SDBC Elite Team - Race Reports

2011 Race Reports

The Thai-Phoon Lands on the Podium at Redlands (4/3/11), Women 1-3

By Trina Jacobson

After a month of racing with just one other teammate, I was excited to see everyone again (with the exception of Laura, who is recovering from surgery on her hip after a crash at San Dimas). Simone, Tammy, Dianna, and I met in the parking lot and warmed up together on the roads of Redlands. This provided an opportunity to get to know Tammy a little as she is new to SoCal and new to SDBC. She's a sweetheart!

About 20 women lined up. I thought there might be more riders and/or "unlucky pros" that missed the time cuts in the stage race, but there were not. We had the largest team with 4; SC Velo had 3.

The course is technical and very fun, but I knew if I didn't pay attention to my gearing, I'd "burn my matches" by standing after certain corners to stay in the pack. Dianna, Simone, and Tammy provided shelter from the wind and covered break attempts with none getting away. With 3 laps to go, I found Dianna, told her I was there, and I stayed on her wheel. (I assume Simone was on mine as that's where she said she'd be, but I wasn't looking behind me - I was watching the front!) At 2 laps to go, a Tibco rider went to the front dragged us around the course. I should probably thank her, since it helped prevent a late race break.

At the start of the last lap, the 3 SC Velo riders lined it up, but the pace was manageable for us. The 4 of us sort of intermingled among them, and on the "down hill/head wind" section on the back side, Priscilla was off the front with a gap. Dianna, with me on her wheel, closed most of the gap and I really had to tell myself to be patient. At the second to last corner, Priscilla was still off the front about 2 bike lengths in front of Dianna (dang head-wind!), so I knew it was now or never...I jumped! Sprinting from around a corner is new to me, but it was very comfortable. I was still quickly gaining on her in the uphill stretch to the finish and successfully closed the gap. It came down to a bike toss! I was a tire-width behind...2nd place! I didn't have ANY dissapointment with missing the top podium spot so narrowly because it was a total team effort, the course was fun, and SC Velo was very gracious and complementary.

I later saw a video clip on Facebook where the announcer was very excited and said I was "definitely a contenter". I think we've proven that SDBC is always a contender!

The Thai-Phoon Sweeps up a Podium Spot at Ontario #2 (3/20/11), Women 1-3

By Trina Jacobson

Despite the rain forecast, Alison, who just earned a Cat 3 upgrade, and I drove up. Several crashes in earlier races caused our race to start 30 minutes late. We warmed up with Jen Valente (another Cat 3 but phenomemal sprinter for Adams Ave.) on trainers and since it had sprinkled a bit, both were concerned about the racing conditions. I took them around the course to make them aware of the man hole covers, reflectors, and paint should it start raining. I also took them around the "practice loop" so they could practice a couple corners at speed before the race started.

There were 9 starters - 5 of them from SC Velo. From the start, attacks and counter attacks kept us close to the red. Alison, Jen, and I took turns covering and chasing but a rider finally got away. All 3 of us chased and tried to time the catch but the wind was pretty brutal so we sat up and rested a couple of laps waiting for the field sprint.

At two laps, there was another prime that gave us some concern as it seemed the prime winner would keep going> Both Jen and I were highly motivated to not let another rider get away and were right there. SC Velo kept the pace up in the last two laps; Jen second position, me 4th after fighting for 3rd and loosing it to Pam Schuster. I jumped part way down the last stretch (cross wind) but I guess it wasn't strong enough as Jen then jumped and got a small gap on me. We held that order and spacing to the line.

I was 2nd in the field sprint, 3rd in the race. Alison finished with the group in 8th for her first 1/2/3 race!

I'm stoked I was able to do work, load my legs, and still have a decent jump and sprint! I also enjoyed being in a mentorship role for Alison and Jen as they were appreciative. It helped make it an enjoyable race! As soon as we got paid, it started raining and we were outta there!

Del Fante Wins NOW Energy Bar Crit (2/21/11), Women 1-3

By Dianna Del Fante

The day started off great because Simone and I both had the good fortune of joining forces with our new teammate Tammy! Her positive and bright spirit got us off to such a great start. I think there were about 30 or so starters with some definite horse power in the field. The biggest teams present were Helen's, a full squad of Now Society, and 3 from Incycle. From the time the whistle blew it was on. I saw Julia from Now and Bea from Incycle take off and go. I immediately responded to join them and then a moment later Dara Rogers from Helen's joined in. The break kept throughout the entire race. Tammy and Simone of course did their job which was sit in and make sure the break stayed away and watch the front just in case I might have needed some help (thanks guys!). This break was a sprinter's delight (we were all sprinters) ! I will humbley admit I think they were all faster sprinters than I, therefore I knew I'd have to be smarter. With 2 laps to go, Julia attacked the break and took off. Dara and I went after her (Bea did not). We caught her with 1 lap to go. Halfway through turn 3 I took off like a bat out of hell. Fortunately I went fast enough where they couldn't pass me. I won!

A Thai-Phoon Hits Red Trolley Crit (2/6/11), Women 1-3

By Trina Jacobson

It was a beautiful SoCal day: sunny, 70's, and little wind. This added to my excitement for my first race of the 2011 season and the first race where all four members of our team would be together. After a year of racing for SDBC, doing more races than I had ever done in SoCal, and getting to know my teammates at training camp in January, I was excited to begin a new season!

I rode over to the race by myself to have some quiet time and transition from being a mommy to being a teammate and racer. I was greeted by other racers, our volunteer mechanic, and our director - I am really lucky to know so many happy and supportive people! Dianna, Laura, Simone and I had a quick talk about the race and what we should do. Our goal was simple and attainable...be patient.

There were several attacks and chases. At one point 2 women were off the front for a couple of laps, but it was clear a break would not stick. Thanks to Dianna, Laura, and Simone's quick reactions and assistance in chasing, the field stayed together. It was comforting to see my teammates active in the race and to know that we communicate well should anything become a problem.

With 5 laps to go, I could feel the energy of the race ramp up and the jockeying for position began. Simone told me to watch a rider on another team known for finishing strong as she recognized the amount of work done earlier in the races took a toll on us. Dianna saw me move up and gave me a few encouraging words to keep position. A late flier was quickly chased down by Laura and we were at 2 laps to go. I was expecting to have my usual difficulty with speed in the last few laps, but I was comfortable. I was in great position at the beginning of the last lap and held it going into the last corner, then I LET 'ER RIP!! As I gained speed going up the hill, I saw an opening and pushed through. I was still putting the gears on and turning them over well after I crested, but I was still concerned someone might come around me, so I dug deeper. I even let an audible out, which surprised me. I thought, "Did I just do that...I'm not there yet!" and another audible came! I didn't want to risk loosing it at the line so I kept my head down through the finish. YES!!! Oh my gosh, YES!!!

It was such an enjoyable win because I love the course, my family was there cheering me on "Go Momma Go!", and teamwork and patience (on and off the bike) paid off! This win was made extra special because I knew there were more SDBC members present than normal since it was a "home" race; members that I ride with regularly or see at Java Depot. I felt like I was thanking all of them for supporting us.

Thank you, SDBC, for supporting the Elite Women's Team! We look forward to making you proud this year!

Mothballs Crit (1/30/11), Women 1-3

By Dianna Del Fante

Sunday January 30th didn't start out that well when I woke up to it raining and with a weather report that said it would continue throughout the day. I considered going home right then but with eagerness to race that day I decided to stick around and see what the weather would do. I'm not crazy about racing in the rain but was willing to accept that I might have to. In retrospect I'm glad I didn't go home because although it was raining when I arrived it did stop and fortunately stayed dry for the remainder of the race day.

I was also fortunate to have Laura and Maren there with me with a field of about 20 or so. This is a great kind of D shaped course but there was a brutal head wind on the side of the course going into the start/finish line. It was probably one of the strongest head winds I've ever felt during a race! The race started out slow but then after a few laps the attacks began. Laura was great about sticking it out with me in the front and doing whatever she possibly could to support me whether it was stringing it out to keep it safe or protecting me from the wind.

Half way into the race Maren put out an attack her heart rate couldn't recover from and called it quits right then (with lots of love and nurturing we will no doubt help grow her up into a fantastic bike racer). I tried several attempts of attacking into the wind in hopes to bring a few others with me and get into a break but unfortunately could not succeed. So then there was the field sprint. As I made my way to the front on the last lap with Laura behind me ready to help me if I lost my place in line (3rd person going into the last turn) the sprint was on and into that nasty head wind I managed to get what I thought was 4rth place and then turned out to be 3rd. With 68 hard miles in her legs from the day before, Laura had done her job and finished at the end of the pack. Yes, a great weekend of racing for the women! Yeah! I love my team!

Poor College Kids Road Race (1/29/11), Women 1/2

By Simone Morissette

Laura and I raced at Poor Kids Road race on Sat. It was far from our expectations! The Women 1/2 category only had 6 girls registered and we were racing with the cat 5 men! Ouch! To make things worst, the Cat 5’s were doing only 1 lap and the women had to do 2 laps.

It was full on from the start. The race was insane. The course was out and back on a single car lane road that was open to traffic. The first crash came on the first turn around of the first half lap.

The pace was faster and the riders were crazier heading back to the finish.
With 10 miles to the finish on the first lap, the Cat 5’s were settled in and holding their lines. On the last climb I got disconnected from the group with Tammy Wildgoose. As we rode down the bloody road we kept looking at each other in disbelieve.There were more than 15 guys on the road involved in different crashes. No Kidding, I don't see that much blood on my job!

As I approached the finish line, I was relieved to see Laura starting the 2nd lap and very close to catching the top 3 riders.
At that point on, I sat on Tammy's wheel and hoped that Laura would catch the other three girls. Laura finished the race in 4th place but one of the Colavita's girl may be disqualified, improving our final results.

I sat behind Tammy as we rode to the finish! Since it was a Women 1/2 only, it will not count for SoCal cup points!
Despite all of the challenges, I had a great training ride with Tammy, learned a lot from Laura, and had a nice time with Dianna and Laura.

I couldn't stay for the Mothballs Sunday Crit, but I heard that Dianna got 3rd place. I am very proud of our team and many of the Cat 3/4 girls are noticing the team too. I was approached by some of the girls and they always mention the caliber of our girls.
I am looking forward to this coming weekend in San Diego!

Anger Management Crit (1/23/11), Women 1/3

By Simone Morissette

Anger Management Criterium was the opening race of the 2011 season for the SDBC Elite Women. A
local criterium in a familiar course in which the SDBC girls were able to test their team tactics in the early
season. It was a great day to race in So Cal with 75 degree weather and a very light breeze!

Attending the race was Laura Hines, Dianne Del Fuente, and Simone Morissette. We were all fresh from
training camp, where we were able to share our experiences, bond, and start this season defending our
main objective, the Team in the podium.

This flat course encircle 0.9 mile with 4 right turn of an industrial park in Dominguez Hills. The race
started somewhat slow as rider patiently wait for the first attack. SDBC made the first attack in the race
and it got going faster. Laura attempted few breakaways but everything was chased down by the solo
riders. As the race came to the end, we decided to keep the race together and to lead Simone to final
sprint.

In order to keep the race safe, Dianne and Laura drilled it at the front as Simone sat in Dianne’s wheel in
the last lap. The pace prevented other riders from bunching up and jumping wheels avoiding any mishaps.
The amazing work of Laura and Dianne delivered Simone to 400 meters before turn 4. Simone drag raced
to the finish line for 3rd place and guaranteed our first podium of the season.

We have a great TEAM for the 2011 season. We have recruited two of the BEST riders in SoCal. They
are all around great personality, friends, teammates, and riders. We are also very excited about a new
rider that will be joining us soon.

Stay Tune!!! SDBC Elite Women will make many trips to the podium this year!!!

Thanks for reading!

Thank you Dianne and Laura for all the work you did to take me to the finish line!!! You both are AMAZING teammates!!!

2010

Ontario GP (7/18) Men Pro 1/3

By Aaron Quesnell

It was a typical hot August afternoon for the Summer’s End Criterium in Ontario. Over 100 Pro 1/2/3 riders lined up at the start. The attacks started at the opening gun and continued for twenty minutes until a group of six got away. Gabe Varela (Acqua al 2/SDBC) was the last to bridge into the group as it sped away. Along with Gabe, the lead group included Jamie Paolinetti (Amgen), Chris DeMarchi (Amgen), Michael Johnson (Amgen), Sergio Hernandez (Jelly Belly Pro) and Albert Gonzales (unattached). Paolinetti and DeMarchi are both current national champions. It was clear that one of these six riders would win the race.

The pack, led by the several teams who missed the break, chased for thirty minutes. They never would catch the leaders. As the chase died down a second group, including rider Chris Bennett (Acqua al 2/SDBC) , attacked and got away. A few minutes later a third group escaped with Scott Hammack (Acqual al 2/SDBC). Meanwhile, the lead group of six were gaining time on the pack.

With one lap to go in the75 minute race Varela attacked the leading six but took with him Paolinetti. With two other Amgen riders in the break, Paolinetti could sit on Varela’s wheel . Gabe pulled for a half of a mile before he encountered the remains of the pack. Aaron Quesnell (Aqua al 2/SDBC) waited in the back of the pack, picked up Varela and lead him out for the remaining half mile of the race. In the final sprint Jamie went early, but Gabe was on his wheel and out sprinted him in the final 50 meters for the win! Bennett finished in 10th and Hammack crossed the line in 15th. This was Gabe’s first win this year and his first win as a Cat-1 rider.

Internation Friendship Criterium (5/15/10), Women

By Trina Jacobson

Maren Spillane and I rode to the race together, which was a fun adventure through downtown, National City, and Chula Vista. It was also a great way to get to know her better while getting a great warm-up for a 45 minute race. There were 11 starters which were mostly Cat 4's, but I knew to treat this just like any other race; I couldn't take it too lightly.

The course was an out-and-back along a new 3 lane road in both directions. There was a sizable median, so the 180 degree turns were wide and sweeping. I knew I could exploit my cornering abilities, if needed. My one concern was the amount of elevation gain as the course was a "V". Friends who had already been on the course assured me it was a "big ring course" and I was thankful to have a compact crankset on my bike. As we lined up at the start, the wind picked up. It would be the course and the wind which would make this as hard a race as any.

Right from the start, one of the more experienced riders took off and I calmly followed. After one lap, she went back to the group. Because of the wind I didn't want to be by myself and was ok with a field sprint, so I waited for the group. Two riders bridged at the start of lap 2 and we quickly put a big gap on the field then gained about 5 seconds each lap. The 3 of us (Pam Jorgensen, Alison Maloof, and I) worked together taking pretty equal turns with the exception of the last 2 laps where we all slowed up at the turn to try to get the other to take that pull into the wind.

Even though each time through the finish area I picked my place to start sprinting, on the last lap I went earlier than planned. I quickly got a gap on the other two, but it wasn't pretty after that! I was all over my bike, sitting down, standing back up, and shifting a lot, but I held the gap and rolled across the line as winded and tired as any other race!!

San Luis Rey Road Race (5/2/10), Men Pro 1/2

By Gabe Varela

On Sunday afternoon Scott, Chris, and I started the 103 mile rolling San Luis Ray Road Race. We did 7 laps that were just over 14 miles each with a climb up to the finishing line. The conditions indicated that the 1.5 mile climb was going to be an extremely critical part of the race. This was because it was a tailwind climb, meaning the climb would be very fast with virtually zero draft. The field was made up of 50 strong riders including two Fly V Australia cyclists and one from Bahati Cycling. The main early break stayed away for most of the race and was made up of one Bahati and one La Grange rider. Fly V set the tempo for the majority of the first half of the race and kept the break in check. The fourth time up the climb there was a split over the top that had about seven riders including two form Fly V, one from Williams, and Scott and I. The break looked very promising since all the right teams seemed to be represented, but after about 7 miles we were brought back by the main group; which was shrinking each time up the climb. As we were caught, Scott got into another break with one other and stayed away for about 20 miles before being caught. This was very helpful because it allowed me to follow wheels and avoid doing any work. When Scott was brought back there was about 30 miles left in the race and the original break of two was only about a minute up the road. For the remainder of the race the main group was under constant attacks as no one wanted to set the tempo. As we headed into the closing 14 miles, the last lap, the break of two was well within reach. Soon after, the La Grange rider popped out leaving the Bahati rider just up the road alone. After numerous bridge attempts by many races, the two Fly V riders got up to the Bahati rider with a La Grange rider to form the lead group of 4. I was able to get away from the main group, which was now only about 12, with three others to form the lead chase group. As we hit the final climb I was able to drop the three others I was with, but was unable to catch the lead group. I came across the line about 25 seconds behind the lead group for 5th place. The race was especially difficult due to the small field and the constant pace changes. So looking back I was pleased with the result, but also disappointed that I didn’t make the lead group in the closing miles. Especially since I felt I had the legs to do so. I feel as though it was purely my tactics that kept me from making the podium this time.

Torrance Criterium (4/18/10), Men Pro 1/2

By Scott Hammack

For the Torrance Criterium the SDBC Elite Team sent six riders including myself, Tomo, Aaron, Drew, Chris, and Sammy. On the trip up we discussed strategy and it was decided that a break would likely go early and lap the field as in years past. I was assigned to get in an early move and stay out there all day, hopefully taking one or two other SDBC with. In light of this assignment, I found the the start line early. Sure enough, some of Socal’s strongest breakaway riders attacked from the gun and I went with. Within two laps another small group bridged bringing us to eight and Tomo was in the mix. I noticed several in the group were really on the rivet so took a few entire lap pulls, allowing no letup in the pressure. After a few rotations only four remained, including Tomo and myself. SDBC was looking good at this point, making up half the breakaway. Also, Tomo could easily out sprint the two other guys since they were slim, TT-style riders. We lapped the field somewhere around the 20 minute mark. Unfortunately another group of six were behind us, but also well on their way to lapping the field and did so within a few laps of our break catching the field.

Our two breakaway companions went to the front of the field and started attacking again, but we had plenty of firepower to bring them back every time. Sammy, Aaron, Drew, and Chris all put in big digs to keep everyone in check. Tomo and I were all set as SDBC sat on every move for the rest of the race, really frustrating any breakaway efforts. The really big attacks came again with about 18 minutes to go and again with about 10 minutes to go. When SDBC reeled in the attackers for the last time, after their last ditch hope, I noticed our two breakaway companions were boxed in by SDBC and were sitting up having tea (or so it looked). I launched as hard as I could at that point with nine laps to go. Unfortunately my legs were not as strong as I had imagined and I was caught with six to go. At least I wore out some of the other teams while Tomo could sit in.

I dug deep as the field was swallowing me up and was able to get back in around 20th place with three to go. I maintained this position until the end, when the peloton swung wide thru turns three and four, boxing Tomo in on the outside, most likely because they were scared of his sprint. I shot thru the inside at 1200 watts and went for the line. It was chaotic since we didn’t know who the other six up-a-lap riders were and we ended up seventh and ninth overall. The placing was disappointing, but we did execute our early race strategy well and my teammates did a great job marking attacks throughout the race. Average power for the 75 minute race was 299 watts, max was 1215, the peak minute was 554, and the peak five minutes was 388.

Torrance Criterium 4/18/10 - Women 1/3
Simone Morissette

The year of 2009 was a great year for me in cycling. I started the year as a guest rider on the SDBC Women's Elite team and finished it as the best all around rider. I finished 5th place on SoCal Cup Women 1/2/3, 1st place in the Women's Master State Crit, and 3rd on State Elite Women RR. So how I was able to go from a Cat 2 racer without any results in the local races to a Cat 1 racer top 5 in SoCal? I had the support of a great group of girls. Melinda J, Bonnie B, Kara V, and Lisa Y were such a great teammates. We just went out, tried to do our best and we got better at every race. I also received a great support from Todd W. our team manager. There’s so much to be gained just being around him, I really look forward to read his e-mails. He always believed in me even when I was doubting myself.

I am having a late start in the season but I am happy to be back, rejoining the SDBC Women's Elite Team. Torrance Crit was our first race together. Bonnie, Kelly, Trina, and I were very excited to be able to race together. The field was mixed with few riders from every local team. La Grange with only 2 riders, Team Dude Girl with only few girls, InCycle Velo represented by the great Pam S, and only Helen's had an army of girls. The race didn't start as faster as we expected, but our main concern was to have a team member on every attack. The course is so short that it makes it so easy for a small group of girls to lap the field. We kept someone in the front at all times. Kelli is such a phenomenal TT’r and she kept it fast every time she got to the front. Trina went with a few attacks and she was also very good about counter attacking when the opportunity came! Bonnie is a phenomenal racer and just her presence changed the dynamics of the peloton. She has such an insight on the race dynamics and she kept us on our toes. Consequently, a break never stuck.

With 5 laps to go we were all in position and communicating with each other. I went on the last lap in good position with Trina on my wheel. I was able to move up to third place with Trina still on my wheel. The last lap was going pretty fast. After turn three, Pam S. shuffled it around as we sprinted to the finish line. Final results I got 4th place, Trina 5th, Kelli 14th, and Bonnie 17th. We all raced very well and we were very happy to be able to finish strong!

I think we have a great team. Hopefully we can win a big race this year and return with a bigger team for next year.

Stay tune! Thanks for reading!

Ontario Easter Crit (4/4/10), Women 1/3

By Kelli Jones

Lisa, Trina and I traveled to Ontario for the traditional Easter Sunday Grand Prix for 50 minutes on the Ontario 7-corner course. The full Incycle-SC Velo team was registered, so we knew that it was going to be a tough race.

We played an active role from the beginning of the race. Early on in the race, a few riders had a small gap on the field, and I went to the front to help close the gap, and then Trina shot out of the pack to bridge up. I sat up to try to let a gap form, but the field had other plans, and Trina and the few riders off the front were soon swallowed up. Soon after, Lisa got into what looked like a very promising break, but the break turned out to be short-lived.

About 20 minutes into the race, Incycle’s Pam Schuster took a solo flyer between turns 5 and 6. The field didn’t look interested in chasing, so I jumped to try to bridge up. Beatrice Rodriguez from Incycle got on my wheel, and we joined up with Pam. The three of us set to work right away and worked well together. For a few laps the field would close in and then we would extend the gap as the field tried to organize a chase. After a few laps, Katie Donovan from Incycle bridged up, followed by Hilary Crowley from Paramount. We again extended our lead on the field, and a few other riders attempted to bridge up but were caught in no-man’s land and were re-absorbed by the field.

I decided that with one lap to go, I was going to attack the break and try to solo in because I wouldn’t be able to outsprint the others in the break, but Katie Donovan beat me to the punch and attacked between turns 6 and 7. I tried to jump to try to bridge up to her, but the others stayed on my wheel, and I went into TT mode to reel Katie back in. As I caught Katie between turns 3 and 4, the other three countered and I wasn’t able to match their acceleration. Pam Schuster did a great leadout for Beatrice Rodriguez to take the win, followed by Hilary Crowley and Pam, and Katie beat me in our sprint for fourth. Back in the field, Incycle’s Dotsie Bausch (just back from her 4th place finish in the team pursuit at Track Worlds) jumped from the pack in the final lap to solo in for sixth to take the last money spot. Lisa worked hard to try to get Trina into position for the finish, and Trina was able to take fifth in the field sprint for 11th.

VALLEY OF THE SUN CRITERIUM (2/14/10) - Men Cat-2
By Gabe Varela

Over the 12th to the 14th of February Chris Bennett and I headed over to Phoenix for the Valley of the Sun Stage Race to compete in the Men’s Cat-2 race. After the time trial and road race I was sitting 13th in the GC, only a handful of seconds off the top 10 and about a minute off the leader. The road race didn’t go as well as Chris and I had hoped and after almost crashing in the hectic field sprint I was determined to do everything possible of avoid another field sprint in the criterium.

Chris and I both rode very aggressive throughout the crit, but after numerous failed attempts to get a break to stick it became apparent that nothing was going to get away from the field. Although, Chris was able to get a prime early in the race. So with about 7 or 8 laps to go I stopped trying to get away and looked to recover as much as possible for the inevitable sprint. My strategy was then to remain in the top 25 for the remaining laps and to come out of the second to last corner as close to the front as possible. This was due to the fact that there was only a short straight, the final turn, and 250 meters to the finish from that point.

I was desperate to get at least a few upgrade points from the weekend; so coming down the back straight I moved up on the inside and aggressively surged into the corner and came out in third position behind Aaron Gomez of Arts Cyclery and his lead-out. I was in the perfect position going into the final turn and finishing 250 meters with a great chance to podium. As we started the sprint it was a drag to the finish, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to come around Gomez. I was both surprised and very pleased to have put myself in great position and come out with a second place finish. The podium also got me a six second time bonus and moved me up to 12th overall resulting in a few more valuable upgrade points. Looking back at the weekend it was a great experience with good hard racing. I felt pleased with the way Chris and I performed and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season with my SDBC teammates.

Ontario Easter Sunday Grand Prix (4/4/10) – Women 1/3

By Kelli Jones

Lisa, Trina and I traveled to Ontario for the traditional Easter Sunday Grand Prix for 50 minutes on the Ontario 7-corner course. The full Incycle-SC Velo team was registered, so we knew that it was going to be a tough race.

Red Trolley Criterium (2/7/10) - Men Pro 1/2
By Andrew Salcedo

It seems like the offseason goes by so quickly. This year’s Red Trolley had just over 100 riders in the Pro 1/2 race. We are always glad to race in the very few hometown races with only a 30 minute drive. OK… racing during the Super Bowl wasn’t ideal, but you do what you love. Sam, Tomo, Scott, Chris Bennett, Gabe and I came out hoping to get SDBC into a high placing.

With the amount of riders in the field, we were planning on a field sprint for the end. In the first 10 minutes there was a break at about 20 seconds up the road that I tried to bridge, to get a feel on how the legs were doing. The break was brought back pretty quickly after I was up there. After about half way through the race the hill starts to take a toll on your legs, good thing I was using a high cadence on the climb to save the legs. The section that hurt the most was the false flat at the top of the climb. The team did a great job at covering breaks and it seemed every one of them was covered by either Tomo, Scott, or Gabe.

With about 5 laps to go I start to get that feeling that the finish is near and my heart starts to pump a little faster. I was about 6 wheels back from where I wanted to be, so I come on the outside in the wind for a short bit just before the downhill and slide my way in right behind Bahati’s wheel as his teammates began his leadout. Staying on his wheel in the last 5 laps is not for riders who can’t take a bump or two. I was fighting a bit on laps 3 and 2 trying to hold my ground. Just past the start finish line there was some movement up front and someone almost went down. I thought it was going to screw up the position of the line and get overtaken but we kept rolling through. A half lap to go I was fighting with a LaGrange rider and I wasn’t giving that wheel up so easy. At the top of the hill I was beginning my sprint behind Bahati when he decided to start his and opened a ten meter gap easily. I end up 4th behind Hilton Clarke, a Pista Palace rider, and Bahati. We were all very happy on how the race played out.

With a good start to the season the team looks strong and hopes to keep it rolling all year long. The Cannondale bikes are sprinting like a dream!

See you on the road.
Thanks for reading,

Red Trolley Criterium (2/7/10) - Women 1/3

By Trina Jacobson

Lisa Young and I rode to the course while talking about all of our first race jitters even though we have done this race several times before. It was good to have a warm-up on the road to get used to the wind and how our new bikes handle in it. Once we arrived, those jitters disappeared amid the usual race sounds: whirling bikes, chatty spectators, Ralph's announcing, and greetings from fellow racers.

The race started fast and furious with several attacks in the first few laps. It's rare that a break sticks this early in our races and also rare that it would stick in windy conditions. Nevertheless, I tried to get into a couple. The efforts from doing so really hurt, but it was good to get them out of the way. The race settled down a little and I found the sweet spot of the pack while Kelli covered a few attacks and/or chased an attempted break. She was always able to pull it back within a lap.

With 7 laps to go, I was in good position to go with another attempted break, but it didn't stick. With two laps to go, an attack by another team strung out the pack with a few riders dangling off the front. We absorbed them, but in the last lap, another attack took place. I used a rider from another team to move up, but I wasn't in great position going into the last corner. Heading up the hill, I weaved through several riders and once I came to the outside and into the wind, I held onto my speed to past one last rider at the line for 5th place!

This is my best placing since upgrading to a Cat. 2 in 2006! Learning the course and the riders in the past few years has helped the strategic part of racing for me. I'm excited about the season and about racing with the rest of the 2010 SDBC Women's Team! Bring it!