News

First Three Pro Teams Announced for Amgen Tour of California
12/2/06 - Three of the best professional cycling teams in the world are headed west to again do battle in the Amgen Tour of California from February 18-25, 2007. America's team, Discovery Channel, will be back gunning for the individual title and the team title boasting an impressive arsenal of top guns including Levi Leipheimer, winner of the 2006 King of the Mountain title, and George Hincapie, who won two stages at this year's race while finishing 4th place overall. Returning to defend their 2006 team title, CSC will likely be armed with a couple of Americans - David Zabriskie and Bobby Julich - who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively on the final podium in the first edition of the Amgen Tour of California. Also coming back is the powerhouse Predictor-Lotto (formerly known as Davitamon-Lotto) squad that features Australian General Classification contender Cadel Evans and two Americans with California connections: "Fast" Fred Rodriguez and Chris Horner.

Lance Armstrong to Race in Leadville Trail 100
12/1/06 - Lance Armstrong is going to race competitively on two wheels once again, but this time it’s going to be on a mountain bike.“"The other bit of a challenge I want to do is a bit crazy,” said Armstrong, during the recent grand opening of the latest signature 24 Hour Fitness Lance Armstrong Sports Club in Austin, Texas. “It’s a mountain bike race in August held in Colorado called the Leadville 100. It’s about an eight to nine hour mountain bike race, mostly on single track that very few people do and even fewer finish.” The race involves more than 11,000 feet of climbing over the 100-mile course at altitudes between 9,500 and 12,600 feet. Armstrong’s interest in the race was sparked by his coach Chris Carmichael, who raced the Leadville 100 this year for the first time. In other Lance news, it appears that Lance has grown bored with Matthew McConaughey and was seen dining with Canadian Actress Estella Warren, a former synchronized swimmer.


This is why we live in sunny Southern California! A little bad weather did not stop the huge crowds that braved the rain and mud at the USGP CX in Oregon.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Forest Service and IMBA California to Host Meetings December 5 & 6
11/29/06 - The Forest Service and IMBA California are co-hosting a series of public listening sessions to help shape new riding opportunities in the state's 18 National Forests. These sessions, held throughout the state, will result in improved mountain biking in California National Forests, including the possibility for new trails and better management. No other state has hosted similar sessions and IMBA California is pleased to work with the Forest Service to better understand mountain bikers and the types of riding they want. California's National Forests are home to many famous riding destinations: Lake Tahoe, Downieville, Santa Barbara, Mendocino County, the Shasta-Trinity and others. Your involvement can enhance mountain biking in California and a model for other states to follow. There will be a meeting for the San Diego area on December 5th and on December 6th for the LA area in Ontario. Come out and show your support. more >

Come Ride the Toy Tour and Spread Holiday Cheer to Children in Need
11/28/06 - SC Velo, in partnership with the City of San Dimas & the San Dimas Sheriff's Department, has organized a ride that will bring smiles to the faces of children in need on December 9th. Just bring an unwrapped toy valued at $10 or $15 dollars for a boy or girl and then enjoy a group ride with fellow cyclists. The Toy Tour ride starts at the Incycle in San Dimas at 8 am and will be doing the Bagle Ride course with a no drop rule. Come out and support this great cause and help spread the Christmas spirit! more >

George Hincapie at Jax Grand Opening in Claremont on December 2nd
11/27/06 - Jax is unvailing their new store in Claremont in style on December 2nd, with none other than George Hincapie doing the honors with a personal appearance. Everyone is invited. There will be music by the Calypso Pirates, a WSD Clinic and food offered from 2:30 - 5 pm. Since we live in the hood, we will be dropping by for sure and hope to see you there. more >

2007 SoCal Road Schedule is Good to Go
11/25/06 - The 2007 SoCal Road Schedule has been posted on SoCalCycling.com. Please check back frequently as new events will be added throughout the year. You only have two more months to go before all of the fun starts! Are you ready?


Like Father, Like Son! Mark and Chance Noble at the USGP CX Series in WA.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Happy Thanksgiving from SoCalCycling.com
11/23/06 - We would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving and say a big Thank You to all of you for making SoCalCycling.com possible! Enjoy!

Armstrong's Future Includes NYC Marathon Return
11/21/06 - Lance Armstrong is mulling over his future yet the seven-times Tour de France champion has settled on at least one challenge for next year -- he will return for another crack at the New York City Marathon. Armstrong is resisting offers of acting work and a possible urge to enter the political arena to concentrate on being retired but the American, who described his maiden marathon earlier this month as "the hardest thing I've ever done", has already decided to run the 26.2-mile (42.16-km) race again. more >


SoCalCycling.com Club rider, Bart Hitt gets his cross on at Bonelli. If you're looking for a low key club to join with great deals we welcome all! more info >
photo © Terry Martin

Fall Mountain Bike Classic at Southridge


Pro Bruce Muhlfeld (Trek VW) and Semi Pro Ty Kady(Team SHO-AIR) on the front.

Juan Jose Haedo Signs with CSC
11/17/06 - It has been rumored that Toyota-United rider JJ Haedo was going to race in Europe in 2007 since last Spring, after he turned heads at the Tour of California. It looks like the deal is done with Danish Team CSC scooping up the talented sprinter in a two-year contract. Congratulations JJ! It will be fun watching you bang bars and win against the big boys!


This sprint was good enough to earn Haedo a contract with CSC.
photo © Steve Cohen

United Airlines Ends Sponsorship of USA Cycling
11/16/06 - United Airlines has ended it’s relationship with USA Cycling after 16 years. This is unfortunate for members of USA Cycling, since it means saying adios to free bike vouchers.  Back in the 90’s, I flew ten to fifteen round trips a year to bike races and the vouchers were free flowing with every trip booked through the Olympic Training Travel Office. I guess those were the good old days, as they had cut it down to only two vouchers per member in the last few years.  One of the primary reasons United has cancelled this program is that bike bags do not fit on their small puddle jumpers that they are using more of. The last year I flew on United, I noticed that a trip that used to only have one stop, began having 2 or 3 and you couldn’t get a meal for the life of you. Regardless of the decline in service, free bike vouchers will be missed by all.

SoCalCycling.com Club Welcomes All Riders
11/14/06 - Did you know that SoCalCycling.com has a cycling club? If you are looking for a low key cycling club with great deals, we'd love to have you as a member! We welcome riders of all levels. More Info >


SoCalCycling.com Club rider, Bart Hitt gets his cross on at Bonelli.
photo © Terry Martin

Landis Associate Suspected of Hacking In Lab Computer System
11/14/06 - This case is just getting crazier and crazier. An associate of Landis is suspected of hacking into the computer system at the French national doping testing laboratory (LNDD) of Chatenay-Malabry and sending fake emails in bad french disguised as coming from the LNDD. They were sent to the UCI, IOC, WADA and questioned the responsibility of the laboratory with regards to the Landis doping case during the Tour de France. more >

Prenzlow and Popovic take wins at Quad Knopf Cross Weekend
Noble Wins $100 “Run Up Challenge”
11/14/06 - Light winds, cool weather and a dusting of rain on Saturday greeted crossers at the Quad Knopf Cyclocross race in Bakersfield, CA. Rounds 5 and 6 provided good cross weather and a departure from 85 degree heat in most the previous So. Cal. Cross Prestige Series races. Hart Memorial Park provided 2 fast and challenging world class courses for riders. Over 100 racers each day provided some hot racing action and some close finishes. more >


Mark Noble chases down Bobby Langin for the $100 cash hillclimb prize!
photo © Larry Aronat 2006

USA Cycling announces 2007 National Racing Calendar
11/10/06 - A total of $1.5 million is up for grabs to elite-level cyclists next year as USA Cycling announced plans for its 2007 National Racing Calendar.  Entering its 11th season, next year’s USA Cycling National Racing Calendar includes 41 events across 19 states and will crown the top domestic-based individuals and teams in the United States. Beginning Feb. 24 with the women’s-only Santa Clarita Grand Prix in California, the 2007 National Racing Calendar stretches seven months and ends on Labor Day with the U.S. 100K Classic in Atlanta, Ga. more >


Chance Noble (Cal Giant) podiumed in the
U23 race in the USGP CX Series in Colorado.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

SoCalCross Prestige Series Race #4:  Convert Cross
11/9/06 - The Convert CX race course, with it's combination of grass, pavement, cornering, dismounts, and rough sections, made for a grueling race on a deceivingly flat portion of San BuenaVentura State Beach on Sunday, 11/05 at the 4th stop of 9 races in the SoCalCross Prestige Series. more >


The women's race at the Convert CX.

Ride the Vote
11/6/06 - Don't forget to get out and make your voices heard by voting in tomorrow's General Election. If you live in Claremont, please make sure to Vote Yes for Measure S, so that we can save Johnson's Pasture and the beautiful trails and hillside that we all love to ride and hike on from the future development of more big homes!


National Champion, Katie Compton (Spike), continued to dominate
with back to back wins in the USGP of CX # 3 and #4 in Colorado.
photo © Mitchell Clinton / www.clintonphoto.com

Quad Knopf Cyclocross Race Returns to Hart Park
11/6/06 - Round 5 of the Southern California Cyclocross Prestige Series will take place this weekend, November 11th and 12th for a double header weekend at scenic Hart Park in Bakersfield, CA. Cyclocross, the best spectator cycling event there is, combines off-road and onroad racing with obstacles, bike handling skills and sometimes, running! The Quad Knopf cyclocross begins 8am Saturday with racing for all categories, beginner to professional. The racing action will be fast and furious on 2 world class courses designed by race director Sam Ames. Racers will feel the speed and flow of these courses as they contest 6-8 minute laps over varying terrain. Hart Park provides a fantastic venue for the whole family and there will be fresh coffee, sandwich lunches by Sequoia Sandwich, music, great racing and more! Spectators can view most of the race from one vantage point and check out the sponsor booths and bikes by Specialized, Cannondale and more. Both days of racing promise exciting racing action, fun, lots of prizes and cash. The official race flyer can be found at www.kernwheelmen.org and series info and a race schedule can be found at www.socalcross.org. Race day registration opens at 7am with no late fees and beginners are welcome.


Miles Ludi tears it up at the Spooky Cross CX race in Sylmar.

Lance Armstrong Meets Goal in Marathon Debut
11/5/06 - Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong made an impressive marathon debut in the New York City Marathon on Sunday, accomplishing his goal of finishing in less than 3 hours. Armstrong's time was 2 hours, 59 minutes, 36 seconds. His shirt soaked in sweat, he virtually walked the last couple of steps to the finish line. He shuffled into a post-race news conference, his right shin heavily taped. "I think I bit off more than I could chew, I thought the marathon would be easier," he said. more >

Spike Development Team Members Get a New Ride
11/4/06 - Members of the Spike Pro Cycling Team presented team issue Raleigh Track Bikes  to Shelby Allen and Kit Karzen as the new members of the Spike Development Team at the ADT Velodome in Carson, CA.


(l-r) Kevin Selker, Andy Lakatosh, Ben Barczewski, Kit Karzen, Giddeon Massie, Michael Blatchford, Shelby Allen, Coaches: Tim Roach and Des Dickie.
photo © Dana Ross

New York to Lance: Hey Bud, this Ain't France!
11/2/06 - Lance Armstrong should be very careful running in this Sunday's New York Marathon. Yeah, he's an endurance athlete -- a pretty damn good one, despite what some French tabloids say. Winning the Tour de France seven times after chemotherapy proves Armstrong's determination and off-the-charts VO2 max. But this isn't a lavender field in Provence. This is Zoo York, which makes the marathon unlike any athletic contest Armstrong will ever attempt. His old skills and strategies no longer apply. New Yorkers don't give a rat's ass about those mountain stages and time trials across the pond. They wanna know, can Armstrong win a circus? more >

Red Bull Road Rage Cancelled
11/1/06 - Due to fire safety prevention precautions, the 2006 Red Bull Road Rage has been canceled. After close evaluation of the current fire danger conditions by the Malibu City fire chief, the decision was made to cancel the event. While disappointed, everyone at Red Bull is in full support of whatever action is necessary for the safety of the local community. Red Bull would like to thank all of the athletes, media and bike industry for their support of the event. At this stage no plans for the future of Road Rage have been made but Red Bull’s support for the industry will certainly continue.