Photos below:
1 - In a small chase group in the Road Race.
2- After the races hanging out with a native. He rode with me during warmups and was cheering me on during the race.
3- Coming into the final few hundred meters of the road race.
4- World Champion "Oz Sanchez" at Milan's Duomo
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Eight months of training and it's over in a flash.
I started training in the middle of winter when the local climbs were closed due to snow. A couple hours of racing in September and the 2009 racing season comes to an end.
When I step back my results at this years World Championships are the exact same as previous years. An 8th in the TT and a 7th in the Road Race. It tells me that the few guys in front of me are hard to beat. Most if not all are paid professional athletes. Cycling in Europe is a well respected and loved sport and the athletes are compensated. I wish that was the same in the States but we are different in our tastes.
I raced well as far as how my legs responded and what I could do with my ability.
A day or two after the mind is still going through senarios and possibilities. In a week or two I'll realized that 8th at the World Championships is O.K. and should be happy with the result.
The road race was very fast. Several countries had teammates who attacked the group trying to hurt the riders. I was in pain I'll admit right now. The Course offered a series of climbs which was what broke me. I'm confident in my climbing but not the repeated surges that the teams were putting in. I ended up in a chase group. Coming to to the final climb I sprinted which cracked a German rider. After a very fast sweeping right turn I drag raced an Englishman to the line.
Next year the World Championships will be held in Cali, Colombia. I raced there in 2007 at the Pan-American Cup. I left Colombia with two medals which is my best result to date. Hopefully I'll find similiar form and better results next year.
thanks for reading.
I'll be posting more photos in the days to come.
Off to Milan to sip on some Vino and celebrate with the Team.
I started training in the middle of winter when the local climbs were closed due to snow. A couple hours of racing in September and the 2009 racing season comes to an end.
When I step back my results at this years World Championships are the exact same as previous years. An 8th in the TT and a 7th in the Road Race. It tells me that the few guys in front of me are hard to beat. Most if not all are paid professional athletes. Cycling in Europe is a well respected and loved sport and the athletes are compensated. I wish that was the same in the States but we are different in our tastes.
I raced well as far as how my legs responded and what I could do with my ability.
A day or two after the mind is still going through senarios and possibilities. In a week or two I'll realized that 8th at the World Championships is O.K. and should be happy with the result.
The road race was very fast. Several countries had teammates who attacked the group trying to hurt the riders. I was in pain I'll admit right now. The Course offered a series of climbs which was what broke me. I'm confident in my climbing but not the repeated surges that the teams were putting in. I ended up in a chase group. Coming to to the final climb I sprinted which cracked a German rider. After a very fast sweeping right turn I drag raced an Englishman to the line.
Next year the World Championships will be held in Cali, Colombia. I raced there in 2007 at the Pan-American Cup. I left Colombia with two medals which is my best result to date. Hopefully I'll find similiar form and better results next year.
thanks for reading.
I'll be posting more photos in the days to come.
Off to Milan to sip on some Vino and celebrate with the Team.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Images
Here's a few images of the past few days.
We had a parade through the local village as part of the opening Ceremonies.
It felt very Italian as the whole village came out to cheer.
The races yielded one U.S. World Championship and a bronze medal.
more photos to come.
So far the U.S. team has done very well so far.
I'll be racing at 1:30 tomorrow local time. a 19 km Time trial.
crossing fingers!
We had a parade through the local village as part of the opening Ceremonies.
It felt very Italian as the whole village came out to cheer.
The races yielded one U.S. World Championship and a bronze medal.
more photos to come.
So far the U.S. team has done very well so far.
I'll be racing at 1:30 tomorrow local time. a 19 km Time trial.
crossing fingers!
Race day # 1
Today we race. not me but my teammates.
The U.S. has 4 riders going off today. 3 are past medalists and
one a rookie to the World Championships. The feeling is that today will be good to the USA. At the World Championships anything can happen, the level of athletes offer little room for error when out on the course.With that said Our coach expects medals and we have a group out there today that can deliver just that.
Go OZ, David, Anthony and Ali!!
I'll send out updates.results later today.
The U.S. has 4 riders going off today. 3 are past medalists and
one a rookie to the World Championships. The feeling is that today will be good to the USA. At the World Championships anything can happen, the level of athletes offer little room for error when out on the course.With that said Our coach expects medals and we have a group out there today that can deliver just that.
Go OZ, David, Anthony and Ali!!
I'll send out updates.results later today.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
a glimpse of Italy
I was let out of the cage.
Myself and a handful of teammates went into town in search of a bike shop.
Within minutes the road turned into narrow side streets of coblestone. We turned the mirrors inwards in attempt not to scrap the stone walls of the centurys old buildings. Pedestrians, bicycles even dogs clogged these pathways but the tiny euro cars whipped around like go carts.
I had high hopes while walking into an Italian bike shop but I must sat it was disappointing. The shops in Colo. Springs were superior in everyway.
We did stop for Gelato and that did not disappoint.
The trip was brief but offered a break from sitting in the hotel for another afternoon.
Tomorrow we rest. The team is divided in two. The Time Trial which is the first event will be held over two days. The first group mainly being the handcycles. Myself and most of the traditional bikes will go off the next day.
I'll pedal down to the nearest cafe and sip on (hopefully) some good Italian coffee.
I've noticed that if you ask for coffee and not expresso then they refer to it as American black coffee. Sounds like they prefer expresso.
The afternoon will be a light rub down of the legs and a nap.
There's a reason I bust my ass all year long for these races.
Myself and a handful of teammates went into town in search of a bike shop.
Within minutes the road turned into narrow side streets of coblestone. We turned the mirrors inwards in attempt not to scrap the stone walls of the centurys old buildings. Pedestrians, bicycles even dogs clogged these pathways but the tiny euro cars whipped around like go carts.
I had high hopes while walking into an Italian bike shop but I must sat it was disappointing. The shops in Colo. Springs were superior in everyway.
We did stop for Gelato and that did not disappoint.
The trip was brief but offered a break from sitting in the hotel for another afternoon.
Tomorrow we rest. The team is divided in two. The Time Trial which is the first event will be held over two days. The first group mainly being the handcycles. Myself and most of the traditional bikes will go off the next day.
I'll pedal down to the nearest cafe and sip on (hopefully) some good Italian coffee.
I've noticed that if you ask for coffee and not expresso then they refer to it as American black coffee. Sounds like they prefer expresso.
The afternoon will be a light rub down of the legs and a nap.
There's a reason I bust my ass all year long for these races.
After a couple of days of easy riding to
allow our bodies to adjust, our head coach let us loose for
a full tilt effort on the course. We were kept to one lap (9km)
It was nice to open up and see how the engine's running.
The legs responded and I rolled most of the course with a
strong head of steam. This years course offers a few tight bends through
old Italian villages. With narrow streets and high stone walls the bike handling
will play a major role in overall placing. Crashes may also be a factor in the mass start road race.
For the first time I was able to see the other teams. 2 former World Champions in my division rolled by. There is a unspoken acknowledgement of eachother as well
as a non-verbal -damn I wish he wasn't here. When you show up at the World Championships expect just the best. After a few years of doing this It's fun to the racers. Some you can speak their language, some it's just head nod.
Tomorrow is a rest day. Myself and a couple others will spin for 30-40 minutes in the morning have our massages and relax in our Hilton Garden Inn hotel room.
It's all business here. I have not this hotel except by bike. It's nice to relax but
I'm in Italy, let's go out for Pizza and some Vino!
allow our bodies to adjust, our head coach let us loose for
a full tilt effort on the course. We were kept to one lap (9km)
It was nice to open up and see how the engine's running.
The legs responded and I rolled most of the course with a
strong head of steam. This years course offers a few tight bends through
old Italian villages. With narrow streets and high stone walls the bike handling
will play a major role in overall placing. Crashes may also be a factor in the mass start road race.
For the first time I was able to see the other teams. 2 former World Champions in my division rolled by. There is a unspoken acknowledgement of eachother as well
as a non-verbal -damn I wish he wasn't here. When you show up at the World Championships expect just the best. After a few years of doing this It's fun to the racers. Some you can speak their language, some it's just head nod.
Tomorrow is a rest day. Myself and a couple others will spin for 30-40 minutes in the morning have our massages and relax in our Hilton Garden Inn hotel room.
It's all business here. I have not this hotel except by bike. It's nice to relax but
I'm in Italy, let's go out for Pizza and some Vino!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
day 1 - Italy.
Italy is a beautiful land.
Just as the postcards advertise.
The team and I arrived yesterday afternoon after somewhat of an easy flight.
We unpacked, put together our bikes and were off on a pre-dinner spin.
The travel day caught up with me last night. I clocked in 11 hours of sleep
I'm thinking it was due to the flight and the past month of 12 hour work/training days.
Today, Team USA went out and rode the race course. Starting in a small town we headed
out into the country with a view of the distance Alps. Similiar to Pike's Peak yet more dramatic and will a great deal more snow. The course steers back into town and kicks a few different times before dropping into the finishing straight. European roads are famous for being narrow and Italy I guess likes giant stone walls to line their bike trail sized side streets.
With under 2 km's to go the road hits a 90 degree right which comes at the base of the quickest down hill. If I don't crash there I will be surprised. Everyone will risk something to be first thru.
So far it's been fun. We all have a fog of fatigue that's hanging over us but what's been exprienced has been pure postcard Italy. I've only left the hotel on the bicycle and that is the norm on these type trips. Legs up, drink water, naps and rides are the coaches orders. Boring but I'm not complaining.
I should be able to post some pictures starting tomorrow.
Just as the postcards advertise.
The team and I arrived yesterday afternoon after somewhat of an easy flight.
We unpacked, put together our bikes and were off on a pre-dinner spin.
The travel day caught up with me last night. I clocked in 11 hours of sleep
I'm thinking it was due to the flight and the past month of 12 hour work/training days.
Today, Team USA went out and rode the race course. Starting in a small town we headed
out into the country with a view of the distance Alps. Similiar to Pike's Peak yet more dramatic and will a great deal more snow. The course steers back into town and kicks a few different times before dropping into the finishing straight. European roads are famous for being narrow and Italy I guess likes giant stone walls to line their bike trail sized side streets.
With under 2 km's to go the road hits a 90 degree right which comes at the base of the quickest down hill. If I don't crash there I will be surprised. Everyone will risk something to be first thru.
So far it's been fun. We all have a fog of fatigue that's hanging over us but what's been exprienced has been pure postcard Italy. I've only left the hotel on the bicycle and that is the norm on these type trips. Legs up, drink water, naps and rides are the coaches orders. Boring but I'm not complaining.
I should be able to post some pictures starting tomorrow.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
1- Teammates, Greta and Ali riding through Garden of the Gods
2- Air Force Academy Triathlon, I'm in the back ground warming up on a trainer. The red bike is my race bike. My co-ed relay team took 1st place. Despite the cold and fog I slotted in with the second quickest bike. Cold Cold Day!
3- 2009 Master's National Track Championships, another perk of living in Colo. Springs. I had several teammates and friends who competed. I was a spectator but I am now of age to be called a Master!
4- Training ride after trip home to the cape, I'm wearing the Idle Times Bike Shop Kit. The Cape Cod Based bike shop was where I first started racing. Peter Noble the current owner was a teammate back in my high school days. Thanks Peter - I get comments on the kits all te time.
The mind set of the flight.
I can't wait for the never ending plane ride across the Alantic.
It will be the first time I'll be able to rest.
The flight over always hold an air of excitement among the team.
Everyone is so giddy they over analyse every possible siutation that may arise.
This year the team has to rookies when it comes to international racing but the bulk of the team
knows the routine and know what to expect (for the most part)
A comforting factor is that when we roll up to the line I'm likely to know
3 quarters of the field. Over the past 5 years the same core group
continue to qualify and race at this level. The event is the World Championships
yet when your racing side by side with guys you have known for years
it's less intiminating. These details will talked about on the plane.
The flight over also offers time to reflect on the process. The work that has been put in to on the plane. Cycling is fast and aggressive but it's also requires patience and finding the inner drive.
I give myself time to think of most misrable workout that I suffered through.
Repeats up a mountain road when the snow is falling and your limbs freeze as you turn around at the top. The desire I had on those days I have to be bubbling to the surface come race day.
Outside of the jetlag and the desire to lay down the team will feel an itchiness to race.
It what everyone does the most and what we do the best.
It will be the first time I'll be able to rest.
The flight over always hold an air of excitement among the team.
Everyone is so giddy they over analyse every possible siutation that may arise.
This year the team has to rookies when it comes to international racing but the bulk of the team
knows the routine and know what to expect (for the most part)
A comforting factor is that when we roll up to the line I'm likely to know
3 quarters of the field. Over the past 5 years the same core group
continue to qualify and race at this level. The event is the World Championships
yet when your racing side by side with guys you have known for years
it's less intiminating. These details will talked about on the plane.
The flight over also offers time to reflect on the process. The work that has been put in to on the plane. Cycling is fast and aggressive but it's also requires patience and finding the inner drive.
I give myself time to think of most misrable workout that I suffered through.
Repeats up a mountain road when the snow is falling and your limbs freeze as you turn around at the top. The desire I had on those days I have to be bubbling to the surface come race day.
Outside of the jetlag and the desire to lay down the team will feel an itchiness to race.
It what everyone does the most and what we do the best.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
two days!
So many thing to do any only a few hours left.
But don't feel any sort of pity for me, it's self induced and
remember I'm heading off to a far off land to ride my bike. Not too bad.
This 6-7am window is the only calm time- a cup of joe in my hand and 4 cats running around me.
Waking peace.
Yesterday I was asked to join my team in a dry run of a Time Trial race effort.
The race was held east of town near M. Sheffel and Bradley Rd.
Riding my new carbon and legal Areobars for the first time I rode the 3 -5km loops
setting negative spilts wishing I drilled it from the gun.
On the back side of the course on a slight upgrade into a wind a moto came up next to me.
The man yelled out "your at 30mph" the man then rode up to Greta yelling
your at 27, the guy behind is at 30mph"
Nice to know difference in speed. Even with the I was maybe 2 km short of catching Greta.
She was off 2 minutes before and was my rabbit.
Overall I felt strong during the effort and brought about some confidence.
I'm heading into work soon to try and finish a few things and get things straight for two weeks away.
Then it's packing two bikes, luggage,wheels ext... tonight.
But don't feel any sort of pity for me, it's self induced and
remember I'm heading off to a far off land to ride my bike. Not too bad.
This 6-7am window is the only calm time- a cup of joe in my hand and 4 cats running around me.
Waking peace.
Yesterday I was asked to join my team in a dry run of a Time Trial race effort.
The race was held east of town near M. Sheffel and Bradley Rd.
Riding my new carbon and legal Areobars for the first time I rode the 3 -5km loops
setting negative spilts wishing I drilled it from the gun.
On the back side of the course on a slight upgrade into a wind a moto came up next to me.
The man yelled out "your at 30mph" the man then rode up to Greta yelling
your at 27, the guy behind is at 30mph"
Nice to know difference in speed. Even with the I was maybe 2 km short of catching Greta.
She was off 2 minutes before and was my rabbit.
Overall I felt strong during the effort and brought about some confidence.
I'm heading into work soon to try and finish a few things and get things straight for two weeks away.
Then it's packing two bikes, luggage,wheels ext... tonight.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Happy Birthday Chris
Above all else to today
It's my friend's birthday.
Chris Malatesa -my childhood friend is celebrating
a day I feared he may never reach.
Earlier in the year I read an e-mail from a friend saying that he was hospitalized
with a serious head injury.
Not to go into details - Chris has fought like no one I've ever seen fight.
A daily battle that I thought of when I rode and suffered in training.
Chris and his strength gave me that extra toughness to push through.
So Chris - Happy Birthday and thanks for being such a friend.
It's my friend's birthday.
Chris Malatesa -my childhood friend is celebrating
a day I feared he may never reach.
Earlier in the year I read an e-mail from a friend saying that he was hospitalized
with a serious head injury.
Not to go into details - Chris has fought like no one I've ever seen fight.
A daily battle that I thought of when I rode and suffered in training.
Chris and his strength gave me that extra toughness to push through.
So Chris - Happy Birthday and thanks for being such a friend.
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