English
NORCO NEWS
APRIL 2007
APRIL 2007
This summer Norco will provide '07 Park Edition A-Lines for riders who can't get enough gravity-fed action. The A-Line has been a mainstay at the Whistler Bike Park for the last three years, so you know they're tough! The Park Edition is like a regular A-Line on steroids so you can slay the bike parks most famous trail, A-Line. Not only do these bikes rip, but they'll help turn you into a ripper as well!
The Bike Park in Whistler, the most amazing thing ever built from dirt, wood and sweat just keeps getting better every summer. New trails, the Air Dome, and more make the Whistler Bike Park the place to ride. It's the center of the universe for Downhill Mountain Biking. Come ride with us and you'll agree.
The Camp of Champions gets better every summer too. 2006 was our first year running a full Bike Camp and it was off the hook. Our campers and visiting industry veterans were saying it was the most fun they had ever had at a camp. That is what we aim for every day of camp. 'To give you your best day of riding ever.' Riding the chairlifts instead of pedaling up you can get thousands of feet of vertical in a day. Your riding will progress so fast you won't actually believe it.
Drop in, check out the site and then start counting the days till you can come riding with us in the Bike Park. We'll show you how amazing riding in Whistler really is. We'll show you how riding with your coach can take the intimidation out of riding DH. We'll show you how by riding with your new friends and your coaches you will get so much better in your time with us that when you get home and go ride with your crew, they will wonder 'What did you do at Camp of Champions!?' Riding the new 2007 Norco Park Edition A-Line, you will be taught how to ride better, jump with more control and skill as well as how to ride technical descents. We work on your all around riding ability.
Head coach and long time pro rider Brent Floyd runs the show. With him and all our other great coaches showing you how it's done and more importantly how you can do it too, we know you will get just that, your best day riding ever.
For the ladies who want to ride with the ladies, especially ride with the ladies that ride like guys, we have Wendy Robinson and Vanessa Stark as two of our top coaches. If you want to ride better they will make you into the rider you've always wanted to be - without the usual testosterone that learning with the boys at other bike camps seems to involve.
The Whistler Bike Park just got better in another way in 2006. They added 'The Air Dome' a huge covered facility with a giant foam pit, halfpipe, 1/4 pipe and other sundry ramps for working on your skills. It's a great new addition and we will be using it to help you learn to jump better and dial in your tricks.
We are the only independent bike camp in the bike park. COC DH Bike Camp is the most fun you can have on a mountain bike, period. Instead of reading about the Whistler Bike Park in magazines and drooling over the park in the videos, come ride it with us and we will push you to learn, ride harder and have more fun than you ever thought possible. That in a nutshell is what COC is all about.
For more information about Camp of Champions Mountain Bike Sessions check out: campofchampions.com
The Bike Park in Whistler, the most amazing thing ever built from dirt, wood and sweat just keeps getting better every summer. New trails, the Air Dome, and more make the Whistler Bike Park the place to ride. It's the center of the universe for Downhill Mountain Biking. Come ride with us and you'll agree.
The Camp of Champions gets better every summer too. 2006 was our first year running a full Bike Camp and it was off the hook. Our campers and visiting industry veterans were saying it was the most fun they had ever had at a camp. That is what we aim for every day of camp. 'To give you your best day of riding ever.' Riding the chairlifts instead of pedaling up you can get thousands of feet of vertical in a day. Your riding will progress so fast you won't actually believe it.
Drop in, check out the site and then start counting the days till you can come riding with us in the Bike Park. We'll show you how amazing riding in Whistler really is. We'll show you how riding with your coach can take the intimidation out of riding DH. We'll show you how by riding with your new friends and your coaches you will get so much better in your time with us that when you get home and go ride with your crew, they will wonder 'What did you do at Camp of Champions!?' Riding the new 2007 Norco Park Edition A-Line, you will be taught how to ride better, jump with more control and skill as well as how to ride technical descents. We work on your all around riding ability.
Head coach and long time pro rider Brent Floyd runs the show. With him and all our other great coaches showing you how it's done and more importantly how you can do it too, we know you will get just that, your best day riding ever.
For the ladies who want to ride with the ladies, especially ride with the ladies that ride like guys, we have Wendy Robinson and Vanessa Stark as two of our top coaches. If you want to ride better they will make you into the rider you've always wanted to be - without the usual testosterone that learning with the boys at other bike camps seems to involve.
The Whistler Bike Park just got better in another way in 2006. They added 'The Air Dome' a huge covered facility with a giant foam pit, halfpipe, 1/4 pipe and other sundry ramps for working on your skills. It's a great new addition and we will be using it to help you learn to jump better and dial in your tricks.
We are the only independent bike camp in the bike park. COC DH Bike Camp is the most fun you can have on a mountain bike, period. Instead of reading about the Whistler Bike Park in magazines and drooling over the park in the videos, come ride it with us and we will push you to learn, ride harder and have more fun than you ever thought possible. That in a nutshell is what COC is all about.
For more information about Camp of Champions Mountain Bike Sessions check out: campofchampions.com
The Norco-sponsored, Symmetrics Pro Cycling team --also known as the 'S-Team' will be hitting the pages of comic books! After a great start to the season, I'm proud to announce that in early June, the team will be releasing a 16-page, full colour promotional comic book, starring 'The S-Team.'
The comic book was written and created by our PR writer, Matt Hansen, who works in the comic book industry as his day job. Matt is the Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics' Dabel Brothers line, which adapts best-selling novels and films to comic books and graphic novels. To pencil the comic, Matt chose Eduardo Ferigato, a professional comic artist from Glass House Graphics, an art studio known for its work with several famous Marvel and DC titles like Spiderman, X-Men, or Superman, to name a few. To color the book, is another Matt, Matt Moylan, who has worked with many notable franchises, including 'The Transformers' comic books.
The story will feature the entire S-Team in a larger than life adventure, all by bike! The comic will also have all pertinent info to the team and will serve as a press kit for fans, supporters, and sponsors. We'll be giving these comics away at all the big races, such as Philly Week, BC Superweek, the National Championships, and so on.
This comic is very exciting for us as it really does transcend our riders to superhero status! Not only are they dedicated, extraordinary athletes, but they also serve as positive role models for children demonstrating health, wellness and teamwork. Look for the 'S-Team' branding on t-shirts (which will be available for sale) and other posters, very soon!
Source:
The comic book was written and created by our PR writer, Matt Hansen, who works in the comic book industry as his day job. Matt is the Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics' Dabel Brothers line, which adapts best-selling novels and films to comic books and graphic novels. To pencil the comic, Matt chose Eduardo Ferigato, a professional comic artist from Glass House Graphics, an art studio known for its work with several famous Marvel and DC titles like Spiderman, X-Men, or Superman, to name a few. To color the book, is another Matt, Matt Moylan, who has worked with many notable franchises, including 'The Transformers' comic books.
The story will feature the entire S-Team in a larger than life adventure, all by bike! The comic will also have all pertinent info to the team and will serve as a press kit for fans, supporters, and sponsors. We'll be giving these comics away at all the big races, such as Philly Week, BC Superweek, the National Championships, and so on.
This comic is very exciting for us as it really does transcend our riders to superhero status! Not only are they dedicated, extraordinary athletes, but they also serve as positive role models for children demonstrating health, wellness and teamwork. Look for the 'S-Team' branding on t-shirts (which will be available for sale) and other posters, very soon!
Source:
This past weekend, Jordie Lunn hosted the second annual dirt jump event in his backyard. The Lunn’s live on the Island in Parksville, British Colombia.
With 30+ riders on hand, they were able to make quick work drying off the jumps after some brief showers. Once the jump faces were buffed, qualifying kicked off. Kyle ‘Herc’ Ritchie, Claire Buchar, and a recovering Geoff Gulevich providing the judging.
New to Jordie’s jumps was a massive ‘step-up, step-down’ feature that all the riders were sizing up.
When it was all said and done, Norco Factory Team/SRAM rider, Ben Boyko once again came out on top.
1st Ben Boyko: 94pts
2nd Darren Berrecloth: 93pts
3rd Brandon Semenuk: 91pts
4th Joe Perrizo: 88pts
5th Ryan Meyer: 84pts
Immediately following the victory laps, a BBQ broke out which was followed by a Karaoke session at the ‘Rod & Gun’ club.
Source: SRAM.com
Photo: pinkbike.com
With 30+ riders on hand, they were able to make quick work drying off the jumps after some brief showers. Once the jump faces were buffed, qualifying kicked off. Kyle ‘Herc’ Ritchie, Claire Buchar, and a recovering Geoff Gulevich providing the judging.
New to Jordie’s jumps was a massive ‘step-up, step-down’ feature that all the riders were sizing up.
When it was all said and done, Norco Factory Team/SRAM rider, Ben Boyko once again came out on top.
1st Ben Boyko: 94pts
2nd Darren Berrecloth: 93pts
3rd Brandon Semenuk: 91pts
4th Joe Perrizo: 88pts
5th Ryan Meyer: 84pts
Immediately following the victory laps, a BBQ broke out which was followed by a Karaoke session at the ‘Rod & Gun’ club.
Source: SRAM.com
Photo: pinkbike.com
Norco is excited to announce that it has signed on for a 2nd season as a key sponsor for the BC-based, LifeCycle Education Program.
Part of LifeCycle's mission is to increase the use of bicycles for everyday activity, by teaching those new to the art of cycling the fundamentals of bike safety and maintenance. Without any doubt, the area of bicycle safety where the greatest gains can be made is in the area of education. No better place to start than at school.
This year LifeCycle kicked off the bike safety season with a new high profile indoor gig- at Surrey's Gotta Be Kiddin' Tradex show, last weekend. It was an incredibly successful weekend, with over 4000 people in attendance. The Norco bikes were a big hit.
Pretty soon the One Day One School program kicks in again, with another 8 City of Vancouver schools benefiting from 3 days of bicycle safety training each. The City's sustainability office is currently looking at ways to keep the program rolling out to all Vancouver schools....watch this space.
And even higher profile, ICBC and the Way To Go Program have recently recruited LifeCycle and Cycling Solutions of Victoria to act as consultants for a new Pedestrian and Cycle Safety DVD to be circulated in the Fall to all BC schools. Woodfall Films Inc. have been commissioned to film the DVD, which is hoped to begin shooting in April/May.
Norco is excited to continue its partnership with such a great program!
lifecycle.ca
Part of LifeCycle's mission is to increase the use of bicycles for everyday activity, by teaching those new to the art of cycling the fundamentals of bike safety and maintenance. Without any doubt, the area of bicycle safety where the greatest gains can be made is in the area of education. No better place to start than at school.
This year LifeCycle kicked off the bike safety season with a new high profile indoor gig- at Surrey's Gotta Be Kiddin' Tradex show, last weekend. It was an incredibly successful weekend, with over 4000 people in attendance. The Norco bikes were a big hit.
Pretty soon the One Day One School program kicks in again, with another 8 City of Vancouver schools benefiting from 3 days of bicycle safety training each. The City's sustainability office is currently looking at ways to keep the program rolling out to all Vancouver schools....watch this space.
And even higher profile, ICBC and the Way To Go Program have recently recruited LifeCycle and Cycling Solutions of Victoria to act as consultants for a new Pedestrian and Cycle Safety DVD to be circulated in the Fall to all BC schools. Woodfall Films Inc. have been commissioned to film the DVD, which is hoped to begin shooting in April/May.
Norco is excited to continue its partnership with such a great program!
lifecycle.ca
My cross canada Trials of Life tour is about to begin! This is shaping up to be the most extensive tour I have ever embarked on, with at least 40 school presentations, and 15 public demos planned, it going to be full on!
I am so excited to announce that the presenting sponsor for my tour is The Cooperators Insurance, a Canadian company I have worked with numerous times over the years. The Co-operators support youth in many ways, one of which is their WiseRider program, which promotes bike safety throughout the school system. Teaming up with them was a natural fit in so many ways, right down to their companies sustainability policies. So I am proud to represent them, and stoked that they’re helping make this tour happen!
So I’m 5 days done the 10 day World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler. Here's a little video of one of about 25 shows I've performed so far this festival.
And here's a video of a crash, it happens... Well, I have to get back to performing, in the sun today, so I hope everyone has an awesome day!
Ryan
I am so excited to announce that the presenting sponsor for my tour is The Cooperators Insurance, a Canadian company I have worked with numerous times over the years. The Co-operators support youth in many ways, one of which is their WiseRider program, which promotes bike safety throughout the school system. Teaming up with them was a natural fit in so many ways, right down to their companies sustainability policies. So I am proud to represent them, and stoked that they’re helping make this tour happen!
So I’m 5 days done the 10 day World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler. Here's a little video of one of about 25 shows I've performed so far this festival.
And here's a video of a crash, it happens... Well, I have to get back to performing, in the sun today, so I hope everyone has an awesome day!
Ryan
This week, our enthusiastic website designers have brought us, yet another update with the addition of a new video. Don’t forget to check back regularly for new videos, podcasts, team updates, photos, and much more... Go check out the newest video here!
The S-team took to the roads of Pitt Meadows for the the first BC Cup of 2007--with resounding success. Symmetrics Cycling's Will Routley took the race just ahead of team-mate Cam Evans in a terrific display of teamwork in a race full of unpredictable variables. The men raced 100km of the race, which features 2.5km of gravel--an homage to the famous French race to which it owes its namesake, Paris Roubaix, also held April 16.
After some wet days preceding, riders were greeted with warm, dry conditions, making for a fast run on the gravel. The S-Team, aware of the attrition factor of a race such as Harris-Roubaix, was careful to save energy in the first 4 laps. By the fourth lap, it was time to rip. 'We knew that the time to make the move would be midway,' Andrew Pinfold, captain of the S-Team, said after. 'So when that time came, we rode hard and split the field.'
MORE. . .
After some wet days preceding, riders were greeted with warm, dry conditions, making for a fast run on the gravel. The S-Team, aware of the attrition factor of a race such as Harris-Roubaix, was careful to save energy in the first 4 laps. By the fourth lap, it was time to rip. 'We knew that the time to make the move would be midway,' Andrew Pinfold, captain of the S-Team, said after. 'So when that time came, we rode hard and split the field.'
MORE. . .
Adventure Racing starts here!
Suburban RUSH presented by G&F Financial Group on April 28th is one of the first adventure races of the season. It's certainly one of the reasons adventure race alumni participants Kathy Lilyholm and Trina Whittaker of Vancouver have signed up for the 30 km event. Between the two of them they have completed almost twenty races including achieving several podium finishes.
'I like to support Suburban RUSH,' says Kathy, 'because it encourages new racers to get out and experience the accomplishment of crossing the finish line. Adventure racing pushes your boundaries. You realize that we limit ourselves by boundaries we set. Making it to the finish line often requires pushing those boundaries which makes you feel invincible.'
Dean Wutke, race director says. 'The mountain bike terrain is beginner to intermediate and the trekking and running are very doable. We have a 99% track record rate for all racers crossing the finish line; however there is still enough of a challenge for racers like Kathy and Trina. Suburban RUSH is a great day of racing including fabulous prizes from our mountain bike sponsors, CAPS Westwood Cycle and Cyclepath in Vancouver.'
If you'd like more information on participating or volunteering check out: suburbanrush.com
Norco is a proud sponsor of Suburban RUSH.
Suburban RUSH presented by G&F Financial Group on April 28th is one of the first adventure races of the season. It's certainly one of the reasons adventure race alumni participants Kathy Lilyholm and Trina Whittaker of Vancouver have signed up for the 30 km event. Between the two of them they have completed almost twenty races including achieving several podium finishes.
'I like to support Suburban RUSH,' says Kathy, 'because it encourages new racers to get out and experience the accomplishment of crossing the finish line. Adventure racing pushes your boundaries. You realize that we limit ourselves by boundaries we set. Making it to the finish line often requires pushing those boundaries which makes you feel invincible.'
Dean Wutke, race director says. 'The mountain bike terrain is beginner to intermediate and the trekking and running are very doable. We have a 99% track record rate for all racers crossing the finish line; however there is still enough of a challenge for racers like Kathy and Trina. Suburban RUSH is a great day of racing including fabulous prizes from our mountain bike sponsors, CAPS Westwood Cycle and Cyclepath in Vancouver.'
If you'd like more information on participating or volunteering check out: suburbanrush.com
Norco is a proud sponsor of Suburban RUSH.
In her own words:
Last night was the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame Banquet. I had been nominated for “Female Athlete of the Year”. Quite an honour to be nominated when so new to this community. Never having been to a Sports Banquet before I had no idea it would be so well attended. I should have guessed though with this being the Tournament Capitol of Canada. Anyhow it was Friday and I still didn’t have a ticket for Keith…no problem I thought I’ll just call to order one. Well all 380 seats had been sold out, but I was on the waiting list. At 6:30 Friday night I got Keith a ticket for the following evening.
It was a fun night with drinks at 6, dinner at 7, awards, speeches and slideshows. I steered clear of the wine until after Female of the Year was awarded on the off chance I would have to give a speech. The slideshow for my category began and I became increasingly more nervous. I had some pretty stiff competition, but the announcement came and I was up to accept my award. Female athlete of the Year. Wow, what an honour. I shook a little through my thanks, but I think made out okay.
Henry Pejril, the man you have to thank for hosting many National championships and the 2006 BC Summer Games cycling events was very deservedly awarded “Sportsperson of the Year”. A good night for cycling.
The evening’s guest speaker Kelly Smith did a fantastic job. Smith was an enthusiast of every extreme sport including mountain biking. A rock climbing accident changed the course of his life leaving him paralyzed from the waist down at a young age. Still an adrenaline junkie Smith threw some mtb tires on his chair, dived back in to white water kayaking and tried out the wheelchair race as part of the Vancouver Sun Run. Within 8 years Kelly had groomed himself into an olympic athlete in the Wheelchair Marathon Event. Through an inspiring slideshow he gave us insights into his Olympic preparation and what it was like to win Silver. It was a really inspiring evening and helped to refocus my goals and determination for the Season.
Source: Catharine's Blogspot
Last night was the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame Banquet. I had been nominated for “Female Athlete of the Year”. Quite an honour to be nominated when so new to this community. Never having been to a Sports Banquet before I had no idea it would be so well attended. I should have guessed though with this being the Tournament Capitol of Canada. Anyhow it was Friday and I still didn’t have a ticket for Keith…no problem I thought I’ll just call to order one. Well all 380 seats had been sold out, but I was on the waiting list. At 6:30 Friday night I got Keith a ticket for the following evening.
It was a fun night with drinks at 6, dinner at 7, awards, speeches and slideshows. I steered clear of the wine until after Female of the Year was awarded on the off chance I would have to give a speech. The slideshow for my category began and I became increasingly more nervous. I had some pretty stiff competition, but the announcement came and I was up to accept my award. Female athlete of the Year. Wow, what an honour. I shook a little through my thanks, but I think made out okay.
Henry Pejril, the man you have to thank for hosting many National championships and the 2006 BC Summer Games cycling events was very deservedly awarded “Sportsperson of the Year”. A good night for cycling.
The evening’s guest speaker Kelly Smith did a fantastic job. Smith was an enthusiast of every extreme sport including mountain biking. A rock climbing accident changed the course of his life leaving him paralyzed from the waist down at a young age. Still an adrenaline junkie Smith threw some mtb tires on his chair, dived back in to white water kayaking and tried out the wheelchair race as part of the Vancouver Sun Run. Within 8 years Kelly had groomed himself into an olympic athlete in the Wheelchair Marathon Event. Through an inspiring slideshow he gave us insights into his Olympic preparation and what it was like to win Silver. It was a really inspiring evening and helped to refocus my goals and determination for the Season.
Source: Catharine's Blogspot
MONTEREY, CA - The 1st international DH race of the year was a huge success for British female riders Rachel Atherton and Fionn Griffiths who finished 1st and 2nd respectively at the 2007 Sea Otter Classic. Fionn, who has been working hard training in the off-season, was hot on Rachel's tail finishing about a second off the young rider's winning time. 'I feel the race went pretty well,' remarks Fionn, 'It was quite windy in my race run so I was focused on tucking and sprinting anywhere I possibly could. I had a pretty clean run and only really made one little mistake with a cross rut but it couldn't have cost me too much time. I'm happy with the result. 1st International race of the year - 1st podium.' Fionn and Rachel bested the current World Champion, Sabrina Jonnier who finished 4th just behind one of the US' finest, Melissa Buhl.
MORE. . .
MORE. . .
Fionn Griffiths, Norco Factory Team Pro and founder of Griffith's Racing, took a strong 2nd place in the Women's Pro DH category this past weekend at the Sea Otter Classic.
Fionn, riding her Norco Team DH, finished just over 1 second behind her fellow UK countrywoman, Rachel Atherton against a tough field that included Melissa Guhl, Sabrina Jonnier, and Kathy Pruitt.
Congratulations Fee!!
Top 5 Women
1. Rachel Atherton (Animal/Commencal) 2:33.5
2. Fionn Griffiths (Griffiths/Norco) 2:34.9
3. Melissa Buhl (KHS) 2:36.2
4. Sabrina Jonnier (Monster Energy/Iron Horse) 2:36.4
5. Kathy Pruitt (Jamis) 2:37.1
Fionn, riding her Norco Team DH, finished just over 1 second behind her fellow UK countrywoman, Rachel Atherton against a tough field that included Melissa Guhl, Sabrina Jonnier, and Kathy Pruitt.
Congratulations Fee!!
Top 5 Women
1. Rachel Atherton (Animal/Commencal) 2:33.5
2. Fionn Griffiths (Griffiths/Norco) 2:34.9
3. Melissa Buhl (KHS) 2:36.2
4. Sabrina Jonnier (Monster Energy/Iron Horse) 2:36.4
5. Kathy Pruitt (Jamis) 2:37.1
VPS-Fest is Norco's one-of-a-kind Rider Appreciation Day. In 2003 we created our first VPS-Fest event as a fun way to give back to the riding community and a great excuse to get Norco riders together for a great time. Since our first event, VPS-Fest has grown and expanded into a much anticipated event on many Norco riders' calendars.
This event gives us the opportunity to say, 'Thanks!' to our riders by providing FREE (or discounted) lift-accessed riding, FREE tech support by World Cup mechanics, FREE flat and wheel repair, the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes, and much more.
This year, Norco plans to make this amazing event even better by including more prizes, more pros, and more post-ride good times! As well, if you pre-register for any of these events, you will automatically be entered to win the chance to 'Ride In Style' with $1000 in head-to-toe Mace riding gear.
Go to vpsfest.com to register today!
This event gives us the opportunity to say, 'Thanks!' to our riders by providing FREE (or discounted) lift-accessed riding, FREE tech support by World Cup mechanics, FREE flat and wheel repair, the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes, and much more.
This year, Norco plans to make this amazing event even better by including more prizes, more pros, and more post-ride good times! As well, if you pre-register for any of these events, you will automatically be entered to win the chance to 'Ride In Style' with $1000 in head-to-toe Mace riding gear.
Go to vpsfest.com to register today!
Svein Tuft capped an incredible day of bicycle riding yesterday by winning the innaugural US Open Championships in Richmond Virginia. Tuft, riding his Norco CRR M6, was in a two man breakaway with Slipstream's Pat McCarty, dropped the American the final time up the steep cobbled climb and rode away to a glorious victory, broadcast live across the US and Canada on NBC.
The race began in absolutely atrocious conditions - with temperatures below freezing as a result of a freak cold front that descended on the Eastern US. Riders bundled up in every bit of clothing they had. Some riders - like the Tecos riders from Mexico, had to borrow winter wear! In fact, in the spirit of sport, it was the Norco-sponsored, Symmetrics team that lent their Mexican friends leg warmers and winter shells for the event. Symmetrics has ridden all over South and North America as rivals with the Tecos team. So when riders woke up to snow-covered roads, they knew that today would be an extraordinary day - so loaning extra cycling gear was par for the course.
After a delayed start, and despite the still frigid temperature, racing was still fast and furious! With television cameras following the pack by motorcycle and helicopter, there was certainly no time to relax and bundle up - attacks began from the get-go. On a day like yesterday, the team knew they had to cover each and every move. If the peloton got lazy, it was possible that the break could ride away. As it turned out, the winds were so tough that no breakaway could stay away in the earlygoing - the conditions were that tough. 'It was unbelievable,' Kevin Field, team manager for the event said. 'I've been to lots of bike races in my day but yesterday was truly epic. The wind was brutal but the breaks kept coming. But we fought to get in every move because we knew that if we got to the cobbled circuits we had a strong enough team to make the winning move.'
The eventual winner, Svein Tuft, was designated team leader for the day and as a result, made sure to keep his face out of the wind. The S-team buried themselves for Tuft, who after an overall win at the Tour of Cuba, and a blistering victory at the Redlands Classic time trial, was one of the big favourites for the day. 'I had a great ride for the first 90km or so,' Tuft said. 'The guys were great. I rode near the front and kept an eye on things while our team was vigilant in making sure nothing got away that didn't have a yellow and black jersey. I couldn't have done it without them.'
By the time the race hit the 8 laps of the 8km circuit, riders were already fatigued--which meant the strong riders had their chance to show their stuff: And here's where Tuft did just that.
Attack after attack, and Symmetrics was there. With the third to last lap came, it was American Patrick McCarty (Slipstream) who attacked solo. Tuft knew his time was now, and he bridged up to McCarty, and with Tuft doing the majority of the work, they established a gap on the peloton which was fragmenting into smaller groups due to attrition. 'Pat was getting tired, I could see that,' Tuft said. 'But I knew he could still give me a rest with short pulls, so we worked together. We were all getting tired from the day.'
Following Tuft was a group of 6 riders who fought to catch the duo - but to no avail. Tuft kept powering the breakaway, putting it into a massive gear up the steep cobbled climb that was the highlight of the finishing circuits. Even NBC commentators - Tour de France veteran Bob Roll and former American pro John Eustace - were impressed with Tuft's power. As well they should be: Tuft's SRM wattage meter showed that the Langley, BC rider average 415 watts for the final hour - an incredible number.
Behind, the six riders were caught by a chase group of twenty. In that group was Andrew 'Pinner' Pinfold. Pinfold rode near the front of this group, making sure no one tried to attack and reach Tuft. Tuft, meanwhile, hit the final climb and simply rode away from the exhausted McCarty. Although it may have looked easy on TV, Tuft was giving an extraordinary effort. 'I was giving it all up the final climb and with the remaining kms to the finish. I knew that was it, and this was my chance.'
Pinner, also riding a great race, marked Health Net's Kirk O'Bee who launched up the cobbled hill in a last ditch effort to reach Tuft. 'I went by 3 or 4 guys up the final hill when I saw Kirk go. I wasn't sure how close we were to Tuft but I knew I had to be on his wheel just in case,' Pinner said. 'As it turned out there was 5 or 6 of us that stayed just ahead of the lead group that got absolutely shredded the final time up the hill. So I'm happy with both Tuft winning and how my legs felt up the climb. It was a crazy hard day.'
Tuft soloed to a glorious victory - putting in a full 41 seconds on McCarty who barely held on for second. Pinner rode in in a solid fifth, capping an incredible day for Symmetrics Cycling.
Despite the huge number of riders that dropped out, Symmetrics still managed to have five finishers - Tuft, Pinner, Cam Evans (39th), Eric Wohlberg 45th) and Andrew Randell (48th). With this win Tuft climbs even higher to the overall lead in the UCI Americas Tour, and has laid down the gauntlet for future races...
Look out America: Symmetrics is here, and here to stay....
Source: Symmetrics Cycling
The race began in absolutely atrocious conditions - with temperatures below freezing as a result of a freak cold front that descended on the Eastern US. Riders bundled up in every bit of clothing they had. Some riders - like the Tecos riders from Mexico, had to borrow winter wear! In fact, in the spirit of sport, it was the Norco-sponsored, Symmetrics team that lent their Mexican friends leg warmers and winter shells for the event. Symmetrics has ridden all over South and North America as rivals with the Tecos team. So when riders woke up to snow-covered roads, they knew that today would be an extraordinary day - so loaning extra cycling gear was par for the course.
After a delayed start, and despite the still frigid temperature, racing was still fast and furious! With television cameras following the pack by motorcycle and helicopter, there was certainly no time to relax and bundle up - attacks began from the get-go. On a day like yesterday, the team knew they had to cover each and every move. If the peloton got lazy, it was possible that the break could ride away. As it turned out, the winds were so tough that no breakaway could stay away in the earlygoing - the conditions were that tough. 'It was unbelievable,' Kevin Field, team manager for the event said. 'I've been to lots of bike races in my day but yesterday was truly epic. The wind was brutal but the breaks kept coming. But we fought to get in every move because we knew that if we got to the cobbled circuits we had a strong enough team to make the winning move.'
The eventual winner, Svein Tuft, was designated team leader for the day and as a result, made sure to keep his face out of the wind. The S-team buried themselves for Tuft, who after an overall win at the Tour of Cuba, and a blistering victory at the Redlands Classic time trial, was one of the big favourites for the day. 'I had a great ride for the first 90km or so,' Tuft said. 'The guys were great. I rode near the front and kept an eye on things while our team was vigilant in making sure nothing got away that didn't have a yellow and black jersey. I couldn't have done it without them.'
By the time the race hit the 8 laps of the 8km circuit, riders were already fatigued--which meant the strong riders had their chance to show their stuff: And here's where Tuft did just that.
Attack after attack, and Symmetrics was there. With the third to last lap came, it was American Patrick McCarty (Slipstream) who attacked solo. Tuft knew his time was now, and he bridged up to McCarty, and with Tuft doing the majority of the work, they established a gap on the peloton which was fragmenting into smaller groups due to attrition. 'Pat was getting tired, I could see that,' Tuft said. 'But I knew he could still give me a rest with short pulls, so we worked together. We were all getting tired from the day.'
Following Tuft was a group of 6 riders who fought to catch the duo - but to no avail. Tuft kept powering the breakaway, putting it into a massive gear up the steep cobbled climb that was the highlight of the finishing circuits. Even NBC commentators - Tour de France veteran Bob Roll and former American pro John Eustace - were impressed with Tuft's power. As well they should be: Tuft's SRM wattage meter showed that the Langley, BC rider average 415 watts for the final hour - an incredible number.
Behind, the six riders were caught by a chase group of twenty. In that group was Andrew 'Pinner' Pinfold. Pinfold rode near the front of this group, making sure no one tried to attack and reach Tuft. Tuft, meanwhile, hit the final climb and simply rode away from the exhausted McCarty. Although it may have looked easy on TV, Tuft was giving an extraordinary effort. 'I was giving it all up the final climb and with the remaining kms to the finish. I knew that was it, and this was my chance.'
Pinner, also riding a great race, marked Health Net's Kirk O'Bee who launched up the cobbled hill in a last ditch effort to reach Tuft. 'I went by 3 or 4 guys up the final hill when I saw Kirk go. I wasn't sure how close we were to Tuft but I knew I had to be on his wheel just in case,' Pinner said. 'As it turned out there was 5 or 6 of us that stayed just ahead of the lead group that got absolutely shredded the final time up the hill. So I'm happy with both Tuft winning and how my legs felt up the climb. It was a crazy hard day.'
Tuft soloed to a glorious victory - putting in a full 41 seconds on McCarty who barely held on for second. Pinner rode in in a solid fifth, capping an incredible day for Symmetrics Cycling.
Despite the huge number of riders that dropped out, Symmetrics still managed to have five finishers - Tuft, Pinner, Cam Evans (39th), Eric Wohlberg 45th) and Andrew Randell (48th). With this win Tuft climbs even higher to the overall lead in the UCI Americas Tour, and has laid down the gauntlet for future races...
Look out America: Symmetrics is here, and here to stay....
Source: Symmetrics Cycling
After a brief respite of American racing, Symmetrics Cycling returns stateside for the the inaugural U. S. Open Cycling Championships. The 182km event heads from Williamsburg to Richmond, Virginia and will be good test for the team. Canada's number one pro team is aiming high, following some recent strong results, including a win at the Redlands Classic and the overall at the Tour of Cuba.
'We are really looking forward to this event,' Symmetrics Cycling co-owner Kevin Cunningham said. 'The guys had a little break here at home, so everyone is keen to head back down south and take on the big boys.'
The U.S Open will be broadcast nationally in the United States on NBC Sports from 2 to 4:30pm EST. The roster for the U.S Open is as follows:
Svein Tuft
Eric Wohlberg
Andrew Randell
Andrew Pinner
Cam Evans
Marsh Cooper
Zach Bell
Jacob Erker
Source: Symmetrics Pro Cycling
'We are really looking forward to this event,' Symmetrics Cycling co-owner Kevin Cunningham said. 'The guys had a little break here at home, so everyone is keen to head back down south and take on the big boys.'
The U.S Open will be broadcast nationally in the United States on NBC Sports from 2 to 4:30pm EST. The roster for the U.S Open is as follows:
Svein Tuft
Eric Wohlberg
Andrew Randell
Andrew Pinner
Cam Evans
Marsh Cooper
Zach Bell
Jacob Erker
Source: Symmetrics Pro Cycling
We are racing near Fountain Hills Arizona. The venue is placed within an old growth Saguaro Cactus forest. Many of the Cactus surrounding us at any point during the races are hundreds of years old. The weather is clear skies and a gentle breeze which helps keep riding comfortable.
Races got underway with the Pro men at 12:15. The top ten were sent at 1 min intervals starting with last year’s Norba series winner JHK. It was a fast 6 mile (~10km) loop with lots of turns and undulating terrain. JHK (Sub –gary) held the lead the entire time with a smoking 19 min 44.1. Adam Craig (Giant) followed in 2nd at 9 secs back and Ross Schnell (Trek) Rounded out the top 3. 4th and 5th places went to the U23 riders Sam Schultz (Sub-Gary) and Sam Jurekovitch (USA). Sam S “The course was really fun…there was a limit to how fast you could go ...but it was really fun”. Matt Hadley was the only Canadian racing and finished in 23rd. Kabush, Talousse, Sneddon, McGrath, Plaxton, Legga, Evan Sherman and Tim Heemskerke will be racing this weekend,s cross country but opted out on the TT.
MORE . . .
Races got underway with the Pro men at 12:15. The top ten were sent at 1 min intervals starting with last year’s Norba series winner JHK. It was a fast 6 mile (~10km) loop with lots of turns and undulating terrain. JHK (Sub –gary) held the lead the entire time with a smoking 19 min 44.1. Adam Craig (Giant) followed in 2nd at 9 secs back and Ross Schnell (Trek) Rounded out the top 3. 4th and 5th places went to the U23 riders Sam Schultz (Sub-Gary) and Sam Jurekovitch (USA). Sam S “The course was really fun…there was a limit to how fast you could go ...but it was really fun”. Matt Hadley was the only Canadian racing and finished in 23rd. Kabush, Talousse, Sneddon, McGrath, Plaxton, Legga, Evan Sherman and Tim Heemskerke will be racing this weekend,s cross country but opted out on the TT.
MORE . . .
Before this interview, my knowledge of 'Ben Boyko' was pretty much limited by his riding and a few comments I'd read in magazines. I knew he was a smart yet fearless rider, with a buttery-smooth style influenced by years of practice and competition in the BMX scene. I'd also heard him described as 'reserved', 'taciturn', and 'the hardest working pro in the business'. What I found was a blunt spoken guy, with a quirky, infectious sense of humour, who has more than earned his 'hard working' reputation. Whether he's creating the perfect line for a photo or video shoot, hauling logs to build a new stunt, appearing at events with his sponsors, or attending dirt jump and slopestyle competitions all over the globe, Ben approaches it all with his unique blend of quiet intensity and self-effacing good humour.
The Full Interview on NSMB.com...
The Full Interview on NSMB.com...
Apr 02
2007
'Beyond the Horizon' Hits Bookstore Shelves: Read A Detailed Account of Colin & Julie's Remarkable Journey
2007
In June, 2004, Colin Angus left Vancouver on his Norco bicycle. Nearly two years later, he rolled back in, looking like a castaway, and having completed the first human-powered circumnavigation of the globe.
Angus cycled, skied, and rowed a route that took him to Alaska, across the Bering Sea and the Siberian winter, across Europe from Moscow to Portugal, then across the Atlantic to Costa Rica-a 156-day rowing odyssey. From there it was a short 8,300 kilometer ride back to Vancouver. Along the way he burned through 4,000 chocolate bars, 72 inner tubes, 250 kgs of freeze-dried foods, 31 dorado fish (caught from the sea), 2 offshore rowboats, 2 bicycles, 80 kgs of clothing. And he showed the world that if he can travel 43,000 kilometers without polluting the planet, then the rest of us can get off our butts, and clean up our own acts.
On a side note, Colin started his trip on a Norco Bigfoot mountain bike with full touring gear for the more rugged, intense portions of the trip through Siberia. He used the Bigfoot from Vancouver to Portugal ,where he left it with a friend. When they (Colin and Julie) started riding again in Costa Rica, after completing the trans-Atlantic row, they used bikes from our VFR series for the final 8300 kms.
When you buy the book “Beyond the Horizon“ before the end of April 2007 in a Canadian bookstore, you can choose one of three expedition DVDs for $10 (including shipping & handling and GST) instead of the regular price of $28.27 ($22 plus S&H and GST). The expedition films are Amazon Extreme, The Yenisey River Expedition, and Beyond the Horizon.
For more infomation, you can check out Colin's expedition website: angusadventures.com
Angus cycled, skied, and rowed a route that took him to Alaska, across the Bering Sea and the Siberian winter, across Europe from Moscow to Portugal, then across the Atlantic to Costa Rica-a 156-day rowing odyssey. From there it was a short 8,300 kilometer ride back to Vancouver. Along the way he burned through 4,000 chocolate bars, 72 inner tubes, 250 kgs of freeze-dried foods, 31 dorado fish (caught from the sea), 2 offshore rowboats, 2 bicycles, 80 kgs of clothing. And he showed the world that if he can travel 43,000 kilometers without polluting the planet, then the rest of us can get off our butts, and clean up our own acts.
On a side note, Colin started his trip on a Norco Bigfoot mountain bike with full touring gear for the more rugged, intense portions of the trip through Siberia. He used the Bigfoot from Vancouver to Portugal ,where he left it with a friend. When they (Colin and Julie) started riding again in Costa Rica, after completing the trans-Atlantic row, they used bikes from our VFR series for the final 8300 kms.
When you buy the book “Beyond the Horizon“ before the end of April 2007 in a Canadian bookstore, you can choose one of three expedition DVDs for $10 (including shipping & handling and GST) instead of the regular price of $28.27 ($22 plus S&H and GST). The expedition films are Amazon Extreme, The Yenisey River Expedition, and Beyond the Horizon.
For more infomation, you can check out Colin's expedition website: angusadventures.com