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N AT I O N A L C Y C L I N G A L L I A N C E M E D I A L LC
813.280.1440 www.cyclenca.org 5109 Lemon Street Tampa, FL 33609 USA CRITS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
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8 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
ON THE COVER
Carlos Alzate (COL) (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) at Iron Hill Twilight, West Chester, PA. Photo Jonathan Devich
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
Contents
46
12 Born In The USA
WELCOME TO THE USA CRITS SERIES
14 USA CRITS 101
CRIT RACING IS THE BACKBONE OF AMERICAN RACING
16 Women’s Division 1 Team Bios WOMEN DIVISION 1 TEAMS
18 Men’s Division 1 Team Bios MEN DIVISION 1 TEAMS
26 Spin City
THE 2013 USA CRITS SERIES CONCLUDES IN LAS VEGAS
28 USA CRITS Series poster
HINCAPIE DEVO’S BEN ZAWACKI A RIDER FOR THE FUTURE
32 Optum/TMC Old Pueblo Grand Prix KIRCHMANN AND KEOUGH TAKE THE OPENING RACE AT THE USA CRITS SERIES
34 Delray Beach Twilight
SOLO WIN AND A FIELD SPRINT DECIDE THE WINNERS
36
36 Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium
CRIT RACING TAKES OVER DOWNTOWN CHARLOTTE
40 Terrapin Twilight
GINGER TWIN DERAILS THE “BLUE TRAIN” AT TERRAPIN TWILIGHT. 40,000 FANS PACK THE STREETS OF ATHENS
42 Tour de Grove
USA CRITS HEADS TO A MIDWEST SHOWDOWN
44 Glencoe Grand Prix
40
ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS CHALLENGE THE RACERS
46 Iron Hill Twilight Criterium
THE BLUE TRAIN CONTINUES TO ROLL THROUGH THE USA CRITS SERIES
48 Anderson Banducci Twilight Criterium
RACING RETURNS TO BOISE
50 Chris Thater Memorial
IN ITS 30TH YEAR THE THATER MEMORIAL DIDN’T DISAPPOINT
54 Parting Shot
THANKS FOR THE GREAT RACE MEMORIES! SEE YOU IN 2014...
10 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
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Gene Dixon founder of Athens Twilight and the USA CRITS Series
born in the usa Criteriums - While adopting a French word to describe the unique discipline that we call criterium racing, the events that make up the USA CRITS series should more appropriately be labeled “American Street Track Racing”. The racings’ roots are truly American with the oldest events in the U.S. emerging from the hay day of American indoor track racing. These indoor races could be viewed in most major cities around the country. The huge recognition these tracks and their superstars enjoyed ended ironically in a somewhat familiar story to today, From the athletes desire to race and promoters passion for the sport, today’s USA CRITS Series can lay claim to a unique heritage. From the iconic venues of the 20’s indoor tracks to today’s iconic streets of America, criterium racing thrives. From the 100’s of events across the U.S., a few of the best, and by no means all, are assembled as the USA CRITS Series providing a yearlong contiguous promotion for cycling. With its 200 years of combined racing heritage driven by communities passion for hosting the sport, this genre of cycling can weather any storm. Today in its 7th season, the USA CRITS Series has been on the downtown streets of San Francisco to Pennsylvania Avenue. The events engage over a 100,000 spectators a year, many of whom get their first taste of the sport and get hooked. The goal of the USA CRITS Series is to reel them in and keep them engaged in our unique discipline allowing for the development of better prize money and a new professional athlete dedicated to the discipline. These events are not Grand Tours, they are not NASCAR races, they are not Ultimate Fighting, but they have elements of each. Looking towards this goal and with an eye towards entertaining an ever increasingly affluent and environmentally conscious urban spectator, the USA CRITS Series will move to an East-West format in 2014 allowing for the top teams, both amateur and pro to afford the travel costs associated with a national series. With 7 in the east and 7 in the west, the series will also have a national overlay of events that are on the UCI Criterium calendar from each region, creating a third national points standing. The 15th race of the season will be back at Mandalay Bay as an East-West shoot out featuring all of the top teams across America. Find a race near you and come see. Or if you’re really adventurous, come see them all! Sincerely,
Gene Dixon The Athens Twilight USA CRITS Championship Series 12 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
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USA CRITS 101
A
merica has a rich history of cri-
racing, a unique form of cycling that stresses high-speed races contested amidst a thriving urban atmosphere. Criterium racing has been the consistent backbone of American cycling since the 1920s when the velodrome was king. Although an unrecognized discipline by the UCI, the international governing body of cycling, criterium racing, due to its popularity, deserves its own ranking and points system. In America, the USA CRITS Series exemplifies “American Street Track Racing” and ranks criterium riders in several categories and awards a leader’s jersey. These categories include the Champion System Overall Leader of the USA CRITS Series, the BikeReg Lap Leader, the Maxxis Best Under-25 Rider, and the Transitions Adaptive Sunwear Out of Sight jersey. Champion System Overall Leader’s Jersey: Traditionally in cycling, the race leader’s jersey is typically yellow. The USA CRITS Series breaks with that concept, and the Series’ leader dons an orange-colored jersey. The Champion System Overall Leader’s Jersey is awarded to the rider who is currently leading the overall Series on points. BikeReg Lap Leader Jersey: A jersey that is unique to USA CRITS is the BikeReg Lap Leader category. This blue jersey is for the rider who has lead the race for the most laps. Maxxis Best Under-25 Rider Jersey: The grey Maxxis Best Under-25 Rider denotes the highest placed rider on points under the age of 25. The winner of this jersey shows future potential. Transitions Adaptive Sunwear Out of Sight Jersey: The Transitions Adaptive Sunwear Out of Sight jersey is another unique USA CRITS category showcasing the rider who had the largest time gap on the chasing peloton. Usually the winner of this black jersey is someone who has a combination of aggression to launch an attack, combined with the strength to hold them off. Because criteriums are historically contested on short courses through city streets, they offer spectators the opportunity to terium
14 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
watch Olympians, as well as world and national champions, ride by multiple times at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. To keep the racers’ speed at maximum throughout the race a bell is rung signifying that the winner of the next lap wins a prize (called a prime) – often cash, and in the case of the USA CRITS Series, valuable points that go toward the crowning of the overall champion. But what are the characteristics of a champion criterium racer? Chad Andrews, the man behind the USA CRITS microphone, has eight years of experience announcing the races, and knows firsthand the qualities of a successful rider. “The chemical makeup of a crit rider is one that is fearless, can corner, and has a high anaerobic capacity. There is no resting,” explained Andrews. “A criterium rider needs to be comfortable with bumping. The top crit riders are guys who can suffer the most and still sprint at the end to outdo his competitors.” While this constant battling for position requires incredible physical ability, mental acuity plays a major factor in whether a rider finishes at the back or on top of the podium. A racer is always assessing their strategy as the race unfolds: how much energy they have left in the tank, is the breakaway going to succeed, or should they try and win in a field sprint? All of these decisions are made while their heart rate is pegged close to its maximum. As the 2013 USA CRITS Series comes to a conclusion under Las Vegas’ bright lights, the points from a season’s worth of racing will be tallied and a worthy champion named. Criterium racing’s ability to combine the most exciting elements of popular sports with the large-scale appeal of downtown arts and music festivals AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
PHOTO: B.D. ANDREWS
has made it the most enduring form of cycling in North America and the most spectator-friendly form of cycling with an ever-growing following of fans. The crowds will continue to grow as USA
CRITS in 2014 expands to take the series to the West coast, in addition to its East coast courses. Be part of the excitement that is criterium racing.
S E R I E S L E A D E R S ’ J E R S E Y S B Y C H A M P I O N S Y S T E M A W A R D E D AT E A C H R A C E
The Champion System Overall Leader’s Jersey, worn by the rider with the greatest amount of points
USACRITS.COM
The Bikereg Lap Leader’s Jersey presented by Velo, worn by the rider who has led the most amount of laps in the Series
The Maxxis Best Young Rider’s Jersey presented by Cyclingnews.com, worn by the highest placed Under-25 rider in the overall
The Transitions Adaptive Sunwear Out of Sight Jersey, awarded to the breakaway of the day that gets the most time on the field
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 15
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I WOMEN
CARE4CYCLING
t
POWERED BY SOLOMON CORP.
he racing program within CARE supports races and rides that meet specific standards for safety and equality such as the USA CRITS Series and National Racing Calendar (NRC). Both series offer women’s and men’s cycling events and meet the minimum standard CARE for Cycling has established. CARE for Cycling has a commitment to support events that are safe, fun and fair for everyone. CARE’s commitment will be to participate in support of the promoter and sponsors. These quality races expose cycling to an expanding demographic and are perfect venues for CARE to accomplish its mission. Here, we are also available to do extracurricular events such as bicycle safety talks, press conferences and school visits. The team spoke to 5000+ students about bike safety in CARE’s first year of activity.
Pepper Palace Pro Cycling
t
he Pepper Palace Women’s Pro Cycling team is a nationally-ranked cycling team based in Asheville, North Carolina. Our goal is to propel women’s cycling to the forefront of the cycling community, improve women’s racing, and get more women involved in the sport. Our mission, however, is to empower women of all ages to achieve their goals, whatever they may be. Simply put, we love to ride bikes together. We are a close-knit group of strong women who want to achieve our best every time we get on a bike, not only for ourselves, but for the team. We have made quite a name for ourselves in a very short amount of time, and we are excited about what’s to come in the future!
16 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
ROSTER Lenore Pipes Jessica Prinner Erica Allar
ROSTER Allison Arensman Cinthia Lehner Erica Chard Kate Ross Meghan Korol
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I WOMEN
primal pro women
t b
PRESENTED BY BH
he mission of the Primal Pro Women’s Race team is to promote the sport of competitive and recreational cycling. “We love winning races, but what counts the most is what we leave behind.” Primal is dedicated to being an inspirational platform to encourage involvement in cycling, as undiscovered talent will not emerge unless encouraged to participate. Primal Pro Women wants more people to ride and more riders to race. In order to develop the future, Primal Pro Women will host 10 cycling clinics held in conjunction with the USA CRITS Championship Series. Clinics will be designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced cyclists interested in learning more about cycling and bike racing from well accomplished women. As they race, Primal Pro Women will model what they teach to all attendees by illustrating positive race tactics.
team kenda PRESENTED BY RACC
ased in Indiana, Team Kenda presented by RACC, is a grassroots program that lists many elite riders from across the country. Aside of supporting a strong US Domestic Elite Team, this is a team whose mission is to build the sport of women’s cycling by developing Junior, U-23 and Collegiate riders. Creative management has kept this team strong for years despite changes in sponsorship and the wavering economy. Team Kenda is a marketer’s dream. This all-women team is comprised of riders between the ages of 14 to nearly 50, who compete both regionally and nationally. Citizenship is mostly U.S. with some International influence. Team Kenda features regional programs in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Western United States.
USACRITS.COM
ROSTER Melina Bernicker Nicole Wangsgard Tiffany Pezzulo Kori Seehafer Joanie Caron
ROSTER Lauren De Crescenzo Jacqueline Denny Amity Elliot Fabienne Gerard Colleen Gulick Gwen Inglis Terra James Stacey Jensen Beth Lauer Sheila Orem Shannon Parrish Gabrielle Pilote Laura Ralston Amanda Schaap Emily Thurston Amber Vredenburg USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 17
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I MEN
champion system
c
ROSTER
PRESENTED BY STAN’S NOTUBES
Shane Braley
hampion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes (CS/SNT) is an elite amateur cycling team based in New York City. The mission of our team is to develop athletes from the Northeast and to provide a sustainable platform for national and international exposure. 2012 was the team’s first year and they had success on both the local and national level. The team traveled to over 15 states, and had the chance to race in three countries. As a new team, CS/SNT made a large impression on the national scene and looks to grow in 2013. The roster has been expanded with former professionals and talented young riders. The team hopes to build on its success and reach a new level in the domestic racing scene.
Matt Cooke Gavi Epstein Tony Hall Sean McCarthy Ariel Mendez-Peñate Conor Mullervy Kevin Mullervy Allan Rego
RACE PHOTO
Jimmy Schurman
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To learn all the medical benefits of ISM, visit our Saddle Clinic. Tropics B | Booth #20147 | Thursday, 9/19 | 10:30 am – 12 pm
18 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I MEN
crca/foundation
c
RCA/Foundation is named for its mission to support charity. As 60-member team housed within the even larger Century Road Club Association, Foundation engages a large network of cyclists and civic leaders to raise money for organizations such as the City Harvest, Harlem Academy, Alzheimer’s New York City Chapter, Transportation Alternatives, Central Park Conservancy and others. RCA/Foundation’s Elite Team has proven itself as one of the country’s top amateur teams in the USA CRITS Series. Second overall in the 2012 team standings, CRCA/Foundation builds on the success of past years with a stable roster of returning stalwarts, along with new additions for 2013 such as Neil Bezdek, Jesse Keough, and Nick Keough.
ROSTER Adam Alexander Josh Alexander Alex Bremer Neil Bezdek Dan Chabanov Alejandro Guzman Jesse Keough Nicholas Keough Rafael Meran Evan Murphy Abraham Soler Euris Vidal Geron Williams
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USACRITS.COM
IMAGE: JOEL SUNDERLAND
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 19
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I MEN
d
d3devo
PRESENTED BY AIRGAS
3Devo is dedicated to providing a professional level platform for U23 riders with aspirations of making it in the pro peloton. The stars of tomorrow are the youth of today. Providing talented young riders with the opportunity to race national level events is one of the key elements in helping to develop the champions of the future. While results are important, at the end of the day the job of a professional cyclist is as spokesman for the sponsors that he/she represents. Developing the next generation of stars means giving talented young cyclists the tools needed to turn their passion into a profession. Creating the next generation of stars means providing the marketing and business knowledge needed to propel a young aspiring professional going forward.
20 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
ROSTER Chris Johnson Wes Kline Luke Lukas Chris Meacham Greg Ratzell Dakota Schaeffer Lucas Wardein
RACE PHOTO
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I MEN
ROSTER
novo nordisk
b
ased in Atlanta, Georgia, Team Novo Nordisk is the first professional team of its kind, comprised of 17 professional riders from 10 different countries, consisting entirely of athletes living successfully with type 1 diabetes, leading the way in diabetes education, advocacy, research and striving to inspire, empower and “Change Diabetes”. Team Novo Nordisk began as a grassroots initiative to motivate people to take control of their diabetes using cycling as a platform. It grew to become a world-class athletic program for athletes with diabetes, including a professional men’s cycling team, poised to compete at the Tour de France. Today, it is a global sports organization changing the lives of people with diabetes around the world through racing, groundbreaking research, international outreach and philanthropic initiatives in developing countries.
Fabio Calabria Andrea Ciacchini Stephen Clancy Paolo Cravanzola Kevin De Mesmaeker Joe Eldridge Joonas Hentatala David Lozano Riba Javier Megias Leal Justin Morris Andrea Peron Aaron Perry Thomas Raeymaehers Branden Russell Andrei Strelkov Martijn Verschoor Chris Williams
5hourenergy.com 5-hour ENERGY® Pro Cycling presented by Kenda is a paid spokesperson for 5-hour ENERGY® products. Provides a feeling of alertness and energy. Does not provide caloric energy. Not proven to improve physical performance, dexterity or endurance. Individual results may vary. ©2013 Living Essentials Marketing, LLC.
USACRITS.COM
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 21
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I MEN
predator carbon repair
t y
eam Predator’s focus is on the NCC, USA CRITS Series, select NRC, and International UCI stage races. The entire Elite team train and race on carbon repaired frames. Team Predator is a fully-funded elite cycling team, competing in the 2013 NCC and USA CRITS Series, at the national-level. The founding team members are a well-rounded mix of international talent, including multiple NRC and UCI race winners. The Team’s 2013 lineup includes Joshua Carter, Emile Abraham, Sergio Hernandez, Jean-Michel Lachance, Ricky Escuela, Cesar Grajales, Cody O’Reilly and Gevan Samuel. Team Predator is also an all-inclusive club level/ development team, open to the public.
stan’s notubes PRESENTED BY PROFERRIN
oung rider development, rough road racing, and a continued commitment to road tubeless tire technology will serve as driving forces for the 2013 Stan’s NoTubes Team powered by Proferrin, America’s leading iron supplement provider. The 15-rider team will focus on the ultra-competitive Southeast Regional Series, the National Criterium Calendar, USA CRITS Series, and a host of rough road Roubaix style events that have gained increasing popularity in the U.S. Among those leading the NoTubes team charge is newly signed wünderkind Chris Wolhuter, and oneday-race specialist, Jake Wells. Other new riders include Jake Hill, Case Goldstein, Jacob Mueller, and David Reyes. Returning to the team are Brian Hill, John Lohner, Ryan Mele, Karl Rahn, Joe Whitman, Stephan Kincaid, James Steven, Clayton Barrows and Dan Zmolik.
22 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
RACE PHOTO
ROSTER Cesar Grajales Cody O’Reilly Daniel Ramsey Emile Abraham Emilio Asconeguy Gevan Samuel Jean Michel Lachance Joshua Carter Julio Mollinedo Micah Cloteaux Ricardo Escuela Sergio Hernandez
ROSTER Brian Hill Clayton Burrows Chase Goldstein Jacob Hill Stephen Kincaid John Loehner Michael Margarite Ryan Mele Jacob Mueller Karl Rahn David Reyes James Stevens Jake Wells Joe Whiteman Chris Wolhunter Daniel Zmolik AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I MEN
team smartstop
W t
PRESENTED BY MOUNTAIN KHAKIS hat started as a development program has grown into the nation’s premier professional criterium racing squad. Team SmartStop presented by Mountain Khakis enters the 2013 season with a roster balanced by experienced, seasoned professionals, and young riders still proving themselves on the pro circuit. The 2013 roster of Team SmartStop presented by Mountain Khakis is stacked as always with talent, including the addition of veteran criterium ace Frank Travieso, two-time Olympian and multiple national champion on the track, Bobby Lea, and the return of team alumni Jackie Simes and Isaac Howe. Luke Keough’s departure to UnitedHeathcare leaves the door open for team stalwarts Thomas Brown, Travis Livermon, Clay Murfet, Shane Kline and Chris Monteleone to step up to the top of the podium.
unitedhealthcare pro cycling he Oakland, California-based Momentum Sports Group owns and operates one of the most successful professional cycling teams in the sport, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team. UHC is a nationally ranked team made up of accomplished cyclists from all over the world. The team, often referred to as the “UnitedHealthcare Blue Train,” has dominated the U.S. racing circuit over the past few seasons, emerging victorious more than 40 times and reached the podium more than 100 times throughout 2011-2012. Yet as bright as their star power is in the world of competitive cycling, it’s even more powerful in the events they do as official UnitedHealthcare ambassadors, promoting health, wellness, fitness and other principles of healthy living. The team also supports the fundraising efforts of the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, a charity that gives children grants that help cover medical expenses.
USACRITS.COM
ROSTER Thomas Brown Ben Chaddock Jon Hamblen Isaac Howe Shane Kline Bobby Lea Travis Livermon Chris Monteleone Adam Myerson Clay Murfet Daniel Patten Jackie Simes Frank Travieso Curtis Windsor Chris Uberti
ROSTER Carlos Alzate Alessandro Bazzana Hilton Clarke Jonathan Clarke Ben Day Philip Deignan Lucas Euser Robert Förster Davide Franttini Adrian Hegyvary Aldo Ilesic Martyn Irvine Chris Jones Jake Keough Luke Keough Jeff Louder Marc de Maar Karl Menzies John Murphy Kiel Reijnen Danny Summerhill Bradley White USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 2 3
THE TE AMS: DIVISION I MEN
giant bicycles-south
t
ROSTER Jonathan Sundt
he 2013 Giant Bicycles-South roster is a balanced blend of experience and young talent with veterans from the pro peloton including Jonathan Sundt, Bryan Sheedy and Geoff Godsey. In its first season the team has been able to emerge as one of the top road/cross racing teams in the South Region. With a couple of outstanding individual performances at USA CRITS events this year, the team has been a perfect fit for Giant and its P.R.O. retailers and the hope to build on the experience garnered this year as they move into 2014. Some of the team’s 2013 highlights include wins at several TX Cup Division 1 events, OKC Pro-AM, a Texas State Championship title, and the Hotter n’ Hell One-Hundred.
Brian Sheedy Geoff Godsey Adam Koble Charlie Zamistel Sam Croft Ken Kristofek Andrew Gonzales
RACE PHOTO
ENERGYLABNUTRITION.COM
24 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
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AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
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CYCLEOPS VIRTUAL TRAINING APP With our new app and Bluetooth Smart speed and cadence sensor you can quickly and easily add the ultimate virtual training experience to your indoor ride. Get speed-based progression through courses from around the world, or simply create your own and ride your favorite rides year-round.
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© Saris Cycling Group 2013. CycleOps is a registered trademark of Saris Cycling Group.
AFTER 10 RACES, A CHAMPION IS CROWNED
spin c
Racing under the lights returns to Mandalay Bay
T
he Finals of the 2013 USA CRITS Championship Series returns to Las Vegas, Nevada Mandalay Bay in a renewed and fortified partnership with Interbike, the largest bike industry show in North America. After many years at the Sands Convention Center, Interbike has moved to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Mandalay Bay has been the course location of the USA CRITS Finals since first coming to Vegas in 2007. But now that everything all in one dynamic location with the race right outside the back door of the show floor anticipation is high for the greatest, most well attended Finals ever with the stage set for growth in years to come. “Moving to the MBCC will allow us to create an even more dynamic event,” Pat Hus, Interbike’s managing director, said in a statement to Bicycle Retailer & Industry News. “We’re looking forward to being able to reinvent the show by adding more events, celebrations and providing more riding opportunities with the expansive outdoor areas at the MBCC. We have established new events and activities including the new Paddock wrapped by the criterium race course that
26 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
will serve as a test track where companies can offer extended test rides during show hours”. Thursday evening the Paddock transforms into the massive excitement and party that is the USA CRITS Finals race where a Men’s and Women’s Champion will be crowned. Gene Dixon of Swagger, the producer of USA CRITS said, “We produce a uniquely American style of bicycle racing that’s spectator centric and well suited to be a valuable part of the Interbike entertainment experience. We’re excited about the change of venue for Interbike, I think a few blocks move down the strip is going to make a huge difference in the overall experience and I am thrilled can be a part of it”. Racing under the neon Vegas lights are the current Series leaders: Erica Allar (CARE4CYCLING p/b Solomon Corp) and Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling). “Winning the USA CRITS Series was pretty awesome,” said Allar of her 2012 overall championship. “I want to continue on the path of winning races.” The 27 year old has had a very consistent USA CRITS Series. She won the Terrapin Twilight Criterium, followed by several top three placings. At this point her lead over teammate Lenore Pipes is such that Allar is ensured another overall USA CRITS Series Championship.
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
city However, after two years of dominating the criterium circuit Allar is looking to expand her cycling skills. “In 2014 I want to be more of a road endurance specific rider.” While Allar has her USA CRITS Series Championship assured, UnitedHealthcare’s Hilton Clarke isn’t so fortunate. The Australian leads his teammate Carlos Alzate by just 42 points, which means if Alzate takes the win and Clarke finishes worse than eighth place in the Las Vegas finale he could lose the yellow USA CRITS leader’s jersey. Clarke has been a competitive cyclist since he was a young boy, winning his country’s national under 10-year old category, so expect to see him keeping a close eye on any possible threats to his USA CRITS leadership. “All I do is ride criteriums. It’s something I’m good at and I
USACRITS.COM
like doing,” explained Clarke. Being good at criteriums is exactly what Clarke is. He has racked up two victories during the USA CRITS Series: Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium and the Delray Beach Twilight Festival. Throughout the series he’s been a consistent top-10 finisher. The 2013 USA CRITS series comes to an exciting conclusion. The racing starts at 6 PM Thursday September 19th with the Industry Cup, followed by the Women’s and Men’s USA CRITS finale and is open to the public. Spectators will be able to watch the race from The Paddock or in designated VIP hospitality areas around the course. It is estimated that there could be 10,000 to 15,000 spectators for the event. Get there early to pick your spot along the barricade to be up close and personal to the action!
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 27
BEN ZAWACKI Hincapie Development Cycling Team at 2013 Presby Invitational
PHOTO: WELDON WEAVER
RACE. WATCH. REPEAT.
TUNE IN FOR UPCOMING CYCLING EVENTS TOUR OF BRITAIN: SEPT. 15-22 INTERBIKE - THE TV SHOW: SEPT 27 ROAD CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: SEPT 24-25, 28-29 *SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
GO TO UNIVERSALSPORTS.COM/CYCLING FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE *UNIVERSAL SPORTS IS NOT NBC SPORTS NETWORK
2013 R ACE RECAPS
10 exciting races. 1 winner in spin city. As the 2013 USA CRITS Series comes to a conclusion under Las Vegas’ bright lights, the points from a season’s worth of racing will be tallied and a worthy champion named. Here’s how it all went down this season from the beginning in March at “The fastest Race in the West” OPTUM/ TMC Old Pueblo Grand Prix in Tuscon through September at the 30th Annual Chris Thater Memorial of Binghamton, New York to the FINALS in SPIN CITY! >
PHOTO: B.D. ANDREWS
Justin Morris (Team Novo Nordisk) at Terrapin Twilight, Athens GA
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R ACE RECAP
optum/tmc Old Pueblo Grand Prix March 9, 2013 | Tucson, AZ
TUCSON, ARIZONA
ucson, Arizona is a city with a reputation of being an ideal destination to train for athletes of all kinds. A city that is ranked fifth for per capita in spending for cyclists and pedestrians alike. A city that has over 620 miles of on-street bike lanes, more than any other in the U.S., this vibrant place was host to the opening race of the 2013 USA CRITS Championship Series—the Old Pueblo Grand Prix. In its third year, the OPGP brought in both national and international athletes, with many of the professional men’s and women’s teams committing entire squads to race the criterium. The “Fastest Bike Race in the West” was held on a 0.6-mile course, the women raced in the twilight, the men followed and finished under the stars.
In an effort to motivate the field a field prime was announced and Terra James Women’s Results –Old Pueblo Grand Prix (Kenda p/b RACC) took the cash. The 1. LEAH KIRCHMANN (OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) field prime did nothing to decrease the 2. ERICA ALLAR (CARE4CYCLING p/b Solomon Corp) time gap between them and the solo rid3. JOANIE (Primal Women p/b BH) March 23,CARON 2013 | ProDelray Beach, FL er. Instead Kirchmann added four more 4. LAUREN HALL (OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) seconds to her lead on the peloton. 5. CARI HIGGINS (Exergy TWENTY16) With 10 laps remaining the gap had 6. LENORE PIPES (CARE4CYCLING p/b Solomon Corp) grown to 40 seconds between Kirch7. CHRISTINA GOKEY-SMITH (Rouse/Oogie Racing) mann and the single file peloton. Lauren 8. JENNIFER VALENTE (Exergy TWENTY16) Stephens (FCS|Zngine p/b Mr. Restore) 9. MORGAN PATTON (Team Novo Nordisk) got to the front in a last ditch effort to 10. LAUREN STEPHENS (FCS/Zngine p/b Mr. Restore) bring her back, but it was too little too 3 1 0 2 • ARY 10 ANNIVERS late. Men’s Results – Old Pueblo Grand Prix On the bell lap the chasing peloton 1. LUKE KEOUGH (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) April 13, 2013 | Charlotte, NC spread itself out across the street in the 2. DEMIS ALAMAN (Jamis/Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home) battle for the lower placings. Nipping 3. RAHSAAN BAHATI (ShareCare Cycling p/b Wheelandsprocket.com) at the peloton’s heels was Kirchmann 4. HILTON CLARKE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) who had plenty of time to post up and 5. SHANE KLINE (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) celebrate her solo victory. 6. MICHAEL WEICHT (CashCall Mortgage) The peloton sprinted out of the 7. ALEX CANDELARIO (OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) darkness with Erica Allar (CARE4CY8. CONOR MULLERVY (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) CLING powered by Solomon Corp.), the 9. CHARLES HUFF (Jelly Belly p/b Kenda) 2012 USA CRITS Series leader, sprint10. KEVIN MULLERVY (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) ing in second place, 40 seconds behind Kirchmann. Rounding out the podium April 27, 2013 | Athens, GA for third was Joanie Caron (Primal Pro Women p/b BH). The OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies team ELITE WOMEN strategy was fairly simple. An early solo attack by Leah Kirchmann (OPTUM p/b Kelly Ben“We wanted to have an aggressive race and to make it exciting.” efit Strategies) developed into the winning move at the Old Pueblo explained Kirchmann. “We took turns and countered off each other’s Grand Prix with the defending champion taking the win. moves. It worked out that it was my move that stuck.” The defending Old Pueblo champion Kirchmann quickly distanced Being off the front for the majority of the race wasn’t easy for the herself from the peloton, finishing ahead of the field with a 40 second defending Old Pueblo Grand Prix champion, but was motivated by advantage. The first $100 prime of the night was taken by Erica Allar the crowd. “It’s a bit of a mental battle to stay focused and keep my (CARE4Cyling p/b Solomon Corp) who had Annie Ewart (OPTUM efforts steady. The cheering really helped.” p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) tucked onto her rear wheel. The duo TH
only escaped for a couple of laps. The orange helmets OPTUM May of 11, 2013pb | Kelly Benefit Strategies brought the duo to heel. Kirchmann easily took the next $100 prime. Instead of the prime motivating the peloton and reducing the time gap the OPTUM p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies rider increased her lead to 27 seconds. With 17 laps remaining Kirchmann settled into a time trial mode and her gap stabilized at 27 seconds. Her OPTUM teammates were monitoring the front not allowing other teams to organize a chase. As the laps ticked down Kirchmann’s lead extended to 30 seconds.
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St. Louis, MO ELITE MEN A three man break managed to hang off the front of the peloton for most of the race. But with three laps remaining the UnitedHealthcare led squad caught the break and lead out their sprinter Luke Keough for his first win in the USA CRITS series. With the sun under the horizon, 103 pro/elite men lined up in downtown Tuscon for the start of the Old Pueblo Grand Prix. The field faced 75 minutes of racing on the rectangular course.
June 1, 2013 | Glencoe, IL
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
EVENT CO-DIRECTORS: SUSAN FRANK AND KURT ROSENQUIST Are you a cyclist yourself? Susan: Yes, I love to ride. My first bike ‘for real’ was only six years ago. Being involved and now married to a professional bike fitter (Kurt) pushed the learning curve much quicker. Kurt: I’ve been cycling for over 30 years, starting with day/ weekend tours with my cousin in my mid-teens, and getting into racing as I kept riding. Since then I’ve been a one-trick pony – cycling is my only sport and I’ve worked in the bike business since 1985. What is it about cycling that intrigued you to begin with to get involved as a race director? Susan: I own a fitness studio that focuses on indoor cycling. We started an amateur cycling team and then one thing led to another. We wanted to highlight our growing downtown and realized a national crit would be a great way to do this.
Keough has more than sprinting skills
With multiple primes constantly being announced, the speed was fast and resulted in a crash, sending many riders into the neutral pit. One of those in the pit was defending 2012 USA CRITS series winner Luke Keough (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) who was clutching his shoulder. However, the 21 year old from Massachusetts was pushed back into the race. Alex Candelario (OPTUM Kelly Befits Strategy), Juan Magallanes (P&S-Specialized), Carlos Alzate (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling), and Eric Marcotte (Elbowz Racing) were the first significant break to gain on the peloton. They carved out a handful of seconds advantage but a two-hundred dollar cash prime put the fire into the peloton and they were brought back. Out of the final corner the group was altogether but Magallanes managed to hang on for the prime cash. At the mid-point of the race a points prime was announced with Fraser taking the maximum on offer followed by Amaran and Beyer. Closing fast was the “Blue Train” of UnitedHealthcare. The trio was working well together and increased the lead to 15 seconds with 24 laps remaining. There was still plenty of time to bring them back. Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare) took the field prime with his five teammates in a single-file behind him. The breakaway’s time off the front was coming to an end. On the bell lap the UnitedHealthcare squad was at the front of the race with their six riders in single-file. Coming out of turn three on the last lap Keough was sitting on the third wheel ready for the field sprint. “They had confidence in me and put me onto the back of the train,” explained Keough who had finished in third place at last year’s Old Pueblo Grand Prix. Sprinting off of his leadout train Keough took the win with Demis Aleman (Jamis Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home) in second, and Rahsaan Bahati (ShareCare Cycling p/b Wheelandsprocket.com) third. “Its a good win to start off the U.S. season,” said Keough. “It was a hard race and the break gave us a run for the money.”
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Kurt: Having grown up with cycling in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, I watched as what was then the “CoreStates” race evolved into an event that really transformed the city. Now, with our businesses in downtown Tucson undergoing revitalization, creating a race event that might have the same type of impact and become a Tucson landmark is really exciting. What is the most important and significant moment in your cycling career, whether riding, directing or otherwise? Susan: Crashing in my best race ever. I actually don’t focus on the crash part just the fact that I performed the best I ever have and still think about the experience. Secondly, and just as important, is the encouragement we offer to our indoor cyclists (primarily women) on eventually transferring this to outdoor riding. We have been very successful in this effort! Kurt: When I passed the “10,000” hours mark, whenever that was. What passion do you have specifically for the sport of cycling? Susan: Seeing women gain confidence. Kurt: For American fans and recreational cyclists to see bike racing as an adult, storied sport. A lot of people view cycling as a “European” sport. From your perspective, what does the future hold for cycling in the United States? Susan: Tucson is a huge cycling community. My hope is that our city and county officials will begin the recognize its importance and start to put more public dollars towards the development of the sport as a key economic driver. Kurt: With such an emphasis on “artisan/craft/local/niche/ alternative” as a viable business model, it seems there’s the opportunity to position cycling as a new take on spectator sporting events, only one with that inherited rich history.
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March 9, 2013 | Tucson, AZ
R ACE RECAP
Delray Beach Twilight March 23, 2013 | Delray Beach, FL
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elray Beach has been a place of hospitality to visitors from around the world since 1911. It is an oasis for people that crave a playful lifestyle, and that characteristic shined through at the 2nd Annual Delray Beach Twilight Criterium in sunny Florida. Both professional men’s and women’s teams raced on a 0.7-kilometer course of tight turns and straightaways alongside a health and lifestyle festival on beautiful downtown Atlantic Avenue.
ELITE WOMEN
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA 10 TH ANNIVERS
3 ARY • 201
April 13, 2013 | Charlotte, NC Women’s Results – Delray Beach Twilight
1. JACQUELYN CROWELL (Exergy TWENTY16) 2. ERICA ALLAR (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) 3. JOANIE CARON (Primal Pro Women p/b BH) 4. LAURA VAN GILDER (Mellow Mushroom) 5. SCOTTI WILBORNE April 27,(Leborne 2013 Development) | Athens, GA 6. TINA PIC (Colavita/Fine Cooking) 7. VANESSA DRIGO (Rose Bandit Racing Team) 8. JENNIFER PURCELL (Colativa/Fine Cooking) 9. LAUREN STEPHENS (FCS|Zngine p/b Mr. Restore) 10. LAURA PARSONS (Rose Bandit Racing Team) Men’s Results – Delray Beach Twilight
May 11, 2013 | St. Louis, MO
1. HILTON CLARKE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) 2. SHANE KLINE (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) 3. CARLOS ALZATE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) 4. RAFAEL MERAN (CRCA/Foundation) 5. DEREK WILLIAMSON (Bomb Hair p/b Motofish) 6. ALEXEY SCHMIDT (UnitedHealthcare of Georgia p/b The 706 Project) 7. DANIEL HOLT (UnitedHealthcare of Georgia p/b The 706 Project) June 1,(Sharecare 2013 |Cycling Glencoe, IL 8. YOSVANY FALCON p/b Wheelandsprocket.com) 9. DAVID GUTTENPLAN (AG Bicycles/Guttenplan Coaching) 10. BRUNO LANGLOIS (Garneau-Quebecor)
dred dollar prime put the fire under the wheels of the peloton and Crowell’s lead was reduced to just six seconds. However, the peloton still couldn’t close those last few seconds to the Exergy TWENTY16 team rider. At three laps to go her lead increased to 12 seconds and her victory was almost assured. However, with one lap to go she crossed the finish line and posted her arms up in the air thinking she had won. Her effort off the front earned her $1,400 in primes, but Crowell’s early celebration might have robbed her of the victory. Fortunately the Exergy TWENTY16 rider realized that she still had one lap remaining and continued racing. Crowell reported that the crowds were so loud she couldn’t hear anything and didn’t realize it was still the bell lap. Even with the premature victory celebration she had enough of a time gap to hold off the peloton to take the win. Close behind her was Erica Allar who took the sprint for second place and Joanie Caron (Primal Pro Women p/b BH) in third.
A solo break at about halfway in the race by Jacquelyn Crowell (Exergy TWENTY16) proved to be the winning move as she held off the peloton - but just barely. The women were racing for 40 laps in downtown Delray MChester, EN E JulyBeach. 6, 2013 | West PAL I T E The opening laps of elite woman’s race was fast with numerous A strong UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team kept the race in check primes keeping the peloton motivated. Laura Van Gilder (Mellow and unleashed their Australian sprinter Hilton Clarke for the easy win. Mushroom) took the first cash prime of the night - $250. In addition With the course only illuminated by street and spot lights, a field of to cash primes the racers were also contesting point primes that went 109 men were on the start line for 70 laps in downtown Delray Beach. toward the overall USA CRITS series leader jersey. With 23 laps With only a couple of laps completed a huge crash forced the neutralremaining the first serious move of the race was made. Jacquelyn ization of the race. One of those was injured in the crash and taken to Crowell (Exergy TWENTY16) took a one-hundred dollar prime and the hospital was Davide Frattini (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling). He kept on rolling, separating herself from the field. Crowell had just13, 2013 suffered July | Boise, aIDshoulder laceration which required 37 staples to close. returned from a European campaign and had the fitness to show. A three man break of Carlos Alzate (UnitedHealthcare Pro CySoon she had a 14 second gap on the pursuing peloton. Crowell cling), Thomas Gibbons (EBP) and Euris Vidal (CRCA/Foundation) continued to scoop up primes as her lead extended to 16 seconds and had gone up the road prior to the race neutralizing crash and were the peloton behind showed no sign of an organized chase. With 18 allowed their 11 second head start on the field once the race was relaps to go Colavita/Fine Cooking team organized at the front for their started. Four back-to-back one-hundred dollar primes kept the speed sprinter Tina Pic. The result was gradually reducing the gap between pegged. The trio was able to hold off the peloton to take the four August 24-25, 2013 continuous | Binghamton, NY and their lead expanded to 21 seconds. them and Crowell. Van Gilder went to the front along with the primes Colavita/Fine Cooking team. With seven laps remaining a one-hunThe power in the break was impressive as the trio’s gap bounced
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AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
The women’s field provided exciting racing
PHOTO: DELRAY BEACH TWILIGHT
back to 26 seconds with 47 laps remaining. However it was still plenty of time to bring the escapees back to the fold. With 39 laps remaining the trio was caught and there was an immediate counter-attack by Adrian Hegyvary (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling). While impressive it was quickly snuffed out. Just before the midway point of the race Kevin Mullervy (Champion System p/b Stans NoTubes), Karl Menzies (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling), and Michael Chauner (Garneau-Quebecor) got a bit of a lead. With 28 laps to go the group was together, but not before Chauner picked up one last one-hundred dollar prime. With 21 laps to the finish Barry Miller (Firefighters Cycling Team) made a solo move and grabbed one of the many one-hundred dollar primes on offer throughout the night. However a lone rider was no match for the peloton and he was absorbed after a couple of laps of freedom. With 13 laps remaining UnitedHealthcare had all their riders lined up for what was looking to be a field sprint. A crowd prime of six-hundred dollars motivated Jose Frank Rodriguez (EPB) to accelerate off the front. While he took the cash the UnitedHealthcare team brought him back and with 3 laps to go they were organizing their lead out train. On the bell lap it was UnitedHealthcare’s race to lose. The team was lined up to perfection and Menzies even picked up the final cash prime of the night on the penultimate lap. Coming out of the final corner it was nothing but the blue kit of Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) easily taking the field sprint victory with Shane Kline (Team SmartStop-Mountain Khakis) in second, and Alzate rounding out the podium for third. “We had a good winning stretch but none of these races are easy,” said Clarke. “With about 30 laps to go we had a chat and just said we’re going to ride for a sprint. With about 15 laps to go, we were controlling things and the team is really experienced in doing that. They worked all the way and led me out to about 100 meters to go.”
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EVENT DIRECTOR: CHELSEA MIDLARSKY Are you a cyclist yourself? When did you first hop on a bike and why? I love to cycle but only recreationally. My brother Mike Midlarsky is the Professional Racer in the family. I first started riding when I was 15 years old. It was a family activity for me. My mom, dad and brother all ride. I guess you could say I had no choice. What is it about cycling that intrigued you to begin with to get involved as a race director? I loved the cycling community and the cycling culture. I believe that cycling is a growing sport that promotes a health and fun lifestyle. I felt that the sport needed to be shared with the masses. What is the most important and significant moment in your cycling career, whether riding, directing or otherwise? The first year we put on the Delray Beach Twilight Festival. Many thought it could not be done since it was in such a vibrant downtown, but we pulled it off and everybody loved it! What passion do you have specifically for the sport of cycling? A desire to bring the sports masses and to showcase how good these endurance athletes really and are and how hard they work. Cyclists deserve to be showcased like any other professional athlete.
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March 23, 2013 | Delray Beach, FL
R ACE RECAP
10 TH ANNIVERS
3 ARY • 201
presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium April 13, 2013 | Charlotte, NC
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CHARLOT TE, NORTH CAROLINA
elebrating its A five-hundred dollar prime on the 10th year, it’s penultimate lap was won by Janel Women’s Results – Presbyterian Hospital Invitational no wonder that Holcomb (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Criterium April 27, 2013 | Athens, GA the Presbyterian Strategies). On the final stretch to 1. LAUREN STEPHENS (FCS|Zngine p/b Mr. Restore) Hospital Invitathe finish line the field was spread 2 . THERESA CLIFF-RYAN (Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy tional Criterium out from the curb to the fencing that Cycling-Vie13) is a favorite of divided the road. Kicking hardest 3 . LAURA VAN GILDER (Mellow Mushroom) the best criterium on the left hand side of the road was 4 . JADE WILCOXSON (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) riders, drawing Lauren Stephens (FCS|Zngine p/b Mr. 5 . BRIANNA WALLE (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) over 35,000 specRestore) taking the win. Behind her 6. LAUREN TAMAYO (Exergy TWENTY16) tators and one of was Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Colavita/Fine 7. CHRISTINA GOKEY-SMITH (ROUSE/OOGIE RACING) MayPOWERS 11, 2013 | St. Louis, MO the largest purses Cooking) in second, and in third Laura 8. ALISON (NOW and Novartis for MS) ($75,000) for a Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom). 9. JO KIESANOWSKI (Team TIBCO) single day criteri“This is the biggest victory I ever had,” 10. JACQUELYN CROWELL (Exergy TWENTY16) um event. Fondly said a jubilant Stephens. Men’s Results – Presbyterian Hospital Invitational known as “Presby” the race maintains Criterium it’s corporate title sponsor but takes ELITE MEN 1. HILTON CLARKE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) on a new name for 2014, the Novant The UnitedHealthcare squad 2. LUKE KEOUGH (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) Health Invitational Criterium. Held in launched their sprinter Hilton Clarke 3. DEMIS ALEMAN (Jamis Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home) Charlotte’s City Center, the race is a to a convincing win at the Presbyterian 4. SERGIO HERNANDEZ Cycling Carbon Repair) challenging 1.2-mile course that brings June 1, 2013(Predator | Glencoe, IL Hospital Invitational. 5. RUBEN COMPANIONI (Jamis Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home) riders through the start/finish area two In the opening laps Michael Weicht 6. ADAM LEIBOVITZ (Texas Roadhouse Cycling Team) times per lap. Sponsored by Presbyte(CashCall Mortgage) went on the 7. CARLOS ALZATE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) rian Hospital and benefiting The Brain attack and grabbed up several primes 8. ANDREW DAHLHEIM (BISSELL Pro Cycling) Tumor Fund Carolinas, for which the for a total of $1,500 in cash as well as 9. COLE HOUSE (CashCall Mortgage) race has raised more than $5 million points towards the USA CRITS series. 10. DANIEL HOLT (UnitedHealthcare of GA p/b The 706 Project) since its inception in 2004, the event However, his several laps of freedom was once again a stop on the USA were erased by the accelerating peloCRITS Championship Series. ton. As the laps ticked down, racers A field sprint decided both winners for the Presbyterian Hospital sprint July 6, 2013 | Westwould Chester, PAto take the many primes on offer – but the attacks were Invitational Criterium. In the women’s race Lauren Stephens (FCS not enough to separate themselves from the peloton. Zngine p/b Mr. Restore) out sprinted the favorites to take the win. Finally a break of 11 riders did manage to create the tiniest of time In the men’s race the UnitedHealthcare squad lead out their sprinter gaps for the next prime. Winning the $250 prime was again CashCall’s Hilton Clarke for the victory. The 10th annual Presbyterian Hospital Weicht. The mid-race points prime was the catalyst of the night’s first Invitational was the third stop of the USA CRITS series and held in serious break as 16 riders went up the road. All the major teams were downtown Charlotte, North Carolina on a 1.1 mile loop. The women represented, and the gap grew continually from 18 to 40 seconds. Bewould race for 18 laps and the men for 40. hind them the main peloton was spread out with no organized chase.
ELITE WOMEN
July 13, 2013 |
The numerous primes for both cash and points kept the field active throughout the race. The teams of Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies and Tibco were constantly at the front of the field keeping the pace high. Numerous breaks were formed, but none were able to stay away for any length of time. With three laps remaining the peloton was together and a field sprint was going to decide the winner.
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Finally, the yellow and blue kits of SmartStop-Mountain Khaki went to the front of the peloton and started to cut into the breakaway’s time Boise, ID gap. With 13 laps remaining the gap had been reduced to 18 seconds. Joe Lewis (Hincapie Development) attacked and scraped together a 20 second lead as his former breakaway companions were about to be caught. At six laps remaining a thousand dollar prime was announced and Lewis still maintained an advantage as the big teams started to organize their sprint trains. It seemed like only a matter of time before
August 24-25, 2013 | Binghamton, NY
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
Michael Weicht (CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team) solos at Presby 2013
PHOTO: WELDON WEAVER
Lewis was caught. However, it wasn’t before he picked up the thousand dollars. With five laps to go the blue lead-out train of the UnitedHealthcare squad went to the front for their sprinter Hilton Clarke. UnitedHealthcare team was just letting Lewis dangle a few seconds off the front in order to discourage any counter-attacks. With two laps remaining Lewis was caught. At the front of the peloton the UnitedHealthcare squad was in full control of the race with their sprint train. On the bell lap what remained of the field was strung out in a single file, scrambling to get on the wheel of the blue train of UnitedHealthcare. Out of the final turn it was all blue kits as Clarke sprinted for the win with his teammate Luke Keough finishing second and Demis Aleman (Jamis - Hagens Berman) in third. While Lewis looked like he had an outside chance of stealing the win Clarke had faith in his squad. “As soon as the boys got together, we drilled it and at five to go, led the race,” said Clarke of the team’s strategy. UnitedHealthcare team manager Mike Tamayo was equally happy with his squad’s performance. “Hilton is sprinting really well right now and the boys have learned how to deliver him perfectly. Another beautiful race and a great win.”
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EVENT DIRECTOR: THAD FISCHER Are you a cyclist yourself? If so, when did you first hop on a bike and why? Well at heart. I rarely have time to ride much now but still dream of getting out there! I started riding for fun and then being a competitive person I found myself racing and it gave me the opportunity to see meet many people and see many parts of the world. What is it about cycling that intrigued you to begin with to get involved as a race director? Cycling in general has been a big part of my adult life and moving into team and event management just seemed to be a natural part of the lifestyle and career. What is the most important and significant moment in your cycling career, whether riding or directing? As a rider I was just in the bunch but as a director I have had some memorable projects like winning the USA Cycling Team NRC, directing teams at international events, being involved with the Tour DuPont and US Olympic Cycling Trials and now the Giordana Velodrome in Rock Hill. What passion do you have specifically for the sport of cycling? I love the sport and feel an obligation to do my best when representing it and the big reward for me is to see people smiling when they are exposed to cycling whether they are riders, cycling fans or sponsors. A lot of people view cycling as a “European” sport. From your perspective, what does the future hold for cycling in the United States? Cycling is indeed deep rooted in Europe but America has a huge and growing cycling base and our most popular style of racing is criteriums. This type of racing fits well into the realm of spectator friendly sports with most pro events fitting into a two or three hour period of fast paced entertainment. The USA CRITS Series is moving in the right direction in this regard and I look forward to a bright future.
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thomas SmartStop Pro Cycling p/b Mountain Khakis was a force throughout the USA CRITS Series. Pictured here; Thomas Brown at Terrapin Twilight, Athens GA.
s brown
PHOTO B.D. ANDREWS
10 TH ANNIVERS
3 ARY • 201
April 13, 2013 | Charlotte, NC
R ACE RECAP
terrapin twilight April 27, 2013 | Athens, GA
h
ATHENS, GEORGIA
eralded by Velo As the race entered the single digits May 11, 2013 | St. Louis, MO as the “Criterium remaining Colavita/Fine Cooking Terrapin Twilight – Pro Men Results Not To Miss” moved to the front for their sprinter 1. KEVIN MULLERVY (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) and voted first Jennifer Purcell. 2. CARLOS ALZATE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) by their poll of “With ten laps to go we knew it was 3. FRANK TRAVIESO (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) professional and going to be a field sprint,” said Allar. 4. LUKE KEOUGH (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) amateur racers, Also in the mix was Laura Van Gild5. SHANE KLINE (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) the Terrapin er (Mellow Mushroom) looking to take 6. HILTON CLARKE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) Twilight of advantage of Colavita/Fine Cooking’s June 1,(UnitedHealthcare 2013 | Glencoe, IL 7. KARL MENZIES Pro Cycling) Athens, Georgia hard work at the front. 8. RAFAEL A. MERAN (CRCA/Foundation) is a highlight of On the backside of the course with 9. CHAD HARTLEY (Sharecare Cycling p/b Wheelandsprocket.com) the pro cycling 500 meters to go Morgan Patton (Team 10. GAVRIEL EPSTEIN (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) season. For 34 Novo Nordisk) attacked and got a gap. years, the TerHowever, the slight decline to the finish Terrapin Twilight – Pro Women Results rapin Twilight line helped the peloton bring her back 1. ERICA ALLAR (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) Criterium has always stood apart from just before the line and Allar had the 2. THERESA CLIFF-RYAN (Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy Cycling-Vie13) other criteriums in the U.S. and is not fastest sprint to take the win by several July 6, 2013 | West Chester, PA 3. CARI HIGGINS (Exergy TWENTY16) only popular with the racers, but with bike lengths. 4. KIMBERLY WELLS (Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy Cycling-Vie13) the spectators, drawing close to 40,000 “In the final turn I was following 5. LENORE PIPES (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) screaming fans to the cozy confines Jennifer Purcell’s and with the tailwind 6. JENNIFER PURCELL (Colavita/Fine Cooking) of Downtown Athens. What began (into the home stretch) I knew I had 7. TINA PIC (Colavita/Fine Cooking) as one race with 40 competitors has to make a run off of her wheel,” said 8. LAURA VAN GILDER (Mellow Mushroom) since grown to offer eight separate race Allar. Allar won the Terrapin Twilight 9. SAMANTHA SCHNEIDER (Team TIBCO) classes and 150 cyclists competing in last year. “I was super motivated to win 10. JACQUELYN CROWELL (Exergy TWENTY16) the main event, the men’s criterium, an in Athens for a second year in a row.” July 13, 2013 | Boise, ID 80K race around downtown Athens. The 34th edition of the Terrapin Twilight Criterium was held under beautiful weather conditions ELITE MEN which produced a sprint win in the women’s race with Erica Allar With four laps remaining one of the “Ginger Twin” brothers Kevin (CARE4CYCLING p/b Solomon Corp) and a solo victory by Kevin Mullervy (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) jumped away Mullervy (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes). from breakaway companions Frank Travieso (SmartStop-Mountain
ELITE WOMEN
August 24-25, 2013 | Khakis) Binghamton, NY Alzate (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) to take a and Carlos
solo win at the Terrapin Twilight Criterium. Erica Allar (CARE4CYCLING p/b Solomon Corp) took the field On the first lap a two-hundred dollar prime was announced which sprint to win the Terrapin Twilight Criterium. The one kilometer launched Jean Michel Lechance (Team Predator). He was joined by course is held in downtown Athens, Georgia and is the fourth race in Bobby Lea (SmartStop-Mountain Khakis) but the duo were quickly the USA CRITS Series. The women were racing for 40 kilometers on brought back. the rectangular course. The next serious attack came from Adrian Hegyvary (UnitedNumerous primes kept the racers on the gas the entire race, however September 19, 2013 Healthcare) | Las Vegas,and NV Thomas Brown (SmartStop-Mountain Khakis). A no team or rider had the power to separate themselves from the peloton. third rider Adam Koble (Giant Bicycles South) bridged and helped At the halfway point two women were able to get a slight gap: Christina increase the time gap grew to 17 seconds. Slightly behind the trio and Gokey-Smith (Rouse/Oogie Racing) and Lindsay Bayer (Colavita/Fine chasing hard was solo rider David Guttenplan (AG Bicycles/GuttenCooking). They were allowed a few laps of freedom and scooped up sev- plan Coaching). Guttenplan was unable to make the juncture and eral primes for their effort. With 13 laps remaining the sprinters moved was caught by the peloton. The leading trio continued to hold a solid to the front of the peloton with no team taking control. 28 second gap.
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AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
GENE DIXON,
founder of the Athens Twilight Criterium, the USA CRITS Championship Series and the godfather of Twilight Criterium racing. Are you a cyclist yourself? When did you first hop on a bike and why? I guess I am a cyclist - started riding 26 miles a day as a pre-driving way to get back and forth to a horse boarding facility. Quickly gave up the horse and entered a couple races put on by the North Jersey Bicycle Club (this would be in 1969). As a side note in my junior year in high school 7 of us freaks rode our bikes to school in Westfield New Jersey. In the spring of that year one whole parking lot was closed to cars with app. 1000 students riding to school. Opened a bike shop in 1973 in Athens at the age of 19 and a short career of attending UGA.
The Athens course is a fan favorite PHOTO: B.D. ANDREWS
At the front of the chasing peloton was the Team Predator Carbon Repair squad as they had missed what was looking to be a dangerous move. With 29 laps of the 80 laps remaining the Predator lead peloton was finally brought the escapees to heel. The counter-attacks were immediate and Frank Travieso (SmartStop-Mountain Khakis), Kevin Mullervy (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes), and Carlos Alzate (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) were the next serious move of the night. They were able to get a 13 second gap. After several laps they expanded their lead to 23 seconds. With 17 laps remaining the trio increased their lead to 33 seconds. Travieso, Mullervy, and Alzate were working together as the SmartStop-Mountain Khakis squad were at the front of the chasing peloton squashing any chases. With eight laps remaining the trio had a large enough gap that they were getting close to lapping the field. On the backside of the course with 5 laps to go Mullervy attacked. Travieso and Alzate looked at each other, neither wanting to expend the energy to bring the Champion System rider back. With one lap to go there was a large crash in the main field. Mullervy, who was approaching the back of the field, had to pick his way around the crashed riders who were straightening bars or picking themselves off the ground. However, the incident didn’t hamper Mullervy and he crossed the finish line with his arms in a victory salute. Several seconds behind him Alzate out sprinted Travieso for second. “I didn’t even attack, they (Alzate and Travieso) were just staring at each other. I put my head down and went,” said Mullervy of his race winning move. The last lap was hard, but Mullervy was inspired. “I was red-lined the entire way and they (the crowd) brought me to the line. I feel like I’m dreaming. This is the biggest win of my life by far.”
USACRITS.COM
What is it about cycling that intrigued you to begin with to get involved as a race director? Cycling fit my thoughts about the environment and fitness (and still does). Very early on I thought that that in the right setting cycling could be exciting to watch for the non-cycling spectator. This setting was downtown Athens which in 1980 had been abandoned by the big stores like Macys that left for the mall. There was one bar and 2 restaurants on the course and a lot of empty buildings. Now there are app 40 bars and restaurants on the course What is the most important and significant moment in your cycling career, whether riding, directing or otherwise? Not sure - there are several - being in China with a PRO team on 9/11/2001 stands out. Actually winning a cat 2 road race. Crazy race descents in Fontana on a MTB. Watching my kids as 3 year olds race the Twilight Big Wheel race. Touring in France and whacking my head in a crash in the pre-helmet days and spending a night in a hospital - followed up by a 100 mile head wind day which took 12 hours. What passion do you have specifically for the sport of cycling? Ironically I really love climbing—although it seemed easier 60 lbs and 30 years ago. A lot of people view cycling strictly as a “European” sport. From your perspective, what does the future hold for cycling in the United States? You’re asking the wrong guy. Certainly big tours in the U.S. are here to stay. But the ability to bring world class racing to a downtown urban arena in the post fossil fuel age with athletes that want to make a living in the discipline of American Street Track Racing is my focus.
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 41
April 27, 2013 | Athens, GA
R ACE RECAP
tour de grove May 11, 2013 | St. Louis, MO
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
he Tour de Grove is the highest profile cycling event in the Midwest, taking place on a 1.2-mile spectator friendly, winding circuit through St. Louis’ Grove neighborhood that included a sprint finish along Manchester Avenue in front of the area’s restaurant and bar district. The professional men completed 38 laps of this circuit for a 40 mile race, while the professional women completed 26 laps for a 30 mile race. The Tour de Grove was also the only race in the region on the USA CRITS Championship Series calendar. Beautifully clear skies set the atmosphere for Saturday night’s fifth stop of the USA CRITS Championship Series, the Tour de Grove. A new 1.2-mile race course was used due to construction in the area. This new course meant less attacking and more drag strip style racing, and despite a daunting headwind straight to the finish, Erica Allar (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) and Carlos Alzate (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) proved their domination of crits.
JuneTour 1, 2013 | Glencoe, IL de Grove - Men 1. CARLOS ALZATE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) 2. LUKE KEOUGH (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) 3. HILTON CLARKE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) 4. BRAD HUFF (Jelly Belly P/B Kenda) 5. ADAM LEIBOVITZ (Texas Roadhouse Cycling Team) 6. RICARDO VAN DER VELDE (Jelly Belly P/B Kenda) 7. NICOLAI JulyBROCHNER 6, 2013 | (BISSELL-ABG-GIANT) West Chester, PA 8. JASON WADDELL (Tulsa Tough Racing pb ICEdot) 9. SHANE KLINE (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) 10. SEAN MAZICH (Jelly Belly P/B Kenda) Tour de Grove - Women
1. ERICA ALLAR (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp.) 2. CORYN RIVERA (Marian University Cycling Team) 3. KIMBERLEY (Fearless Femme p/bID Pure Energy Cycling-Vie13) JulyWELLS 13, 2013 | Boise, 4. LEAH KIRCHMANN (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategy) 5. THERESA CLIFF-RYAN (Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy) 6. LENORE PIPES (CARE4CYCLING p/b Solomon Corp.) 7. SAMANTHA SCHNEIDER (Team TIBCO/ To the Top) 8. LAUREN STEPHENS (FCS|Zngine p/b Mr. Restore) 9. JOANIE CARON (Primal Pro Women p/b BH) August 24-25, 2013 | Binghamton, NY 10. AMY CUTLER (Team EPS/CSS p/b Shebell & Shebe)
front, but I jumped their train right before the tricky final corner,” said Rivera, who came in second racing for Indianapolis’s Marian University. “I took the corner kind of wide and Erica came up in my inside. We sprinted it head to head all the way to the line and I ended up second across the line.” Kimberley Wells of Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy Cycling-Vie13 finished in third. Coming into the race, CARE was prepped by their race director on how the wind would be a factor in the competition, and thanks to that insight, Allar was able to sit in while her two teammates tried for a breakaway. While they weren’t focused on any team in particular, they were focused on one outcome they wanted to see. “We entered the race with the goal to win,” Allar said. “Focusing too heavily on a single person or a team can be very counter productive. I learned that lesson personally this year at Speed Week. Our team wanted to scoop up some more USA CRITS points to move Lenore into the top three, which we did.”
ELITE MEN
With a stacked field of 130 riders, the men’s race saw similar windy conditions, and though numerous breakaways were attempted in the 38-lap Pro men take to the line ELITE WOMEN race, most of them held no longer than Through the entire women’s event, the field stayed together against a few seconds before being taken back into the fold. the 18 miles per hour headwind. The fiercely aggressive teams of OpThe only significant break happened halfway through, lasted about tum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies and Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy five laps, and was comprised of Chris Stastny (Jamis Hagens Berman) Cycling-Vie13 sent riders to the front, but attempt after attempt they and Chris Williams (Team Novo Nordisk). With ten laps to go, Team were gobbled back into the peloton. In the last few laps of the race, SmartStop Mountain Khakis drove the peloton with Jelly Belly on its Fearless Femme lined up for Kimberley Wells, and Allar marked the heel and UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling sitting in behind them. rear wheel of Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom). Coming into the But with just under two laps remaining, the UHC “Blue Train” final turn, Coryn Rivera (Marian University Cycling Team) accelerated pulled out of the station and delivered Carlos Alzate, Luke Keough, on the inside, and upon seeing her jump, Allar covered her right away. and Hilton Clarke for a sweep of the podium, coming in first, second “Before the last corner Fearless Femme lined it up and took the and third, respectively.
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September 19, 2013 | Las Vegas, NV
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
The ideal fan spot is always in front of a bar
EVENT DIRECTOR: MIKE WEISS
PHOTO: MATT JAMES (4)
Are you a cyclist yourself? If so, when did you first hop on a bike and why? If not, what is it about cycling that intrigued you to begin with to get involved as a race director? I’m a pretty active cyclist except when it’s time to promote an event- then, sadly, training takes a way back seat. I’ve been riding and racing since collegealthough came a bit late to road and criterium racing. I thank injuries playing soccer to getting a bicycle for re-hab. The bike is still rehab- but for my mind. I worked at “the local bike shop” to learn more about the industry and sport and got the fever for the industry. Love the people, products and culture. I attended a pivotal meeting of local promoters in which many of the guys and girls that did the heavy lifting were retiring. So I stepped up. I own a chain of bicycle stores and an event production company now… so it’s been a great niche to fall into.
Allar dominates at de Grove
The sprint train takes form
USACRITS.COM
What is the most important and significant moment in your cycling career, whether riding or directing? I think it’s somewhere between getting dropped at my first crit and getting asked by Missouri’s Lt. Governor to put together a possible route for the dearly departed Tour of Missouri. As a rider- it’s been an honor to have ridden with friends who have taken their natural talents to a high level. I used to enjoy racing Crit Nats when it was in Downers Grove- that was always a goal race. Winning meant not getting shelled. What passion do you have specifically for the sport of cycling? Cycling offers a lot. My hope is that attracting top level competitive events inspires people to ride for whatever reason- and to make the sport and activity seem more credible. Riding in a pro criterium is just as cool as riding to workand both people should be given props. A lot of people view cycling as a European sport. From your perspective, what does the future hold for cycling in the United States? I think that cycling is a sport where we have to advocate and introduce. Our youth need more lifetime sports and activities- we have some high schools locally that are starting teams and a few local universities that have created great programs. I’m optimistic.
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 4 3
May 11, 2013 | St. Louis, MO
R ACE RECAP
glencoe grand prix June 1, 2013 | Glencoe, IL
GLENCOE, ILLINOIS
n established feature on the village’s summer calendar of events, the Glencoe Grand Prix held in Glencoe, Illinois, is one of the most challenging in the Midwest. Located 25 miles north of Chicago, racers traveled through Downtown Glencoe and surrounding neighborhoods on a 10-corner, 2.1 kilometer (1.3-mile) lap that included technical turns, a descent and brief rise on the western part of the course. Since 2007, the Glencoe Grand Prix has featured one of the deepest fields in domestic professional cycling. Cool temperatures and intermittent downpours set the scene Saturday afternoon for the sixth stop on the USA CRITS Championship Series calendar– the 7th Annual Glencoe Grand Prix in the Village of Glencoe, Illinois.
ELITE WOMEN Erica Allar (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) crossed the line in first ahead of Samantha Schneider (Team TIBCO/To The Top) and the 2012 winner Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom) crossed the line in third. In the men’s race, UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling’s Brad White and Carlos Alzate finished one-two, with Johnathan Frete (Panther/Bakehouse) in third. The pro women’s race was delayed due to crashes in the women’s 3/4, and rain began to trickle just before the start of the shortened 20-lap competition. The field stayed together on the soaking wet 10-corner course until the bell rang with nine laps to go offering a cash prime, and
4 4 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
July 6, 2013 | West Chester, PA
Glencoe Grand Prix Results - Men
1. BRADLEY WHITE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) 2. CARLOS ALZATE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) 3. JOHNATHAN FRETER (Panther/Bakehouse) 4. ADAM LEIBOVITZ (Texas Roadhouse Cycling Team) 5. CHAD HARTLEY (RACC p/b GG) 6. JACKIE SIMES (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) 7. CONOR MULLERVY (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) July 13, 2013 | Boise, ID 8. KARL MENZIES (United Healthcare Pro Cycling) 9. SHANE KLINE (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) 10. ALDO INO ILESIC (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) Glencoe Grand Prix Results - Women
1. ERICA ALLAR (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) 2. SAMANTHA SCHNEIDER TIBCO/To The Top) August 24-25, 2013 | (Team Binghamton, NY 3. LAURA VAN GILDER (Mellow Mushroom) 4. CHRISTINA GOKEY-SMITH (Rouse/Oogie Racing) 5. LENORE PIPES (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) 6. MEREDITH MILLER (Team TIBCO) 7. JOANIE CARON (Primal Pro Women p/b BH) 8. AMY PHILLIPS (Hub Endurance Women’s Cycling Team) 9. MELINA BERNECKER (Primal Pro Women p/b BH) September 19, 2013 | Las Vegas, NV 10. JEANNIE KUHAJEK (Vanderkitten)
UHC starts the winning break
Allar decided to go for it. She stayed solo off the front for one lap before Van Gilder and Schneider bridged across to her. At that point, rain began to pour and the bottom side of the course flooded. With three laps to go a crash neutralized the race, but Allar, Van Gilder and Schneider were given their 20-second time gap at the restart. The gap grew to 45 seconds by the end of the race, and with one lap to go, Van Gilder went on the attack, but was quickly covered. Schneider rode Allar’s wheel but could not overcome the powerhouse sprinting style of the CARE4CYCLING rider as she took the win.
ELITE MEN Six laps into the men’s race, a threeman breakaway eventually created the final podium. The breakaway formed a gap of 21 seconds when Adam Leibovitz (Texas Roadhouse) went on the attack to bridge across to the trio. With 20 laps remaining, the break had 45 seconds on the lone Texas Roadhouse rider, with the peloton behind by one minute. A chase group comprised of Jackie Simes (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis), Chad Hartley (Sharecare Cycling p/b Wheelandsprocket.com) and Conor Mullervy (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) caught Leibovitz, and though the foursome had a gap on the peloton, they were still two minutes behind the three-man leading break. With one lap left to go, Chad Burdzilauskas (Kentucky Flyers Cycling Inc) attacked out of the field. However, he was caught and UnitedHealthCare launched their sprinters. Brad White (UnitedHealthcare) and Carlos Alzate (UnitedHealthcare) finished first and second with Freter (Panther/Bakehouse) in third.
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
Rain didn’t slow Allar
© 2013 JOSH DREYFUS (2)
EVENT DIRECTOR: JON KNOUSE Are you a cyclist yourself? When did you first hop on a bike and why? I am. I have been riding for about 13 years now. When I was dating my wife, we happened upon a friend of hers who had just finished what was back then, the Mrs. T’s Chicago Triathlon. After the discussion, Denise remarked how cool it was for her friend to do the triathlon (she also like the number on her arm). I thought to myself if I do it, she will think I’m cool. So I did. After kids, I couldn’t train for all disciplines, so I focused on the cycling end which I found to be much more interesting and social than the other two disciplines of triathlon. I haven’t looked back! What is the most important and significant moment in your cycling career, whether riding or directing? Good question. I think it would have to be the first time I organized the GGP. I had thought about it for quite a while and this was during my height of riding and racing both the road and track. I had to lay a ton of groundwork to get it done and rely very heavily on a lot of people’s goodwill to pull it off. When the first race started back in 2007, I think it was the Cat 5 race, I thought, holy cow, I actually pulled this off! It was very, very satisfying. What passion do you have specifically for the sport of cycling? Besides riding with my friends, it is introducing cycling and racing to people who have never seen it live or ever given it a second thought. I can’t tell you how many people have said to me over the years “I had no idea cycling was like this, it is incredible.” In some small way, I’d like to think the GGP has actually changed the culture a little bit in Glencoe. When I moved there 12 years ago, I rode with one other guy. Now there are upwards of 20 to 30 guys I can ride with and countless others that ride with other groups. I like to think the GGP had something to do with it. A lot of people view cycling as a “European” sport. From your perspective, what does the future hold for cycling in the United States, specifically criterium racing? I think it is a great way to expose fans to cycling. I do love to watch our grand tours, California, Utah and the Pro Cycling Tour, but I think the most exciting racing in the U.S. is the crit. It’s fast and exciting and you get to see the riders over and over. I know many people think the future success of cycling in the U.S. is based on our guys that race in Europe, but in many cases, that distance makes it impossible for the casual fan to have a connection. A real race in your town with real riders working hard and chasing dreams. That is a very American story. And Americans love to root for people like that. My hat is off to all the men and women racing here in the states. It can be really tough. We hope to show everyone who races with us that we have the utmost respect what they do by putting on a first class event for them.
USACRITS.COM
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 4 5
June 1, 2013 | Glencoe, IL
R ACE RECAP
iron hill twilight criterium July 6, 2013 | West Chester, PA
s
WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA
ince its inception in 2005, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is one of the most popular professional cycling events in the surrounding area, drawing more than 20,000 spectators each year. Some of the top professional cyclists descended onto the streets of historic downtown West Chester to compete on the course, navigating narrow streets at speeds of up to 35mph spanning over eight city blocks. With a 0.6-mile track, tight corners and a large crowd, it is great atmosphere with some exciting turns (and crashes), and it has typically produced some close finishes.
A little past the halfway point of the race ten riders got away: Brad White (UnitedHealthcare), Issac Howe (Smart1. LUKE KEOUGH (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) Stop – Mountain Khakis), Micheal 2. KARL MENZIES (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) Chauner (Garneau Quebecor), Bruno 3. BRUNO LANGLOIS (GARNEAU-QUEBECOR) Langlois (Garneau Quebecor), Karl Men4. RAFAEL MERAN (CRCA/Foundation) zies (UnitedHealthcare), Luke Keough 5. BOBBY LEA (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) (SmartStop – Mountain Khakis), Bobby 6. August ISAAC HOWE SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) 24-25,(Team 2013 | Binghamton, NY Lea (SmartStop – Mountain Khakis), 7. BRADLEY WHITE (United Healthcare Pro Cycling) Andreas Graf, Hannes Baumgarten (Rudy 8. MICHAEL CHAUNER (GARNEAU-QUEBECOR) Project Racing Team), and Rafael Meran 9. ANDREAS GRAF (Rudy Project Racing Team) (CRCA/Foundation). 10. CARLOS ALZATE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) Quickly the gap started to grow and with 30 laps remaining the escapees were about to lap the field. September 19, 2013 | Las Vegas, NV White, Howe and Meran made the The fans pack the barricades junction to catch the field. Soon their six breakaway partners joined them and the field was lapped. “There was a bit of confusion because it was a big group and everyone was looking at each other,” said Keough. “We had three guys up there (in the break) so it was up to us to drive it. I didn’t have to do much. RECAP Brad (White) and Karl (Menzies) are maThe UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling chines and lapped the field for me.” Team continued their criterium domiWhite, one of the riders who had lapped the field, punctured with nance at the Iron Hill Criterium with Luke Keough winning the field 23 laps remaining. There was no panic as his UnitedHealthcare sprint after being part of a breakaway that lapped the field. mechanic easily swapped out his wheel in the neutral pit and pushed Held in downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania, the field was rachim back in the race. ing for 75 kilometers on a one-kilometer rectangular course with the With less than 20 laps remaining the blue kits of UnitedHealthcare start/finish line on a slight uphill gradient. took over the front of the field keeping the field strung out. Tucked in The constant primes for cash and USA CRIT Series points kept the behind was the blue and yellow of SmartStop – Mountain Khakis. race animated with riders getting dropped off the back of the peloton. With 17 laps to the finish a huge crash halved the field. The wheel With about 10 laps completed a three man break went up the road pit was flooded with victims of the incident looking to take advantage containing Frank Travieso (Team SmartStop – Mountain Khakis), of the free lap rule. Michael Woods (Garneau Quebecor), and Carlos Alzate (UnitedWith the lap cards in the single digits the entire UnitedHealthcare Healthcare). squad continued to lead the race for their sprinter Keough. Alzate was just sitting on forcing Travieso and Woods to do the Coming off his team’s sprint train, Keough easily out kicked what work to keep the break alive. With 58 laps remaining the trio carved remained of the peloton to take the win. Teammate Menzies finished out a 23 second lead on the chasing peloton. in second and Langlois rounded out the podium in third. A hundred dollar prime motivated the chasing field to catch the As usual Keough gave thanks to his hard working UnitedHealthbreak. care teammates. “It wasn’t easy and I couldn’t have done it without The next attack was a solo move by Andreas Graf (Rudy Projthem.” The 22-year old described the Iron Hill criterium as “the ect Racing Team). He scooped up several primes, but with 42 laps hardest race in the country.” remaining the Austrian was caught.
4 6 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
2013Criterium | Boise, ID IronJuly Hill 13, Twilight Results
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
A familiar podium – a UHC rider on the top step PHOTO: KARL RICHESON (3)
EVENT DIRECTOR: MARK YODER Are you a cyclist yourself? If so, when did you first hop on a bike and why? If not, what is it about cycling that intrigued you to begin with to get involved in road racing events? I am a casual cyclist, mostly mountain biking and pulling my kids in their bike carrier. As an executive with the Chamber and the owner of the Iron Hill Twilight it is exciting to see racing from both an operational and spectator perspective.
Keough has plenty of time to celebrate
USACRITS.COM
What is the most important and significant moment in your cycling career, whether riding or directing? While managing all the aspects of the start finish line it was a rush to have the peloton come by as at full speed the first time. It was incredible! Then to watch the teams work together to win the race gave me a new appreciation of the sport of cycling.
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 47
R ACE RECAP
Andersen Banducci Twilight Criterium
i
naugurated in 1987, the Andersen Banducci Twilight Criterium is a fast-paced, high stakes criterium in the heart of Downtown Boise, Idaho. The electric atmosphere of the event attracts over 20,000 boisterous spectators to downtown streets to see cyclists from around the world compete for cash, naming rights and ego. Established as a grassroots effort to create a premier cycling event that would attract more participants to the sport, it is one of Boise’s favorite summer attractions and one of the most exciting criteriums on the USA CRITS Series calendar. Enthusiasm and support for the race quickly grew after the first year; the event was a big hit with spectators and participants alike. Field sprints decided the winners of both the women and men’s race in the Andersen Banducci Twilight Criterium in Boise, Idaho. Kimberly Wells (Exergy TWENTY16) took the victory in the pro women’s race and Hilton Clarke (United Healthcare) avoided a last lap crash to win the pro men’s race.
ELITE WOMEN
BOISE, IDAHO
the peloton was still together. Kristin McGrath (ExergyTwenty16) Andersen Banducci Twilight Criterium Results broke away with seven laps to go and Women was just off the front by just few seconds. 1. KIMBERLY WELLS (Exergy TWENTY16) With three to go the gap was further re2. ERICA ALLAR (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) duced to just meters, but the peloton still 3. JENNIFER PURCELL (Team Colavita/Fine Cooking) couldn’t bring back McGrath. 4. TIFFANY PEZZULO (Primal Pro Women p/b BH) “That was a great move. That’s the 5. LAURA VAN GILDER (Mellow Mushroom) right time to go,” explained McGrath’s 6. LAUREN TAMAYO (Exergy TWENTY16) teammate Kimberly Wells. “But the 7. LENORE PIPES (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) bunch was closing in and it kept the 8. AMY CUTLER (Team EPS/CSS p/b Shebell & Shebell) speed high.” 9. MORGAN PATTON (Team Novo Nordisk) On the bell lap McGrath still had a 10. LIZA RACHETTO (Vanderkitten) five second gap. Chasing hard were the Andersen Banducci Twilight Criterium Results yellow kits of CARE4CYCLING p/b - Men Solomon Corp. 1. HILTON CLARKE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) Just before the final corner McGrath 2. RICARDO ESCUELA (Team Predator Carbon Repair) was caught and it was a field sprint. 3. ALEX CANDELARIO (Optum Pro Cycling Team) Sprinting out of the final turn Wells 4. KARL MENZIES (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) (Exergy TWENTY16) was the fastest 5. LOGAN LOADER (CashCall Mortgage) taking the win with Erica Allar (CARE6. CONOR MULLERVY (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) 4CYCLING p/b Solomon Corp) second 7. RAFAEL MERAN (CRCA/Foundation) and Jennifer Purcell (Team Colavita Fine 8. COLIN JOYCE (California Giant-Specialized) Cooking) crossing the line in third. 9. EURIS VIDAL (CRCA/Foundation) After the race Wells explained the race 10. ISAAC HOWE (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) strategy as well as thanked her team. “I was fortunate enough to have an aggressive and strong team. I relied on the girls to be on the attack,” said Wells. “When it looked like nothing was going to stick, I was excited for the sprint.”
Boise, Idaho was the next stop of the USA CRITS Series. The field raced on a .85 kilometer rectangular course on wide downtown streets. Numerous points and cash primes kept the pace active during much of the race. However, by the midway point the peloton was still together. But following a mid-race points prime Lauren Tamayo (ExergyTwenty16) rolled off the front and began to create a sizable gap between herself and the peloton. After several solo laps she had carved out a 23 second gap. Lindsay Bayer (Colavita/Fine Cooking) tried to bridge across but after a couple of laps dangling off the front she was reabsorbed. This motivated the pack and they finally caught Tamayo with 17 laps remaining in the race. With the lap cards getting into the single digits
4 8 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
ELITE MEN The men faced an hour and a half of racing on the same downtown Boise, Idaho circuit the women had raced on. From the gun the attacks were frequent and fueled by the multiple primes being offered. With over 25 minutes completed, Tyler Riedesel (Canyon Bicycles-Shimano) made the first serious move of the race going solo. However, it was short lived and the peloton led by Sergio Hernandez (Predator Cycling) caught Riedesel. Numerous attacks were launched but none had the strength to slip free of the peloton. Always monitoring the action and not allowing anyone too much of a lead was the SmartStop-Mountain Khakis and United Healthcare squads. Alex Candelario, the lone Optum p/b Kelly Benefits rider, went off the front and gained a six second lead.
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
A field sprint determines the winner
PHOTO: ROBBY MILO
United Healthcare squad was not allowing that dangerous move much leeway and went to the front to keep it in check. Six seconds wasn’t enough and Candelario’s attack was snuffed out. With 26 laps remaining Michael Weicht (CashCall Cycling) and Mat Stephens (Elbowz Racing) formed a two-man break. Three laps later Timothy Root (Elite Protocol p/b LOOK) joined the break to make three riders. Back in the chasing group Karl Menzies (United Healthcare) was leading the charge. Root was able to hang on to take a fifty dollar prime, but immediately following the finish line Menzies caught and passed the Elite Protocol p/b LOOK rider. Numerous counter attacks jumped away snagging the many fifty dollar primes being offered, but none had the strength to hold off the blue train of the United Healthcare squad. With 14 laps to go Ben Chaddock (TeamSmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) went solo, but after a couple of laps he was joined by Kevin Mullervy (Team Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) and Pete Morris (Team Clif Bar Cycling). With nine laps remaining the six riders of the United Healthcare squad went to the front. Within four laps they were caught. The blue train were rotating their riders off the front in a smooth single file keeping the speed over 30 miles per hour. With one lap to go United Healthcare seemed to have the race wrapped up. Their riders were taking strong pulls at the front and the victory seemed a formality. The lead out by Menzies on the second to last straight away was so strong he caused a small split in the group. But coming through the final corner Carlos Alzate’s front wheel slid out sending him to the ground and into the curb. His teammate Luke Keough crashed into Alzate which pitched Keough into the air. Swerving hard Hilton Clarke was able to avoid his teammates’ crash, but was forced to start his sprint very early. Clarke was able to hold off the field and take the victory, his third career win, and second in a row at the Boise criterium. In second place was Ricardo Escuela (Team Predator Carbon Repair) and Candelario in third.
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“A couple of my guys crashed in the last corner. That’s not how I wanted to win it,” said Clarke in the post-race interview. “I love his town and the people and it’s great to win this race again.” Throughout much of the race the United Healthcare squad stayed near the front but weren’t part of any major moves. “Our tactic was to hang back and just do the sprint,” explained Clarke. “Everyone seemed happy with that and we’re happy to get the win.”
EVENT DIRECTOR: MIKE COOLEY Are you a cyclist yourself? I started racing bikes in 1975. I still ride every day in the spring, summer and fall. What is the most important and significant moment in your cycling career, whether riding or directing/organizing races? Multi time State Champion from the Jr. ranks to the Master ranks. I was the technical director for the women’s challenge in 1984-1990. Started the Twilight in 1987 and put on the National Championships in Boise in 1986. I created the Lyle Pearson 200 and the 4 Summit Challenge in Cascade Id. Along with many smaller races in the Boise area. I have been the race director for the Ironman 70.3 for the last four years and was the Tech Director for the Exergy Ladies Tour. What passion do you have specifically for the sport of cycling? I have been a cycling nut forever. A lot of people view cycling as a “European” sport. From your perspective, what does the future hold for cycling in the United States, specifically criterium racing? Crit racing is an American form of bike racing. We proud to have been a part making the USA crit scene what is today.
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 49
July 13, 2013 | Boise, ID
R ACE RECAP
Chris Thater Memorial August 24-25, 2013 | Binghamton, NY
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK
he Chris Thater Memorial has been a part of Binghamton, New York, since it was inaugurated 30 years ago, dedicated in memory of Chris Thater, an avid cyclist, who was killed by a drunk driver while out riding his bike. Attracting over 1,500 participants from local athletes to world-class competitors with crowds of over 10,000 spectators, the Broome Country STOP-DWI program promotes the event annually as a very visible and highly publicized reminder of the terrible cost of drinking and driving. The entire message of the weekend is to prevent substance abuse, which is something all the athletes really embrace.
into the fold. With 23 laps left to go, a $50 cash prime was on the line, Chris Thater Memorial Results - Women which was taken by Kate Veronneau 1. ERICA ALLAR (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp) (Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy 2. KIMBERLEY WELLS (Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy Cycling-Vie13). At the halfway point Cycling-Vie13) of the race, Patton climbed ahead of 3. JENNIFER PURCELL (Team Colavita Fine Cooking) Van Gilder on the overall podium after 4. LAURA VAN GILDER (Mellow Mushroom) outsprinting her for mid-race prime 5. LENORE PIPES (CARE4CYCLING p/b Solomon Corp) points. Jennifer Purcell (Colavita/Fine 6. MORGAN PATTON (Team Novo Nordisk) Cooking) picked up a $50 prime with 7. AMY CUTLER (FCS|Zngine p/b Mr. Restore) 16 to go, followed by Jamie Gilgen 8. TIFFANY PEZZULO (Primal Pro Women p/b BH) (Infinit Canada/Cyclepower) picking 9. ELIZABETH STEEL (NZL) up $50 with 12 to go. 10. JAMIE GILGEN (Infinit Canada / Cyclepower) Lindsay Bayer (Colavita/Fine Cooking) attacked with 10 laps left Chris Thater Memorial Results - Men to go in the race and quickly gained 1. LUKE KEOUGH (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) a 20 second lead on the peloton. The 2. CARLOS ALZATE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team) only question was, where would the 3. RAFAEL MERAN (CRCA/Foundation) chase come from? Both Primal Pro 4. HILTON CLARKE (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team) Women p/b BH and Colavita/Fine 5. DAVID GUTTENPLAN (AG Bicycles / Guttenplan Coaching) Cooking pushed riders to the front of 6. SHANE KLINE (Team SmartStop p/b Mountain Khakis) the peloton, and Bayer was caught with 7. SCOTT ZWIZANSKI (Optum p/b Kelly Benfits) four to go. Van Gilder, Kimberley Wells 8. ADAM FARABAUGH (Garneau Quebecor) (Fearless Femme p/b Pure Energy 9. ISAAC HOWE (SmartStop Pro Cycling p/b Mountain Khakis) Cycling-Vie13), Allar, Patton, Pipes, ELITE WOMEN 10. CONOR MULLERVY (Champion System p/b Stan’s NoTubes) Pezzulo and other sprinters moved Going into the women’s Saturday aftoward the front of the field, and it was ternoon race, the overall championship obvious the final result would come for women had already been clenched down to a bunch sprint. Colavita/Fine Cooking set up their leadout by Erica Allar (CARE4CYCLING powered by Solomon Corp), but train, hoping to deliver Purcell for the win, but it was Allar who only thirty-six points separated Allar’s teammate Lenore Pipes, Laura picked up the win, followed by Wells and Purcell in second and third Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom) and Morgan Patton (Novo Nordisk) respectively. for second through fourth places. However, it was Allar who took the “Lindsay Bayer is known for her break away solo flier missions,” win and expanded her NCC Crits overall lead. said Allar, following her win. “When her move went I thought it was With $250 up for grabs in cash primes, and with Chris Thater the winning one. When she came back I knew it’d be field sprint. being the last race before the overall finals in Las Vegas, the lap and I’ve raced this event plenty of times to know how to execute the sprint points were the hot commodity, and the fights were fierce. finish. Finally I was able to place myself in position to do just that… Wanting to get back into third place overall, Patton sprinted for the It’s always exciting to win races. I am proud of our team for being so first set of prime points and came out with the most awarded (10 toconsistent this year and taking home many great results.” tal). With 27 laps left to go, a $50 prime was offered, which shook up
September 19, 2013 | Las Vegas, NV
the field a bit, sending Mary Zider (Colavita/Fine Cooking) and Ann Koehler (Modry Evergreen) on the attack, but the two of them were quickly gobbled by the field, and it was Jaime Bookwalter (Colavita/ Fine Cooking) who crossed the line first. The next attack came from Tiffany Pezzulo (Primal Pro Women p/b BH) with 24 laps left to go, but she was also quickly taken back
50 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
ELITE MEN The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling squad continued their dominance of the USA CRITS Series with Luke Keough taking the sprint win. His teammate Carlos Alzate was second and Rafael A. Meran (CRCA/Foundation) in third. “The course was more suited for a
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
Allar takes another win and another trophy— this time the coveted Carousel Trophy. PHOTO: DAVID WILLIAMS
sprint this year and you saw the team ride perfect,” said Keough. The Chris Thater Memorial criterium located in Binghamton, New York is the penultimate race in the 2013 USA CRITS series. The pro men would do 61 laps on the 1.3 kilometer course for a total of 50 miles. The numerous USA CRITS series point primes kept the field strung out. However, even with the points and cash primes offered, no one could slip away during the beginning laps of the race. With 45 laps remaining David Hoyle (Aetna Cycling Team p/b The CCAP) went solo and picked up USA CRITS series points for his troubles. However after two laps he was caught by the single file lead peloton. Ben Wolfe (Jelly Belly p/b Kenda) was the next to attack and snag the fifty dollar prime. He held off the chasing pack, taking the prime, but was absorbed just after the finish line. The peloton sat up spread out across the street, but the ringing of the prime bell on lap 38 for fifty dollars energized the riders once again. David Guttenplan (AG Bicycles/Guttenplan Coaching) sprinted out of the bunch to take the cash. At the mid-way point of the race a cash and USA CRITS series points were offered and Hoyle took another prime. With 27 laps remaining the first serious break of the day rolled away. Eleven riders broke free with three from UnitedHealthcare in that escape group. Several other riders jumped across to join. However, the riders weren’t working together to make it stick. The break, as expected,
USACRITS.COM
EVENT DIRECTOR: JEFF POULIN Are you a cyclist yourself? I started cycling seriously soon after I moved to upstate New York in 1993. This is a wonderful area for cycling and I saw people riding their bikes everywhere. I needed a good way to get some exercise, got my first nice bike the next year and just fell in love with being on it and in the beautiful outdoors. What is it about cycling that intrigued you to begin with to get involved as a race director? Cycling gives a sense of accomplishment to people in so many ways. Whether I am participating or promoting or officiating there is always the good feelings to be had by being with a good group of people out getting exercise and having fun. What passion do you have specifically for the sport of cycling? It is a great sport and everyone can ride a bike at some level. The best part is how far and fast you can go on a bike with relatively little effort, not to mention the fitness it gives you. The competitive side is thrilling and amazing when you watch what some of these riders can do!
USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 51
July 13, 2013 | Boise, ID
R ACE RECAP
Chris Thater Memorial (con’t.) August 24-25, 2013 | Binghamton, NY
was caught with 20 laps to go, but that set off a counter-attack. This forced the peloton to get back on the gas. With 16 laps to go three riders gapped the field: Michael Chauner 19, 2013 (Garneau-Quebecor), GeronWilliams (FoundationSeptember NYC), and Patrick Kos (D3DEVO p/b Airgas). Several riders made the junction to the break. Included in that breakaway were two riders from UnitedHealthcare: Brad White and Adrian Hegyvary. Missing from the break was the SmartStop-Mountain Khakis squad. Adam Myerson (SmartStop-Mountain Khakis) went to the front to try and bring it back, but with 9 laps remaining the breakaway was working together smoothly. This move did not sit well with the UnitedHealthcare squad, as their sprinter Keough was missing from the breakaway. Karl Menzies
(UnitedHealthcare) took over the front of the chase catching the break with 7 laps remaining. Luke Keough, UnitedHealthcare’s sprinter entered the wheel pit on the seventh lap, one lap prior to | Las Vegas, NV sixth lap. With 5 laps to go the UnitedHealthcare it closing on the squad started to form their lead out train and importantly their star sprinter Keough was out of the wheel pit and on the course. On the final lap the speed by the blue train squad tore the peloton apart. Around the final corner Keough launched from his teammate Carlos Alzate’s back wheel to take the win. Alzate held on for second and Rafael A. Meran (CRCA/Foundation) finished in third. Keough explained the last meters of the race. “We were going fullgas and he (Alzate) had to sit down as he had nothing left. I took it from there.”
“We were going full-gas and he (Alzate) had to sit down as he had nothing left. I took it from there.”
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AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
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USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013 - 5 3
PARTING SHOT
5 4 - USA CRITS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2013
AMERICAN STREE T TR ACK R ACING
PHOTO: B.D ANDREWS
The 2013 USA CRITS season was a great success. Look for more exciting American Street Track racing and the New East-West Format in 2014!
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