Nearly A Win At The State Champs

This weekend brought the state road championship for masters. At the last minute the race was moved from Estes Park to Deer Trail, where an annual spring race is also held. The resulting change meant the race would favor more of an all around rider and that the boys would be in for some serious heat. When the team arrived it was 92 degrees, with light winds and no shade in sight. There was also another course change that day which made the race shorter and faster. It was going to be a good fight for the 35 plus and 45 plus State Championships.

The 35 plus team lined up with five riders: CJ, Pete, Matt Gates, Matt Segur, and Marc Holbert. They knew they needed to mark pro level rider Paul Espoti (Scion), who has been selectively doing some masters races recently, and current Best All Around Rider leader, Jeff Hartman (Big Shark). The team got on the offensive early and put Pete in the initial three man break. This meant they were in the prime position as they did not need to attack, and could simply cover the other team's moves. A few small moves went up to the break and by the first turn around it was nine guys. The way back was the fastest stretch of the race, due to a tailwind, and the attacks from the big hitters started for real. All the guys took turns covering moves to protect Pete up the road, but eventually the key counter attack went with Paul Espoti and Tom Roba (prerace.com). Matt Gates covered the move perfectly and was able to get up to the break.

Back in the field, the remaining three mix1 riders helped shut things down. Jeff Hartman was not happy to be back there and attacked constantly even though he had a team mate up the road. The boys covered him like a blanket with Matt Segur doing most of the work. You could tell it was frustrating him, but it was an effective strategy. As we already had two guys in the break (Pete and Matt Gates) it was the thing to do. The break started to split up on the much harder second circuit and as they rode into the final lap of that circuit there were only four riders left, our Matt Gates, P. Espoti, T Roba, and Forrest Newman (Rio Grande). Those four would fight out the final placings. Forrest was the first to get dropped and then P. Espoti attacked with four to go. Roba could not respond, so Matt Gates went after Espoti and dropped Roba. Matt could not close down on Espoti, but hung on for second place. Espoti is really more of a pro level rider then a master, so Matt had a great result. The team had a nice sense of really taking "1st" place amongst the guys that really race masters. The field broke up a little more on the way in and Matt Segur took 12th, Marc Holbert took 16th, and Pete managed to finish after a long day in the break. Pete gets extra credit as he was in the break from the get go and the masters break actually passed the pro/1/2/3 field.

It was a solid day for the mix1 boys with a great result for Matt Gates. More importantly - they had a plan, they executed and used great team work. Matt Gates was also on the podium for the state Hill Climb Championships, so that makes two nice results for him.

Gene Palumbo Wins The WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TT!

Team member Gene Palumbo has made it well know that his 2 goals for 2010 were the US Maters National Championship and the World Master's Championship in the time trail. Gene has changed his training, worked with a new coach, updated his equipment, and fully committed to the goal. In early 2010 Gene won every single time trial he started, 7 in a row, plus a team time trail. Then one night at Cherry Creek disaster struck as a non racer took him out at full speed. Talking to Gene you knew he was disappointed and not sure how the season was going to go, but he never gave up. He rode the CO state TT with low expectations and took 2nd in his first race back. He went on to race the US National Champions and took a podium spot. Then off to worlds in late august. We tip our hat to Gene as he brought home the World Championship to the mix1 Masters team and to CO.

Gene dropped us a line from Europe and here is what he had to say:

Hey guys,

Yes, it is true and official - 2010 World Champion....thanks for all the emails, comments and support - I really appreciate it. Up until 12 minutes before my start time I was not going to race because my bike had some mechanical issues, but a few guys worked on it while I warmed up and got me to the line - whew, was that close. I ended up beating the defending champion by 1.24 seconds and first and third place were separated by only 1.7 seconds. Due to registration issues, a whole other story, I ended up first out of the start house for my age group. After I crossed the finish line I watched the leader board for over an hour waiting for other racers crossing the finish line to eclipse me and bump me off the podium...what torture it was for that 60 minutes waiting and watching. There were about 50 Americans and some other European friends standing there with my family and I as we watched and waited until the defending champion and some other fast guys finished without changing my #1 position. After the last guy crossed the line and the results were posted I knew I had won.

Here are the official UCI results:
http://www.masterswm.org/images/stories/ergebnis_tt/Ergebnisliste_M4.pdf

BRC Real Estate Crit Photos

All photo are from the 45 Plus BRc Real Estate Crit and were taken by Rupert Berrington, at Action Photography, www.printroom.com/pro/action.

mix1 at the Leadville Trail 100

We just saw this photo today on Facebook of the CEO of mix1, crossing the line at the famous Leadville Trail 100, and proudly rocking our team gear. Way to go and how cool is it to have a company where the CEO is so in tune with the product and "white collar" athletes. You da man!

Volunteering For Mavic at the 2010 Pro Crit Championship

Team member Marcel Van Garderen is not just a masters bike racer, dad to a pro tour rider, local architect, but he is also part of Mavic's elite neutral support program. It is a volunteer position, but one Marcel loves. He volunteers his time and works specific events for Mavic. He has done everything from major Pro Tour level US stage races, to local Colorado cyclocross races, to bike tours and this year he worked his first US Professional Crit Champs, in Chicago.

Below are some photos of Marcel sitting on the back of the lead support moto, in what is called "The Jumper" position. It is called that because when a rider needs help it is the Jumper's job to jump off the moto and help him. One rider needed so much help Marcel got off the moto and the driver just drove the rider to the pit to get a new bike! The middle photo is Marcel's moto following the winning break. Luckily the Mavic sponsored rider won! The last photo is Marcel, on the right, and his driver on the left. Thanks for all your volunteer work Marcel!

Bannock 2010 Photos

2010 photos from www.303cycling .com

1. Jim Thies riding on the front to cover any moves and protect his man in the break.
2. CJ Gauss riding 2nd wheel in the winning break.
3. Josh riding at the front getting ready for the field sprint for 3rd.
4. Josh winning the field sprint for 3rd, giving the boys 2 guys on the podium.
5. CJ crossing the line for 2nd, after a long day in the break and losing the final sprint.

Air Force Academy RR - Another Victory

Jimi Gibson and the 45 Plus guys headed down to the Air Force Academy for the road race this past weekend. Here is Jimi's reports: although the course at the Air Force Academy was an out-and-back circuit with a loop at the top, it beat everyone's expectations and turned out to be a very good course and fun race. The 45+ peloton did only 4 laps on the course, but with the wind and hills, 4 was good enough for today.

The peloton stayed together on the first climb/lap as everyone was testing out the course and fitness. On the second climb, things got fast. Riders were surging off the front on the climb, eventually splitting the peloton into small groups. Peter I. and Jimi survived in the front group, while Jeff and Bill just barely missed getting into it. It was on the 3rd lap that Jimi made his move. On the climb, Peter pulled up in front of Jimi who was leading to give him a break from the wind. After a quick rest sitting in second, Jimi turned on the after burners and motored away from everyone, dropping his last chaser at the top of the climb. From there on it was all Jimi, opening up a lead to maybe 30 seconds at one point. Peter got to sit in behind the 7 chasers, licking his chops for a second place finish, being all rested and all. But that was not to be, he flatted with one lap to go.

Jimi still held off a very strong group of chasers to the very end. After getting a wheel, Peter slipped back to the next chase group,which had Jeff and Bill in it, all finishing 8th - 11th or so.
Great day for Mix1 getting Jimi on the top of the podium. The photo is Jimi on the podium.

BRE Real Estate Crit

This is a newer crit in Highands Ranch, south of Denver. Last year was the 1st year and it is a solid race, with a few corners, and a short, but steep kicker to the line. the 45 plus guys raced first today, for more BAT points, and the the 35's. With a good day the 45 Plus guys could effetely end the BAT race for 2010.

45 Plus race report from Peter I.: The 45+ race was fast enough today to not allow for any breaks to be maintained. The Mix1 guys pretty much covered all breaks through out the race. The guys rode well as a team near the front of the pack, taking a few turns on the front to stretch out the field along with some attacks. A headwind on one portion of the course seemed to help neutralize any escape attempts. The race came down to the last couple of laps. The Mix1 guys were taking turns countering and covering attacks. Eventually it all came together on the last 1/2 lap with a final sprint up the hill. Rod Yoder from Natural Grocers took the win after an awesome lead out by his teammate Bill. But Mix1 was able to stay near the front, and Jeff Ofsanko got on the podium in 3rd, while Chris Leggere got 5th, Peter I. 6th, Matt V. 9th, and Jimi brought up 15th.

The 35 plus guys lined up later in the afternoon with Matt G., Matt S. (back from Nats & a bad crash), CJ and Peter (back from Europe). The guys put 2 riders in the break last year at this race, so they decided to try again. The first half of the race was not too exciting, with lots of wind, and a few solo moves that did not worry the boys. Matt, Pete and Matt were all active at the front, while CJ surfed the back. About half way strong man Michale Gibson laid it down and that was the move. CJ made it across and the 4 man break was away. Eventually 3 other riders came up, including last week's winner Paul Espoti. With 2 to go Espoti attacked again, CJ gave chase, but no one pulled through, and that was it.

With the break racing for second CJ attacked the last corner and got into it first, but it was all uphill to the line. CJ ended up in a 3 way bike throw with Michael Gibson and Byron Nix, with CJ taking the short end of that deal and getting 4th. Matt Gates followed an attacked with 1 to go and was able to solo in for 8th place. Matt Segur kept the pace up in the pack and do to the hard work Pete took out the field sprint for 9th. So 3 guys in the top 9, not a bad day.

Bannock Crit

Bannock might just be the longest running bike race in Colorado. It is a figure 8 crit just south of downtown Denver. It is considered a classic and this year the racers were treated to new pavement between turns 1 and 2. The 45 plus guy raced first and only Jimi took the line. unfortunately for Jimi several other teams showed up in force. Not one to shy away from work, Jimi attacked and did what he could, but eventually the other team's size got the best of him and a break went up the road. That was the end of the race and Jimi rode in with the pack.

The 35 plus team lined up with CJ, Jim, LT, Josh and Marcel. It was an important race as it was the last BAT crit of the year and with a good result the boys could put away their first ACA Best All Around Team Title. It was also the last race of the year for Josh, Jim, LT, and Marcel.

Jim & Marcel got the party started with a 1 lap attack and went up the road. When that came back some solo moves went, then LT lead the fired out for a $100 cash prime. Eventually strong man Michael Gibson attacked and Josh was able to bridge up. When that move came back the pack had a bit of a lull, CJ sensed it and attacked solo. A Vic's riding joined CJ, they had a long way to go, but that was the winning move.

Paul Espoti came up to the break solo. Paul is an ex-professional who still races at the cat 1 level. Not sure why he was racing masters, but he tends to win any and all masters races he does. The 3 riders rode well together and the 2 strong teams left in the field, RMCEF & Grove Subaru, chased, and then had their main men Michael and Lance bridge to the break. Things got complicated in the break, the Vic's rider (Gary Molder) got dropped, and Michael and Lance played games. So with 4 to go CJ & Paul were away solo. They rode to the last corner, where Paul attacked and easily took the win. It was great result for CJ and he was not going to beat a guy who has been racing major races in Europe this summer. Josh got a jump on the field and won the field sprint for 3rd, giving the guys 2 on the podium. It was by far the boys best crit of the year and the result gave them the BAT win for 2010.

Photos are compliments of Karen Steele. The first one is CJ crossing the line, relieved it is over, the second one is just before, where you can see the field sprint unfolding, and the 3rd is one is the final sprint where CJ lost to Paul Espoti.

Masters Nationals TT, RR & Crit

Matt Segur and Gene Palumo made the trip from CO to Louisville, KY for the 2010 maters nationals. Here are reports on the races from then.

Gene's report on the TT: with a heat index of 101 degrees today is was a bit hot and humid if you can imagine. Of course, everyone had the same conditions to race in but it just got hotter and hotter, it seemed like, by the minute. Basically, we were all simply dripping wet, salty dogs seeking shade and liquids.

Podium at Natz goes 5 deep so I ended up on the podium in 4th place with a medal around my neck. As well, I got to share the podium with guys like 1st place Thurlow Rogers (multiple time World and Natz champ) and other multiple time Natz champs like John Novitsky, and Brian Batke, so I guess I should be happy with my performance in the presence of these icons...
Segur lined up about an hour earlier than I and I believe he ended up in 12th place. Didn't see Matt after the race so that is the only update I have for him.

I ran into some other Colorado racers such as Todd Robertson from Skins, Vic's guys Joe Paulson, Mike Newsome and Dean Sandoval as well as Jim Dickerson from Great Divide. Todd Robertson, Mike Newsome and Jim put in some fine times and finishes in their respective categories and finished on the podium in 3rd, 5th and 6th place respectively.
Matt is here for the road race and crit and I head back to Colorado tomorrow.

Matt Segur's TT report: bloody hot and humid! I felt as though I was riding through a swimming pool. Anyway, I raced this as planned and left nothing on the course. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. I am hopeful the road race on Friday morning will go much better for me. I know who's wheel I will be on and am not going to let it go!

Matt Segur's Road Race report: Hot and humid again today in Louisville, but I prepared for it and with 76 other racers we put ourselves on the line for the Nationals Road Race. The race was full gas from the start with the likes of Olhieser tearing it apart on the first lap (he is the 2 time defending US Amateur Road Race Champ..............). Olhieser attacked on the second climb of the first lap of the course and took a few riders with him in a break, including the eventual 2nd place finisher. After the break was free it all attacking from the field for the next several laps as riders tried to get something else to get away.

I made a break at the half way point with two others but, we got caught with 3 laps to go of 14 lap race. At this point things settled a bit as the group tried to figure itself out. Although this did not deter opportunistic racers from trying to solo away, but they each quickly brought back in. With 1st and 2nd places secured up the road, I was in a select lead group that gaped the group on the windy false flat bottom of the course. This group was racing for 3rd place on the last lap, but I totally cracked on the last hill and sprint to the finish, cramping ,and red lined the field caught me. That constant jumping of wheels really took it out of me after my efforts in my break. I just had nothing left in the tank for the finale. That was the hardest race I've done in a long time. It was all survival in this race due to the constant attacking with significant attrition due to the speed of the race, the courses rolling terrain and the heat and humidity.
One more race to go, the criterium, on Sunday afternoon. Still a chance for me to reach a podium here at Nationals.

Matt's crit: Matt felt great in the crit, but was taken out in a crash. He hit the ground hard and his helmet really saved him. He wanted back in, but the medical staff said no way, due to the helmet damage. After the race ended Matt reflected and said the medical staff made the right call.