Sunday, October 27, 2013

And the women are still ripping as well...

This is not a photo of Katie at Tabor...it's actually from day one of Providence back in the good 'ol US of A. I just thought it was a nice pic - Photo credit: Meg McMahon
The American Ladies are holding up their end of the bargain. Katie Compton rode a flawless race in Tabor, Czech Republic and with the exception of some last lap mechanical hiccups she was in control for much (most) of the day. She finished a mere 6 seconds ahead of the Young-Telenet duo of Britain's Nikki Harris and home country rider Pavla Havlikova, but to be honest it never felt that close. 

Up next in 6th place for the stars and bars was the elder stateswomen of the team, Meredith Miller. Miller recently retired from road racing but is competing in at least one more cyclocross season and if today's result is any indication, is showing no reason to stop anytime soon. At the other end of the age spectrum, 21 year old Kaitlin Antonneau rolled over the line as the 3rd American in the top ten at ninth place. 

I would be remiss to not also mention the super multi-tasker from PA, Arley Kemmerer. At 28 years old she keeps herself busy as a practicing attorney and personal trainer during the day and then races cyclocross as a hobby for fun. It's a hobby that sees her regularly placing high in the top domestic races (e.g.: 10th place in the 2013 U.S. Nationals) as well as pulling in top 15 places in world cup races as she did yesterday. I think I need to re-evaluate my time usage. 

Hopefully the U.S. men can find their stride and start to compete internationally as well as the women are. 

Of course, the big Dutch elephant in the room is the fact that Le Cannibelle Marianne Vos chose not to contest the Tabor leg of the CXWC. Her domination on last weeks race shows that she is far and away the cream of the crop in the UCI women's world cup, but it does not take away from the great job that all of the riders did yesterday, American or not.

Take a look at the last lap video here:

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Haard to beat!




Get it? Haard to beat? As in Lars Van Der Haar is Haard to beat...see what I did there? That's some witty bloggoism there. Anyway, I digress... Just watch the final lap of todays Cyclocross WC in Tabor, Czech Republic. The 22 year old Dutchman is on fire in the early going of the World Cup and won his second race in a row to start the season. German Phillip Walsleben and ever present Kevin Pauwels of Belgium completed the podium and share second place in the standings behind the as yet undefeated Van Der Haar.

Great racing happens year round folks, don't miss the amazing racing that will be happening all winter long in the UCI Cyclocross World Cup.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Just hit the west side of the LBC, tryin' to find the WRC....(West River Cycles that is).


West River Cycles - 1233 E. 4th Street Long Beach,  Ca 90802
This post has been a long time coming. I don't get out to the LBC as much as I'd like to these days, but when I do I always try to stop by West River Cycles. The shop is serious about cycling and has a strong sense of history... especially road racing and the messenger lifestyle. The owner, Julius, was a bike messenger back in Philly and there is a strong east coast vibe that lends an air of grit and authenticity to the store that you don't often get in most Cali bike shops. The feel of the store is inviting, and during my visits I've seen every type of cyclist that you can imagine come through the door: serious roadie, fixie hipster, commuter, and everyday cruiser types. They are all treated with the same easy going and helpful approach by Julius and Kristen and there is not a hint of the aloofness that so often plagues cool shops like West River. So next time you're near downtown Long Beach, stop by, check out the store and maybe even make a purchase - good local bike shops like West River are one of our most precious resources as cyclists - supporting them over the big boys whenever possible is a good thing.