Goal setting

I have been working with a coach for the last four years in an effort to improve my fitness and cycling ability.  Every year, even before we start working on the racing schedule, he has me fill out a goal sheet.  There are three sets of goals that I fill out.

The first set are the three goals that you want to accomplish for the season.  For me, this included 1) Podium at Elite Track Nationals, 2) Upgrade to Cat 1, and 3) Become a dominant M123 rider.  This established my main focus for the year.  As the season progressed, Elite Track Nationals didn't fit well in the schedule and got skipped over.  However, I was able to make good on the other two.

The second set of goals are process goals.  It is fine to want to win something, but how are you actually going to accomplish it?  Things on my goal sheet included 1) Maintain 10-12 h/week of training, 2) Continue to improve on descending, 3) Work on communication to execute team tactics, 4) Post a sub 17 min climb on Old La Honda, etc.  These gave me clear, tangible goals that I could work on throughout the season.  If I was starting to hit some of these process goals, I knew that obtaining my season goals were within reach.

The last goal is your dream goal.  For the last two years, my dream goal was to win a world championship. Honestly I though that would be my dream goal for years to come, or at least until I started to outlast my competition.  However, I put it down as a reminder of what I wanted to aspire to.

As it turned out, I took my first shot at a world title this year and it paid off.  The experience was unbelievable, but I had confidence in myself knowing that I had been able to hit most of my process and primary goals.

The point is, make sure that you are thoughtful of your goals this season, Make sure they are clear and the processes are defined, but also don't forget to be a little bit bold.  You might just hit them.

Now to figure out next years goals...

The people behind the scenes

It's been a little over 2 weeks now since my return to the states from my 5 week race block in Europe. Since I've been back, I've been able to reminisce on all the great experiences, all the great memories made, and all of the people that I am so grateful for who helped support me to get to where I am now. Sometimes though we tend to forget the people that do just as an important job as the people we regularly talk about. During my European racing experience, I came to a realization that there are so many unsung heroes behind the scenes that do whatever it takes to help provide opportunities such as this one. From the USA Cycling European Technical Coordinator, Andrew Hawkes, to the experienced Junior and U23 Directors to the multiple USA Cycling mechanics and soigneurs that are all based in Sittard. Without this big group of USA Cycling staff members, these opportunities to race in Europe just would not be the same. I'd like to extend a special thank you to the USA Cycling staff in Europe for helping make my first trip to race in Europe one that I will never forget.

A HUGE thank you to the NCCF board members for their generous support, thank you to Larry Nolan for your guidance and keeping it real, thank you to my parents, family, and friends for their continued support, to my coach Mike McKovich for helping to reach my potential, and to Billy Innes and all of USA Cycling for providing this opportunity to me and all the juniors that participated for a trip of a lifetime!

Keep on pedaling,

Nick Castellano

MTB Epic

Last Sunday, I decided to do an all day ride; one from sunrise to sunset. It turned out to be a crazy day to say the least. Around 11 hours of riding, 13 hours being outside the house, and a whole lot of water (phew! The previous night I actually bought a camelbak in preparation for this ride and hopefully for more in the future like it!). I packed 5 Shot Blok packages, 3 Kits Organic bars, and 2 Clif bars into my Camelbak, which was also full of 3 liters of water, to eat throughout the day! I also put 20 dollars in the jersey pocket that had my phone in it; it was not a wise decision as you will find out later. I started the ride from my house Sunday morning at around 6:45 and rode the Kettle Ride (a group road ride) all the way up to the Santa Monica mountains. I passed a lot of hikers climbing up the first (and one of the hardest/steepest) fire road in the mountains, and finally made it to the top. I hit some fun singletrack on the sides of the fire road until I hit a hiking trail going down. There was a sign that said no bikes, but I figured I could get down it without too many hikers going up it (It was only around 10 am at the time). In no way could I have been more wrong. I raced down the first part, only to find hiker after hiker trudging up the narrow singletrack trail. I would pass a group of 2-5 only to find another group 5 seconds farther down the trail. I felt like I was a robot that was only programmed to say the word "sorry". After a painfully slow hour or so of descending, I made it to the bottom. It was actually a really fun trail and had some sick drops in it due to it being for hikers, so it wasn't all bad. I rode to a subway at the base of the mountains, and went in and refilled my Camelbak. I then reached into my pocket with the 20 bucks in it and to my horror, found it wasn't there. BUMMER! I ended up not eating real food for the whole 13 hour ride! Lesson learned: don't keep money in the pocket you keep your phone in! After eating some Clif product, I headed back up to the trails and went up the fire road that has the only water fountain in the entire mountain range at the summit. I reached the summit then refilled my water and headed down a trail I had never gone down before. It turns out it was a trail that I had seen Curtis Keene, a professional Enduro mountainbiker, ride in a youtube episode of "On Track with Curtis Keene". So many fun jumps, berms, and rock drops! Halfway down that trail, I decided to take the fast jump line on the right side and got up to nearly full speed. Suddenly I looked ahead and screamed as I found myself speeding toward a 10-15 foot ditch gap that wasn't even a jump! I slammed incredibly hard on both brakes, skidded for 5 feet or so, which caused my back wheel to come off the ground and up over my head. I stopped right before the edge doing a sort of front wheelie and it felt like I was looking death right in the face as I peered over the ledge. I then clipped out and jumped off my bike, which landed in a heap right in front of the ledge of the mini cliff. I remember getting off the ground feeling more alive and alert than I ever had. I filmed the aftermath of the crazy scene using my phone, then continued down the trail a bit more cautiously. The trail was so fun that I decided to climb up the fire road next to it and do it two more times before heading down farther on the trail. Now as I went farther down, I saw an interesting side run off to the left of the road and decided to go up it; I even had to clip out to climb some of the parts. On the way down it, I descended this switchback set of stairs in the middle of the woods, but came to a dead end at a gate that said "Private Property". So I had to trudge back up this incredibly twisty and crazy flight of wooden/dirt stairs back to the top of the trail that met with the fire road. After finally making it back onto the main fire road, I descended a little bit farther and found ANOTHER fun looking trail off to the side of the main fire road. I was thinking about skipping it because of what had just happened on the other trail I had decided to do, but then I knew I would regret not doing it later. So like the fool I was, I descended about 1000 feet and hit the bottom of the canyon, only to find that the only way out was this intense river trail. I didn't want to have to ride all the way back up the other way so I decided to do it. I literally had to ride and walk down a stream for half of it, and the other half was this wacked out hiking trail that consisted of tree branches, steep drops, slippery rocks, and huge boulders blocking the way that I had to carry my bike over. At last I came to a sign that declared "trail end". It might have been the single happiest moment of my life. It took me about an hour and a half to get out! I was muddy and very tired so I traveled down to the subway and literally just sat down, put my head on the table, and just fell into a deep nap. I awoke, refilled my water pack for the third time, then headed back up to the trails for my final climb of the day. Halfway up the fire road, my bottom bracket became loose and I stopped and tried to use one of my flat changing tools and eventually my house key to screw it back in. Nothing worked, so I just decided to deal with it, hoping my bike wouldn't fall apart. Luckily at the top of the trail, there was a kind man that had an allen wrench that I could borrow. After fixing my bike and thanking him, I set off for my last descent of the day. I realized I only had an hour and a half left of daylight, so I raced down a trail called Backbone that I've ridden many times. I reached speeds up to 35 mph on that singletrack and had an epic time doing it. I reached the bottom and proceeded to race the sun home. I arrived a little bit after dark and ate pretty much everything in the house (I had no real food the whole day!). I ascended 11,000 plus feet of climbing, rode 101 miles, ended up eating all the food I had brought, and drank around 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of water! I named the ride MTB Epic on strava, yet that still barely described how awesome it turned out to be. I can't wait to go on another adventure with my bike soon!

Middle of first ascent

Enduro trail

Nice view

Start of river trail in canyon

Strava: MTB Epic

Thanks for reading,
Jules Gilliam

A maelstrom in Norway or should I say a mael-storm in Norway

Although this took place a few weeks ago, here is a quick synopsis of my latest attempt at another world championship. I wrote this for my coach shortly after I finished the masters mountain bike cross country world championships in Lillehammer.

I think the best way to look at this is I persevered and finished the race. I didn't crash so I got through it without injury although my elbow right now is almost useless. I can't think of more opposite racing conditions than what I am capable of competing in than in today's race. It rained off and on all day and about 35 minutes before the race started a torrential downpour hit the venue including thunder, lightning and hail, a literal deluge. Daryl, my brother who was there supporting me for the week, said there was a puddle by the car that was 40 wide and came half way up the wheels of the car. When looking at my power file I was off the bike almost an uncountable number of times walking/trying to run a bit.

I got a bad start, I was on the back row of the start grid and didn't clip in right away so was dfl going into the first short climb onto the first rooted section of the course. Everyone was off their bikes in front of me so within 3 minutes of the start, the front of the race was gone. I passed several riders over the next 5 minutes but that was it and I was left in a place where I passed one more guy although he passed me back in a section I had to walk while he rode away. I came within 50 feet of him by the finish but that was it. This was my little race within the race that kept me going.

I haven't seen the results but I probably was something like 15th. My lap times, about 35 to 36 minutes were 3 to 4 minutes slower than my pre-race hot lap on Friday when I rode a step below race pace. It was certainly disappointing but not discouraging. Very much out of my element but I will look for redemption against these guys when I can race them on a course on which I can really race as oppose to just survive. Hopefully there will be a next time for many years to come.

One important take away from this experience is a need to be more prepared for radically changing conditions in climates where such things are common. Maybe a little more east coast racing will help should such conditions confront me again in a world championship. That said, I’ll eventually get another world championship race where all the ingredients are there for me to win. It took me nine tries to win my first world championship and I expect the next dirt one won't take quite so long.

 

 

 

 

Flat Tires

 

 

 

                During my European adventures I had my fair share of flat tires, maybe the most when I come to think of it. Flat tires are my biggest pet peeve because usually when I get a flat tire, my ride is done, but that wasn't the case when I was over in Europe. You couldn't just pack up your bike and hop in the car to take you home, you actually had to fix it and sure enough I get a flat tire the second day I was there. I said to myself, okay one flat tire isn't a big deal. I grabbed my tire irons and a tube and fixed it. Third day I was there got two flats in one day and fourth day I got another one. Totaling my number of flats to four and I thought to myself that this is only my fourth day being here and I got this number of flat tires. Thankfully that was the last of my flat tires. So I would encourage everyone that has the same bad luck as me, bring a few tubes.

 

 

 

                                                                        - Sean



Europe

After a little over three weeks in Europe, I'm now home having thinking about school tomorrow. The past month was the best part of my summer. Four of us Specialized 15/16s were selected and we had a lot of fun in a world away from our separate lives at home and became better teammates. The racing is different than anything you'll see in the U.S and we learned a lot from it.

I spent six days with Christian Williams and his group on the West side of Belgium before heading to Sittard, Netherlands to meet USA cycling. I was able to do two races in the time there, where I finished 2nd then 1st. It was a nice head start and I was able to adjust to being in Europe before the camp started. We had 4 kermesses before the start of the West Flanders Tour at the end of the trip. We won 3 of them, with Sean wining two and Gage winning one, Us Specialized kids have worked well together all season, and that carried over to Belgium. In one race all 4 of us were in the winning breakaway with one other Belgium rider, and we finished 1, 2, and 4.  We had great results going in to West Flanders Tour, one of the hardest races for 15/16s in Belgium. We rode well as a team and helped Gage finish 2nd overall. The racing was hectic with 150+ riders on narrow roads. You had to stay attentive all the time, and moving up in the pack was a difficult task. We did a great job as far as results, and we all rode our hearts out.

Going over to Europe as a junior racer gives us a taste of what being a pro in Europe is like, both on and off the bike. I'm really glad USA cycling gives us the opportunity to do this, and I'm happy I was able to go over with some of my Specialized teammates. Thanks to my my buddies Simon Jones, Cameron Beard, Gage, Sean, Grant, our coach John Heidemann, and everybody else who helped make this trip happen. I'm looking forward to next time.

-Christopher

Time Management

Throughout the summer, time has not been an issue. No deadlines to worry about, no stress that occurs during the school year; just me, my bikes, and fun times. But, all good things must come to an end. School is right around the corner and all the responsibilities are starting to flood back. Through the actual hours spent in school, homework given, and tests to study for, school takes up a lot of time. Juggling that and cycling can be a very tough thing to accomplish. On top of it all, I decided to join marching band this year, which is something I had wanted to do last year but thought I would have to sacrifice too much cycling and racing time to join it. However, this year I looked at the marching band schedule more thoroughly and found that it ends mid-November, well before road racing season begins. However, through joining, I have committed myself to an even more intense schedule at school and have given myself less time to cycle until it ends.That means time management is key if I want to accomplish my cycling and school goals right now. It will take an efficient and focused mind to do it all, but after I wade through the thick of it, I will look back and think, wow, I done good; then, I will know how realistic the struggle is. I will have to plan my days and time to cycle with just a bit more precision and maybe even have to prioritize my activities and decide which ones are most important. It will be difficult, but I will become stronger after I am done. As Benjamin Franklin once said, "There are no gains without pains."

Thank you for your TIME,
Jules Gilliam

Driven by goals

Goal: noun

1. the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

Goals offer motivation during hard training rides, tangible measuring points, and a constant reminder of why we put so much time and effort into the sport of cycling. Goals are benchmarks set by the rider (sometimes with input from others) that drive the rider to challenge him or herself. A goal can be as easy to quantify as losing a pound or two, or as complex as developing the ability to ride off the front of P12 races.

One of my goals for this season was to earn enough upgrade points to become a category 1. I wanted to challenge myself to not only race in P12 races, but to be competitive. I started the season as a brand new category 2 rider with 0 points and never having raced a P12 race. My goal was to develop as a rider and achieve the ability to place in everything from flat, industrial park crits, to long hilly races and stage races. Having this goal constantly in the back of my head helped me push through the hardest workouts and races. Now, with two races left on my race calendar this year, I can proudly say (and show you the email from USAC) that I achieved my goal and am a category 1.

Achieving goals is always easier with support from others. Much of this support came from Team Specialized and its sponsors. I would like to thank Larry, my teammates, the NCCF, and Specialized for all of their help.

As the season winds down, and I reflect on my year of racing, I am beginning to think of the challenges I want to set for myself next year. A big part of my motivation to upgrade was to challenge myself to always race the hardest races with the strongest fields.

What goals will drive me during training and racing next season? What goals drive you?

An email to culminate a season’s worth of work

Thanks for reading,

Jason S.

Thank you

I have been racing bikes for eight years now and every year as I grow in my experience and achievements, I receive more and more support. And like many other sports or even job positions, people tend not to notice all of what goes into getting me to races and finishing well. Because we are about to cap off the 2014 road season I would really like to send out a thank you to everyone who has helped me thus far.

To begin with, I have been on ICCC (International Christian Cycling Club) since my first race. They have provided me with great coaching, and race support at most of my local races for the past eight years.

Another group I would love to thank is the NCCF/Team Specialized Racing. Since I joined a couple of years ago, the team has helped better my racing career by providing support for me to travel to larger races which has given me more experience than I could afford to get otherwise.

The final people I want to thank, are my parents and my sister. Even before I started racing they have been there for me. Throughout my racing career they have been there to help me along. I can't imagine being where I am today without their support and encouragement.

Gage Hecht

After looking back at all of the support I have received throughout the years, I want to make sure and thank all of you that have encouraged me and showed your support whether in person or via social media.

You all are why I'm here today!  Thank you!

Heers Kermesse - A Belgian Drought

        After a few days living the dream of an American Cyclist in Europe, we finally packed up and drove to our first race. All day the team was checking the weather on phones and looking up at the dark grey sky. Around fifteen minutes into our car ride it started to rain, then it got harder and then you could feel it shaking the door of the van. When we got to the race the roads were deep in water, the rain jackets were on, and the tire pressure was low. We then registered and went out for a lap around the course. The lap started with a climb averaging around 4% for about 1km. Then it flattened and it was tight corners and wet streets all the way back. The race started with bang and we were immediately shedding riders on the first climb. I launched a few attacks and so did the rest of the team. We were just trying to break them down. The rain wasn't quitting on our third lap and the race was picking up speed through the streets. On the second to last corner of the third lap Chris was second wheel and I was third, we took the corner too hot and he went down hard in front of me, I managed to jump over my bars and land on my feet, but when I picked up my bike the field was gone and my chain was twisted around itself. When I got back on the bike I rode really hard to chase back to the main field. By the time I made it back this was no longer the main field. I attacked to get to the break but it was me versus every one in the field. They would all work to chase me and then attack me. Sean made the break and finished 8th.
Overall a very hard race for the team and a great learning experience,
Grant McElroy

Cascade Cycling Classic Wrap-up

Cascade Cycling Classic Wrap-up

After visiting Bend, Oregon the last two years for Master's Road Nationals, I have been looking forward to racing Cascade.  This year the schedule worked out and I was able to make the trip.  Since it was only Craig and I making the trip (plus Jason who was guest riding for Bear Development), we decided to jump in the 2s race instead of the Masters race.  I was looking for upgrade points and the 2s stage race was spread over 4 days instead of the 3 days for the Master's race.

Stage 1: Crooked River Time Trial

This TT was on the same course at the Master's National TT for the last two years, just a shorter distance.  This was great for me as I knew the course well.  Looking at my previous files, I set a goal time of 33 minutes, based on times for the previous year and what I thought I could do this year.  The course is mostly rollers, so I broke the course down into 2 mile blocks (for 8 splits total).

There was a slight tailwind out and head wind back, so I was a little ahead of my splits on the way out, catching my 30 man.  At the turnaround, however, I was struggling a little in the wind.  After 2 slow splits, I started to get back on top of my gears.  I also started picking off a few more riders, helping with my motivation.  Coming into the final few kilometers, I knew that I was a little behind my goal time, but emptied what I had left in the legs.  Across the line I had the best time so far, but I was early in the start list and had to wait through some 80 more riders.

In the end, my time was good enough for 3rd, 4 seconds off the leader.  I was super stoked, despite missing my goal time, sitting in a perfect GC position.

Lesson 1: Know the course (and use it to your advantage).


Stage 2: Cascade Lakes Road Race

This year they decided to run the road race in the opposite direction compared to previous years.  This made for a 96 mile road race with a 10 mile grind of a hill to the finish.  I have been in a few larger stage races, but this was the first time in a field of 110 riders with the centerline enforced.  This was especially important in the first 20 miles, which included a high speed descent down from the Mt. Bachelor ski resort.

Early, a small group got away and got a bit of a gap.  The GC leader did not have any teammates, so there was no real control in the peloton.  Instead there a few minor attacks and some moderate tempo in between.  About 25 miles into the race, the moto that was leading the peloton turned the wrong way!  As a result, SO DID THE PELOTON!  A few riders that were on the right of the road continued on the correct course, while the rest of us had to stop and turn around.

Since it was an official error, the moto neutralized both the lead break and the impromptu break that had formed and reset the original gap.  With racing back on, we slowly reeled in the lead break before the first feed zone.  Again a few attacks went of, but nothing of note really happened.

Passing the second feed zone and starting our way back towards the finish, Craig appeared at the front to start driving the pace.  After a long stretch of rollers and a mild climb, we were fairly strung out and rolled through the final feed zone at the base of the climb.  The final climb is a long big-ring climb.  There were a few attacks again, but nothing stuck and basically came down to attrition.  At this point I knew the GC leader was struggling, but I was not sure where the 2nd place guy was.  I was able to follow wheels as the Bear Development riders were pushing the pace.

We finally made the summit as a group of maybe 30 riders.  Unfortunately I expected the finish to be at the main ski lodge (where the National finish had been), so the real finish came up before I was ready.  I was able to dig and stay with the lead group, but was out of position to get a high placing (and any time bonuses).  After rolling over the line, I took stock of the riders to find that both the GC leader and the 2nd place rider had been dropped from the lead group, putting me in yellow. 

Lesson 2: Know the course (so you know where to go).


Stage 3: Downtown Twilight Criterium

The crit was in the afternoon, so I spent the morning pre-riding the final road race course.  Once at the crit, I got set-up and put in a good warm-up.  With the yellow jersey, I got a call-up to the front of the pack, which was essential for this 4 corner crit.  I was able to patrol the front fairly easily as minor attacks would go, but nothing dangerous ever materialized.  In the final lap, I was actually leading the peloton down the backstretch.  Into corner three a rider took a flier with no one else reacting.  I was slow to react, but still went through the corner at the front of the group.  Sprinting out of turn four, I did my best to power to the line, but was passed by two other riders.  Finishing 4th, I missed out on the time bonuses again, but still maintained my lead.

Lesson 3: Riding a crit in the middle of a hilly stage race is pretty easy (since there were no real sprinters).


Stage 4: Awbrey Bette Road Race

The final stage was four laps around a hilly 16 mile circuit, culminating in a 1K hill climb.  After pre-riding the course the day before, I knew where the danger areas were (where breaks could go, when I needed to move up, and where the decisive climbs were).  Craig did a great job patrolling the front and keeping the pace up for the first three laps.  I took one flier in the middle of lap two to bridge up to a small break, but everything came back together quickly.  The rest of the lap was spent staying near the front, suffering up the main climbs and marking the few riders within striking distance.

On the last loop, the team of the 2nd place rider (13 sec back) came to the front and drove the pace towards the final hill.  While it was nice to have someone take control of the front of the race, I knew that the last time up the main climb would be decisive.  Predictably, the 2nd place rider hit the climb hard and I did all I could to follow his wheel.  Cresting the main kicker, followed by several smaller kickers we were down to maybe 15 riders, but most importantly we were still together.

There was a short descent down to a left turn for the final 1K.  I did my best to recover and stay near the front of the group as the pace started to quicken.  Setting up for the left hand turn in the middle of the group, riders on the right side of the group went straight!  Meanwhile guys on the left side riders were jockeying for position and went down!  Fortunately I made it through and pedaled squares up the hill trying to hold position.  I knew that I had the second and third placed riders behind me, so I just kept pushing.  I ended up 10th on the stage, good enough to clinch the leaders jersey.

Lesson 4: Know the course!


Big thanks to Craig for all of the effort he put out to get me into yellow and stay there.  It also payed off to have friends in the peloton as a number of NorCal riders were up racing and would pitch in here and there.  Lastly, thanks to all of our sponsors (for both the Masters and Junior teams), including NCCF, Touchstone Climbing, Specialized, Clif Bar, and Zipp/SRAM.

Cheers,
Jeromy




 

An unforgettable ride

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end” (Ernest Hemingway). In 2007 at the age of 11 my cycling journey began thanks to my dad. I remember my first ride with him riding down Foothill Expressway and falling because I didn’t know how to clip out of the pedals. From there I was determined to get better. I soon started riding at the track and quickly fell in love with everything about the sport. At the age of 14, I was invited to join Team Specialized, which furthered my journey. I will be forever thankful of the opportunities this team has provided for me.

Last week I completed my last Junior National Championship. I first started at Track Nationals in Carson, California at the Stub Hub Center. I competed in the International Omnium, 3k Pursuit, Kilometer Time Trial, Points Race, Scratch Race, and Team Pursuit. Winning the omnium when I was 14 and 16, I targeted the omnium again this year. The omnium started extremely well, winning the flying lap and setting a new Jr. National record. On the third event, the Elimination Race, I unfortunately crashed twice. This put me down on the overall omnium and at the end I finished 6^th. I had to learn how to quickly move on from disappointment. My next two events were the Points Race and Scratch Race where I finished 3^rd and 6^th respectively. Track Nationals ended with another national title. This time it was in the Team Pursuit. Thank you Ken Carpenter for your guidance and support, not only at Track Nationals this year but throughout my junior career on Team Specialized! I will always be grateful.

Straight from Track Nationals, I flew to Madison, Wisconsin with the team for Road Nationals. Some of my greatest memories with the team have been at Road Nationals and this year was no different. Along with the fun times, the team displayed great teamwork all week long. The 17-18’s teamwork approach got put to the test in the criterium because we all felt we could either win in a field sprint or a breakaway. The first half of the race went as planned, my teammates followed attacks and we were all attentive at the front staying safe and away from crashes. Teammate Nielson Powless then got into a breakaway of 6 for about 20 minutes before a crash ruined it. After the long breakaway got pulled into the pack, Noah Granigan and Jake Silverberg countered and stayed away till the finish. Teammate Sean Bennett then made a move with one other rider with 5 laps to go to bridge to the breakaway but came within a few seconds short and finished 4^th.  Back in the field, Nick Castellano was looking after me and leading me out for the field sprint. With 2 laps to go, Nick and I were towards the front. I was giving him directions because I didn’t want to lose his wheel on the last lap. Coming into 1 to go, Nick and I didn’t panic instead we decided to be patient. I didn’t want him to run out of gas and I also wanted him to be attentive in case we were going to get swarmed by the field. Coming into turn 3 on the last lap, Nick hit the front at about 33mph and led me out to win the field sprint for 5^th place. Although we didn’t win the race, Team Specialized displayed great teamwork, sacrificing each rider’s own goals for the good of the team.   

As my junior cycling journey ends, I would like to take this opportunity to thank NCCF for their endless amount of support they have provided for the team every single year. Without their help, the success of this team would not have been possible. Thank you to Larry Nolan for being a great mentor to me on and off the bike. The memories we created each year will definitely never be forgotten.  I would also like to thank my coach, Billy Innes, for helping me achieve many successful seasons. To my teammates, thank you for pushing me to be a better leader, rider, and person.  Wherever the road may take you, I wish each of you success. And last but not the least; I want to thank my parents. Thank you for always telling me what I'm capable of, for giving me the support that I needed to build a dream to chase after, and for believing that I have the talent to reach my goals.  Without each of you, I'd be nowhere near the person I am - and the person I'm still working on becoming.

Next for me is to finish the season out strong and then off to college where I will be studying at the University of Hawaii!

-Matt Valencia  

Thank You

As my summer adventures begin tonight with my travels to Nationals, it's important that I don't forget the people who have truly supported me throughout my cycling career so far. If it wasn't for my parents, I would have never been taught correctly of how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle and because of that would have never got involved with riding a bike. If it wasn't for my local cycling community, I would have never had a variety of people to ride with and keep my motivations high. If it wasn't for Team NCCF/ Specialized Racing and Larry Nolan's direction, I would have never been able to experience what it is like to be a part of a national and world class team. If it wasn't for my Coach Mike McKovich, I would never been able to improve on the smallest problems that would help me in the long run. And without my friends and family, I would not be surrounded with continued support and encouragement off the bike when I'm not in the cycling world. So thank you to all who have helped me achieve my goals so far and have continued to support me!

Ride hard,

Nick Castellano

The Long View

Reflecting on my past two weekends of racing at Pescadero and Nevada City it has become evident that, despite the amount of time I have spent riding and racing, my cycling career is just beginning. I enjoyed seeing the benefits of my hard work and dedication leading in to nationals (only three weeks away now) at both races.

            For those who aren’t familiar with either of these NorCal hallmark races Pescadero is a 103 mile, hilly, and often relatively windy road race through the coastal roads of Pescadero and La Honda; Nevada City is a 54-year-old classic that consists of 90 minutes (roughly 30 laps) around a 1.1 mile circuit split between half a lap of tough climbing and the other half of high-speed descending into two off-camber, left hand corners. These are two of my favorite courses all year, and the Pescadero loop also serves as one of my standard long ride routes.

            Pescadero was my second ever 100+ mile ride and first 100+ mile race, and a true test of my endurance. The race was highly attended with Mike’s Bikes, Marc Pro Strava, CalGiant and Vumedi all sending full squads, and local pro Ben Jacques-Maynes hot off of the Amgen Tour of California. Long story short, the race was one of attrition and I came into the final ascent up Haskins Hill well fueled and hydrated, and in good position for a top-ten finish. However, my legs quickly decided that they had done enough for the day and the metaphorical wheels came off about half a kilometer into the climb. In survival mode I pulled every last bit of energy and power out of my legs as riders, seemingly, “sauntered” past me. While I may not have achieved my desired result on the day, I recognize how far I have come in the past few years, and that the endurance to be competitive in 100+ mile road races comes with years and years of riding. Pescadero served as a great endurance overload coming into nationals.

            Nevada City also reinforced the fact that I have plenty more racing in my career and that there is always the next race. Added to my normal race plan was the fact that Neilson would be racing with me in his first P1/2 race. It was a treat to have a teammate in a local race. About halfway through the race, after feeling really good and being aggressive at the front of the race, I was forced into the hay bale on the outside of turn two when the rider in front of me, and slightly to my left, slid out. Luckily, I was able to scrub off most of my speed (the corner is normally taken at or in excess of 30 mph), and escape with all of my skin and no broken bike bits. After getting out of the hay bale, and get myself reoriented the field was about 40 seconds ahead of me. With adrenaline flowing I flew, charging up the climb in pursuit. Unfortunately when I got to roughly 15 seconds adrift of the field riders attacked and I was unable to regain contact. I finished the race, resenting what could have been, but aware that I will go back next year with a vengeance. I am grateful to have come out unscathed, and send my best wishes to Tim Aiken who broke his collarbone.

            Now it is on to Nationals as I put the final touches on my form.

Jason S.

The Junior's Biggest Sponsor

Recently I have been noticing at bike races that a lot of the junior athletes I compete with have been getting into conflicts quite often with their parents. I'm not trying to call just one person out because there are many riders who are in the scenario. Everyone has been in this situation at one point or another in their life. Maybe it's something they said or something they are making us do, it could be almost anything. I know I am not always in agreement with the things they want me to do. What I'm trying to say is even though they might not always be there for our enjoyment, they are always trying to do what's best for us. Because of all of their hard work they put in, I think we as juniors should show a little bit more respect and thankfulness toward them. After all, they are the ones that bought your first bikes, took you to bike races and paid race entry fees, and so much more. Even before you could love them back they loved you. I'm not saying that you always have to be best friends with your parents, but a little respect and thankfulness goes a long way. Next time your mom or dad says or does something you are not in favor of, think about how much they really do for you.

Thank You Mom and Dad!

The Benefit of Teammates/Iron Horse

The biggest race in Durango each year is the Iron Horse. There are events all weekend and many locals come out to watch. The road race is normally 50 miles with 2 mountain passes with a peak elevation of 10,000 feet. This year the passes were snowed out unfortunately and the race was cut in half. I was lucky to have Gage join me this year and we were excited to see what we could do in the pro field. For the first time the race wasn't sanctioned by USAC. There were two options to compete in the road race, the 2,000 people citizen's tour or the 200 person road race. Many people who signed up for the road race didn't necessarily belong in the same field as the fastest riders. For this reason Gage and I were sure to be on the front row of the 200 person field. The pace wasn't very fast throughout the first 10 miles on the flat. However as soon as we hit the climb with 13 miles to go it completely broke apart. Gage and I went up the road with 4 others, including two local legends Todd Wells and Ned Overend. After the first 10 minute climb I started feeling badly. I didn't have the best few days leading up to the race and I ended up throwing up. I dropped back and threw up about 3 more times. It wasn't very fun, as you could guess. Gage was able to stay with the lead group and fight for a very solid 3rd place. I ended up 7th.

I was upset that I felt badly, especially during a local race when I had a chance to stay with the leaders. However having a teammate end up with a great result made the bad day much better. I learned last weekend that road racing truly is a team sport and I was happy to have Gage there. We've had many similar races this year as a team. Sea Otter was a dominate performance for us and everyone helped each other in benefit of the team. I'm glad to be apart of this team and I'm looking forward to more great results.

-Christopher

The Benefits of Track Racing

Besides the fun atmosphere and fast racing, the velodrome provides many benefits that translates to road racing. When looking at the 2014 Tour of California results, many of the pros that did well in the TT, GC, and sprint stages all come from a track background. The velodrome helps riders with their sprints through the speed of racing and the pursuit helps riders with pace for time trials and even road races when they are off the front. Developing speed and sprints on the track is key because it is translated directly to road races in the last few kilometers of a race. In this years Tour of California we witnessed 2x Madison world champion, Mark Cavendish win two stages. Mark Cavendish comes from a strong track background winning multiple national championships as a junior. In the pursuit, pacing is key for having a fast time. Riders have to find a good pace where they are going as fast as possible but still have to finish strong. Developing pace on the track is translated on the road in time trials, as seen by multiple world track world champion, Bradley Wiggins, winning the TT and eventually GC at the Tour of California. Former pursuit world champion, Taylor Phinney also displayed his pacing effort on stage 5 of the TOC winning solo and also at the USA time trial national championship winning by about 51 seconds. Track racing is fun and it has many benefits that helps racers on the road. 

-Matt Valencia 

Nationals- Approaching Quickly

           As Nationals is only a little over a month away everyone is making sure they're good and ready for the biggest races we will look forward to in our seasons. Being part of NCCF/ Team Specialized Juniors I understand how important these couple races in LA and Wisconsin are to myself and the whole team. We train all year, doing races and races and these are merely just practice racing for the real thing in early July. As a team we've rode strong all season and proven that we are major contenders to beat at this years Track and Road National Championships. I am proud to say I am part of a team that brings their A-game every time they pin on a number. Whether you're having a bad and you communicate with your teammate that you want to work for him, we always seem to have at least one rider contending for one of the podium slots. This year I say willing that our team has greatly developed, with better communication, great sacrifices, furthering the ability to push ourselves, and overall having a great time.

Overall I'm very excited for Nationals this year! I think everyone on our team will accomplish their goals and we'll have a great time.
Grant McElroy

Keep Calm and Carry On

Every race you start, you should have a plan.  You should be able to envision how the race is likely to play out and what you can do to maximize your chances to win.  However, bike racing rarely goes to plan.  In the end, you need to stay calm, read the race, work with your teammates, and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Last week we raced the Berkeley Hills Road Race.  Baker, Buckley and I went up against several teams with larger numbers, so the plan was to be attentive with the breaks and wait until the final lap as attrition should dwindle the field.  However near the end of the second lap our field got mixed in with the field in front of us and a small group of riders from the main teams got away without representation of our team.

My first thought: 'damn, I missed it.  Now I have to go.'  So I got to the front.  I attack.  I pull.  It really doesn't get me anywhere.  As the field regrouped, Buckley and I checked in and worked our way near the front.  It was unlikely that the two of us would be able to pull back the break and still finish well, so the goal became creating an advantage for us.

On the back side of the course, Buckley was the first to go, lining the field out for about a km.  I was able to slot in about 10th wheel and as the paced slowed, I hit it.  With other teams busy reacting to my teammate, I was able to get away solo and work on bridging to the break up the road.

Fortunately I had the legs to make the catch and out climb the breakaway riders on the final hill.  But what made the day was how we worked together to turn a disadvantage into our advantage.

Carry on,

Jeromy

 

 

State Road Championships

 

 

       This years state road champs was definitely something to remember. I came into this 50 mile road race with a ton of confidence with the intension of winning or helping my teammate Jules win. Each lap being 25 miles each I knew going solo would be something very difficult, especially on this course. Every lap had a fair amount climbing in it, so I guess you can say it was a course for the climbers.  

 

        About 20 minutes into the race we finally reached the first of the few hills and as soon as the group settled into a rhythm, I attacked. Distancing my rivals I got about a minute gap until the cable to my shifting snapped off leaving me in the small ring for the remainder of the first lap. I was eventually caught by the field and trying to hang on the back spinning my brains out trying to keep up. As I started the climb to the finish I stopped on the side of the road and Mr. Castellano stuck a rock in my derailleur so that I can get into my big ring.

 

         I eventually got back into the group and as soon as we started to ascend on the second lap, I attacked with anger because I don't find it cool to attack someone when having a mechanical and I was definitely going to finish what I started. I quickly opened up a 3 minute gap and it continued to grow from there. As I approached the finish I took a quick look back and I was finally able to relax. I sat down on the hot pavement totally exhausted waiting to see how my teammate Jules would finish and he came away with an excellent 3rd place. I must say Jules helped me a lot in this victory by pushing the pace on the steep grades. Jules and I celebrated with another win for the team.

 

             

                                 See you next time, Sean



Growing

In the last year or so I have grown about a half a foot. Let me tell you, body size makes a big difference for cycling. For one, it means a new, larger size of all equipment. I have gone from a 49 to a 52 frame size bike and my regular shoe size went from a mens 7 to 9. I've put on roughly 20 pounds since last season and at first it really affected my climbing. But, as I've started to fill out my new body size, I've noticed an increase in something I've barely ever had. Power. I can push bigger gears up climbs and sustain hard efforts for longer. I never knew how much power mattered in climbing because I had mostly been good at it due to my small body. But now as I am growing and my weight has been increasing, power is the only thing keeping me with the leaders on the climb. I've been doing a lot of velodrome and criterium racing this month so when I started climbing again a few days ago, I didn't expect to be fast at all. Well, thanks to the power I've received from the velodrome, hard criterium racing, and my growth, I actually climbed like a beast. Of course to get better at climbing, you have to climb; but, training my power really helped my ability to do so. Growing can be a bit of a burden with all the new things that follow it, but with cycling it means more power. That is why I am so glad to be finally growing and hope that my power never stops growing as well!

To the benefits of growth!
- Jules