Hopeful 5/2/2008

Section head text.

It looks like a moist weekend is in the forecast for pretty much anywhere you’d want to race this weekend. Saturday has Jiminy Peak up North — you know for the northern hard men types. For the fancy pants poodle-walking city types, there’s the Cadence Prospect Park Series on Saturday.

Sunday has the Tour of Colt’s Neck, and let us not forget that Tuesday brings the World Championship Stage Race of Brooklyn, the fabulous Cadence Tuesday Night Race Series presented by the Kissena Cycling Club. Now, where’s my leash, Fifi needs to tinkle.

110 Comments

Advice Appreciated

But not Jiminy or 5/2. After training for a couple months with a mix of longer steady-state hilly rides and the occasional fast group ride (racing not an option due to other commitments), what should the final 10 training days leading up to Bear Mountain look like? Cut back on the mileage (not like I do mega miles?) Intensity? Stay away from hills? Or do them tempo? Or hard? Or easy? What to do two days before, the day before? Should I warm up before the race (can you do that on the course, or bring a trainer?) Any coaches awake this morning? Thanks.

not a coach

I would keep the tempo work, with some medium interval days as well. I would still include my Monday Friday rest days.

I am definetly using a trainer before the race, and try to get a 30-40 minute warmup.

Anonymous

Cut back on the mileage, consume large amounts of coffee cake. You need to eat Drake’s – purchased at your local Bodega – to ensure that it has properly aged. You should eat at least 4 coffee cakes per day.

Anonymous

Some bigger names pros showing up – Wiswell back from Europe, J Powers from Jelly Belly, to name a couple. Looks like Fiordi, Empire and a few other regional elite teams will be bringing large teams. Oh and Big Mengoni Wilson is racing Jiminy. We can finally see if he can actually ride uphill in his come back years. Jiminy seems to be the last race I would think Wilson would race. Long uphill finish??? One more thing, the great Jordan Sagalowski is now a 3 and we will see how he does…

Not a coach

Get a coach. There are many good coaches around for $100-150 a month that will help you. Think about what you spend on tires, tubes, gels, misc crap on your bike in one month. Prob equals more than $100. Sell the Zipp tubulars, and they will pay for a year of coaching. You will get alot more speed from the training.

Anonymous

Take a look at the pros and 1s and 2s. Do they EVER bring a trainer to a race? Do they EVER really warm up? TTs don’t count. most of the time, they just roll around. Take their lead, don’t warm up, no need in a RR.

Anonymous

Opps, forget that, thats a secret of elite riders, you aren’t supposed to know not to warm up. Please bring your trainer. make sure you cool down on it afterwards for a good hour as well..

Anonymous

The finish at Jiminy is not a climber’s finish like say Housatonic. Good sprinters on the lighter side have an edge. Jordan S will be a force in the 3’s, should be interesting.

CL Disciple

It doesn’t happen often, but I believe he’s still accepting new riders. You probably need to sell a little more than just Zipps to afford his services (at least 404s won’t do it), but worth every penny. I’d trade in my PowerTap (not only bc Coach L would make me) just to get a copy of the tactics booklet he’s put together over the years. Amazing stuff. I’ll throw out “open the door close the door” and “possum” and leave it at that.

No doubt he will make you faster for Beer Mtn if you get in touch with him today.

Anonymous

Finish is not like Unionvale or Housatonic but it aint the Harlem Crit or Mengoni Grand Prix either. I do not see a big guy like Wilson unleashing his sprint after 80 miles up that hill. Now a guy like Lisbon or Jermey Powers will be guys to watch.

Anonymous

I know its fashionable to make fun of Coach L here for his posts – the guy is nothing if not earnest – but the truth is, like CL Disciple says, he’s a total genius. You really haven’t trained properly until you’ve gone to one of his pre-Bear camps, where his wife Rita makes her famous flaxseed waffles and Coach L shows us grainy footage of the first La Ruta de Los Conquistatores. Twice-daily massages and saunas are mandatory, and there’s also a lengthy bike fit session — Coach L, as he’s said here, does not rely on lasers, but on a special satellite he shares with News Corporation and Cadence Cycling. Plus, there are Coach L’s cats, Coppi and Bartali, who keep the mood light with their incessant pleas for Peanut Butter Clif Shots. I won’t even get into the on-the-bike stuff — can anyone say brakeless descent practice on Perkins? – this is the team-building stuff that Coach L thrives on and makes the whole race day stuff feel like butter. He is a great man and deserves all the praise he gets.

Anonymous

Pro1-2 – WIswell, Powers, Marzot, Loehner

Cat 3 – Morrison, Larose, Wisenbaker, Riseth, Sagolowski

Cat 4 – Landino of WWV

WOmen – Canadian, MQ, Silke

Anonymous

keough (sp?) from sakonnet is nipping at the podium every day at speedweek. deeny from empire 3rd in the last gila stage.

done

you don’t need a coach, or a warm up, not even for a crit. you just show and go. Ride alot during the week, mix in some training races, and watch your sugar, and sweet product intake.

When you see someone on a trainer at a race, you know they are cat 3,4,or 5

Anonymous

Are you going to take advice from a guy who can’t figure out which order the Title and Comment By lines appear?

I’m a competitive Cat 4 and have found warming up on a trainer helps tremendously.

Anonymous

Not pro but living the pro life. I suspect racing those shit races in Belgium will show at the local races this week and next. The talent level he is up against and conditions should make him a beast.

Anonymous

Bear is not the race to show up. You will get dropped first time up Tiorati, if you don’t wreck the chances of some other schmo in the hairpin corner before the climb.
Ride the course for training that day and learn from the racers that actually prepared.
Sorry…

Luis Diaz

You are making Bear your first race of 2008? Bad Idea. Look for races now! Get some on your legs. Tomorrow at PP or Jimminy, Tuesday at FBF, Saturday before bear at PP again.

Anonymous

Cycling-Blood tests show 23 suspect riders, says UCI

Fri 2 May 2008 9:00 AM EDT

By Francois Thomazeau

AIGLE, Switzerland, May 2 (Reuters) – A programme to create biological passports for professional cyclists, giving details of their blood analyses, has revealed 23 riders with suspect samples, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Friday.

UCI Anti-Doping manager Anne Gripper said 1,500 blood samples on 854 riders had been analysed since January and that 23 riders had given samples “needing further examination.”

There will be no disciplinary proceedings as the tests are not recognised dope tests.

Separately from the passport programme, Gripper told a news conference that the UCI was pursuing five suspected doping cases following traditional anti-doping tests on riders, either during races or out-of-competition.

Significantly, the decision to test one of those riders had been prompted by his previous sample for the passport profile.

Another 11 riders are under investigation for a possible breach of anti-doping regulations after failing to give their whereabouts, Gripper said.

Almost 12,000 tests are scheduled for 2008 at an estimated cost of 5 million euros ($7.73 million).

(Editing by Trevor Huggins)

Anonymous

Yeah – bad idea. That course is not a first race of the year course. Guys are peaking for this as their race of the season. Plus the hairpin is “hairy”. Jiminy is closed and no day of registration. I would race PP, this week and maybe a crit nearby or Gimbels Long is an ok training ride with hills. Sterling is next Saturday and then lots of races every weekend. Not sure what Cat you are but if you are going to make Bear your first race, unless you are truely gifted you will be dropped lap one and not finish.

Tony Settel

35+ – Ruiz, Roger, Badger, Bodin, Yabroudy, Gump, Taylor, Lattanzi, Troy if now healthy
45+ – Funk, Doug, Rusk, Rafferty, Carbo, Bickford, Butler, Pearce, Gray
These are the prime candidates I think.
Top picks are Roger, Ruiz, Funk and Doug
I think Wiswell will be there in the end, Loehner as always

Anonymous

” unless you are truely gifted you will be dropped lap one and not finish. ”

uhh…file this one under “Hopeless Friday”

probably true though.

no rollers

I’m a competetive Cat1 so suck it.
I didn’t even use rollers as a cat 4 unless it was dark and winter in my shitty aptment

Chris M

This must be from a new Cat 4. The race aint that hard, buddy. Seriously. If its your first race you clearly arent likely to place, and maybe would have a v. tough time finishing with the selection. But dropped on lap 1 in the 4s? Only if you are really weak to begin with – training or not.

Oh, and the hairpin panic line is a riot. That doesnt even make my top 10 list for scary corners in races in this region. The fact that the pack slows so much to make the turn safely is the very reason why it stinks to be last through. But not an issue really since its neutral on lap 1 anyway till everybody gets through. So relax.

Chris M

Not trying to sound “high and mighty” – Im neither. Just thought the post deserved some perspective. Ive done Bear 4 times and got dropped twice in fact – once with bad cold and once with bad fitness prep. It doesnt happen right away though – the legs just burn out earlier than the rest!

jft

but I get fairly scared on the straight downhill. I just don’t like going 50mph on the bike.

And there are sometimes accidents at the top of the descent where the road goes from 2 lanes to 1. And also sometimes people fall at Tiorati Circle – if you haven’t seen it it’s an interesting quick right left right that’s not obvious.

But overall, it’s not a scary course.

Anonymous

Anyone living and racing for a salary in Europe is pro. Maybe not pro-tour pro but “professional” by definition. I guess Powers is not pro either? Please – BTW I think Keough may win Jiminy Pro1-2. That kid has been flying. Wiswell and Powers also should be good. Powers was in the Tour of Cali and I think GA. Should have good legs and has a good sprint.

As for Bear Mtn and your first race, Chris M please, its not the toughest race but to tell someone who has not raced yet this year they will be ok is not accurate unless you know who that someone is. FOr the majority of racers, racing Bear as your first race of the season is not a great idea. This guy prob has never ridden the course if he is asking the question. I would say avoid bear and do it in Sept. Race Sterling or Colts Neck and get ready for Housatonic, Unionvale for your first test

Chris M

Never said “he” would “be ok” – just that its not so hard you cant last a lap even if you arent in top form (assuming its the 4s). the nature of the race is that it has less acceleration than many shorter races and just long sustained medium efforts, so if you just have lots of miles and long training you might just do ok vs. trying to go from winter miles right into hard crits or something. This is not a promise of finishing with a lead group, of course.

Dave Wiswell

Why would Keough leave the USACrit Speedweek series – which he is leading, to race Jiminy Cricket?
The only reason Wiswell is racing in Europe is because he couldn’t go pro in the US…oh, NERAC, that don’t count.

jj3

that domestic pro’s make only about $20,000 if they are lucky. I heard Freddy Rodriguez made $14,000 a couple years ago. Being a Cat 1 is not a money making proposition.

Anonymous

Not sure if Keough is racing but he is on the start list. Prob not going to show if he can lead the crit series. If he does show he seems to be a threat. Wiswell – by def anyone racing full time on a “salary” is pro. Going to Europe to race full time is pretty pro. Stop hating and give the guys some props for having a go at it. I

ex-dogg

You ask Jon Erdelyi how much he is making…or anyone on RiteAid…I’ll be shocked if it’s more than $5,000. I knew several riders who made $2,000. How much Do the Time boys get, or Inferno. I think your $20,000 estimate is very high. maybe for Bissel or Health Net or the Tour of Cali or GA teams, but many pro’s get 5g’s or less…some ZERO.

Anonymous

I know a Colavita Pro who makes a prob about $7500-10,000 max, plus expenses, training bike, race bike and TT bike. He is not a top guy on the team.

JG

Just Curious, what do the Empire, Target T, Mengoni guys get? Race expenses plus road and TT bike? Do any of them get a small stipend of say $5k?

serious

R U kidding? Empire guys get a cute kit and a pat on the back if they win. Dont kid yourself. Time guys get a “stipend” of like…hundreds of dollars…and I think Mengoni might be free bikes if they ask real nice. Does it even matter if the numbers are under like $10-20k. Whatever it is it isnt enough to live on, never mind have a family, so dont call it a living…call it bike racing! Its only cool ’cause they come out of school or dead end jobs so dont mind that they arent making cash – its more of a deferal of life than path to success. Thats fine, and fun, and cool. Not cool if you expect to live on it for long.

Anonymous

ok -Time also gets bikes worth some $3-4k, so thats nice i guess. wish I had a free bike, but I have a job so can buy whatever bike I damn well like.

Anonymous

The real question is why is tony settle asking about the Overall at Floyd…..

Its the same as it is every year, why would it change?

jft

$10K can mean working less hours and training/resting more

But the bigger point you might be making is that almost no one races bikes for the money is spot on

Anonymous

i know that guys to the likes of BJM make upwards of 50, but there are only a handful of guys who make that.

the rest make MAYBE 10 for a legit pro team. some do it for free.

someone who's going for it.

… it sounds like you’re an old man who is jealous, because you’re way over the curve. you would be a pro bike racer immediately if you had the chance – nevermind the skill, fitness, or balls, of which you have none.

have fun in your cubicle!

Anonymous

Dude, $10K gets you dinner and a month’s rent in this town. And maybe a couple months of coaching. You’re an idiot. An absolute idiot! With jerk sauce on you. And I’m not talking about the good kind.

Pro cat 4 racer

there is no “pro” racing in the north-east dudes. there’s about 100 cat 1s in the whole north-east! what’s cool is there is a lot of awesome low-level amateur racing, so let’s enjoy and stop pretending we are cool!

Anonymous

who is the most tenaciously competive racer in NYC/NE/Atlantic regions?
Keough’s are coming on strong it seems.
Can those two brothers follow in Frankie’s and Markie’s slipstream?
Can Powers win Jumpin Jiminy?
Or are the toughest riders from north and south of the 48? Tecos? Rollin, Tuft, Ryder, Barry, etc…or is it already being passed in favor of Almante/Capala healthy rivalry?
Just wondering…fill us in oh wise mob…

EVERYONE

to only annoy people on website msgboards and not on email lists? seriously- how many stupid bitch-ass-ness emails do we all have from this guy when he feels the need to respond to a CRCA email…

Sportacus

c’mon already, the 15 min protest period is finished!
🙁
Thanks to Charlie and Cadence for giving us some racing and something to argue!
🙂
Marco, the real MQ, any photos?

MQ

Sorry I ment go go out this AM but I went out last night.
and to make a long story short.
I got drunk.and Im paying for it now
I and here to tell you guys right now.
that Im never ever drinking again.
how as it I know it had to be good couse Charlie always puts on a great event.
my bad…
cheers.

Charlie Issendorf

For overall standings go to: http://www.customcyclewear.com/2008cadencecupoverall.htm

Today’s Results:

Cadence Prospect Park Series presented by the Kissena Cycling Club
May 3, 2008
Brooklyn, NY

Pro /1-2-3
59 starters

1. Chad Butts (Champion System)
2. Stephan Dioslaki (YSG Racing)
3. Gavriel Epstein (CRCA/Sakonnet)
4. Luis Aquino (Unatt)
5. Robert Wing (Sommerville Sports)
6. Anthony Lowe (CRCA/Think Racing)
7. Christopher Loudon (CRCA/Sid’s-Cannondale)
8. Mark Brinken (CRCA)
9. Dan Lim (CRCA/Think Racing)
10. Glenroy Griffith (CRCA/Foundation)

Category 4
57 starters

1. Allessandro Matteucci (BVF)
2. Eric Robertson (Kissena)
3. Lawrence Uhrlass (East End)
4. Darius Shekari (CRCA/Sid’s-Cannondale)
5. Steven Marmo (CRCA/Setanta)
6. Starski Arciszeti (Kissena)
7. Rick Sanders (Kissena)
8. Jose Soltren (Unatt)
9. B. Clayton (Kissena)
10. Adam Duncan (CRCA/Avenue A)

Category 5
39 starters

1. Stefan Kusurelis (Cadence Cycling)
2. Leszek Sniadowski (Poland)
3. Brian Breach (Unatt)
4. Simon Bennett (Unatt)
5. Kenneth Zorovich (Unatt)
6. Ira Blumberg (CRCA)
7. Evan Chalfin (CRCA/NYVelocity)
8. Max Jiminex (Unatt)
9. Daniel Perez (Unatt)
10. Juan Nunez (Signature Cycles/DKNY)

A big thank you to Cadence Cycling, the officials, mashals and pacers for supporting the event!

Charlie Issendorf
Race Director
Kissena Cycling Club

Squiggy

He can hold over 400 watts and has an identical twin brother in DC just as strong. You should be able to find him at Cadence coaching, etc.
Nice race Chad!

Anonymous

Can we please start talking about Bear already? My life has been structured to prep for Bear Mtn. since last October.

Enough talking about stupid little park races.

By the way….how did Rob Wing beat Ricky Lowe in the sprint? Good job Rob.

Massimo Di'Sasso

Allessandro,
I vostri fratelli qui nel saluto della patria per la vostra vittoria brave ed onorata questo giorno, dato che voi li avete resi fieri ancora una volta. Questo giorno fluttueremo le nostre bandierine su per voi.
Ciao,
Massimo

Anonymous

Allessandro,
Your siblings here in the salute of the native land for your Victoria good and honored this day, since you have rendered them fairs once again. This day we will fluctuate our small flags on for you.

Ciao,
Massimo

Anonymous

to only annoy people on email lists and not on website msgboards? seriously- how many stupid bitch-ass-ness posts do we all have from this guy when he feels the need to respond to a CRCA email anonymously on NYVelocity about his clubmate who is a CRCAssociate elder who moderates said message board.

nice way to treat a fellow club member who’s been around the scene for a long time. sweet. you young pups needs to wise up and give the old dogs some respect.

Me And ME alone..

Well…its almost 11:00pm on Saturday and I see no pix of me..
where are the pictures from this AM and where are the pics from from Floyd and where the hell are the the pics from bear. I need pictures please otherwise it dosent feel like there was a race on the weekend. even if Im hurting.

Anonymous

And I can attest that JFT seems to have lost his mind. Respect must be earned. He needs to push the keyboard away. He isn’t behaving in a manner worthy of respect. Whatever he’s done in his past doesn’t make up for his current behavior. His attackers are themselves pathetic, but he is bringing this upon himself.

phil / sids

congrats to all CRCA riders that placed well in Jiminy was shitty weather and those side winds were bloody killer.

Anonymous

velonews took the post down…

“Heard from an acquaintance in the states that Joe Papp committed suicide today (3 May 08)??? Anyone know if this is true? …”

i’m sure he/she is referring to the same joe papp that we know of. however this person who posted doesn’t event know if it’s true so we should take the same approach.

i hope he’s ok and it’s not true, of course.

Comments are closed.