Monday, June 8, 2009

Greipel - Henderson - O'Bee in Philly

Congrats to me. Picked two of the top three in Philly and won the over/under on the 65+/55+ women's field at City Park.

Philly Classic
Columbia came, saw, conquered. Henderson launched Greipel for the W and had enough left to hold on for 2nd. I could see this coming also as Henderson is a former winner of this event and loves the course. If I had the guts I might have scored the exacta. Jonathan Cantwell ended in 14th, not too bad either.

City Park
Sure enough, eight 65+ men and only two 55+ women in that prime 4PM slot yesterday at City Park. The over/under was 10. If you had 11 or more, you lose. Didn't think it would be that close but I'll take it.

Side note: Not only did City Park not have a Pro race this year, the 2/3's race they did offer got screwed up anyway. Somehow the lead moto neutralized the field on the last lap of the 75 minute race without proper instructions from the officials at the finish, who wished to continue and score the race. Granted, strong wind and a bit of hail were mitigating factors that led to the confusion. However, when the lead moto yellow flagged the race, he was mistaken. Not sure the gap in communication but needless to say, those 2/3's racing weren't too happy to do the entire race only to have it shut down on the last lap and roll across the line like a tour. Perhaps this is the new way for Colorado promotors to stash a little extra cash. I'm sure they weren't refunding any entry fees after the fiasco and also withholding the prize money on offer. Congrats City Park, better luck next year, if there is one.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Philly Classic this Sunday

The most important one day cycling race in the U.S. is this Sunday, The Philadelphia Classic. Follow cyclingnews.com for live updates.

My top three picks:

1. Andre Greipel - Columbia
2. Kirk O'Bee - Bissell
3. Johnathan Cantwell - Fly V Australia

The short of it: Columbia is totally stacked with Greipel, Bernard Eisel, Greg Henderson and Edvald Boassen Hagen, there is virtually no way they can lose this race. Expect a Columbia controlled race and a small bunch kick of around 20 riders. Greg Henderson launches Greipel to the win with 200 meters to go as O'Bee and Cantwell are best of the rest.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

History at City Park

Well, it's history, but not the kind I would prefer to report. This weekend at the annual City Park Criterium, there will be no Pro 1/2 race. NO PRO 1/2 RACE! Yes indeed, for the first time that anyone can remember, perhaps the first time in the history of the great State of Colorado, perhaps the country, the fastest racers will not be invited to participate.

What has the ACA been up to? An absolute travesty at best. In place of the traditional Pro 1/2 race, City Park will host a 2/3's race, no Pros and no Cat 1's, unless they're older than 35, will be allowed to race. I absolutely cannot believe this turn of events. And in the feature position, 4PM start for the Men's 65+ and Women's 55+ 40 minute race. WHAT? Is that going to be a combined field of 6?

Here's the bet, the over and under for participants in the 4PM 65+, W's 55+ race is 10. If you want to pick 11 or higher, I'll take 10 and under. Give me a call, I'll take your money.

Blaaaagggghhhh, what a yoke mang.