on a fixed gear? Lets look at the numbers:
25.2 MPH (with 624 U turns!) = 40.6 KMPH
47/15 82.4 gear inches (close to a 53/17)
11.5 sec per lap average
312 laps
103 crank rpm average cadence
HR - Ride above your LT for an hour
For any athlete over the age of 50 this level of improvement is great news, as more often than not you see a slight decrease each year, some measure success by minimizing the decrease. However, with the testing and training insight we get from the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, these guys are like a fine wine, they just keep getting better with age.
Yours Truly, Jerry the Jet A track ‘Weenie’ and proud of it!
Note: On Thursday evening April 2, ‘the Jet’ set the 50+ record for most laps in an hour, at 312, al la Merckx style (sans aero gear). This was a lap more than the current record for the 40+ as well. “I only wish I had more fast twitch so I could get on the board with a one lap effort!”
How does one set an hour on a fixed gear? Lets look at the numbers:
25.2 MPH (with 624 U turns!) = 40.6 KMPH
47/15 82.4 gear inches (close to a 53/17)
11.5 sec per lap average
312 laps
103 crank rpm average cadence
HR - Ride above your LT for an hour
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Spring Classics are in the air
If this is April we must be in Belgium!
April is here and that means some of the best one-day races of the season are upon us:
The Classics’ 2009
- Sun April 5 Tour of Flanders - “Vlaanderens mooiste” ("Flanders's finest") The race starts in Brugge. Last year’s winner: Stijn Devolder
- Wed April 8 Gent- Wevelgem – “sprinters' classic” due to its flat finishing terrain. The race start in Deinze. Last year’s winner: Oscar Freire
- Sun April 12 Paris Roubaix – “the hell of the north”, also has been called “A Sunday in Hell”, “Queen of the Classics” or “La Pascale” (the Easter race). The race starts in Compiegne. Last year’s winner: Tom Boonen
- Sun April 19 Amstel Gold - Last year’s winner: Damiano Cunego
- Wed April 22 Fleche-Wallone - Last year;s winner: David Rebellin
- Sun April 26 Liege Bastogne Liege - La Doyenne ("the oldest") Last year’s winner: Alejandro Valverde
Early-season dates mean that riders are often tested by cold, wind and rain. Spectators (Schloogs) by the hundred’s of thousands line the route to cheer on their favorite heroes, while inside, those watching on TV, hope for brutal weather conditions to add to the drama of the race. The races are long, cobbled, and have stopped only for two world wars, and the occasional train (Boonen was not happy about the train)!
Some Links
2009 Tour of Flanders, preliminary start list
2009 Ghent-Wevelgem preliminary start list
Five Reasons Why You Must Not Miss The Tour of Flanders
Pez Does Flanders: Day zero
www.Cycling.tv - preview of the course
Which climbs are in which race:
Tour of Flanders: Murr de Grammont, Koppenberg, Eikenberg, Taaienberg.
Gent- Wevelgem: Kemmelberg
Paris-Roubaix: forest of Arenberg pave, Carrefour the l’Arbre, velodrome in Roubaix.
You could do it too:
Citizen rides / Cyclosportifs:
Sat April 4 Citizens Ride: Tour of Flanders Cyclosportif ; 140km or the 70km.
Sat April 18 Citizens Ride: Tourversion Amstel Gold Race - Nederlands
Some fun facts
Yes Gent is the same as Ghent, same city, 2 names: Ghent – French, Gent - Dutch
How to pronounce Gent- Wevelgem
Gent Wevelgem = ghent vay-vul-gum
How to pronounce Paris Roubaix
Paris Roubaix = Pah-ree Roo-bay
How to pronounce Ronde van Vlaanderen
Have a few Belgium beers and give it your best try.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Koppenberg Circuit Race - April 2009
Since the race was "muddied out" last weekend stayed tuned to these pages for updates about the rain date.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bldrace
Website: http://www.boulderracing.com/
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Twitter: http://twitter.com/bldrace
Website: http://www.boulderracing.com/
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Phinney wins silver medal in the kilo
UCI Track Championships
A day after winning gold in the 4k pursuit, Taylor Phinney is second in the kilo time trial. VeloNews Article and VeloNews Photos from Yesterday
from @TaylorPhinney, Fri 27 Mar 15:08 via Tweetie
Ouch! New PB slash American record but had to settle for silver this evening... Amazing ride by Nimke for Gold! The kilo is hard..
Men's Kilometre TT
1 Stefan Nimke (Germany) 1.00.666 (59.341 km/h)
2 Taylor Phinney (United States Of America) 1.01.611
3 Mohd Rizal Tisin (Malaysia) 1.01.658
4 Michaël d'Almeida (France) 1.02.034
5 Scott Sunderland (Australia) 1.02.144
6 Teun Mulder (Netherlands) 1.02.209
7 David Daniell (Great Britain) 1.02.316
8 Kamil Kuczynski (Poland) 1.02.356
9 Quentin Lafargue (France) 1.02.669
10 Edward Dawkins (New Zealand) 1.02.68
Castilla y León wrap up
1. Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
2. Alberto Contador (Astana)
3. Dave Zabriskie (Garmin-Slipstream)
Koppenberg Circuit Update: Sunday's Race in Superior, CO
UPDATE 3/27/09 10:46am
The sun is out. We should see some significant melting today and still plan on plowing & shoveling today. Worst case, we will make a call to cancel by 2pm tomorrow.
UPDATE 3/26/09 12:40pm
Yes we know its snowing. Here is the plan...
We have arranged for the hill to be plowed Friday afternoon after the snow stops. From there we will hand shovel the rest. With the sun and wind expected for Saturday, it should be dry enough for racing on Sunday.
A day after winning gold in the 4k pursuit, Taylor Phinney is second in the kilo time trial. VeloNews Article and VeloNews Photos from Yesterday
from @TaylorPhinney, Fri 27 Mar 15:08 via Tweetie
Ouch! New PB slash American record but had to settle for silver this evening... Amazing ride by Nimke for Gold! The kilo is hard..
Men's Kilometre TT
1 Stefan Nimke (Germany) 1.00.666 (59.341 km/h)
2 Taylor Phinney (United States Of America) 1.01.611
3 Mohd Rizal Tisin (Malaysia) 1.01.658
4 Michaël d'Almeida (France) 1.02.034
5 Scott Sunderland (Australia) 1.02.144
6 Teun Mulder (Netherlands) 1.02.209
7 David Daniell (Great Britain) 1.02.316
8 Kamil Kuczynski (Poland) 1.02.356
9 Quentin Lafargue (France) 1.02.669
10 Edward Dawkins (New Zealand) 1.02.68
Castilla y León wrap up
1. Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
2. Alberto Contador (Astana)
3. Dave Zabriskie (Garmin-Slipstream)
Koppenberg Circuit Update: Sunday's Race in Superior, CO
UPDATE 3/27/09 10:46am
The sun is out. We should see some significant melting today and still plan on plowing & shoveling today. Worst case, we will make a call to cancel by 2pm tomorrow.
UPDATE 3/26/09 12:40pm
Yes we know its snowing. Here is the plan...
We have arranged for the hill to be plowed Friday afternoon after the snow stops. From there we will hand shovel the rest. With the sun and wind expected for Saturday, it should be dry enough for racing on Sunday.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Nice Article in VeloNews
Proud mother: Connie Carpenter's report on day 2 at track worlds.
By Connie Carpenter
Posted Mar. 26, 2009 in VeloNews.com
Other news on the day:
Track World's Day 3: Taylor Phinney grabs gold pursuit
By BikeRadar & AFP in BikeRadar.com
Cycling on TV
Classic Cycling on TV
I’ve recently noticed that most of the guys on the team are getting their international racing fix from Versus and the two major internet providers – VeloNews.com and Cyclingnews.com. For those who do not know the absolute best source of racing info is:
http://www.cycling.tv/
Cycling.tv is a subscription based internet provider of live race coverage for virtually every major bike race in the world. The commentary is in English and you virtually have front row seating for coverage. If you have checked the front seat of the team managers’ cars at major bike races you see a couple of critical communication systems – one of them is a television set. Typically the team director is monitoring the following:
Race Radio – this is official race information from the commissaries who control team cars and everything happening in the race. This is also the major source of info to the director for riders in the breaks, time splits, and all movement of vehicles in the race
Team Radios – each team and their riders are connected with an encrypted radio system. The riders have ear pieces and small mics that allow them to talk among themselves and the team director. Generally some of the staff (soigneurs and assistant directors) are also on the team radio for info along the course.
Cell Phones – teams also communicate with staff during the race via cell phones and often relay some critical details of course conditions, rider needs, etc as the race is often miles from a potential problem (or opportunity).
Television – most of the major races are broadcast in real time and with modern transmission systems the cars can get live TV in the car.
The television is probably one of the best methods to actually “see” what is happening at the front of the race as things develop. While the director gets info from the Commissaries it first has to be radio transmitted from the motor Coms to the Chief Com, who then decides what to relay to the team cars. There is always some delay and often some incorrect info relay from the moto Coms. By watching the TV an experienced director can recognize team and rider actions as they are happening and make an immediate and accurate call to his team. The speed of information to the directors and riders these days is virtually instantaneous, but even more important is the ability of the director to read the race and relay items to the team.
Cycling.tv is without a doubt the best way to learn how to race and I recommend everyone sign up for the coverage. You get to see the front of the race as team and rider tactics play out and more than anything you get to watch when and how everything develops.
There are a number event coverage options, but the most expensive is only $99 for a year’s coverage of the major races. You pay for a package and then log in to cycling.tv and watch the race live on your computer. You can also watch the highlight videos for a few days after each race whenever you have time. The stage races are cool, but the absolute must see racing is right now with the one day classics.
All the best,
Len
I’ve recently noticed that most of the guys on the team are getting their international racing fix from Versus and the two major internet providers – VeloNews.com and Cyclingnews.com. For those who do not know the absolute best source of racing info is:
http://www.cycling.tv/
Cycling.tv is a subscription based internet provider of live race coverage for virtually every major bike race in the world. The commentary is in English and you virtually have front row seating for coverage. If you have checked the front seat of the team managers’ cars at major bike races you see a couple of critical communication systems – one of them is a television set. Typically the team director is monitoring the following:
Race Radio – this is official race information from the commissaries who control team cars and everything happening in the race. This is also the major source of info to the director for riders in the breaks, time splits, and all movement of vehicles in the race
Team Radios – each team and their riders are connected with an encrypted radio system. The riders have ear pieces and small mics that allow them to talk among themselves and the team director. Generally some of the staff (soigneurs and assistant directors) are also on the team radio for info along the course.
Cell Phones – teams also communicate with staff during the race via cell phones and often relay some critical details of course conditions, rider needs, etc as the race is often miles from a potential problem (or opportunity).
Television – most of the major races are broadcast in real time and with modern transmission systems the cars can get live TV in the car.
The television is probably one of the best methods to actually “see” what is happening at the front of the race as things develop. While the director gets info from the Commissaries it first has to be radio transmitted from the motor Coms to the Chief Com, who then decides what to relay to the team cars. There is always some delay and often some incorrect info relay from the moto Coms. By watching the TV an experienced director can recognize team and rider actions as they are happening and make an immediate and accurate call to his team. The speed of information to the directors and riders these days is virtually instantaneous, but even more important is the ability of the director to read the race and relay items to the team.
Cycling.tv is without a doubt the best way to learn how to race and I recommend everyone sign up for the coverage. You get to see the front of the race as team and rider tactics play out and more than anything you get to watch when and how everything develops.
There are a number event coverage options, but the most expensive is only $99 for a year’s coverage of the major races. You pay for a package and then log in to cycling.tv and watch the race live on your computer. You can also watch the highlight videos for a few days after each race whenever you have time. The stage races are cool, but the absolute must see racing is right now with the one day classics.
All the best,
Len
2009 UCI Track Cycling World Championships
Results for Taylor Phinney in Pruszkow, Poland
Tweet from Neal Henderson:
nealhenderson http://twitpic.com/2gxnk - World Champion!!!!
Brief Results from CyclingNews.com today: read more here
Yesterday's report from Session 1: read more here
.
Tweet from Neal Henderson:
nealhenderson http://twitpic.com/2gxnk - World Champion!!!!
Men's Individual Pursuit
Final
1 Taylor Phinney (United States) 4.17.631 (55.839 km/h)
2 Jack Bobridge (Australia) 4.20.091
3 Dominique Cornu (Belgium) 4.22.347 (54.889 km/h)
4 Volodymyr Diudiu (Ukraine) 4.28.297
Brief Results from CyclingNews.com today: read more here
Yesterday's report from Session 1: read more here
.
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