http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/routley-delivers-spidertechs-first-podium-in-europe
Our national champ, Will Routley, scores Spidertech's first European podium with a second at Tro Bro Leon. Team Spidertech, for all of my readers, is a Professional Continental team, which competes world-wide against other pro-conti teams as well as Pro-Tour teams. Spidertech goes into the Tour of Turkey next, but the next big goal is going to be the Tour of California in May.
http://cyclesportmanagement.com/
oh, and Team Spidertech is managed by cycling God, Steve Bauer.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Amstel Gold!
Philippe Gilbert repeats and wins Amstel Gold.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/04/news/philippe-gilbert-repeats-at-amstel-gold-race_169132
One of my favourite riders on the Pro Tour, Philippe Gilbert has in the past also been very outspoken about clean riding. He routinely denounces the dopers, and proves that a pro can ride clean.
One our big guy Ryder, he ended up in 141th place (last year he was second to Gilbert), citing stomach problems.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/hesjedal-slowed-by-stomach-problems-at-amstel-gold-race
Let's hope Ryder can bounce back and do some damage at the Tour of Califorina next month.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/04/news/philippe-gilbert-repeats-at-amstel-gold-race_169132
One of my favourite riders on the Pro Tour, Philippe Gilbert has in the past also been very outspoken about clean riding. He routinely denounces the dopers, and proves that a pro can ride clean.
One our big guy Ryder, he ended up in 141th place (last year he was second to Gilbert), citing stomach problems.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/hesjedal-slowed-by-stomach-problems-at-amstel-gold-race
Let's hope Ryder can bounce back and do some damage at the Tour of Califorina next month.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Richter Bicycles is in Business!
OK, officially I start on Saturday, 16 April 2011. But we are taking appointments anytime now!
So if you are in need of giving your bike some love, call and book your service today! (does that sound like a good pitch???)
Anyways, with snow flying over today and probably tomorrow too, I don't think anybody is thinking about a bike right now. Maybe rage and frustration, but not our bikes. Hoping everybody has a great weekend,
Dan
PS--Basic tune ups start at $45 bucks....
So if you are in need of giving your bike some love, call and book your service today! (does that sound like a good pitch???)
Anyways, with snow flying over today and probably tomorrow too, I don't think anybody is thinking about a bike right now. Maybe rage and frustration, but not our bikes. Hoping everybody has a great weekend,
Dan
PS--Basic tune ups start at $45 bucks....
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Paris-Roubaix 2011!!!
COBBLE TIME!!!!
OK, for all of my millions of fans who do not regularly follow the pro cycling scene, tomorrow at about 0400 Mnt Time, the greatest one day race begins. The Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix is the ultimate test of suffering over 27 sections of ancient cobblestone roads for 256 kms. A strongman's race, P-R has produced some of cycling most memorable moments. At times the peloton will be strung-out over many kilometres as speeds with rise over 50 kph. If it rains (or snows!), the roads will turn into a quagmire for ankle-deep muck that will break all but the most dedicated of racers. If it is dry, the clouds of dust will choke all but those at the very front. Needless to say, it will suck for the pros. But that will make great racing for the fans. Rabid drunken fans.
Last year's victor, Fabian "Spartacus" Cancellara will remain the favourite to win with heavy rivals being Tom Boonen, Heinrich Haussler, Baden Cooke, and big George Hincapie. Other hopefuls include other strongment, Thor Hushovod, Roger Hammond, and Tyler Farrar - all teammates of Haussler (Garmin-Cervelo). Also we have Juan Antonio Flecha, Boy-Wonder, Mark Cavendish, Andre Greipel, and the old man of the sprint crew Robbie McEwan. Actually anything can happen at P-R, and that is part of the magic.
Of note, we have three Canadians in the race tomorrow - veteran Michael Barry will be expected to keep Flecha clear of danger for Team Sky, David Veilleux will be riding for Team Europcar, and most exciting!!!! Dominique Rollin is the only non-Frenchman (barely as a Quebecois) on FdJ. The Domster has the ability to be an outside surprise as he performs in bad weather. At the 2008 Tour of California, he out muscled a chasing peloton in harsh rains to take the win. So Rollin is my long-shot prediction, with Spartacus repeating if the contenders make the race.
For news on the race, see http://www.cyclingnews.com/paris-roubaix
For live Internet video, see http://www.cyclingfans.com/node/1816
Everybody, enjoy the pain!
OK, for all of my millions of fans who do not regularly follow the pro cycling scene, tomorrow at about 0400 Mnt Time, the greatest one day race begins. The Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix is the ultimate test of suffering over 27 sections of ancient cobblestone roads for 256 kms. A strongman's race, P-R has produced some of cycling most memorable moments. At times the peloton will be strung-out over many kilometres as speeds with rise over 50 kph. If it rains (or snows!), the roads will turn into a quagmire for ankle-deep muck that will break all but the most dedicated of racers. If it is dry, the clouds of dust will choke all but those at the very front. Needless to say, it will suck for the pros. But that will make great racing for the fans. Rabid drunken fans.
Last year's victor, Fabian "Spartacus" Cancellara will remain the favourite to win with heavy rivals being Tom Boonen, Heinrich Haussler, Baden Cooke, and big George Hincapie. Other hopefuls include other strongment, Thor Hushovod, Roger Hammond, and Tyler Farrar - all teammates of Haussler (Garmin-Cervelo). Also we have Juan Antonio Flecha, Boy-Wonder, Mark Cavendish, Andre Greipel, and the old man of the sprint crew Robbie McEwan. Actually anything can happen at P-R, and that is part of the magic.
Of note, we have three Canadians in the race tomorrow - veteran Michael Barry will be expected to keep Flecha clear of danger for Team Sky, David Veilleux will be riding for Team Europcar, and most exciting!!!! Dominique Rollin is the only non-Frenchman (barely as a Quebecois) on FdJ. The Domster has the ability to be an outside surprise as he performs in bad weather. At the 2008 Tour of California, he out muscled a chasing peloton in harsh rains to take the win. So Rollin is my long-shot prediction, with Spartacus repeating if the contenders make the race.
For news on the race, see http://www.cyclingnews.com/paris-roubaix
For live Internet video, see http://www.cyclingfans.com/node/1816
Everybody, enjoy the pain!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
A Navy SEAL, a Rabbi, and a Surgeon...
What do all three have in common? They are all on course with me at the United Bicycle Institute in Ashland, Oregon.
As I made my way into Ashland from the Medford International Airport, I was greeted with views of snow covered mountains and lush green boulevards. I am staying at the Cycle Hostel in the core of the little downtown area of Ashland, the hub of coffee houses, tap houses, fine dinning in jeans, and little old houses converted into bed and breakfasts and hostels.
The weather was not to the locals liking, but I am happy, as it is clearly beautiful outside.
The school itself is outstanding. And while I am now only half way through the course, I am happy with the professional instruction, laid back atmosphere, and fun classmates I have met while here. Rico, the Navy SEAL, shares a workbench and tools with me, next to us are Don, a retired IBM Executive, and Ken, the Surgeon. Across from us is George, the Rabbi. Yes, there are some young guys in the class, and a mother and daughter taking the course together too. We are all enjoying ourselves, as we get deeper into our bikes than we have ever been.
Well, I hope everyone else back home is having a good week too. Once I am done here in Ashland, I will be opening for business in Wainwright, Richter Bicycle Services will actually start doing repairs!
Cheers,
As I made my way into Ashland from the Medford International Airport, I was greeted with views of snow covered mountains and lush green boulevards. I am staying at the Cycle Hostel in the core of the little downtown area of Ashland, the hub of coffee houses, tap houses, fine dinning in jeans, and little old houses converted into bed and breakfasts and hostels.
The weather was not to the locals liking, but I am happy, as it is clearly beautiful outside.
The school itself is outstanding. And while I am now only half way through the course, I am happy with the professional instruction, laid back atmosphere, and fun classmates I have met while here. Rico, the Navy SEAL, shares a workbench and tools with me, next to us are Don, a retired IBM Executive, and Ken, the Surgeon. Across from us is George, the Rabbi. Yes, there are some young guys in the class, and a mother and daughter taking the course together too. We are all enjoying ourselves, as we get deeper into our bikes than we have ever been.
Well, I hope everyone else back home is having a good week too. Once I am done here in Ashland, I will be opening for business in Wainwright, Richter Bicycle Services will actually start doing repairs!
Cheers,
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Snowed-In Sundays
Ahhh, the bane of every cyclist, being snowed-in on a Sunday. Well, that's why we have trainers and rollers.
Today, during the kids' nap time, I will be doing the following workout:
Warm-up:
3 minutes light pedal
1 minute hard, 2 minutes light
30 seconds single leg, each leg x 3
2 minutes light pedal
1 minute hard
2 minutes light pedal
Main sets:
3x 10 minute tempo to TT effort with 3-5 minutes light pedal in between
Cool-down:
3x 30 second fast spins (high cadence) with 30 seconds light pedal in between
2-5 minutes light pedal (or until the kids wake up and start yelling at me!)
The goal of this workout is to think about and work on sustained efforts during races - bridging gaps, catching up after a mechanical, or making a break. Some easy listening music, like Metallica or Anthrax aught to keep the pace high!
Enjoy.
Today, during the kids' nap time, I will be doing the following workout:
Warm-up:
3 minutes light pedal
1 minute hard, 2 minutes light
30 seconds single leg, each leg x 3
2 minutes light pedal
1 minute hard
2 minutes light pedal
Main sets:
3x 10 minute tempo to TT effort with 3-5 minutes light pedal in between
Cool-down:
3x 30 second fast spins (high cadence) with 30 seconds light pedal in between
2-5 minutes light pedal (or until the kids wake up and start yelling at me!)
The goal of this workout is to think about and work on sustained efforts during races - bridging gaps, catching up after a mechanical, or making a break. Some easy listening music, like Metallica or Anthrax aught to keep the pace high!
Enjoy.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dopers Suck
Sorry for the lack of posts over the last few weeks, I've been busy, ok?
So the Alberto Contador doping investigation but Spanish Cycling officials has netted nothing but sweet kisses on the defending TdF Champ's buttocks. Sorry for the image, but Spain is again proving itself to be as hard on dopers as cotton candy. AC never refuted the fact that clen was in his blood. He only offered a dubious explanation of tainted meat. Are we sure it was beef? Maybe some milk was tainted? It don't friggen matter! Athletes that have been found with banned substances get some type of sanction, regardless of intent.
In defense of pro cycling, no other pro sport tests to the same standard. Bio-passports to track "normal" body physiology through out the year, tests at races for podium finisher and random participants, and random testing throughout the year, at any time. In fact, pro cyclist are required to maintain strict schedules in order to provide testing officials 100% access. Ask "Chicken" how that goes. Imagine if you will, the morning of game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final or the World Series, say 0300 hours, all the players from both teams are dragged out of bed to provide pee and blood samples. Then a week after the series is over, the results come back and one player from the winning team comes up positive for a banned substance. The Championship team is then stripped of its win, and the runner-up/loser is given the win. Kinda blows if you ask me, but that's how it works in cycling.
So what does this all mean for the UCI and pro cycling? I don't know yet. The UCI and WADA will probably investigate, but AC is cleared to race, and reported to the start line at the Volta Ao Algarve earlier today. Thanks the cycling gods that an ardent and outspoken anti-doper, Philippe Gilbert from Belgium, won the stage. Dopers suck.
Oh yeah, in other big news in cycling, Lance Armstrong retired again.
Ride clean everybody.
So the Alberto Contador doping investigation but Spanish Cycling officials has netted nothing but sweet kisses on the defending TdF Champ's buttocks. Sorry for the image, but Spain is again proving itself to be as hard on dopers as cotton candy. AC never refuted the fact that clen was in his blood. He only offered a dubious explanation of tainted meat. Are we sure it was beef? Maybe some milk was tainted? It don't friggen matter! Athletes that have been found with banned substances get some type of sanction, regardless of intent.
In defense of pro cycling, no other pro sport tests to the same standard. Bio-passports to track "normal" body physiology through out the year, tests at races for podium finisher and random participants, and random testing throughout the year, at any time. In fact, pro cyclist are required to maintain strict schedules in order to provide testing officials 100% access. Ask "Chicken" how that goes. Imagine if you will, the morning of game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final or the World Series, say 0300 hours, all the players from both teams are dragged out of bed to provide pee and blood samples. Then a week after the series is over, the results come back and one player from the winning team comes up positive for a banned substance. The Championship team is then stripped of its win, and the runner-up/loser is given the win. Kinda blows if you ask me, but that's how it works in cycling.
So what does this all mean for the UCI and pro cycling? I don't know yet. The UCI and WADA will probably investigate, but AC is cleared to race, and reported to the start line at the Volta Ao Algarve earlier today. Thanks the cycling gods that an ardent and outspoken anti-doper, Philippe Gilbert from Belgium, won the stage. Dopers suck.
Oh yeah, in other big news in cycling, Lance Armstrong retired again.
Ride clean everybody.
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