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