Thursday, February 13, 2014

New Kits

We already have this info up on our team Facebook page, but were a little slow to get it up on the blog. So without further ado here our new 2014 team kits, Matt Gates's new 2014 National Champion jersey, Pete presenting a new jersey to long time sponsor Max Muscle, and the guys out for a chilly winter ride in the new kits. 2014 is going to be a great year!

2014 racing is near....

2014 Racing is about to kick off, so we figured it was a good idea to put up another photo of the last race we did in 2013 and how that podium looked.
Keep an eye out for Matt Gates in his new 2014 National Championship kit form Panache Cyclewear.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Matt Gates takes National Criterium title in mens 40-44 race

On a day that featured many sprint finishes, the men’s 40-44 criterium was decided by a well-timed attack and tremendous endurance to hold it through the finish line. Matthew Gates(Lyons, Colo./Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Cycling Team) launched the final attack of a race that was very animated with several attacks. Gates broke free from the field with 10 laps remaining and steadily grew his advantage to just under 20 seconds before coasting to victory.
“I've been racing on and off since I was a junior,” Gates, who also earned that group’s Best All-Around Rider, said. “It's only taken me 24 years to win a jersey. I can't say enough about my teammates. They set it up. When I had six, seven or eight to go, I thought there was no way this would stick. They called 15 or 20 with three to go and all of a sudden it started to sink in and the pain went away a little bit. It is still sinking in.”
Gates won the criterium, placed fourth in the time trial and sixth in the road race.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Jim Thies goes for the win!

Firestone:  This was a new race this year and the guys arrived with 4 riders (CJ, Jim, Chad and Josh), to find an interesting course, with lots of corners and some wind.  After the warm up, the plan was to get Jim into a break as this was the kind of race he could win.  Chad attacked right from the gun, dropped the one guy he was with, and really set the tone for the whole race.  We had the largest team and we used it to our advantage.

Once Chad came back Jim attacked, got a good gap and eventually 2 other guys bridged up.  It was a bit too early and that move also came back.  There was a lot of attacking and counter attacking, but eventually the rubber band snapped with Josh and Jim making a 4 man split.  CJ and Chad controlled the field, eventually letting one guy get across, which sealed the fate of the break, as they rode away.

The break rode steady as a group until 2 to go.  We were the only team with 2 guys in the 5 man break, so we had an advantage.  After two to go Jim attacked solo, no one responded, and Josh sat on the other guys in the break away, to remove any incentive for them to chase.  The plan worked perfectly, Jim rode solo to a great win, and Josh just got pipped at the line from the rest of the break, but took 3rd.  CJ cleaned up the rest of the field winning the field sprint for 6th.


Chad on front
Photo by Dejan Smaic

Jim take the win!
Photo by Dejan Smaic

Jim and Josh on Podium
Photo by Dejan Smaic

Next Day Longmont criterium.

The field for Longmont was much larger and stronger than the day before.  The 35 plus guys had won this race the last 2 years, both in a field sprint, so they came ready to race, but again with a small team of 4 guys (CJ, Jim, Josh and Matt Segur).  The plan was for Jim to be aggressive, but to save Josh for the expected field sprint. Boulder Ortho and Groove had large teams and rode aggressive.

About 25 minutes in a small move formed with Jim and Matt in it, eventually the field tired and a break emerged for the second day in a row, with our team again the only team with 2 guys in the break.  Also up there was past national champion Byron Nix from Grove, time trial rider Todd Robertson, and all around strong man Keith Harper from BoulderOrtho, another past national champion.

Just like the day before the break did not mess around, they all rode well together and with the 3 main teams well represented, the field did not have a lot of reason to chase.  Matt Segur attacked later in a bid to draw out the other break riders, but at one to go they were all together.  The race was decided on the uphill into the last corner, where Harper jumped first and held on for a clean win by a few bike lengths, Jim took second, and Matt 4th.  Josh took 7th overall and CJ 9th.  Against a good field it was a good day, with 4 guys in the top 9.  It was also a great weekend for Jim, who is a tireless worker for others on the team, and we were all happy with his 1st and 2nd places for the weekend.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Stages donates power meter to raise $ for Colorado High School Cycling League

This is a really cool, Stages gave us a power meter, the guys The Pro's Closet are auctioning it for free, and 100% of the money raised goes to the Colorado High School Cycling League. We do not know too many sponsors doing this. Please bid on it if you need a power meter. AND PLEASE SHARE THIS POST! Thanks.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Stages-Power-Rival-Crank-Arm-172-5-ANT-Bluetooth-Road-Sram-Force-Red-/400509084698?pt=US_Cranksets&hash=item5d4033a41a

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

35+ Louisville Crit April 2013


The guys came to race this event as it is really the kick off of the masters season for all teams.  We had a strong group of 7 riders to match up with a big group from Boulder Orthopedics and much improved teams from Rally Sport, and Grove Subaru.  The race has been won in a break the last few years, so the guys knew what needed to get done.  The race went off the line single file for a while, with heavy pressure being applied by Boulder Orthopedics.  Jim, Tory and CJ clipped in at the front and covered things.  The guys took turns covering the early moves, Matt S. covered a good looking break with local strongman Michael Gibson from BO.  When that came back Brad from Rally Sport attacked solo, got a gap and he rolled it.  CJ covered the move for our team, along with Byron from Grove and Grant from BO.  As is often the case the breaks that go are not the strongest, but the right combination, and this break had one rider from each of the 4 main teams.

The break took about 10 minutes and established it's lead, with all 4 teams back in the field controlling things and hoping their man could win.  The break had total cooperation, with even pulls and no attacks, with also helps lead to success.  CJ knew he was out gunned in the break, but rode smart and did just enough to not make anyone mad, while he waited for the Calvary to arrive.

Sure enough there was a slowing in the field and Matt Gates sensed it, attacked solo, got a clean gap, and rode solo across to the break over 30 laps, a 25 second gap.  CJ was sure happy to see Matt as RMCC was not the only team with 2 guys in the break.  It also put much more pressure now on the other 3 teams back in the field as they were at a disadvantage.  The group all kept working until the end and everyone was happy to sprint it out.  With one to go CJ put in a last attack, then when caught he pulled the entire last lap to the bottom of the hill, then pulled over and let Matt Gates take it from there.  Matt rode a smart sprint up the hill, as it is a very long developing sprint, where he rode Grant's wheel for a long time, and then easily came by him for the win.  It was a great team effort with Matt taking the win, CJ in 5th, and Josh in 7th.  2013 should be a fun year in the 35 plus field with more balanced teams and great racing.

45+ 1,2,3 Weld County RR

The RMCC 45 squad lined up with five riders.  Peter Ismert, Adam Asnes, Marcel Van Garderen, Matt Vawter, and Pete Lucke.  The team was racing against stacked teams from Rally Sport, Boulder Orthopedics, and a new team, Brookfield Homes.  50 miles awaited the racers and fireworks started the first time traversing the one dirt road.  After the first 15 miles, a lone rider from Brookfield broke away solo from the peloton.  He was able to stay away for another 15 miles before RMCC put 4 riders on the front to bring back the breakaway rider.  Once the field was all back together, everyone started positioning themselves for the finale.  But, with 10 k to go, Peter Ismert was able to bridge up to a small group who slipped off the front with a 10 second gap.  This was a good move for the team and RMCC helped to control the front to allow the break to widen it's gap.  However, with about 8 k to go, the break was closed down.  With a straight run in to the finish, a slight crosswind, and the yellow line rule in effect, the finish was going to be chaotic.  RMCC was able to have it's riders at or near the front to contest the final sprint.  In the end, Pete Lucke was able to open up the sprint really early which allowed for Adam to mark any riders trying to come across.  Unfortunately for Pete, he got passed in the closing meters and finished 4th.  Fortunately, Adam made the second move and finished a strong 2nd being passed at the line by sprinter extraordinaire, Jeff Ofsanko from Rally Sport.  Peter Ismert finished in 11th place after much work.  Both Matt and Marcel road in support for the entire race and kudos go out to both of them for the teamwork.  Although the team didn't get the win it did have a good day out on the road.  Next up will be Federal Center and Deer Trail.


Pete Lucke looking serious! Photo by Dejan Smaic

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Our sponsor Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers



Our Sponsor: Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, https://rockymountaincancercenters.com/

Too often we as master bike racers get caught up in our equipment sponsors, who is gives us a discount on gear or some other ego related aspect of our sport. We are fortunate however to have a sponsor that means so much more than that to all of us, our community, our families and friends. 

We have all been touched by cancer if not directly then with someone close to us. The pain, fear of the unknown, learning to live with constant Dr. appointments and often very invasive and expensive treatments can be overwhelming and traumatic not only for the patient but family, friends and care givers.

Speaking from direct experience, my father died from cancer but was a patient at the Boulder Rocky Mountain Cancer Center for many years, I can tell you this group of doctors, their supporting staff and all the people involved made a difference.  They were understanding but direct and honest in their dealings with us. They provided support on an emotional level, with great medicine, kind words and always a smile.

The facility was welcoming and never felt institutional. Drug therapies can be tiresome and make you feel like a pin cushion but somehow the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center in Boulder, with its great windows facing our mountains, good sunlight and a relaxed atmosphere made it all bearable.

While we hope you never have to go through a battle with cancer if you do think of these folks. They have many centers throughout the front range and we can vouch for their expertise and warmth.

We are proud to represent them in our sport and look forward to wearing their colors for many years to come.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Our new team kit for 2013


Photo by Peter Ismert

We are proud to represent our new sponsor "Rocky Mountatin Cancer Centers" in 2013.  So many of us have had family or friends affected by cancer and we know first handhow important great care and compassion is to all involved. Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers know how to provide the best care in a thoughful and loving way.


Max Muscle Sports Nutrition of Boulder is Helping

Boulder, Colo.
(November 12, 2012) — In any sport, good nutrition is a key to
success. No one knows that better than cyclists. With the ever-present controversy
around doping and cycling, riders are looking for ways to get that edge through
advanced nutrition practices and supplements instead of banned substances.
Max Muscle Sports Nutrition in Boulder is an expert in sports nutrition and they
understand endurance sports like cycling. As a partner with the mix1 Masters
Cycling Team, the Max Muscle staff of certified sports nutritionists works to educate
the team’s riders on everything from fueling and recovery, the best products for
individual needs, meal planning and more.

“The more we learn about good nutrition, the more our guys appreciate our
partnership with Max Muscle,” says CJ Gauss, director of the mix1 35-plus team. The
mix1 team is comprised of 25 riders age 35 to 60-plus who race in three age groups:
35+, 45+ and 55+. They are professionals—architects, finance advisers, attorneys,
doctors—and many are dads with little kids.

“We are busy men who love cycling and compete at a very high level, so it’s
important that we take care of ourselves,” says Gauss. “We had some riders who
used to be cheeseburger and Coke guys, but after they sat through some of Max
Muscle’s nutrition seminars, they’ve been making adjustments to eat better and try
some supplements and they’ve really excelled with help from the Max Muscle staff.”
These adjustments translated to big results this season. The team took such good
care of themselves and trained well enough that they won the overall state
competition in
all three masters categories for 2012—this has never been done
before!

“It’s been great seeing the mix1 guys do so well this past season! We’re thrilled to
have been part of the equation of their success by assisting with performance
nutrition as the team’s nutrition partner” says Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Boulder
owner Craig David. “We’re all getting older, but it’s never too late to make changes
to your nutrition to achieve results and the mix1 team is a great example of that.”
For more on Max Muscle Boulder or to discuss becoming a Max Muscle partner,
please contact Craig David at 303-449-3300 or visit
www.MaxMuscleBoulder.com.

About Max Muscle Boulder
. Max Muscle Sports Nutrition of Boulder offers a
personable, educated and diverse staff of fitness and nutrition professionals. Max
Muscle Sports Nutrition has been a leader in the sports nutrition industry since
1991. From weight loss to increased energy, gaining muscle, running farther, cycling
faster or jumping higher, the team in Boulder is committed to providing a
consistent, high level of service and knowledge for athletes, both young and old in
our active community.
www.MaxMuscleBoulder.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

mix1's fruit flavors are coming back in Boulder and Denver this week


We're back!

Mix1 fruit flavors are back on the shelves this week (Nov. 15th) with new packaging
but the same great taste, mix of essential nutrients and all you need for your recovery.
Go to http://www.mix1life.com/ to find the store nearest you.


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Photos Best all Around Team 35+, 45+ 55+

BAT 35+

BAT 45+

BAT 55+

More photos ACA awards party 2012




55+ Best All Around Team: Mix1 Birnbaum, Stinton, Leggere, Matous, Kellagher



55+ best all around team in CO 2012


photos from ACA 2012 road awards party

35+ 1st Best All around Indvidual racer (BAR)
1st Matt Gates, 2nd Matt Segur

45+ BAR 1st Brad Moiser, 2nd Matt Vawter, 3rd Rip Mobius

55+ BAR 1st Bill Kellagher, 2nd Chris Leggere, 3rd Kim Workman

Saturday, September 8, 2012

35-39 masters national RRchampionships 2012

Matt Gates taking 3rd place at National Championship Road Race
Bend Oregon September 5th 2012
Photo courtesy of USA Cycling

Friday, August 24, 2012

It’s all about the team: 2012 State Championship road race 55+

After the unfortunate fires early in the race season took many homes and torched large parts of our state the original Masters State Championship race was cancelled.  It was due to be held in Rist Canyon north of Ft Collins and this was the scene of some of the worst damage and loss of homes in Colorado.  Our heart went out to all those affected.

The ACA found support from two master’s teams to take on the challenge of running a championship race and a venue out in the eastern plains near Keenesburg was selected to contest the championship.  Flat as could possibly be for its 23 mile loop (less than 100ft gain or loss in all those miles) except the finish straight which was all downhill for the last 1K, we road two laps for 46miles. Flat farm lands with no wind, no hills, little except our own power and tactics to make a distinction before the final sprint. Over forty racers began with us at 9:45AM and it seemed almost all of them were in the sprint at the end, but first a few tales to get us to the finish.

Right out of the gate one rider flatted, but the peloton was already going full gas. By the end of the race we averaged close to 26mph for all 46 miles so when I say full gas I mean we were flying at the start.  There were some big teams well represented; Boulder Orthopedics (BO), RealD-Amgen, Natural Grocers, we as Mix1 and most everyone in the race all were speaking of how it would be a field sprint at the end. However Mix1 had several cards to play.  With Butch, one of the fastest men on the track and in sprints, as our ace in the hole, Bill and I (Steve M) were strong enough to get into a break and stay away and Steve B was ready to cover any breaks from other teams.  If it was to be a field sprint we just had to lead out Butch and let him go. 

From the gun Bill went on the offensive and strung out the field. Myself and some others from various teams added to the mix of attacks in the first lap.  Finally on the western straight of road I made a clean break on my own for a few minutes.  Just when I thought I might have to sit up I was joined by Geoff Cooper, a strong time trial rider and two others.  We continued to gain time on the peloton while three of us did most of the work.  A rider from BO was mostly sitting in but their strategy was to finish as a field sprint so we could not convince him to help.  Gradually we lost our 3rd but Geoff and I continued to push for another few miles. As with so many breaks it became obvious we two could not hold off 35 others and so sat up a mile or two before the turn to the finishing straight.

On the second lap as we headed east a lone rider made a break.  While some others in the peloton spoke about the need to bring him back, but did nothing to chase, I just felt sorry for him as I knew how much energy he was using and that eventually we would catch him.

Half way through the second lap there was an attack that had a few strong men up the road. Steve B did an incredible job of bringing them back and with me on his wheel, brought me up to the break. There were a few minor efforts to attack after this but nothing that had any legs to it.  Eventually the attacks ended and at the end of the western straightaway we began to fight for the front of the bunch.  Heading into the final turn for the finishing two mile straight BO was in the lead attempting to put their sprinter Steve Worley, a National and World Track champion, in place for the sprint. 

Behind me in the group were the rest of our Mix1 team and our strategy was very clear, we needed to get Butch in good position and give him as much of a lead out as we could. Unknown to me Bill had skipped his wheel twice going through the turn but managed to hang on; this however had taken him out of position to help with Butch.  BO was slowing and the peloton was now bunching up, not good for a safe sprint nor our cause.  I hit the gas hard and rocketed to the front up the final hill before the 1k downhill to the finish line.  This caused a reaction in the field and pretty soon BO was driving hard next to me.  Looking right I could see Butch was now sitting 3rd right behind Worley.  This was good as my legs were cramping, too much time in the break to be able to sprint now.

It was a mad dash for the line by 30+ racers all over the road. I stayed near the front long enough to see Butch come off Worley’s wheel and sprint but could not tell the result.  Butch won!  Bill came roaring past me just before the line for 3rd, Steve B was right after Bill and took 8th.  As I drifted back I managed to cross the line 13th and our day was over.

A great team effort as our plans were played out to perfection! Mix1 had a taken the road race State Championship.

Steve Worley 2nd, Butch Stinton 1st, Bill Kellagher 3rd

45+ State Championship RR

Mix1 lined up with 6 riders for the Colorado State Road Race Championship 45+ category.  We had a plan going in to keep everything together for a field sprint which would be contested by Adam Asnes and Pete Lucke, both of whom were having strong results in August and hoped to carry the momentum into this race.  Although the race was dead flat and lacked any strong wind, the team wanted to keep the time trialists from the other teams from sneaking away.  This required mix1 putting Henrik Pedersen, Larry Cornman, and Bill Stallmuth on the front to control the race for the first of two laps.  However, a break of two did get away and Adam Asnes buried himself to bring it back at the start of the second lap.  Sadly after Adam's heroic efforts for the team he crashed out heavily with a broken collarbone and broken ribs.  Going into the final 10 miles, Matt Vawter and Pete Lucke came to the front to try and control the constant attacks that were now occurring.  They were successful in doing so and the field approached the final 2 miles intact.  Pete was now able to be near the front in a good position, but a downhill sprint at 40+ miles per hour on narrow country roads without Adam leading him out was a bit too much and Pete was able to finish on the podium in third place.  A good result for the team, we had 3 riders in the top 10, but a huge loss with Adam's season ending injuries.