Friday, January 19, 2007

National Team Track Talent Pool Race, 1/12/07

LA Velodrome
Carson, California
1/12/07
Mick Hellman

This race was the last chance to qualify for the US National Team Talent Pool for the track for 2007 (elite track is now a winter sport, so presumably there will be more chances in 2007 to qualify for the 2008 national team). It was held one week before the upcoming Track World Cup event to be held in LA next weekend. I was joined at this event by coach Harvey Nitz and capable mechanic Rob Spear. While USA Cycling offered a range of track events for endurance and sprint riders, I was interested in the 4k Time Trial.

I warmed up outside for about 1 ½ hours in unusually cold weather, then went into the velodrome to register and complete my warmup. Entering the track I was greeted by various trucks and fork lifts that were removing stuff from the infield, in preparation for the World Cup, and pumping out pretty copious amounts of exhaust into the enclosed space. This continued thoughout the early afternoon and well into the 4k event, and there was actually a visible haze during the racing. Hmmm. Wish I’d thought to warm up outside. However, like everyone else I jumped on the track and did another ½ hour there, including some laps in the low 16 seconds (this is a 250 meter track). Then back on the trainer for some more warm-up while they ran the 250-meter men and 3k women.

I was 3rd starter in the 4k. I got off to a decent start (for me; I’m not a fast starter), turning around 23.5 seconds for lap 1, then turned in 16.8 for lap 2. So far so good. I wanted to hold 16.8s the whole way, if possible, which would have brought me in around 4:36 for the 4k, one second under the time cutoff for the talent pool. Boy, I seemed to be working a little too hard already, though. And every time I came around Turn 2 I wanted to barf because the exhaust fumes were so strong.

Next lap Harv yelled out “17.1”. OK, so I’m a little behind. I can still get back 0.3 seconds though, right? Then I heard 17.3, 17.4, and I was seriously in pain. I couldn’t get slower, could I? Turns out I could. I threw in a few high 17s before I started to bring it back into the mid 17s for the last few laps. Harv was yelling himself hoarse with encouragement.

I finished with 3:46.93 and went off into the stands with my stopwatch to pretend to time the other riders, but really I was just sulking. As the race progressed, my humor improved when it turned out that all the times were really slow. I actually held fastest time for quite a while. Maybe the carbon monoxide and cold air were holding everyone back.

In the end I was 4th overall, and 2nd of the riders not currently in the Talent Pool. No one even came close to the cutoff time of 4:37, not even the national team riders. I came in ahead of Kenny Williams (who is arguably the premiere masters pursuit rider on the planet right now) and Phil Zajicek (one of the Navigators, who came 12th at the USPRO TT championships this year). I was 0.3 seconds behind Brad Huff; Brad is in the Endurance Talent Pool and also won the USPRO Crit champs this year. And I was about 3 3/4 seconds behind Tom Zirbel, who recently placed 11th in the Moscow World Cup 4k with a time around 4:32.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

California racing continues

Wyatt already shared his story of the Mount San Bruno hill climb on New Year’s Day so I’ll take a stab at the Early Bird Training Criterium Series… first of all, people that live outside the bay area may find it shocking that we race in January, but its’ true. In fact, the Early Birds were my first mass start race 20 years ago. Since this 5-week series is so close to my home, because I’m a USA Cycling coach and because I want to help the sport grow I co-lead/organize the mentoring of the new riders. The growth and popularity of this series continues to amaze us all. Numbers wise that means we get about 250 brand new racers to check out this series. That’s a lot of people with no mass start race experience so we encourage the experienced racing community to come out and help with the mentoring. Continuing with the numbers, we have upwards of 50 mentors throughout the long 6-1/2 hour day. And, that’s where my teammates come in. Some are out there all day long, first observing (via racing with) in the 4’s race, then mentoring and observing the women racers and then mentoring and observing the new men 5’s racers before finishing off the day in the 1/2/3/Pro Criterium. Developing early season fitness is fun. Trying to stave off the “bonk” is tricky. Placing in the last race of the day is a dream, but helping new riders find their passion for this sport is literally priceless.
January 7 - In the first lap of the first crit of the new year there was a crash. And, these were the “experienced racers” (4’s and 5’s with more than 5 races) but the field was large (about 80 riders) and the “botts dots” of the Early Bird industrial park course caught its first victim. A rider swerved too much to avoid the dots right near the start/ finish line and took out a rider behind him. Another crash on the very next lap took out another rider and finally a pack of eight went down with the next crash. Three crashes in the first three laps was not encouraging. Thankfully no one was hurt (it helps to wear lots of clothes to stay warm and save your skin) –and- we were through with the crashes… for the time being. The 4’s finished in a field sprint. It is our hope that the 4’s realize that January is the perfect time of year to work on their skills. The women were up next (about 10 with experience, and 30 without) and all went well until the last lap when a nasty fall sent a rider to the hospital. Next up were the men. Amazingly, all of the 120 or so new 5’s racers survived their two races without incident.

Last up was the 100+ riders that made up the 1/2/3/Pro field (thanks also in part to their entry being waived if they mentored). We had fun attacking each other but as usual it ended in a field sprint. Unfortunately, in the last 300 meters big Ken Carpenter had his front wheel taken out and met the pavement. He smacked his hip good but was otherwise okay. Patrick Briggs (Cal Giant) was not as fortunate as he broke his hip.

AMD-Discovery attendance: 4’s race- Marcus Smith (13), 1/2/3/Pro’s- Ken Carpenter, Dylan Casey, Steve Cassani, Billy Innes, Joel Shaffer (15), Daniel Tisdell (15), Wyatt Weisel, and Larry Nolan

January 14- sunny skies and 30 degree weather greeted the cat 4 field. A rare rain (Fremont only averages 18 inches all year) will usually deter riders but there’s a racing fever going on in Northern California and the riders were ready to race despite the chill. Safe racing and another field sprint for the 4’s (and 5’s with 5+ races of experience). I even witnessed a nice wheel rub (and save) and also a rider come unclipped and save it. The cornering drills were well executed in the mentoring sessions (including some of the 4’s coming out for the skills- yeah for humbleness!), and more safe racing in the women’s fields and 5’s race (both field sprints… see the trend?) but there was a nasty spill in the M35 5’s race that stopped them from finishing. Towards the end of the race a single rider had gone down which caused riders to tense up and on the next lap there was a pile up including another broken hip and a trip to the ER. Now, I’m not one to play on the drama of crashes but we can learn something from these accidents. Firstly, they can be prevented. January is the perfect time of year to practice skills. Secondly, this course is too easy with only 3 corners over 2200 meters and sometimes riders become inattentive to their position. We also see riders getting in over their head, putting themselves in a bad position or contesting the final sprint when they are too tired, or don’t yet have the speed to play the game. Overall, there are many more positives with this series than negatives. The accolades just keep rolling in and we can only hope that other promoters and mentors will turn their events towards those that want to learn more about this great sport.

1/2/3/Pro race- these are training races which is to say that they get interesting. Some want to notch that first win of the year, some just want to hang on for dear life after spending all day on their bikes and some just want to have fun and see where their fitness is at. I’ve seen large teams come out to these training races in the past and get a teammate in the break. The guy in the break doesn’t work because he thinks his teammates will be mad that he lost the sprint. The guys in the pack clog up everything so that the rider in the break has a chance. None of the riders get fit for races that might really matter, like the Tour of California in 5 weeks! Yes, some of the guys that will be in that event are out here racing and that makes it fun. After what happened in the sprint in the previous week we talked about taking control at the end of the race. Teammate Dylan Casey suggested we hit the front with 5 to go. I never raced professionally so who am I to argue with Dylan? But, that’s 11km of controlling a bunch of young riders. Then again, the goal was not to lead out a sprint, the goal was to train ourselves to control a race and form a leadout. Mission accomplished. Thanks for your help everyone!

AMD-Discovery attendance: 4’s race- Marcus Smith (13), 1/2/3/Pro’s- Ken Carpenter, Dylan Casey, Billy Innes, Kevin Metcalfe, Joel Shaffer (15), Daniel Tisdell (15), Craig Roemer, Wyatt Weisel, and Larry Nolan

Cheers, Larry Nolan- AMD-Discovery Channel Masters and Juniors Cycling Team

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

San Bruno Hillclimb

On New Years day while most people were nursing hangovers, the AMD/Discovery Masters and Junior teams were busy racing the first race of the much anticipated 2007 season.

The race started with Larry Nolan sacrificing his day with a huge effort at the start of the hill climb. This effort quickly splintered the mass start group of 213 racers into a very elite group that included two AMD/Discovery teammates Kevin Metcalfe and Rob Anderson. This elite group further splintered at the halfway point of the race when 51 year old Rob Anderson accelerated off the front with 3 other riders (Chris Phipps - Zteam, Tracy Colwell - Webcor, and Andy Jacques-Maynes - Cal Giant Strawberry) resulting in his 3rd place finish in the Pro/1/2 Division. Kevin came in shortly behind Rob to place 6th overall and win the Master 45 division. Steve Cassani also put in a fine effort placing 4th in the Master 35 division.

The junior division was dominated by the AMD/Discovery Junior Team with Charlie Avis (15 years old) winning the Junior division and posting the fastest Junior time since the race records have been maintained (1996). Other notable Junior performances had Joel Shaffer placing 3rd, Daniel Tisdell placing 4th and 13 year old Marcus Smith taking 9th.

Thank you to all our sponsors for making these great results and experiences a reality. It was a great day of racing and it was awesome to look across this mass start field and see a range of teammates from 13 to 51 years of age. Stay posted for many more race results, updates and pictures. Next up for the team is the early bird crit series where the AMD/Discovery Team will lead an official mentoring program for less experienced riders.

Take care,

Wyatt Weisel

AMD-Discovery Cycling 2007

AMD - DISCOVERY CHANNEL CYCLING TEAM ADDS NINETEEN RIDERS AS WELL AS KEY SPONSORS FOR 2007

Encouraging growth in the sport of cycling and winning races remaingoals for 2007 team.

The AMD-Discovery Channel Cycling Team is pleased to announce the addition of nineteen riders to its 2007 Team roster. Twenty years ago, Thomas Weisel and Steve Johnson united to create a dominant masters team with a focus on winning races at the National and World level. This commitment to excellence has been continued since the inception of the team and is exemplified in the performance of the team on the bike as well as in the team's active participation in the continued growth of the sport. Thom is Chairman of the USA Cycling Development Foundation Board and Steve is the CEO of USA Cycling. The team of today is focused on helping the sport of cycling move into the future as well as to win races.

To that end we are leaping at the opportunity to build an Elite Junior cycling team. Already having proven their talent on the bike, in the classroom and in their community, we anticipate that these ten young men will blossom even more so in the coming years given their willingness to work as a team, and from the mentoring and experiences that the Masters bring to the Junior team. FabienDior Heinz (2006 Golden Nugget Stage Race winner from Alta Alpina), Ben Barsi-Rhyne (2006 Tour de L'abitibi stage winner from Los Gatos), and Micah Herman (2006 Nevada City Classic from Alta Alpina) will be racing in their 17-18 year age races as well as their category events. Daniel Tisdell (2006 USA National time trial champion from Los Gatos), Joel Shaffer (2006 CA State road race champion from Alto Velo), Davis Bentley (from Spine), and Charlie Avis (2006 CA State road race champion from Alto Velo) comprise the 15-16 year age group. And, we have Marcus Smith (2006 CA State road race champion from Int'l Christian), and Chris and James LaBerge (from Lombardi's) in the 13-14 year old age group.

We are also thrilled to be adding nine Masters to our team. These riders that can win on their own, can help teammates win and love to give back to the sport. We are pleased to bring the AMD-Discovery Channel team back to the top as a vigorous and active racing team.

Joining the 2006 roster of nineteen riders are Rob Anderson (World Mountain Bike Champion from Fralock), Jeff Angerman (from Team Spine), Dave Bailey (from Pedali Alpini), Steve Cassani (from Equipe Le Matin), Marco Hellman (from Fralock), Billy Innes (from Lombardi's), Dean LaBerge (from Lombardi's), Kevin Metcalfe (from Pacific Coast, formerly with the team 1995-2002) and Craig Roemer (from Clover).

In addition to adding top caliber riders for 2007, the team has also added four key sponsors to the host of sponsors that were with the team in 2006. Each of these sponsors exemplifies the same commitment to excellence as the team strives for in their respective fields.

  • Trek- Trek will be the exclusive provider of frames to the team for both the 2007 and 2008 season. The team is very excited to be riding the frames of the top innovator in the bike industry, starting back in 1999 with Lance Armstrong's first victory in the Tour de France.

  • Bontrager - Bontrager will ensure that the frames that we receive from Trek will be equipped with the state of the art carbon wheel and components.

  • Equinox - Equinox Fitness is an award winning chain of fitness centers with 39 locations in California, New York City, Florida and Chicago.

  • The Bicycle Outfitter - The Bicycle Outfitter is a premier cycling store located in the Bay Area. This store has been hand selected by members of the team because of their commitment to unparalleled service in the industry.


In addition to these new sponsors we are just as please to announce the continued relationship with the following sponsors: AMD, Discovery, Chris King, Clif Bar, de-feet, Fi'zi:k, Giro, Hincapie Sportswear, Off-the-Front, Rudy Project, Shimano and Thomas Weisel Partners.

Returning to the team are former Olympians and USA Bicycling Hall of Famers Leonard Nitz (1976, 1980, 1984 and 1988 games) and Wayne Stetina(1972, 1976, 1980 and current USA Cycling Trustee), as well as Olympians Kent Bostick (1996), Ken Carpenter (1988 and 1992), Dylan Casey (2000, and current USPro President), Tom Doughty (1976, 1980, 1984), and ScottMcKinley (1988). Mike McCarthy (1996 Olympics) is the team's only elite UCI World Champion, whereas Steve Johnson, Kent Bostick, Vic Copeland,Glen Hinshaw and Larry Nolan have all earned UCI Masters WorldChampionships. Long time teammates Peter Allen, John Creed, Jerry Malone, Rich Meeker, Andre Mogannam and Wyatt Weisel add National Championships, wisdom, wins and teamwork.

2007 AMD-Discovery Channel Junior Cycling Team

Charlie Avis (16) Woodside, CA
Ben Barsi-Rhyne (18) Los Gatos, CA
Davis Bentley (15) Mill Valley, CA
Micah Herman (18) Carson City, NV
Chris LaBerge (13) Napa, CA
James LaBerge (14) Napa, CA
Joel Shaffer (15) Los Altos Hills, CA
Marcus Smith (13) Pleasanton, CA
Daniel Tisdell (15) San Jose, CA
FabienDior Heinz (18) Reno, NV

2007 AMD-Discovery Channel Masters Cycling Team

Peter Allen (49) Fair Oaks, CA
Rob Anderson (51) Mill Valley, CA
Jeff Angermann (38) Reno, NV
Dave Bailey (36) Truckee, CA
Kent Bostick (54) Knoxville, TN
Ken Carpenter (42) Orinda, CA
Dylan Casey (36) Palo Alto, CA
Steve Cassani (41) Portola Valley, CA
Vic Copeland (65) Rancho Sante Fe, CA
John Creed (71) Dana Point, CA
Tom Doughty (55) Aurora, IL
Marco Hellman (46) Kentfield, CA
Glen Hinshaw (45) Phoenix, AZ
Billy Innes (35) Menlo Park, CA
Steve Johnson (57) Larkspur, CO
Dean LaBerge (37) Napa, CA
Jerry Malone (52) Mill Valley, CA
Mike McCarthy (39) Mill Valley, CA
Scott McKinley (39) Mill Valley, CA
Rich Meeker (45) Corona Del Mar, CA
Kevin Metcalfe (46) Pleasant Hill, CA
Andre Mogannam (54) Benicia, CA
Harvey Nitz (51) Rocklin, CA
Larry Nolan (49) Fremont, CA
Craig Roemer (42) St. Helena, CA
Wayne Stetina (54) Mission Viejo, CA
Thom Weisel (66) Ross, CA
Wyatt Weisel (36) Menlo Park, CA

For further information please visit: www.amdmasters.com. Photos to be provided by Mark Estes (www.estesphoto.com).