Here’s an interview
Alex Ostroy
The Harlem race has been around for 35 years, it’s a staple of NYC racing with a reasonable start time, excellent views for spectating and a great Manhattan location. But attendance has not been great lately– the race has started to look like a glorified CRCA race, and the City has noticed. Indifferent to accommodating local racers, they need a completing reason before they shut down city streets in the middle of the day, remember the short lived NYC Cycling Championship downtown? Post-Lance attendance was poor and it was quickly called off. The Harlem race was in jeopardy too.
Enter John Eustice, creator and promoter of ambitions races such as Univest Grand Prix, Tour of Connecticut ( Housatonic Cycling Classic) and The Tour of West Virginia (K-Mart Classic). A New Yorker since 1996, John has the requisite experience dealing with local government, great connections in the cycling industry—you can thank him for bringing Michael Ball and Rock Racing aboard, and, a knack for promotion. As John says, “If cycling is to succeed in America , it has to include some good old fashioned American vulgar showmanship”.
Besides promoting races Eustice has been a professional cyclist; he was the winner of the first two US Pro Championships back in 1982 and 1983. He has been instrumental in creating numerous cycling teams, such as the first USA team to race a major Tour: the Gianni Motta Team that raced the Giro in 1984, and Pepsi-Fanini, winner of the CoreStates race (now Commerce Bank Philadelphia Championship).
John also has a career as a television analyst: His is considered as ESPN’s Cycling Analyst, having covered eight full Tours in Europe for them and ABC Sports, and another five for ESPN from Stateside. He is also the commentator for the Philadelphia race and can be seen on Versus this June for their coverage of the Commerce Bank Philadelphia Championship and the Tour of Pennsylvania . He has unbounded energy for everything cycling. Here is his long overdue story, as told to NYVC:
Winning the 1982 US pro championships, Photo: Robert F. George
I want to ride my bicycle
All I wanted to do from the age of 12 on was ride my bike—I knew I would be a cyclist and I never considered any other career seriously. Even at that age I really wanted to race in Europe and I was already aiming towards doing it. I grew up near Philadelphia and there was a wonderful bike shop, Hill Cycle Shop, one of a handful of legendary bike shops that keep the tradition of professional cycling alive. [Hill Cycle was founded in 1929 by the Casale family, –ed.] There were a few in New York , too: Stuyvesant’s, which is now “A” bicycles[A Bicycle Shop], Thomas Avenia in East Harlem, and later, Kissena. There was Princeton Kopps Cycle too, and together they were the East Coast establishment that kept the flame burning for American cycling. The shops were beautiful, full of Campagnolos and Masis, Pinarellos and Colnagos, and beautiful hand-made Vittore Gianni wool jerseys—Eddy Merckx used to get Gianni to make his jerseys. Hill Cycle Shop was an incredible jewel box of a bike shop and a very stimulating place for a boy interested in cycling.
The Rebirth of American Cycling
The Philadelphia race, the San Francisco race, the Tour of Pennsylvania all came of Hill Cycle Shop. It was the Casale family that kept cycling going, and they still run the Pro Cycling Tour with David Chauner. Dave Chauner was an Olympian and Jack Simes was the thoroughbred of the thoroughbreds—they used to come by the shop. The shop had a wonderful club team. It was a mix of people who had been to Europe , like Jackie Simes and Chauner, who raced in Holland for years. And there were old guys with the old American knowledge from the six-day era—I rode with these guys and they really knew how to ride their bikes. I consider myself the last of the old guard, having absorbed the knowledge they passed on to me. Remember that in the twenties cycling was as popular as baseball in America , but after the war, car culture took over America and Americans fell in love with the power and romance of the automobile. You see the same thing in China now, where cities are actually banning bikes because they get in the way of the cars. Bicycles are considered socially backward. In America it’s come full circle to where cycling has become a high-end privileged sport—it’s a natural social evolution.
Junior Racing
In the early seventies the junior racing scene was big. There were a lot of kids ring, 50 to 60 at a local race and hundreds at the nationals. It kept growing through the eighties, the era of LeMond. In New York you’ve always had this phenomenon of a Hispanic kid who could beat anyone in the world. The Wilson Vasquezes—you have always had them in New York. Jesus Portalatin, who was a big Puerto Rican kid—when he was 16 he beat the East German world champion in a match sprint in Trinidad . I came to New York and rode with him, Nelson Saldana, a Colombian track rider and Billy Cooney, another New York kid I used to ride with. So it was me, the wet-behind-the-ears suburban kid with these two New York City toughs. I would come up to New York from PA all the time to race the Kissena track. And the three of us would race all over New England and Canada getting into all sorts of trouble. It was a great time. I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Leaving home
In the eighties when you went to Europe you really went to Europe —there was no Internet or cable TV, no structured training either. I first went when I was 19. I bought a one-way ticket. Later I saw, over and over, these guys coming back from Europe completely destroyed, and when I went it was ten years before that. There was nothing—no support in place for young American riders. It was also very adventurous in a Hemingwayesque sense. The races were great, very unpredictable, and the skill level was tremendous. Now I find the races are much more formulaic. I would get my ass kicked, come home, lick my wounds, work all winter, and go back. I kept trying to break down that wall, and it took me a long time. I learned a lot. I worked the winters in Switzerland moving pianos, and then I would jump back into the racing in the spring. This was also the era of the first generation of plastic shoes and cleats, and there were a raft of injuries because of them. Between the shoes and the Piano moving I had my share.
Joining the “Mafia”
For a time I rode with the mafias, which to people who don’t know are a group of say five or six riders from different teams who work together in secret. Someone would say "I want to win today" and we would say "Okay, but you have to give us the prize money." I had no money—I was working construction. I’d take all the primes and set the race up for someone else to win and take all the money. It was a great way to learn how to win. It was really hard. You have to beat up the field and chase down those breakaways. It was like a school for professional racing—when I got to the pros I knew what to do. They didn’t want me to leave France as they had a good thing going, but I knew I’d never be able to advance to the next level in the mafia. I went to Belgium and Switzerland to try and break into the pros. They had an amateur elite team in Switzerland I raced for. Once, we had the jersey in a big Italian race – Giro di Umbria. An Australian rider approached me and told me that there was nothing I could do—they had 60 Italians working a combine against us in the field so we should just give up now. I said, "Okay man, I give," but I went to the Polish team and made a deal with them. I got them every King of the Mountain point and we hammered the field for the last 60 miles—no one could do a thing. After that race I knew I could be a professional. I could hold my own with the international amateurs, I could go blow for blow with them. I did well in the Milk Race, 3rd on points and a few second places on stages (before crashing – I finished though) in 1981. But I was on my own, hustling, moving pianos, and trying to make it with no support.
Going Pro
When I finally got to the point where I could ride with the pros and hold my own, be strong once and a while, it was almost too late. I knew how to ride my bike. Of course when I got there it was terribly intimating to ride with the great riders. When you ride with Francesco Moser or Hinault or De Vlaminck—holy cow they were so good. I was a teammate of Sean Kelly’s for a while. In the pros it was different; I couldn’t get in shape soon enough in the season and by the time I finally came around it always seemed like it was too late. I was a NYC bike rider like George Hincapie; I could go all day long, know how to handle the machine. I had a resting heart rate of 28, and I had a sprint. But there were certainly guys who came to Europe and made it happen. Look at Robbie McEwen—there was no support from Australia when he came over, so I can’t really complain.
Getting Kids Involved
There are so many potential champions in New York City . Every sport has trouble attracting new participants these days, but cycling has been gaining momentum lately. Miguel Indurain started as a runner, the 440. He went to try a bicycle race where they gave him a bike to use. He won a coke and a sandwich. He thought that was nice and he came back the next week. That’s the kind of program you need to attract young people. With what’s happening with the energy crisis these days, you get the sense that young people think bicycles are cool again. When I go riding in the suburbs people actually cheer you instead of running you over like they did ten years ago. There is a sense that bikes are a good thing. The problem is the sport has never been properly presented to young people. What the American media does now with the Tour de France is not attractive to kids, but if you do it right it could be very attractive.
The Future of Cycling
What I think is that it’s going to be someone like Michael Ball [of Rock Racing] who will find the key to make this thing cool. He knows how to tap into what motivates kids. People are going to have to come along and put some good old-fashioned vulgar American showbiz spin on it to make it super cool. It’s not the Tour de France—the media is much too tour-centric right now. Look at the Giro: it’s a much, much better race, three weeks of total chaos, its chaotic and unpredictable but beautiful. The best race of the year, really. Look what’s happening with cricket. The Indians have aligned themselves with Bollywood, the games are shorter and more intense with gobs of money, and for the first time the head of the Cricket federation is outside of Europe . There is a real opportunity for dynamic change in cycling. And the future of cycling is right here in America —that’s without a doubt to me. We won 11 out of the last 20 Tour de Frances, our team and training structures have become role models through out the world, our bike manufactures are the most innovative. The only thing we haven’t taken the lead on is events. Now is the time to do it. However, I don’t think we are going to do it by copying the Tour de France. I love the Tour, but I don’t think that’s the kind of racing that’s going to capture the American public’s imagination. I think we need a fresh look at things. The sport needs to be grown here not as an imitation of Europe , not even as Americans who conquer this esoteric sport in Europe . You have to create a uniquely American sport.
After Racing
I always got into the press as a racer somehow. I found Roberto Gaggioli in Italy and unleashed him on America , it was my joke on American cycling. I also served as his translator. I started doing live commentary for races. I also started promoting races. The first was the Tour of West Virginia—that became my baby. I figured if I put the race together I could get on ESPN, and that’s what happened. I loved designing the race. And of course there is a huge political aspect to making a race that I found I enjoyed—getting permits to use roads, getting the mayor’s office and the police on board. I believe we are doing a good thing with a bicycle race—it’s a good thing for the community. Bicycles bring people together, instead of cars, malls and Burger Kings. It’s different and positive and pretty. I was made an honorary citizen of West Virginia for that, right after Garth Brooks.
The Lance Effect
I remember hosting the press conference for the New York City Cycling Championship race the year Lance raced it. The room was full of reporters. Lance answers his questions, and then I announce we have Ivan Dominguez, the winner. I turn around and the room is empty. They all walked out, save JP Partland and like one other guy. This is the problem when the sport is reduced to the face of one hero. I would never diminish what he accomplished or how many people he brought in to the sport, but he became a bigger story than the sport and it was hard to convert the attention to cycling.
Michael Ball
At first, like a lot of people I felt Michael Ball was doing everything wrong. Then I saw an interview with him on Velonews, and I said, wait a minute—there’s something more here. I went to California to meet Michael—I wanted to get him involved in the Harlem race. My wife is a Blue Chip fashionista, so I’ve been around that world for twelve years and I know how to deal with them. The problem is he has been dealing with people who don’t get what he is about at all. I understand his world a bit better than maybe some of the cycling world does, how much image counts. Fashion people live on the edge, that’s just what they do. I believe he is an incredibly big-hearted person, and he loves this sport.
On Harlem
One thing is for sure: If you don’t go to the Harlem race you are going to wish you had. There are some surprises in store. Harlem is New York ’s race—it’s a perfect race course, it’s photogenic, and I believe we can build a much bigger audience. We made the races shorter with more primes, and we have a Jumbotron. The big thing is the NYC Sport Commission and the DOT signed on, and they will be attending along with many other civic leaders and local celebrities. It will be broadcast on WCSN TV and on WCSN.com. You can see yourself on TV and online when you go home. It will be a shame if you are a woman a Cat 3 or a Master and miss that opportunity to really race in a show. A real show.
John has been a great member of the US cycling community for so long. It’s about time he got a full interview, excellent work.
Yes Great read, i had meet John on 9W but never would have imagined he was this accomplished.
The City did not shut down the NYC Cycling Championships. Casale and Chauner lost BMC Software as their race sponsor and pulled out. City Sports Commissioner Ken Posziba asked me if CRCA could take over the race.
The City has also never expressed any problem with the Harlem race or threatened to shut it down. David Walker got the permits for the previous 34 years and he has gotten the City permits for this year’s race.
In my opinion the race needed a “boost” so I got John together with David to try to make the race into something bigger. Looks like John has done a great job.
The first or second issue of Velo News I sas had that picture of him at the US Pros on the cobbles. I hadn’t started racing but it looked so cool.
He rode for two years with Sean Kelly
Community/City support was via the local guy David Walker.
Eustice is getting the top racers back, and the sponsors
Great
Who win be in the top five in all cats?
What are we looking for in the races to lash out? Will be exciting to know these things. Like a playbill for cycling.
I agree that kids and junior development are the key to building more interest in the sport. Otherwise, it will remain a kooky fringe sport that only the participants care about. Look at soccer in this country. Attendance at a NY Red Bulls game is 90 percent kids/teen teams. Interesting that Beckham is to American soccer what Lance is to cycling .
I love the Vitus 979 Aluminum w/ Mavic on the cobbles – just like King Kelly…oh yeah,
nice article also…
It is great seeing John Eustice in Central Park doing laps and racing at times also. I love what he said about “The Lance Effect”. I can remember the post Lance years of cycling when I could watch the Spring Classics and the Giro on OLN with infinite repeats almost commercial free. While Lance introduced many to cycling, where are these same people now. Thanks John for helping to save a great race for NYC.
Especially with teh point abou thow we are running a losing race by trying o emulate the tour de france…American should focus it’s attention on Criteriums and one day races with “philly” like walls. This is america, American Gladioator, American Idol, WWF….If we want to market our sport such that it gains a little mass appeal then I think you need ot know your audience. That is why I like the way Ball is approaching this race…and I couldn’t be happier i bailed on Housatonic for the 4PM showdown!
Does he still blindly support Floyd? His frothing at the mouth insistance on Floyd’s innocence during Landis’ fund raisers made me question his sincerity.
John Eustice, second only to Adrian Karsten
there is a rumor that ZIdane might play for the NY Red Bulls
Lack of juniors isn’t the problem with cycling. It’s the grown men behaving badly. Anyway, why market it to the masses? So we can’t get into races? So 100 guys can get a raise? To satisfy nationalism through bike racing? It’s fine the way it is.
John has always been the greatest cycling advocate around, providing unconditional support for events and racers. Bringing top racers (Tafi, Jalbert, Steels, Boonen, etc) to his super hard races, has helped our up-and-coming racers get a real taste of Euro racing. Congratulations on a great cycling career and many thanks for his years of hard work for the cycling community. It is greatly appreciated.
Great Interview. Great figure for NYC cycling too. Thanks.
To the last comment. At the end of the day Floyd got unfair shake at getting to the truth – guilty or not. A lot of the facts and factors that lead to that stage 17 ride made sense to me. Based on John E. career written about in this interview, I give his backing of this case a little more validity.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
where he can headbutt anyone he pleases.
America, where the euros come to retire.
where can i go to find out about cool upcoming races?
What is so great about the way the sport is now?
Lee, are you still defending Floyd?
He didn’t get a fair shake?! I mean, come on!
You really are a nitwit.
It’s affordable, mostly safe, racers are generally good people self-selected, not forced into the sport by parents or coaches or even employers, multiple races to choose from every week, pressure to do well is tolerable (more so than high school football). At the same time, many races can’t handle more people. I don’t care if bike racing is on TV or in the papers. I have few complaints about it. I understand some people want to make more money from it. Good for them, I guess.
I agree. The day my boss and co-workers line up at a PP race or out of town race is the day I stop racing.
I would love it if my co-workers and boss would show up to my races. The more fan fare the better. Anybody that writes that they wouldnt like to see people lining the course cheering on local races (cpk – pp) are lying to themselves and shortsighted.
For the record – many share Eustice’s views on Floyd.
true. or increased exposure could create additional races with easier permitting.
I can totally understand non-racers not wanting to watch bike races, but the Harlem race will be decent for spectators. Maybe not something they’d want to watch every weekend, but perhaps as interesting as going out to watch a parade, or the marathon, or something like that. Cool for an hour or two.
I think yall should send a note to co-workers — I sent the following and think I got one taker (out of 30 people in my office):
“Some friends of mine are promoting a major bike race on Sunday in Harlem that
I think the permitting for Harlem has not been too hard, and this year both the DOT and NYC Sports Commission are on board — and I would not be surprised if one or both commissioners show up. Parks Commissioner Benepe likes bike racing too. The hard nut to crack for permits, I think, is the police and local community boards. David Walker has the relationships to make it work for the Skyscraper. We need that for other places in the city.
WOW! John really seems to have transformed his physique in the 80’s. He went from scrawny to diesel… the “gun show” and the shoulders are impressive… suspiciously impressive….
Do you argue with your coworkers about everything under the sun as well? If you weren’t so difficult maybe more than one would show and you’d be a better ambassador for the sport.
Thanks for the report and insights, John. It’s been fun riding with you a few times in Central Park and you’ve convinced me to be there on Sunday. Good luck with the event.
To JFT:
Do have evidence to support your contention that one person from your office is interested in going to Harlem?
Otherwise, I think I’m safer without a helmet and am keeping my tires at 120 psi. I’m also going to be looking for JP when I’m up at Harlem. He owes me rent money.
What I meant was the day my boss and co-workers take the line to compete in a race with me is the day I stop racing.
same viewpoint stands. I would love to see my boss or coworkers getting interested in racing. Not only that but if I didnt like’em, more the opportunity to put’em in check if he/she tries to get away in a break.
would be the girl in the picture, that is another one who has been around the ‘race scene’ for many years. Her interview has been done check here:
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=5511
Great article Alex. Top notch.
I just had a big chicken sandwich and a beer
the back of the field
This race will be very cool
Thanks for the history Alex
Who is JFT?
So if the best 1 or 2 from each of the best teams collude to fix results at Harlem, everybody OK with that?
is that a real mustache. has cozza seen that pic?
This action caught on camera this morning!
ttp://velopaint.blogspot.com/2008/06/rock-racing-in-central-park-pre-harlem.html
now copy and paste with the included ‘h’:
This action caught on camera this morning!
http://velopaint.blogspot.com/2008/06/rock-racing-in-central-park-pre-harlem.html
http://www.myfoxwebcasts.com/
BTW – I heard Prospect is gonna get “Rock-ed” tomorrow…actually that is just a guess
I’m going over to repave the course. Who can join me?
Nice job by the rock racing crew pulling their escalades on to the course today. One might think the pros would know better.
that wasn’t rock racing. those were the organic athlete escalades…idiot
Right on Fred Rod’w wheel coming into the last K when some Toyota United guys chopped me off it
We were 80 riders back, but still. Right on Freddie’s wheel!
I know the usual suspects will complain about the Rockus Interruptus today — and it was a little dodgy when they jumped in the field — but c’mon, you have to admit, it was pretty admirable that they rousted themselves out of bed to go to show up at a Brooklyn race. Ball may be a freak but at least he’s a freak who is trying to reach the grass roots.
Still, I’m sure some people will find a way to bitch about it, so bitch away, this oughta be interesting to read….
“Ball may be a freak but at least he’s a freak who is trying to reach the grass roots.”
Come on guys – this is a glorified beer league but with a bunch of self obsessed maniacs who watch their weight too much to drink beer.
Mr. Capt. America Freddie Rodriguez, and Rashaan Bahati, and a bunch of other Rock guys came out. Would you be as upset if Chris Webber came and interrupted your intramural basketball game, or if Don Mattingly wanted to take a few swings during your softball game?
Having Rock show up with the semi, ball, and an entourage was cool as hell.
Anyone who is bitching…should keep their mouths shut. Those guys were nice, showed up in force to support the local race, hopped in to mix it up (if you have a problem with that you are moronic) and then post the race hung out a little and mentioned they are excited for tomorrow and looking forward to that same group of local guys showing up again.
How is that not a good thing for that race?
Please someone explain a CON to them showing up….It was fantastic.
I liken it to a couple major leaguers coming into town to hop into a college game…you let em hop in.
I would have rather had the 2008 Rock Racing crew show up vs. teh 2004 discovery team…oh yeah, they would have never showed up and oh yeah…don’t think they ever threw big money behind a local event either.
I am a big fan of Michael Ball and looking forward to 4PM tomrorow.
…I think some of those individuals that were bitching were just upset by the fact that they were no longer the big fish in our little pond. It was great that Rock Racing made the effort to make an appearance (….Prospect park of all places). They were all very gracious…..lighten up – so this week all the photos won’t be focused on the usual suspects for the millionth time
that’s true, my gf won’t get up to watch me race, it was very cool.
I think the folks bitching, are the same folks who talk about not wanting their coworkers to show up and race, and pretty much want to keep their world insular, protected, and really, really tight-assed.
Great fun this morning. The Rock kit does look like an evil Spiderman twin getup.
If it was completely unexpected, and they were dicks, then maybe you’d have a point.
I did enjoy Rock showing up this morning to the race. I also think that what Ball is doing for the sport is great. He is really working it from the ground up, and I hope it pays out for him. The only down side is his message he is sending out about doping. Some of the riders he has representing his team are shady at best. I will not be surprised if we see more positive test occur with younger riders in America.
From USCF Road Racing Rulebook:
1O11. Non-Competitor on Course. A rider may not be on the track or course during a race for which he or she has not entered and registered, or from which he or she has withdrawn or been directed to withdraw [relegation or disqualification if entered in another race in the event for which the results are not yet final; 10 days suspension if flagrant].
I think the only comment was that stopping their vehicle on the course wasn’t a great idea. Not sure how that’s a slight against the riders…pretty sure Tyler wasn’t driving.
If every doper was blacklisted, there would be no one to race. In the long run I think Ball’s approach will reduce doping.
Here’s why.
Let’s say you are a South American natural gas company, or a TV channel. Let’s say your team is stacked with pretty boring dudes, and every year you march up to corporate and lay down your results to some exec. He reads down the list and writes and check. This seems like a recipe for doping. Results are everything. And these teams couldn’t self-promote if their lives depended on it.
In Ball’s model, sure results are important. But it is also about personality, fun, and attitude. His formula relies less on some Podium Time to Dollar ration. It is about showbiz. He hired ex-dopers, but perhaps we was the only guy who didn’t need to be scared of spooking the natural gas company. He picked up great riders.
So, based on my twisted logic, you wont see more young people dope. Then again, they flew the team out in a private jet. That might get a little tempting.
10 days suspension if flagrant
Maybe you’ll have a shot of placing tomorrow! I’d pursue that
Before they were in the 123 race those guys were riding with the 4’s. If they’re willing to get caught behind some of those guys and wreck their season, then who cares where they ride? I prefer they sign up and race (like when the Pros would show up Core States week) but they were cool guys.
And the whole scene was pretty interesting/humorous this more.
I liked Spider’s feather too.
Freddie Rodriguez:
“it was great, smooth, we’re thinking ‘this is cool’ then…crash!”
Next topic.
I thought it was kinda lame that they showed up and chased down breaks in our beer league. And then Michael Ball told a rider to eff off if he didn’t like it. Classy guy. M. Ball is a dick.
Let’s say they had registered. And started on time. And decided to grind you up for the whole race. Would that have been more fun?
4 RockRacing dudes (riding with 4s):
“What???! there are more then one race at a time!!!!???”
Look, this is Brooklyn racing. Every time you ride you have to deal with drunk one-armed guys juggling on unicycles, triathalon mania, stroller-pushing MILF patrol, killer squirrels, etc.
Rock Racing is the least of your worries.
You guys are missing the point. If they had shown up and started the race it would have been great. but jumping in halfway and acting like idiots and telling local riders to shut up. Very lame. I have lost so much respoect for those guys. Just makes me sad.
Did MB really say that unprovoked? Last I remembered, in New York we say “fuck off” when someone is being stupid and tight-assed. When in Rome?
WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAH!
WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
A 3-TIME NAT’L CHAMP AND HIS TEAM JUMPED IN MY FIELD!
WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!
YOU GUYS COULD FIND A DONKEY THAT SH-T DIAMONDS AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE MESS
In 5 years, with all regional races shut-down, and the good ole Skinscraper back to its former glory you whiners will still be doing PP loops at 6:30. F yeah!
I always had fun when the Pro’s would come after USPro at Philly and aside from being ground up, I placed top ten a few times. If those guys want to bootleg and risk their seaon that’s their problem. I would have prefered they stayed at the back. They should know better…but I didn’t hear anyone telling them to get lost.
ha! funny & true
Man, this is the Big Apple, if someone doesn’t tell you to f– off three times before noon, you ain’t trying….
Didn’t hear anyone yelling at them? Half the field was totally pissed and yelling at them They also ignored the officials at the start/finish who told them to go to the back. Classy.
y’all playing into his slippery hands.
i think it’s great rock showed up
because you guys have totally forgotten to trash the guys who won the races
Is this Page Six? Our beer league? Say it ain’t so.
And why do the 5s keeping catching the 4s?
$hould have done did up GImbel$
More publicity for the we$tche$ter milf$ that wear tho$e clothe$…
Dude, I TOTALLY peaked for the race this morning. And I got completely distracted! I was going to race tomorrow in Harlem, but for some reason my invite code didn’t work on BikeReg. My race weight and power were RIGHT ON TARGET! And my internet shipment of special Booster pills arrived on Thursday.
Damn Rock Racing! Go to hell Michael Ball! You stole MY RACE. You made a mockery of NYC racing. You and your Escalades and Pomeranians in black sweaters. Go back to LA. Leave Prospect Park to the big BOYS. That $30 preem would have paid my gas money for my first out of town race!
How dare you make me look like a DORK. I am not a DORK. I am a CAT 2 RACER. Ball, go back to selling jeans to the hot girls I have no time to date. Now!
How did Tom Danielson do today in Prospect?
RR in PP today and in Harlem tomorrow.
Hmmm, despite all his big talk, I don’t think Michael Ball has some kind of evil master plan other than spending his money and pissing people off. And for what it’s worth, I think it’s kind of great he’s doing it on a marginal US sport that could badly use a boost. He could just be another jackhole teeing off at the country club or sitting courtside at the NBA finals, and instead he is dragging his spray-tanned ass out of his cashmere sheets to chase you boneheads around at 6:30 in the morning. Don’t you realize? He thinks YOU are cool, he wants to show off to YOU. Which, come to think of it, probably makes him completely insane.
I think they seem to have added a touch motivation and spark to today’s race!
I agree I don’t think we should be so hung up on a PP Race,
I did see one of them bring back a break though that kind of worked out…..lol
Have fun and ride fuck’en bike!! from a rider that rides!
and his Toyota teammate were also in PP this morning. They did not have the urge to contest the field sprint (if they even rode with the field, they stayed in the back). They rode around the park after the race and were friendly. To me that’s more classy.
“I did see one of them bring back a break though that kind of worked out…..lol”
Which break did they bring back?
where are the pics of today.. Did anyone get the crashes of the CAT 5 finishes on video???
ROCK ON!!
WE WON’T PHOTOS OF THE ROCK IN THE PRO 123
WE WON’T PHOTOS OF THE ROCK IN THE PRO 123
IF YOU WHERE IN THE FRONT YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN!
The Rock guys were there today to promote the sport of pro cycling in the US at the most basic level. They woke up early and risked injury to ride with a bunch of mostly unknown local riders.
They also spent time in CP Friday evening and hung out and talked with many local folks who just stopped over to chat.
It seems that the race organizers themselves instructed the RR riders to mix in with the race. It’s not their fault that the fields were a mess and it wasn’t clear where they were supposed to be.
Their being with the 4’s at first was an honest mistake. To a high level pro rider, the difference between our amateur 4 men and 1/2/3 men’s races is negligible. Kinda like an adult walking into a 2nd grade class instead of a third grade class by accident; might take a couple of minutes to notice their mistake, if at all.
Everyone’s a critic. But this team represents a real effort to stir the pot here in the US and to create something good in the end. We ought to support this as a NY cycling and racing community.
“IF YOU WHERE IN THE FRONT YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN!”
Well, maybe I was in the break.
I got everyone’s email address who is in the pro race tomorrow.
who cares dude get a life!
Is that you Alan?
Anyone who is complaining is clueless…those guys were cool, and they were there to SUPPORT and have fun..so roll with it. I am a cat 2 racing tomorrow at 4PM, and having my family come….WHy, becuase they got involved and i think this race will be entertaining enough to warrant draging my family to harlem….Rock Racing deserves nothing but praise for what they are doing. ANy press is good press…if Michael Ball told you to F off, then you should have taken your chance to tell him when you had it to f off back. Other than that legitimate pro riders showed up today, guys you watch on Veruss on Sunday, and you rode with them…I don;t see how that isn;t a hell of a lot better than if they didn;t ….and btw, if I remember correctly a LOT of you were calling all arms to have them show up at a real NYC race like prospect…they did. Now shut it, and enjoy the show.
I’m really too old to care. I just want to race with my friends, have a good time, and get some exercise. Michael Ball is an asshole, Tyler Hamilton is a cheat and a liar. It’s cool that some people are really into the whole rub elbows with the pros thing. Just don’t expect everyone to be. They showed up late, and then went out of their way to prove that they’re a spectacle. If that’s what gets pro cycling exposure (considering it didn’t take off when Lance won 7 tours) I’ll be pretty surprised.
lance is also a cheat and a liar, but lets not get into that.
When was the last time you raced with a tour stage winner, giro stage winner, national champs? Get over yourself. If you’re really that bitter about someone cheating in a race you werent even in, 4 years ago, you could prly look a little closer to home for people to be bitter at.
YYYYAAAAWN.
you all suck
The best thing about this site is you guys who hate the local dopers but then worship the international superhero dopers for coming out to support you. Which way do you guys want it? Cheats or no cheats?
i can’t decide which one scares me most in the pro 1/2 field – spider or ugli.
the 2s are going to have problems this afternoon
by reading this site…and racing in NY for 3 years
1) Most cyclists are dorks..fact guys, you are.
2) Most of you are negative…horrible way to live life, yesterday was fun, rub elbows, live a little, lose the chip on your shoulder you dumb ass cat 4.
3) there are 50 guys who can actually ride a bike fast…you could put all 400 guys that showed up yesterday in a line up and I could pick out the 50. The rest are weekend warriors who think they are racers.
4) The cool thing about today is that i am in the race, didn’t have to travel to belgium, or get on a plane, and I am going ot get to race againt 3-5 legitimate pros…so let me be fired up about rubbing shoulders, I think that is great.
The “most cyclists are dorks” thing rings so true. While I am proud of my dork-ness, I also believe there is a lot of untapped talent out there in young athletes who would never consider cycling seriously because of that stigma.
Ball and RR are making an attempt to attract a younger, “cooler” element into cycling. So maybe 5 years from now, a High School cyclist might be included in the “in” crowd instead of his being alienated and labelled as a “dork.”
It’s a good thing.
And no matter WHAT Rock Racing did yesterday at PP, there would be a bunch of bitter curmudgeons on this board ready to criticize.
The “most cyclists are dorks” thing rings so true. While I am proud of my dork-ness, I also believe there is a lot of untapped talent out there in young athletes who would never consider cycling seriously because of that stigma.
Ball and RR are making an attempt to attract a younger, “cooler” element into cycling. So maybe 5 years from now, a High School cyclist might be included in the “in” crowd instead of his being alienated and labelled as a “dork.”
It’s a good thing.
And no matter WHAT Rock Racing did yesterday at PP, there would be a bunch of bitter curmudgeons on this board ready to criticize.
did not ride a smart race…
I think you missed the point.
I don’t think there is anything cool about R&R or their corny ass corporate, LA, tanned and ‘roided vibe. And the jeans are tacky as hell.
The people who think their shit is cool think Coldplay is some cutting edge shit.
I’ll pass.
Check out this clown racing today in Harlem for R&R.
His website is perhaps the funniest thing I’ve come across in a long, long time.
Besides the amateur modeling shots, journal entries titled, ‘Let your’re style do the talking here’s a pen. go to town’, there is also a poem titled America. Here is a sample verse:
“ive got a beautiful disease..
i love what i see.
i am the righteous king
you are the song written beside moonlit streams.”
http://www.sterlingmagnell.com/
In fact, he makes Jammet look eloquent.
you guys are missing the point
schmalz in a rock kit today.
i dont care if lex luthor makes that happen. i support it.
Whats the issue here with rock racing? you guys are so obnoxious. You push away any attempts to make this sport better. Quite honestly I’m sick if hearing the same lame ass conversations while I’m waiting for all the fat slow guys to finish up. this sport could use a serious injection of cool. Bunch of lycra-clad losers who ride bikes all day, suck at it, and think they are great. Yeah thats awesome, lets not change a thing.
I think magnell has about the same IQ as Hincapie….
If you think there’s anything cool about rock racing you must be high.
I met Tyler yesterday and I’m faster for it.
Why do you people insist on thinking everyone has the like the same things, or fall over the same super minor league celebrities?
You know why r & r are so lame? Their apparent lack of irony and self awareness. They may be cool for corporate douchebags suffering from mid life crises, but that shit doesn’t fly here.
SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED
oh, I’ll get right on that.
was nuts– the race had a very fun atmosphere, i just wish it didn’t conflict with housatonic.
Very fun race at Harlem – big crowd, plus a wild finish with a guy crashing across the line
so, who was it? thanks
1st some guy from time pro cycling
2nd rashan bahati – rock racing
3rd jake keough – crca/sakonnet u25
Ivan Dominguez was the coolest pro out there toady
I’m so over snotty announcers big productions over priced white boy shit. Get John Daly to announce
bike races or Kathy Griffin, or Wanda. A little bit of knowledge in an commentary is a bore.
GREAT RACE… We all owe the John Eustice a debt of gratitude for today’s race.
He took this race to the Big Leagues!
This pretty much sums up r/r.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Racing
Kudos to them for putting on a bike race with about as much class as school in the summertime.
Harlem was fun, but me and everyone around me was aghast that we had to endure 15 minutes of bullshit about what a brilliant race by crock republic and then an interview with second place finisher Rashan Bahati — before even hearing the winners team or name mentioned.
Yawn. I’d rather race carts. …Golf carts.
camera at every corner, one on a boom over the start/finish, even a frikkin helicopter! Plus a great field, and $10k purse. Awesome! I am a fan of Rock Racing, and hope they continue to support the sport thru John Eustice/Sparta Cycling…Every race had aggresive racing and very worthy winners! I never felt the race orginization was skimping in any way rider safety. I remember last year a tow truck driving backwards on the course during one of the races!!!
This was big time bike racing!
Thank you John Eustice and Rock Racing!
Coverage was great, a big purse brought out some real talent. Safety however was no different for better or worse than any other year.
A taxi took a 1/2 lap on the course during the pro race this year.
Hay bails or padding on the barriers at the corners would probably help.
I’ve been to low key local races and free drinks or water are often provided to racers. There was nothing of the sort at this extravaganza.
Thanks for putting it on, local organizer are probably far too willing to make concessions to a big time businessman than to drive a hard bargain with him.
http://www.spartacycling.com/harlemrocks/2008results.html
Lee? Is that you?
I recognize that earnestness anywhere…
Ugli Crashes again!!!! That guy can’t stay upright. Or hold his head up when he rides
he’s at least 45 and maybe 50, did two races today and got top 20 in the p-1-2
I mean trhe TV footage was ridiculous…I managed to stay in St in the pro race…which was cool. If you missed that race, sorry, becuase never again will you be filmed like that.
I personally wen tup to Ball and thanked him…very nice guy. Said I appreciate what effort he put behind this event, he and Eustice, and for that matter anyone who was involved. It was a classy event, well run, great cyclists, unbelieveable camera covereage. I would call that a success.
NYC cyclists should all be gleeming tonikght they had that event. Very special
Great race in NYC today!
Any Prospect Park results from yesterday?
that people bash ball….just smells a little bit of jealousy. one guy posts about the rashad interview, been to a baseball game lately, ever seen a rod come up to his own rap song….welcome to sports DUDE…watch ESPN one of these days. Sports equal entertainment…that is the whole freaking point. If you want to have a test of who is strongest, get you and all your cat 4 buddies and head up to massachusettes and see Jay Gump and sit on 12 trainers in a room and race each other…otherwise, get a clue. My daughter and son got to see their dad race a pro race today and be on TV…Ball wins, you lose, try to upgrade from 4 to 3 in the next 10 years. Loser.
Anything other than praise for Ball, Eustice, the DOT, and everybody who worked that race today is downright not called for in any way shape or form.
That was the best race I have seen aroudn here in years.
Yes you have to be deep in a cave of cynicism to crap on this year’s Harlem. Is Rock Racing everyone’s cup of tea? No. Would you want Ball to date your sister? No. But you have to admire them for spending big $$ to give a great city race a very fun and lively upgrade.
And for the love of God can we stop bragging about how we wouldn’t be caught dead in the jeans? We get the point. You’re super cool, Lou Reed wants to be all of your friends.
That was an event that took a LOT of $$$$…and a lot of local riders represented with good results in the top 60….SO…if you are a local rider and you are sitting on your couch on sunday wondering if you put those guys on TV into a race that local guys do, could those local guys hang….yes, the top 15-25 local guys can hang. That might just be the coolest thing….oh, and I bought a 30 dollar T shirt, and I LIKE IT…so if you are complaining about today, there are deeper issues you need to deal with.
I think Rock Racing has made a major inroad into cycling just in this past weekend. When has a pro cycling team taken the time to mingle w/ the locals and also support a race in their area? Living in Philly for several years during the Core States/Wachovia/First Union/Commerce Bank races, I only saw pro teams on training rides and they were friendly. Yet, they definitely didn’t go out of their way to try to attend local races or embrace a bit of the local culture. I think that is most important in trying to elevate cycling to a larger sport. I like what Rock Racing is trying to do and I hope that other teams take notice
The race was great. John did this in just 4 months. I hope he’s happy with the outcome and I hope Michael Ball is happy with it too so they will want to come back and build it even better for next year.
Thanks a ton.
i love the crackholes complaining about over-the-top corporate marketing at a pro bike race– you guys ought to come over to a race in europe, you can lay down in front of the caravan……
the whole reason pro bike racing exists is because of marketing…….you think people start teams to make money?
And though Ball isn’t my kind of guy, but I bet he took a total bath on that thing just so he could feel like a rock star and make you feel like one too.
2 guys in the top 10…ahead of some big names. Pretty impressive…a very solid showing by NYCers overall.
just dropped…5 bones, LOL…gets you a month pass….the COVERAGE is UNBELIEVABLE….I mean it is like what it would be if you were a NY Yankee….check it out!
Harlem was a great race last year. It was also a great race when I raced it in 1992. Still, Ball is an ostentatious asshole and his jeans are ugly as hell.
It also seems that many of you think that he’s going to save cycling by throwing some cash around. The sad fact is that you won’t be able to put a price on the damage done when one of his riders tests positive, and Ball spares no expense in defending him. Think of the kids that may look up to his example and see him waving off the fight against doping as bad for cycling. What cycling needs now is integrity, not spectacle, and Ball et al are in short supply.
And after this coverage….You better BEG alan to get in….I talked with him after the race, and he said, “this is just the start”….I like this vibe, we will make this BIG
4 riders in the top 20, 3 in the top 10, 1 on the podium
Can’t find the page with the link to today’s coverage… anyone know where that is?
I wish I could have raced today! I had other family obligations that got pushed up so my wife, son and I could at least watch some of the events. We showed up and we were EXTREMELY pleased with what Eustice, Green, Atwood – and of course Michael Ball and Rock Racing produced today. This event was and is probably the most pro event in the Northeast – and for some, probably the most pro event you may ever see in your racing life.
I have been racing for over 30 years, and my twin and I have traveled many places to race – I will never say I was any good – yet I didn’t absolutely suck either, but in all the domestic events I have been to, this is up there with the very very best. And considering that Ball and Eustice, with some very good help pulled this off in 4 months deserves more than applause.
What troubles me is that most of you who post negative remarks on this site, without your names is not only lame but stupid. Get some balls already and post your real name. I mean, you are entitled to an opinion and certainly we might not like it but, don’t hide who you are. Stop being wimps and come out – I think you are mature enough to do that. Also, if you have a complaint about today’s race, call Eustice or Ball up and maybe give some advice on how you would do things differently. Make a contribution to the sport instead of complaining about things which in this case deserves no complaining.
Yes, you might not like Ball or Rock Racing. At first I wasn’t to thrilled about the team either but, after meeting them and seeing what Ball is trying to do for racing in the US and in my backyard, I have tremendous respect for him and of course his accomplished riders.
Of course some of you are going to say, rider X and Y were not clean or something else. Well perhaps you are right but, I believe in second chances. I am sure all of you screwed up in a major way in your life. People deserve a break to prove themselves again – even if they denied taken illegal substances even after being sentenced as guilty.
Michael Ball gets it and Eustice was brilliant to get him and Rock Racing involved with Harlem. Rock Racing is going to make a big difference in this sport, attracting kids that are now going to other sports – that give them more of a cool image. No sense in naming them since most other sports do come off as cooler than guys in spandex. Ball is onto something here and I think its going to be big and good for the long-term of this sport in the USA. For those of you racing for many years, know what I am talking about. All you new guys – you just don’t get it.
Great race, great team. My wife loves her Rock Racing Hoodie, water bottles and my son is sporting his hoodie in bed right now. Michael Ball and Eustice – and the volunteers today – Thanks so much.
I took pics of the P12 race today and put some at http://eloptoof.net/Harlem2008/ You will recognize some local faces in there as well as some big names. The last 6 are from inside the last turn, including the last-lap action.
go upper right, and become a member, 4.95 for the month, then click on the Barelev story about him crashing at the line, then in the lower left you will see Harlem with a Video camera next to the link…click on that, in order to move around to see your race you need to keep it in the small screen. They literally start the live coverage (with what I think is good commentary for an event like this) at the cat 4 race…you can move to big and small screens, a lot of local guys get solid mention.
BALL, Eustice, Everyone who worked the race….Cheers! FANTASTIC…nothing else to say, best race I have ever been too…if nothing more than the fact that I am watching our race on my computer with commentary and it looks as good as if I were watching cycling.tv
This race was the same as any other quality pro race…except
1 – more crashes
2 – said they’d pay 30…but paid 20
3 – gave the wrong place checks in the corresponding place envelopes
4 – only paid $200 for 9th in a $10,000 race?
5 – some people had their cars broken into
otherwise it was pretty cool
Its harlem, do you expect anything less?
last time I checked, pros crash all the time too, just not cause someone spit on their tire and it caused them to slip out. Pros also get their shit jacked at races all the time. 200 bucks for 9th place seems pretty sweet deal to me.
could this race topple battenskill roubaix and bear as the greatest race of all time!?!?!?
This race was the same as any other quality pro race…except
1 – more crashes
>> I think you forget years past. I have done this race many many years – crashes happen here and I don’t think this race produced any more or less crashes than any other crit with this caliber of riders in a pro field – Just look at Somerville!
2 – said they’d pay 30…but paid 20
>> Maybe they were expecting a bigger filed than 115 riders – typically for the 10 G purse they need about 150 riders -though a good turn-out. Not sure why they would pay fewer placings though – still you were on TV right – were you in the top 30? If you were then think of it as your contribution to the sport -you helped pay for the camera crew. Just to put a positive spin on this.
3 – gave the wrong place checks in the corresponding place envelopes
>> This can be fixed – I am assuming you placed – what did you get? Also, I can’t tell you how many times this happened to me in my life at other races.
4 – only paid $200 for 9th in a $10,000 race?
>>>Better than 0 bucks and still good! What do you get if you win at Prospect? Maybe 80 bucks..
5 – some people had their cars broken into
>> Well no way to control that – it is harlem – we parked our car and we had no issues. Still sucks but, that is beyond what the race promoter can be responsible for.
otherwise it was pretty cool
>> I agree with that 100%
Ray, while I respect you and the fact that you expressed your opinion, I gotta say that your comment below sounds rather naive.
Your allegiance has apparently been bought for a couple corny-ass hoodies.
In the long run, Ball’s win at all cost attitude may prove damaging to the sport and, I fear, possibly even to the kids you are so happy he is attracting. And besides, what is so ‘brilliant’ about bringing Ball aboard? The guy brings money. Period. There are plenty of other companies that would be much more welcome. Companies, need I remind you, that are scared of investing in cycling thanks to the past antics of Hamilton et al. I suggest that we redirect our energies into showing sponsors that doping has no place in cycling anymore, especially not on the grass roots level.
No Name…go away. Stop showing up…bro, life is in session, if you are complaining about this stuff I feel bad about you. So waiting at prospect for 2 hours while Kissena guy tries to pay me in teh corner 40 bucks is better than today…LOL
You said it was “all that”. I’m telling you it was worse on several accounts. Great vibe and setting and scene. But the meat and potatoes were rotten.
Bro, your comment doesn’t make sense, bro.
And how do you write a comment criticizing someone for not signing in without signing your name?
Hypocritical moron.
Also, since, in your words, ‘life is in session’ may I point out that spelling and grammar count?
I noticed that Ball and Eustice didn’t bother to stop the rainstorms before the 3 and 4 races. Most local promoters will do that.
What makes you think I was bought? Because I think Michael Ball is doing a great thing for this sport? Or that I like the Hoodie or his personality? I mean, this sport is all about marketing and yes, it would be good to have other companies looking at this sport seriously again. What Ball is doing with Rock Racing is JUST THAT! You get an audience, and you get tomorrows kids engaged today, spells success and longevity for this sport.
I don’t condone drug use and I would say, with all the scrutiny in this sport, I bet Michael Ball doesn’t either. He can’t afford that type of publicity. What he is doing is giving guys is a second chance – plain and simple. They deserve it! And I beg to differ that Rock Racing isn’t improving the image of cycling – its changing it, radicalizing it, making it hip cool and less of a geek driven sport. In regards to performance enhancing drugs, I have never condoned it, never taken it and I assure you when my son is old enough, and maybe racing (or Soccer/futbol) wont be taking them either.
Since you failed to post your name, I have to assume that you don’t know me. If you did know me, you would very easily know that I am not one to be bought! Also, I do believe in giving people a second chance. Plain and simple – I am sure you have asked for a second chance before, haven’t you. If you deny that then I would say you weren’t being truthful.
Check it out…pretty amazing
but it’s 5 bucks to watch Harlem?
I mean dear god…they had 8 professional cameras, and 50 crew, it is called running a business….and Tour De Georgia was a pick up TV feed.
guys are complaingin about 5 bucks.
I’m green with envy at all you prisoners of Manhattan for having this cool race….overseas I was cockblocked after I put my credit card numbers in and couldn’t watch for the internet restrictions….and I NEVER pay for content…..damn….a HELICOPTER?…
Until someone posted ‘I can’t believe people are complaining about Harlem,’ no one was complaining about Harlem. People complained about the way Rock came on to the course about prospect. How they ignored the request the ride the back of the fields, and about Ball not wearing a helmet in a sanctioned race. I think those are all legit complaints. No one was dumping on the Harlem race though. It’s also easy to see Ball and Rock not being to one’s taste. Ray, have you read Ball’s solution to a positive test? He says he’d sit down a rider and talk to him, and then as punishment he would have to train harder than he’d ever train before. I don’t recall if that was from Schmalz’s interview or another. I also have a pretty big concern about Ball’s history of getting sued for sexual harassment. It’s cool that a local race gets bigger and more exposure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is going to like what’s driving the growth or who is going about it.
weren’t they interviewing the 2nd place Rock rider because the winner crashed after the finish line?
Class and respect is at Ball’s whim. Thats my problem with the guy.
Now, you might poo poo it and laugh that someone could care about their saturday race, but for some, that is a race in which they were competing. For RR and Ball to show up an get mingled in the saturday racing is just uncool
Could you imagine Kobe Bryant, Kevin G and gang showing up at a local high school basketball game and walking onto the court and shooting some baskets, running the fast break, dunkin hard over some 5″8′ high school power forward. sure, the crowd would be in awe and 1/2 would be whoopin’ it up, the other 1/2 would be screaming for them to ge tthe Fuc k off the court!
but they wouldnt do it. KG and KB have too much class.
Marketing and Promo is one thing. Being classless is really hard to do, but since inception, Ball has found a way to do it really well. congrats!
if he’s the future of the sport, while exciting, i think we’ll hvae issues.
who got Eustice on board for this
You just compared yourself to a high school basketball player. your argument was just negated.
On the WCSN coverage intro they showed the Euro team Gerolsteiner. I mean come on- they are not in the USA Crits series. If WCSN doesn’t deal with that I am cancelling my subscription NOW!!!! And Michael Ball should do something to ensure a bit more accuracy in places like that. I mean WTF!!!!
Kobe Bryant? Class? Oh, you must mean the way he treats the ladies. Other comparisons fail also–these guys make more in one game than the entire Rock Racing team gets paid in a year. I’ve seen many attempts to “fix” or “improve” bike racing in the United States, and none have done much to make a difference. It has found its level. If you enjoy racing, enjoy it.
I guess on one hand I’m surprised at how many people are whining about Rock Racing and their appearances in new york this weekend. in reality, I guess it’s expected, there are always a few loud mouths in the nyc peloton who hate being upstaged and will whine about everything.
I used to live and race in nyc and now live in san francisco. i still enjoy coming back and reading the mostly positive comments by fellow amateurs who enjoy pursuing our fringe sport and sharing their thoughts with like-minded enthusiasts. seems there are still unnamed haters/bitter people. these guys are inevitably “P12 guys” who only enter and always win the “real races” that are held outside of nyc. i love these guys, so many of them win, yet there are so few races. kind of like we all think that we are all above average. so little has changed, but it’s still good for a laugh whenever i read.
On rock racing. Whether you like them or not, they’re bringing energy and money to the sport. we’re all online talking about them, so i’d say it’s working.
also curious how people like “you sleep with rats” think it’s classless that these guys raced in prospect park. it’s cycling, part of what’s cool is that amateurs like us get to compete against pro riders. take a trip up to rucker, on rare occasions, you may see kobe or other nba guys dunking on high school players. i’ve never seen any whining about having no class, just guys psyched to show and prove against the best.
maybe “sleep with rats” is a bit star struck, but this happens all the time in NorCal and we’re better for it. whenever it’s rumored that international or national class pros will be in the field, all categories see better participation and people compete harder. that’s good for cycling. Levi rode in a TTT sponsored by my club and won the thing riding solo, beating a team of the jacques-maynes brothers. nobody complained, we were all better for him lending a bit of his star power to our minor league event.
was in nyc this weekend and was bummed that i couldn’t race against these classless guys who brought the jumbotron and some excitement to nyc racing. guess i should be more worried about tainting my pristine and very important jaded amateur wannabe status.
because people from nyc always ask me, i’ll preemptively make my comparisons between NorCal and nyc cycling:
1. California, much harder, more riders, more young talent with real ambition, rather than weekend warrior geezers like me
2. more racing, less whining in california. fewer petty rivalries more respect for the competition. maybe it’s the sun, helps our rosy disposition
3. a lot more respect for down category racers. the P12 is not the only real race. the lower cats are feeders for P12. teams here are often P12345 and people think about teaching and passing on nuggets of wisdom. seems people understand that racing is equally hard for everyone as effort level is always the same though talent may differ. besides, we were all Cat 5s
4. guys who win in nyc can win in NorCal or anywhere else. field strength in NorCal is much deeper, pack fodder out west is much stronger than pack fodder in new york. I’d say racing is 1 category higher in the west for the same category ranking in new york. e.g. cali 4’s are like new york 3’s
5. we don’t talk sh-t anonymously
looking forward to travelling east and picking up some easy upgrade points later this summer, LOL!! just playing…well, not really…
flame on,
pouncy (berkeley bicycle club)
thanks eustice et al for setting up a great race weekend
The show was supposed to be free on WSCN. Did you have to pay to watch it any and everyone?
I agree with most of what you said, I didn’t mind RR in Prospect myself, since I was just sitting in and riding around, but I’m not sure you realize that they didn’t actually race in Prospect.
They showed up halfway through the race and just jumped into the fields (not registered), with some not staying at the back but influencing the outcome by going in attacks and chasing despite the officials telling them to stay out of the way.
I’d be pissed if some strong local riders did that, so I guess I’m a hypocrite for not being so pissed at RR. For that, I can understand the people who complain about that.
I’d hope no one would criticise them for actually entering the races in Prospect.
I think everyone was excited for the opportunity to race against rock in PP. What transpired wasn’t that though.
was worth it
Ray, you are as missinformed as ever. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if Ball were just giving dopers a second chance.
He says it himself in Dan’s interview: he will not suspend his riders if caught doping.
He also makes the comparison that if one the employees of his clothing company were to test positive for pot smoking, he would not “out them to the labor board or to the industry saying, “This guy smokes a lot of pot, or this girl does a,b,c..”
read it here:
https://nyvelocity.com/article.aspx?ID=2276&CID=58
I don’t see how anyone can read it and think that this guy is serious against doping. At worst, he condones it, and at the very least he’s saying that he’ll look the other way.
Is this the example you want set for juniors?
And for the last time, a forty year old guy in neon skin-suit holding out the devil’s horns is not cool at all.
I had to pay $4.95 to see and video but I paid nothing (except to race) for all the fun and excitement I had. Thanks for making such an epic event.
i really enjoyed the john eustice interview, and i am pleased to see effort by someone to promote the sport.
as for rock racing, it’s not really my taste, but hey, i’d love it if someone dunked on me- i’d have a great story to tell…
maybe rock racing isn’t elitist enough for ny road racers. new yorkers prefer to be snubbed, rather than have their nosed rubs in it with “crass west coast style”.
You just don’t understand what Michael Ball is doing, and that is sad. MB wants to treat the riders like humans, not like a tool that you throw in the garbage when it breaks. If a rider tests positive he is not going to toss them from the team because he wants to get the rider back on track. He is doing the right thing, unlike so many other teams that just toss their riders off their teams at just the hint of doping.
John has been a great member of the US cycling community for so long. It’s about time he got a full interview, excellent work.
Yes Great read, i had meet John on 9W but never would have imagined he was this accomplished.
The City did not shut down the NYC Cycling Championships. Casale and Chauner lost BMC Software as their race sponsor and pulled out. City Sports Commissioner Ken Posziba asked me if CRCA could take over the race.
The City has also never expressed any problem with the Harlem race or threatened to shut it down. David Walker got the permits for the previous 34 years and he has gotten the City permits for this year’s race.
In my opinion the race needed a “boost” so I got John together with David to try to make the race into something bigger. Looks like John has done a great job.
The first or second issue of Velo News I sas had that picture of him at the US Pros on the cobbles. I hadn’t started racing but it looked so cool.
He rode for two years with Sean Kelly
Community/City support was via the local guy David Walker.
Eustice is getting the top racers back, and the sponsors
Great
Who win be in the top five in all cats?
What are we looking for in the races to lash out? Will be exciting to know these things. Like a playbill for cycling.
I agree that kids and junior development are the key to building more interest in the sport. Otherwise, it will remain a kooky fringe sport that only the participants care about. Look at soccer in this country. Attendance at a NY Red Bulls game is 90 percent kids/teen teams. Interesting that Beckham is to American soccer what Lance is to cycling .
I love the Vitus 979 Aluminum w/ Mavic on the cobbles – just like King Kelly…oh yeah,
nice article also…
It is great seeing John Eustice in Central Park doing laps and racing at times also. I love what he said about “The Lance Effect”. I can remember the post Lance years of cycling when I could watch the Spring Classics and the Giro on OLN with infinite repeats almost commercial free. While Lance introduced many to cycling, where are these same people now. Thanks John for helping to save a great race for NYC.
Especially with teh point abou thow we are running a losing race by trying o emulate the tour de france…American should focus it’s attention on Criteriums and one day races with “philly” like walls. This is america, American Gladioator, American Idol, WWF….If we want to market our sport such that it gains a little mass appeal then I think you need ot know your audience. That is why I like the way Ball is approaching this race…and I couldn’t be happier i bailed on Housatonic for the 4PM showdown!
Does he still blindly support Floyd? His frothing at the mouth insistance on Floyd’s innocence during Landis’ fund raisers made me question his sincerity.
John Eustice, second only to Adrian Karsten
there is a rumor that ZIdane might play for the NY Red Bulls
Lack of juniors isn’t the problem with cycling. It’s the grown men behaving badly. Anyway, why market it to the masses? So we can’t get into races? So 100 guys can get a raise? To satisfy nationalism through bike racing? It’s fine the way it is.
John has always been the greatest cycling advocate around, providing unconditional support for events and racers. Bringing top racers (Tafi, Jalbert, Steels, Boonen, etc) to his super hard races, has helped our up-and-coming racers get a real taste of Euro racing. Congratulations on a great cycling career and many thanks for his years of hard work for the cycling community. It is greatly appreciated.
Great Interview. Great figure for NYC cycling too. Thanks.
To the last comment. At the end of the day Floyd got unfair shake at getting to the truth – guilty or not. A lot of the facts and factors that lead to that stage 17 ride made sense to me. Based on John E. career written about in this interview, I give his backing of this case a little more validity.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
where he can headbutt anyone he pleases.
America, where the euros come to retire.
where can i go to find out about cool upcoming races?
What is so great about the way the sport is now?
Lee, are you still defending Floyd?
He didn’t get a fair shake?! I mean, come on!
You really are a nitwit.
It’s affordable, mostly safe, racers are generally good people self-selected, not forced into the sport by parents or coaches or even employers, multiple races to choose from every week, pressure to do well is tolerable (more so than high school football). At the same time, many races can’t handle more people. I don’t care if bike racing is on TV or in the papers. I have few complaints about it. I understand some people want to make more money from it. Good for them, I guess.
I agree. The day my boss and co-workers line up at a PP race or out of town race is the day I stop racing.
I would love it if my co-workers and boss would show up to my races. The more fan fare the better. Anybody that writes that they wouldnt like to see people lining the course cheering on local races (cpk – pp) are lying to themselves and shortsighted.
For the record – many share Eustice’s views on Floyd.
true. or increased exposure could create additional races with easier permitting.
I can totally understand non-racers not wanting to watch bike races, but the Harlem race will be decent for spectators. Maybe not something they’d want to watch every weekend, but perhaps as interesting as going out to watch a parade, or the marathon, or something like that. Cool for an hour or two.
I think yall should send a note to co-workers — I sent the following and think I got one taker (out of 30 people in my office):
“Some friends of mine are promoting a major bike race on Sunday in Harlem that
I think the permitting for Harlem has not been too hard, and this year both the DOT and NYC Sports Commission are on board — and I would not be surprised if one or both commissioners show up. Parks Commissioner Benepe likes bike racing too. The hard nut to crack for permits, I think, is the police and local community boards. David Walker has the relationships to make it work for the Skyscraper. We need that for other places in the city.
WOW! John really seems to have transformed his physique in the 80’s. He went from scrawny to diesel… the “gun show” and the shoulders are impressive… suspiciously impressive….
Do you argue with your coworkers about everything under the sun as well? If you weren’t so difficult maybe more than one would show and you’d be a better ambassador for the sport.
Thanks for the report and insights, John. It’s been fun riding with you a few times in Central Park and you’ve convinced me to be there on Sunday. Good luck with the event.
To JFT:
Do have evidence to support your contention that one person from your office is interested in going to Harlem?
Otherwise, I think I’m safer without a helmet and am keeping my tires at 120 psi. I’m also going to be looking for JP when I’m up at Harlem. He owes me rent money.
What I meant was the day my boss and co-workers take the line to compete in a race with me is the day I stop racing.
same viewpoint stands. I would love to see my boss or coworkers getting interested in racing. Not only that but if I didnt like’em, more the opportunity to put’em in check if he/she tries to get away in a break.
would be the girl in the picture, that is another one who has been around the ‘race scene’ for many years. Her interview has been done check here:
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=5511
Great article Alex. Top notch.
I just had a big chicken sandwich and a beer
the back of the field
This race will be very cool
Thanks for the history Alex
Who is JFT?
So if the best 1 or 2 from each of the best teams collude to fix results at Harlem, everybody OK with that?
is that a real mustache. has cozza seen that pic?
This action caught on camera this morning!
ttp://velopaint.blogspot.com/2008/06/rock-racing-in-central-park-pre-harlem.html
now copy and paste with the included ‘h’:
This action caught on camera this morning!
http://velopaint.blogspot.com/2008/06/rock-racing-in-central-park-pre-harlem.html
http://www.myfoxwebcasts.com/
BTW – I heard Prospect is gonna get “Rock-ed” tomorrow…actually that is just a guess
I’m going over to repave the course. Who can join me?
Nice job by the rock racing crew pulling their escalades on to the course today. One might think the pros would know better.
that wasn’t rock racing. those were the organic athlete escalades…idiot
Right on Fred Rod’w wheel coming into the last K when some Toyota United guys chopped me off it
We were 80 riders back, but still. Right on Freddie’s wheel!
I know the usual suspects will complain about the Rockus Interruptus today — and it was a little dodgy when they jumped in the field — but c’mon, you have to admit, it was pretty admirable that they rousted themselves out of bed to go to show up at a Brooklyn race. Ball may be a freak but at least he’s a freak who is trying to reach the grass roots.
Still, I’m sure some people will find a way to bitch about it, so bitch away, this oughta be interesting to read….
…I think some of those individuals that were bitching were just upset by the fact that they were no longer the big fish in our little pond. It was great that Rock Racing made the effort to make an appearance (….Prospect park of all places). They were all very gracious…..lighten up – so this week all the photos won’t be focused on the usual suspects for the millionth time
that’s true, my gf won’t get up to watch me race, it was very cool.
I think the folks bitching, are the same folks who talk about not wanting their coworkers to show up and race, and pretty much want to keep their world insular, protected, and really, really tight-assed.
Great fun this morning. The Rock kit does look like an evil Spiderman twin getup.
If it was completely unexpected, and they were dicks, then maybe you’d have a point.
I did enjoy Rock showing up this morning to the race. I also think that what Ball is doing for the sport is great. He is really working it from the ground up, and I hope it pays out for him. The only down side is his message he is sending out about doping. Some of the riders he has representing his team are shady at best. I will not be surprised if we see more positive test occur with younger riders in America.
From USCF Road Racing Rulebook:
1O11. Non-Competitor on Course. A rider may not be on the track or course during a race for which he or she has not entered and registered, or from which he or she has withdrawn or been directed to withdraw [relegation or disqualification if entered in another race in the event for which the results are not yet final; 10 days suspension if flagrant].
I think the only comment was that stopping their vehicle on the course wasn’t a great idea. Not sure how that’s a slight against the riders…pretty sure Tyler wasn’t driving.
If every doper was blacklisted, there would be no one to race. In the long run I think Ball’s approach will reduce doping.
Here’s why.
Let’s say you are a South American natural gas company, or a TV channel. Let’s say your team is stacked with pretty boring dudes, and every year you march up to corporate and lay down your results to some exec. He reads down the list and writes and check. This seems like a recipe for doping. Results are everything. And these teams couldn’t self-promote if their lives depended on it.
In Ball’s model, sure results are important. But it is also about personality, fun, and attitude. His formula relies less on some Podium Time to Dollar ration. It is about showbiz. He hired ex-dopers, but perhaps we was the only guy who didn’t need to be scared of spooking the natural gas company. He picked up great riders.
So, based on my twisted logic, you wont see more young people dope. Then again, they flew the team out in a private jet. That might get a little tempting.
10 days suspension if flagrant
Maybe you’ll have a shot of placing tomorrow! I’d pursue that
Before they were in the 123 race those guys were riding with the 4’s. If they’re willing to get caught behind some of those guys and wreck their season, then who cares where they ride? I prefer they sign up and race (like when the Pros would show up Core States week) but they were cool guys.
And the whole scene was pretty interesting/humorous this more.
I liked Spider’s feather too.
Freddie Rodriguez:
“it was great, smooth, we’re thinking ‘this is cool’ then…crash!”
Next topic.
I thought it was kinda lame that they showed up and chased down breaks in our beer league. And then Michael Ball told a rider to eff off if he didn’t like it. Classy guy. M. Ball is a dick.
Let’s say they had registered. And started on time. And decided to grind you up for the whole race. Would that have been more fun?
4 RockRacing dudes (riding with 4s):
“What???! there are more then one race at a time!!!!???”
Look, this is Brooklyn racing. Every time you ride you have to deal with drunk one-armed guys juggling on unicycles, triathalon mania, stroller-pushing MILF patrol, killer squirrels, etc.
Rock Racing is the least of your worries.
You guys are missing the point. If they had shown up and started the race it would have been great. but jumping in halfway and acting like idiots and telling local riders to shut up. Very lame. I have lost so much respoect for those guys. Just makes me sad.
Did MB really say that unprovoked? Last I remembered, in New York we say “fuck off” when someone is being stupid and tight-assed. When in Rome?
WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAH!
WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
A 3-TIME NAT’L CHAMP AND HIS TEAM JUMPED IN MY FIELD!
WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!
YOU GUYS COULD FIND A DONKEY THAT SH-T DIAMONDS AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE MESS
In 5 years, with all regional races shut-down, and the good ole Skinscraper back to its former glory you whiners will still be doing PP loops at 6:30. F yeah!
I always had fun when the Pro’s would come after USPro at Philly and aside from being ground up, I placed top ten a few times. If those guys want to bootleg and risk their seaon that’s their problem. I would have prefered they stayed at the back. They should know better…but I didn’t hear anyone telling them to get lost.
ha! funny & true
Man, this is the Big Apple, if someone doesn’t tell you to f– off three times before noon, you ain’t trying….
Didn’t hear anyone yelling at them? Half the field was totally pissed and yelling at them They also ignored the officials at the start/finish who told them to go to the back. Classy.
y’all playing into his slippery hands.
i think it’s great rock showed up
because you guys have totally forgotten to trash the guys who won the races
Is this Page Six? Our beer league? Say it ain’t so.
And why do the 5s keeping catching the 4s?
$hould have done did up GImbel$
More publicity for the we$tche$ter milf$ that wear tho$e clothe$…
Dude, I TOTALLY peaked for the race this morning. And I got completely distracted! I was going to race tomorrow in Harlem, but for some reason my invite code didn’t work on BikeReg. My race weight and power were RIGHT ON TARGET! And my internet shipment of special Booster pills arrived on Thursday.
Damn Rock Racing! Go to hell Michael Ball! You stole MY RACE. You made a mockery of NYC racing. You and your Escalades and Pomeranians in black sweaters. Go back to LA. Leave Prospect Park to the big BOYS. That $30 preem would have paid my gas money for my first out of town race!
How dare you make me look like a DORK. I am not a DORK. I am a CAT 2 RACER. Ball, go back to selling jeans to the hot girls I have no time to date. Now!
How did Tom Danielson do today in Prospect?
RR in PP today and in Harlem tomorrow.
Hmmm, despite all his big talk, I don’t think Michael Ball has some kind of evil master plan other than spending his money and pissing people off. And for what it’s worth, I think it’s kind of great he’s doing it on a marginal US sport that could badly use a boost. He could just be another jackhole teeing off at the country club or sitting courtside at the NBA finals, and instead he is dragging his spray-tanned ass out of his cashmere sheets to chase you boneheads around at 6:30 in the morning. Don’t you realize? He thinks YOU are cool, he wants to show off to YOU. Which, come to think of it, probably makes him completely insane.
I think they seem to have added a touch motivation and spark to today’s race!
I agree I don’t think we should be so hung up on a PP Race,
I did see one of them bring back a break though that kind of worked out…..lol
Have fun and ride fuck’en bike!! from a rider that rides!
and his Toyota teammate were also in PP this morning. They did not have the urge to contest the field sprint (if they even rode with the field, they stayed in the back). They rode around the park after the race and were friendly. To me that’s more classy.
IF YOU WHERE IN THE FRONT YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN!
The Rock guys were there today to promote the sport of pro cycling in the US at the most basic level. They woke up early and risked injury to ride with a bunch of mostly unknown local riders.
They also spent time in CP Friday evening and hung out and talked with many local folks who just stopped over to chat.
It seems that the race organizers themselves instructed the RR riders to mix in with the race. It’s not their fault that the fields were a mess and it wasn’t clear where they were supposed to be.
Their being with the 4’s at first was an honest mistake. To a high level pro rider, the difference between our amateur 4 men and 1/2/3 men’s races is negligible. Kinda like an adult walking into a 2nd grade class instead of a third grade class by accident; might take a couple of minutes to notice their mistake, if at all.
Everyone’s a critic. But this team represents a real effort to stir the pot here in the US and to create something good in the end. We ought to support this as a NY cycling and racing community.
who cares dude get a life!
Is that you Alan?
Anyone who is complaining is clueless…those guys were cool, and they were there to SUPPORT and have fun..so roll with it. I am a cat 2 racing tomorrow at 4PM, and having my family come….WHy, becuase they got involved and i think this race will be entertaining enough to warrant draging my family to harlem….Rock Racing deserves nothing but praise for what they are doing. ANy press is good press…if Michael Ball told you to F off, then you should have taken your chance to tell him when you had it to f off back. Other than that legitimate pro riders showed up today, guys you watch on Veruss on Sunday, and you rode with them…I don;t see how that isn;t a hell of a lot better than if they didn;t ….and btw, if I remember correctly a LOT of you were calling all arms to have them show up at a real NYC race like prospect…they did. Now shut it, and enjoy the show.
I’m really too old to care. I just want to race with my friends, have a good time, and get some exercise. Michael Ball is an asshole, Tyler Hamilton is a cheat and a liar. It’s cool that some people are really into the whole rub elbows with the pros thing. Just don’t expect everyone to be. They showed up late, and then went out of their way to prove that they’re a spectacle. If that’s what gets pro cycling exposure (considering it didn’t take off when Lance won 7 tours) I’ll be pretty surprised.
lance is also a cheat and a liar, but lets not get into that.
When was the last time you raced with a tour stage winner, giro stage winner, national champs? Get over yourself. If you’re really that bitter about someone cheating in a race you werent even in, 4 years ago, you could prly look a little closer to home for people to be bitter at.
YYYYAAAAWN.
you all suck
The best thing about this site is you guys who hate the local dopers but then worship the international superhero dopers for coming out to support you. Which way do you guys want it? Cheats or no cheats?
i can’t decide which one scares me most in the pro 1/2 field – spider or ugli.
the 2s are going to have problems this afternoon
by reading this site…and racing in NY for 3 years
1) Most cyclists are dorks..fact guys, you are.
2) Most of you are negative…horrible way to live life, yesterday was fun, rub elbows, live a little, lose the chip on your shoulder you dumb ass cat 4.
3) there are 50 guys who can actually ride a bike fast…you could put all 400 guys that showed up yesterday in a line up and I could pick out the 50. The rest are weekend warriors who think they are racers.
4) The cool thing about today is that i am in the race, didn’t have to travel to belgium, or get on a plane, and I am going ot get to race againt 3-5 legitimate pros…so let me be fired up about rubbing shoulders, I think that is great.
The “most cyclists are dorks” thing rings so true. While I am proud of my dork-ness, I also believe there is a lot of untapped talent out there in young athletes who would never consider cycling seriously because of that stigma.
Ball and RR are making an attempt to attract a younger, “cooler” element into cycling. So maybe 5 years from now, a High School cyclist might be included in the “in” crowd instead of his being alienated and labelled as a “dork.”
It’s a good thing.
And no matter WHAT Rock Racing did yesterday at PP, there would be a bunch of bitter curmudgeons on this board ready to criticize.
The “most cyclists are dorks” thing rings so true. While I am proud of my dork-ness, I also believe there is a lot of untapped talent out there in young athletes who would never consider cycling seriously because of that stigma.
Ball and RR are making an attempt to attract a younger, “cooler” element into cycling. So maybe 5 years from now, a High School cyclist might be included in the “in” crowd instead of his being alienated and labelled as a “dork.”
It’s a good thing.
And no matter WHAT Rock Racing did yesterday at PP, there would be a bunch of bitter curmudgeons on this board ready to criticize.
did not ride a smart race…
I think you missed the point.
I don’t think there is anything cool about R&R or their corny ass corporate, LA, tanned and ‘roided vibe. And the jeans are tacky as hell.
The people who think their shit is cool think Coldplay is some cutting edge shit.
I’ll pass.
Check out this clown racing today in Harlem for R&R.
His website is perhaps the funniest thing I’ve come across in a long, long time.
Besides the amateur modeling shots, journal entries titled, ‘Let your’re style do the talking here’s a pen. go to town’, there is also a poem titled America. Here is a sample verse:
“ive got a beautiful disease..
i love what i see.
i am the righteous king
you are the song written beside moonlit streams.”
http://www.sterlingmagnell.com/
In fact, he makes Jammet look eloquent.
you guys are missing the point
schmalz in a rock kit today.
i dont care if lex luthor makes that happen. i support it.
Whats the issue here with rock racing? you guys are so obnoxious. You push away any attempts to make this sport better. Quite honestly I’m sick if hearing the same lame ass conversations while I’m waiting for all the fat slow guys to finish up. this sport could use a serious injection of cool. Bunch of lycra-clad losers who ride bikes all day, suck at it, and think they are great. Yeah thats awesome, lets not change a thing.
I think magnell has about the same IQ as Hincapie….
If you think there’s anything cool about rock racing you must be high.
I met Tyler yesterday and I’m faster for it.
Why do you people insist on thinking everyone has the like the same things, or fall over the same super minor league celebrities?
You know why r & r are so lame? Their apparent lack of irony and self awareness. They may be cool for corporate douchebags suffering from mid life crises, but that shit doesn’t fly here.
SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED
oh, I’ll get right on that.
was nuts– the race had a very fun atmosphere, i just wish it didn’t conflict with housatonic.
Very fun race at Harlem – big crowd, plus a wild finish with a guy crashing across the line
so, who was it? thanks
1st some guy from time pro cycling
2nd rashan bahati – rock racing
3rd jake keough – crca/sakonnet u25
Ivan Dominguez was the coolest pro out there toady
I’m so over snotty announcers big productions over priced white boy shit. Get John Daly to announce
bike races or Kathy Griffin, or Wanda. A little bit of knowledge in an commentary is a bore.
GREAT RACE… We all owe the John Eustice a debt of gratitude for today’s race.
He took this race to the Big Leagues!
This pretty much sums up r/r.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Racing
Kudos to them for putting on a bike race with about as much class as school in the summertime.
Harlem was fun, but me and everyone around me was aghast that we had to endure 15 minutes of bullshit about what a brilliant race by crock republic and then an interview with second place finisher Rashan Bahati — before even hearing the winners team or name mentioned.
Yawn. I’d rather race carts. …Golf carts.
camera at every corner, one on a boom over the start/finish, even a frikkin helicopter! Plus a great field, and $10k purse. Awesome! I am a fan of Rock Racing, and hope they continue to support the sport thru John Eustice/Sparta Cycling…Every race had aggresive racing and very worthy winners! I never felt the race orginization was skimping in any way rider safety. I remember last year a tow truck driving backwards on the course during one of the races!!!
This was big time bike racing!
Thank you John Eustice and Rock Racing!
Coverage was great, a big purse brought out some real talent. Safety however was no different for better or worse than any other year.
A taxi took a 1/2 lap on the course during the pro race this year.
Hay bails or padding on the barriers at the corners would probably help.
I’ve been to low key local races and free drinks or water are often provided to racers. There was nothing of the sort at this extravaganza.
Thanks for putting it on, local organizer are probably far too willing to make concessions to a big time businessman than to drive a hard bargain with him.
http://www.spartacycling.com/harlemrocks/2008results.html
Lee? Is that you?
I recognize that earnestness anywhere…
Ugli Crashes again!!!! That guy can’t stay upright. Or hold his head up when he rides
he’s at least 45 and maybe 50, did two races today and got top 20 in the p-1-2
I mean trhe TV footage was ridiculous…I managed to stay in St in the pro race…which was cool. If you missed that race, sorry, becuase never again will you be filmed like that.
I personally wen tup to Ball and thanked him…very nice guy. Said I appreciate what effort he put behind this event, he and Eustice, and for that matter anyone who was involved. It was a classy event, well run, great cyclists, unbelieveable camera covereage. I would call that a success.
NYC cyclists should all be gleeming tonikght they had that event. Very special
Great race in NYC today!
Any Prospect Park results from yesterday?
that people bash ball….just smells a little bit of jealousy. one guy posts about the rashad interview, been to a baseball game lately, ever seen a rod come up to his own rap song….welcome to sports DUDE…watch ESPN one of these days. Sports equal entertainment…that is the whole freaking point. If you want to have a test of who is strongest, get you and all your cat 4 buddies and head up to massachusettes and see Jay Gump and sit on 12 trainers in a room and race each other…otherwise, get a clue. My daughter and son got to see their dad race a pro race today and be on TV…Ball wins, you lose, try to upgrade from 4 to 3 in the next 10 years. Loser.
Anything other than praise for Ball, Eustice, the DOT, and everybody who worked that race today is downright not called for in any way shape or form.
That was the best race I have seen aroudn here in years.
Yes you have to be deep in a cave of cynicism to crap on this year’s Harlem. Is Rock Racing everyone’s cup of tea? No. Would you want Ball to date your sister? No. But you have to admire them for spending big $$ to give a great city race a very fun and lively upgrade.
And for the love of God can we stop bragging about how we wouldn’t be caught dead in the jeans? We get the point. You’re super cool, Lou Reed wants to be all of your friends.
That was an event that took a LOT of $$$$…and a lot of local riders represented with good results in the top 60….SO…if you are a local rider and you are sitting on your couch on sunday wondering if you put those guys on TV into a race that local guys do, could those local guys hang….yes, the top 15-25 local guys can hang. That might just be the coolest thing….oh, and I bought a 30 dollar T shirt, and I LIKE IT…so if you are complaining about today, there are deeper issues you need to deal with.
I think Rock Racing has made a major inroad into cycling just in this past weekend. When has a pro cycling team taken the time to mingle w/ the locals and also support a race in their area? Living in Philly for several years during the Core States/Wachovia/First Union/Commerce Bank races, I only saw pro teams on training rides and they were friendly. Yet, they definitely didn’t go out of their way to try to attend local races or embrace a bit of the local culture. I think that is most important in trying to elevate cycling to a larger sport. I like what Rock Racing is trying to do and I hope that other teams take notice
The race was great. John did this in just 4 months. I hope he’s happy with the outcome and I hope Michael Ball is happy with it too so they will want to come back and build it even better for next year.
Thanks a ton.
i love the crackholes complaining about over-the-top corporate marketing at a pro bike race– you guys ought to come over to a race in europe, you can lay down in front of the caravan……
the whole reason pro bike racing exists is because of marketing…….you think people start teams to make money?
And though Ball isn’t my kind of guy, but I bet he took a total bath on that thing just so he could feel like a rock star and make you feel like one too.
2 guys in the top 10…ahead of some big names. Pretty impressive…a very solid showing by NYCers overall.
just dropped…5 bones, LOL…gets you a month pass….the COVERAGE is UNBELIEVABLE….I mean it is like what it would be if you were a NY Yankee….check it out!
Harlem was a great race last year. It was also a great race when I raced it in 1992. Still, Ball is an ostentatious asshole and his jeans are ugly as hell.
It also seems that many of you think that he’s going to save cycling by throwing some cash around. The sad fact is that you won’t be able to put a price on the damage done when one of his riders tests positive, and Ball spares no expense in defending him. Think of the kids that may look up to his example and see him waving off the fight against doping as bad for cycling. What cycling needs now is integrity, not spectacle, and Ball et al are in short supply.
And after this coverage….You better BEG alan to get in….I talked with him after the race, and he said, “this is just the start”….I like this vibe, we will make this BIG
4 riders in the top 20, 3 in the top 10, 1 on the podium
Can’t find the page with the link to today’s coverage… anyone know where that is?
I wish I could have raced today! I had other family obligations that got pushed up so my wife, son and I could at least watch some of the events. We showed up and we were EXTREMELY pleased with what Eustice, Green, Atwood – and of course Michael Ball and Rock Racing produced today. This event was and is probably the most pro event in the Northeast – and for some, probably the most pro event you may ever see in your racing life.
I have been racing for over 30 years, and my twin and I have traveled many places to race – I will never say I was any good – yet I didn’t absolutely suck either, but in all the domestic events I have been to, this is up there with the very very best. And considering that Ball and Eustice, with some very good help pulled this off in 4 months deserves more than applause.
What troubles me is that most of you who post negative remarks on this site, without your names is not only lame but stupid. Get some balls already and post your real name. I mean, you are entitled to an opinion and certainly we might not like it but, don’t hide who you are. Stop being wimps and come out – I think you are mature enough to do that. Also, if you have a complaint about today’s race, call Eustice or Ball up and maybe give some advice on how you would do things differently. Make a contribution to the sport instead of complaining about things which in this case deserves no complaining.
Yes, you might not like Ball or Rock Racing. At first I wasn’t to thrilled about the team either but, after meeting them and seeing what Ball is trying to do for racing in the US and in my backyard, I have tremendous respect for him and of course his accomplished riders.
Of course some of you are going to say, rider X and Y were not clean or something else. Well perhaps you are right but, I believe in second chances. I am sure all of you screwed up in a major way in your life. People deserve a break to prove themselves again – even if they denied taken illegal substances even after being sentenced as guilty.
Michael Ball gets it and Eustice was brilliant to get him and Rock Racing involved with Harlem. Rock Racing is going to make a big difference in this sport, attracting kids that are now going to other sports – that give them more of a cool image. No sense in naming them since most other sports do come off as cooler than guys in spandex. Ball is onto something here and I think its going to be big and good for the long-term of this sport in the USA. For those of you racing for many years, know what I am talking about. All you new guys – you just don’t get it.
Great race, great team. My wife loves her Rock Racing Hoodie, water bottles and my son is sporting his hoodie in bed right now. Michael Ball and Eustice – and the volunteers today – Thanks so much.
I took pics of the P12 race today and put some at http://eloptoof.net/Harlem2008/ You will recognize some local faces in there as well as some big names. The last 6 are from inside the last turn, including the last-lap action.
go upper right, and become a member, 4.95 for the month, then click on the Barelev story about him crashing at the line, then in the lower left you will see Harlem with a Video camera next to the link…click on that, in order to move around to see your race you need to keep it in the small screen. They literally start the live coverage (with what I think is good commentary for an event like this) at the cat 4 race…you can move to big and small screens, a lot of local guys get solid mention.
BALL, Eustice, Everyone who worked the race….Cheers! FANTASTIC…nothing else to say, best race I have ever been too…if nothing more than the fact that I am watching our race on my computer with commentary and it looks as good as if I were watching cycling.tv
This race was the same as any other quality pro race…except
1 – more crashes
2 – said they’d pay 30…but paid 20
3 – gave the wrong place checks in the corresponding place envelopes
4 – only paid $200 for 9th in a $10,000 race?
5 – some people had their cars broken into
otherwise it was pretty cool
Its harlem, do you expect anything less?
last time I checked, pros crash all the time too, just not cause someone spit on their tire and it caused them to slip out. Pros also get their shit jacked at races all the time. 200 bucks for 9th place seems pretty sweet deal to me.
could this race topple battenskill roubaix and bear as the greatest race of all time!?!?!?
This race was the same as any other quality pro race…except
1 – more crashes
>> I think you forget years past. I have done this race many many years – crashes happen here and I don’t think this race produced any more or less crashes than any other crit with this caliber of riders in a pro field – Just look at Somerville!
2 – said they’d pay 30…but paid 20
>> Maybe they were expecting a bigger filed than 115 riders – typically for the 10 G purse they need about 150 riders -though a good turn-out. Not sure why they would pay fewer placings though – still you were on TV right – were you in the top 30? If you were then think of it as your contribution to the sport -you helped pay for the camera crew. Just to put a positive spin on this.
3 – gave the wrong place checks in the corresponding place envelopes
>> This can be fixed – I am assuming you placed – what did you get? Also, I can’t tell you how many times this happened to me in my life at other races.
4 – only paid $200 for 9th in a $10,000 race?
>>>Better than 0 bucks and still good! What do you get if you win at Prospect? Maybe 80 bucks..
5 – some people had their cars broken into
>> Well no way to control that – it is harlem – we parked our car and we had no issues. Still sucks but, that is beyond what the race promoter can be responsible for.
otherwise it was pretty cool
>> I agree with that 100%
Ray, while I respect you and the fact that you expressed your opinion, I gotta say that your comment below sounds rather naive.
Your allegiance has apparently been bought for a couple corny-ass hoodies.
In the long run, Ball’s win at all cost attitude may prove damaging to the sport and, I fear, possibly even to the kids you are so happy he is attracting. And besides, what is so ‘brilliant’ about bringing Ball aboard? The guy brings money. Period. There are plenty of other companies that would be much more welcome. Companies, need I remind you, that are scared of investing in cycling thanks to the past antics of Hamilton et al. I suggest that we redirect our energies into showing sponsors that doping has no place in cycling anymore, especially not on the grass roots level.
No Name…go away. Stop showing up…bro, life is in session, if you are complaining about this stuff I feel bad about you. So waiting at prospect for 2 hours while Kissena guy tries to pay me in teh corner 40 bucks is better than today…LOL
You said it was “all that”. I’m telling you it was worse on several accounts. Great vibe and setting and scene. But the meat and potatoes were rotten.
Bro, your comment doesn’t make sense, bro.
And how do you write a comment criticizing someone for not signing in without signing your name?
Hypocritical moron.
Also, since, in your words, ‘life is in session’ may I point out that spelling and grammar count?
I noticed that Ball and Eustice didn’t bother to stop the rainstorms before the 3 and 4 races. Most local promoters will do that.
What makes you think I was bought? Because I think Michael Ball is doing a great thing for this sport? Or that I like the Hoodie or his personality? I mean, this sport is all about marketing and yes, it would be good to have other companies looking at this sport seriously again. What Ball is doing with Rock Racing is JUST THAT! You get an audience, and you get tomorrows kids engaged today, spells success and longevity for this sport.
I don’t condone drug use and I would say, with all the scrutiny in this sport, I bet Michael Ball doesn’t either. He can’t afford that type of publicity. What he is doing is giving guys is a second chance – plain and simple. They deserve it! And I beg to differ that Rock Racing isn’t improving the image of cycling – its changing it, radicalizing it, making it hip cool and less of a geek driven sport. In regards to performance enhancing drugs, I have never condoned it, never taken it and I assure you when my son is old enough, and maybe racing (or Soccer/futbol) wont be taking them either.
Since you failed to post your name, I have to assume that you don’t know me. If you did know me, you would very easily know that I am not one to be bought! Also, I do believe in giving people a second chance. Plain and simple – I am sure you have asked for a second chance before, haven’t you. If you deny that then I would say you weren’t being truthful.
Check it out…pretty amazing
but it’s 5 bucks to watch Harlem?
I mean dear god…they had 8 professional cameras, and 50 crew, it is called running a business….and Tour De Georgia was a pick up TV feed.
guys are complaingin about 5 bucks.
I’m green with envy at all you prisoners of Manhattan for having this cool race….overseas I was cockblocked after I put my credit card numbers in and couldn’t watch for the internet restrictions….and I NEVER pay for content…..damn….a HELICOPTER?…
Until someone posted ‘I can’t believe people are complaining about Harlem,’ no one was complaining about Harlem. People complained about the way Rock came on to the course about prospect. How they ignored the request the ride the back of the fields, and about Ball not wearing a helmet in a sanctioned race. I think those are all legit complaints. No one was dumping on the Harlem race though. It’s also easy to see Ball and Rock not being to one’s taste. Ray, have you read Ball’s solution to a positive test? He says he’d sit down a rider and talk to him, and then as punishment he would have to train harder than he’d ever train before. I don’t recall if that was from Schmalz’s interview or another. I also have a pretty big concern about Ball’s history of getting sued for sexual harassment. It’s cool that a local race gets bigger and more exposure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is going to like what’s driving the growth or who is going about it.
weren’t they interviewing the 2nd place Rock rider because the winner crashed after the finish line?
Class and respect is at Ball’s whim. Thats my problem with the guy.
Now, you might poo poo it and laugh that someone could care about their saturday race, but for some, that is a race in which they were competing. For RR and Ball to show up an get mingled in the saturday racing is just uncool
Could you imagine Kobe Bryant, Kevin G and gang showing up at a local high school basketball game and walking onto the court and shooting some baskets, running the fast break, dunkin hard over some 5″8′ high school power forward. sure, the crowd would be in awe and 1/2 would be whoopin’ it up, the other 1/2 would be screaming for them to ge tthe Fuc k off the court!
but they wouldnt do it. KG and KB have too much class.
Marketing and Promo is one thing. Being classless is really hard to do, but since inception, Ball has found a way to do it really well. congrats!
if he’s the future of the sport, while exciting, i think we’ll hvae issues.
who got Eustice on board for this
You just compared yourself to a high school basketball player. your argument was just negated.
On the WCSN coverage intro they showed the Euro team Gerolsteiner. I mean come on- they are not in the USA Crits series. If WCSN doesn’t deal with that I am cancelling my subscription NOW!!!! And Michael Ball should do something to ensure a bit more accuracy in places like that. I mean WTF!!!!
Kobe Bryant? Class? Oh, you must mean the way he treats the ladies. Other comparisons fail also–these guys make more in one game than the entire Rock Racing team gets paid in a year. I’ve seen many attempts to “fix” or “improve” bike racing in the United States, and none have done much to make a difference. It has found its level. If you enjoy racing, enjoy it.
I guess on one hand I’m surprised at how many people are whining about Rock Racing and their appearances in new york this weekend. in reality, I guess it’s expected, there are always a few loud mouths in the nyc peloton who hate being upstaged and will whine about everything.
I used to live and race in nyc and now live in san francisco. i still enjoy coming back and reading the mostly positive comments by fellow amateurs who enjoy pursuing our fringe sport and sharing their thoughts with like-minded enthusiasts. seems there are still unnamed haters/bitter people. these guys are inevitably “P12 guys” who only enter and always win the “real races” that are held outside of nyc. i love these guys, so many of them win, yet there are so few races. kind of like we all think that we are all above average. so little has changed, but it’s still good for a laugh whenever i read.
On rock racing. Whether you like them or not, they’re bringing energy and money to the sport. we’re all online talking about them, so i’d say it’s working.
also curious how people like “you sleep with rats” think it’s classless that these guys raced in prospect park. it’s cycling, part of what’s cool is that amateurs like us get to compete against pro riders. take a trip up to rucker, on rare occasions, you may see kobe or other nba guys dunking on high school players. i’ve never seen any whining about having no class, just guys psyched to show and prove against the best.
maybe “sleep with rats” is a bit star struck, but this happens all the time in NorCal and we’re better for it. whenever it’s rumored that international or national class pros will be in the field, all categories see better participation and people compete harder. that’s good for cycling. Levi rode in a TTT sponsored by my club and won the thing riding solo, beating a team of the jacques-maynes brothers. nobody complained, we were all better for him lending a bit of his star power to our minor league event.
was in nyc this weekend and was bummed that i couldn’t race against these classless guys who brought the jumbotron and some excitement to nyc racing. guess i should be more worried about tainting my pristine and very important jaded amateur wannabe status.
because people from nyc always ask me, i’ll preemptively make my comparisons between NorCal and nyc cycling:
1. California, much harder, more riders, more young talent with real ambition, rather than weekend warrior geezers like me
2. more racing, less whining in california. fewer petty rivalries more respect for the competition. maybe it’s the sun, helps our rosy disposition
3. a lot more respect for down category racers. the P12 is not the only real race. the lower cats are feeders for P12. teams here are often P12345 and people think about teaching and passing on nuggets of wisdom. seems people understand that racing is equally hard for everyone as effort level is always the same though talent may differ. besides, we were all Cat 5s
4. guys who win in nyc can win in NorCal or anywhere else. field strength in NorCal is much deeper, pack fodder out west is much stronger than pack fodder in new york. I’d say racing is 1 category higher in the west for the same category ranking in new york. e.g. cali 4’s are like new york 3’s
5. we don’t talk sh-t anonymously
looking forward to travelling east and picking up some easy upgrade points later this summer, LOL!! just playing…well, not really…
flame on,
pouncy (berkeley bicycle club)
thanks eustice et al for setting up a great race weekend
The show was supposed to be free on WSCN. Did you have to pay to watch it any and everyone?
I agree with most of what you said, I didn’t mind RR in Prospect myself, since I was just sitting in and riding around, but I’m not sure you realize that they didn’t actually race in Prospect.
They showed up halfway through the race and just jumped into the fields (not registered), with some not staying at the back but influencing the outcome by going in attacks and chasing despite the officials telling them to stay out of the way.
I’d be pissed if some strong local riders did that, so I guess I’m a hypocrite for not being so pissed at RR. For that, I can understand the people who complain about that.
I’d hope no one would criticise them for actually entering the races in Prospect.
I think everyone was excited for the opportunity to race against rock in PP. What transpired wasn’t that though.
was worth it
Ray, you are as missinformed as ever. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if Ball were just giving dopers a second chance.
He says it himself in Dan’s interview: he will not suspend his riders if caught doping.
He also makes the comparison that if one the employees of his clothing company were to test positive for pot smoking, he would not “out them to the labor board or to the industry saying, “This guy smokes a lot of pot, or this girl does a,b,c..”
read it here:
https://nyvelocity.com/article.aspx?ID=2276&CID=58
I don’t see how anyone can read it and think that this guy is serious against doping. At worst, he condones it, and at the very least he’s saying that he’ll look the other way.
Is this the example you want set for juniors?
And for the last time, a forty year old guy in neon skin-suit holding out the devil’s horns is not cool at all.
I had to pay $4.95 to see and video but I paid nothing (except to race) for all the fun and excitement I had. Thanks for making such an epic event.
i really enjoyed the john eustice interview, and i am pleased to see effort by someone to promote the sport.
as for rock racing, it’s not really my taste, but hey, i’d love it if someone dunked on me- i’d have a great story to tell…
maybe rock racing isn’t elitist enough for ny road racers. new yorkers prefer to be snubbed, rather than have their nosed rubs in it with “crass west coast style”.
You just don’t understand what Michael Ball is doing, and that is sad. MB wants to treat the riders like humans, not like a tool that you throw in the garbage when it breaks. If a rider tests positive he is not going to toss them from the team because he wants to get the rider back on track. He is doing the right thing, unlike so many other teams that just toss their riders off their teams at just the hint of doping.
You just don’t understand what Michael Ball is doing, and that is sad. MB wants to treat the riders like humans, not like a tool that you throw in the garbage when it breaks. If a rider tests positive he is not going to toss them from the team because he wants to get the rider back on track. He is doing the right thing, unlike so many other teams that just toss their riders off their teams at just the hint of doping.
i really enjoyed the john eustice interview, and i am pleased to see effort by someone to promote the sport.
as for rock racing, it’s not really my taste, but hey, i’d love it if someone dunked on me- i’d have a great story to tell…
maybe rock racing isn’t elitist enough for ny road racers. new yorkers prefer to be snubbed, rather than have their nosed rubs in it with “crass west coast style”.
I had to pay $4.95 to see and video but I paid nothing (except to race) for all the fun and excitement I had. Thanks for making such an epic event.
was worth it
Ray, you are as missinformed as ever. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if Ball were just giving dopers a second chance.
He says it himself in Dan’s interview: he will not suspend his riders if caught doping.
He also makes the comparison that if one the employees of his clothing company were to test positive for pot smoking, he would not “out them to the labor board or to the industry saying, “This guy smokes a lot of pot, or this girl does a,b,c..”
read it here:
https://nyvelocity.com/article.aspx?ID=2276&CID=58
I don’t see how anyone can read it and think that this guy is serious against doping. At worst, he condones it, and at the very least he’s saying that he’ll look the other way.
Is this the example you want set for juniors?
And for the last time, a forty year old guy in neon skin-suit holding out the devil’s horns is not cool at all.
I think everyone was excited for the opportunity to race against rock in PP. What transpired wasn’t that though.
The show was supposed to be free on WSCN. Did you have to pay to watch it any and everyone?
I agree with most of what you said, I didn’t mind RR in Prospect myself, since I was just sitting in and riding around, but I’m not sure you realize that they didn’t actually race in Prospect.
They showed up halfway through the race and just jumped into the fields (not registered), with some not staying at the back but influencing the outcome by going in attacks and chasing despite the officials telling them to stay out of the way.
I’d be pissed if some strong local riders did that, so I guess I’m a hypocrite for not being so pissed at RR. For that, I can understand the people who complain about that.
I’d hope no one would criticise them for actually entering the races in Prospect.
I guess on one hand I’m surprised at how many people are whining about Rock Racing and their appearances in new york this weekend. in reality, I guess it’s expected, there are always a few loud mouths in the nyc peloton who hate being upstaged and will whine about everything.
I used to live and race in nyc and now live in san francisco. i still enjoy coming back and reading the mostly positive comments by fellow amateurs who enjoy pursuing our fringe sport and sharing their thoughts with like-minded enthusiasts. seems there are still unnamed haters/bitter people. these guys are inevitably “P12 guys” who only enter and always win the “real races” that are held outside of nyc. i love these guys, so many of them win, yet there are so few races. kind of like we all think that we are all above average. so little has changed, but it’s still good for a laugh whenever i read.
On rock racing. Whether you like them or not, they’re bringing energy and money to the sport. we’re all online talking about them, so i’d say it’s working.
also curious how people like “you sleep with rats” think it’s classless that these guys raced in prospect park. it’s cycling, part of what’s cool is that amateurs like us get to compete against pro riders. take a trip up to rucker, on rare occasions, you may see kobe or other nba guys dunking on high school players. i’ve never seen any whining about having no class, just guys psyched to show and prove against the best.
maybe “sleep with rats” is a bit star struck, but this happens all the time in NorCal and we’re better for it. whenever it’s rumored that international or national class pros will be in the field, all categories see better participation and people compete harder. that’s good for cycling. Levi rode in a TTT sponsored by my club and won the thing riding solo, beating a team of the jacques-maynes brothers. nobody complained, we were all better for him lending a bit of his star power to our minor league event.
was in nyc this weekend and was bummed that i couldn’t race against these classless guys who brought the jumbotron and some excitement to nyc racing. guess i should be more worried about tainting my pristine and very important jaded amateur wannabe status.
because people from nyc always ask me, i’ll preemptively make my comparisons between NorCal and nyc cycling:
1. California, much harder, more riders, more young talent with real ambition, rather than weekend warrior geezers like me
2. more racing, less whining in california. fewer petty rivalries more respect for the competition. maybe it’s the sun, helps our rosy disposition
3. a lot more respect for down category racers. the P12 is not the only real race. the lower cats are feeders for P12. teams here are often P12345 and people think about teaching and passing on nuggets of wisdom. seems people understand that racing is equally hard for everyone as effort level is always the same though talent may differ. besides, we were all Cat 5s
4. guys who win in nyc can win in NorCal or anywhere else. field strength in NorCal is much deeper, pack fodder out west is much stronger than pack fodder in new york. I’d say racing is 1 category higher in the west for the same category ranking in new york. e.g. cali 4’s are like new york 3’s
5. we don’t talk sh-t anonymously
looking forward to travelling east and picking up some easy upgrade points later this summer, LOL!! just playing…well, not really…
flame on,
pouncy (berkeley bicycle club)
thanks eustice et al for setting up a great race weekend
Kobe Bryant? Class? Oh, you must mean the way he treats the ladies. Other comparisons fail also–these guys make more in one game than the entire Rock Racing team gets paid in a year. I’ve seen many attempts to “fix” or “improve” bike racing in the United States, and none have done much to make a difference. It has found its level. If you enjoy racing, enjoy it.
You just compared yourself to a high school basketball player. your argument was just negated.
On the WCSN coverage intro they showed the Euro team Gerolsteiner. I mean come on- they are not in the USA Crits series. If WCSN doesn’t deal with that I am cancelling my subscription NOW!!!! And Michael Ball should do something to ensure a bit more accuracy in places like that. I mean WTF!!!!
who got Eustice on board for this
weren’t they interviewing the 2nd place Rock rider because the winner crashed after the finish line?
Class and respect is at Ball’s whim. Thats my problem with the guy.
Now, you might poo poo it and laugh that someone could care about their saturday race, but for some, that is a race in which they were competing. For RR and Ball to show up an get mingled in the saturday racing is just uncool
Could you imagine Kobe Bryant, Kevin G and gang showing up at a local high school basketball game and walking onto the court and shooting some baskets, running the fast break, dunkin hard over some 5″8′ high school power forward. sure, the crowd would be in awe and 1/2 would be whoopin’ it up, the other 1/2 would be screaming for them to ge tthe Fuc k off the court!
but they wouldnt do it. KG and KB have too much class.
Marketing and Promo is one thing. Being classless is really hard to do, but since inception, Ball has found a way to do it really well. congrats!
if he’s the future of the sport, while exciting, i think we’ll hvae issues.
Until someone posted ‘I can’t believe people are complaining about Harlem,’ no one was complaining about Harlem. People complained about the way Rock came on to the course about prospect. How they ignored the request the ride the back of the fields, and about Ball not wearing a helmet in a sanctioned race. I think those are all legit complaints. No one was dumping on the Harlem race though. It’s also easy to see Ball and Rock not being to one’s taste. Ray, have you read Ball’s solution to a positive test? He says he’d sit down a rider and talk to him, and then as punishment he would have to train harder than he’d ever train before. I don’t recall if that was from Schmalz’s interview or another. I also have a pretty big concern about Ball’s history of getting sued for sexual harassment. It’s cool that a local race gets bigger and more exposure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is going to like what’s driving the growth or who is going about it.
Check it out…pretty amazing
but it’s 5 bucks to watch Harlem?
I mean dear god…they had 8 professional cameras, and 50 crew, it is called running a business….and Tour De Georgia was a pick up TV feed.
guys are complaingin about 5 bucks.
I’m green with envy at all you prisoners of Manhattan for having this cool race….overseas I was cockblocked after I put my credit card numbers in and couldn’t watch for the internet restrictions….and I NEVER pay for content…..damn….a HELICOPTER?…
What makes you think I was bought? Because I think Michael Ball is doing a great thing for this sport? Or that I like the Hoodie or his personality? I mean, this sport is all about marketing and yes, it would be good to have other companies looking at this sport seriously again. What Ball is doing with Rock Racing is JUST THAT! You get an audience, and you get tomorrows kids engaged today, spells success and longevity for this sport.
I don’t condone drug use and I would say, with all the scrutiny in this sport, I bet Michael Ball doesn’t either. He can’t afford that type of publicity. What he is doing is giving guys is a second chance – plain and simple. They deserve it! And I beg to differ that Rock Racing isn’t improving the image of cycling – its changing it, radicalizing it, making it hip cool and less of a geek driven sport. In regards to performance enhancing drugs, I have never condoned it, never taken it and I assure you when my son is old enough, and maybe racing (or Soccer/futbol) wont be taking them either.
Since you failed to post your name, I have to assume that you don’t know me. If you did know me, you would very easily know that I am not one to be bought! Also, I do believe in giving people a second chance. Plain and simple – I am sure you have asked for a second chance before, haven’t you. If you deny that then I would say you weren’t being truthful.
I noticed that Ball and Eustice didn’t bother to stop the rainstorms before the 3 and 4 races. Most local promoters will do that.
Bro, your comment doesn’t make sense, bro.
And how do you write a comment criticizing someone for not signing in without signing your name?
Hypocritical moron.
Also, since, in your words, ‘life is in session’ may I point out that spelling and grammar count?
You said it was “all that”. I’m telling you it was worse on several accounts. Great vibe and setting and scene. But the meat and potatoes were rotten.
No Name…go away. Stop showing up…bro, life is in session, if you are complaining about this stuff I feel bad about you. So waiting at prospect for 2 hours while Kissena guy tries to pay me in teh corner 40 bucks is better than today…LOL
Ray, while I respect you and the fact that you expressed your opinion, I gotta say that your comment below sounds rather naive.
Your allegiance has apparently been bought for a couple corny-ass hoodies.
In the long run, Ball’s win at all cost attitude may prove damaging to the sport and, I fear, possibly even to the kids you are so happy he is attracting. And besides, what is so ‘brilliant’ about bringing Ball aboard? The guy brings money. Period. There are plenty of other companies that would be much more welcome. Companies, need I remind you, that are scared of investing in cycling thanks to the past antics of Hamilton et al. I suggest that we redirect our energies into showing sponsors that doping has no place in cycling anymore, especially not on the grass roots level.
could this race topple battenskill roubaix and bear as the greatest race of all time!?!?!?
This race was the same as any other quality pro race…except
1 – more crashes
>> I think you forget years past. I have done this race many many years – crashes happen here and I don’t think this race produced any more or less crashes than any other crit with this caliber of riders in a pro field – Just look at Somerville!
2 – said they’d pay 30…but paid 20
>> Maybe they were expecting a bigger filed than 115 riders – typically for the 10 G purse they need about 150 riders -though a good turn-out. Not sure why they would pay fewer placings though – still you were on TV right – were you in the top 30? If you were then think of it as your contribution to the sport -you helped pay for the camera crew. Just to put a positive spin on this.
3 – gave the wrong place checks in the corresponding place envelopes
>> This can be fixed – I am assuming you placed – what did you get? Also, I can’t tell you how many times this happened to me in my life at other races.
4 – only paid $200 for 9th in a $10,000 race?
>>>Better than 0 bucks and still good! What do you get if you win at Prospect? Maybe 80 bucks..
5 – some people had their cars broken into
>> Well no way to control that – it is harlem – we parked our car and we had no issues. Still sucks but, that is beyond what the race promoter can be responsible for.
otherwise it was pretty cool
>> I agree with that 100%
Its harlem, do you expect anything less?
last time I checked, pros crash all the time too, just not cause someone spit on their tire and it caused them to slip out. Pros also get their shit jacked at races all the time. 200 bucks for 9th place seems pretty sweet deal to me.
This race was the same as any other quality pro race…except
1 – more crashes
2 – said they’d pay 30…but paid 20
3 – gave the wrong place checks in the corresponding place envelopes
4 – only paid $200 for 9th in a $10,000 race?
5 – some people had their cars broken into
otherwise it was pretty cool
go upper right, and become a member, 4.95 for the month, then click on the Barelev story about him crashing at the line, then in the lower left you will see Harlem with a Video camera next to the link…click on that, in order to move around to see your race you need to keep it in the small screen. They literally start the live coverage (with what I think is good commentary for an event like this) at the cat 4 race…you can move to big and small screens, a lot of local guys get solid mention.
BALL, Eustice, Everyone who worked the race….Cheers! FANTASTIC…nothing else to say, best race I have ever been too…if nothing more than the fact that I am watching our race on my computer with commentary and it looks as good as if I were watching cycling.tv
I took pics of the P12 race today and put some at http://eloptoof.net/Harlem2008/ You will recognize some local faces in there as well as some big names. The last 6 are from inside the last turn, including the last-lap action.
Can’t find the page with the link to today’s coverage… anyone know where that is?
I wish I could have raced today! I had other family obligations that got pushed up so my wife, son and I could at least watch some of the events. We showed up and we were EXTREMELY pleased with what Eustice, Green, Atwood – and of course Michael Ball and Rock Racing produced today. This event was and is probably the most pro event in the Northeast – and for some, probably the most pro event you may ever see in your racing life.
I have been racing for over 30 years, and my twin and I have traveled many places to race – I will never say I was any good – yet I didn’t absolutely suck either, but in all the domestic events I have been to, this is up there with the very very best. And considering that Ball and Eustice, with some very good help pulled this off in 4 months deserves more than applause.
What troubles me is that most of you who post negative remarks on this site, without your names is not only lame but stupid. Get some balls already and post your real name. I mean, you are entitled to an opinion and certainly we might not like it but, don’t hide who you are. Stop being wimps and come out – I think you are mature enough to do that. Also, if you have a complaint about today’s race, call Eustice or Ball up and maybe give some advice on how you would do things differently. Make a contribution to the sport instead of complaining about things which in this case deserves no complaining.
Yes, you might not like Ball or Rock Racing. At first I wasn’t to thrilled about the team either but, after meeting them and seeing what Ball is trying to do for racing in the US and in my backyard, I have tremendous respect for him and of course his accomplished riders.
Of course some of you are going to say, rider X and Y were not clean or something else. Well perhaps you are right but, I believe in second chances. I am sure all of you screwed up in a major way in your life. People deserve a break to prove themselves again – even if they denied taken illegal substances even after being sentenced as guilty.
Michael Ball gets it and Eustice was brilliant to get him and Rock Racing involved with Harlem. Rock Racing is going to make a big difference in this sport, attracting kids that are now going to other sports – that give them more of a cool image. No sense in naming them since most other sports do come off as cooler than guys in spandex. Ball is onto something here and I think its going to be big and good for the long-term of this sport in the USA. For those of you racing for many years, know what I am talking about. All you new guys – you just don’t get it.
Great race, great team. My wife loves her Rock Racing Hoodie, water bottles and my son is sporting his hoodie in bed right now. Michael Ball and Eustice – and the volunteers today – Thanks so much.
And after this coverage….You better BEG alan to get in….I talked with him after the race, and he said, “this is just the start”….I like this vibe, we will make this BIG
4 riders in the top 20, 3 in the top 10, 1 on the podium
just dropped…5 bones, LOL…gets you a month pass….the COVERAGE is UNBELIEVABLE….I mean it is like what it would be if you were a NY Yankee….check it out!
Harlem was a great race last year. It was also a great race when I raced it in 1992. Still, Ball is an ostentatious asshole and his jeans are ugly as hell.
It also seems that many of you think that he’s going to save cycling by throwing some cash around. The sad fact is that you won’t be able to put a price on the damage done when one of his riders tests positive, and Ball spares no expense in defending him. Think of the kids that may look up to his example and see him waving off the fight against doping as bad for cycling. What cycling needs now is integrity, not spectacle, and Ball et al are in short supply.
2 guys in the top 10…ahead of some big names. Pretty impressive…a very solid showing by NYCers overall.
i love the crackholes complaining about over-the-top corporate marketing at a pro bike race– you guys ought to come over to a race in europe, you can lay down in front of the caravan……
the whole reason pro bike racing exists is because of marketing…….you think people start teams to make money?
And though Ball isn’t my kind of guy, but I bet he took a total bath on that thing just so he could feel like a rock star and make you feel like one too.
The race was great. John did this in just 4 months. I hope he’s happy with the outcome and I hope Michael Ball is happy with it too so they will want to come back and build it even better for next year.
Thanks a ton.
I think Rock Racing has made a major inroad into cycling just in this past weekend. When has a pro cycling team taken the time to mingle w/ the locals and also support a race in their area? Living in Philly for several years during the Core States/Wachovia/First Union/Commerce Bank races, I only saw pro teams on training rides and they were friendly. Yet, they definitely didn’t go out of their way to try to attend local races or embrace a bit of the local culture. I think that is most important in trying to elevate cycling to a larger sport. I like what Rock Racing is trying to do and I hope that other teams take notice
Yes you have to be deep in a cave of cynicism to crap on this year’s Harlem. Is Rock Racing everyone’s cup of tea? No. Would you want Ball to date your sister? No. But you have to admire them for spending big $$ to give a great city race a very fun and lively upgrade.
And for the love of God can we stop bragging about how we wouldn’t be caught dead in the jeans? We get the point. You’re super cool, Lou Reed wants to be all of your friends.
That was an event that took a LOT of $$$$…and a lot of local riders represented with good results in the top 60….SO…if you are a local rider and you are sitting on your couch on sunday wondering if you put those guys on TV into a race that local guys do, could those local guys hang….yes, the top 15-25 local guys can hang. That might just be the coolest thing….oh, and I bought a 30 dollar T shirt, and I LIKE IT…so if you are complaining about today, there are deeper issues you need to deal with.
that people bash ball….just smells a little bit of jealousy. one guy posts about the rashad interview, been to a baseball game lately, ever seen a rod come up to his own rap song….welcome to sports DUDE…watch ESPN one of these days. Sports equal entertainment…that is the whole freaking point. If you want to have a test of who is strongest, get you and all your cat 4 buddies and head up to massachusettes and see Jay Gump and sit on 12 trainers in a room and race each other…otherwise, get a clue. My daughter and son got to see their dad race a pro race today and be on TV…Ball wins, you lose, try to upgrade from 4 to 3 in the next 10 years. Loser.
Anything other than praise for Ball, Eustice, the DOT, and everybody who worked that race today is downright not called for in any way shape or form.
That was the best race I have seen aroudn here in years.
I personally wen tup to Ball and thanked him…very nice guy. Said I appreciate what effort he put behind this event, he and Eustice, and for that matter anyone who was involved. It was a classy event, well run, great cyclists, unbelieveable camera covereage. I would call that a success.
NYC cyclists should all be gleeming tonikght they had that event. Very special
Great race in NYC today!
Any Prospect Park results from yesterday?
I mean trhe TV footage was ridiculous…I managed to stay in St in the pro race…which was cool. If you missed that race, sorry, becuase never again will you be filmed like that.
he’s at least 45 and maybe 50, did two races today and got top 20 in the p-1-2
Ugli Crashes again!!!! That guy can’t stay upright. Or hold his head up when he rides
Lee? Is that you?
I recognize that earnestness anywhere…
http://www.spartacycling.com/harlemrocks/2008results.html
Coverage was great, a big purse brought out some real talent. Safety however was no different for better or worse than any other year.
A taxi took a 1/2 lap on the course during the pro race this year.
Hay bails or padding on the barriers at the corners would probably help.
I’ve been to low key local races and free drinks or water are often provided to racers. There was nothing of the sort at this extravaganza.
Thanks for putting it on, local organizer are probably far too willing to make concessions to a big time businessman than to drive a hard bargain with him.
camera at every corner, one on a boom over the start/finish, even a frikkin helicopter! Plus a great field, and $10k purse. Awesome! I am a fan of Rock Racing, and hope they continue to support the sport thru John Eustice/Sparta Cycling…Every race had aggresive racing and very worthy winners! I never felt the race orginization was skimping in any way rider safety. I remember last year a tow truck driving backwards on the course during one of the races!!!
This was big time bike racing!
Thank you John Eustice and Rock Racing!
This pretty much sums up r/r.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Racing
Kudos to them for putting on a bike race with about as much class as school in the summertime.
Harlem was fun, but me and everyone around me was aghast that we had to endure 15 minutes of bullshit about what a brilliant race by crock republic and then an interview with second place finisher Rashan Bahati — before even hearing the winners team or name mentioned.
Yawn. I’d rather race carts. …Golf carts.
GREAT RACE… We all owe the John Eustice a debt of gratitude for today’s race.
He took this race to the Big Leagues!
I’m so over snotty announcers big productions over priced white boy shit. Get John Daly to announce
bike races or Kathy Griffin, or Wanda. A little bit of knowledge in an commentary is a bore.
Ivan Dominguez was the coolest pro out there toady
1st some guy from time pro cycling
2nd rashan bahati – rock racing
3rd jake keough – crca/sakonnet u25
so, who was it? thanks
Very fun race at Harlem – big crowd, plus a wild finish with a guy crashing across the line
was nuts– the race had a very fun atmosphere, i just wish it didn’t conflict with housatonic.
SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED
oh, I’ll get right on that.
You know why r & r are so lame? Their apparent lack of irony and self awareness. They may be cool for corporate douchebags suffering from mid life crises, but that shit doesn’t fly here.
I think magnell has about the same IQ as Hincapie….
If you think there’s anything cool about rock racing you must be high.
I met Tyler yesterday and I’m faster for it.
Why do you people insist on thinking everyone has the like the same things, or fall over the same super minor league celebrities?
Whats the issue here with rock racing? you guys are so obnoxious. You push away any attempts to make this sport better. Quite honestly I’m sick if hearing the same lame ass conversations while I’m waiting for all the fat slow guys to finish up. this sport could use a serious injection of cool. Bunch of lycra-clad losers who ride bikes all day, suck at it, and think they are great. Yeah thats awesome, lets not change a thing.
In fact, he makes Jammet look eloquent.
you guys are missing the point
schmalz in a rock kit today.
i dont care if lex luthor makes that happen. i support it.
Check out this clown racing today in Harlem for R&R.
His website is perhaps the funniest thing I’ve come across in a long, long time.
Besides the amateur modeling shots, journal entries titled, ‘Let your’re style do the talking here’s a pen. go to town’, there is also a poem titled America. Here is a sample verse:
“ive got a beautiful disease..
i love what i see.
i am the righteous king
you are the song written beside moonlit streams.”
http://www.sterlingmagnell.com/
I don’t think there is anything cool about R&R or their corny ass corporate, LA, tanned and ‘roided vibe. And the jeans are tacky as hell.
The people who think their shit is cool think Coldplay is some cutting edge shit.
I’ll pass.
did not ride a smart race…
I think you missed the point.
The “most cyclists are dorks” thing rings so true. While I am proud of my dork-ness, I also believe there is a lot of untapped talent out there in young athletes who would never consider cycling seriously because of that stigma.
Ball and RR are making an attempt to attract a younger, “cooler” element into cycling. So maybe 5 years from now, a High School cyclist might be included in the “in” crowd instead of his being alienated and labelled as a “dork.”
It’s a good thing.
And no matter WHAT Rock Racing did yesterday at PP, there would be a bunch of bitter curmudgeons on this board ready to criticize.
The “most cyclists are dorks” thing rings so true. While I am proud of my dork-ness, I also believe there is a lot of untapped talent out there in young athletes who would never consider cycling seriously because of that stigma.
Ball and RR are making an attempt to attract a younger, “cooler” element into cycling. So maybe 5 years from now, a High School cyclist might be included in the “in” crowd instead of his being alienated and labelled as a “dork.”
It’s a good thing.
And no matter WHAT Rock Racing did yesterday at PP, there would be a bunch of bitter curmudgeons on this board ready to criticize.
the 2s are going to have problems this afternoon
by reading this site…and racing in NY for 3 years
1) Most cyclists are dorks..fact guys, you are.
2) Most of you are negative…horrible way to live life, yesterday was fun, rub elbows, live a little, lose the chip on your shoulder you dumb ass cat 4.
3) there are 50 guys who can actually ride a bike fast…you could put all 400 guys that showed up yesterday in a line up and I could pick out the 50. The rest are weekend warriors who think they are racers.
4) The cool thing about today is that i am in the race, didn’t have to travel to belgium, or get on a plane, and I am going ot get to race againt 3-5 legitimate pros…so let me be fired up about rubbing shoulders, I think that is great.
i can’t decide which one scares me most in the pro 1/2 field – spider or ugli.
The best thing about this site is you guys who hate the local dopers but then worship the international superhero dopers for coming out to support you. Which way do you guys want it? Cheats or no cheats?
YYYYAAAAWN.
you all suck
lance is also a cheat and a liar, but lets not get into that.
When was the last time you raced with a tour stage winner, giro stage winner, national champs? Get over yourself. If you’re really that bitter about someone cheating in a race you werent even in, 4 years ago, you could prly look a little closer to home for people to be bitter at.
I’m really too old to care. I just want to race with my friends, have a good time, and get some exercise. Michael Ball is an asshole, Tyler Hamilton is a cheat and a liar. It’s cool that some people are really into the whole rub elbows with the pros thing. Just don’t expect everyone to be. They showed up late, and then went out of their way to prove that they’re a spectacle. If that’s what gets pro cycling exposure (considering it didn’t take off when Lance won 7 tours) I’ll be pretty surprised.
Anyone who is complaining is clueless…those guys were cool, and they were there to SUPPORT and have fun..so roll with it. I am a cat 2 racing tomorrow at 4PM, and having my family come….WHy, becuase they got involved and i think this race will be entertaining enough to warrant draging my family to harlem….Rock Racing deserves nothing but praise for what they are doing. ANy press is good press…if Michael Ball told you to F off, then you should have taken your chance to tell him when you had it to f off back. Other than that legitimate pro riders showed up today, guys you watch on Veruss on Sunday, and you rode with them…I don;t see how that isn;t a hell of a lot better than if they didn;t ….and btw, if I remember correctly a LOT of you were calling all arms to have them show up at a real NYC race like prospect…they did. Now shut it, and enjoy the show.
“IF YOU WHERE IN THE FRONT YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN!”
Well, maybe I was in the break.
I got everyone’s email address who is in the pro race tomorrow.
who cares dude get a life!
Is that you Alan?
IF YOU WHERE IN THE FRONT YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN!
The Rock guys were there today to promote the sport of pro cycling in the US at the most basic level. They woke up early and risked injury to ride with a bunch of mostly unknown local riders.
They also spent time in CP Friday evening and hung out and talked with many local folks who just stopped over to chat.
It seems that the race organizers themselves instructed the RR riders to mix in with the race. It’s not their fault that the fields were a mess and it wasn’t clear where they were supposed to be.
Their being with the 4’s at first was an honest mistake. To a high level pro rider, the difference between our amateur 4 men and 1/2/3 men’s races is negligible. Kinda like an adult walking into a 2nd grade class instead of a third grade class by accident; might take a couple of minutes to notice their mistake, if at all.
Everyone’s a critic. But this team represents a real effort to stir the pot here in the US and to create something good in the end. We ought to support this as a NY cycling and racing community.
WE WON’T PHOTOS OF THE ROCK IN THE PRO 123
“I did see one of them bring back a break though that kind of worked out…..lol”
Which break did they bring back?
where are the pics of today.. Did anyone get the crashes of the CAT 5 finishes on video???
ROCK ON!!
WE WON’T PHOTOS OF THE ROCK IN THE PRO 123
and his Toyota teammate were also in PP this morning. They did not have the urge to contest the field sprint (if they even rode with the field, they stayed in the back). They rode around the park after the race and were friendly. To me that’s more classy.
How did Tom Danielson do today in Prospect?
RR in PP today and in Harlem tomorrow.
Hmmm, despite all his big talk, I don’t think Michael Ball has some kind of evil master plan other than spending his money and pissing people off. And for what it’s worth, I think it’s kind of great he’s doing it on a marginal US sport that could badly use a boost. He could just be another jackhole teeing off at the country club or sitting courtside at the NBA finals, and instead he is dragging his spray-tanned ass out of his cashmere sheets to chase you boneheads around at 6:30 in the morning. Don’t you realize? He thinks YOU are cool, he wants to show off to YOU. Which, come to think of it, probably makes him completely insane.
I think they seem to have added a touch motivation and spark to today’s race!
I agree I don’t think we should be so hung up on a PP Race,
I did see one of them bring back a break though that kind of worked out…..lol
Have fun and ride fuck’en bike!! from a rider that rides!
$hould have done did up GImbel$
More publicity for the we$tche$ter milf$ that wear tho$e clothe$…
Dude, I TOTALLY peaked for the race this morning. And I got completely distracted! I was going to race tomorrow in Harlem, but for some reason my invite code didn’t work on BikeReg. My race weight and power were RIGHT ON TARGET! And my internet shipment of special Booster pills arrived on Thursday.
Damn Rock Racing! Go to hell Michael Ball! You stole MY RACE. You made a mockery of NYC racing. You and your Escalades and Pomeranians in black sweaters. Go back to LA. Leave Prospect Park to the big BOYS. That $30 preem would have paid my gas money for my first out of town race!
How dare you make me look like a DORK. I am not a DORK. I am a CAT 2 RACER. Ball, go back to selling jeans to the hot girls I have no time to date. Now!
Is this Page Six? Our beer league? Say it ain’t so.
And why do the 5s keeping catching the 4s?
y’all playing into his slippery hands.
i think it’s great rock showed up
because you guys have totally forgotten to trash the guys who won the races
Didn’t hear anyone yelling at them? Half the field was totally pissed and yelling at them They also ignored the officials at the start/finish who told them to go to the back. Classy.
Man, this is the Big Apple, if someone doesn’t tell you to f– off three times before noon, you ain’t trying….
ha! funny & true
Damn straight! Next topic.
The Rock guys were nice and friendly in the race, and one was even apologetic for their participation when I asked him what they were up to, saying that they were doing what the boss told them to do. He even gave me a tow to the front. Ball himself was riding around in the race without a helmet – way to go. Rules are rules though, and they exist for a reason.
And let’s not get carried away with the pro ball player analogy – They’re just guys who ride bikes and many of them sanctioned dopers. Ball himself has multiple lawsuits against him for sexual harassment, extortion, and assault and battery.
I heard some guy saying that its good to have them in our sport – that they’re paying for the race tomorrow and we need that. But Harlem Crit has been running since long before Rock Racing and will be going on long after they’re gone, which can’t come soon enough.
See it all right here:
http://su13.us/su_central
I always had fun when the Pro’s would come after USPro at Philly and aside from being ground up, I placed top ten a few times. If those guys want to bootleg and risk their seaon that’s their problem. I would have prefered they stayed at the back. They should know better…but I didn’t hear anyone telling them to get lost.
In 5 years, with all regional races shut-down, and the good ole Skinscraper back to its former glory you whiners will still be doing PP loops at 6:30. F yeah!
Did MB really say that unprovoked? Last I remembered, in New York we say “fuck off” when someone is being stupid and tight-assed. When in Rome?
WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAH!
WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
A 3-TIME NAT’L CHAMP AND HIS TEAM JUMPED IN MY FIELD!
WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!
YOU GUYS COULD FIND A DONKEY THAT SH-T DIAMONDS AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE MESS
Look, this is Brooklyn racing. Every time you ride you have to deal with drunk one-armed guys juggling on unicycles, triathalon mania, stroller-pushing MILF patrol, killer squirrels, etc.
Rock Racing is the least of your worries.
You guys are missing the point. If they had shown up and started the race it would have been great. but jumping in halfway and acting like idiots and telling local riders to shut up. Very lame. I have lost so much respoect for those guys. Just makes me sad.
Let’s say they had registered. And started on time. And decided to grind you up for the whole race. Would that have been more fun?
4 RockRacing dudes (riding with 4s):
“What???! there are more then one race at a time!!!!???”
Next topic.
I thought it was kinda lame that they showed up and chased down breaks in our beer league. And then Michael Ball told a rider to eff off if he didn’t like it. Classy guy. M. Ball is a dick.
And the whole scene was pretty interesting/humorous this more.
I liked Spider’s feather too.
Freddie Rodriguez:
“it was great, smooth, we’re thinking ‘this is cool’ then…crash!”
10 days suspension if flagrant
Maybe you’ll have a shot of placing tomorrow! I’d pursue that
Before they were in the 123 race those guys were riding with the 4’s. If they’re willing to get caught behind some of those guys and wreck their season, then who cares where they ride? I prefer they sign up and race (like when the Pros would show up Core States week) but they were cool guys.
If every doper was blacklisted, there would be no one to race. In the long run I think Ball’s approach will reduce doping.
Here’s why.
Let’s say you are a South American natural gas company, or a TV channel. Let’s say your team is stacked with pretty boring dudes, and every year you march up to corporate and lay down your results to some exec. He reads down the list and writes and check. This seems like a recipe for doping. Results are everything. And these teams couldn’t self-promote if their lives depended on it.
In Ball’s model, sure results are important. But it is also about personality, fun, and attitude. His formula relies less on some Podium Time to Dollar ration. It is about showbiz. He hired ex-dopers, but perhaps we was the only guy who didn’t need to be scared of spooking the natural gas company. He picked up great riders.
So, based on my twisted logic, you wont see more young people dope. Then again, they flew the team out in a private jet. That might get a little tempting.
From USCF Road Racing Rulebook:
1O11. Non-Competitor on Course. A rider may not be on the track or course during a race for which he or she has not entered and registered, or from which he or she has withdrawn or been directed to withdraw [relegation or disqualification if entered in another race in the event for which the results are not yet final; 10 days suspension if flagrant].
I think the only comment was that stopping their vehicle on the course wasn’t a great idea. Not sure how that’s a slight against the riders…pretty sure Tyler wasn’t driving.
I think the folks bitching, are the same folks who talk about not wanting their coworkers to show up and race, and pretty much want to keep their world insular, protected, and really, really tight-assed.
Great fun this morning. The Rock kit does look like an evil Spiderman twin getup.
If it was completely unexpected, and they were dicks, then maybe you’d have a point.
I did enjoy Rock showing up this morning to the race. I also think that what Ball is doing for the sport is great. He is really working it from the ground up, and I hope it pays out for him. The only down side is his message he is sending out about doping. Some of the riders he has representing his team are shady at best. I will not be surprised if we see more positive test occur with younger riders in America.
Rock won me over today
that’s true, my gf won’t get up to watch me race, it was very cool.
…I think some of those individuals that were bitching were just upset by the fact that they were no longer the big fish in our little pond. It was great that Rock Racing made the effort to make an appearance (….Prospect park of all places). They were all very gracious…..lighten up – so this week all the photos won’t be focused on the usual suspects for the millionth time
Anyone who is bitching…should keep their mouths shut. Those guys were nice, showed up in force to support the local race, hopped in to mix it up (if you have a problem with that you are moronic) and then post the race hung out a little and mentioned they are excited for tomorrow and looking forward to that same group of local guys showing up again.
How is that not a good thing for that race?
Please someone explain a CON to them showing up….It was fantastic.
I liken it to a couple major leaguers coming into town to hop into a college game…you let em hop in.
I would have rather had the 2008 Rock Racing crew show up vs. teh 2004 discovery team…oh yeah, they would have never showed up and oh yeah…don’t think they ever threw big money behind a local event either.
I am a big fan of Michael Ball and looking forward to 4PM tomrorow.
Come on guys – this is a glorified beer league but with a bunch of self obsessed maniacs who watch their weight too much to drink beer.
Mr. Capt. America Freddie Rodriguez, and Rashaan Bahati, and a bunch of other Rock guys came out. Would you be as upset if Chris Webber came and interrupted your intramural basketball game, or if Don Mattingly wanted to take a few swings during your softball game?
Having Rock show up with the semi, ball, and an entourage was cool as hell.
“Ball may be a freak but at least he’s a freak who is trying to reach the grass roots.”
I know the usual suspects will complain about the Rockus Interruptus today — and it was a little dodgy when they jumped in the field — but c’mon, you have to admit, it was pretty admirable that they rousted themselves out of bed to go to show up at a Brooklyn race. Ball may be a freak but at least he’s a freak who is trying to reach the grass roots.
Still, I’m sure some people will find a way to bitch about it, so bitch away, this oughta be interesting to read….
Right on Fred Rod’w wheel coming into the last K when some Toyota United guys chopped me off it
We were 80 riders back, but still. Right on Freddie’s wheel!
http://www.myfoxwebcasts.com/
BTW – I heard Prospect is gonna get “Rock-ed” tomorrow…actually that is just a guess
I’m going over to repave the course. Who can join me?
Nice job by the rock racing crew pulling their escalades on to the course today. One might think the pros would know better.
that wasn’t rock racing. those were the organic athlete escalades…idiot
This action caught on camera this morning!
ttp://velopaint.blogspot.com/2008/06/rock-racing-in-central-park-pre-harlem.html
now copy and paste with the included ‘h’:
This action caught on camera this morning!
http://velopaint.blogspot.com/2008/06/rock-racing-in-central-park-pre-harlem.html
So if the best 1 or 2 from each of the best teams collude to fix results at Harlem, everybody OK with that?
is that a real mustache. has cozza seen that pic?
This race will be very cool
Thanks for the history Alex
Who is JFT?
Great article Alex. Top notch.
I just had a big chicken sandwich and a beer
the back of the field
would be the girl in the picture, that is another one who has been around the ‘race scene’ for many years. Her interview has been done check here:
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=5511
hopefull friday?
To JFT:
Do have evidence to support your contention that one person from your office is interested in going to Harlem?
Otherwise, I think I’m safer without a helmet and am keeping my tires at 120 psi. I’m also going to be looking for JP when I’m up at Harlem. He owes me rent money.
What I meant was the day my boss and co-workers take the line to compete in a race with me is the day I stop racing.
same viewpoint stands. I would love to see my boss or coworkers getting interested in racing. Not only that but if I didnt like’em, more the opportunity to put’em in check if he/she tries to get away in a break.
Thanks for the report and insights, John. It’s been fun riding with you a few times in Central Park and you’ve convinced me to be there on Sunday. Good luck with the event.
Do you argue with your coworkers about everything under the sun as well? If you weren’t so difficult maybe more than one would show and you’d be a better ambassador for the sport.
WOW! John really seems to have transformed his physique in the 80’s. He went from scrawny to diesel… the “gun show” and the shoulders are impressive… suspiciously impressive….
I think the permitting for Harlem has not been too hard, and this year both the DOT and NYC Sports Commission are on board — and I would not be surprised if one or both commissioners show up. Parks Commissioner Benepe likes bike racing too. The hard nut to crack for permits, I think, is the police and local community boards. David Walker has the relationships to make it work for the Skyscraper. We need that for other places in the city.
true. or increased exposure could create additional races with easier permitting.
I can totally understand non-racers not wanting to watch bike races, but the Harlem race will be decent for spectators. Maybe not something they’d want to watch every weekend, but perhaps as interesting as going out to watch a parade, or the marathon, or something like that. Cool for an hour or two.
I think yall should send a note to co-workers — I sent the following and think I got one taker (out of 30 people in my office):
“Some friends of mine are promoting a major bike race on Sunday in Harlem that
I agree. The day my boss and co-workers line up at a PP race or out of town race is the day I stop racing.
I would love it if my co-workers and boss would show up to my races. The more fan fare the better. Anybody that writes that they wouldnt like to see people lining the course cheering on local races (cpk – pp) are lying to themselves and shortsighted.
For the record – many share Eustice’s views on Floyd.
where he can headbutt anyone he pleases.
America, where the euros come to retire.
where can i go to find out about cool upcoming races?
Settle down, Jeffrey
What is so great about the way the sport is now?
Lee, are you still defending Floyd?
He didn’t get a fair shake?! I mean, come on!
You really are a nitwit.
It’s affordable, mostly safe, racers are generally good people self-selected, not forced into the sport by parents or coaches or even employers, multiple races to choose from every week, pressure to do well is tolerable (more so than high school football). At the same time, many races can’t handle more people. I don’t care if bike racing is on TV or in the papers. I have few complaints about it. I understand some people want to make more money from it. Good for them, I guess.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Go to http://www.premierecycling.net for some cool races coming up.
Great Interview. Great figure for NYC cycling too. Thanks.
To the last comment. At the end of the day Floyd got unfair shake at getting to the truth – guilty or not. A lot of the facts and factors that lead to that stage 17 ride made sense to me. Based on John E. career written about in this interview, I give his backing of this case a little more validity.
John has always been the greatest cycling advocate around, providing unconditional support for events and racers. Bringing top racers (Tafi, Jalbert, Steels, Boonen, etc) to his super hard races, has helped our up-and-coming racers get a real taste of Euro racing. Congratulations on a great cycling career and many thanks for his years of hard work for the cycling community. It is greatly appreciated.
Lack of juniors isn’t the problem with cycling. It’s the grown men behaving badly. Anyway, why market it to the masses? So we can’t get into races? So 100 guys can get a raise? To satisfy nationalism through bike racing? It’s fine the way it is.
there is a rumor that ZIdane might play for the NY Red Bulls
John Eustice, second only to Adrian Karsten
Does he still blindly support Floyd? His frothing at the mouth insistance on Floyd’s innocence during Landis’ fund raisers made me question his sincerity.
I love the Vitus 979 Aluminum w/ Mavic on the cobbles – just like King Kelly…oh yeah,
nice article also…
It is great seeing John Eustice in Central Park doing laps and racing at times also. I love what he said about “The Lance Effect”. I can remember the post Lance years of cycling when I could watch the Spring Classics and the Giro on OLN with infinite repeats almost commercial free. While Lance introduced many to cycling, where are these same people now. Thanks John for helping to save a great race for NYC.
Especially with teh point abou thow we are running a losing race by trying o emulate the tour de france…American should focus it’s attention on Criteriums and one day races with “philly” like walls. This is america, American Gladioator, American Idol, WWF….If we want to market our sport such that it gains a little mass appeal then I think you need ot know your audience. That is why I like the way Ball is approaching this race…and I couldn’t be happier i bailed on Housatonic for the 4PM showdown!
I agree that kids and junior development are the key to building more interest in the sport. Otherwise, it will remain a kooky fringe sport that only the participants care about. Look at soccer in this country. Attendance at a NY Red Bulls game is 90 percent kids/teen teams. Interesting that Beckham is to American soccer what Lance is to cycling .
Who win be in the top five in all cats?
What are we looking for in the races to lash out? Will be exciting to know these things. Like a playbill for cycling.
Community/City support was via the local guy David Walker.
Eustice is getting the top racers back, and the sponsors
Great
The first or second issue of Velo News I sas had that picture of him at the US Pros on the cobbles. I hadn’t started racing but it looked so cool.
He rode for two years with Sean Kelly
Yes Great read, i had meet John on 9W but never would have imagined he was this accomplished.
The City did not shut down the NYC Cycling Championships. Casale and Chauner lost BMC Software as their race sponsor and pulled out. City Sports Commissioner Ken Posziba asked me if CRCA could take over the race.
The City has also never expressed any problem with the Harlem race or threatened to shut it down. David Walker got the permits for the previous 34 years and he has gotten the City permits for this year’s race.
In my opinion the race needed a “boost” so I got John together with David to try to make the race into something bigger. Looks like John has done a great job.
John has been a great member of the US cycling community for so long. It’s about time he got a full interview, excellent work.
Used to know Billy from Jackie Simes bike shop in Nanuet NY back in 75 or so. That was a wild place to hang out back in the day!
How has no one commented on John’s bad A$$ Moustache. Super classy.
John Eustice should be utterly ashamed of his totally horrid piece on Armstrong stating he was the ultimate competitor al al Social Darwinism the ultimate drug machine.
Noting Cycling Sport but Phamocological Sport.
YUCH
I would believe Eustice if it weren’t for the fact that he went on ESPN and NBC (during the U.S. Open race in Virginia) and declared that Floyd Landis was innocent. And then later declared that USADA’s decision to investigate Lance was a big mistake and wouldn’t accomplish anything constructive.
You know, little things like that.
i would believe eustice too if it wasn’t for just about everything he said being wrong. other than that, i’m sure he’s a great guy.
Those Rock & Republic girls were skunk ho’s. Here’s a classic review of one of Ball’s trashy runway shows…
——-
If you had told us yesterday that in 24 hours we’d be privy to a fashion show that made Kimora Lee Simmons look like Michael Kors, we’d have patted you on the back, poured you a cup of coffee, and called you a cab, because clearly you needed to go sleep it off.
But that was before we learned that the unofficial theme for Rock & Republic was “Pimps n’ Hos.” For serious: We’re pretty sure that the only people buying the metallic hot pants, sheer leopard-print, fur-trimmed gowns, and something that we think might have involved the skin of a Muppet are actual, genuine whores.
There certainly weren’t any celebrities at the show, because the only people desperate enough to feign interest in this train wreck were socialites. Tinsley Mortimer wasted a perfectly good out-of-character sleek ponytail on it and looked totally lost as she struggled to keep a politely straight face. Camilla al Fayed, two seats down, didn’t even try, laughing with abandon toward the end when a girl came out wearing a cropped jacket and low-slung shorts that deliberately revealed the SEAM on her TIGHTS. For real. And then there were the footless tights worn as pants. And the neon. The NEON. Our eyes, they are still burning.
The whole thing was like Sienna Miller and Janice Dickinson had a threesome with Vince Neal in the Mötley Crüe heyday, and this collection was their demonic, deranged spawn. Except trashier.
Honestly, we’re kind of scarred. We haven’t seen this kind of horror — 72 separate, skanky looks! 72! — since the acid-washed craze swept our junior high. And just when we thought it was all over, it got worse: The models were forced out on the runway to drink Champagne very awkwardly with the designer (who came out to the weakest three-person ovation we’ve ever barely heard) and pretend to socialize, like the curtain call of a dinner-theater production of Cabaret directed by Lil’ Kim. The bloody show just wouldn’t end: After being assaulted by the tragedy against fabric and good taste that was the show itself, we all had to sit there and watch the greasy male models undulate, when all we wanted to do was get out of there and wash the skank off.
It might take all week. —The Fug Girls
Several glaring mistakes in Eustice’s article. One, he says “we won 11 out of the last 20 Tours de France.” Actually, the correct answer is 3 out of 20. Second Eustice talks up Michael Ball a lot, but only because he was writing an advertisement and hitting Ball up for heavy cash for his Harlem race at the time.
We now know that Ball was SUPPLYING dope to his riders, which is not exactly how Eustice is portraying him. Ball’s team subsequently folded and so did his obnoxious fly-by-night company, Rock & Republic. Easy come, easy go.
The whole Lance effect is…well, in hindsight, we now know what it wasn’t.
say what you will, but those rock & republic girls as team entourage were SMOKIN’!
Betsy to Golden Corral….
With all the BS about “Kings of the road”, “Epic”, “Heart on the sleeve”, the person with the biggest conjones in cycling is some domestic’s wife.
Rock on “Besty”!