Today started out about 3 hours ago. It was a start of 2pm local time. It you're out here, tune in and cheer on Daniel Holloway with us! It's the Zurich 6 day and the music alone will stay with you for hours! Daniel Holloway, a favorite of many of us here in the US, is having a blast. His battery was out of juice yesterday but is back up and streaming today! Yeah.

Some important links:

 

The Live Racing

Daniel Holloway's Live Streaming

A pretty good overview of 6 days

Enjoy!!!

Hey guys! I know I've been missing tons of great stuff here at the Cafe and please believe me when I say I MISS it terribly. Things at work are not very good right now though and I'm officialling way more than I had planned on. But all in all things are good and fun times are being had.

I just read through the Welcome thread and caught up on some emails that had been sitting in my in box and I think we have a pretty sizeable group here in Chicago, especially over the next couple of weeks. Currently we have Superweek going on, we have the Chicago Criterium coming up, followed the next weekend by Elk Grove, and just two short weekends later we have Downers Grove where the National Crit Jersey is on the line.

So my question and reason for this post...

Are you guys up for planning a PdC Gathering, Chicago?

I'm officialling the Chicago Crit and Elk Grove so it would be super easy to locate me at either of the races. I would love to get together outside of a race as well. PopUp is afraid of grass so something closer to Chicago might work well, otherwise a BBQ or something by me would be awesome. I might have some added house guests the week between the Chicago Crit and EGV so some fun possibilities are there for sure.

Let me know if there's interest and we can get to work on marking the PdC Gang that will be here!

Many of you know that Garmin Slipstream had a crew following them last year filming the team. The trailer is finally out and the video will be aired later this month. Mark your calendars!

Premieres Monday, June 29, at 10:30 PM on the Sundance Channel. More airtimes are planned throughout the month of July, to coincide with this year's Tour de France.

Documentary was made about a year in the life of Team Slipstream, a professional cycling team trying to prove you can ride clean and succeed at the highest levels of the sport.

Video is posted with permission from Nick Davis.

• Produced + Directed by Nick Davis
• Edited by Erik Dugger + Penelope Falk
• Co-Producers: Nigel Dick, Matthew Sausmer + Minor Strachan
• Production Coordinator: Lauren Dascher
• Music by Joel Goodman, Music Box
• Executive in Charge of Production: Sloane Cooper

 

• Starring:
• David Millar
• Christian VandeVelde
• Mike Friedman
• Magnus Backstedt
• Jonathan Vaughters

Hope you can watch!

I have to bow down to the "Where are you from?" thread. OMG! That thing so rocks! It's so filled with comments I'm waiting for it to blow up. Which, IMO, only speaks volumes for just how awesome the Cafe is! Since we gleefully pulled another awesome handful of Lurkers out of Lurkville, a handful which need some practice in jumping in to learn how to post pics, I think it's time we had another Hotitude thread. :-)

The fun is very simple. Huge encouragement to post your own pic of your favorite rider riding Flanders this Sunday (or at least on the start list). As in most of our cases, we don't yet have our own snapshots, so feel free to "borrow" other's. In doing so, in respect to the owner, please post the link to where you got it. We want to make sure we give full credit to the photographer - or at the very least, the location we found it.

If you're shy on posting the pic itself, we all love clicking on links here, so feel free to add a link to your rider's name. Simply highlight the name in your message (subject line will not work well, so do it in the message), click on the little link icon above the message part of your post and post the link of where your pic is. If you want to post the pic itself, go to the message part with your curser, click on the little icon of the tree and post the link. I recomend doing a preview to see if it worked first before posting. Some photo links are not friendly to posting so this is a quick way to check.

To start the post, I have to share a pic of one of my favorite guys, Meatball at Garmin. The man had an awful fall this morning at de Panne and his start could be questionable so in wishing him a speedy recovery, I wanted to share a pic. Here he with his roomie at the race Mr.Steven Cozza...

From: farm4.static.flickr.com

I also give you Greg Van Avermaet...

From: cache.daylife.com

And of course many of our favorites, the one and only Mr. George Hincapie (from my pics)...

Enjoy!

So after today's really exciting stage at Paris-Nice a fun thread is so needed to keep us all going right into Tirreno-Adriatico tomorrow. We all know that we like some fun threads and this one should help us all get into the swing of following two good races pretty much at the same time! Just some teasers to help get this going...

From: Clydesdale

From: CycleGirl

From: Sui Juris - forever in our debts... LOL!

This is an odd post but cycling related so here it goes...

I am looking for anyone out here that might know Polish and might be able to help translate for a friend. The World's (for track) are being held in Poland March 25th-29th. A family of one of our riders is going to be there to cheer on their boy but the language barrier in booking things is becoming a challenge.

We have a huge audience here so I thought I would reach out and see if any of you might be able to help. Specifically, I'm looking to find an answer to this... How much would 1 room with 2 beds be for the 23rd to the 30th. Hotel: http://www.idealhotels.pl/

Thanks in advance for your help!

A while back I bugged Chris about noticing that the previous PdC shirt ordering place appeared to be no more. Hopes to check out new sites to provide more shirts came about and of course we all got busy over the off season. A fun Podium Cafe Party happened out at the TOC and the topic once again got brought up. Then, Veloki, god bless her artistic awesomeness, gave us the ultimate logo for our team. In a fun thread we chatted up the idea of setting it up with several comments and such.

I've been researching different sites for ease of setting up the logo along with ease of ordering, set up costs, followed by sizes, shirt styles, and end prices. So far two sites seem to be the leaders in running. One offers a huge array of shirt styles and quality at different price points. The other offers up the option of the beannie that had some interest.

Before going through and setting up the shirts, I'd like to ask for some opinions to see if we can't capture the largest interest. I'd like to know if colors, shirt styles, sizes, etc would entice you to order. I'd also like to know if there is a huge interest in the beannie. One site offers lots of variety on the shirts, another offers a beannie. Please take the poll below and comment away on thoughts on the shirt and options mentioned above (sizes, shirt style options, colors of shirts). For a look at what we've got in mind, click here. (I'm hoping that link works for everyone. There's a front and back view.)

If I set us up via zazzle, ordering looks pretty easy and also looks like we can have a Podium Cafe tag so that we could possibly add other designs later. The shirt is all about us, so I want to try and capture the largest interest possible.

Poll

Would you like some Team Podium Cafe attire?

46%

I want a shirt!

30 votes

10%

I want a beannie!

7 votes

29%

I want it all!!

19 votes

12%

Cool, but probably not for me.

8 votes

64 votes | Poll has closed

A few weeks ago R Mc put up a thread that got some attention from a few of us that were going to attend the TOC this past week. With some quick Amazon checking, purchase, and swift delivery, the book was here and the fun was on. In an attempt to help replace a book, with autographs we could never truly replace, I set out to try and at least get Max a solid start on his continued tradition.

The stage finish on Thursday was start of the autograph getting. I knew Brad Huff was out of the race but also knew he was sticking around. I texted him while we were walking around checking things out and it turned out, he was in the Jelly Belly Booth - go figure, ha ha. I headed over to say hi, give a hug, and start the book. He was sweet as usual and took a look through the book to decide where he would sign. First one done! Huge thanks Brad!

Stage finishes are hard to get to riders. They're in a hurry to get to busses to get the recovery started so it was a slow day. The TT was Friday though and the book was in hand. I ran into Christian VandeVelde in the morning on his way to ride the course. A quick chat and note to come to the bus afterwards for him to sign. :-) After the stage we headed to the busses. I found Chris Horner right after his ride. Ringing wet and out of breath, he still took the second to sign it for me. From there we saw Tyler Hamilton and Fast Freddie who both signed. Then I headed over to say hi to C and John. C happily signed it and so did Tom Danielson and Steven Cozza, who was awesome as I saw him off on the side visiting with family and friends. Didn't mind signing and even got up to take a pic! Sweet thanks! I also found Rory Sutherland.

It was getting later and well, we kinda like, had a team meeting of our own we needed to get to?!? So off we were to the PodiumCafé HQ. What all happened there will forever bring some smiles to all I'm sure. I can only add that the guys like CrashDan and Jimbo do NOT disappoint if you enjoy some good laughs. The only disappointment... we didn't get video of CrashDan riding a non-motorized two wheel vehicle!!!

So on to Saturday's start. Let the fun really begin! We got there as some of the busses were still pulling in. Walked up and found Lyne and Steph. Those two - they're awesome! Lyne helped me with the Bissell and BMC riders. They were sweet! BMC signed it and even passed the book around to make sure the ones sitting there all signed. I got Jeff Louder while Lyne was wrapping up her interview. Ben and Andy Jacques-Maynes signed with smiles and so did Tom Zirbel. I swear this is such a horribly hard thing to help out with. Just horrible. Tee hee.

Then it was off to find Team Type 1. They've got a great story and a fun group of riders. Sean Weide from the team Rocks! He took it onto the bus for us and Chris Jones, Valeriy Kobzarenk, and Matt Wilson signed it. Big kudo's and sweet thanks Sean! From there I went and waited for Frank Schleck to finish doing an interview and I got him, Andy Schleck, and Jens! Voigt. Very fun but the place was very crowded. Crazy place the TOC was.

Here is where I insert huge hugs, high fives, and snuggie award performance nominations for Steph! She takes the book and goes running off to the sign in. She racks up signatures like no one I have ever met! And let me tell you, it was horrible for her! She was at one point surrounded by lime green lycra riders getting signatures. Torture! She comes back from the sign in and she scores riders like Stuey O'Grady, one of my favorites Michael Barry who I had emailed before hand and was bummed I hadn't gotten to yet, riders from Quick Step, Liquigas, and Cervelo TestTeam. The woman was amazing!

One of the cool moments for me was yelling hello to George Hincapie and asking him for an autograph as he was rolling to the start. The man, god bless him, rolls over to a stop so I can have him sign the book. Score! It was awesome. As we walked towards the start, we saw Tim Johnson sitting on his bike talking to some friends. I walked over and asked him to sign it. Of course tossed in huge congrats for an awesome Cross season before thanking him. Then the race was underway and I was off to find the men of the PdC. Located them only to find CrashDan on a mission to find a pub for lunch. Lunch was good, the beer yummy, and the company, well, that was about as good as it could get. :-)

We headed back to the car so I could get my stuff and we waited for the Podium Cafe Team car. The guys arrive and Clydesdale headed south for the finish and the rest of us head back north. Riding in a team car is quite the treat. CrashDan mastered the computer piping in the race over the car radio, Sui Juris manned the wheel avoiding low flying cessnas and pot holes (nope PopUp, they've got nothing on ours), and the Bossman, well, let's just say he had a reeeeally late night and shared tips on the importance of power napping. LOL Chris!

It was a great few days and a lot of fun. Meeting some of the PdC gang was by far my favorite part and getting the autographs was absolutely trying and such a chore - so kidding! I had a great time. I think Clydesdale has some pics of some of the riders signing the book. The one of Horner is hilarious as it looks like I'm picking his nose clicking the sharpie for him. Good stuff.

I hope little man Max enjoys the book as much as I did getting it for him. It won't replace the pretty impressive book he had but really, how do these guys not rock? They were so dang sweet!

I've mentioned the thanks above but just wanted to really add personal thanks to Clydesdale for the pics. Lyne for helping with the guys. Steph for her rock star performance. Sean for his help with TT1. Sweet thanks for Brad for being the first to answer my email, the hugs and hello's, and for being the first to sign! C for being the great guy he is and the great giggle I got from his response to my email. Michael Barry was great about it too. The riders are amazingly awesome. There are many, many, more I didn't list above and I hope they all know just how great and how much fun they made this adventure. All in all, there are close to 50 signatures from the riders from the 2009 TOC! Huge Thanks to All of Them!!!

I don't have the usual amount of pics that I take at races but enjoy... Thurs/Stage 5 Fri/Stage 6 TT Sat/Stage 7

Looks like the stage cities have all been announced for the Tour of Missouri this year.

Going the other way, starting in St. Louis and ending in Kansas City.

The 3rd annual race takes place September 7-13, 2009.

Stage 1 / St. Louis / Circuit Race (Labor Day)

Stage 2 / St. Genevieve to Cape Girardeau / Road Race

Stage 3 / Farmington to Rolla / Road Race

Stage 4 / St. James to Jefferson City / Road Race

Stage 5 / Sedalia / Individual Time Trial

Stage 6 / Chillicothe to St. Joseph / Road Race

Stage 7 / Kansas City / Circuit Race

HERE is the official website posting. Gotta love the banner pic!

Link to one of the many articles I read.

The Rotterdam Six Day continues today.

Watch the live video. Festivites begin at 12.10 EST. Check out the full schedule of tonight's events.

Enjoy!

And of course that was not enough words. Where is Gavia?!?

Today has had some fun, we got to watch Dekker win a race! We found out that Stam and Stam C in the derny race are father and son. We got an update on the derney race from a friend who used to ride these professionally back in the day. Good times and great information today.

Dear Alcohol,

First and foremost, let me tell you that I'm a HUGE fan of yours. As my friend, you always seem to be there when needed. The perfect post-work cocktail, a beer at the game and you're even around at the holidays (hidden inside chocolates as you warm us when we're stuck in the midst of endless family gatherings). However, lately I've been wondering about your intentions. While I want to believe that you have my best interests at heart, I feel that your influence has led to some unwise consequences:

1. Phone Calls/Text Messages: While I agree with you that communication is important. I question the suggestion that conversation after 2 am can have much substance or necessity. Why would you make me call my ex's? Especially when I know, for a fact, they DO NOT want to hear from me during the day, let alone all hours of the night.

2. Eating: Now, you know I love a good meal. But, why do you suggest that I eat a taco with chili sauce along with a big Italian meatball and some stale chips (washed down with wine & topped off with a Kit Kat AFTER a few cheese curls & chili cheese fries)? I'm an eclectic eater but, I think you went too far this time.

3. Clumsiness: Unless you're subtly trying to tell me that I need to do more yoga to improve my balance, I see NO need to hammer this issue home by causing me to fall down. It's completely unnecessary, and the black & blue marks that appear on my body mysteriously the next day are beyond me. Similarly, it should never take me more than 45 seconds to get the front door key into the lock.

4. Furthermore: The hangovers have GOT to stop! This is getting ridiculous. I know a little penance for our previous evening's debauchery may be in order. But, the 3 pm hangover immobility is completely unacceptable. My entire day is shot. I ask that if the proper precautions are taken (water, vitamin B, bread products, aspirin) prior to going to sleep/passing out (face down on the kitchen floor with a bag of popcorn or where ever). The hangover should be minimal and in no way interfere with my daily activities.

Alcohol, I have enjoyed our friendship for some years now and would like to ensure that we remain on good terms. You've been the invoker of great stories, the provocation for much laughter and the needed companion when I just don't know what to do with the extra money in my pockets. In order to continue this friendship, I ask that you carefully review my grievances above and address them immediately. I will look for an answer no later than today at 3 p.m. (pre- happy hour) on your possible solutions. And hopefully we can continue this fruitful partnership.

Thank you,

Your Biggest Fan

 

P.S. Please take a moment or two and note the following items below that I think may be of some interest to you.

THINGS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:

• Innovative
• Preliminary
• Proliferation
• Cinnamon

THINGS THAT ARE DOWNRIGHT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:

• Thanks but I don't want to have sex.
• Nope, no more beer for me.
• Sorry but you're not really my type.
• Good evening, officer. Would you like a soft taco?
• Oh, I couldn't. No one wants to hear me sing.

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!  Please have a GREAT time tonight but make sure to be safe. Cheers!

I actually have nothing to say but I am pretty bored here at work. The shoe starts to drop here on Wednesday and continues to slip further and further down until we are buried by mid-late February here. I just figured I would test out the Bennalanche theory and see if we get any responses or if I can find someone to chatter with. No FB today for me so my usual chats have to wait until tomorrow.

Here's a shot to check to see if the whole theory is real or if the guys just are trying to make us look silly. We don't actually have a longing for Benna and the guys do we?

*This photo belongs to Sui Juris and rumor - or maybe it was soft whispers into his ear? - has it that he has this one hot marked for us PdC girls so we will always be able to find it.

Oh and Gavia... my brother and I were chatting about North Shore and such last Friday. Serious way of life there and even he agreed Kelly is a man's man. ha ha!

The rockin' U23 Time Trial National Champ, Rebecca Much writes a diary over on CyclingNews. She's been here in Chicago and racing some of the Chicago Cross Cup series races in her off season. A few weeks ago she was racing with the team I've been cheering on this Fall.

via farm4.static.flickr.com

I love cycling and I love pics so I tend to take the camera to every race I go to. Some of my pics were included in her diary write up. When Mike emailed me about it, I have to say it made my night. I thought it was pretty cool. My pics are on CN?!? Cool!

If you get a chance, check out her diary. Also check out xXx Racing as they are a fun group and there are tons of pics on the Team's Fickr site including more of mine and more from Mike Campbell included in the diary.

I am putting blame on this thread totally on Jens as he was assuming we'd have one in the works already. I think he was actually eagerly anticipating the arrival and baited us girls into getting to work on it.

The Worlds are going on this week. The U23 Chrono was yesterday and the Women's Chrono was ridden this morning. I think PopUp is going to be adding some screen shots for the men to enjoy and I hope he does as a hotitude thread for all is what we aim for here at the lovely Cafe!

With no Benna, Fabian, or George... the list goes on, I think we need to keep this open to shots of those we wish were there as well as those who are. Have fun posting! Pics in the thread always welcome but make sure to try and credit the source when you can. Enjoy!!!

I was going to try a small write up but I am way to tired after this week at work. BUT, I am still curious as to who of us might be there. I know a couple but figured a quick roll call would be cool.

I'm going to be at the finish of Stage 1 through the finish next Sunday. Anyone else making an appearance for a stage or two? It would be cool to have a mini PdC party!

Very cool to see that Universal looks to be covering the race. That should be some good fun. Well, most race viewing is good but on demand later (which TOC - I don't recall having) should be good to recap at night.

A second Stars and Stripes for Brooke Miller of Tibco!

Great racing this weekend with great weather for fans to watch. The sun was hot at times and I'm sure the riders felt it. Saturday Night's ProAm race was won by Rock Racking as was today's Men's National Criterium. I think I watched most of the races but was there to enjoy so I don't have too many details.

Continue reading this post »

Being the friendly fan of C that I am, I wanted to share with all of you his interview on our local radio station from yesterday morning. His cousin Mary works for the station and we get treated to phone interviews throughout the year.

Suffering from jetlag yesterday having just gotten home a couple days ago, he headed into the station yesterday morning and Mary emailed me and said they video'd it for us!

Here is the video and interview with calls from listeners. C shares his experience and talks about his year.

Check it out! C on WGN 8-14-08!

I don't see one started by Chris or anyone else yet. So here is a new thread to get things going for the RR. Hopefully we can all get connected soon or we will have SERIOUS Bruce envy going!!!

And a again I am short on words, darn it. Good Luck to all of our favorites and each of our countries. Here is a too a good race and a good night of fun!!!

I thought I would start a thread for anyone wanting to chat while we watch the Opening Ceremony. I love the Olympics and love watching the teams walk in. Instead of hopping on all the other threads, I thought one just for this would work. If Chris has something else lined up, feel free to zap this one out. Happy Olympics Everyone!!! Here's to a beautiful evening of pure enjoyment. Let the games begin...

Citius, Altius, Fortius

What a fun weekend to watch some racing! Today was the Crit stage of Elk Grove's 3 day race weekend. I again had a great time and can not say enough about the riders I've met. Really great guys!

Today's stage started out with a few trying to get a little lead and then all of a sudden a small group of guys were off. They got quite a lead and Toyota United had their train going to keep them to where they could get them back. The break eventually was 6 riders and included Tyler Hamilton of Rock Racing. Bryce Mead was in the group as well and it was fun cheering him on!

The stage was won with a great effort in the end to pass up KBS by Brad Huff of Jelly Belly, followed by David Veillieux of Kelly Benefits, and Freddie Rodriquez of Rock Racing. The overall was won by David Veilleux who overtook Hilton Clarke's lead going into the race, followed in 2nd place by Hilton Clarke of Toyota United, and Tom Zirbel of Bissell.

I had a blast today and got to meet Tyler Hamilton and Fast Freddie before the race. I also stopped over by Jelly Belly again to say hi to Brad and Bryce. The guys were a lot of fun to talk to and the entire team is super great with fans. Matty Rice was enjoying the relaxation before things got started and Danny Van Haute was super nice. The entire team gets my vote for being one of the friendliest out there. Thanks guys!

The results for the stage can be found here. The results for the overall can be found here. CyclingNews is also covering the race and those write ups can be found here.

As Bruce noted in his thread on Chris Horner, Chris broke his collarbone in yesterday's stage during the run into the finish. Chris put on his smile today though and was a trooper talking and interviewing during the stage. During the last few laps he moved off to the side but stuck around for pics and hello's with fans. He had signed my pic during the race and I was able to see him and Fast Freddie after the stage and thank them both and congratulate them.

I was able to print up some of the pics from Friday's TT and was able to have the guys sign them today as I saw them which was pretty sweet. Plus I got some new pics and had a pretty fun time in general. I'm hoping the group of us that were hanging out with John being caught up on the jumbo-tron doing a strange hand wave thing doesn't make the TV coverage... :-) John was interviewed during the race and got to talk about Christian. Many of our guys are heading to Beijing tomorrow and I wish them all the safest travels!

Another highlight of today was meeting PopUp Rolen! I think he might be my new local hero and I am looking forward to cheering him on next year in some cycling races! Don't let him ever fool you, he is in great shape and quite the triathlete. He biked out to the race from the City and I hope the headwind on the way back wasn't too bad!! It was great meeting you!

Here are some of my pics from today:

Brad Huff in the front on the first lap...

via farm4.static.flickr.com

The Bissell train...

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The Toyota United Train...

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The 6-man breakaway...

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Chris Horner visiting and talking during the stage...

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John Vandevelde being interviewed...

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The Stage Winning Podium (Yeah Brad!!!)...

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Brad Huff being interviewed after the stage...

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The Overall Podium...

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What a fun night! :-) I headed over after work and was there before the start watching riders warming up. It was pretty warm but I think last year might've been warmer.

The TT tonight was 4.5 miles pretty much on the same course as Sunday's Crit stage. Tom Zirbel was one of the very first to ride and set a great time of 8:36.37. He was flying on the course. His time kept all night and he won the stage! Chris Horner started towards the end and finished 2nd, followed by Francois Parisien from Team Race Pro in 3rd. Tonight's results can be found here.

The course didn't seem too bad for the TT'rs. I know a rider fell in one of the turns on the other end (they had a jumbo-tron set up for viewing the riders all over the course) and I'm pretty sure it was Doug Ollerenshaw. I don't think he was too hurt but I didn't see him after the race. I hope to try and meet him on Sunday. He finished the stage and I thought they were going to adjust his time somehow but I don't know if they did. He is retiring this year so chances to see him race are running out. Check out Lyne's site - Good luck Dougie for more about his retirement.

Some notables at the race this year are Tyler Hamilton, Lyne's sweetie Dominique Rollin (I promise to try and meet him and get you a pic Lyne!), Fast Freddie, Brad Huff, Chris Horner, Hilton Clark (who beat C here two years ago) and Alex Candelario. And these are just a few! There is great talent here this weekend so I hope if you are in the area, you check it out (PopUp I hope you make it Sunday).

I met Daniel Holloway from Garmin shortly after I got there. I had gotten an email from Alex Howes earlier in the day so it was fun to pass along the hello's. He was really nice and we both wished he had some team support. :-) I met Chad Hartley at the Grafton and Sheboygan races last month so it was fun to see him and Amy again. I finally met Brad Huff and Bryce Mead. Brad was so nice and fun to talk to and he chatted away while he cooled down after his ride. Everyone from Jelly Belly were really nice and it was fun talking to them. I also got to meet Chris Horner and I can confirm - the man is a complete sweetheart.

I'm not going to make it to tomorrow's Road stage starting in Schaumburg and ending in Elk Grove but I will be at Sunday's Crit. I'm already looking forward to seeing the guys again. I enjoy this race a lot and I'm thrilled such talented and really friendly riders come to it.

A few pics from tonight:

Daniel Holloway taking off...

via farm4.static.flickr.com

Brad Huff in the start house...

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Fast Freddie in the start house...

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Chris Horner missin' the cheek on that one... :-)

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Final TT Podium...

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Bryce Mead is really tall...

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Chris Horner is a complete sweetheart...

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It appears that we are getting a slow down in opening - certainly not in postings - of our "eye candy - take two", which spun nicely from our "Time to Hunt Down Hotitude" thread done earlier. With the Olympics very quickly approaching, I think now is a good time to open one up for Olympic enjoyment. Feel free to include others besides cyclists.

Darn, and I'm a few words short. Let's include inspiration -

Olympic motto: "Citius, Altius, Fortius." Latin for "Swifter, Higher, Stronger".

Many of us are missing Benna at Le Tour this year. I think this post warrants a stay a little longer as I think new additions and links are being added daily.  And besides we wouldn't want to lose quick glances of Benna just yet.

With just a few more days to go, I think we need to get this post started and get some pics going to show our devotion to noticing more than just good cycling. Ha! With nominations you must try and include a picture. I'm going to leave this top open so to not taint (so giggling) the choices. Have some fun gang and enjoy the fun that this thready should be all about keeping us busy for a couple days!

Maybe by Friday those listed or with the most pics can be put into a poll as we all know how we like us some polls (oh gosh so laughing out loud on that one)! HAVE FUN!

I caught this article over on Bike Radar. It was under the radar to me and I don't recall seeing anything anywhere else on it, although I wasn't looking either.

According to Sudres, media director for the TdF, in the article: they can't rewrite history, therefore they will recognize him as the winner but with (the infamous) asterisk.

The past is done for me so I'm more okay with the decision than not. Maybe because I assume many were doing it and with out confesions we may never know and at this point, I'm moving on. I like what he's done with CSC and personally enjoyed following them the past 3 years while C was on the team. Now my only question, does he get the jersey back?

I opted to stay back home a little later tonight/Sunday to catch the race and a slightly longer visit with family. Must say I am really disappointed that Sheboygan pulled out of Superweek. It used to be a pretty good time. Tonight's race was good but lacked the riders it used to draw - not that these guys weren't great. Plus they moved the course and if they had moved it over one block it would've included some climbing but this was one pretty short and flat route. Live racing is always great stuff though so I'll stop whining. :-)

It was another 75 min plus 2 lap crit. An hour or so before the race it was a complete downpour at my mom's but we were going to go cheer regardless. The race made it through with no rain so that was good. Garrett Peltonen and Chad Hartley were both there again. The winner from Saturday was Josh Carter (I've updated the Grafton thready.)

My mom wanted to go again so she joined us. She has become a Chad Hartley fan overnight which is great. We get there and she asks where he is in the pack. A minute later the guys go flying by and some choice words were being screamed amongst the riders on a turn and my mom turns and asks if they're allowed to do that? I cracked up. (Note... she's only ever seen VS where it's commentators and no live audio among the riders.) Then she looked around to see if any of the other people heard it and she gathered those of us laughing all did. I'd hate to see her at Downer's or Elk Grove as "choice words" would be an understatement in less fan cluttered areas.

Tonight's race was again won by Josh Carter. I sadly am not sure who came in 2nd. Chad Hartley came in 3rd. There were a few laps where a small group could get a few seconds but nothing stayed away. Garrett was great to watch. He'd get up front and win the money laps and then you'd see him hanging at the very back for a while. The announcers had some fun explaining recovery and drafting to the crowd. :-)

Here are just a handful of pics from the race tonight. Hope you enjoy!

The rain we had an hour prior:

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Early lead group:

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Garrett Peltonen going for some cash:

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And some more...

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Chad Hartley in the middle:

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Garrett starting to come back up in the pack:

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Chad Hartley stays close to the leaders of the lap:

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Lead out train into the last laps:

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Garrett Peltonen moved back up with the leaders:

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Josh Carter from ABD/Gear Grinder Wins with Chad 3rd:

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Chad Hartley after the race:

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ABD/Gear Grinder team members:

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Josh Carter from ABD/Gear Grinder:

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Back home visiting this weekend, I went and watched the Giro di Grafton Twilight Criterium last night. Enjoyable, good racing. The field was a wee bit smaller than what I'm used to but it was a good time. I think we walked around most of the course and it was made even more enjoyable with a few bars right on route... :-)

It was 75 minutes plus 2 laps and started at 7:30. I am sorry to say I did not know or recognize the riders other than Chad Hartley from Jittery Joe's and Garrett Peltonen from Bissell. The remaining field I believe were all pros from WI/IL teams. They were great though and it was a fun night.

In typical crit fashion the pack stayed together for most of the race. There were a few laps were guys would get a few seconds off the front but not much more. With about 3 laps to go Garrett took off and had a nice gap going so that was fun with everyone cheering and wondering if he'd get caught. Josh Carter from ABD Gear Grinder (don't tell The Bird I missed this one when I first posted as it's associated with a local club right here by me in IL... oops!) came around him for the win. Garrett came in 2nd and Chad came in third.

Chad's 27th birthday was Friday and up on the podium he admitted to being out a little late the night before. Not too bad at all with 3rd so a Happy Birthday out to him. Garrett was having some fun up there as well and as the announcer said, had it been 3 1/2 laps instead of a final 4, he would've won.

My mom is now a huge fan of Chad's. I had wished him a happy birthday after the race and she just loved that he was all smiles and she loved how great the guys were with fans after they were done. Good stuff. I did not have my good camera last night and even if I did, I am in no way Sui Juris or Lyne so the photos are what they are but I hope you enjoy a couple. (I have a few others to post but have to run so I will add them later.)

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