The Sunny King crit is being televised by Cyclingnews. Two races actually, first off and already in progress is the women's race and then that will be followed by the mens race. Decent quality video from five high definitions cameras. I've got a live link to the action. Or you can check it out at Cyclingnews. The race is part of the USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar. And now I'll stop typing because I have enough words. ;-)

I'm sure some of you read this report from Cycling News about the end of Euskatel as we know it. That is not to say that they will cease to exist but will become a team with more international riders. For 18 years the team has been funded the the Euskadi foundation whose mission was to promote cycling at all levels. The budget has always been one of, if not the lowest at the top level of the sport which has made it challenging for the team to keep all it's top riders and stay competitive while pursuing the mission of inspiring the .next generations of Basque cyclists. I like this news and hope that the carrots can keep their Basque flavor strong (and keep the rubber side down) while continuing at the highest level in the sport.

I'm looking for peoples opinions on what would be a good choice for an inexpensive trainer. Or maybe more appropriately what kind of a trainer would be suitable for someone who has no inclination to get into racing condition but just needs to get some exercise when it's too cold or dark outside. I'm starting out with very little knowledge about trainers in general but have seen some new magnetic resistance trainers on ebay for under $100, yet I know there other types that would cost considerably more. Would I be wasting my money on a magnetic trainer or would the design make a difference? Or is it better to search for a decent used fluid or air resistance trainer?

Thanks.

Too fat for flying dog. =(

I've come across a few interesting blog posts about the men's World Championship.  So i thought I'd put them in a post while we are waiting for the better, official Podium Cafe preview.

Continue reading this post »

Because speculating can be fun, and well heck, it's almost mandatory for a DDIFP. We need to help Jean-René Bernaudeau find another star to race alongside Tommy Voeckler and Pierre Rolland. So far this year he has publicly stated that he would have liked to sign Thor Hushovd and/or Sylvain Chavanel but they have opted for perhaps "greener" pastures shall we say. It's obvious that Europcar doesn't have a lot of cash but the attraction of being the team leader is has a particular value. So who might be available to help the team shine a little in the Classics, he did mention the Ronde van Vlaanderen as a target race. Who might fit in?

    Podium Insight of course has a great write up on the races and will be at the races Tweeting too @podium_live  Check them out for some first class race coverage.

    A couple of my favorite races are run this week in what can be called the The Great White North, it's the beauty way to go.  I found a start list for both the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec and Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal from the awesome Cycling fever website.  As if we need another link I really should give the Official race website a nod where you can find the course maps and profiles.

    Apparently Thomas Voeckler won't be back to defend his title even though his team is a wild card invitee.  Robert Gesink will be racing to defend his Montreal title.  But is this all moot?  Philippe Gilbert has set the goal of being the UCI's highest ranking rider at years end which would  be remarkable for a One Day Race specialist.  And one other thing, don't put too much weight in the start lists, they only have one Sep Vanmarcke scheduled to take the starts. (They fixed that, Sep is in Spain this week for those who wonder.)   

They have a couple of stationary cameras out on the course and I need 61 more words.  Link to live stream 

    Daniel Holloway of Kelly Benefit Strategies is the reigning champion, who won the jersey last year although he didn't win the race.  This year it will be an American only affair and we will know the new champion as the guy who crossed the line first, what a novel concept.  Woohoo let the fanpost post!

They are both racing in Colorado next week at the Aspen Women's Pro Race.  This is the race that Jessica Phillips put together this year after hearing about a mens race taking place somewhere nearby and there was no companion women's race, not even a crit.  You can read about Jessica and the race some here (Gav's interview with Jessica).  More information can be found at the web site.  Including the race bible.  So far the teams being represented are 

 Colavita/Forno D’Asolo, Peanut Butter & Co TWENTY12, HTC High Road, NOW and Novartis for MS, Primal/Map My Ride, Wheelworks, TIBCO/To the Top, and Team Ajax Tavern

As reported at Daily Peloton.  I'm hoping the race is successful.

Velonews has a list of the starters.