NVGP part 2

Stage 4 Minneapolis Uptown Criterium
For the past several years the Friday night criterium has been was located downtown. This year organizers moved the race to Uptown, one of the coolest parts of Minneapolis. The new course this year was awesome. Six-corners, nice roads, great restaurants and beautiful people three deep all around the course. After yesterday’s beating I was worried about staying in contact w/the group long enough to be allowed to continue to stage 5 in Mankato (my “home” town). Anyway, I tried to stage in a decent place but  the big names get the calls up and I never get to see the front (yes, this gets old watching from 140th place everyday).  The stage low point came before the race even started. As always, the main field rolls forward into position for the start after the top GC riders get their call-up. I went for the same spot that Mike Creed went for and we tapped bars for a moment as we were putting a foot back down. We were both lining up in the back so it was totally insignificant. Much to my surprise he flips out and shoves his bike into me. I was shocked at the look on his face. This guy was on the edge and about to completely lose control. Totally uncool and waaaaay unprofessional. I told him to calm down and he moved away to another spot. Some of the professionals have attitudes toward us “mere amateurs” but this was not only pointless, it was immature.  I was reminded of the mean, spoiled kid on the playground. Luckily, he moved away before the start and that was it. If you’re trying to make a living racing your bicycle it might be a good idea not to act like a tool, especially in front of a huge crown over such a little thing. You never know who’s watching… Determined not to let this ruin the day I shrugged it off on got on with racing. The Friday night crowd was totally awesome and really got me motivated to hang on.  “Go BK, Go, BK” was heard a thousand times and I ate it up. With 12 to go I was involved in a crash in turn five. I didn’t fall but I had to slide to a stop to avoid getting tangled up. Luckily, we were able to take a free lap right there (there are multiple pits on the course) and the Shimano tech crew sorted us out.  A lap later we were all back in the action. Turns out, the free lap was the perfect time to have a gel and finish my last bottle.  With 9 to go the pace started to get really fast and riders started popping at the back. I was getting gapped a little, especially out of the last turn down the long straightaway were the group was moving close to 35 on each lap. Crazy!  In the closing laps I started to feel really good again and I enjoyed the finale. There were a few small gaps in front of us but I was happy just to be riding safely to the end. After a cool down lap with Jens I stopped about 20 times to thank people for cheering. I felt like a rock star. Everyone I talked to loved the new course and it seem like the new venue might be a bit more spectator friendly with all the restaurants, shops, close proximity to the Greenway, the Lakes, etc..
Result: 113th, 29 seconds down
Stage Winner Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Argentina) Colavita/Sutter Home

Stage 5 Mankato Road Race (The Queen Stage) 92 miles
Mankato is always a special stage.  Racing on the same roads that I’ve trained on for the last several years is always nice. The roads I know so well that I could ride them with my eyes closed. Roads were I’ve ridden in every possible weather condition. Roads that go by familiar farms and friend’s homes. The course itself isn’t overwhelmingly hard. The closing circuits, however, are feared. The finished circuit is over 2 miles and includes the very difficult Main street climb. I’ve done repeats up this hill and know every inch. Coming in to the hill with fresh legs is one thing. Coming at it four times after having completed 80+ miles of racing is entirely another.  Prior to starting I went to my favorite coffee shop (another nice benefit of racing on familar turf) and Steve Tilford dropped in for the same. Nice.
With many of the large pro teams deciding not to chase early breakaways, the day became an open race. About 15 miles in the race teammate Andy Crater joined a large break up the road.  Despite not working too hard, the break gained several minutes and the field sat back and rode easy for a long time. I was happy to sit in thinking the pace would eventually lift and the break would be reeled in before we got back into town. At the same time I knew that Andy was up the road thinking maybe, just maybe, he could stay away (there’s always a change, right?) About an hour later I heard the gap was over 8 minutes and I knew were were getting close to town and I started to think that this early break just might succeed. I think everyone thought that Bissel or OUCH would know exactly how far the gap could extend before they sent their horses to reel in the break in short order. The pace definitely increased  as we came back toward town the end and the closing climbs were very hard (they are even if you’re going super slow) but it was not enough.  The original break of 15 or so was now down to 3, including teammate Andy Crater, Chad Hartley (Team GearGrinder/Amore & Vita) and Mike Northey (Land Rover/ORBEA).  The finale was pretty crazy and I lost contact with the front group the very first time up the hill. I rode as hard as I could the rest of the loop and managed to keep the front group in sight. I figured I was only about a minute down but, for some reason, I was pulled with one lap to go (the officials later admitted they made a mistake in pulling a lot of riders out too soon). I rolled over to S/F and watched Andy finish. We were all super excited for him to get the win. He’s been talking about the Mankato stage all year and today he delivered. He ripped it. It was perfect. There is lots of press on the day about an amateur taking the day and even a spin from the local paper here: http://www.mankatofreepress.com/archivesearch/local_story_165005959.html

Stage note: Prior to our start we all got a very serious warning from the head official about throwing waters bottles into farmer’s fields. We were specifically told to drop them in either of the two feed zones or within the city limits of Good Thunder, Lake Crystal, St. Clair, or Mankato. The bottles that are thrown into fields get chopped up by farmer’s plows and eventually mixed in with the feed for their cows. Water bottles contain a type of plastic that cows cannot digest. In fact, ingesting this type of plastic is fatal for cows. We were also reminded that we are guests here and to take this warning as quite serious.  Much to my chargin, at the midpoint of the race a rider tossed his bottle directly into a farmer’s field then joked, “Oh my God, I just killed a fucking cow!”  Nice work, jackass. May you choke on plastic someday. Obviously, this was the stage’s low point.

Stage 6 Stillwater Criterium, final stage
Chillkoot Hill is a crazy 11% or something silly. It’s known as one of the hardest criteriums in the US. I’ve done well here as an amateur (2nd, 1st, and 3rd) as a cat. 2 a few years back.  I had no illusions about placing today, I just wanted to race as long as possible before getting pulled by the officials (at least 5 laps are required in order to be listed as finishing NVGP). The last time I raced here with the pros I was lapped three times by Chris Horner (now on Lance Armstrong’s Astana team). It’s pretty ridiculous really. Most of the amateurs are blown and so far down on GC and just going through the motions.  If you start in the back, your race can be over within a few laps.  I warmed up on the highway north of town and got called an asshole twice by dudes in big pickup trucks then found a steep climb to see what the climbing legs might feel like.  I headed back to start ready to go. I told Kennett to get ready for 20 minutes of racing, at best. As expected, most everyone got shelled pretty quickly. I kept “racing” solo for close to 10 laps (about half the race) and had a blast climbing Chillkoot through the tunnel of noise. I was expecting to get pulled sooner but the officials must have felt bad for pulling me early in Mankato so they let me keep going. It was a great atmosphere on the climb. I got a few pushes and the fans were amped. Super cool. After I was eventually pulled, I watched part of the final laps. Micah Moran (GrandStay Hotels) hung in for the entire race, only losing contact with a lap or two to go.  Bravo! After, we gawked at Floyd Landis and the OUCH team camp with all the media and rode what seemed like 100 miles back to Jen & CJ’s. There I took a shower, went to Lucky 13 for a burger then a short walk with Patty at the Sibley House historical site in Mendota Heights. We even found an awesome tree swing under a big ash tree. It felt really good to lie in the grass and stare up at the clouds knowing that I didn’t have to worry about recovery for another race the next day.

Monday was back to work and the real world. I spent Monday afternoon getting sicker by the minute. By Tuesday, I was back in bed with a killer cold and some very sore, exhausted muscles. Turns out a lot of guys that raced were sick. Something must have worked it’s way through the peloton. Today is Friday and I am finally feeling a bit better. I’m glad that I’m not racing until Wednesday. I still need some time to recovery.  Next up Tour of America’s Dairyland and a visit to dad’s in Oshkosh.

Perspectives on the 2009 Nature Valley Grand Prix: The Highs and Lows (Stages 1-3)

Stage 1 St. Paul Individual Time Trial 7.2-kilometer course
Two minutes prior to my start time I am told my Trek TTX time trial bike in not UCI legal.  Apparently, my aero bars are set about 4 cm too far forward.  I try not to panic as the Shimano mechanic makes the adjustment with seconds (literally) to spare. I was so rattle that I nearly rode off the side of the start ramp when I started. I managed to survive the TT, despite the rain and nearly losing control on the rough section of road that passes under a bridge in an “S” curve about a K into the race (a lot of riders had trouble with this section but I don’t think anyone fell).  After the turnaround, I got a boost in confidence as I was able to catch the rider who started 30 seconds in front of me. As soon as I caught him, however, I was caught by my thirty second man. The final climb was not my forte and I’m certain I lost a bunch of time but it didn’t reallt matter. I was enjoying all the cheers on the hill.  The day’s high point was finding Patty at the finish. She totally surprised me by showing up in the rain to be there at the finish.
Result: 70th, 13:57
Stage Winner Tom Zirbel (Bissel) 12 minutes, 36 seconds

Stage Two: St. Paul Criterium                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The nerves settle a bit after the morning TT and  I line up with 143 others for a four corner criterium in downtown St. Paul.  Riding in a tight criterium is one thing in a small field but getting to the front of such a stacked field is nearly out of the question. The tempo was fast and the crowd was really into it.  As always, I find myself wasting energy by being at the back. Due to the accordian effect of the group, I need accelerate out of each corner to maintain contact.  This also presents the risk of being caught behind gaps but it’s a bad habit I’ve falled into.  The few extra meters of space allow me to take my own line through the corners at speed at which I am comfortable.  So, not seeing the front is what it is. As the race neared the end, more and more riders started to to crack and I moved up a bit. This is the point of the race that I love.  Everyone is on the rivet and you’re totally focused on holding the wheel in front of you. I heard my name on very lap and in every straightaway. It was awesome. Until… with three to go, a WM rider crashed very hard in front of me in the fast turn one. After nearly stopping to avoid the melee I chase within a few meters of catching back on to the group.  However, the pace is too high (pros were killing it up front bringing back a small breakaway) and free laps have expired. I crossed in 108th, 36 seconds back. Local rider, Adam Bergman was in what appeared to be the winning break when, with just two laps to go, he clipped a pedal and fell, losing his chance for a hometown stage win and finishing 116th. We all spun out our legs on the ride back to Jen and CJ’s (our awesome hosts in Mendota Heights) after the race. It’s so nice not to have to drive home after a race…   Stage Winner: Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Argentina) Colavita/Sutter Home

Stage Three: Cannon Falls Road Race
Everyone was in a good mood at the start. We parked next to the women’s team from Australia and chatted and joked a bit. We all hopped up on FRS and Wheel & Sprocket Development Teammate, Kennett Peterson from Oregon”was taking it up a level and keeping it there” today. Very funny.  The stage started and the fun ended. True to his word,  Kennett managed an early breakaway.  Andy I rode at the front to control chasers but we all knew that the break would be short-lived. I tried to ride at the front but there was so much aggression and risk taking that I switched to survival mode halfway through the race. At one point half of the Bissel pro team hit the deck in a straightway. Wheels were exploding and bikes launching in the air. I was hoping for a relatively calm (or at least safe) road race but attacks were relentless.  Riders were cutting diagonally across the road at 70kph, atttacking from the shoulder, chopping each other and trying just about anything to get away. And then it got worse.  There were several crashes as the large field funneled from the two lane road onto the narrow and very soft gravel section that took us onto the final circuits in town.  The gravel section was only a kilometer or so but it was decisive for those of us caught at the back.  I was fishtailing sideways and could barely see the man in front of me from all of the dust. After some nervous riding we entered the closing circuits in Cannon Falls. After losing my position in the gravel I chased back to the group and tried to take a deep breath but before I knew it there was another horrible crash.  A bike flew in my face, knocked my helmet and landed on top of my bars. Somehow, I managed to get clear and not fall. The effort to chase back on again turned out to be the largest efforts of the week.  I had to go so hard that I just I lost it for a few seconds. I was desperate to stay with the bunch but the repeated efforts were ust too much. The closing circuits were quite technical and the tempo set up front was unforgiving. I continued to chase through a hamstring cramp and ended up in a group of four with teammate Dan Ajer and Chris Doig (Flanders) and Gregg Brandt (GP).  It was a big disappointment to lose one minute and 59 seconds to the leaders today. For some reason, the stage really got to me. I think there were a dozen crashes today, some serious. When I finished the stage I nearly fell apart. I know it’s easier up front but I just can’t seem to get there and stay there.  Though I never hit the deck, trouble seemed to find me today.  Emotionally exhausted today and the legs aren’t much better…
Alejandro Borrajo     Colavita/Sutter Home 2:22

Sold

The Scott Addict and Zipp 808’s have been sold.  Thanks ya’ll.

Sibley County Road Race Report

Jens picked me up and we enjoyed the short drive from Gustavus to Sibley County.  It’s a nice change to be able to sleep in a bit and get to a race in less than a half an hour. It was pretty cold on the rollout and more than a few riders were shivering, myself included. Half the group stopped to pee on the first climb but things evenutally got rolling.  A mile or two later I joined an attack with Jens Brabbit (Grandstay), Chris Doig (Flanders), Dale Sedgewick (GP), Lance Niles (Brones), Greg Lavick & Matt Muyers (Synergy) and Jay Henderson (Hollywood). With every major team represented (save Texas Roadhouse) I figured this was a good break.  Bridging up almost didn’t happen. I got halfway and Jens looked back and started driving. He later told me that he mistook me for a LeMieux or Bergman. Luckily, Hollywood came with me and he took just enough of a pull for me to recover and we both were able to bridge. Muyers quickly disappeared and the 7 of us got organized and built over 6 minutes at one point. I love long breakaways like this, especially when everyone’s contributing and pulling for one another.  We all suffered and I’m happy to say that I didn’t miss a single pull the whole day (other than to eat). This was the type of break where the cross winds, distance and climb keep everyone honest: The best kind of racing. Initially, Hollywood sat on but, as we would later appreciate, his fresh legs were key to keeping our gap preserved. Dale was rolling great and never missed a turn; Niles & Doig started to miss a few, but for the most part everyone was giving it.  Jens tried one attack after we got a false report that GrandStay was chasing (this didn’t make sense but we weren’t sure). We quickly reorganized and the gap reports were 4:20, 3:20 and in the final nervous K’s, just 1:20 or so. We knew there was some serious talent in the bunch and we feared that a group with Bjorn, Adam or Pattycakes would bring us back in short order. Dale knew exactly how much we could afford to loose from the bottom of the descent to finish and this helped up all keep motivated and organized. Hollywood took some monster pulls which really, really hurt.  It is super cool to see him rockin’ it again.  At the base of the climb Jens attacked & Hollywood pegged it, surprising Jens (and me) at how easily he brought him back. Hollywood turned the screws a little harder and took the front over the final 2K. I was glued to his wheel hoping his tempo was doing some damage. I knew the uphill sprint would play to the lighter riders but I gave it a go anyway. Jens jumped way left and got the winning gap. Lance got close but it was too late. Jens, best suited for an uphill sprint, took a stellar win. I stuck on Lance’s wheel and hung on for 3rd. Doig was 4th, Greg just nipped Hollywood for 5th. Dale must have been 7th.

Jens and I had a great lunch at Bittersweet Cafe’ in downtown Henderson with the Brone’s boys and rolled back to St. Peter. He joked that the St. Peter boys did well today. Time for a smoothie and a nap. Awesome day.

Road Wheels, etc. For Sale

I have too many wheels, etc.  so I am selling a brand new Shimano Ultegra crankset with bottom bracket, a set of Mavic Kysryium SL clincher road wheels, and a pair of Bontrager Race X Lite wheels. Contact me at koeneman@gac.edu if you are interested.  The cranks are already on eBay, the rest will be posted there soon…

For Sale Scott Addict Road Bike w/Zipp 808’s 61cm

This is a state-of-the-art Scott full carbon fiber road bike size 61cm (I am about 6′ 4″). This bike was raced for one season and is in great shape. The Zipp 808’s are nearly new and typically sell for over $2000. The complete bike with full Dura Ace 10 speed is for sale for $5500.   These are amazing wheels that can be used everyday. The bike has been professionally maintained and is in good shape. The complete bike weighs less than 16 pounds. Scott utilizes the Integrated Carbon Molding Process (IMP) resulting in lighter weight and increased strength. Carbon fiber is everywhere on this frame including the front derailleur hanger, rear dropouts, fork and the front cable stops! Scott is notorious for pushing the envelope and the Addict is no exception with what is likely the lightest production frame on the market in the neighborhood of 800g (about 790g). It used to be that going this low would mess with the integrity of the frame, but Scott has no limit on maximum rider weight, so even the burliest of riders will be at home on the Addict.
Note: I will sell the bike with optional Mavic Ksyrium SL Premium wheels for $1000 less at $4500. The Mavic Ksyrium ES includes titanium axles and skewers. The front hub body is made from carbon fiber with Maxtal black rims. The front wheel weighs 645g and the rear weighs 835g.

For Sale Full Dura Ace Scott Addict XL Zipp 808 clinchers

GrandStay Farewell

Well, it’s official. I am leaving MN’s finest elite cycling team and heading to the Wheel & Sprocket pro development team in my old WI stomping ground. The guys at GrandStay are top notch & I want to thank each and every one of them, especially to Matt Williams for putting together a great organization, securing generous sponsors, putting up with clothing orders, hotel reservations, team budgets, training camps, etc.. I am proud to have raced with the likes of Matt, Doug Swanson, Daniel Casper, Dan Swanson, Micah Moran, Andy Minier, Lance B., Steve Cragle, Chuck Jacobs, Jim Bell, Ian Stanford, & Ray Coyle for the past two seasons.

Why join a “pro development team” when I’m 41? Morgan Wiswall, team director was looking for an experienced rider to mentor some of the espoire (under 23) talent at larger races. I still enjoy the sport and love to compete and travel so we decided it was a good fit. A secondary reason involves my father, who still lives in my hometown of Oshkosh. He is recovering from cancer and I plan to spend more time in WI this spring/summer. I plan to compete in more races in WI while I am there so I can connect with my new team.

So far, I’ve learned that we will be riding Trek bicycles (the Wheel & Sprocket shops are the largest Trek dealers in the US). Sun Ringle Wheels and the Menasha Corporation (a huge paper company in WI) are other sponsors.

CJ 5th at Cross Nationals

Congratulations to CJ Faulkner for making the podium at national in Kansas City. I spoke with him about an hour after his finish and he said it was the a near perfect race:  muddy, twisty, with some climbs. CJ was crushing the descents like a madman. Supercool.  Results are posted here: http://www.kccrossnationals.com/PDF/RESULTS-2008/33.pdf

Where can I get a boomerang?