Tuesday I rode with the Tuesday night TH group. It was a great ride. Carol and I met at her house and was able to warm up the stiff legs before we met with the group. To our surprise Amy showed and rode about 10 miles with the group. It was great to talk with her about her experience with RAAM and to congratulate her on a job well done. During the ride, I pushed myself from time to time, but tried to save a little energy for the next day. No sprints to try to stick with the group (maybe next year I’ll attempt the sprint signs) instead I hung back with Carol—she hasn’t been able to ride in a couple of weeks. Subtracting our 15 miles to and from her house we averaged 19 mph for 40 miles.
Yesterday I meet with the Wednesday Stone Arch group to work on hills before the Stillwater Road Race this weekend. I thought the TH group was crazy fast on that route—I checked my max speed after we got to St. Paul and I hit 32.5 mph! If you know the route, the only downhill on the way out is by the University, I don’t believe I hit that speed on that downhill since I was taking it conservatively (I know—totally unlike me) but I think I hit that speed on the sprint on Shepherd Road. Thank god for the stop light!
The rest of the route was good. I’ve never road with this group before so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I think I held my own. Holly, Dave, and Mike—it was an easy route, we only did the Ramsey area twice. :)
Now I rest. Saturday is the road race in Stillwater—not sure what to expect except a couple really hard hills, and the crit in St. Cloud on Sunday with a little partying in between!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Richmond Roller Road Race
Saturday was the Richmond Roller Road Race west of St. Cloud. Leading up to this race I was told: 1. There was a 2-mile hill climb 2. The finish was at the top of the hill 3. It was a nasty hill. I get nervous before races—so you can just imagine how I felt.
Amy C, from Silver Cycling, and I carpooled to the race getting there with 30 minutes to register and to get ready. Thankfully, there was a 3 mile rollout to the starting line to warm-up. I kept asking during the rollout if we were racing yet—it was along rollout. It became quite clear that the game was on once the pacer car took a sharp right turn. We sprinted to the top of the hill were the finish line was (and the white tent). We all came over and regrouped on the downhill. About half way down the hill, somehow Amy fell off the road on the right side and was riding in the dirt. She said it was a inch-inch and a half jump to get back on the road and didn’t feel comfortable jumping it to get back on the road with all of us around her. She started veering to the right more and more into the forest the closer I got to her. Once I was passing her I yelled “Amy, this is a road race not cyclocross!” Poor thing, I thought her race was over at that point.
We took a sharp left turn at the bottom of the hill. I forgot my computer at home so I didn’t know how fast we were going. All I know was in order to make it around that corner you had to feather your back breaks. We got around the corner and true to our road races this year—we had headwind. As the lead group, we slowed it down and took it, from what I was told, 15 mph. Amy miraculously was able to get out of the trees and sprint in headwind to catch-up to us.
Another left turn and we had tailwind. Again, I was told we averaged 30-35 on that stretch at times. The Central Plains “Wheelsucker” girl was in the race. A number of us now knows who she is and kept a close eye on her.
Final left turn of the loop, we found ourselves in crosswinds with a 2 mile slight hill climb. It was the kind of hill you didn’t see the elevation—but you felt the acid build-up in your legs after a while.
First lap was slow, second lap was faster with the winds picking up. Again, Amy did a little cyclocrossing when the Men 1/2/3’s came by and cut her off. She is always good for a good laugh when it is needed.
Lap three—now this was when the fun started, after I thought I was going to lose it on the bike. I was descending down the hill in my drops, feathering my back breaks thinking I don’t need to worried about the corner—I’ve been doing corners at the crits at this speed. I must have squeezed my back break a little too hard while going around the corner because all I could hear was my back tire leaving rubber on the cement and feeling myself taking the corner on my rims. You know when you are falling time stands still? I remember having control of my front tire, back tire was out of alignment of the front tire, my left peddle was millimeters from hitting the ground, thoughts of road rash was flashing in my head—and by the grace of some god—I pulled out of it and didn’t miss a beat. I could hear girls behind me gasping with amazement. As was I.
The speed picked up on the back side with the tailwinds but really didn’t break the lead group up. A Grand Performance rider was pissing the two of us off behind her by not holding her line, she was third wheel. Come on…a GP rider can’t hold her line? She then proceeded to dump water on her head—us two behind her felt that she missed a few times to get us off her tail—sorry didn’t work! The two mile climb started to shatter a couple of riders off the back. Not until the final 500 meters did the action start. Two girls jumped—I jumped right behind them, but Dano, the Jr., seemed to have a bit more power saved up in hear legs to get around me. I got 4th place out of 18 riders.
On Sunday I didn’t have anything planed. I called up a friend to go out for a causal ride. He’s a runner and hasn’t had his bike out in over a year. I said I wasn’t interested in pushing it and I would bring the mt bike so I would have more resistance. We had a good ride. Met on the Luce Line and then headed to Excelsior to get a beer at Mainerds. It started to rain so we didn’t get to enjoy the beer by the lake. We got back on the bike and I road with him to his place. We parted after 30 miles—I still had about 15 miles left. 2 miles later I bonked. I was heading south on rolling hills in a headwind with a bike that was 10 pounds heavier then my road bike, with tubeless tires (air pressure became lower then when I started) averaging about 3-5 miles per hour up those hills. Thank god the Luce Line was flat and that I live close to the path. It took about 1.5 hours to get home.
Amy C, from Silver Cycling, and I carpooled to the race getting there with 30 minutes to register and to get ready. Thankfully, there was a 3 mile rollout to the starting line to warm-up. I kept asking during the rollout if we were racing yet—it was along rollout. It became quite clear that the game was on once the pacer car took a sharp right turn. We sprinted to the top of the hill were the finish line was (and the white tent). We all came over and regrouped on the downhill. About half way down the hill, somehow Amy fell off the road on the right side and was riding in the dirt. She said it was a inch-inch and a half jump to get back on the road and didn’t feel comfortable jumping it to get back on the road with all of us around her. She started veering to the right more and more into the forest the closer I got to her. Once I was passing her I yelled “Amy, this is a road race not cyclocross!” Poor thing, I thought her race was over at that point.
We took a sharp left turn at the bottom of the hill. I forgot my computer at home so I didn’t know how fast we were going. All I know was in order to make it around that corner you had to feather your back breaks. We got around the corner and true to our road races this year—we had headwind. As the lead group, we slowed it down and took it, from what I was told, 15 mph. Amy miraculously was able to get out of the trees and sprint in headwind to catch-up to us.
Another left turn and we had tailwind. Again, I was told we averaged 30-35 on that stretch at times. The Central Plains “Wheelsucker” girl was in the race. A number of us now knows who she is and kept a close eye on her.
Final left turn of the loop, we found ourselves in crosswinds with a 2 mile slight hill climb. It was the kind of hill you didn’t see the elevation—but you felt the acid build-up in your legs after a while.
First lap was slow, second lap was faster with the winds picking up. Again, Amy did a little cyclocrossing when the Men 1/2/3’s came by and cut her off. She is always good for a good laugh when it is needed.
Lap three—now this was when the fun started, after I thought I was going to lose it on the bike. I was descending down the hill in my drops, feathering my back breaks thinking I don’t need to worried about the corner—I’ve been doing corners at the crits at this speed. I must have squeezed my back break a little too hard while going around the corner because all I could hear was my back tire leaving rubber on the cement and feeling myself taking the corner on my rims. You know when you are falling time stands still? I remember having control of my front tire, back tire was out of alignment of the front tire, my left peddle was millimeters from hitting the ground, thoughts of road rash was flashing in my head—and by the grace of some god—I pulled out of it and didn’t miss a beat. I could hear girls behind me gasping with amazement. As was I.
The speed picked up on the back side with the tailwinds but really didn’t break the lead group up. A Grand Performance rider was pissing the two of us off behind her by not holding her line, she was third wheel. Come on…a GP rider can’t hold her line? She then proceeded to dump water on her head—us two behind her felt that she missed a few times to get us off her tail—sorry didn’t work! The two mile climb started to shatter a couple of riders off the back. Not until the final 500 meters did the action start. Two girls jumped—I jumped right behind them, but Dano, the Jr., seemed to have a bit more power saved up in hear legs to get around me. I got 4th place out of 18 riders.
On Sunday I didn’t have anything planed. I called up a friend to go out for a causal ride. He’s a runner and hasn’t had his bike out in over a year. I said I wasn’t interested in pushing it and I would bring the mt bike so I would have more resistance. We had a good ride. Met on the Luce Line and then headed to Excelsior to get a beer at Mainerds. It started to rain so we didn’t get to enjoy the beer by the lake. We got back on the bike and I road with him to his place. We parted after 30 miles—I still had about 15 miles left. 2 miles later I bonked. I was heading south on rolling hills in a headwind with a bike that was 10 pounds heavier then my road bike, with tubeless tires (air pressure became lower then when I started) averaging about 3-5 miles per hour up those hills. Thank god the Luce Line was flat and that I live close to the path. It took about 1.5 hours to get home.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tim Did It!
Team Strong Heart soloist Tim Case completed RAAM in 11 days 18 hours and 24 seconds. What a great accomplishment Tim just achieved.
Way to go Tim!
"This is the worst hill...Oh yeah, I forgot about this one."
Wednesday I went out on my own and hammered out a really good hill ride to prepare for this weekend’s race. Last year I was doing more endurance riding, but this year it’s all about short and fast races. That said, 40 miles this year feels like last year’s 70. I did my 40 mile route in the Medina/Baker Park area that I did several times last year. I pretty much know were very hill is, which way on the hill is harder, and at what point on that hill will I start to feel the pain. I haven’t been out there in a while, but to my surprise at those points that I knew I would feel the pain—wasn’t so bad. Overall I was pleased with my performance.
The last two miles on my way home, I end up sprinting since the road I take is pretty busy, doesn’t have a shoulder, and the drivers don’t seem to have much patients—i.e. I sprint like my life is on the line. The two mile stretch has a steady incline. Running, cycling—it’s my worst enemy. I got to my development area turned into the driveway and collapsed. My recovery didn’t last long, the Creepy Neighbor (yes, that’s his name) was out walking his dog who, thank god, was on a leash. I love dogs, but this dog has it out for me—all I ever see every time I see this dog is teeth and gums. I’ve almost lost control of my bike a few times due to that damn dog trying to chase after me. I yelled at Creepy Neighbor saying “One of these days that dog is going to get me.” I would hate to call animal control—but something needs to be done.
Last night I led the Thursday night group from MGC for Laurie. Due to the number of activities that is planned for this weekend (i.e. Grandma’s, double century, races, etc) there was four of us who showed. After my hill workout all I wanted to do was to spin it out. I took them on one of my favorite routes around Lake Minnetonka, but keeping with my tradition on leading rides—we got lost, found our way after a while, and then stopped for coffee. It was a great night to get lost! I’m all about making memories. :) I don't think the ladies were very pleased with me when I said it was going to be a flat ride—with some hills. Ok—there was a number of hills.
Tomorrow is the Richmond Roller Road Race the Loons are putting on. This is part of the Midwest Women’s Made Real series. Points (Amy C—Silver Cycling) and I are going up to do the race. Should be interesting, it will at least get me ready for the Stillwater race next weekend.
The last two miles on my way home, I end up sprinting since the road I take is pretty busy, doesn’t have a shoulder, and the drivers don’t seem to have much patients—i.e. I sprint like my life is on the line. The two mile stretch has a steady incline. Running, cycling—it’s my worst enemy. I got to my development area turned into the driveway and collapsed. My recovery didn’t last long, the Creepy Neighbor (yes, that’s his name) was out walking his dog who, thank god, was on a leash. I love dogs, but this dog has it out for me—all I ever see every time I see this dog is teeth and gums. I’ve almost lost control of my bike a few times due to that damn dog trying to chase after me. I yelled at Creepy Neighbor saying “One of these days that dog is going to get me.” I would hate to call animal control—but something needs to be done.
Last night I led the Thursday night group from MGC for Laurie. Due to the number of activities that is planned for this weekend (i.e. Grandma’s, double century, races, etc) there was four of us who showed. After my hill workout all I wanted to do was to spin it out. I took them on one of my favorite routes around Lake Minnetonka, but keeping with my tradition on leading rides—we got lost, found our way after a while, and then stopped for coffee. It was a great night to get lost! I’m all about making memories. :) I don't think the ladies were very pleased with me when I said it was going to be a flat ride—with some hills. Ok—there was a number of hills.
Tomorrow is the Richmond Roller Road Race the Loons are putting on. This is part of the Midwest Women’s Made Real series. Points (Amy C—Silver Cycling) and I are going up to do the race. Should be interesting, it will at least get me ready for the Stillwater race next weekend.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
They did it!
Congratulations to the 4 Team Strong Heart riders on completing Race Across America yesterday in 7 days 1 hour 55 seconds! You guys ROCK!
Our support is now focused on Tim Case—the soloist for Team Strong Heart. GO Tim!
Our support is now focused on Tim Case—the soloist for Team Strong Heart. GO Tim!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Conglomerate
Last night was the last crit at the State Fair grounds. What a crazy night. 23 women took the field from mountain bikers, track racers, and rodies. All categories (1-4) were put into one field including the ladies who just raced Nature Valley Grand Prix.
I understand why they put us all together, but image being a first year racer against the best women in the state. I guess I can look at it as it’s only making me stronger by getting my A@% handed to me on a platter. Getting lapped—once, I can handle—but twice? The stronger 4’s hung on for dear life—the rest of us survived. I placed 7th out of 14 in my category but I walked away feeling frustrated. I have the want to do better—be better, but I know…cycling is an earned sport. You can’t just go out there and be awesome, it takes time, a lot of hard work and a lot of miles—on the other hand, that is why I love this sport. Bottom line, I need to work on my patients.
This Saturday is the Richmond Roller Road Race—when the word “roller” is in the title of the race you know it’s going to get messy. Pray for me.
I understand why they put us all together, but image being a first year racer against the best women in the state. I guess I can look at it as it’s only making me stronger by getting my A@% handed to me on a platter. Getting lapped—once, I can handle—but twice? The stronger 4’s hung on for dear life—the rest of us survived. I placed 7th out of 14 in my category but I walked away feeling frustrated. I have the want to do better—be better, but I know…cycling is an earned sport. You can’t just go out there and be awesome, it takes time, a lot of hard work and a lot of miles—on the other hand, that is why I love this sport. Bottom line, I need to work on my patients.
This Saturday is the Richmond Roller Road Race—when the word “roller” is in the title of the race you know it’s going to get messy. Pray for me.
Monday, June 16, 2008
NVGP weekend
What a great weekend. Two years ago a great weekend would consist of copious amounts of alcohol and a hangover. This year a great weekend consists of a bottle of water and copious amounts of road miles.
Friday night I went over to Kristy Kreme’s. Kristy, Jackie, and I urban road to the crit downtown. Urban riding: you ditch the cycling shoes, the patted skintight shorts, the billboard cycling jerseys and you ride the old school style—like you did when you were a kid. The only thing missing was the banana seat, streamers, and the basket.
Each year this event gets better and better. Jackie and I walked around cheering on the racers that we have gotten to know this season and saying Hi to our cycling friends along the way. Even cheering on an underground derby that took place after the pro men’s race.
On Saturday, Jackie, Greg—her boyfriend, and I headed to Mankato to watch the NVGP race and race in the amateur crit. Men’s cat 4/5, all Women, and all Juniors where put into one field. This was the first time I raced with the men.
I didn’t do so well at the crit. I had a pretty good position but on the second lap I came around the final corner and my wheel got stuck in one of the tar strips. I thought I popped a tire, but after 30 seconds I realized it was fine. By then I got passed by a couple of people. I tried so hard to catch-up but was not successful. For about 5 laps my back tire kept hitting those strips and I fishtailed it around that corner. It would have been a blast to take that corner at a higher speed without being worried about falling. Oh well, can’t have perfect roads or conditions all the time. I just have to become more confident in my handling skills. I came in 6th out of 7th, I felt like I could have gotten 4th if it wasn’t for the dang strips.
The crowds were small so it was easier to see the pro racers finish on the circuit. Kristen, one of the girls that I road with last Monday from the PROMAN team, was in last position so she did a beer hand off on the last circuit to the Shimano support vehicles—it was awesome! The best part was 30 minutes after I told Jay (from Hollywood Cycle) that I wanted to take a picture with Rory Sutherland he came by and I got to take a picture with him right after he secured the yellow jersey!
Friday night I went over to Kristy Kreme’s. Kristy, Jackie, and I urban road to the crit downtown. Urban riding: you ditch the cycling shoes, the patted skintight shorts, the billboard cycling jerseys and you ride the old school style—like you did when you were a kid. The only thing missing was the banana seat, streamers, and the basket.
Each year this event gets better and better. Jackie and I walked around cheering on the racers that we have gotten to know this season and saying Hi to our cycling friends along the way. Even cheering on an underground derby that took place after the pro men’s race.
On Saturday, Jackie, Greg—her boyfriend, and I headed to Mankato to watch the NVGP race and race in the amateur crit. Men’s cat 4/5, all Women, and all Juniors where put into one field. This was the first time I raced with the men.
I didn’t do so well at the crit. I had a pretty good position but on the second lap I came around the final corner and my wheel got stuck in one of the tar strips. I thought I popped a tire, but after 30 seconds I realized it was fine. By then I got passed by a couple of people. I tried so hard to catch-up but was not successful. For about 5 laps my back tire kept hitting those strips and I fishtailed it around that corner. It would have been a blast to take that corner at a higher speed without being worried about falling. Oh well, can’t have perfect roads or conditions all the time. I just have to become more confident in my handling skills. I came in 6th out of 7th, I felt like I could have gotten 4th if it wasn’t for the dang strips.
The crowds were small so it was easier to see the pro racers finish on the circuit. Kristen, one of the girls that I road with last Monday from the PROMAN team, was in last position so she did a beer hand off on the last circuit to the Shimano support vehicles—it was awesome! The best part was 30 minutes after I told Jay (from Hollywood Cycle) that I wanted to take a picture with Rory Sutherland he came by and I got to take a picture with him right after he secured the yellow jersey!
Sunday I met up with Mike B and Dave H and we rode out to Stillwater to watch the races. We got lost and ended up in the Afton area and had to go north. I got in about 60 miles. Luckily, we weren’t riding home. The race as always was fun. Kristen Armstrong was off the front right away and had a 2-3 minute gap. She will be fun to watch at the Olympics.
Linda Stone and Shana Strula, from the local Flanders team, did great this weekend. There are several of us who are suffering with a horse voice from all the cheering!
On the last two laps for the pro men’s race this one guy was towards the end and decided to show off. He popped a wheelie and rode up the ENTIRE hill on his back tire. The last lap be did the same thing and even took off one of his hands from his handlebars and gave a thumbs-up to the crowed, He crossed the finish line on one tire—it was so awesome!
This week I’m racing the State Fair and the Richmond Roller (god help me).
Team Strong Heart is still on the road and are over 2/3 complete. All 5 are doing great and feeling good! I talked with Holly this morning. They had a tough night—they road through some bad storms. Amy road through hail and lightning—what a tough lady! They caught Tim early this morning and it sounds like he is looking good and is in good spirits. The Mississippi River is flooded so they get to drive their riders 15 miles around the flood area.
Friday, June 13, 2008
New hair style?
I'm thinking about getting a new hair style.
I wonder if Bell or Giro can make a helmet that can fit?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I made the USA Team!
Earlier today I received an email stating that I qualified for the European Duathlon in Italy (I'm not kidding). Here is part of the email:
Dear Athlete,
Congratulations! You are being contacted because you have earned a spot on Team USA for the 2008 Short Course Duathlon World Championships because of your outstanding performance at the 2008 Apple Duathlon. The 2008 World Championships are set to take place September 27-28 in Rimini, Italy.
Ha ha ha—yeah right! Did you read my post blog on how well I did?
On a realistic note, I raced yesterday at the State Fair Crit. The field was 3 times larger than last week. Mostly Cat 3 and 4’s again since the 1 & 2’s will be racing this week at the Nature Valley Grand Prix. I did everything I could to stick with the break—the break consisted of all the 3’s and the 4’s that should be a 3. Average speed was 22.5 mph for 35 minutes. I looked down at my odometer, while taking one of the faster corners on the last two laps, and my speed was 27-28 mph! What a rush! I could have easily taken that corner at a higher speed but some chick kept cutting me off.
I realized over time I will become more confident on those corners and those chicks that try to take my line will experience a challenge from me. I never thought in my wildest dream that crit racing would become extremely fun to race. Now I need to work on fitness and confidence to become more aggressive. This weekend is the Mankato Crit before the Pros come into town for the road race.
OH I forgot to talk about the best part of my week! I got to ride with the BMC professional women’s team (PROMAN Team). They just got into town and wanted to go for a little ride. I talked with Shelley Olds, Helene and Kristin Drumm (sisters). Shelley looks and sounds like she is a little firecracker on the bike! Kristin gave me some great advice since she has 15 years of racing experience and Helene was also great! All the women seemed very down to earth. PROMAN is a development team from the Bay area, all of the women travel to races for fun and still hold down a fulltime job. I would live to be at that level!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Why Take The Chance?
As you all know, I'm a huge Boonen fan. This is a sad day to hear that another great athlete has fallen to the pressure of drugs.
Velo News: Boonen Tests Positive For Cocaine
Paris-Roubaix winner and former world champion Tom Boonen has tested positive for cocaine, Het Laatste Nieuws reported on Tuesday.
The newspaper said that the 27-year-old Boonen tested positive for the drug three days before the Tour of Belgium on May 25, although one anti-doping officials say the rider will not face suspension since use of the drug is not specifically banned except in competition.
Boonen and his Quick Step squad have scheduled a news conference for Wednesday at the team's headquarters in Wielsbeke, Belgium, promising "an annoucement regarding the current situation."
Tour of Switzerland organizers, however, quickly reacted by banning Boonen from their race and demanding an explanation from his team.
"Race director Armin Meier has refused Boonen," Tour of Switzerland spokesman Kurt Henauer told AFP. He said that the rest of the Quick Step team would be starting the race as planned at Langnau on Saturday.
While the Tour of Switzerland decision reflects that of an individual organizer, Boonen will not face the full force of UCI or WADA sanctions in the case.
"A suspension is foreseen when controls took place during competition but it's not the case in this affair," said Tieneke Sonck, a spokesman for the Regional Sports Minster .
That position was confirmed by WADA spokesman Frédéric Donze, who told VeloNews that cocaine is among a class of stimulants whose use is banned only in competition.
"If you look at the 2008 WADA Prohibited List, you will find a category named 'Substances and Methods Prohibited In-Competition' (i.e. only in-competition)," he wrote. "Cocaine is in section S. 6 Stimulants. Therefore, cocaine is not prohibited when detected out-of-competition."
Some may recall the 2002 suspension of German Jan Ullrich, who was banned for six months after a similar out-of-competition test, which showed traces of the drug ecstasy and amphetamine. WADA has only been fully in control of the international banned substances list since 2004 and Ullrich was suspended under the rules of the German Cycling Federation.
"The World Anti-Doping Code came into force on January 1, 2004," noted Donze, "at the same time as the first annual Prohibited List prepared by WADA and the other International Standard developed by WADA."
While he might not face cycling-related sanctions, Boonen may well face criminal charges in the matter. Inge Delissen, spokeswoman at the prosecutors office in the Flemish city of Turnhout, said investigators are looking "into the suspected possession of cocaine by Tom Boonen." Delissen said police carried out searches but found nothing to incriminate the cyclist.
"On Monday afternoon searches were carried out and lead to a negative result. Tom Boonen was not arrested but he was questioned," she said.
There was no immediate reaction or statement from Boonen's Quick Step team, nor was there reaction from Bouygues Telecom, the French team with which Boonen was reportedly in negotiations for a contract in 2009.
The Belgian sprinter was caught up in a drugs scandal in January when Belgian cyclocross star Tom Vanoppen tested positive for cocaine and told investigators that Boonen had provided him with the drug. Following that allegation, police searched the home of Boonen's parents but found nothing to incriminate him and the case was eventually dropped. Neither case has prompted the UCI to consider sanctions.
"The UCI will not be requesting that a disciplinary procedure be opened," UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani told AFP. "We have not been informed of this result but if the information is confirmed as it is an out-of-competition control UCI rules like those of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) do not have any sanctions for (out-of-competition use of) cocaine."
Velo News: Boonen Tests Positive For Cocaine
Paris-Roubaix winner and former world champion Tom Boonen has tested positive for cocaine, Het Laatste Nieuws reported on Tuesday.The newspaper said that the 27-year-old Boonen tested positive for the drug three days before the Tour of Belgium on May 25, although one anti-doping officials say the rider will not face suspension since use of the drug is not specifically banned except in competition.
Boonen and his Quick Step squad have scheduled a news conference for Wednesday at the team's headquarters in Wielsbeke, Belgium, promising "an annoucement regarding the current situation."
Tour of Switzerland organizers, however, quickly reacted by banning Boonen from their race and demanding an explanation from his team.
"Race director Armin Meier has refused Boonen," Tour of Switzerland spokesman Kurt Henauer told AFP. He said that the rest of the Quick Step team would be starting the race as planned at Langnau on Saturday.
While the Tour of Switzerland decision reflects that of an individual organizer, Boonen will not face the full force of UCI or WADA sanctions in the case.
"A suspension is foreseen when controls took place during competition but it's not the case in this affair," said Tieneke Sonck, a spokesman for the Regional Sports Minster .
That position was confirmed by WADA spokesman Frédéric Donze, who told VeloNews that cocaine is among a class of stimulants whose use is banned only in competition.
"If you look at the 2008 WADA Prohibited List, you will find a category named 'Substances and Methods Prohibited In-Competition' (i.e. only in-competition)," he wrote. "Cocaine is in section S. 6 Stimulants. Therefore, cocaine is not prohibited when detected out-of-competition."
Some may recall the 2002 suspension of German Jan Ullrich, who was banned for six months after a similar out-of-competition test, which showed traces of the drug ecstasy and amphetamine. WADA has only been fully in control of the international banned substances list since 2004 and Ullrich was suspended under the rules of the German Cycling Federation.
"The World Anti-Doping Code came into force on January 1, 2004," noted Donze, "at the same time as the first annual Prohibited List prepared by WADA and the other International Standard developed by WADA."
While he might not face cycling-related sanctions, Boonen may well face criminal charges in the matter. Inge Delissen, spokeswoman at the prosecutors office in the Flemish city of Turnhout, said investigators are looking "into the suspected possession of cocaine by Tom Boonen." Delissen said police carried out searches but found nothing to incriminate the cyclist.
"On Monday afternoon searches were carried out and lead to a negative result. Tom Boonen was not arrested but he was questioned," she said.
There was no immediate reaction or statement from Boonen's Quick Step team, nor was there reaction from Bouygues Telecom, the French team with which Boonen was reportedly in negotiations for a contract in 2009.
The Belgian sprinter was caught up in a drugs scandal in January when Belgian cyclocross star Tom Vanoppen tested positive for cocaine and told investigators that Boonen had provided him with the drug. Following that allegation, police searched the home of Boonen's parents but found nothing to incriminate him and the case was eventually dropped. Neither case has prompted the UCI to consider sanctions.
"The UCI will not be requesting that a disciplinary procedure be opened," UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani told AFP. "We have not been informed of this result but if the information is confirmed as it is an out-of-competition control UCI rules like those of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) do not have any sanctions for (out-of-competition use of) cocaine."
Monday, June 9, 2008
TT Race and a Century
Neither one of those were planned.
On Saturday I decided to do the State Time Trial down in St. Peter. Not sure if I should even waste my time using a stock bike, since I don’t own a TT bike, I decided to do it anyways. I wasn’t worried about the 40k distance (24.5 miles). Heck a Wednesday group ride is like TT the entire time—I’m always trying to catch-up with the group. So I hitched a ride with another team that was going down.
Thanks to everyone who rode and pulled my sorry self the entire time (including picking off the worm that was trying to go down my shirt)—the TT race did me in, my thighs felt like rocks.
For those who are not aware of the 2008 Race Across America (RAAM), our soloist Tim Case started his adventure yesterday at about 2pm PT. The four person team will be starting their race on Wednesday. Our well wishes are with the Team Strong Heart racers and that they cross the finish line in Maryland safely. Thank Neil for manning the blog and keeping us TSH fans updated on the race!
On Saturday I decided to do the State Time Trial down in St. Peter. Not sure if I should even waste my time using a stock bike, since I don’t own a TT bike, I decided to do it anyways. I wasn’t worried about the 40k distance (24.5 miles). Heck a Wednesday group ride is like TT the entire time—I’m always trying to catch-up with the group. So I hitched a ride with another team that was going down.
Back of the Party Bus--what a greate image!
We got there just in time to register. I was the 104th person to go out of 106 racers. I came out of the bathroom, thinking I had plenty of time since I was the third from last to go, and this guy said they called my number. I raced over to the start line, they told me to put my foot down then to go. My heart rate was already crazy since I was in a panic. I guess they start your time when they call your number to go even if you are not there—it turned out I got a 2 minute penalty.
I was told that I would be more efficient if I just stayed in my drops then if I just stuck arrow bars onto my bike. I opted to not put on arrow bars since there was a number of other stock bikes (like mine) that didn’t have bars. I regretted that decision after the first mile. I was so uncomfortable on the bike. I couldn’t stay low on the bike without having every part of my body ache. It was a good course and I could see myself really enjoying TT racing. I’ll just have to play around with my bike positioning for now until I get a real TT bike. (always something) Needless to say, my time was horrible. The other girls did great coming in four minutes in front of me.
Aside from the crappy racing the company was fun. We were the last group to leave the parking lot. We hung out, had a few drinks and laughed a lot!
I was told that I would be more efficient if I just stayed in my drops then if I just stuck arrow bars onto my bike. I opted to not put on arrow bars since there was a number of other stock bikes (like mine) that didn’t have bars. I regretted that decision after the first mile. I was so uncomfortable on the bike. I couldn’t stay low on the bike without having every part of my body ache. It was a good course and I could see myself really enjoying TT racing. I’ll just have to play around with my bike positioning for now until I get a real TT bike. (always something) Needless to say, my time was horrible. The other girls did great coming in four minutes in front of me.
Aside from the crappy racing the company was fun. We were the last group to leave the parking lot. We hung out, had a few drinks and laughed a lot!
Yesterday I was going to do the Stone Arch ride with Holly, Dave H and Mike B. Then Holly and I were going to go MTB since she will be in a bus for 2 weeks as part of the road crew for RAAM. I scratched the MTB ride because it was raining, but we decided to do the Stone Arch ride anyways. I went up to her place in Anoka so we could ride together and pick up Dave H. along the way. We got to the bridge and decided to changed our route. It was a good thing since I didn’t know if I would survive the hills in St. Paul. We went to St. Paul out to Stillwater up to White Bear Lake then made our way back to Anoka (with a little psychocross along the way). We had 98 miles on our odometer so we did a lap around the neighborhood. Holly’s read a mile more than mine so I finished up by going up and down her street to get the last mile in. When we got back we were a mess—but boy did we have fun!
Thanks to everyone who rode and pulled my sorry self the entire time (including picking off the worm that was trying to go down my shirt)—the TT race did me in, my thighs felt like rocks.
For those who are not aware of the 2008 Race Across America (RAAM), our soloist Tim Case started his adventure yesterday at about 2pm PT. The four person team will be starting their race on Wednesday. Our well wishes are with the Team Strong Heart racers and that they cross the finish line in Maryland safely. Thank Neil for manning the blog and keeping us TSH fans updated on the race! Wednesday, June 4, 2008
State Fair Crit
Last night’s crit was so much fun. Cat 6 really knows how to put on a good race.
The women’s race started at 5:15. There were 8 of us that showed—a reasonable turnout since it was so early and a chance of rain. I believe we were all cat 3 and 4’s. A few things made me nervous about this course. 1. Corners 2. Surviving 40 minutes of full out racing vs 20 something at Opus. Although, with 8 people strung out the corners weren’t bad and the course was pretty much flat so the 40 minutes wasn’t hard it was just long. I think we did some were around 24 labs which was about 12.5 miles with an average of 20.2 mph.
I did a bonehead move. At the start I put myself at the end of the string and quickly realized that the girl in front of me wasn’t going to last. After a lap I jumped and caught up with the first five. Half a block later they attacked. I stuck on for a few feet but they kept attacking to break us up—I didn’t know how I would fair for 35 more minutes of them trying to shake me off. I surrendered to their attacks and started working with one girl. A few laps later she wasn’t able to stick on my wheel so I jumped on another girls wheel—we worked together the rest of the race taking turns pulling each lap. I came in 2nd for the cat 4’s (out of 5) and 4th overall.
The race had sprint laps very three laps, but they included ninja sprints. You didn’t know when the ninja sprint would happen until you crossed the line and they played a few bars on an electric guitar. The guy that was playing was dressed up as a ninja. The devil was there—who I found out is the lawyer for Quality Bike Parts. A Specialized Angel was there as well in a white dress with angle wings along with the Big Hair Superfan. It was great for us spectators—they weren’t around when us women raced.
Congrats to Kent Throlson (LSC) on an awesome race. On the last lap of his race he pulled back two racers on his own into the peloton that looked to have a clear lead to win the race.
Our very own Jorge has made the homepage video for the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival (Nature Valley Grand Prix). Check it out! If you don't know who he is, he's the spectator helping out a rider that fell.
Monday, June 2, 2008
What a great weekend
I met Matt, Bill and a few of Matt’s friends down at Murphy on Saturday morning. I’ve only been to Murphy once before and you all remember how well that turned out. I was uneasy about going back. I looped the beginners course a few times then conquered the fear and went into the Intermediate course. Once in…there was no turning back. I took it slow since it was muddy from the rain they got the night before. Last year I fell about 10 times that first loop around the intermediate course. This year—zero! They changed the course from last time—the more technical stuff was at the end now. Matt is letting me use his full suspension Kline—I’m sold on the full suspension. It’s a much softer ride then the hardtail. Matt rode Superbee—she looked good aside from getting stripped of her gears. Poor thing.
My MTB was cut short because the Women’s Made Real had a course training at the State Fair. I needed to learn how to technically and efficiently do crits with corners. There was a great turn out about 30 women showed—mostly cat 3 and 4’s. We broke up into groups and practiced cornering. We started slow…but after getting comfortable the speed picked up. Although the coach said we were going at crit speeds we all knew it would be much faster and tighter during the race.
After the training a bunch of us got something to eat and headed out for a hour and a half ride. We went down Grand did a couple of loops to confuse me where we were and then headed up Ohio Street. Then backtracked the Stone Arch ride to Minneapolis and then back to the fairgrounds. We were flying around turns, sprinting to signs. It was a blast! Good thing Channel 5 wasn’t out with their cameras.
I met up with a high school friend for dinner Saturday night and got caught in the storm. I tried to outrun the storm but only got a block away before I surrendered. I’ve never heard hail come down before while in a vehicle. It was so loud. At one point I covered by face thinking that the windshield was going to break. It didn’t, but turns out I have hail damage on the hood and the roof of my Jeep. Three windshield replacements, hit twice from behind, and now hail damage…Is this just a higher power telling me that I should not own this Jeep? What luck.
Sunday morning I met Dave H., Holly, and Carol down at Stone Arch. We headed out to St. Paul after dodging the 5K runners. We met another Loon along the way, he rode with us during part of the course. Carol was nervous about the ride since this was her first time this season doing the course. Holly, Dave, and I sketched out a plan earlier in the week…but didn’t tell Carol. Knowing her she would be even more worried and possibly would have canceled. The first part of the plan was the same. The last part of the ride was a little different, we were going to hit the Ramsey hill area three times. Starting with the Ramsey hill—that thing is so intimidating, loop around then go up Grand (left side of the Ramsey hill), loop around and then go up the switchback roads on the right side of the Ramsey hill. Carol did great going up the Ramsey hill she followed us not realizing we took a right, instead of going straight. She was pleased with her performance and said it was fun and that we should do it again—as a joke. I looked back at her and said we were. The look on her face was great! Her look got even better when I told her that we were going to do it two more times. At that point I told her our plan and why we didn’t tell her. She was thankful that she didn’t know or she would have done what I predicted.
I still had energy left and it was such a great weekend that all I wanted to do was ride. Heck…I’m single—why not?! I called up my neighbor and we headed out for a ride around the lakes. I love the area I live in, within 5 miles we were right next to Minnetonka Lake in Wayzata. He seemed to know who lived in the big houses so it felt more like a tour. We stopped in Excelsior for coffee and found a patch of grass by the lake and watched the hundreds of unique people walk by.
Tomorrow starts the State Fair Crit, the women's race is at 5:15pm—WTF? If it was just down the street who can make it there by that time? I'll have to earn brownie points at work to get out early. I’m disappointed to find out that my fourth place at the last OPUS is not going to count in the Woman’s Made Real Series due to the inaccuracy of the scoring for the race. Again WTF?
My MTB was cut short because the Women’s Made Real had a course training at the State Fair. I needed to learn how to technically and efficiently do crits with corners. There was a great turn out about 30 women showed—mostly cat 3 and 4’s. We broke up into groups and practiced cornering. We started slow…but after getting comfortable the speed picked up. Although the coach said we were going at crit speeds we all knew it would be much faster and tighter during the race.
After the training a bunch of us got something to eat and headed out for a hour and a half ride. We went down Grand did a couple of loops to confuse me where we were and then headed up Ohio Street. Then backtracked the Stone Arch ride to Minneapolis and then back to the fairgrounds. We were flying around turns, sprinting to signs. It was a blast! Good thing Channel 5 wasn’t out with their cameras.
I met up with a high school friend for dinner Saturday night and got caught in the storm. I tried to outrun the storm but only got a block away before I surrendered. I’ve never heard hail come down before while in a vehicle. It was so loud. At one point I covered by face thinking that the windshield was going to break. It didn’t, but turns out I have hail damage on the hood and the roof of my Jeep. Three windshield replacements, hit twice from behind, and now hail damage…Is this just a higher power telling me that I should not own this Jeep? What luck.
Sunday morning I met Dave H., Holly, and Carol down at Stone Arch. We headed out to St. Paul after dodging the 5K runners. We met another Loon along the way, he rode with us during part of the course. Carol was nervous about the ride since this was her first time this season doing the course. Holly, Dave, and I sketched out a plan earlier in the week…but didn’t tell Carol. Knowing her she would be even more worried and possibly would have canceled. The first part of the plan was the same. The last part of the ride was a little different, we were going to hit the Ramsey hill area three times. Starting with the Ramsey hill—that thing is so intimidating, loop around then go up Grand (left side of the Ramsey hill), loop around and then go up the switchback roads on the right side of the Ramsey hill. Carol did great going up the Ramsey hill she followed us not realizing we took a right, instead of going straight. She was pleased with her performance and said it was fun and that we should do it again—as a joke. I looked back at her and said we were. The look on her face was great! Her look got even better when I told her that we were going to do it two more times. At that point I told her our plan and why we didn’t tell her. She was thankful that she didn’t know or she would have done what I predicted.
I still had energy left and it was such a great weekend that all I wanted to do was ride. Heck…I’m single—why not?! I called up my neighbor and we headed out for a ride around the lakes. I love the area I live in, within 5 miles we were right next to Minnetonka Lake in Wayzata. He seemed to know who lived in the big houses so it felt more like a tour. We stopped in Excelsior for coffee and found a patch of grass by the lake and watched the hundreds of unique people walk by.
Tomorrow starts the State Fair Crit, the women's race is at 5:15pm—WTF? If it was just down the street who can make it there by that time? I'll have to earn brownie points at work to get out early. I’m disappointed to find out that my fourth place at the last OPUS is not going to count in the Woman’s Made Real Series due to the inaccuracy of the scoring for the race. Again WTF?
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