Video - SoCalCycling.com Presents: Amgen Tour of California Stage 7 - Mt. Baldy Preview 5/16/12 - Get your cowbells ready! It's time to get psyched for the Mt. Baldy Stage! 2011 SoCalCyclingTeam.com rider Michael Smith Larsen refreshes our memory for the final ascent up Mt. Baldy's steep switchbacks. After the climb, Michael gives his thoughts on the climb and how he thinks Stage 7 will play out for the riders.
Amgen Tour of California: Sagan Makes it Four in a Row Stage Results >, GC Results >
5/16/12 - Twenty-two-year-old sensation Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale remains unbeatable at this year’s Amgen Tour of California, outsprinting some of the world’s top sprinters to win his fourth consecutive stage, a remarkable accomplishment rarely achieved in major international stage racing. He now also holds the record for most stage wins seven in the history of the Amgen Tour of California. More >
Follow SoCalCycling.com on Facebook for Live Updates at the Amgen Tour of CA 5/15/12 - Follow SoCalCycling.com on Facebook for live updates and photos as we head to the Amgen Tour California for Stages 5, 7 and 8. Tomorrow we will be at the Time Trial in Bakersfield and will be riding in the Liquigas-Cannondale Team Car, which should be very exciting. On Saturday, we will be on Mt. Baldy for all of the craziness, watching the riders throw down as they ascend the climbs. For the Final Stage on Sunday, we will begin the day before the start with The Champions Brunch at Tra Di Noi of Beverly Hills with the Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies. It should be a great couple of days and invite you to join us and Stay Connected on Facebook.
Amgen Tour of California: Sagan Threepeats in Sprint Finish into Livermore Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/15/12 - Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale made Amgen Tour of California history today by winning the Stage 3 of the 2012 race, marking his third consecutive stage win in as many days. The 22-year-old rider, once again, outsprinted Garmin-Barracuda’s Heinrich Haussler (AUS), and Tom Boonen (BEL) of Omega Pharma-QuickStep crossed the line in third place. Sagan also retained the Visit California Sprint Jersey and Rabobank Best Young Rider Jersey.
“I don’t know what to say because it’s also a surprise for me,” said Sagan when asked about his third consecutive stage win. “I’d like to thank my team because they did very good work today.” More >
Amgen Tour of California: Sagan Repeats in Santa Cruz Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/14/12 Young Slovakian cycling sensation and overall 2012 Amgen Tour of California race leader Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale crashed and punctured a tire on a wicked descent, but recovered to win Stage 2 of the race in Santa Cruz, Calif., his second consecutive stage in as many days. Ironically, the punctured tire was also the second flat of the race in as many days for the 22-year-old Sagan who maintained his overall lead over Australia’s Heinrich Haussler of the Garmin-Barracuda team after the second stage of America’s greatest professional cycling race. Leigh Howard (AUS) of Orica-GreenEDGE, who placed third during Stage 2, remained in third place overall. More >
Celebrate Italy with a Complimentary Copy of Italiano
5/14/12 Our friends at Cannondale and Peloton Magazine have produced Italiano, which is a beautiful newspaper that celebrates Italy. Italiano takes you inside the Giro d’Italia, looks at past and present riders of the Giro and gives you a taste of Italian culture. Italiano is a must have and provides some great reading with your post ride latte at the local Café. Italiano can be picked up for free at your local Cannondale dealer or downloaded at Cannondale.com. In addition, if you plan to attend the Amgen Tour of California, you can also pick up a copy of Italiano at the Cannondale booth or look for the Peloton Paperboys as they ride the courses on their Cannondales.
Amgen Tour of California: Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) Wins Opening Stage Stage Results >, GC Results >, Photos >
5/13/12 California must suit Peter Sagan (SVK) of Liquigas-Cannondale well. The 22-year-old rider overcame a flat tire five kilometers (3.1 miles) from the finish only to be towed back up to the pack at more than 40 miles per hour to pass his challengers within the last 100 meters to win Stage 1 of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California before tens of thousands of screaming fans in Santa Rosa.
“I want to thank my teammates for helping me win this stage,” said Sagan. “Ted King, who helped me with 3km to go and Daniel Goss who piloted me to the front so I was able to win. It’s going to be really tough to hold onto the yellow jersey. This race will definitely get harder and harder as we go.” More >
State Individual Time Trial Championships Results 5/13/12 The Official Results have been posted on SoCalCycling.com for the State Individual Time Trial Championships that took place at Lake Los Angeles on May 12. Congratulations to all of the Individual Time Trial Champions in 33 categories! Results >
Special Invitation to Attend The Champions Brunch on May 20
5/13/12 SoCalCycling.com / Echelon Design Team sponsor Champion System has extended an invitation and special price to SoCalCycling.com's friends to celebrate the 2012 Amgen Tour of California as hosts of The Champions Brunch at Tra Di Noi of Beverly Hills. The Champion's Brunch is an event fully developed and offered by Champion System on May 20th from 8AM - 10:30AM. In addition to enjoying the excitement of World Class racing, you will be treated with a special pre-race appearance by the squad from Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies. To attend The Champions Brunch at Tra Di Noi please RSVP and enter code CS25 which will discount the price from $50 to $25. Tra Di Noi is one of the finest restaurant in Beverly Hills and located adjacent to the start line for the Amgen Tour of California. More info & RSVP >
Dana Point Grand Prix Photo Galleries Online 5/12/12 - All Photos have been posted from the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling from the Pro Men, Masters 35 + and Masters 45, the Cat 2, Kids Race and Women's Races. Love all the emotion and intensity of the riders and the great backdrop and atmosphere of the DPGP! DPGP Photo Galleries >
Amgen Tour of California Field of International and Domestic Cyclists Announced 5/11/12 The start list for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California was announced today by AEG, presenter of the race. With 128 riders from 16 elite professional cycling teams, this world-class roster promises to bring exciting competition to the seventh annual Amgen Tour of California, which kicks off this Sunday, May 13, in Santa Rosa, Calif. The race will cover nearly 750 miles of California terrain from May 13-20. This year’s edition will feature three of the world’s top-four cyclists. More >
Amgen Tour of California Press Conference 5/11/12 The 2012 Amgen Tour of California officially “kicks off” race week activities with its annual pre-race press conference hosted by race organizers. The press conference features race officials, sponsors, athletes and team managers to prepare for the start of the professional road cycling race, which is now in its seventh year.
L'Etape Du California Photo Gallery > 5/10/12 SoCalCycling.com caught up with L'Etape du California winner Nate Whitman (Herbalife24) on his recent win in the epic ride that travels the same course as Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California from Ontario to Mt. Baldy.
SoCalCycling.com: What is your riding / racing background and what club or team do you ride for?
Nate Whitman: I started cycling about 12 years ago as a complete beginner on the mountain bike. I read a magazine article about the Leadville 100, and decided to enter. I'd never been in a cycling event of any kind before. I didn't even own a bike. I was completely clueless. But I was attracted to the challenge of the terrain and the altitude. More >
World's Top Female Cyclists to Contend in Amgen Tour of California Time Trial 5/9/12 The second annual Amgen Tour of California Women's Time Trial Race, presented by SRAM, is set to take place in Bakersfield during Stage 5 of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California on Thursday, May 17. The Amgen Tour of California Women's Time Trial Race will use the same course as Stage 5 of the men’s individual time trial in Bakersfield. The women’s event will be an invitation-only competition featuring the leading female athletes in the world of cycling, all vying for a piece of the $10,000 prize pool. More >
Product Review: Clif Bar and Clif Shot Energy Gel By Andrew Bosco 5/9/12 - When exercising keeping your energy stores topped off can be difficult. Staying hydrated is one key ingredient needed to perform your best. The other is consuming the right amount of calories so the body has something to burn. Clif Bar has created some of the best working and tasting products on the market.
The Clif Bar is a 240 calorie energy bar. Made with mostly organic ingredients like organic brown rice and organic soy beans. It is a healthy choice while exercising. It also serves as a great snack. When it comes to eating while exercising taste has to be the most important factor when choosing an energy bar. This is where Clif Bar has done it all right. Full Review >
The Clif Bar and Clif Shot Energy Gel come in many delicious flavors.
John Behrens Seriously Injured in Bike/Car Accident, Fundraiser to Assist 5/8/12 - John Behrens, racer for Bailey Bikes and long time top Elite racer in SoCal was struck by a car last Wednesday evening. He suffered extensive injuries and is still in surgery this weekend to repair two broken vertebrae and a shattered pelvis. He has a laundry list of other broken bones and is expected to be in the hospital for weeks with months of rehab.
It was a "no fault" accident so his lost work and extensive medical expenses will be out of pocket for him. A donation site has been set up and some charity rides and other fund-raising activities are being planned to help with the costs.
Elite racer John Behrens (Bailey Bikes) was seriously injured after being hit by a
car. A donation site has been set up for anyone that would like to donate.
Dana Point Grand Prix Photo Gallery 5/7/12 - It was an awesome day of racing and fun going on at the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling yesterday. Here's a few of our favorite photos from the day at http://echelondesign.photoshelter.com. Congrats to the winners!
Images are being added and a full gallery will be available soon as images are edited.
Race Report: Dana Point Grand Prix, Huff Wins By Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com 5/7/12 - Each year the Dana Point Grand Prix gets bigger and is more fun to attend. With large crowds, a great downtown venue and parts of the course over looking the ocean and Dana Point Harbor. I don’t think you can ask for a better course and venue, not to mention the great SoCal weather.
This year I came to the race with very little fitness and knew that I would get my rear end handed to me. But, I still needed to help the SoCalCycling.com / Echelon Design Team in anyway I could and get some training in, as well. More >
Rory Sutherland Wins SRAM Tour of the Gila 5/6/12 - Rory Sutherland (AUS) capped an outstanding week of racing in the desert southwest for the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, taking the overall win at the 26th Annual SRAM Tour of the Gila. Sutherland started off the Tour of the Gila with a victory in Stage 1 and he and his Teammates never relinquished the lead. Earning multiple podiums and top 10 finishes throughout the grueling race Team UnitedHealthcare protected the leader’s jersey from beginning to end. Competitive Cyclist’s Chad Beyer and Bontrager-Livestrong’s Joe Dombrowski rounded out the top three in the General Classification, finishing second and third, respectively. More >
SRAM Tour of the Gila Photo Gallery Photos by Mitch Clinton / ClintonPhoto.com 5/5/12 - Mitch Clinton, Photographer and SRAM Tour of the Gila's Media Director, has submitted some beautiful photos of the SRAM Tour of the Gila. Mitch who formerly lived in San Diego, now lives near Silver City, NM where the SRAM Tour of the Gila takes place. View Photo Gallery >
BMC Racing Team's Phinney Wins Giro d'Italia Prologue 5/5/13 - Taylor Phinney of the BMC Racing Team averaged more than 50 kilometers an hour Saturday to win the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia in Herning, Denmark, and become only the third American to wear the maglia rosa of race leader.
Starting 17th-to-last of the 198 riders, Phinney blazed across the 8.7-kilometer course on his BMC timemachine TM01 in 10:26, nine seconds faster than runner-up Geraint Thomas (Sky Procycling). More >
Bikes in the Barrio Logan "Cinco de Mayo" Grand Prix
5/4/12 - The 16th Annual Barrio Logan Grand Prix takes place May 5th in Downtown San Diego near Petco Park and the Gaslamp District where riders will vye for $5000 and primes. The Barrio Logan Grand Prix hosts the Junior Criterium Championships, which is part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series. The BLGP offers Kid's races that are the biggest in the country and gives away over 200 helmets every year. The Barrio Logan Grand Prix features a "very exciting figure 8 course" in one of San Diego oldest communities, Barrio Logan. According to Race Promoter and Race Announcer Ralph Elliott, "You have to be good to win at the Barrio Logan Grand Prix, an old school downtown criterium course!" More info >
Dana Point Grand Prix Race Day Predictions By Roger Worthington, Prez, The DPCCF, Inc
5/4/12 - Wake up, time to race. Yes, the Dana Point Grand Prix Presented by Amgen Breakaway from Cancer is more than a race, what with the burgers, beers, beach, Breakaway from Cancer walk and action-packed kids races.
But, in the end, it comes down to The Race. Who will make The Move? Who will steal The Show? Who will do The Work? Who will ignite The Crowd? Who will mount The Podie? Who will wear The Jersey? And who will add their name to the DPGP Gallery of Big Guns? More >
Riders from all categories will be vying for the top step at the DPGP.
Photo courtesy Dana Point Grand Prix
L’ Étape du California Photo Gallery 5/3/12 - A full gallery with photos of most riders is now available online at http://echelondesign.photoshelter.com. Thanks to all of the riders for making it a fun day!
Oakley and Rapha Cinco de Mayo Group Ride 5/3/12 Oakley and Rapha are partnering for an event to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Dana Point Grand Prix and cycling in general. The event will take place at the Oakley Headquarters on Saturday, May 5th and consist of a group ride departing at 10 am followed by food and drinks. The ride will be similar to the Como Street Loop heading out through Rancho Santa Margarita, over the backside of Live Oak and then heading north through Santiago Canyon to Jamboree, returning on Irvine Blvd, Bake, and Portola back to Oakley. This is a fun/social ride but should provide some opportunities for those looking to open their legs for the Dana Point Grand Prix the following day. Food and Drinks provided by Peets, Tecate and El Ranchito. Directions and Flyer >
Amgen Tour of California to be Broadcast Live on NBC and Online Tour Tracker 5/3/12 When the 2012 Amgen Tour of California kicks off on Sunday, May 13, cycling fans will have the chance to see all of the excitement and action on NBC and NBC Sports Network. NBC Sports Network will provide live HD coverage of the race from May 13-19, including an exclusive preview show on Sunday, May 6, and daily highlights that will air on the network each night during the eight-day competition. More >
Interview with Mark Johnson, Author and Photographer of Argyle Armada By Christy Nicholson & Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com SoCalCycling.com: How did the Argyle Armada book come about?
Mark Johnson: I’ve done freelance writing, editing and photography work for Slipstream, the organization that owns the Garmin-Cervélo team, since 2007. One of the things I do for the team is help them craft sponsorship proposals. That gives me unique insights on what happens behind the scenes to keep a ProTour team financially afloat; how long the deals take to come to fruition, how many fall apart, what sponsors are looking for.
A couple of years ago it came to me that Vaughters’ team would make an interesting book subject. And by interesting, I mean a book that would be more than an account of racing action. Full Interview >
Dana Point Grand Prix pb Amgen Breakaway from Cancer is Set for Sunday 5/1/12 - Great race course, thousands of excited fans, top level athlete participation, uplifting theme, and a commitment to helping charities and the local community.
The USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar (NCC) race on Sunday, May 6th, will again attract the nation’s top professional and amateur racers to the beautiful Pacific Coast community of Dana Point California. The 2011 Dana Point Grand Prix was officially recognized by USA Cycling as the largest participant 1-day criterium in America and this year’s 2012 race is projected to equal or surpass last year’s standard. More >
Race Report: Devils Punchbowl Road Race By Connor McCutcheon, Simple Green / Bike Religion 4/30/12 - Yesterday was the four year anniversary of my 1st road race. Four years ago at Devil’s Punchbowl, I rode away from the field and won! But USAC official, Jack Vincent, relegated me to last place because I failed the roll out. At the time I had no idea what junior gears were.
Anyway, that is the story of my first road race. I still stay in contact with Jack and he has helped me tremendously thoughout out my cycling career. We even met up at Sea Otter last week. More >.
Louis Meintjes solos to a win in the Pro 1/2 race at the Devils Punchbowl Road Race. Race Report >
Photo courtesy Simple Green / Bike Religion
L’ Étape du California Photo Gallery 4/28/12 - We had a great time watching nearly 1000 cyclists pre ride the Amgen Tour of California Ontario to Mt. Baldy course. Great job to everyone that rode in it and had a smile on their face! Living in Claremont, we know all to well that Mt. Baldy is a beast!
Follow the SRAM Tour of the Gila on Tour Tracker 4/27/12 - The early road season in the US has been marked by the iconic SRAM Tour of the Gila for the past 25 years. With SRAM extending its sponsorship to 2012, the May 2-6 event will be number 26.
Considered one of the hardest and hilliest races in the US, the SRAM Tour of the Gila takes place in the beautiful mountain ranges surrounding Silver City, NM, at 6000 feet of elevation. The race regularly features top domestic talent who race five stages - one criterium, one time trial, and three road stages with approximately 15,000 feet of climbing. The “Gila” is now a UCI 2.2 and has been added to the America Tour calendar. The race will also be covered via Tour Tracker, so fans can follow the most intimate details of the race on their mobile device. SRAM’s Neutral Race Support team will be onsite providing, what else, neutral race support. Rosters >
Cyclists Invited to Ride the Stage 8 Route of the Amgen Tour of California on May 20 4/26/12 - For the first time in the race’s history, cycling fans and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to participate in the Amgen Tour of California by riding on the actual race course just prior to the eighth and final stage of the 750-mile race. More >
Video: Race Day Episode 1, Featuring Monster Media Powered by MRI Cycling Team 4/26/12 - "RACE DAY”, is a cycling reality show that takes the viewer inside the subculture of bike racing. While the show’s canvas will be each individual event the team competes in, the human drama and real excitement for the show will come from the interaction of our characters as they go through the 2012 season interacting with and competing against the rich diversity of teams and personalities which make up the national cycling scene. Watch Episode 1 below as a two part video.
BikeFest Tour of Long Beach Brings Cycling Festival to Downtown Long Beach 4/25/12 - On Saturday, May 5, the 4th Annual BikeFest Tour of Long Beach presented by Wells Fargo, will bring cycling-related fun and festivities to Downtown Long Beach. In addition to four separate rides that appeal to cyclists of all skill levels, this event includes an all-day, family-friendly Finish Line Festival. Proceeds will support pediatric cancer research at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach, as they have since 2010.
The Tour of Long Beach invites amateur cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts to participate in one of four rides: the four-mile Family Fun Ride; 31 or 62-mile picturesque Metric Century Ride; or the 100-mile Cruz Gran Fondo, which loops twice through Long Beach, Cypress, Seal Beach and Signal Hill. The Cruz Gran Fondo is new to the Tour of Long Beach this year and is named after Long Beach’s own U.S. Olympian, former Pro Tour Cyclist and Long Beach Bike Ambassador, Tony Cruz. More >
Craig Miller (BB-SIC) topped the podium after winning the 45+ race at LAX. (L-Rt) Rahsaan
Bahati, 3rd Marvin Hall (UCC), 1st Craig Miller (BBI-SIC) and 2nd Rich Meeker (BFC).
Photo courtesy BBI-SIC
De Vlees Huis Ronde Road Race Delivers the Heat 4/25/12 - The Vlees Huis Ronde Road Race delivered once again with a HOT day of racing. The 30 mile out and back loop provided fresh new asphalt, lush green foothills but the snow capped peaks of the previous week were replaced with temperatures in the 90’s, snakes, bees and hard racing action. It was a true “race for the strong” and racers got to check out the course ahead of next month’s District Championship Road Race, June 2nd and 3rd.
Race Report: Sea Otter Classic - Teamwork By Allison Powers, NOW and Novartis for MS 4/24/12 - One word describes my team’s (NOW and Novartis for MS) racing at Sea Otter; teamwork. I was the winner each day, but I could not have done it without my team. My teammates are the true winners of the four days of racing.
Day 1 was the Criterium. The team plan was to race our bikes, get in breakaways, and force the other riders and teams to chase. It worked. A breakaway never stayed away, but we raced and it was fun. On the last lap, Devon, Robin, and Olivia did a textbook lead-out for me to begin my sprint before the last 3 corners. It was textbook teamwork and almost easy for me to win the stage. A bonus on the day was getting the sprint jersey. A NOW and Novartis for MS rider won every single sprint and if someone wasn’t up the road, we had enough synergy to do a small lead-out for either Beth or me to get the sprint point. Race Report >
Allison Powers (Yellow Jersey) won four stages at the Sea Otter Classic with nice teamwork
from her NOW and Novartis for MS Teammates. (L-Rt) Olivia Dillon, Robin Farina,
Alison Powers,Devon Gorry, Beth Newell and Anne Samplonius.
Photo credit Kurt Stockton
Interview with Richard Meeker (Breakaway from Cancer Masters Team) By Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com SoCalCycling.com: How, where and when did you get started in the sport of cycling?
Richard Meeker: I grew up in Plymouth PA about an hour and a half northeast of Philadelphia, PA. I started racing in 1978, it started as a result of my father selling my motorcycle for riding it on the street without a drivers license after the 3rd time of getting caught my motorcycle was sold. I needed transportation to get to and from my fathers gasoline service station so I purchased a bicycle to commute. My first bicycle was a $350 italian Cortina racing bicycle. I commuted six miles each way back and forth from my fathers service station after school and on weekends. On one of my summer weekly commutes I met on the road Rob and Dave Lettieri. We became instant friends and started training and racing together. I owe my cycling career results and success to Paul Lucas, Kevin Bonham, Tom Jones & Rob & Dave Lettieri. Without their mentorship, leadership & guidance I could never have been successful as I am today. Full Interview and Photos >
Paid Focus Group for Cyclists
4/21/12 - Market research company, Q-insights, is holding focus groups for cycling enthusiasts in Sherman Oaks on April 23th, 24th, and 26th in the evening on the day/time of your choice. They will be discussing cycling computers and would like to get opinions on a new cycling computer that is being developed. The focus groups are two hours long and will compensate participants $100 for their time. The groups should be interesting as participants will be talking with other like-minded individuals. Q-insights is looking for varying rider levels and riding situations including sport riders, road riders, triathlon riders and mountain bikers. Interested parties can either call 818-530-1002 or email OMoadel@q-insights.com for more info.
Vlees Huis Ronde Road Race Ready to Heat up this Saturday 4/20/12 - With higher than normal temperatures, green foothills and snow capped mountains, the 2012 Vlees Huis Road Race will provide an epic course for racers this weekend in Bakersfield. Riders will battle for a very unique winner’s trophy and over $2,000 in prize money. The 30 mile loop features challenging climbs, fast descents, new asphalt. New this year will be the Gear Grinder Grill who will be serving up healthy food for the riders. The Vlees course has also been chosen as this year’s District Road Race Championships June 2nd and 3rd and will provide a fitting and challenging course for champions.
The Amgen Tour of California 2012 Breakaway Challenge Ride Invites Riders 4/19/12 - Join the Breakaway from Cancer Masters Cycling Team while they ride stages of the Amgen Tour of California to help promote awareness for Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer® initiative. To raise funds for the charity, the team is seeking other riders to ride a stage with the group.
Participating riders are provided access to a VIP finish line hospitality suite (a $275 value). This VIP Experience includes gourmet catering with hot and cold dishes, desert selections plus beer, wine, soft drinks and coffee bar serving. While enjoying the food, riders rest watching a live TV feed of the approaching race and watch the finish live. The donation for the Breakaway Challenge is tax deductable. More info >
The Amgen Tour of California 2012 Breakaway Challenge Ride invites riders to ride, while
raising awareness and funds for Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer® initiative.
Rock N’ Road Divas Courageous Women of Dirt Clinic on May 19th 4/18/12 - The Rock N’ Road Divas is hosting the Courageous Women of Dirt mountain bike skills clinic for women on Saturday, May 19th from 9 am to 3:30 pm at Irvine Lake. The event, which benefits Bike for Boobs, will feature three self selected clinics for beginners, intermediate and intermediate plus. The clinics will be taught on the Over the Hump course, which is a short, fast and fun circuit. There will be several 30 minute seminars to choose from including: bike set up and fit, repair, general bike maintenance, nutrition and training for endurance and speed. The cost for the Courageous Women of Dirt mountain bike skills clinic is $ 35 and includes lunch and one raffle ticket. More info >
Stevens Becomes First American to Win Fléche Wallone Féminine 4/18/12 - For the first time in the race's 15-year history, an American won the La Flèche Wallonne Féminine on Wednesday in Huy, Belgium. Evelyn Stevens (Boulder, Colo./Specialized-lululemon), riding for her trade team, passed Marianne Vos (NED/Rabobank Women Team) on the second and final climb up on the Mur de Huy to win on a chilly and occasionally rainy day in eastern Belgium.
In a race that featured 157 riders from 26 different countries, Stevens became the first American woman to reach the podium of La Flèche Wallonne Féminine, completing the 123-kilometer race in 3:26:32. More >
Join SoCalCycling.com on STRAVA We have created a STRAVA Club where riders can track, compete and share your rides with other riders in the Cycling Community. STRAVA allows you to upload your data using your GPS unit (Garmin, iPhone or Android) and will automatically log and organize your data, giving you a complete overview of your training, while making fitness a social experience, providing motivation and camaraderie even if you’re exercising alone. It's a great way to learn about new rides and connect with other cyclists! Strava is free to use or you can upgrade to a paid Premium account for more features. Join SoCalCycling.com on STRAVA >
Video - The Bud's Ride - An on the bike perspective from part of the Bud's Ride Training Ride that was taken at the end of September. This ride usually attracts 100 plus riders during the race season and uses part of the San Dimas Stage Race road race course. Bud's is known to be one of the harder group rides in SoCal with a good mix of crosswinds, hills and some fast riders! More Training Rides >
Product Review: Cannondale CAAD10 Frameset By Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com 5/31/11 Originally, the Cannondale brand was built on manufacturing the best aluminum bikes in the business. Recently, Cannondale decided to bring back and revive an almost forgotten material at the high end and a mid level price range with the CAAD10.
Cannondale just didn’t modify the next generation CAAD10. Cannondale totally started from scratch and went back to the drawing board to build what is Cannondale’s finest achievement to date when it comes to their flagship CAAD aluminum bikes. The new CAAD10 not only rides great but looks spectacular with clean lines and noticeably defined tube shapes that shows how the engineering technology went into the frame’s redesign. More >
Video - SoCalCycling.com Presents: Amgen Tour of California Stage 7 - Claremont to Mt. Baldy Preview SoCalCyclingTeam.com rider Michael Smith Larsen climbs the final ascent up Mt. Baldy up the steep switchbacks. After the climb, Michael also gives his thoughts on the climb and how he thinks Stage 7 will play out for the riders.
Interview with Sergio Hernandez By Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com 5/15/11 - We recently caught up with Sergio Hernandez as he prepares to ride the Amgen Tour of California for the first time. Sergio currently rides for Jelly Belly pb Kenda and is known for his aggressive, attacking style. He previously rode for Rock Racing for three years and came up through the NOW/MS Society program.
SoCalCycling.com: How did you get into riding bikes and racing?
Sergio Hernandez: As early as I could remember I always had a love for the bike. My dad use to race Motocross, so I use to set up ramps in my backyard and pretend I was racing. That pretty much led to me being a bmx kid and I later got a job at a local bike shop, Circle Cycle in Torrance, Ca. Somehow the roadies at the shop tricked me into getting a road bike and putting on a fruity cycling kit. It's been history ever since. Full Interview >
Sergio Hernandez (Jelly Belly pb Kenda) prepares for the 2011 AMGEN Tour of CA. Interview with Sergio >
Photo courtesy Jelly Belly pb Kenda
Product Review: Cannondale Slice HI-MOD Time Trial Frameset By Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com 2/9/11 - It has been a while since SoCalCycling.com tested the Cannondale Six13 Slice Time Trial bike. Since then, Cannondale has made huge strides in the advancement of their carbon bikes over the past several years.
From winning the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta España and most recently the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Cannondale has not only been testing their bikes in the wind tunnel, but has also gotten important feedback from the athletes that are sponsored by Cannondale for product development. What makes this Cannondale Slice HI-MOD stand apart from other time trial bikes is that it is not only fast, aero and light but it has the comfort factor that most bikes in this category have overlooked. Product Review >
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