living in a world where the twin cities is filled with top level racers had to end some time and Sunday was it (heck the nature valley team had their travel bike boxes out 15 min after the race).
I did get to ride in the women's peloton in Mankato in comm 2 w/ Jenn x. That was pretty wicked and her incites and understanding of the peloton was incredible. It was also fun to see her turn on the announcer voice for her phone ins.
Sunday, Liane and I helped out in the morning at Stillwater and then watched the last half of the women's race and the men's race from chilkoot hill. I picked the other side of the hill from last year and definitely did not get as good of pictures so I now know the best place to stand next year.
I will be uploading pics and vids as I get time and may link to them here.
--
After the race Liane and I ran errands (groceries and free mulch) before biking over to Chipotle for a free burrito.
and speaking of biking, I actually got more miles in than anticipated despite not being able to ride to St. Paul on Wed and being to lazy to ride there to the TT on Fri.
If I have any hope of making my goal, I better get a move on though.
weekly miles - 33
season total - 439
miles to goal - 1061
Showing posts with label NVGP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NVGP. Show all posts
Monday, June 16, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Another Fine Mess
The NVGP seems to have more than it's share of bad weather.
last year was close to perfect, but 2 years ago in Minneapolis manhole covers were being blown out by the water pressure from the storm.
Last night was a return to awful weather as the rodes dried out from the day's thunderstorms just in time to get soaked by the night's thunderstorms. Luckily we had just finished getting the expo tents up so I had some shelter from the rain, but it was just windy enough to get me wet and chilled before I coudl go get the raincoat from the car.
After holding the women's race to try and let a storm cell pass they ended up doing call ups just as the skies opened. I was stuck under the farmer's market which ended up being the best place to watch the race as turn three caused carnage all night long, not just crashes but gaps being created by riders unwilling to take too many chances. In the end Kristin Armstrong was incredible lapping practically everyone and 2/3 of the filed getting pulled. it was all for naught though because despite having a podium presentation the officials neutralized the race overnight.
The men's race was even more of a cluster if that's possible. Once again things got strung out from the get go, but there was some wicked racing with O'Bee/Olson off the front and Kelly Benefits organizing the chase while Rory sat on their wheel. I figure that Health Net pretty much had the stage win in the bag when a moto crashed on the course and in the confusion they neutralized the race at the start/finish and it was all brought back together. There were a few choice words said by the riders who had been in the lead as they worked their way back up to the front but by then the officials gave the peloton the choice and the vote was overwhelmingly not to race.
There's definitely some upset riders if you search the WWW.
Hopefully today goes a little better
last year was close to perfect, but 2 years ago in Minneapolis manhole covers were being blown out by the water pressure from the storm.
Last night was a return to awful weather as the rodes dried out from the day's thunderstorms just in time to get soaked by the night's thunderstorms. Luckily we had just finished getting the expo tents up so I had some shelter from the rain, but it was just windy enough to get me wet and chilled before I coudl go get the raincoat from the car.
After holding the women's race to try and let a storm cell pass they ended up doing call ups just as the skies opened. I was stuck under the farmer's market which ended up being the best place to watch the race as turn three caused carnage all night long, not just crashes but gaps being created by riders unwilling to take too many chances. In the end Kristin Armstrong was incredible lapping practically everyone and 2/3 of the filed getting pulled. it was all for naught though because despite having a podium presentation the officials neutralized the race overnight.
The men's race was even more of a cluster if that's possible. Once again things got strung out from the get go, but there was some wicked racing with O'Bee/Olson off the front and Kelly Benefits organizing the chase while Rory sat on their wheel. I figure that Health Net pretty much had the stage win in the bag when a moto crashed on the course and in the confusion they neutralized the race at the start/finish and it was all brought back together. There were a few choice words said by the riders who had been in the lead as they worked their way back up to the front but by then the officials gave the peloton the choice and the vote was overwhelmingly not to race.
There's definitely some upset riders if you search the WWW.
Hopefully today goes a little better
Sunday, June 08, 2008
the human sloth
at least that is how I am feeling right now.
barely any miles for the week and I feel completely drained.
Of course some of that has to do with being out at the velodrome this weekend for the Fixed Gear Classic and baking in the sun today, but still I feel kind of lazy.
--
finally got liane's bike into the shop and one on one was fast as lightning getting it ready to go. now she has a sweet single speed (nicer than mine) so that we can cruise around town together.
--
busy, busy week coming too with the Nature Valley Grand Prix. I don't know if I will even be able to touch a bike let alone see my wife. Yikes.
--
I got so few mile that I'm not even goign to list them this week (and probably not next week either)
barely any miles for the week and I feel completely drained.
Of course some of that has to do with being out at the velodrome this weekend for the Fixed Gear Classic and baking in the sun today, but still I feel kind of lazy.
--
finally got liane's bike into the shop and one on one was fast as lightning getting it ready to go. now she has a sweet single speed (nicer than mine) so that we can cruise around town together.
--
busy, busy week coming too with the Nature Valley Grand Prix. I don't know if I will even be able to touch a bike let alone see my wife. Yikes.
--
I got so few mile that I'm not even goign to list them this week (and probably not next week either)
Monday, May 19, 2008
art. yard work. Rascal. NVGP
another year, another Art-A-Whirl over.
Actually made it out a little bit this year......ok so just in the Northrop King where Liane's studio is but at least I made it out this year.
Crowds seemed ok. Fairly busy Friday and a little slow sat but busy by the end. Liane sold a couple paintings so not bad for her.
--
I thought that with the good weather finally that I would be out riding a ton but yardwork got in the way instead (and the wind on Sunday morning). I love having a house but taking care of the garden and the yard can definitely take the wind out of your sails some days.
In the end it was probably good that I didn't get a chance to ride Saturday, since I rode so much during the week to school and work. Sunday was windy when I went out but I think I was just worn out because I haven't ridden that many days in a week since last Aug/sept time frame.
Hopefully the weather stays nice so I can make up for some of the riding that I missed in mar/apr as well as some of the riding I am sure to miss in June due to the NVGP.
Weekly Total - 74
Season Total - 268
Miles to Goal - 1232
--
speaking of the commuting I did last week......after aaw Fri, I went to the Triple Rock to see Dizzee Rascal and EL-P.
got there in time to see Busdriver, who I was excited, to see but he just wasn't my thing.
Rascal on the other hand was an awesome show. I couldn't believe how many people knew all his stuff and he worked the crowd really well. I missed him the first time he came to MPLS with the Streets, so I am really glad I didn't miss him again.
Unfortunately I was to tired stay for more than the first 4 songs from El-P but what I caught was pretty wicked.
--
speaking of the NVGP, it is getting closer and the work for it is picking up.
I spent my free time over the weekend getting content uploaded to the new website which will hopefully launch this week.
my other task is helping to manage the TRIA Your Cycling blog so I am trying to wrap my head around all that is needed for that today.
as for race day(s), if all works out, then I will hopefully be giving live updates via twitter or through the blogs. will depend on access to wi-fi and probably more work than I think it will be (which is a lot) but it should be pretty wicked if all goes well.
Actually made it out a little bit this year......ok so just in the Northrop King where Liane's studio is but at least I made it out this year.
Crowds seemed ok. Fairly busy Friday and a little slow sat but busy by the end. Liane sold a couple paintings so not bad for her.
--
I thought that with the good weather finally that I would be out riding a ton but yardwork got in the way instead (and the wind on Sunday morning). I love having a house but taking care of the garden and the yard can definitely take the wind out of your sails some days.
In the end it was probably good that I didn't get a chance to ride Saturday, since I rode so much during the week to school and work. Sunday was windy when I went out but I think I was just worn out because I haven't ridden that many days in a week since last Aug/sept time frame.
Hopefully the weather stays nice so I can make up for some of the riding that I missed in mar/apr as well as some of the riding I am sure to miss in June due to the NVGP.
Weekly Total - 74
Season Total - 268
Miles to Goal - 1232
--
speaking of the commuting I did last week......after aaw Fri, I went to the Triple Rock to see Dizzee Rascal and EL-P.
got there in time to see Busdriver, who I was excited, to see but he just wasn't my thing.
Rascal on the other hand was an awesome show. I couldn't believe how many people knew all his stuff and he worked the crowd really well. I missed him the first time he came to MPLS with the Streets, so I am really glad I didn't miss him again.
Unfortunately I was to tired stay for more than the first 4 songs from El-P but what I caught was pretty wicked.
--
speaking of the NVGP, it is getting closer and the work for it is picking up.
I spent my free time over the weekend getting content uploaded to the new website which will hopefully launch this week.
my other task is helping to manage the TRIA Your Cycling blog so I am trying to wrap my head around all that is needed for that today.
as for race day(s), if all works out, then I will hopefully be giving live updates via twitter or through the blogs. will depend on access to wi-fi and probably more work than I think it will be (which is a lot) but it should be pretty wicked if all goes well.
Friday, March 28, 2008
chasing back on
I haven't really mentioned it much but I have been interning/volunteering with marketing for the Nature Valley Grand Prix since January.
I've been focusing on interactive content (both researching options as well as helping to get some new content off the ground) and updating the website (you can blame me when the results aren't up soon enough). It's been pretty fun to see behind the curtain for an event like this.
Even though the race is more than 2 months away, there are a couple of pretty exciting things coming up.
The men's field of the NVGP is an invitational this year, but there are going to be a couple of ways for Cat 1s to get in on the action.
Locally there is gonna be a little competition to fill some of them. Called the info on the NVGP Qualification Race Series the info looks like it went out to the world this week via Bikethrow and MN Bike Results and hopefully it will some additional excitement the local races and TT involved.
The other exciting news has been confirmed but not announced so I won't go into it too much here, but there will be a way for other Cat 1s to get on an amateur squad at the race in a similar way to the locals.
More to come.
I've been focusing on interactive content (both researching options as well as helping to get some new content off the ground) and updating the website (you can blame me when the results aren't up soon enough). It's been pretty fun to see behind the curtain for an event like this.
Even though the race is more than 2 months away, there are a couple of pretty exciting things coming up.
The men's field of the NVGP is an invitational this year, but there are going to be a couple of ways for Cat 1s to get in on the action.
Locally there is gonna be a little competition to fill some of them. Called the info on the NVGP Qualification Race Series the info looks like it went out to the world this week via Bikethrow and MN Bike Results and hopefully it will some additional excitement the local races and TT involved.
The other exciting news has been confirmed but not announced so I won't go into it too much here, but there will be a way for other Cat 1s to get on an amateur squad at the race in a similar way to the locals.
More to come.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
NVGP pics
Here are a few of the pictures I took at the final stage of the NVGP. If you know the identity of any of the pictured riders please feel free to leave them in the comments (I'm better at naming the protour riders, but I promise to be better next year).
The first couple are looking down and up the hill from where we were waiting. It doesn't do the hill justice but gives a rough idea.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The first couple are looking down and up the hill from where we were waiting. It doesn't do the hill justice but gives a rough idea.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Sunday, June 24, 2007
NVGP - Stage 6
What an awesome time!!!
The Stillwater Crit was a ton of fun to check out in person and I highly recommend it to everyone next year. We unfortunately missed the women's race as we arrived during the last 15 min but it took 20 min to find parking so that didn't work out so well, but the men's race more than made up for it.
L & I staked out a spot in the shade halfway up Chilkoot hill and waited for the fun to begin (Fun only because we were watching). Unfortunately Nathan O'Neill had to drop out due to illness, but even if he had been there I don't think anything outside of a crash was keeping Ivan Stevic from the yellow jersey at the end of the day.
I was impressed with the number of breaks that tried to get away given the insanity of the hill every lap, but they were all brought back until with just over 1 lap to go Frank Pipp, Darren Lill, and Rory Sutherland went off the front and were able to keep ahead of the peleton on the final sprint up the hill to the finish. It was crazy watching Stevic move up in the pack to ensure no one got enough gap to make a difference in the standings.
Heck just the power the riders had left at the end to "sprint" an 18% grade to the finish is insane. Given the lack of sidewalks, those of us on the hill could practically reach out and touch the riders. This wa a great vantage to watch the strategy even of the riders. You could see the peloton all strung out on the bottom of the hill, but every time they would reform and stretch out across the road and you could see people go from mid pack to the front by moving on the outside. Crazy.
The intensity of the hill had a couple of other affects as well. We saw quite a few chains dropped and luckily enough people knew what was up to give the riders a little send off to get started again and also the large number of riders dropping out after the halfway point.
I will hopefully post some of the pictures I took tomorrow but here is the stage info and final GC standings
Stage 6:
1 Frank Pipp (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis 1.00.09
2 Darren Lill (RSA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team
3 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis
4 Phil Zajicek (USA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team
5 Kirk O'Bee (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis
6 Ivan Stevic (SCG) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team
7 Cesar Augusto Grajales (Col) The Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team 0.07
8 Anthony Colby (USA) Colavita - Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light
9 Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) Priority Health Cycling Team p/b Bissell 0.10
10 Dan Bowman (USA) Kelly Benefit Strategies - Medifast 0.16
GC results:
1 Ivan Stevic (SCG) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team 8.35.48
2 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 0.27
3 Kirk O'Bee (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis 0.39
4 Phil Zajicek (USA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 0.40
5 Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) Priority Health Cycling Team p/b Bissell 0.41
6 Darren Lill (RSA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 0.45
7 Anthony Colby (USA) Colavita - Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light 0.50
8 Frank Pipp (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis 0.56
9 Cesar Augusto Grajales (Col) The Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team 1.02
10 Jeff Louder (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis 1.25
The Stillwater Crit was a ton of fun to check out in person and I highly recommend it to everyone next year. We unfortunately missed the women's race as we arrived during the last 15 min but it took 20 min to find parking so that didn't work out so well, but the men's race more than made up for it.
L & I staked out a spot in the shade halfway up Chilkoot hill and waited for the fun to begin (Fun only because we were watching). Unfortunately Nathan O'Neill had to drop out due to illness, but even if he had been there I don't think anything outside of a crash was keeping Ivan Stevic from the yellow jersey at the end of the day.
I was impressed with the number of breaks that tried to get away given the insanity of the hill every lap, but they were all brought back until with just over 1 lap to go Frank Pipp, Darren Lill, and Rory Sutherland went off the front and were able to keep ahead of the peleton on the final sprint up the hill to the finish. It was crazy watching Stevic move up in the pack to ensure no one got enough gap to make a difference in the standings.
Heck just the power the riders had left at the end to "sprint" an 18% grade to the finish is insane. Given the lack of sidewalks, those of us on the hill could practically reach out and touch the riders. This wa a great vantage to watch the strategy even of the riders. You could see the peloton all strung out on the bottom of the hill, but every time they would reform and stretch out across the road and you could see people go from mid pack to the front by moving on the outside. Crazy.
The intensity of the hill had a couple of other affects as well. We saw quite a few chains dropped and luckily enough people knew what was up to give the riders a little send off to get started again and also the large number of riders dropping out after the halfway point.
I will hopefully post some of the pictures I took tomorrow but here is the stage info and final GC standings
Stage 6:
1 Frank Pipp (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis 1.00.09
2 Darren Lill (RSA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team
3 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis
4 Phil Zajicek (USA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team
5 Kirk O'Bee (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis
6 Ivan Stevic (SCG) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team
7 Cesar Augusto Grajales (Col) The Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team 0.07
8 Anthony Colby (USA) Colavita - Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light
9 Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) Priority Health Cycling Team p/b Bissell 0.10
10 Dan Bowman (USA) Kelly Benefit Strategies - Medifast 0.16
GC results:
1 Ivan Stevic (SCG) Toyota - United Pro Cycling Team 8.35.48
2 Rory Sutherland (Aus) Health Net p/b Maxxis 0.27
3 Kirk O'Bee (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis 0.39
4 Phil Zajicek (USA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 0.40
5 Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) Priority Health Cycling Team p/b Bissell 0.41
6 Darren Lill (RSA) Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 0.45
7 Anthony Colby (USA) Colavita - Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light 0.50
8 Frank Pipp (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis 0.56
9 Cesar Augusto Grajales (Col) The Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team 1.02
10 Jeff Louder (USA) Health Net p/b Maxxis 1.25
NVGP - Stage 5
I'm a little late on this one so just a quick recap.
Health Net once again won the stage with Rory Sutherland taking the win out of a break that formed in the finishing circuits in Mankato. It was the only break that Toyota-United didn't reel in throughout the day, but in the end it had no effect on the yellow jersey with Ivan Stevic maintaining control ahead of Nathan O'Neil and Sutherland.
It has to be looking good for Stevic to take the overall since he won last year in Stillwater. I'm heading down there to check it out and it should be a great time. If I can get a good spot on the hill then I should have some good pics to post later on today.
Stage 5 results:
1. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 3.05'01"
2. Anthony Colby Colavita-Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light
3. Cesar Grajales Jittery Joe's
4. Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team
5. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team
7. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 8"
and the GC with one stage to go:
1. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 7.35'39"
2. Nathan O'Neill Health Net presented by Maxxis 23"
3. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 27"
4. Ben Jacques-Maynes Priority Health 31"
5. Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 39"
6. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 40"
7. Anthony Colby Colavita-Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light 43"
8. Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 45"
9. Cesar Grajales Jittery Joe's 55"
10. Frank Pipp Health Net presented by Maxxis 56"
Health Net once again won the stage with Rory Sutherland taking the win out of a break that formed in the finishing circuits in Mankato. It was the only break that Toyota-United didn't reel in throughout the day, but in the end it had no effect on the yellow jersey with Ivan Stevic maintaining control ahead of Nathan O'Neil and Sutherland.
It has to be looking good for Stevic to take the overall since he won last year in Stillwater. I'm heading down there to check it out and it should be a great time. If I can get a good spot on the hill then I should have some good pics to post later on today.
Stage 5 results:
1. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 3.05'01"
2. Anthony Colby Colavita-Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light
3. Cesar Grajales Jittery Joe's
4. Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team
5. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team
7. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 8"
and the GC with one stage to go:
1. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 7.35'39"
2. Nathan O'Neill Health Net presented by Maxxis 23"
3. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 27"
4. Ben Jacques-Maynes Priority Health 31"
5. Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 39"
6. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 40"
7. Anthony Colby Colavita-Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light 43"
8. Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 45"
9. Cesar Grajales Jittery Joe's 55"
10. Frank Pipp Health Net presented by Maxxis 56"
Saturday, June 23, 2007
NVGP - Stage 4 pt. 2
OK so here is my wrap up of the stage with all the times and such. IT remains to be seen if O'Bee's strategy of just going for the win in the stage can help him. He did get the big time bonus for that, but thanks to the intermediate sprint bonuses, Ivan Stevic gained an additional 10" on him.
The top five in the stage were:
1. Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 1.00'37"
2. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling
3. Henk Vogels Toyota-United Pro Cycling
4. David McCook Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast
5. Juan Pablo Forero Colombian National Team
and the latest GC rankings are:
1. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 4.30'30"
2. Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 19"
3. Nathan O'Neill Health Net presented by Maxxis 31"
4. Ben Jacques-Maynes Priority Health 31"
5. Chris Baldwin Toyota-United Pro Cycling 40"
6. John Murphy Health Net presented by Maxxis 45"
7. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 48"
8. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 50"
9. Edward King Priority Health 50"
10. Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 53"
The top five in the stage were:
1. Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 1.00'37"
2. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling
3. Henk Vogels Toyota-United Pro Cycling
4. David McCook Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast
5. Juan Pablo Forero Colombian National Team
and the latest GC rankings are:
1. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 4.30'30"
2. Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 19"
3. Nathan O'Neill Health Net presented by Maxxis 31"
4. Ben Jacques-Maynes Priority Health 31"
5. Chris Baldwin Toyota-United Pro Cycling 40"
6. John Murphy Health Net presented by Maxxis 45"
7. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 48"
8. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 50"
9. Edward King Priority Health 50"
10. Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 53"
Friday, June 22, 2007
NVGP - Stage 4 pt. 1
I don't have times or official GC updates yet, but I can at least give a quick rundown of tonight's stage because I was there and it was a blast.
L & I wandered around the expo prior to the women's race watching some of the teams warm up on rollers and checking out the swag on offer (Toyota-United has the marketing thing down-lots of gear to buy and a free cowbell if they get your email address), but unfortunately hunger got the best of us so we only caught the last 10 minutes or so. IT seemed like a pretty close race as the peloton wasn't too strung out and the win went to a cheerwine rider but I wasn't able to get her name.
A little more wandering and drooling over the BMC and Scott bikes on display and I settled on a new Twin Six jersey. Ran into Heidi and Barb as well as Brian and Sara(h) which was fun and then it was time for the men's race to start.
We tucked into turn 4 (the inside of the "L") and it was awesome to see the intensity of the peloton as it came into the corner and then exploded out of it in a fury of shifting. The pace was very high for the almost all the race (34 mph at around 10 minutes in) and consequently the peloton was strung out pretty quick. Except for one breakaway that got some time later in the stage, Toyota-United kept a short leash on the pack giving Ivan the chance to grab the first 3 sprints that were on offer.
It ultimately came down to a group sprint at over 40 mph and Kirk O'Bee just pipped Stevic for the stage win. I am guessing this should put him into second but the intermediate sprints should keep IVan in yellow for another night.
Unfortunately I had to catch a bus and couldn't stay for the jersey ceremony. I will add a second post when I get the official times and maybe some pics if they tirned out ok.
one last thing though. so the race goes right by WCCO and all we got was a 10 second "oh yeah a bike race happened" and now on to some other lame story. Man the local news sucks.
L & I wandered around the expo prior to the women's race watching some of the teams warm up on rollers and checking out the swag on offer (Toyota-United has the marketing thing down-lots of gear to buy and a free cowbell if they get your email address), but unfortunately hunger got the best of us so we only caught the last 10 minutes or so. IT seemed like a pretty close race as the peloton wasn't too strung out and the win went to a cheerwine rider but I wasn't able to get her name.
A little more wandering and drooling over the BMC and Scott bikes on display and I settled on a new Twin Six jersey. Ran into Heidi and Barb as well as Brian and Sara(h) which was fun and then it was time for the men's race to start.
We tucked into turn 4 (the inside of the "L") and it was awesome to see the intensity of the peloton as it came into the corner and then exploded out of it in a fury of shifting. The pace was very high for the almost all the race (34 mph at around 10 minutes in) and consequently the peloton was strung out pretty quick. Except for one breakaway that got some time later in the stage, Toyota-United kept a short leash on the pack giving Ivan the chance to grab the first 3 sprints that were on offer.
It ultimately came down to a group sprint at over 40 mph and Kirk O'Bee just pipped Stevic for the stage win. I am guessing this should put him into second but the intermediate sprints should keep IVan in yellow for another night.
Unfortunately I had to catch a bus and couldn't stay for the jersey ceremony. I will add a second post when I get the official times and maybe some pics if they tirned out ok.
one last thing though. so the race goes right by WCCO and all we got was a 10 second "oh yeah a bike race happened" and now on to some other lame story. Man the local news sucks.
NVGP - Stage 3
They were a little slow getting the info up (I am back form watching stage 4 before I had anything to tell about stage 3), but here is the skinny on the St. Paul TT.
Health Net is proving they are the team to beat with 7 riders in the top 15 including Nathan O'Neill coming out on top and moving into second overall ahead of teammate Kirk O'Bee who came in almost 30" down on the winning pace, but more importantly 20" down from Ivan Stevic. Speaking of Ivan Stevic, he is proving to be a powerhouse in this year's race coming in third in the TT and retaking the lead ahead of the Health Net men.
Here's how they finished:
1. Nathan O'Neill Health Net presented by Maxxis .09'29"
2. Ben Jacques-Maynes Priority Health 3"
3. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 9"
4. Chris Baldwin Toyota-United Pro Cycling 9"
5. John Murphy Health Net presented by Maxxis 14"
6. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 18"
7. Edward King Priority Health 19"
8. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 20"
9. Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 22"
10.Garett Peltonen Priority Health 24"
15.Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 28"
and the GC looked like this:
1. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 3.30'18"
2. Nathan O'Neill Health Net presented by Maxxis 6"
3. Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 9"
4. Ben Jacques-Maynes Priority Health 9"
5. Chris Baldwin Toyota-United Pro Cycling 15"
6. John Murphy Health Net presented by Maxxis 20"
7. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 24"
8. Edward King Priority Health 25"
9. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 26"
10.Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 28"
Health Net is proving they are the team to beat with 7 riders in the top 15 including Nathan O'Neill coming out on top and moving into second overall ahead of teammate Kirk O'Bee who came in almost 30" down on the winning pace, but more importantly 20" down from Ivan Stevic. Speaking of Ivan Stevic, he is proving to be a powerhouse in this year's race coming in third in the TT and retaking the lead ahead of the Health Net men.
Here's how they finished:
1. Nathan O'Neill Health Net presented by Maxxis .09'29"
2. Ben Jacques-Maynes Priority Health 3"
3. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 9"
4. Chris Baldwin Toyota-United Pro Cycling 9"
5. John Murphy Health Net presented by Maxxis 14"
6. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 18"
7. Edward King Priority Health 19"
8. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 20"
9. Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 22"
10.Garett Peltonen Priority Health 24"
15.Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 28"
and the GC looked like this:
1. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 3.30'18"
2. Nathan O'Neill Health Net presented by Maxxis 6"
3. Kirk O'Bee Health Net presented by Maxxis 9"
4. Ben Jacques-Maynes Priority Health 9"
5. Chris Baldwin Toyota-United Pro Cycling 15"
6. John Murphy Health Net presented by Maxxis 20"
7. Phil Zajicek Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 24"
8. Edward King Priority Health 25"
9. Rory Sutherland Health Net presented by Maxxis 26"
10.Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 28"
NVGP - Stage 2
Once again it took me until this morning to find the results of the second stage of the NVGP. IT looks like my prediction of an easy time for Toyota-United to hold onto the yellow jersey were a little premature.
The second stage in the cannon falls area is usually a windy affair but even with potentially severe weather simply passing overhead there wasn't much wind to speak of so it was a little different affair. It looks like Toyota-United spent too much energy trying to reel in a break and that Health Net, Navigators, and BMC were only too happy to take advantage with Kirk O'Bee taking the yellow.
It would seem that he would have to be the favorite at this point with 2 solid stages under his belt, but with the time trial this morning-that I don't have results for yet-and the looming Stillwater Crit it remains to be seen if he can hold on.
Stage 2 results:
1. Kirk O'Bee - Health Net prsented by Maxxis 2.21'31"
2. Martin Gilbert - Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast ST
3. Daniel Schmatz - BMC Pro Cycling Team ST
4. Ivan Stevic - Toyota-United Pro Cycling ST
5. Evan Elken - Jittery Joe's ST
General Classification:
1. Kirk O'Bee Health Net prsented by Maxxis 3.20'30"
2. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 10"
3. Martin Gilbert Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast 15"
4. Daniel Schmatz BMC Pro Cycling Team 19"
5. Evan Elken Jittery Joe's 25"
6. Cesar Grajales Jittery Joe's 25"
7. Frank Pipp Health Net prsented by Maxxis 25"
8. Rory Sutherland Health Net prsented by Maxxis 25"
9. Carlos Alzate Colombian National Team 25"
10.Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 25"
The second stage in the cannon falls area is usually a windy affair but even with potentially severe weather simply passing overhead there wasn't much wind to speak of so it was a little different affair. It looks like Toyota-United spent too much energy trying to reel in a break and that Health Net, Navigators, and BMC were only too happy to take advantage with Kirk O'Bee taking the yellow.
It would seem that he would have to be the favorite at this point with 2 solid stages under his belt, but with the time trial this morning-that I don't have results for yet-and the looming Stillwater Crit it remains to be seen if he can hold on.
Stage 2 results:
1. Kirk O'Bee - Health Net prsented by Maxxis 2.21'31"
2. Martin Gilbert - Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast ST
3. Daniel Schmatz - BMC Pro Cycling Team ST
4. Ivan Stevic - Toyota-United Pro Cycling ST
5. Evan Elken - Jittery Joe's ST
General Classification:
1. Kirk O'Bee Health Net prsented by Maxxis 3.20'30"
2. Ivan Stevic Toyota-United Pro Cycling 10"
3. Martin Gilbert Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast 15"
4. Daniel Schmatz BMC Pro Cycling Team 19"
5. Evan Elken Jittery Joe's 25"
6. Cesar Grajales Jittery Joe's 25"
7. Frank Pipp Health Net prsented by Maxxis 25"
8. Rory Sutherland Health Net prsented by Maxxis 25"
9. Carlos Alzate Colombian National Team 25"
10.Darren Lill Navigators Insurance Cycling Team 25"
Thursday, June 21, 2007
NVGP - Stage 1
I was finally able to get results from the first stage of the NVGP and it sounds like it was a good one with Ivan Stevic coming out on top over Kirk O'Bee and Jonathan Page. Ivan had some interesting comments about the field - "The course was not that bad, it was a big field and a lot of guys with some who didn't seem to know what they were doing."
Results
1. Ivan Stevic TUT
2. Kirk O'Bee HNM
3. Jonathan Page NVR
4. Henk Vogels TUT
5. Rory Sutherland HNM
Today is the Cannon Falls Road Race and hopefully the severe weather that looks to be rolling in will be finished by the 5pm start time. Interestingly today's stage seems kind of short at only 60 miles (96 km). Not to be full of myself since 40 miles in 90 degree weather wiped me out but I'm not a pro either so.......
I should expect that Toyota-United should be able to keep Ivan in the yellow jersey today and it should probably be the time trial tomorrow that could shake things up a little.
Results
1. Ivan Stevic TUT
2. Kirk O'Bee HNM
3. Jonathan Page NVR
4. Henk Vogels TUT
5. Rory Sutherland HNM
Today is the Cannon Falls Road Race and hopefully the severe weather that looks to be rolling in will be finished by the 5pm start time. Interestingly today's stage seems kind of short at only 60 miles (96 km). Not to be full of myself since 40 miles in 90 degree weather wiped me out but I'm not a pro either so.......
I should expect that Toyota-United should be able to keep Ivan in the yellow jersey today and it should probably be the time trial tomorrow that could shake things up a little.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Nature Valley Grand Prix
Today was the opening stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix although you wouldn't know it from watching our local news.
Unless I somehow missed it earlier in the broadcast none of our local affiliates had any mention of todays opening Criterium in Lowertown St. Paul.
As ususal Cycling News will have coverage and they have all the info you'll need on their homepage.
Supposedly Fox 9 is a partner so we may even get a little TV coverage but I went to their sight and nothing came up so don't hold your breath. Also check out WCSN.com for video coverage as well
Personally I am goign to be in dwtn MPLS for the Fri Eve Crit as well as the insane crit in Stillwater on Sunday. Hopefully with a spot on Chilkoot Hill
Unless I somehow missed it earlier in the broadcast none of our local affiliates had any mention of todays opening Criterium in Lowertown St. Paul.
As ususal Cycling News will have coverage and they have all the info you'll need on their homepage.
Supposedly Fox 9 is a partner so we may even get a little TV coverage but I went to their sight and nothing came up so don't hold your breath. Also check out WCSN.com for video coverage as well
Personally I am goign to be in dwtn MPLS for the Fri Eve Crit as well as the insane crit in Stillwater on Sunday. Hopefully with a spot on Chilkoot Hill
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
