Cycling News Roundup 30 October 2008
More Curacao, Copeland Joins Lampre, Cima Chechu Rubiera Debuts in '09 Vuelta, Track World Cup TV, Cyclocross Race Announcements: Vegas Cross on TV, Mabra and ycle-Smart International.  Toshiba Continues Sponsorship of Australia.

Lifes a Beach in Curacao for the Amstel Curacao Race

Stijn Devolder enters the water for a bit of skin diving as he releaxes before the Saturday race. Photo © 2008 Amstel Curacao Race

Team Lampre - Brent Copeland Steps Up
For 2009 Lampre's sport directors staff can rely on the international experience of Brent Copeland.
His adventure in cycling world started in South Africa and brought him in Europe in 1994, as rider in Velo Club Lugano with team mates such as Camenzind (World Champion-to-be) and Bertogliati, who gave Lampre its first yellow jersey in the tour de France 2002.

Copeland entered into professional cycling joining Lampre in 1999 as sport director at the age of 27 years old (he was born on February the 29th 1972), the youngest director. During the six years at Lampre, Brent directed World Champions Camenzind and Astarloa and in 2004 the neo pro Alessandro Ballan; in that period he was also coach on South Africa National Team for three times in World Championships. In 2005 Copeland preferred to take care of Comobike, bikes and cycling apparel shop in Como, and of www.comobike.com, leader in internet cycling shop and official Team Lampre on line shop.

Lampre Triumvirate: Brent Copeland with Cunego and Ballan. 
Photo courtesy Lampre

In 2008 Comobike became Team Lampre official sponsor and Copeland came back as part time sport director on Lampre's cars; for the next year, he can't say no to Saronni's request as full time sport director: "I accepted with great pleasure and satisfacion the request by Saronni. Lampre is my Italian family: in these 10 years a beautiful relationship with Saronni and Galbusera family has born".

"Brent is a modern sport director, who can join situation managing to a perfect control of the race - His international experience will be very important in the team of the World Champion".

CIMA CHECHU RUBIERA

Photograph © Bruno Lopez Vizcon

The Coto Bello, a formidable mountain summit in Aller, south Asturias, is to be renamed in honour of Chechu Rubiera.

The summit was originally announced as the Stage 14 finish of this year's Vuelta a España (later changed to Fuentes de Invierno). Chechu recommended the Coto Bello to race organisers as a spectacular climb for fans. It's a climb he knows well as it lies just south of his home.

Chechu told us yesterday, "Coto Bello is a nice climb, not really steep but perfect to enjoy without suffering. It was a surprise for me when they called to ask me if I would agree to put my name (to the summit). I really don't think I deserve it, but it is really nice."

The re-naming of Coto Bello takes place on 31 October and Cima Chechu Rubiera will make its debut at the Vuelta in 2010.
Keep up with Chechu at his website, interviews and other recent news.

This girl enjoys the sun on the Curacao Beach Photo © 2008 Anne Michelle Lyons

Track World Cup on Eurosport this weekend
Manchester Velodrome, Britain’s National Cycling Centre is one of the fastest indoor tracks in the world and hosts the first stage of the UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics of the 2008/09 season this weekend. British Olympic gold medallists Victoria Pendleton, Jason Kenny and Bradley Wiggins will all be competing in their specialist events as they attempt to add to their Beijing success and get their World Cup campaign off to a strong start.

Follow all the key incidents as Eurosport 2 offers extensive highlights of Sunday 2 November with commentary from Carlton Kirby and Tony Gibb.
Sunday 2nd November
2000 – 2200 Highlights from the Track Cycling World Cup Classics on Eurosport 2. Eurosport 2 is available on Sky 411 and Virgin Media 525.

World Champion Theo Bos swims with the Dolphins in Curacao.
Photo © 2008 Amstel Curacao Race

Toshiba back in the saddle with Cycling Australia
Cycling Australia is pleased to announce the renewal of our sponsorship agreement withToshiba (Australia) Information Systems Division (ISD) .
The partnership will see a continuation of Team Toshiba, the Australian professional track cycling team launched in 2007, and sponsorship of 'The Cyclones' - the National Team. Toshiba's sponsorship provides the opportunity for more of Australia's talented track stars to compete in world class events.

The 2008-09 Team Toshiba will debut at the Melbourne round of the UCI World Cup Classics being staged from November 20 to 22. More than 200 riders from around the world are expected to line up for this round of the Series. 'The Cyclones', as well as contesting the World Cup Classics, will also compete at the World Championships in March 2009 in Pruszkow, Poland.

"Australian cycling has never been so strong with an abundance of talent across the nation so we're delighted to be back in the saddle with Cycling Australia," said Mark Whittard, General Manager, Toshiba Information Systems Division. "The relationship is a great fit as Toshiba is passionate about leading the pack using speed, power and performance and crossing the finishing line in style.  "As a company, we're very proud to carry on giving Australian cycling a flying start by investing in the stars of today and tomorrow."

"Toshiba's support over the past year has been crucial to the development of our young, talented cyclists with members of Team Toshiba being selected to represent Australia at the highest level of international competition over the past year," said Graham Fredericks, Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Australia. "We are confident the continued support of Toshiba will help our cyclists continue to achieve success at world level."

The Team Toshiba lineup for the coming season includes current team members Anna Meares, Dan Ellils, Scott Sunderland and Zakkari Dempster who will be joined by Kaarle McCulloch, Jason Niblett, Leigh Howard, Glenn O'Shea and Belinda Goss.

"Toshiba has been a fantastic supporter of the team and of me personally over the past year and I am really excited they are staying on board with us," said Meares. "Some fresh new talent is joining the roster of experienced performers and I look forward to us posting some great performances during the season."
Please visit www.cycling.org.au for more information.

About Cycling Australia - Cycling Australia is the peak body for the sport of cycling in Australia representing the interests of all constituent affiliates and members. Cycling Australia administers the disciplines of Track, Road, Mountain Bike and Bicycle MotoCross (BMX) and represents all categories of membership (junior, elite, masters, AWD). Cycling Australia, through its High Performance Program, works to maintain Australia's record of successful international performances. Cycling Australia aims to develop and promote competitive cycling in Australia for the benefit and enjoyment of all members and to implement strategies that provide opportunities for broad participation in responsible cycling activities.
Cycling Australia maintains custodianship of cycling's heritage and promotes sporting ethics and fair play. Cycling Australia works to ensure cycling is available to all Australians regardless of age, gender, race, geographical location or ability.

About Toshiba - Toshiba's Information Systems Division (ISD) is a division of Toshiba (Australia) Pty Limited which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, the ninth largest integrated manufacturer of electric and electronic equipment, with around 161,000 employees worldwide, and annual sales of over A$73billion on a consolidated basis.  Toshiba is the leader in the Australian notebook market, growing to 24% of the market in Q3 2006 (IDC) and remaining as leader both in market share and revenue. Unique among vendors, Toshiba ISD specialises exclusively in mobile solutions and services. A global reputation for quality has been achieved through an R&D budget roughly equal to Australia's total expenditure as a country in this area. Since it pioneered the notebook market in 1985, Toshiba ISD has sold more than 1.75 million notebooks in Australia and New Zealand and is this year celebrating its 21st anniversary of providing market leading mobile computing solutions.
Toshiba's Virtual Pressroom: www.isd.toshiba.com.au

Alberto Contador and Sammy Sanchez look at the current offering of their shoe sponsor Sidi Shoes.

Cyclocross Race Announcements
CrossVegas TV Program Broadcast Dates
Broadcast dates for the TV coverage of CrossVegas, the international cyclocross race held September 24th in Las Vegas, have been announced. The program airs on Altitude Sports and Entertainment Network.
Sunday November 2 10:30 pm MST
Thursday November 6 2:30 am MST
Thursday November 20 1; 30 pm MST
Sunday November 23 6:30 am MST

Viewers outside of Altitude’s 10 state region can find the program on DirecTV as well as Dish Network in select areas. Additional airings of CrossVegas will be available on other networks to be announced in the next few weeks.

6-time Emmy awarding winning producer Kent Gordis of Kent Gordis Productions produced the 30-minute program. Gordis is the owner/producer of Kent Gordis Productions, the leading producer of bicycle races on television in the U.S. His production credits include eight Olympic Games, six Tours de France and multiple other events.

In its second year CrossVegas has become a fixture on the U.S. cyclocross calendar attracting over 7,500 spectators to the stadium setting of Desert Breeze Soccer Complex in Las Vegas. Held in the evening under the stars, CrossVegas was won for a second year by Ryan Trebon of the U.S. after an exciting 60 minutes of racing that included multiple lead changes among a field of U.S and international stars including Lance Armstrong participating in his first race since announcing his return to competitive cycling.

The 40-minute women’s race was won by Katie Compton of the U.S. The former World Cyclocross silver medalist used her superior strength to pull away from a strong field that included Olympians from the recent Beijing Games.

About Altitude Sports and Entertainment Network - Altitude Sports & Entertainment is available in a 10-state region that includes all or parts of: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah.  Select Altitude programming is available nationwide on Dish Network and DirecTV satellite services. Complete information at: www.altitude.tv

About Cross Partners LLC - Cross Partners LLC is a Boulder Colorado based group headed by Chris Grealish and Brook Watts that stages international cyclocross events including CrossVegas. The team has a combined 40 years experience creating and managing cyclocross events at every level. Complete information at: www.crossvegas.com

18th Edition of New England Original Just Around the Corner
NORTHAMPTON, Massachusetts (October 30, 2008) – This week brought an early onset to winter as many in the New England region hunkered down with the first storm of the season. But the next storm will be not snow nor rain but some of New England’s best cyclists as the swarm invades Northampton, Massachusetts for the country’s oldest UCI event, the Cycle-Smart International. In its 18th year, this year’s contest will build on the prestige and popularity of previous editions and for the first time since 1996 the event will offer 2 days of racing in the Pioneer Valley. Race President Adam Myerson will have something for everyone in the layouts of the 2 courses, “We'll use the traditional course on Saturday, and then have some big changes for Sunday,” said Myerson. “We'll be using many of the same lanes, but will be connecting a lot of them backwards, and going opposite ways on the ride ups/drop offs. Expect a tighter course on Sunday. Our technical staff, led by longtime director J.D. Bilodeau, has worked very hard to put together 2 similar yet unique courses that I think everyone will enjoy.” And it’s clear that the riders are excited about it as approximately 1200 racers will tackle the 2 courses over the weekend. Race Director Steve Weller has also brought in some Belgian-style flair to the party to add a festival type atmosphere to the weekend, “We have brought in Boston-based Harpoon Brewery to serve some of their fine ales and lagers, and some local food vendors including a frites truck which will be stocked with mayonnaise for a true Belgian-like experience,” said Weller.

The men’s race will be a shootout to see who will take over the series lead heading into the homestretch, as current series leader Jamey Driscoll will not be in attendance for the weekend. The one rider who has a shot to wear the bullseye by Sunday is cross revelation Dan Timmerman (Reynolds/Swan Cycles), who has not finished worse than 5th in all the series races to date and will look to continue his torrid pace with the opportunity for a 1st cross victory in sight. But on his heels will be 2006 winner Matt White (BikeReg.com/Joe’s Garage), current masters national champion Andy Jacques-Maynes (Specialized/KMC p/b Cal Giant), regional up-and-comers Justine Lindine (Targetraining) and Matt O’Keefe (CCB/Volkswagen), and former series leader Chris Jones (Louis Garneau/Sonic), who returns after a trip from Australia fulfilling road duties. One thing is for sure, this weekend’s races will be up for grabs and we could see as thrilling of a race if not better than took place last year, where the 5 leaders couldn’t shake each other loose until the last lap of the race.

The women will be vying for a fresh jersey as well, as current series leader Amy Drombroski will be absent from the start line. This provides a golden opportunity to current runner-up Rebecca Wellons (Ridley), who is in line to grab her first series jersey after the weekend’s festivities. The 2 races on the weekend though are anybody’s ballgame, as riders will look to take that next step in the national spotlight. One rider who has already beaten Wellons this year and who could be hosting a coming out party is Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycleloft/Devonshire Dental), who’s strong season to date puts her right in the mix to win on this weekend. Local favorite and former series champion Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing p/b Seven Cycles) will be hungry to grab her first series win of the season this weekend. Josie Jacques-Maynes (Specialized/KMC p/b Cal Giant) will be in the mix as well, adding that much depth to an already deep field. And if the competition from the local and regional riders wasn’t enough, add to the mix the returning Mackenzie Dickey (Verge Sport/Test Pilot), a former winner of this race, along with the new cross sensation Laura Van Guilder (C3 Sollay), who leads the Mid-Atlantic series, and the competition for the women’s crown will be fierce and exciting. Look for some great racing here on the weekend.

The battle for the under 23 crown is now a 3-way street fight between current leader Nick Keough (Louis Garneau/Sonic), Toby Marzot (Fiordifrutta), and former series leader Will Dugan (Richard Sachs/RGM/Boathouse), who will look to return to form after a stumble in the last series race in Gloucester. The race within the race has always been an exciting one, and this year’s threesome won’t disappoint.

The masters races this year has been the Corner Cycles show, with 35+ series leader Jonny Bold leading the pack and 45+ series leader Kevin Hines being just plain dominant. Bold will renew the season-long battle with Roger Aspholm (Westwood Velo), former elite winner Mark McCormack (Team FUJI fueled by Clif Bar), and Hines for the 35+ win, while Hines will look to fly off the radar in the 45+ standings. Look for Todd Cassan (Westwood Velo) and Mark Gunsales (Team FUJI fueled by Clif Bar) to try to keep Hines in their sights, although no one has been able to do so this season.

The under 19 junior race will have a different winner this weekend, as series leader Luke Keough is in Europe tackling with the elites of the sport. This will open the door for some familiar faces and some new ones to battle it out for the junior titles and one of the largest junior prize purses in the country. Series regulars Manny Goguen (Minuteman Road Club) and Jesse Keough (CL Noonan/KAM/Coast-to-Coast) will be battling each other for the coveted leaders jersey, but they will have to watch out for the very talented Gavin Mannion (Hot Tubes) and rising star Jeff Bahnson (Secret Henry’s/Van Dessel), who at 15 years of age has beaten every amateur rider on the Mid-Atlantic circuit so far this year.

The 2008 Verge New England Championship Cyclo-Cross Series is brought to you by Verge Sport, makers of fine cycling clothing and products since 1993; by Cycle-Smart, purveyors of personalized cycling coaching and solutions for riders across the country; by Cycle-Ops, makers of high-tech accessories to meet any indoor training plans; by Echappe, rent-to-own the latest in race wheels – try before you buy at Echappe; by BikeReg.com, the official online registration service of the NECCS; and by Paul Weiss Photo/Video, the official photographer of the NECCS. You can visit these sponsors and get more information on the series by going to the web at http://www.necyclocross.com.

BikeReg.com MABRAcross Rocks Rockburn Sunday
Officials at Howard County Maryland's Parks and Recreation Department wanted more people to enjoy their award winning parks. Matt Brancheau of Kelly Benefit Strategies/Lateral Stress Velo wanted a place to promote a cyclocross race. So, when Brancheau showed up at their offices, Parks Officials heard more than a guy with shaved legs knocking on the door, they heard opportunity knocking. Seizing that opportunity, Howard County Parks and Recreation became the first governmental agency in America to be actively involved with the promotion of their own cyclocross race. Last year's inaugural race exceeded expectations in nearly every way, but was merely an appetizer for the Kelly Benefit Strategies Cyclocross at Rockburn taking place this Sunday, November 2.

Now part of the mighty BikeReg.com MABRAcross Series, the upgraded race at Rockburn Branch Park has made upgrades across the board, with more prize money, more food (including prize pies) and a redesigned course that keeps the character of last year₼s popular layout, while bringing the action closer to spectators.

On-line pre-registration at BikeReg.com closes on Halloween Night at 11:00. Prospective participants are urged to pre-register early to avoid the trick-or-treat of potentially sold-out classes.

Track and Treat Halloween sMACdown in Maryland
The Cecil County Fairgrounds at Fair Hill Maryland, just west of Newark Delaware, is the scene of the Wayne Scott Xross this Saturday, November 1. Taking advantage of the race’s non-UCI status and the race’s proximity to Halloween, the organizers are loosening up the vibe a little and offering warm place to stay cool at the MAC Powered by SRAM Series event.

The Fairgrounds at Fair Hill offers some course features that are unique in the MAC. Not only will the race go through the “haunted” barn as in past years, it will also pass through an even more terrifying building – the Heckle Hut. While other races around the country have occasionally routed their courses through barns and other buildings, it’s safe to say that nobody has ever seen anything quite like the Heckle Hut. A large barn-like structure that’s used for craft and commercial displays during fairs, the building will turn into something of a nightclub with DJ Jon Gill cranking his sets of “Boombox in a Blender” and Big John’s Barbeque serving up his family’s famous grilled fare. Of course it wouldn’t be Halloween without treats, and the grown ups will be treated to free beverages, at least one of which will have a “Harvest” theme. Passing through the middle of all of this will be the track itself. And, as if the prospect of racing into an indoor cauldron of grilling meat, electronica music and comfortably hydrated teammates and strangers isn’t daunting enough, “There will even be a second set of barriers in the hut to allow for better heckling,” said lead organizer Jan Kolb.

One of the things that may provoke heckling will be the costume contests. As if many of the racers could possibly wear something more frightening and unattractive than brightly-colored spandex, a merchandise prize will be awarded to the best costumes in the riding and non-riding categories. Grown-ups won’t be the only ones getting treats in the Heckle Hut, as racers and teams will be bringing candy to distribute to children that come to watch the races.

And the races themselves should be impressive. Despite the race’s non-UCI status and Heckle Hut (or maybe because of them), the competition for the MAC Powered by SRAM points should be intense. The series’ first non-UCI race drew nearly 500 entries, and historically the MAC points championships have often been won and lost at the series’ non-UCI races, especially in the Elite Classes. Patty Buerkle and Wes Schempf are coming off impressive wins at last weekend’s races in Washington DC and figure to be the pre-race favorites this weekend.
For more information and pre-registration for the Wayne Scott Xross, see BikeReg.com.

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