Good job to all who came out and represented the team by racing, cheering, or both!  Was really a fun time at a great venue!

Age Based TB&S Results:

W 30-34:  Jenny Park 1st

W 35+:  Kim Ciolli 2nd

W 45+:  Kelly Martinez: 2nd

M 35-39:  Jason Bentley 10th,  Jeromie Payne 11th

M 40+:  James Murff 11th

M 50+:  Charles Bippert 20th

M 60+:  Phil Durham 7th

Skill Based TB&S Results:

W Cat 1/2:  Jenny Park 10th,  Kim Ciolli 19th

W Cat 3:  Lindy Alton 11th

W Cat 4:  Kelly Martinez 10th

M Cat 2:  CJ Hebert 17th,  Jason Bentley 39th, James Murff 40th

M Cat 3:  Jeromie Payne 12th

M Cat 5:  Rance Ivie 24th

Non-Championship Results: 

W Cat 4:  Kelley Martinez 5th

M Cat 3/4:  Jeromie Payne 12th

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University Oaks - April 15, 2012
Race Report by Jason Bentley, Winner of the P123 Race

The weather was cloudy with a cool breeze blowing through, and although it was dry, the potential for rain was ominous as the P123 race started. James Murff, CJ Hebert, and myself had a general plan of riding aggressively, but modulating our efforts depending on whether riders from teams with a large presence in the race were with us. CJ and myself took turns following the early attacks, but they were all reeled in fairly quickly. Then, about 20 minutes into the race, the rain started to fall. At first, it was light, but then the sky opened up, and the rain fell steadily for about 10 minutes. When the heavier rain started, I knew the corners would get slick, and for no other reason than self preservation, I made it a point to be the first one into the corners! Right away on turn 1, I heard a large crash behind me...

I wasn't sure if I had a gap or if any of my teammates went down, but I decided to keep the hammer down so I could again be the first one into the next corner. As I pressed on, I realized that I had established a solo break and was gaining time on the field. Since I knew the group would have to slow for the corners, I decided to maintain my solo effort because of the advantage I had in the corners. A few minutes later, I heard yet another crash behind me (I believe it was around turn 4), and although I still wasn't sure if any of my teammates were involved, it made me happy that I wasn't near it! I think the field got even more tentative around the turns after that, which allowed me to increase my lead. The plan was simple after that: hit the straightaways hard and take the corners gently. I knew with 3 laps to go that I was going to get the win! I had one scare with 2 laps to go when my rear wheel slid a little bit, but it was just a reminder that I needed to take the corners REALLY gently. I rolled across the finish well ahead of the 2nd place rider, who had also gotten away from the group, followed by what was left of the field. I was happy to learn that my teammates were able to stay upright despite the crashes, and very happy I decided to ride away from "danger"! This was my first mass-start victory, and I was thrilled my family was there to see it!

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Day 1 Crit:

Women's Open:  Jenny Park - 5th, Kim Ciolli - 16th, Rheannon Cunningham - 21st, Lindy Alton - 25th.

Women's Cat 4:  Kristen Kjellberg - 4th, Allison Floyd - 6th, Kelley Martin - 8th, Kelly Martinez - 10th.

Mens 40+:  James Murff - 8th, Larry Blanchard - 22nd, Gary Obernolte - 34th

Day 2 Road Race:

Women's Open:  Celina Richardson - 21st

Women's Cat 4:  Kelley Martin - 6th, Kristen Kjellberg - 7th, Allison Floyd - 8th

Men's 40+:  Mark Jansen - 24th, Jason Newman - 31st, Grant Woolf - 33rd, (Charles Bippert, Larry Blanchard, and Gary Obernolte - DNF but had fun)

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Congratulations. Keep it up!

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Another great day of racing out in Manor for Team Seton Brain and Spine Cycling! Results:

Women Open: Kim Ciolli - 2nd, Nadia Barrera - 9th, Lindy Alton

Women Cat 4: Allison Floyd - 2nd, Kelly Martinez - 4th

P12: CJ Hebert - 24th

Men Cat 3: Jeromie Payne - 6th, Kevin Girkens

Masters 40+ 1/2/3/4: Mark Jansen - 7th, James Murff - 9th, Grant Woolf - 10th, Rob Eason - 16th, Larry "1 Break & Broke" Blanchard

Masters 50+ 1/2/3/4: Chuck Bippert - 9th, Jason Newman - 10th, John Collins - 11th

Masters 35+ 4/5: Bill Huie - 27th, Gary Obernolte - 33rd

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Great turn out by the team today at the J. Lorraine Ghost Town for some Manor racing!  Here are some of the results.

Women Open: Kim Ciolli - 2nd, Celina Richardson - 4th, Lindy Alton - 7th, Tiffani Harkrider - 8th

Women Cat 4: Kelly Martinez - 3rd

Men Cat 3: Jeromie Payne - 6th

Men Cat 4: Mark Moze - 19th

Masters 40+ 1/2/3/4: Mark Jansen - 2nd, Larry Blanchard - 7th, James Murff - 19th, Rob Eason - 20th, Jorge "Part Timer" Martinez

Masters 50+ 1/2/3/4: Will Visser - 7th, John Collins - 12th, Jason Newman - 14th, Charles "Attack Dude" Bippert

Masters 35+ 4/5:  Barry Conlan - 28th,  Rance Ivie  - 40th, Phil Durham - 42nd, Gary "Dang Hill" Obernalte, Grant "There goes the hamstring" Woolf,

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The race started with near-perfect weather conditions, but with a bit of north wind at 10 to 15 mph, which didn’t do much to alter the race tactics. The forty or so guys lining up for the start looked like most of same guys I saw at the state championships last year. The race was only 33 miles: six loops of a 5.5 mile course.

The first lap, no one seemed interested in forcing anything. On the second lap, I could tell there were two guys itching to launch on the long climb. I moved forward and waited for the attack, which happened about halfway up with Bill Shirer and another guy going off the front. I thought it was too early but decided that if the guy from Tulsa, Janne Hamalainen, goes, I would, too. We went together, but since no one reacted to the attack, I decided to try to make it work anyway.

When I looked back, I had Hamalainen on my wheel, and the four of us had a decent gap. By the time we got to the top of the hill, we were working well and putting time on the group, which didn’t seem interested in chasing. The pace seemed manageable, and after the fourth lap, I knew Jason Newman and John Collins were putting the brakes on any attempts by the group to bring us back because we had over a one-minute gap.

On the on the fifth lap climb, we started to ease up, but not before we lost one guy. At this point, the three of us were thinking we had left the pack behind, but we didn’t know that they were now closing the gap, with Henry Skowronek of North Texas Road Team (the former Polish national Champion) doing most of the work.

By the time we started the sixth and last lap, our gap was down to 35 seconds, but the group had given up on us. I decided to make my attack on the last stair step of the climb and got myself into third position just waiting for Hamalainen to take his next pull. Instead, he decided to attack with three miles to go, halfway up the climb. I could not match the surge, nor could Bill: he was already spent and seemed unable to get on my wheel. I knew that was the race, and the best I could do was to hold the gap between me and Hamalainen all the way back to the finish.

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Pace Bend Road Race 2012-Women's Cat 1/2/3Race Report by Kim Ciolli

Kim Ciolli
Pace Bend Road Race 2012
3rd Place, Women's Cat 1/2/3

I have raced Pace Bend every year since I was a Cat 4 in 2005, and I have had the opportunity to experience every one of the finishes: the feed zone hill; the less steep, longer hill of the last 2 years; the counter-clockwise finish; and, of course, the finish we just did. Unlike all those nervous about the possible carnage at this year's finish line, I was ringing my hands in excitement. What could be better than a downhill, hard right and then an all-out, high-speed, head-to-head sprint for the line? In my mind, it was no different than a crit finish. I really felt the race would be decided by the corner. The racer who goes into the last corner third wheel will win the sprint. I learned that lesson a few years ago, and I have never forgotten it.

The early season races--Walburg, Pace Bend, and Lago Vista--always bring strong women's fields. This year, nearly forty ladies lined up to compete, including the very dominant Rouse/FCS ladies. I think they had six or seven women in town racing, prepping for this year's NRC calendar. The day before at Walburg, I had driven the lead car for the P/1/2/3 women and witnessed the Rouse women sweep the podium against a very deep field. Obviously, they were the ones to watch, and I was planning for an aggressive, strategic battle at Pace Bend.

The attacks were early and often and put me in the hurt locker for the first two laps (12-15 miles). I was concerned because my legs felt heavy and lactic -acidy. Regardless of my suffering, I stayed up front (not ON the front, NEAR the front). I did not want to be sitting near the back and risk getting gapped or missing a split. As poorly as I was feeling early, Nadia was looking fresh. My initial thought was to try to make sure Nadia could get in a break, but nothing was sticking. I decided to relax and watch everyone beat up on each other. I simply followed wheels and began feeling better. When Rachel Warner countered a counter-attack, I was in the right place and went with her. It proved an almost fatal move for me because we were reabsorbed at the bottom of the steep feed zone hill. I went from off the front to dangling 5 meters off the back. Luckily, teammate Tiff was there to make sure I didn't get spit out the back!

I don't remember the race having any easy moments other than being neutralized briefly for the men. The entire race was tough. When the bell rang for the last lap and the attacks continued, I thought of this being my last time to ever race at Pace Bend, but I sucked it up and pedaled, thinking about getting to the last corner third wheel. I was sitting in perfect position just behind Christina Gokey-Smith and Jen McRae. The rest is kind of a blur except that I know I went over the last climb in what felt like last place. The wind had picked up and was blowing right to left. Rouse/FCS sent Rachel Warner early, which was not unexpected, forcing everyone to chase.

When I crested the last climb, I thought it's now or never. I had to make up some ground, so I worked my way all the way to the left and made my move down the outside. I HAD to get to that corner 3rd wheel. I felt like I might die, but I was passing the strung-out riders one by one. The corner was approaching, and I seamlessly slipped in just before the corner in fourth spot. I was thrilled with myself. We were making ground on Rachel Warner, but the race was now for second place since the finish line was coming up fast. At that point, instincts took over. Shifting, spinning the right gear, watching the gears and the wheels around, shifting and spinning some more. Then, at the exact time the Rouse girl jumped, my immediate instinct and reaction was to jump with her. I remember sprinting, shifting twice, and then throwing my bike across the line. I had no idea what place I was, but I knew it was good: a photo finish! Later I was told I was second in the field sprint, just edging out Jen McRae for the podium. Apparently, I was the only non-Rouse/FCS girl to podium the entire weekend. They were going for the sweep both days.

I would like to say after years of racing and hundreds of races, achieving personal goals never gets old. It took me seven attempts to be on the podium at one of my favorite races. Thanks to Tiff and Nadia for the teamwork!

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Another great day of racing La Primavera for the team!  Way to go!

Kim Ciolli:  Women's Open - 4th Place

Allison Floyd:  Women's Cat 4 - 2nd Place

John Collins:  Mens 60+ - 3rd Place

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Great job to all the racers and supporters out at Lago Vista today!  Racers endured a very challenging course and supporters provided handups fantastically as I didn't notice a single dropped bottle.

Here are some of todays results:

CJ Hebert - Cat 2/3:  12th Place

Nadia Barrera - Women 1/2/3/4:  13th Place

Will Visser - Masters 50+:  2nd Place

Grant Woolf - Masters 35+ 4/5:  3rd Place

See the full gallery on Posterous

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Grant Woolf
Pace Bend Road Race
6th, Men's Cat 4/5
February 26, 2012

Men's 35+ Cat 4/5:
Team Brain and Spine Cycling was well represented with Barry Conlon, Steve Spess, John Dodge, and myself. Several people had voiced concerns about the safety of the finish, so we figured a field sprint wasn't worth the risk. We attacked from the gun and several other times throughout the race, but nothing ended up sticking. Barry was the strong man on the course, putting the hurt on the field at any chance. On the last lap, we tried our last attack, and Steve was right on Barry’s wheel with the field gapped a bit and strung out behind them. As Barry started to fade, I came up the gap; Steve grabbed my wheel perfectly as I came by. We held a very small gap until the last hill but then ran up on the back of another race. Running up to a neutralized group was a good excuse for easing up, but I was done, regardless. We were all done at that point and rolled in for a pack finish. Our aggressive strategy was a long-shot at best but made for a fun race.

Men's Cat 4/5: After the 35+ Cat 4/5 race, I figured I'd get some extra miles in and jumped into the Cat 4/5 race. We had no other team members in the race, so I was hanging with Rudy from Velossimo (who always has a smile on his face). It was a smaller field, so I figured I'd ride a more conservative race and see what I could do at the end. I stayed near the front, did a good bit of work to soften up the field, and felt good throughout. A guy took a flyer on the last lap after the tight corner, and I resisted the urge to follow. In hindsight, it was probably a mistake because he was strong, and I ended up having to do some work to help pull him back. The last hill splintered the field, and I was sitting with about ten other guys still in contention for the win with 1K to go. I was 3rd wheel coming through the last turn near 200m to go, sitting perfect and feeling strong. I jumped too early and finished with 6th place: I need to work on that sprinting thing.

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Great job out there in the Women's Open today at Pace Bend ladies!  Kim wrapped it up with a podium finish!

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See you Next Year!

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The Walburg Classic Road Race 2012

The Walburg Classic Road Race, February 25, 2012
USAC Permit # 2012-15 – Texas Cup-State   

 

* If the minimum field size of 6 riders is not met, promoter reserves the right to combine fields and adjust prize list.
* Field limits of 100 racers, except 50+ may be limited to 75. Cat 5 A/B men are limited to 50 riders each and Cat 4 women are limited to 75 per USAC regulations.
* Cat 5 racers cannot enter the 40+ or 50+ field.  60+ Cat 5 racers are strongly encouraged to enter the Cat 5 or 35+ 4/5 races.
* Junior restricted gear ratios will be in enforced per USAC regulations.  A second follow vehicle will accompany the Junior10-14 race.
** Cat 5 Men--there are 2 races at different times!  Make sure you know which one you enter online beforehand!  This category fills up fast so pre-register ASAP!

 

 

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Hammer Nutrition is the Official Fuel Sponsor for The Walburg Classic Road Race. Please support them as they support cycling! Learn more about Hammer Nutrition at www.hammernutrition.com

 

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Registration: PRE-REGISTRATION only on www.bikereg.com will close on Friday 2/24 @1 a.m. EST. (Thursday night, Central time!) Online pre-registration fees apply. Packet pick-up will be held at Bicycle Sports Shop, 517 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin TX on Friday 2/24, between 4-7pm (no race registration will take place).

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 Directions to Walburg: From Dallas take I-35 South to exit 268 (FM 972) 3 miles north of Georgetown go east on FM 972 4 miles to Walburg. From Austin & Houston take I-35 North to exit 268 (FM 972) 3 miles north of Georgetown go east on FM 972 4 miles to Walburg. Parking: 1/2 m south of 973 on 1105.

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Course Description: 24-mile rolling course with hills, false flats, likely wind and an uphill finish in the German town of Walburg. Race rollout from parking, racing starts at Walburg Mercantile restaurant at left turn connecting FM 972 / FM 1105. FM 1105 out of town to Theon, continuing to Schwertner. Take a right turn at Schwertner on FM 487. Next turn is on FM 301 heading south/right. Take a right turn on FM 972 back into Walburg. See course map below: 

 

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All USAC rules are in effect. Wheels will be neutral. Event held rain or shine. Unlicensed Riders will be required to purchase a one-day license ($10.00).  This is a TXBRA-endorsed State Cup Series Event where State Cup points are calculated.  ***Riders holding foreign licenses must present a valid 2012 UCI license in order to be eligible to race. Expired licenses will not be accepted. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact the race director no later than February 18 for verification.***

Contact: James Ezell, walburgclassic@gmail.com, 512-619-5750   

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Mineral Wells Stage Race Report by John Dodge, Cat 35+ 4/5

Race is 3 stages: Saturday morning crit, Saturday afternoon 7 mile TT, Sunday RR.

This years weather: Saturday: pouring rain the entire day, mid forties temp. Epic. Sunday: 45 degrees and overcast, changing to sunny.

The Crit: .75 mile course in downtown Mineral Wells. There are six 90 degree turns on the .75 miles...which means you go around a lot of turns in the course of the race. One straightaway which is the only nicely paved part. The other half is patchy asphalt and concrete patched road surface. Off camber turn at the bottom of a hill, curbs, ravines that cross the course, etc. It would be incredibly tough when dry. This year 3 of the turns were completely under water, 3 inches deep flowing across the road. The finish line had water rushing across it. The off camber downhill turn was slick and potholed. At one point there is a water gully that cuts across the road that was full of water. Most people in my race (35+) rolled out slowly in protest, or in self preservation, and rode at their own pace. About 8 guys put it on the line and raced...the other 42 of us got pulled within about 15 minutes. I ended up 35th out of 50.

At this point I dried off in the car, tried to get warm for the next 2 hours, then got back out in the rain to warm up for the TT. When I showed up at the TT line, they were pulling cones...it was cancelled. It was still pouring, I was soaked a second time, and a little upset they cancelled at this point. I was actually ready. The TT course is really nice rolling country side, think Bee Caves with longer rollers, scenery and no cars.

It was all in all a miserable day on the bike. I tried to put it behind me.

Sunday RR: The course is incredible really. No cars (as in zero the entire course), big shoulders and smooth pavement, rolling enclosure so no yellow line rule. Really a great course. There is one big climb where they have KOM points about 20 miles in. Personally, I made a small logistical error and thought my race was 24 miles (one loop) when it was actually 48...oops. Found out at the start line...had one and a half water bottles and no gel, sports drink, etc. So I went with every break, had some fun, and did one lap. I get the stupid unprepared racer award for Sunday. No idea how I misread that. No big deal - I considered this a B race because I just happened to be in Dallas for the weekend.

Net: If you like crazy epic crits then this is one for you. If it's raining, I can't imagine anything more insane - closest thing is the ATT crits in downtown Austin a few years back when it was raining. I actually saw a guy hydroplane on his back after going down in a corner (he was fine and laughing about it fortunately). People went down at the staging area because it was 3 inches under flowing water...crazy. That said it is all worth it to make it through the crit for the awesome Sunday RR, or the TT if it's nice weather and not too windy. They have a ton of volunteers, and they do put on a good race.

-John

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Alsatian County Omnium – Cat4 Race Report by Grant Woolf.

Saturday Circuit/Crit: I’m not really a crit guy, but I thought it would be a good course for me with a longish drag uphill to the finish. Goal was top 10.  I was hoping for a break-away, but the winds were low and it wasn’t really a good course for a break.  I followed an attack early and tried to create something late, but nothing materialized.  I got stuck behind a big wreck on the last lap and had to stop (I shouldn’t have been back there). I rolled in 30th, at least I avoided the wreck.  Stephen Spess finished a bit ahead of me. 

Saturday TT: The course was only 4.8 miles, but it had a couple hills and the wind had really picked up in the afternoon.  It was my first attempt at a time trial and I didn’t have any aero stuff, but figured I’d just pedal hard and try to stay low.  My goal was to not get passed by my 30 second guy and get into the top 20.  I figured an 11 minute time would get me there given the distance.  I struggled getting into a rhythm and felt like a human sail in the wind, but I gave it my best shot.  I ended up 30th (again) with a time of 11:29, 25mph, but I didn’t get passed!  Adir posted a good time and was just out of the top 20.  The winner was under 10 minutes and over 29mph average, yikes.  I talked to him on Sunday and it was his last race as a 4 (he won every event). 

Saturday Dinner: Good company and good food, but I ate too much.  Ask Chuck about the biscuits. 

Sunday morning RR: It was a good course for me without any major climbs, but enough grade and crosswinds to allow a break in the first half of the race.  My plan for the day was follow everything, initiate attacks, or blow up trying.  Jeff from Velossimo and one other guy rode off the front just a couple miles in. I cruised up the side and slowly rolled off after them (stealth attack mode), nobody bothered to follow me.  I figured I'd just warm up the legs a bit. My legs were very warm by the time I caught them, they were picking it up and putting a decent gap on the field. The 3 of us got in a rotation for a few miles and then a couple small groups bridged up. We had 9 in the group and a nice cross wind killing the pack (and us).  Everyone was working hard in a rotating pace line and we got out of site from the pack within ~10 miles.  It was impressive organization for a bunch of Cat 4’s. 

The first 40 minutes of the break was pure suffering, particularly the last third. My extra pounds were killing me up the constant grade and cross wind.  For the data junkies, I averaged 275 watts during those 40 minutes, with normalized power of 291 (probably a bit above my ftp right now).  I almost got popped and hung on the back for a minute, legs starting to cramp.  Once we made it "over the top", I was good. 

One guy got a flat, another dropped a chain, and another blew up. There were 6 for a while, still working well together.  The strongest guy in the group pushed the pace hard a few times to get rid of a couple others and it was 4 of us with ~12miles to go.  He popped me with ~2 miles to go and I rolled in by myself, 4th place.  I was elated, pure joy for a guy who can't sprint.  It was my first top 10 finish and I couldn’t have scripted it any better.  It was a truly enjoyable day of suffering on the bike. 

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Two of our awesome sponsors bring you a unique event, Reveille Roubaix - Bicycle Sport Shop and HOLLAND RACING. Spread the word. It's gonna be awesome.

• Reveille Roubaix Race infomation: http://www.bikereg.com/15250/
• Reveille Roubaix Tour infomation: http://tour.reveilleroubaix.com/
• Reveille Roubaix Volunteer infomation: http://tour.reveilleroubaix.com/volunteer/

About Reveille Roubaix

The idea for Reveille Roubaix came from Paris–Roubaix, a one-day professional bicycle road race in northern France. Paris-Roubaix is one of cycling’s oldest races and is renowned for its rough terrain and cobblestones. Reveille Roubaix will trade cobblestones, French countryside, wine and baguettes for beer, barbecue and the gravel trails and winding roads of Burnet County. The two-part event will include the Reveille Roubaix Tour, a challenging but untimed ride, and the Reveille Roubaix Race, an amateur race presented with Holland Racing.

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