Race Report and Results: Scott Kornfield Classic, Louisville, CO - Vic's Espresso
Joe Paulson, Bill Simmons, and John Talley turned out with forty-some other riders in ideal conditions to contest the 50 minute 45+ Scott Kornfield Classic criterium in Louisville this morning. All three were feeling the effects of yesterday's 80 mile effort at Hugo, and agreed that sitting in and resting for the first half of the race, and then marking crit threats who hadn't raced yesterday was the plan for the day. Good thing, because the Mix1 riders set a high pace from the whistle, and the first trips up the start/finish hill revealed how heavy the Vic's riders' legs were. It had the makings of a long morning.
Fortunately, with each lap, the legs started to wake up and feel progressively better. When the lap counter showed 5 to go, the blue boys were moving into position and watching out for any last chance attacks. A few attempts were made, but the fresher legs in the peloton brought everything back, and it started to look like a field sprint was in the cards.
With two laps to go, Joe crested the climb and saw Bill coming past. Bill looked over, and the expression on his face seemed to say, "All aboard the Simmons Express." Joe jumped on board, Bill glanced back in confirmation, and started to tow downhill. He worked his way toward the front, then took over the race lead approaching the final corner.
Joe thought, "Does Bill think this is the last lap?", but the pace Bill set, just high enough that no one was inclined to poke their nose in the wind, showed that he knew what he was doing. Bill continued his heroic pull through the start/finish and up the rest of the climb, with Joe tucked in trying to get as much draft as possible. Over the top, Joe glanced back to see Bob Pinkerton so close behind that it looked like they were sharing a tandem.
Down the descent they went, Bill cranking away as they swept through the turns. Joe glanced back again; Pinkerton was still up close and personal, with the field lurking behind. Meanwhile, JT had worked into a position a couple riders behind. Seeing Joe look back, JT wanted to move up to help, but discovered that he had become the most popular guy in the field. Guys were telling teammates, "That's Joe's lead-out man!", and everyone was fighting for his wheel. JT figured he'd just leave 'em hanging, waiting for his move.
Coming out of the third to last corner, the road started to kick up. Joe swore he could smell smoke coming from Bill's engine, and knew that the Simmons Express was running out of track, and it was almost time to go wheel surfing. Sure enough, riders started to come around, so Joe ramped it up, and fought for position into the tight second to last corner. Coming through unscathed, he jumped on Brad Olson's wheel, and set up for the final corner in third.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and Joe was just reminding himself to be patient in the sprint up the long finish climb, when a flash of blue caught his eye as Excel Sports rider Peter Ismert went blowing by on the inside of the corner. He had attacked from back in the field, and was now off the front, steaming for the finish line. Olson and the Green Mountain rider in front Joe jumped after him, and Joe jumped with them, but Ismert had opened a huge gap.
The riders in front didn't appear to be closing fast enough. After the team's near-miss yesterday at Hugo, Joe was not interested in sprinting for second place. Going all in, he lit it up 250 meters from the line, and sprang away after Ismert. Joe was closing in fast, but Ismert looked back with about 50 meters to go, saw him coming, and made a final push for the line. It was almost enough, but Joe found a little more top end, and overtook him inside the last 20 meters, crossing the line with Peter's anguished "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" ringing in his ears.
Eugene Polumbo led the rest of the field in, with JT right behind him for a solid fourth place finish. Great teamwork, and a great result to close out a big weekend of racing!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Hugo RR 45+
Hugo Road Race: Race Results and Report, May 30, 2009
Team members: Burt Henry, John Talley, Joe Paulson
Author: Burt Henry
It was hot and sunny for the 78 mile classic Hugo RR today. This race usually breaks up due to the wind, but it wasn't very windy today. Nobody was quite acclimated to the heat yet.
The Vic's boys essentially did nothing aggressive for the first 50 miles of this race. At this point our field of around 40 was down to about 30. Attacks then started coming pretty frequently. With maybe 25 miles left I countered one for my first attempt, and then when we were caught, Joe countered.
All 3 of us did a good job marking attacks and not being complacent. After the last turn home, when we had about 20 miles left, the attacks began in earnest. We had a slight quartering tailwind from the left for the last stretch.
I make one really strong attack with about 15 miles left. I drew up Bruce Hodgkins and Jim Dickerson. We were away for a couple of miles, and then a group of 3-4 came up marked by Talley. We couldn't get organized and got caught.
With less than 10 miles to go, a rider in a red kit snuck away with no fanfare. I looked around and saw Mike Williams, the rider who won Deer Trail, was still in the field so I didn't think much of it. Joe and Bill Kellegher jumped hard but it was chased down. At this point Dickerson rolled off the front. I was having a bad stretch and Talley was riding near the front, but he had told me he was fighting cramps. Joe had just been pulled back.
I thought this might be the race, so I hit it hard on a hill to bridge up and my left calf/hammie seized up. I then went back into the field and finished what was left of my 5th bottle. Kellegher then asked me if I wanted to go with him up the road, and I gave it a go again. While pulling through on a hill it happened again, so I decided to sit in and try to stretch and recover. There were only a few miles to go at this point.
Later we crested the last hill which was maybe 2k downhill followed by 150 meters uphill to the finish. The break of 2 was maybe 200-300 meters ahead. Kellegher was leading the chase followed by Bob Pinkerton, and then Talley and Joe were next. I surged up the left and laid down on the top tube to gain speed. This allowed me to totally rest, and I inserted myself in front of Joe. We were down to about 15-16 at this point.
With about 10 miles to go, I had talked to Joe and Talley and confirmed that we all had an 11 cog. At this point we were going fast but it did not seem all out. As we got closer to 1k I yelled at Talley to go if he could, but he stayed on 2 VC riders. We were fanned out slightly to the left. At just around a K or so, the Mix riders were coming up on our left and I was afraid we were about to get swarmed. I yelled again at John to try to give it a go and he hit the front hard. Pinkerton jumped over to try to get on Talley's wheel and I leaned over and said "no Bob" as I stayed tight on Talley.
Up ahead the break was getting closer and fast. Talley, cramps and all, was bringing it back! I pulled through with maybe 400 meters to go and drilled it seated in the 11. At the bottom of the hill I got out of the saddle and jumped hard to keep my speed. I had to be going 40+, and hitting it with so much momentum, I didn't slow down at all on the uphill. The break was coming back super fast but the finish was coming up fast!
With about 30 meters to go it was apparent we couldn't get them. I passed the 2 riders 10-15 meters after the finish. I glanced back and I had gapped about 10 meters to the next riders. Pinkerton and Joe had been in a battle for my wheel and Joe had gotten gapped. He recovered, but was pipped on the line for 4th by Hendrik Peterson, a rider who had done nothing of note all day until now.
In the 2 up sprint for the win, Dickerson beat Mike Williams. I'm still learning the players, and I had thought Williams' teammate was him.
So the team finished with a 3rd and 5th. It was disappointing to be so close, but it was a fantastic day of racing. We all pushed ourselves and worked very hard. I'm having a blast with mass start racing again, and am rediscovering my dormant fast twitch muscles. It's great to race with team players. It would have been easy for Talley to race for himself and to sit in to get a top 5 with no chance to get the win, but he drilled it and sacrificed his placing. It almost helped get Vic's the win.
Team members: Burt Henry, John Talley, Joe Paulson
Author: Burt Henry
It was hot and sunny for the 78 mile classic Hugo RR today. This race usually breaks up due to the wind, but it wasn't very windy today. Nobody was quite acclimated to the heat yet.
The Vic's boys essentially did nothing aggressive for the first 50 miles of this race. At this point our field of around 40 was down to about 30. Attacks then started coming pretty frequently. With maybe 25 miles left I countered one for my first attempt, and then when we were caught, Joe countered.
All 3 of us did a good job marking attacks and not being complacent. After the last turn home, when we had about 20 miles left, the attacks began in earnest. We had a slight quartering tailwind from the left for the last stretch.
I make one really strong attack with about 15 miles left. I drew up Bruce Hodgkins and Jim Dickerson. We were away for a couple of miles, and then a group of 3-4 came up marked by Talley. We couldn't get organized and got caught.
With less than 10 miles to go, a rider in a red kit snuck away with no fanfare. I looked around and saw Mike Williams, the rider who won Deer Trail, was still in the field so I didn't think much of it. Joe and Bill Kellegher jumped hard but it was chased down. At this point Dickerson rolled off the front. I was having a bad stretch and Talley was riding near the front, but he had told me he was fighting cramps. Joe had just been pulled back.
I thought this might be the race, so I hit it hard on a hill to bridge up and my left calf/hammie seized up. I then went back into the field and finished what was left of my 5th bottle. Kellegher then asked me if I wanted to go with him up the road, and I gave it a go again. While pulling through on a hill it happened again, so I decided to sit in and try to stretch and recover. There were only a few miles to go at this point.
Later we crested the last hill which was maybe 2k downhill followed by 150 meters uphill to the finish. The break of 2 was maybe 200-300 meters ahead. Kellegher was leading the chase followed by Bob Pinkerton, and then Talley and Joe were next. I surged up the left and laid down on the top tube to gain speed. This allowed me to totally rest, and I inserted myself in front of Joe. We were down to about 15-16 at this point.
With about 10 miles to go, I had talked to Joe and Talley and confirmed that we all had an 11 cog. At this point we were going fast but it did not seem all out. As we got closer to 1k I yelled at Talley to go if he could, but he stayed on 2 VC riders. We were fanned out slightly to the left. At just around a K or so, the Mix riders were coming up on our left and I was afraid we were about to get swarmed. I yelled again at John to try to give it a go and he hit the front hard. Pinkerton jumped over to try to get on Talley's wheel and I leaned over and said "no Bob" as I stayed tight on Talley.
Up ahead the break was getting closer and fast. Talley, cramps and all, was bringing it back! I pulled through with maybe 400 meters to go and drilled it seated in the 11. At the bottom of the hill I got out of the saddle and jumped hard to keep my speed. I had to be going 40+, and hitting it with so much momentum, I didn't slow down at all on the uphill. The break was coming back super fast but the finish was coming up fast!
With about 30 meters to go it was apparent we couldn't get them. I passed the 2 riders 10-15 meters after the finish. I glanced back and I had gapped about 10 meters to the next riders. Pinkerton and Joe had been in a battle for my wheel and Joe had gotten gapped. He recovered, but was pipped on the line for 4th by Hendrik Peterson, a rider who had done nothing of note all day until now.
In the 2 up sprint for the win, Dickerson beat Mike Williams. I'm still learning the players, and I had thought Williams' teammate was him.
So the team finished with a 3rd and 5th. It was disappointing to be so close, but it was a fantastic day of racing. We all pushed ourselves and worked very hard. I'm having a blast with mass start racing again, and am rediscovering my dormant fast twitch muscles. It's great to race with team players. It would have been easy for Talley to race for himself and to sit in to get a top 5 with no chance to get the win, but he drilled it and sacrificed his placing. It almost helped get Vic's the win.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Team Event: Road2Victory, Davis Phinney Event Ride
Vic’s Espresso/Peerless Team Participation in the Road 2 Victory Fundraiser Cycling Event for the Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson's in Boulder, Colorado – May 31, 2009
Members of the Vic’s Espresso/Peerless Cycling Team will ride in support of a local cycling fundraising event for Parkinson’s disease. The event called Road2Victory will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado.
Two of our team members, Len Pettyjohn and Andy Pruitt, have been invited to attend the event as “Legends” of Cycling. Len and Andy will be two of the nine “Legends” riding to support their friend Davis Phinney. Other legends expected to attend the event along with Davis Phinney, include: Nelson Vails, Ron Kiefel, Marianne Martin, Alexi Grewal, Dale Stetina, Hugh Walton, Thomas Prehn, and Clark Sheehan.
Twenty-two Vic’s Espresso team members including three guests have registered for the ride. The team will donate generously to the event; total contributions from the registered riders and additional contributions from 14 team members unable to attend the ride (due to conflicting race or travel schedules), will amount to a $2000 contribution to the Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson’s.
Join the Vic’s Espresso/Peerless cycling team at the event in Boulder, Colorado this Sunday, May 31, 2009:
Road 2 Victory http://www.road2victory.com/
Davis Phinney Foundation http://www.davisphinneyfoundation.com/
Members of the Vic’s Espresso/Peerless Cycling Team will ride in support of a local cycling fundraising event for Parkinson’s disease. The event called Road2Victory will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado.
Two of our team members, Len Pettyjohn and Andy Pruitt, have been invited to attend the event as “Legends” of Cycling. Len and Andy will be two of the nine “Legends” riding to support their friend Davis Phinney. Other legends expected to attend the event along with Davis Phinney, include: Nelson Vails, Ron Kiefel, Marianne Martin, Alexi Grewal, Dale Stetina, Hugh Walton, Thomas Prehn, and Clark Sheehan.
Twenty-two Vic’s Espresso team members including three guests have registered for the ride. The team will donate generously to the event; total contributions from the registered riders and additional contributions from 14 team members unable to attend the ride (due to conflicting race or travel schedules), will amount to a $2000 contribution to the Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson’s.
Join the Vic’s Espresso/Peerless cycling team at the event in Boulder, Colorado this Sunday, May 31, 2009:
Road 2 Victory http://www.road2victory.com/
Davis Phinney Foundation http://www.davisphinneyfoundation.com/
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Race Images
Louisville Criterium, Louisville, Colorado, May 23, 2009 - Vic's Espresso SM45+
Vic's Espresso/Peerless
Len Pettyjohn at the pre-race talk with Barry Messmer, Joe Paulson, Burt Henry, Steve Worley, John Talley, Jerry Greenleaf, Dennis Hastings, Mike Newsome (Randy Gaffney, not in photo).
Vic's Espresso/Peerless
Len Pettyjohn at the pre-race talk with Barry Messmer, Joe Paulson, Burt Henry, Steve Worley, John Talley, Jerry Greenleaf, Dennis Hastings, Mike Newsome (Randy Gaffney, not in photo).
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Giro d’Italia: May 9, 2009 – May 31, 2009
EPIC
I love that word. We all know what that word means, without having to add much more to it. We have all been there; we know what the experience before during and after Epic entails. Yesterday, Stage 16 of the 2009 Centennial Giro d’Italia was deemed Epic. It seemed that jointly everyone decided that the day deserved that title.
I saw videos of the men dazed holding the pink profile maps in their hands before the race. The maps that showed what lay ahead for the day – the 4 category climbs plus the many non-category but race defining climbs over 143 miles with dirt and small passages and winding technical descents in and out of small towns. Over 7 hours would be spent in the saddle racing in a heatwave.
I saw the crowded conditions between support vehicles, riders, fans and motorcycles, and the steep roadside drop-offs. I watched the breaks, the repeated attacks, the faces of pain, the faces of defeat, the untimely mechanicals and the new time gaps resulting at the finish line. I watched men that by now couldn’t remember where they were or where they were headed, but knew that what they had just experienced was Epic.
Now I realize that when we apply the word Epic, what we are really saying is that we never want to experience that again. Epic is only fun to talk about after the fact; Epic is not fun to live in the moment.
Johan Bruyneel’s quote today on Twitter: “Success isn't permanent, and failure isn't fatal”. The stage winner Carlos Sastre’s average speed for the day was 20.25mph. Mick Roger's quote of the day after admitting he had thought of quitting cycling on the second to last ascent, “Had there been a small lake I would have abandoned the race for a swim”.
Giro d’Italia 2009 Stage 16 GC Standings:
1 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 7.11.54 (32.646km/h)
2 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.25
3 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini 0.26
4 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas 0.29
5 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo 1.19
6 Francesco Masciarelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo 1.21
7 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas
8 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 2.11
9 Jose Serpa (Col) Serramenti PVC 2.35
10 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana 2.51
11 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
12 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
13 Jackson Rodriguez (Ven) Serramenti PVC
14 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia - Highroad 3.02
15 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad
Giro d’Italia is one of the three Grand Tours. Numerous articles are available on CyclingNews.com and VeloNews.com. Stage 16 profile, map, and google earth images available on SteepHill.tv. Read a rider diary of the day by Michael Barry. Race viewing online – follow the option to Universal Sports on CyclingFans.com, or turn on your TV to 9-3 or 250, the action continues every day until Sunday, except for today when riders need a rest day after an Epic.
I love that word. We all know what that word means, without having to add much more to it. We have all been there; we know what the experience before during and after Epic entails. Yesterday, Stage 16 of the 2009 Centennial Giro d’Italia was deemed Epic. It seemed that jointly everyone decided that the day deserved that title.
I saw videos of the men dazed holding the pink profile maps in their hands before the race. The maps that showed what lay ahead for the day – the 4 category climbs plus the many non-category but race defining climbs over 143 miles with dirt and small passages and winding technical descents in and out of small towns. Over 7 hours would be spent in the saddle racing in a heatwave.
I saw the crowded conditions between support vehicles, riders, fans and motorcycles, and the steep roadside drop-offs. I watched the breaks, the repeated attacks, the faces of pain, the faces of defeat, the untimely mechanicals and the new time gaps resulting at the finish line. I watched men that by now couldn’t remember where they were or where they were headed, but knew that what they had just experienced was Epic.
Now I realize that when we apply the word Epic, what we are really saying is that we never want to experience that again. Epic is only fun to talk about after the fact; Epic is not fun to live in the moment.
Johan Bruyneel’s quote today on Twitter: “Success isn't permanent, and failure isn't fatal”. The stage winner Carlos Sastre’s average speed for the day was 20.25mph. Mick Roger's quote of the day after admitting he had thought of quitting cycling on the second to last ascent, “Had there been a small lake I would have abandoned the race for a swim”.
Giro d’Italia 2009 Stage 16 GC Standings:
1 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 7.11.54 (32.646km/h)
2 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.25
3 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini 0.26
4 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas 0.29
5 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo 1.19
6 Francesco Masciarelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo 1.21
7 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas
8 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 2.11
9 Jose Serpa (Col) Serramenti PVC 2.35
10 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana 2.51
11 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
12 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
13 Jackson Rodriguez (Ven) Serramenti PVC
14 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia - Highroad 3.02
15 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad
Giro d’Italia is one of the three Grand Tours. Numerous articles are available on CyclingNews.com and VeloNews.com. Stage 16 profile, map, and google earth images available on SteepHill.tv. Read a rider diary of the day by Michael Barry. Race viewing online – follow the option to Universal Sports on CyclingFans.com, or turn on your TV to 9-3 or 250, the action continues every day until Sunday, except for today when riders need a rest day after an Epic.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Louisville Crit 45+
Race Report and Results: Louisville Criterium, Louisville, CO - Vic's Espresso
Team Members: Barry Messmer, Steve Worley, Randy Gaffney, Burt Henry, Joe Paulson, John Talley
Author: Burt Henry
The Len plan for today was no protected riders, cover every break, and if it didn't break apart try to line me/Joe up for the finish. If we let a rider away, Joe and/or I could bridge. No sitting in today. We has less firepower than last week and all needed to work. Randy admittedly wasn't feeling well. We weren't going to set up the full train like last week.
The race was aggressive right away. Numerous attacks went away. Barry and Steve were particularly active early, Nothing got more than 10 seconds though. I think Steve snagged 2 primes. We were in every break.
Later in the race Forrest Newman, a dangerous rider, got away but Worley marked it. Inside of 5 to go I got on Worley's wheel. He was fighting hard to keep us up front. This is gonna be a sprint and I had told Steve that if he could lead me through the last turn and another 100 meters I think I could take it. With Joe was on my wheel I think it would be a done deal.
A couple of laps later (the lap/time counter for this race was hard to follow) 2 riders got away and Joe jumped across to them. Coming around the next to last lap, riders were jockeying for position. Steve had done so much work during the race I couldn't imagine he could have had alot left.
Up the hill to the bell lap, a Mix rider (they had no one in the break) jumped hard to get across to the break. I was near the front but without Steve. I hesitated for an instant then jumped hard to get up to his wheel. I got on through the start/finish and he led me down the hill. Joe's group had maybe 50 meters at this point and the hard charging field was 30-40 meters behind us.
I took over before the turn and at this point I thought "Crap, we are going to catch Joe's group right as the field catches us." That's what happened less than 100 meters after the turn. I had 2 option. Slow and force someone in front of me, and then I could accelerate back on, or drill it. I chose to drill it. I didn't trust my restart snap.
I had done alot of work in the race and the last jump to the Mix rider had me on the red line. I started out seated hard and then jumped out of the saddle and punched it from probably 300M. Uphill. Turning into the wind. I could see a rider on my wheel and it wasn't Joe. When we had approached Joe's group I saw him glance back. I yelled to him as I got close but doubted he could accelerate onto the front of the train.
I was committed now and it felt like the longest(and perhaps slowest) sprint of my life. With less than 100M to go the rider on my wheel lunged around and got a wheel on me. I felt I was slowing. It stayed that way to the line. Lost by a half wheel.
Joe later told me he did little work in the break and was able to punch back up to finish 6th. Talley, Worley, and Messmer finished in the field.
Speaking with Len today he offered insight into how I could have played the last 2 lap scenario differently. He also suggested I hang a pacifier from the rear of my saddle!
Team Members: Barry Messmer, Steve Worley, Randy Gaffney, Burt Henry, Joe Paulson, John Talley
Author: Burt Henry
The Len plan for today was no protected riders, cover every break, and if it didn't break apart try to line me/Joe up for the finish. If we let a rider away, Joe and/or I could bridge. No sitting in today. We has less firepower than last week and all needed to work. Randy admittedly wasn't feeling well. We weren't going to set up the full train like last week.
The race was aggressive right away. Numerous attacks went away. Barry and Steve were particularly active early, Nothing got more than 10 seconds though. I think Steve snagged 2 primes. We were in every break.
Later in the race Forrest Newman, a dangerous rider, got away but Worley marked it. Inside of 5 to go I got on Worley's wheel. He was fighting hard to keep us up front. This is gonna be a sprint and I had told Steve that if he could lead me through the last turn and another 100 meters I think I could take it. With Joe was on my wheel I think it would be a done deal.
A couple of laps later (the lap/time counter for this race was hard to follow) 2 riders got away and Joe jumped across to them. Coming around the next to last lap, riders were jockeying for position. Steve had done so much work during the race I couldn't imagine he could have had alot left.
Up the hill to the bell lap, a Mix rider (they had no one in the break) jumped hard to get across to the break. I was near the front but without Steve. I hesitated for an instant then jumped hard to get up to his wheel. I got on through the start/finish and he led me down the hill. Joe's group had maybe 50 meters at this point and the hard charging field was 30-40 meters behind us.
I took over before the turn and at this point I thought "Crap, we are going to catch Joe's group right as the field catches us." That's what happened less than 100 meters after the turn. I had 2 option. Slow and force someone in front of me, and then I could accelerate back on, or drill it. I chose to drill it. I didn't trust my restart snap.
I had done alot of work in the race and the last jump to the Mix rider had me on the red line. I started out seated hard and then jumped out of the saddle and punched it from probably 300M. Uphill. Turning into the wind. I could see a rider on my wheel and it wasn't Joe. When we had approached Joe's group I saw him glance back. I yelled to him as I got close but doubted he could accelerate onto the front of the train.
I was committed now and it felt like the longest(and perhaps slowest) sprint of my life. With less than 100M to go the rider on my wheel lunged around and got a wheel on me. I felt I was slowing. It stayed that way to the line. Lost by a half wheel.
Joe later told me he did little work in the break and was able to punch back up to finish 6th. Talley, Worley, and Messmer finished in the field.
Speaking with Len today he offered insight into how I could have played the last 2 lap scenario differently. He also suggested I hang a pacifier from the rear of my saddle!
Juniors Racing
Race Report and Results: Louisville Criterium, Louisville, CO, Sunshine Hill climb, Boulder, CO, North Boulder Park Crit, Boulder, CO - Vic's Espresso Juniors
The last couple of weekends, 3 of our Juniors have been mixing it up in the Men's fields. Zack Gould, who is in the 13-14 junior field, raced the men's category 4 at Sunshine HC, North Boulder Park Crit, and Louisville Crit. This is a big stepup at this age, but it's great experience for getting the feel for the big pack. Zack also placed 6th(I think, it's not posted yet) in the cat 4 TT at Superior Friday.
Alden Lowney has been mixing it up in the Men's cat 3 fields since last year. He is comfortable at the front of the race, hard as nails, and a big result is going to come real soon. After a nice 12th place finish at Sunshine, he unfortunately crashed out of the NOBO Park crit and destroyed his front wheel.
Brandon Henry just upgraded to cat 3, and he has started with a bang. He followed a 6th place at Sunshine with a 4th place at the Louisville Crit yesterday. He rode a smart well positioned race and showed sprinting legs by accelerating up to the finish and was a curb pinch away from second. His climbing ability and acceleration is a great combination to have to win races.
Next weekend is the mini classic, a stage race for juniors!
The last couple of weekends, 3 of our Juniors have been mixing it up in the Men's fields. Zack Gould, who is in the 13-14 junior field, raced the men's category 4 at Sunshine HC, North Boulder Park Crit, and Louisville Crit. This is a big stepup at this age, but it's great experience for getting the feel for the big pack. Zack also placed 6th(I think, it's not posted yet) in the cat 4 TT at Superior Friday.
Alden Lowney has been mixing it up in the Men's cat 3 fields since last year. He is comfortable at the front of the race, hard as nails, and a big result is going to come real soon. After a nice 12th place finish at Sunshine, he unfortunately crashed out of the NOBO Park crit and destroyed his front wheel.
Brandon Henry just upgraded to cat 3, and he has started with a bang. He followed a 6th place at Sunshine with a 4th place at the Louisville Crit yesterday. He rode a smart well positioned race and showed sprinting legs by accelerating up to the finish and was a curb pinch away from second. His climbing ability and acceleration is a great combination to have to win races.
Next weekend is the mini classic, a stage race for juniors!
Friday, May 22, 2009
2009 North Boulder Cirterium - more photos
Race Images: Vic's Espresso Cycling Team North Boulder Park Criterium, Boulder, CO
Thursday, May 21, 2009
KHMTT, Done, Two Champions
Race Report and Results: Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial Series, Cherry Creek, Colorado
The final night of the Cherry Creek Time Trials (aka Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial) has been completed. The conditions were warm and with gentle to moderate breezes. I guess it could be said, it was a night of many celebrations.
The final night of the Cherry Creek Time Trials (aka Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial) has been completed. The conditions were warm and with gentle to moderate breezes. I guess it could be said, it was a night of many celebrations.
Both Dennis and Burt placed first again (in the 55+ and 45+ groups) and stamped or solidified the overall championships. These are the Vic's team heros for the KHMTT.
Some other noteworthy facts for the night and overall finishes are:
- Andy put in a rider better than any other personal effort since 2004 with very little training this year - although he stealthy did some climbing last week. His comment - "training is overrated".
- Dean vanquished the mere mortals barrier of 24 minutes on the final night and finished 8th in the 45+ group for the season.
- Steve also squeaked under the 24 minute barrier and finished 5th on the season in the 55+.
- Scott Tietzel finished the season in 6th in the Pro 1-2 group.
- Brandon Henry finished 6th in the Junior 17-18 group.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
More photos from North Boulder Park
Race Images: North Boulder Park Criterium.
Vic's Espresso take 1st and 2nd in SM45+
More shots from NBP.
Left: Mike and the pre race meeting with Len.
Left: The jet right before he went down.
Below: The setup with one lap to go.
Bottom: Burt explaining to Joe how he got him to the front.
Vic's Espresso take 1st and 2nd in SM45+
More shots from NBP.
Left: Mike and the pre race meeting with Len.
Left: The jet right before he went down.
Below: The setup with one lap to go.
Bottom: Burt explaining to Joe how he got him to the front.
Monday, May 18, 2009
North Boulder Park Crit 45+
Race Report and Results: North Boulder Park Criterium, Boulder, CO - Vic's Espresso
Team members: Barry Messmer, Randy Gaffney, Jerry"Jet" Greenleaf, Burt Henry, Paul Mack, Steve Worley, Bill Simmons, John" J.T." Talley, Joe Paulson, and Mike "Spanky" Newsome.
Team members: Barry Messmer, Randy Gaffney, Jerry"Jet" Greenleaf, Burt Henry, Paul Mack, Steve Worley, Bill Simmons, John" J.T." Talley, Joe Paulson, and Mike "Spanky" Newsome.
Author: Burt Henry
Photo: Brad Wallace
Our day began with a meeting with Len an hour before the race. We were each given instructions on what our jobs were. My job was to be the last leadout man for Joe (going for 3 in a row at NOBO) if the race came down to a sprint, and Len wanted it to come down to a sprint.
I was nervous pre race. This was my first mass start race (except for a couple of hillclimbs) since July. Usually you might have to wake me up before a crit but this was different. We had practiced and been instructed by Len in several sessions back in March on how to control the end of a race and get the leadout right. We were shakey at best, but that had a lot to do with the 55+ guys. They were schooling us in those drills. This time they were on our side.
We had about 50 starters and the race took on a moderate pace the first lap. Steve came from near the back and flew up the left side of the island to easily take the first prime. I focused on riding my bike in a pack again. Man, I was pretty squirrely at times but I relaxed and got smoother. It was not very stressful. Len had instructed the 55+ guys to control things and for Joe and I to just chill in the pack.
There were no real breaks that went as the Vic's boys had things under control as instructed by Len. I really don't know much of the details as I was just focusing on relaxing back in the pack knowing our boys had it under control.
Then with about 20 minutes to go, chaos. Mid pack, a Mix-1 rider went down hard on the turn into the alley. He took down several riders. I managed to avoid the main carnage and landed softly in the grass. The downed riders cut the course back to the finished. I looked around, and 5 Vic's riders went down! Everyone looked OK except for Paul who had a bloodied elbow and knee.
We didn't know it, but later on the same lap another rider rolled a tire on the next to last turn. The marshall wasn't paying attention and Jet comes screaming around the turn and slams into the downed riders bike. According to the downed rider, it was a pretty spectacular crash. Fortunately Jet was ok after a trip in the ambulance.
5 laps to go. Time to wake up and race. I'm guessing there were 25-30 left in the main pack now. Len told us that this is when we need to organize. I decide to wait until the last stretch to move up.
4 to go and the pack goes left side at the island. I go right and easily move up right to the front as Jimi surges hard on the hill. We have a small gap. No way I'm working, but I will stay up here for the rest of the race.
I need to find JT. He is supposed to lead us into the alleyway last lap. In the alley with 3.5 to go I'm concerned. Jimi is riding tempo but it's not hard enough. If the front gets mobbed I'll have to keep surging to keep my spot and follow moves. Then as if on cue, Steve appears and pops in front of me on Jimi's wheel. Perfect.
3 to go, now JT arrives. Pefect. I know I won't have to worry about Joe finding me. He can work his way around a pack. Now we just have to stay up front.
2.5 to go. In the alley, a bloodied Paul arrives at the front. Tough dude. Steve is still up working with Jimi.
2 to go. JT does a great job at holding us right near the front for the next lap.
Bell lap. Steve has buried himself up front controlling the pace with Jimi. It's starting to bunch up near the top of the hill. We gotta go now. I scream at JT to go to the front. He was in about 4th position.
He accelerates and we overtake the front on the downhill going into the alley. We overcook the turn. We both have to do some fancy bike handling to not go down. I take a glance back and see Joe has lost my wheel but is shooting a gap on the right. I knew he would get there. We couldn't slow at all.
I screamed for John to drill it and drill it he did. We were smokin'. About 50meters before the end of the alley I screamed that I had it, so JT pulled off and I took over. Fast but not too fast through the chicane. Far right of the road and fast into the last turn. I looked back and saw Joe was on my wheel after the turn.
It was then seated as hard as I could go. There was a slight headwind. I had told Joe before the race that I wouldn't shut down unless I started slowing. He would have to go when he felt he could make it.
At the island, Joe jumped and immediately popped around me by a bike length. I hopped up and sprinted with him with all I had to hold that spot. With about 20 meters left when it was apparent Joe had it and I would hang on for 2nd, I pointed at Joe, then my chest, and then raised 2 fingers. Not premeditated mind you, but maybe I watch too much cycling on TV.
That was the most fun I've had on a bike in a long time. After the race Karl Kiester, one of the most accomplished and respected masters racers in the state, told us he had tried to move up on the last lap in the allyway, but it was impossible to move up because the pace was so fast.
Putting a damper on an otherwise stellar day, later I learned about Jerry's crash, and that Paul was taken down again at the finish and broke his bike. Also, Spanky fell in his second race of the day in the cat 2 field cracking ribs. Bummer. Heal up quickly. We need you guys back out there.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunshine Juniors
Race Report and Results - Sunshine Hill climb, Boulder, CO - Vic's Espresso Juniors
Cat 4- Zack Gould
Cat 3- Alden Lowney, Brandon Henry
Author-Burt Henry
With no junior cats, the juniors all raced in their respective categories.
There were some scoring problems at the race. I was at the top when Zack sprinted for the line. He told me that he was around 56 minutes. An excellent time for a junior just turning 14 this year! Unfortunately he was not listed with the finishers. That's OK Zack, we've got your back and know you were there.
In the Cat 3's, this according to Brandon, the pace the first couple of miles was pretty calm. Alden and Brandon stayed near the front watching local junior phenom Yannick Eckman. On the steeps Alden lost contact, while Brandon was about 10 meters behind Yannick near the top before the downhill. Unfortunately, when he shifted to sprint up, Brandon dropped his chain and never caught on.
He hit the dirt in 4th with Alden close behind. Brandon says he was frustrated on the steep dirt as he couldn't get out of the saddle for his punchy climbing style that he likes. He was passed by a couple of riders as he tried to figure out the nuances of dirt riding (he has never ridden off road). Alden evidently got a text on his phone on this section. It is unknown if this was a girlfriend or his mom checking on him, or if he answered it.
Anyway Brandon came in for a nice 6th place finish in 47:25, while Alden finished somewhere 10th-13th between 48:20-48:40 (We don't know where because the official results had Alden 3rd. Another rider had Alden't number on also. My guess is that rider wore his crit number. Alden left and was unaware of the mixup). Yannick won by over a minute, and with multiple cat 3 stage wins at Gila, he will be a 2 any day now.
To put these fine rides and times in perspective, Jimi Gibson won my 45+ field in 47:56. Brandon shaved an incredible 15 minutes off of his time from 2007, and Alden 7 minutes from 2008. Do the math on Zack's fine time at age 14, and it's going to be fun watching the progression.
It should be noted that BMCT junior alum Scott Tietzel finished 3rd in the pros for a second year in a row in a stacked field!
Cat 4- Zack Gould
Cat 3- Alden Lowney, Brandon Henry
Author-Burt Henry
With no junior cats, the juniors all raced in their respective categories.
There were some scoring problems at the race. I was at the top when Zack sprinted for the line. He told me that he was around 56 minutes. An excellent time for a junior just turning 14 this year! Unfortunately he was not listed with the finishers. That's OK Zack, we've got your back and know you were there.
In the Cat 3's, this according to Brandon, the pace the first couple of miles was pretty calm. Alden and Brandon stayed near the front watching local junior phenom Yannick Eckman. On the steeps Alden lost contact, while Brandon was about 10 meters behind Yannick near the top before the downhill. Unfortunately, when he shifted to sprint up, Brandon dropped his chain and never caught on.
He hit the dirt in 4th with Alden close behind. Brandon says he was frustrated on the steep dirt as he couldn't get out of the saddle for his punchy climbing style that he likes. He was passed by a couple of riders as he tried to figure out the nuances of dirt riding (he has never ridden off road). Alden evidently got a text on his phone on this section. It is unknown if this was a girlfriend or his mom checking on him, or if he answered it.
Anyway Brandon came in for a nice 6th place finish in 47:25, while Alden finished somewhere 10th-13th between 48:20-48:40 (We don't know where because the official results had Alden 3rd. Another rider had Alden't number on also. My guess is that rider wore his crit number. Alden left and was unaware of the mixup). Yannick won by over a minute, and with multiple cat 3 stage wins at Gila, he will be a 2 any day now.
To put these fine rides and times in perspective, Jimi Gibson won my 45+ field in 47:56. Brandon shaved an incredible 15 minutes off of his time from 2007, and Alden 7 minutes from 2008. Do the math on Zack's fine time at age 14, and it's going to be fun watching the progression.
It should be noted that BMCT junior alum Scott Tietzel finished 3rd in the pros for a second year in a row in a stacked field!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sunshine Canyon 55+
Race Report and Results - Sunshine Hill climb, Boulder, CO - Vic's Espresso
Jon Montag, Bill Simmons, Barry Messmer (author)
We were the last group on the road which is fine. We get to pass a lot of riders from other groups, makes you feel strong. But, we also get to see a lot of riders coming down after they finish, that gets depressing.
Started off nice and sensible for the first mile or so. We had a group of maybe 10 riders, I decided to see who had legs today and did a mild acceleration. Only Bill and Kim Workman could follow. Kim was more than happy to sit on the front, so Bill and I were glad to sit on. I tried two or three attacks, but Kim would just motor up with Bill in tow.
I decided just to continue at his pace and see what happened. Another mile or so, and Bill signaled he'd had enough. So I just continued on Kim's wheel. At the first downhill, I hit him hard before the crest and got a good gap. It was too early to go it alone, so I just kept the pressure on making him chase. He went back to the front. Nothing to do now but sit and wait
After maybe 3/4 or so on the dirt, I hit him again. This time he didn't get back to my wheel. I kept riding at a comfortable pace, and if he closed at all, I'd hit it hard for a short section. On the false flats near the top, I had a really nice gap, 50 or so meters. With 2 k to go, he decided to try and reel me in. So I kept the pace high enough to keep him at a comfortable distance. With the 200 m sign in sight, he was 15 - 20 meters back and really trying to close. That was my cue to light it up over the last little rise inside 200 to go. Once over the top with the finish line in sight, Kim was well back, so mission accomplished.
Bill came in a strong third, well clear of anyone else. Jon came in a bit later (don't know how far, didn't check the results.)
A good day for the 55's.
Side note. It's really cool to see our ladies in the race! You see a Vic's jersey up ahead, you get motivated, and get to cheer on a teammate in the middle of a race. How neat is that. Good job ladies.
Barry
Jon Montag, Bill Simmons, Barry Messmer (author)
We were the last group on the road which is fine. We get to pass a lot of riders from other groups, makes you feel strong. But, we also get to see a lot of riders coming down after they finish, that gets depressing.
Started off nice and sensible for the first mile or so. We had a group of maybe 10 riders, I decided to see who had legs today and did a mild acceleration. Only Bill and Kim Workman could follow. Kim was more than happy to sit on the front, so Bill and I were glad to sit on. I tried two or three attacks, but Kim would just motor up with Bill in tow.
I decided just to continue at his pace and see what happened. Another mile or so, and Bill signaled he'd had enough. So I just continued on Kim's wheel. At the first downhill, I hit him hard before the crest and got a good gap. It was too early to go it alone, so I just kept the pressure on making him chase. He went back to the front. Nothing to do now but sit and wait
After maybe 3/4 or so on the dirt, I hit him again. This time he didn't get back to my wheel. I kept riding at a comfortable pace, and if he closed at all, I'd hit it hard for a short section. On the false flats near the top, I had a really nice gap, 50 or so meters. With 2 k to go, he decided to try and reel me in. So I kept the pace high enough to keep him at a comfortable distance. With the 200 m sign in sight, he was 15 - 20 meters back and really trying to close. That was my cue to light it up over the last little rise inside 200 to go. Once over the top with the finish line in sight, Kim was well back, so mission accomplished.
Bill came in a strong third, well clear of anyone else. Jon came in a bit later (don't know how far, didn't check the results.)
A good day for the 55's.
Side note. It's really cool to see our ladies in the race! You see a Vic's jersey up ahead, you get motivated, and get to cheer on a teammate in the middle of a race. How neat is that. Good job ladies.
Barry
Sunshine Hillclimb 45+
Race Report and Results - Sunshine Hill climb, Boulder, CO - Vic's Espresso
Team members: Brian Todeschini; Burt Henry
Author: Burt Henry
Drying roads and cool temps greeted us at the start line today. This was my first attempt at this race. I've always found convenient excuses to skip it.
We started out steady through the initial 2 miles, unlike Lookout 2 weeks ago. Brian and I sat in about 10th position as a few riders steadily fell off the pace.
At the first big left turn we had about 18 riders left. The pace seemed to increase a bit here and I started suffering a bit. Brian stayed solidly in the top 5 while I dangled around 10th. Still no attacks.
Later we then hit the next big left turn, where it gets super steep, with about 12 riders left. I was happy to still be there. 5 of the riders were Mix-1 (I recognized Jimi Gibson and Bill Stalhuth). I also recognized Tim Godby, Wayne Watson, Peter Ismert, and Rip Mobius. I'm trying to learn the riders in my new category.
Things started fragmenting on the 12% grade with Jimi on the front. Brian was still in the top 5 while I fell off the back. Rip blew up, and when we got near the top I hit it as hard as I could up and over. I passed Tim, Peter, and a mix-1 rider. They jumped on my wheel and I led us on the downhill and back up the not so steep uphill part. We were able to tag back on to the group containing Brian and 3 others. From want I could tell, this group was 4th on the road as I could see 3 other rides scattered ahead. Jimi was one of those riders up ahead.
Back uphill steeper again, and I was dropped again. A Colorado Law rider dropped off behind me. Near the top before the long downhill I drilled it up and over again. The group ahead was about 12 seconds up, but I got back on towing a mix-1 rider. At this point we were 4th-10th on the road. Brian, Wayne, Tim, Peter, and a couple of mix-1 riders were there.
Heading back uphill on the last paved section before the dirt I got dropped again. Brian meanwhile surged ahead. Hitting the dirt I was in 9th position and Brian was surging and was either 3rd or 4th. At some point he did get that 3rd spot. Jimi led about 15 seconds ahead of Brian and about 30 seconds ahead of me at this point.
This is where the suckage took over. I felt like I was riding in the sand of Moab as I struggled to keep going. I was having breathing problems and felt like I was choking. One then 2 then 3 then 4 riders passed me. Mara Abbott passed me going much faster than I was. When we got to 2k to go I started feeling better (of course, it got much less steep). I made out a rider 15 seconds ahead and slowly started bringing him back.
At 300 meters I began my sprint about 5 seconds behind the rider. He looked back and tried to answer but I passed him going much faster. Surprisingly I had plenty of snap left.
I saw Brian immediately after I finished and he said he did move up a spot to 3rd. He could see Jimi and the second place rider all the way up the dirt but couldn't quite close it. He was about 10 seconds out of second and 20 out of first at the finish.
On the descent I realized why I felt so bad on the dirt. It was much steeper than I thought! I always struggle to get my big body up steep inclines and this was no exception.
I had finished 12th and was pleased with my effort. Nice job Brian!
Footnote: The accuracy of this report might be skewed by severe hypoxia encountered by the author and the absence of official results post race.
Team members: Brian Todeschini; Burt Henry
Author: Burt Henry
Drying roads and cool temps greeted us at the start line today. This was my first attempt at this race. I've always found convenient excuses to skip it.
We started out steady through the initial 2 miles, unlike Lookout 2 weeks ago. Brian and I sat in about 10th position as a few riders steadily fell off the pace.
At the first big left turn we had about 18 riders left. The pace seemed to increase a bit here and I started suffering a bit. Brian stayed solidly in the top 5 while I dangled around 10th. Still no attacks.
Later we then hit the next big left turn, where it gets super steep, with about 12 riders left. I was happy to still be there. 5 of the riders were Mix-1 (I recognized Jimi Gibson and Bill Stalhuth). I also recognized Tim Godby, Wayne Watson, Peter Ismert, and Rip Mobius. I'm trying to learn the riders in my new category.
Things started fragmenting on the 12% grade with Jimi on the front. Brian was still in the top 5 while I fell off the back. Rip blew up, and when we got near the top I hit it as hard as I could up and over. I passed Tim, Peter, and a mix-1 rider. They jumped on my wheel and I led us on the downhill and back up the not so steep uphill part. We were able to tag back on to the group containing Brian and 3 others. From want I could tell, this group was 4th on the road as I could see 3 other rides scattered ahead. Jimi was one of those riders up ahead.
Back uphill steeper again, and I was dropped again. A Colorado Law rider dropped off behind me. Near the top before the long downhill I drilled it up and over again. The group ahead was about 12 seconds up, but I got back on towing a mix-1 rider. At this point we were 4th-10th on the road. Brian, Wayne, Tim, Peter, and a couple of mix-1 riders were there.
Heading back uphill on the last paved section before the dirt I got dropped again. Brian meanwhile surged ahead. Hitting the dirt I was in 9th position and Brian was surging and was either 3rd or 4th. At some point he did get that 3rd spot. Jimi led about 15 seconds ahead of Brian and about 30 seconds ahead of me at this point.
This is where the suckage took over. I felt like I was riding in the sand of Moab as I struggled to keep going. I was having breathing problems and felt like I was choking. One then 2 then 3 then 4 riders passed me. Mara Abbott passed me going much faster than I was. When we got to 2k to go I started feeling better (of course, it got much less steep). I made out a rider 15 seconds ahead and slowly started bringing him back.
At 300 meters I began my sprint about 5 seconds behind the rider. He looked back and tried to answer but I passed him going much faster. Surprisingly I had plenty of snap left.
I saw Brian immediately after I finished and he said he did move up a spot to 3rd. He could see Jimi and the second place rider all the way up the dirt but couldn't quite close it. He was about 10 seconds out of second and 20 out of first at the finish.
On the descent I realized why I felt so bad on the dirt. It was much steeper than I thought! I always struggle to get my big body up steep inclines and this was no exception.
I had finished 12th and was pleased with my effort. Nice job Brian!
Footnote: The accuracy of this report might be skewed by severe hypoxia encountered by the author and the absence of official results post race.
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