Here's a little more on the junior development of cycling in Colorado. Just this past weekend at the North Boulder Park Crit several young racers proved that development in this state is still cranking along despite the fact that there is very little quality junior racing. Here's a story published by cyclingnews.com:
Young racers shine in Boulder
By Bruce Hildenbrand
A bit of history met the next generation at the Excel Sports Boulder North Boulder Park Criterium held Sunday May 18th. Back in the 1970s and 1980s the Red Zinger and Coors Classic used the North Boulder Park venue to showcase and launch the careers of such racing icons as Davis Phinney, Andy Hampsten and Steve Bauer. While Ian MacGregor (unattached) and Gina Grain Webcor Builders) won the pro events, it was the youngsters who stole the show at the 2009 edition of the race.
13-year old Michael Dessau of Jonathan Vaughters' Team 5280 development squad was clearly the class of the field in the Men's Category 4 event grabbing a number of primes and ultimately outsprinting riders over twice his age to take the victory. Not to be outdone, 15-year old Yannick Eckmann (Team 5280) soloed off the front halfway into the 60-minute Men's Category 3 race and held off the entire field for a very convincing win. Yannick's 17-year old brother, Robin (also with Team 5280), finished 6th in the Senior 1/2/Pro race.
On the women's side, 16-year-old Maddie Godby (Rocky Mounts/Izze Racing) won the Category 4 race. Her 14-year old brother, Zane (Team 5280), was third in the Men's Category 4 race behind Dessau.
Boulder and the Colorado Front Range has had a long history of producing 'Senior Slayers'. Current phenomena Taylor Phinney, Peter Stetina and Danny Summerhill have all recently distinguished themselves on the world and national stage. It appears the supply chain is well-stocked with a fresh crop of riders to keep the flow of talent going strong.
This just in: Taylor Phinney has won the prologue of the Fleche du Sud in France, a top stage race for U23s and it was Phinney's first win in the new colors of the Trek/Livestrong team.
Here's the thing about Colorado junior cycling, it's all about family. Many junior riders attend races that their Dads or Moms or both are doing. The juniors in turn get to ride some smaller races and when they're big enough (not old enough), they're thrown to the wolves, in this case, the Cat 4s and 3s. If these kids can prove themselves against aggresive racers sometimes twice their age or more, well, they're ready.
Contrast this to junior cross country ski development where the junior coaches are virtually afraid to have their fragile little juniors racing against seniors ever. With juniors in skiing it's all about fun, it has to be because the coaches and parents have to virtually bribe their kids to go into skiing. See, in skiing it's all about participation and having a good time. That's there in cycling also, but for sure the emphasis is much more on winning, winning at any and all levels.
The proof is in the results. Junior cross country skiing development- Peer driven, major money spent on a nation wide development and competition program that doesn't work(JOs), millions of dollars spent with no tangible accountability or results, all of the top juniors showed themselves more at Senior Nationals than at Junior Olympics. Junior cycling development - Family driven, conservative money spent on training and racing opportunities against tougher competition that produces top international racers year after year with tangible results multiple times a month.
We as cross-country skiers are constantly whining about the cost for juniors and their families to participate, well, how bout we start spending less money and start training more. That's right, I said the junior skiers aren't training, that's because the sport is driven by the social aspects, the kids care much more about their friends and going to Junior Olympic Prom than they care about training and racing well. Time for a revolution in U.S. Nordic skiing, dump the JOs down the drain and let's focus our junior development regionally. This needs to be the main focus, less travel, more training. A state championship costs way less and is just as inspiring, how do you think running is successful?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sports Tidbits
The Killer Diluca at Il Giro
Former Giro champ Danilo Diluca is on fine form and is currently dominating the Giro. That could all change tomorrow with a 61km individual time trial, which Diluca isn't the best at. Poised to challenge Diluca are quie a few time trialists that can climb well and are close enough to look at. Leading these are Denis Menchov, perhaps the best climber of the challengers, the others are Michael Rogers, Levi Leipheimer and Ivan Basso. Universal Sports network has been covering the Giro both on the computer as well as on cable tv. Make sure to check the coverage tomorrow and see how things shake out.
Tejay in Europe
Coloradan Tejay Van Garderen, who is currently residing in Holland and racing for the Rabobank Continental team, won the French stage race the Tour of the Haut Anjou which finished on May 10th. Van Garderen used a strong opening stage in which he finished second to put himself into contention for the overall and he took third the next day in the individual time trial to put himself into the lead. With the strong Rabo Conti team at his disposal, Van Garderen was able to defend the lead and take out the overall victory. More young Colorado fire power getting ready to conquer Europe. With the likes of Taylor Phinney, Peter Stetina, Daniel Summerhill and so many others, Colorado continues to show the way for American bike racing. Too bad the local event organizers and the ACA can't step up to the plate quite as well. There's just not enough great events in Colorado any more.
Armstrong pumps up Ritter
It was curious to see a press release in the papers last week from Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. What made it interesting was the fact that Lance Armstrong had called Ritter to express concern and interest in helping to re-vitalize the flailing Colorado cycling scene. The days of the Coors Classic are long gone and Armstrong was looking to get something going. The interesting part was that the press release indicated that Lance had called and wanted to talk. Hhhmmmm, Ritter release a statement to the press that basically said, "Lance called me, wow that's sooooo coooool." Right on Gov, it is cool.
Tiny Crit courses
This past Sunday saw the traditional North Boulder Park Criterium which takes place at the former finish of the great Coors Classic. Many years of summer fun were highlighted by the raucous party at North Boulder Park as the likes of Davis Phinney, Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault did battle around the quaint venue. Today's event bares little resemblance to the old race however and today's version is coming under substantial scrutiny. It seems the course is just to tight and short to provide a proper test. One racer who finished the Pro 1/2 race towards the back of the 31 strong lead group commented, "I spent the entire day trying to move up, I had a teammate in the front but as hard as I tried, I never saw him and could never do anything to get to the front, the course was just to tight to get up there." Come on Colorado promoters, enough of the 1km, twisty crit courses. People don't want to pay $30 to come out and line up on the front line out of panic and fear and race single file for 15 minutes until they get dropped or crashed. Then, if they made the selection, they can look forward to a backpack or gift certificate for a prize. Awesome. Seriously, it can be better, stop doing just the minimum, stop being lazy and provide a great race, not just a "race".
Aspen Weekend
The Independence Pass hill climb on Saturday and the Aspen Criterium on Sunday has turned into one of the best bike racing weekends in the state. Even though these are both un-sanctioned events, the lameness of both the ACA and the USAC make the Aspen weekend a refreshing, less stressful experience. Remember next May when considering where to race, consider coming to Aspen, lodging is cheap that time of year, the weather is great, the Pass is still closed to traffic and the downtown crit is fun, exciting and fast. Next spring make it Aspen.
Former Giro champ Danilo Diluca is on fine form and is currently dominating the Giro. That could all change tomorrow with a 61km individual time trial, which Diluca isn't the best at. Poised to challenge Diluca are quie a few time trialists that can climb well and are close enough to look at. Leading these are Denis Menchov, perhaps the best climber of the challengers, the others are Michael Rogers, Levi Leipheimer and Ivan Basso. Universal Sports network has been covering the Giro both on the computer as well as on cable tv. Make sure to check the coverage tomorrow and see how things shake out.
Tejay in Europe
Coloradan Tejay Van Garderen, who is currently residing in Holland and racing for the Rabobank Continental team, won the French stage race the Tour of the Haut Anjou which finished on May 10th. Van Garderen used a strong opening stage in which he finished second to put himself into contention for the overall and he took third the next day in the individual time trial to put himself into the lead. With the strong Rabo Conti team at his disposal, Van Garderen was able to defend the lead and take out the overall victory. More young Colorado fire power getting ready to conquer Europe. With the likes of Taylor Phinney, Peter Stetina, Daniel Summerhill and so many others, Colorado continues to show the way for American bike racing. Too bad the local event organizers and the ACA can't step up to the plate quite as well. There's just not enough great events in Colorado any more.
Armstrong pumps up Ritter
It was curious to see a press release in the papers last week from Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. What made it interesting was the fact that Lance Armstrong had called Ritter to express concern and interest in helping to re-vitalize the flailing Colorado cycling scene. The days of the Coors Classic are long gone and Armstrong was looking to get something going. The interesting part was that the press release indicated that Lance had called and wanted to talk. Hhhmmmm, Ritter release a statement to the press that basically said, "Lance called me, wow that's sooooo coooool." Right on Gov, it is cool.
Tiny Crit courses
This past Sunday saw the traditional North Boulder Park Criterium which takes place at the former finish of the great Coors Classic. Many years of summer fun were highlighted by the raucous party at North Boulder Park as the likes of Davis Phinney, Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault did battle around the quaint venue. Today's event bares little resemblance to the old race however and today's version is coming under substantial scrutiny. It seems the course is just to tight and short to provide a proper test. One racer who finished the Pro 1/2 race towards the back of the 31 strong lead group commented, "I spent the entire day trying to move up, I had a teammate in the front but as hard as I tried, I never saw him and could never do anything to get to the front, the course was just to tight to get up there." Come on Colorado promoters, enough of the 1km, twisty crit courses. People don't want to pay $30 to come out and line up on the front line out of panic and fear and race single file for 15 minutes until they get dropped or crashed. Then, if they made the selection, they can look forward to a backpack or gift certificate for a prize. Awesome. Seriously, it can be better, stop doing just the minimum, stop being lazy and provide a great race, not just a "race".
Aspen Weekend
The Independence Pass hill climb on Saturday and the Aspen Criterium on Sunday has turned into one of the best bike racing weekends in the state. Even though these are both un-sanctioned events, the lameness of both the ACA and the USAC make the Aspen weekend a refreshing, less stressful experience. Remember next May when considering where to race, consider coming to Aspen, lodging is cheap that time of year, the weather is great, the Pass is still closed to traffic and the downtown crit is fun, exciting and fast. Next spring make it Aspen.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
SHANE MCCONKEY - MR. INCREDIBLE
It's been a month since the death of Shane McConkey and in that time I've thought about him more than in the previous 19 years combined. What? Yes, 1990 was 19 years ago.
Shane was a friend of a friend as they say, Mike Jaquet was the friend. Mike and Shane were cut from the same cloth, 2 of the craziest guys that I knew. We hung out a little in Boulder after they were both kicked off the ski team. Or did they quit? I can't remember. It doesn't matter.
What I do remember is that nudity in public got them both in trouble on more than one occasion. Jaquet was on the Nordic team and Shane was on the Alpine. I was coach of the Nordic Devo team and worked with Mike quite a bit. He excelled at skiing but couldn't quite focus enough to make the Varsity. One day Jaquet started taking roller skiing to the next level and his nude training in the quaint subdivisions north of Boulder got our squad banned forever. He must have learned that stunt from McConkey. I remember Mike introducing me to Shane at their place and Shane had an air about him that said, "Nice to meet you man, now we're buddies for life". Incredibly refreshing and uplifting, little did I know that Shane would turn out to be Mr. Incredible on skis. I never saw him again after the Boulder days but I followed his exploits from afar. I didn't know him well but I knew if we ran in the same circles we would have been great friends.
When I heard of his death it hit like a bolt of lightning. Believable but unbelievable. Damnitall! Since then I have learned more of his amazing ski career, his product developments, the founding of the International Free Skiers Association, SaucerBoy, and of course the jaw-dropping stunts.
Rest In Peace Shane, I'm honored to have known you.
For those that don't know Shane, google - Shane McConkey tribute - and enjoy. Also check out his many films, it's absolutely mind boggling how far he took it.
Shane was a friend of a friend as they say, Mike Jaquet was the friend. Mike and Shane were cut from the same cloth, 2 of the craziest guys that I knew. We hung out a little in Boulder after they were both kicked off the ski team. Or did they quit? I can't remember. It doesn't matter.
What I do remember is that nudity in public got them both in trouble on more than one occasion. Jaquet was on the Nordic team and Shane was on the Alpine. I was coach of the Nordic Devo team and worked with Mike quite a bit. He excelled at skiing but couldn't quite focus enough to make the Varsity. One day Jaquet started taking roller skiing to the next level and his nude training in the quaint subdivisions north of Boulder got our squad banned forever. He must have learned that stunt from McConkey. I remember Mike introducing me to Shane at their place and Shane had an air about him that said, "Nice to meet you man, now we're buddies for life". Incredibly refreshing and uplifting, little did I know that Shane would turn out to be Mr. Incredible on skis. I never saw him again after the Boulder days but I followed his exploits from afar. I didn't know him well but I knew if we ran in the same circles we would have been great friends.
When I heard of his death it hit like a bolt of lightning. Believable but unbelievable. Damnitall! Since then I have learned more of his amazing ski career, his product developments, the founding of the International Free Skiers Association, SaucerBoy, and of course the jaw-dropping stunts.
Rest In Peace Shane, I'm honored to have known you.
For those that don't know Shane, google - Shane McConkey tribute - and enjoy. Also check out his many films, it's absolutely mind boggling how far he took it.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Longo and go and go and go takes another W
50 year old Jeannie Longo of France, arch rival of Connie Carpenter in the 80's, took yet another big win today in France. Coming in 53 seconds ahead of second place, Longo scooped up her 5th Trophee des Grimpeurs (the Climber's Trophy). She is also expected to defend her French national time trial and road championships in late June. The legendary French rider who has made plenty of enemies in the peloton over 3 decades has more than 1,100 victories to her credit.
Local bits
Roaring Fork Valley has a group of talented racers competing in Silver City, NM at the Tour of the Gila this weekend. Max Taam sits in 9th overall in the Men's Cat 2 division, Jason Anderson is 22nd in the 3's, Amber Levy is 52nd in the women's Pro 1,2, Chip Chilson is 36th in the men's 40+ and Annie Gonzalez is 3rd in the women's 3/4 race.
Kentucky Derby
I know you won't read about horse racing here very often, but yesterday's Kentucky Derby was one of the most fun races I've been entertained by in awhile. Jockey Carl Borel, a semi-toothless Cajun with energy and spirit in excess, piloted Mine that Bird perfectly along the rail to win going away on a muddy track by over 6 lengths. The 50-1 long shot was pinched immediately at the start and Borel held back and dropped into last place. Asked later when he thought he had it won, he amazingly replied "by the 3/8's pole, if I could navigate through I knew we'd do it".
Borel, who guided Street Sense to the win two years ago in similar fashion, hugged the rail until the home stretch. He slid into the open to go around a slower horse and then back onto the rail and opened it up. Mine that Bird responded with full gas and sprayed the rest of the field with mud as he ripped to the line. Overhead camera shots showed the true speed difference, Mine that Bird made the rest of the horses look like they were in the wrong event, speeding by like the agro driver in the fast lane. And once the race was over the real fun started. I'm not sure I've ever seen a more happy victor than Carl Borel. I witnessed his win two years ago on Steet Sense also, and this jockey seems to have it dialed in. Perhaps any other jockey would have failed in taking a 50-1 from last place, guide him along the rail through traffic and finish off the deal. An amazing event for sure.
Local bits
Roaring Fork Valley has a group of talented racers competing in Silver City, NM at the Tour of the Gila this weekend. Max Taam sits in 9th overall in the Men's Cat 2 division, Jason Anderson is 22nd in the 3's, Amber Levy is 52nd in the women's Pro 1,2, Chip Chilson is 36th in the men's 40+ and Annie Gonzalez is 3rd in the women's 3/4 race.
Kentucky Derby
I know you won't read about horse racing here very often, but yesterday's Kentucky Derby was one of the most fun races I've been entertained by in awhile. Jockey Carl Borel, a semi-toothless Cajun with energy and spirit in excess, piloted Mine that Bird perfectly along the rail to win going away on a muddy track by over 6 lengths. The 50-1 long shot was pinched immediately at the start and Borel held back and dropped into last place. Asked later when he thought he had it won, he amazingly replied "by the 3/8's pole, if I could navigate through I knew we'd do it".
Borel, who guided Street Sense to the win two years ago in similar fashion, hugged the rail until the home stretch. He slid into the open to go around a slower horse and then back onto the rail and opened it up. Mine that Bird responded with full gas and sprayed the rest of the field with mud as he ripped to the line. Overhead camera shots showed the true speed difference, Mine that Bird made the rest of the horses look like they were in the wrong event, speeding by like the agro driver in the fast lane. And once the race was over the real fun started. I'm not sure I've ever seen a more happy victor than Carl Borel. I witnessed his win two years ago on Steet Sense also, and this jockey seems to have it dialed in. Perhaps any other jockey would have failed in taking a 50-1 from last place, guide him along the rail through traffic and finish off the deal. An amazing event for sure.
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