Hello Gang,
It is hotter than hell here in Vegas so I was very glad to get down to
SoCal and do some racing in the cooler temps. There is all kind of action
down in SoCal this weekend so lots to talk about. Here we go!!
My tip of the week involves pre-ride or recon the course. This was a very
important lesson that I have to give Simo the credit for. Early in my
career he was an amazing source of information about most of the race
courses in SoCal. Knowing the climbs, the corners, the road conditions can
be the difference between podium or I got caught out. Pay attention to the
different areas of the course and how they might match your strengths and
weakness. Having a plan of attack before you start the race based on the
course will help you to be in better position when the hammer comes down
and might just save you enough energy to take that rider in the finale. It
is not a coincidence when a good rider attacks in an area of the course
that allows them to put distance on the field and uses the natural terrain
to aid that attack. Launching just before a corner or at an area where the
wind changes to a cross wind can help put your opponents in difficulty and
allow you to get the gap you need to win a race.
TNW:
This week we had a nice group get off the front. Balchesaurus and Jitters
started it off with a 2 man move in the early part of the race. Several
attempts to bridge were made before a strong chase group containing Spin
Dr, Double Chip, Kiwi Thatcher, and the Fat Man. Once we got close to
Balch and Jitters we made the bridge and the break was on. With 2 laps to
go I attacked and tried to solo ala Little Hurt style. Jitters made a nice
move to bridge to me and we had a 2-up sprint for the W. Jitters did a
nice job of cat and mouse to take me at the line to get his W.
Manhattan Beach
In the masters 35+ race Chicken and I went down to get in some speed work.
Luna, Hansel, and Lance were also in the race from Vegas. The pace was
incredible with a lot of speed down both straightaways. I got in a break
with Pat Caro and Leibert from Cynergy. I was gapped off the break by a R5
rider when he popped and was quickly back in the field. Chicken launched
to try and bridge with Luna in tow. It was clear to see that the break was
not going to survive and we all tried to set up for the sprint. Lance did
a pull on the last lap for a teammate and pulled off while Luna did an
awesome job holding position on the last lap and held on for a very good
12th place in a stacked field. The rest of us finished mid pack.
In the Cat 2 race Ryan J, Dark Cloud, Gagne, and Danny Kam were out to
represent Vegas. Poor Ryan was taken out in a crash. I understand he
seperated a shoulder and had to take a ambulance ride for his trouble.
Danny had some good advice to handle the last corner and came out and had a
blistering sprint to take the W. Dark Cloud finished 12th. Everyone else
was mid-pack. BIG WIN FOR DANNY
In the 45+ race Lance was able to hang in the field and ended up 11th in
the sprint.
In the Pro Woman Hillary and Alicia did a good job to hold there own in a
NRC field and finish in the pack. That was a stacked field. Ashley
Diamond was active and had several sprints for Preems.
In the main event Little Hurt was the lone rep from Vegas. He was really
active towards the middle of the field trying to cover moves and stay alive
in a stacked NRC field. He finished in the bunch and did a great job
holding his position.
Green Trolley- Did not get any results as of press time
Flaggstaff
Frenchie Bissonette did the Pro 1-2 woman and took the overall win. Did
not get specifics but I know she has been climbing well. Did not get any
other Vegas results on this one but great job to Steph to take another
stage race win.
I previewed the Elite Nationals Course on Saturday with Chicken. For you
Cat 1 riders that are planning on doing this race be ready to strap it on.
That climb in Modjeska Canyon is sick. 15% grade and is is going to be hot
in August. This will be a real test. I encourage any of you to check it
out and see what it will take to move up to the elite level. I would
really like to be a Cat 1 someday but I am glad that I will not have to be
called on by the Chicken to bring back breaks in this race.
Random Thoughts:
Check out the fund that Ball from Rock is starting for cyclists who sustain
a catastrophic injury. Like him or hate him he does bring some interesting
view points to the sport. This fund is something that is needed and I am
glad that he is putting his money somewhere other than sanctioned riders.
He also is very active in spnsoring events.
Spoke with Ivan Dominguez at the race. He was on the side line due to a
back injury. I also noticed him talking it up with Michael Ball. I hope
that is not a sign that Toyota United is not getting a sponsor. Riders on
that team may be out looking for contracts??
How about Danny Kam!! He just stepped up big and took a huge win in the
Cat 2. keep up the good work Danny. I like that you are not talking about
winning, just going out and getting it done. AWESOME
Did you see the lead out man for Bahati. That was Fast Freddie shooting
that corner at Manhattan. Now that is a lead out.
The Chicken and Little Hurt are doing Elite Nationals. Get training boys
cause I will be painting the road in Modjeska for both of you. Look for
the mark of the chicken and that will be your sign to attack. I am going
to have Simo in nothing but his tightey whiteys on the side of the road to
hand you a cool Slurpee. GOOD LUCK
Frenchie notches another stage race title. Damn that girl can climb.
Luna from Penta did a very solid race this weekend. he was very active at
the end and was close to getting a placing.
Dark Cloud and Little Hurt are working on that speed to get ready for
Super Week. Looking good guys. Can you take Danny with you. I think he
would have some fun sprinting with the big boys.
Have you seen the Cytomax add with Amgen. I guess it was cheaper to pay
Thurlow and company than some real pros. I am thinking I should get a TV
spot with Cervelo real soon. I will keep you posted. I am sure they can
pay me a little less than Cancellara or the Schleck brothers. I contacted
Smith sunglasses and KB advised me that I am not model material. GO FIGURE
Did you see who is racing the Pro race in Cascade. That would be horner
and leipheimer from Astana. How would you like to take on that team. I
will hopefully get to hang out with Chris when I am there and see if I can
get some inside training tips on how to be a better racer. I will keep you
posted.
Ryan, drop me a line and let us know you are OK. Get better soon.
Jim Robbins
It is hotter than hell here in Vegas so I was very glad to get down to
SoCal and do some racing in the cooler temps. There is all kind of action
down in SoCal this weekend so lots to talk about. Here we go!!
My tip of the week involves pre-ride or recon the course. This was a very
important lesson that I have to give Simo the credit for. Early in my
career he was an amazing source of information about most of the race
courses in SoCal. Knowing the climbs, the corners, the road conditions can
be the difference between podium or I got caught out. Pay attention to the
different areas of the course and how they might match your strengths and
weakness. Having a plan of attack before you start the race based on the
course will help you to be in better position when the hammer comes down
and might just save you enough energy to take that rider in the finale. It
is not a coincidence when a good rider attacks in an area of the course
that allows them to put distance on the field and uses the natural terrain
to aid that attack. Launching just before a corner or at an area where the
wind changes to a cross wind can help put your opponents in difficulty and
allow you to get the gap you need to win a race.
TNW:
This week we had a nice group get off the front. Balchesaurus and Jitters
started it off with a 2 man move in the early part of the race. Several
attempts to bridge were made before a strong chase group containing Spin
Dr, Double Chip, Kiwi Thatcher, and the Fat Man. Once we got close to
Balch and Jitters we made the bridge and the break was on. With 2 laps to
go I attacked and tried to solo ala Little Hurt style. Jitters made a nice
move to bridge to me and we had a 2-up sprint for the W. Jitters did a
nice job of cat and mouse to take me at the line to get his W.
Manhattan Beach
In the masters 35+ race Chicken and I went down to get in some speed work.
Luna, Hansel, and Lance were also in the race from Vegas. The pace was
incredible with a lot of speed down both straightaways. I got in a break
with Pat Caro and Leibert from Cynergy. I was gapped off the break by a R5
rider when he popped and was quickly back in the field. Chicken launched
to try and bridge with Luna in tow. It was clear to see that the break was
not going to survive and we all tried to set up for the sprint. Lance did
a pull on the last lap for a teammate and pulled off while Luna did an
awesome job holding position on the last lap and held on for a very good
12th place in a stacked field. The rest of us finished mid pack.
In the Cat 2 race Ryan J, Dark Cloud, Gagne, and Danny Kam were out to
represent Vegas. Poor Ryan was taken out in a crash. I understand he
seperated a shoulder and had to take a ambulance ride for his trouble.
Danny had some good advice to handle the last corner and came out and had a
blistering sprint to take the W. Dark Cloud finished 12th. Everyone else
was mid-pack. BIG WIN FOR DANNY
In the 45+ race Lance was able to hang in the field and ended up 11th in
the sprint.
In the Pro Woman Hillary and Alicia did a good job to hold there own in a
NRC field and finish in the pack. That was a stacked field. Ashley
Diamond was active and had several sprints for Preems.
In the main event Little Hurt was the lone rep from Vegas. He was really
active towards the middle of the field trying to cover moves and stay alive
in a stacked NRC field. He finished in the bunch and did a great job
holding his position.
Green Trolley- Did not get any results as of press time
Flaggstaff
Frenchie Bissonette did the Pro 1-2 woman and took the overall win. Did
not get specifics but I know she has been climbing well. Did not get any
other Vegas results on this one but great job to Steph to take another
stage race win.
I previewed the Elite Nationals Course on Saturday with Chicken. For you
Cat 1 riders that are planning on doing this race be ready to strap it on.
That climb in Modjeska Canyon is sick. 15% grade and is is going to be hot
in August. This will be a real test. I encourage any of you to check it
out and see what it will take to move up to the elite level. I would
really like to be a Cat 1 someday but I am glad that I will not have to be
called on by the Chicken to bring back breaks in this race.
Random Thoughts:
Check out the fund that Ball from Rock is starting for cyclists who sustain
a catastrophic injury. Like him or hate him he does bring some interesting
view points to the sport. This fund is something that is needed and I am
glad that he is putting his money somewhere other than sanctioned riders.
He also is very active in spnsoring events.
Spoke with Ivan Dominguez at the race. He was on the side line due to a
back injury. I also noticed him talking it up with Michael Ball. I hope
that is not a sign that Toyota United is not getting a sponsor. Riders on
that team may be out looking for contracts??
How about Danny Kam!! He just stepped up big and took a huge win in the
Cat 2. keep up the good work Danny. I like that you are not talking about
winning, just going out and getting it done. AWESOME
Did you see the lead out man for Bahati. That was Fast Freddie shooting
that corner at Manhattan. Now that is a lead out.
The Chicken and Little Hurt are doing Elite Nationals. Get training boys
cause I will be painting the road in Modjeska for both of you. Look for
the mark of the chicken and that will be your sign to attack. I am going
to have Simo in nothing but his tightey whiteys on the side of the road to
hand you a cool Slurpee. GOOD LUCK
Frenchie notches another stage race title. Damn that girl can climb.
Luna from Penta did a very solid race this weekend. he was very active at
the end and was close to getting a placing.
Dark Cloud and Little Hurt are working on that speed to get ready for
Super Week. Looking good guys. Can you take Danny with you. I think he
would have some fun sprinting with the big boys.
Have you seen the Cytomax add with Amgen. I guess it was cheaper to pay
Thurlow and company than some real pros. I am thinking I should get a TV
spot with Cervelo real soon. I will keep you posted. I am sure they can
pay me a little less than Cancellara or the Schleck brothers. I contacted
Smith sunglasses and KB advised me that I am not model material. GO FIGURE
Did you see who is racing the Pro race in Cascade. That would be horner
and leipheimer from Astana. How would you like to take on that team. I
will hopefully get to hang out with Chris when I am there and see if I can
get some inside training tips on how to be a better racer. I will keep you
posted.
Ryan, drop me a line and let us know you are OK. Get better soon.
Jim Robbins
