George Atkins Wins British Cycling Junior Men's National Road Race Championship

The winner of the British Cycling National Junior Men's Road Race championship for 2009 was George Atkins who triumphed in Abergavenny after 68 miles of hard and fast racing in the countryside around the Welsh town.

Report

With three National Road Cycling titles to be decided over the weekend, first up were the Junior men. In an exciting finish, George Atkins was crowned the British Junior Road Race Champion after he defeated Tim Kennaugh in a two up sprint.

Kennaugh had led the bicycle race alone for 20 or so miles but Atkins and Joe Perret got within touching distance of him with five miles to go. As Atkins descended like a demon, Perret was unable to spin the junior gears fast enough and lost contact. Meanwhile Kennaugh was doing his best to resist being caught for as long as he could but for the second week in a row, he was narrowly defeated in a sprint.

Post race reactions:

George Atkins: "Relief! I really needed a big result and today everything fell into place. This is for sure my biggest win to-date. Early on I rode really conservative which I don't do that often. I saved myself and used what I had when I needed to. I knew I was quicker in the sprint."
On how he felt trapped in the bunch with the break up the road: "I had itchy feet. Tim is a great rider and when he gets up the road, you have to be worried. I didn't know how much damage we could do on the final climb but I got away with Joe and we really got shifting. It was great."
"It was quite surprising that when I was away with Joe, some of his team were chasing, which felt frustrating for me as well. We really committed though and I got across." (Joe then added that he had blown, unable to keep up with George).

Tim Kennaugh: "I saw them coming up and got a time check at 25 seconds so I eased off the gas halfway up the climb and pressed on over the top and down the descent where George was only 25 yards behind me. I just sat on him when he got to me and then tried to sprint but by then, my legs had gone."
"I always create the moves! The other lads were doing as much as they could (in the chase group) but as it showed when we caught the leaders, as soon as we hit the climbs, they went. I then attacked Jon Mould (who was one of the original leaders with Dan Mclay) because I thought, if I am on my own, I can concentrate on getting the effort out rather than worrying about him jumping me. The course was good although I could have done without that big descent!"

Joe Perrett: "On the descent, George was really really hammering it and my legs just weren't good enough and it sapped all the energy out of me so when it came to the final climb he just rode off. I'm pretty pleased with the result though. I was 5th last year so a third is an improvement."
"The team sponsors have been really helpful to me this year and I'd like to thank them all. At one stage, when the break was away, we got all the riders in the team to the front and told them to hammer it and they all tried as hard as they could but no one else wanted to help so we thought what is the point in us pushing ourselves when the rest are taking the armchair ride. So I thought I'm going to wait for the climb and attack."

story and photos from British Cycling

Result (thanks to John Pearson)
1. George Atkins, Websters Cycles
2. Tim Kennaugh, Isle of Man
3. Joe Perrett, Glendene Biketrax
4. Simon Yates, Max Geart RT
5. Adam Yates, max Gear RT
6. Peter Dibben, Hargroves Cycles
7. Sam Harrison, Planet X
8. Conor Dunne, Hemel Hempstead
9. Alex Murison, Glendene CC/Biketrax
10. Dominic Schils, Lotto
11. Jon Mould, Agiskoviner
12. Jamie Rogers, Scunthorpe Poly
13. Felix English, Team Corridor
14. Tom Gosbee, Team Welwyn
15. Ewen McDonald, Epic Cycles
16. Jake Hales, Lotto
17. Joshua Edmondson, Glendene CC/Biketrax
18. Tom Moses, Team Wallis
19. Daniel Arblaster, Guernsey Velo
20. David Nichols, Glendene CC/Biketrax

Junior Cyclist Coryn Rivera Wins Women's Pro Manhattan Beach Grand Prix

(Ken Conley photo)



Proman's Coryn Rivera
rocked the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix.
She's pretty much been tearing up the SoCal circuit.
All the more astonishing is that she is 16 years of age, which means that she is out kicking the fields on junior gearing.
Who knows what she'll do with some taller gears to turn.

Coryn is seen here with fellow junior Kendal Ryan.

Unfortunately, Kendal suffered a fall

and was not able to finish.

(Pat Benson photo)

thanks to Ken Conley of KWC.org for story and photo

Slipstream Junior Cycling Team Clothing Order for Friends and Family

Team 5280 is opening up an offer to our friends and family.

If you've ever wanted junior team clothing, here's your chance!! All proceeds will help the team go to Junior Nationals.Items on offer are: short sleeve jerseys (men and women), bib shorts (men and women), vests (men and women), lycra arm warmers, fleece leg warmers, summer gloves, children's size jersey and bib shorts, and speedsuits (men and women). If we do not meet minimum order requirements on an item it may be removed from the order.Please contact us if you are interested in placing an order and we will send you prices. Prices are very reasonable.

The order will be finalized no later than Friday July 3rd.

Thanks!

Team 5280

erik@slipstreamsports.com

Junior World Champ Becomes Pro | Cyclingnews.com

Junior World Champ Becomes Pro | Cyclingnews.com

Shared via AddThis

Elena Cecchini Wins the Italian Junior Women's Road Cycling Championship

(photo Scanferla)

Elena Cecchini (S.C. Vecchia Fontana) is the new Italian Junior Women’s Road Race Champion. Elena celebrated her 17th birthday May 25th. In this season she has had three victories and numerous placings. Now she has won the Tricolore jersey in an inspirational sprint against her 12 breakaway companions in Imola. Finishing 2nd was Giulia Donato (G.S.Verso L'Iride Maccari Spumanti), newly crowned as Italy’s Junior Women’s TT Champion. Third place went to Alessia Martini (Vaiano Riverauto), and in 4th, just as happy as if she had won, Rossella Callovi, teammate of Cecchini.

The tough climb and descent of Tre Monti created a natural selection of the strongest riders. With seven kilometers remaining, Callovi and Gatto established a small advantage. The remaining riders chased vehemently resulting in the aggressors being caught just two kilometers from the finish.

The sprint was highlighted by a number of very aggressive maneuvers, with Rossella Callovi still able to lead out her teammate Elana Cecchini for the victory…

Results:

1 Elena Cecchini (A.S.D. S.C. Vecchia Fontana)………………........................2:11:14
2 Giulia Donato (G.S.Verso L'iride Maccari Spumanti)
3 Alessia Martini (Vaiano Riverauto LTI)
4 Rossella Callovi (A.S.D. S.C. Vecchia Fontana)
5 Viviana Gatto (Avantec Artuso Tre Colli)
6 Isabella Arman (Cicli Zanella-Piemme Safi)
7 Veronica Trevisan (A.S.D.C. Villadose Angelo Gomme)
8 Giulia Ronchi (Team Desenzanese ASD)
9 Chiara Capuzzo (G.S.Verso L'iride Maccari Spumanti)
10 Elena Mardegan (Team Buderus Cicli Cavalera)
11 Susanna Zorzi (Avantec Artuso Tre Colli)
12 Barbara Pavan (JU Sport Gorla Minore)
13 Valentina Dal Bon (Cristoforetti Cordioli Costruzioni) ……....................0:00:05
14 Arianna Coltro (JU Sport Gorla Minore) ……………………......................0:00:54
15 Chiara Favaron Bissoli (JU Sport Gorla Minore)
16 Erica Olia (G.S.Verso L'iride Maccari Spumanti)
17 Elisa Longo Borghini (Team Desenzanese Asd)
18 Elena Valentini (G.S. Alto Adige)
19 Francesca Stefani (G.S. Potentia 1945)
20 Laura Rossin (A.S.D. Pedale Castellano)
21 Giulia Danieli (G.S.Verso L'iride Maccari Spumanti) ………..................0:00:59
22 Giorgia Marchesin (Cicli Zanella-Piemme Safi) ....................................0:01:00
23 Silvia Marotta (Vaiano Riverauto LTI) .................................................0:02:16
24 Maria Franchini (Team Buderus Cicli Cavalera)
25 Elena Chiarelli (U.C.Sforzatica)
26 Francesca Cauz (G.S.Verso L'iride Maccari Spumanti)
27 Laura Donadoni (Ju Sport Gorla Minore)
28 Samantha Magni (A.S.D.C. Villadose Angelo Gomme)
29 Claudia Fabian (Team Buderus Cicli Cavalera) ....................................0:02:38
30 Azzurra D'intino (G.S. Potentia 1945)
31 Francesca Anichini (Vaiano Riverauto LTI) .........................................0:04:49
32 Chiara Simeon (A.S.D. Pedale Castellano) ............................................0:06:43
33 Elisabetta Girardi (JU Sport Gorla Minore)
34 Alessia Ferrari (GS Cicli Fiorin-Despar ASD) .....................................0:07:18
35 Rita Brugnoli (GS Cicli Fiorin-Despar ASD) ........................................0:07:39
36 Emanuela Mercuri (GC.Osimo Stazione)

Venetian Andrea Zordan Wins the Italian Junior Road Cycling Championship in Imola Italy.

(photo Scanferla)

Relying on the same sprinting ability that allowed him to win junior cycling’s prestigious Trofeo Buffino Montignoso just three days prior, Vinetian Andrea Zorgan (GCD Contri Autozai Liotto) wins the Italian Junior Road Cycling Championships. Coming second and third in the very closely contested sprint were Entico Costa ( Us Montecorona ) and Andrea Fedi (Gs U. Signori) with the rest of the field following at their heels. Unlike the previous international event, where Zordan created a gap with his impressive acceleration, the final sprint for the Italian Junior Championship was much tighter and uncertain. The new Junior Champion of Italy, who is a first year junior (in a few days will turn 17 years), was born in Vicenza and now lives in Altavilla Vicenta. With this victory Andrea earns an automatic spot on the team for the European Junior Championships to be held in Belgium.

Results:
1 Andrea Zordan (Ita) GCD Contri Autozai Liotto .......................................3:08:25
2 Enrico Dalla Costa (Ita) U.S. Montecorona
3 Andrea Fedi (Ita) Gs U. Signori
4 Riccardo Stacchiotti (Ita) Esinplast Spendolini Giammy Team
5 Alex Turrin (Ita) Moro-Scott-Bicycle Line
6 Davide Villella (Ita) Almenno S.B. A.S.D.
7 Luca Olivieri (Ita) Castanese-Piemonte
8 Andrea Toniatti (Ita) A.S.D. Us Ausonia CSI Pescantina
9 Marco Ciccanti (Ita) Esinplast Spendolini Giammy Team
10 Manuel Cazzaro (Ita) Team Sudtirol A.S.D.
11 Marco Bernardinetti (Ita) Guazzolini Coratti - Borgonuovo
12 Simone Bernardini (Ita) U.C. Casano
13 Alberto Petitto (Ita) Italia Nuova Borgo Panigale
14 Pierre Paolo Penasa (Ita) A.S.D. Pavoncelli U.S. Ausonia BZ
15 Emanuel Roberti (Ita) Guazzolini Coratti - Borgonuovo
16 Emanuele Favero (Ita) Giorgione Aliseo Ventilconv.
17 Giuseppe Fonzi (Ita) Pol. Bevilacqua Sport
18 Luca Wackermann (Ita) Cicl.Biringhello
19 Domenico Salviani (Ita) Guazzolini Coratti - Borgonuovo
20 Rudy Lorenzon (Ita) Rinascita Ormelle Pinarello
21 Lorenzo Calzuola (Ita) ASD Gubbio Ciclismo Mocaiana ......................0:00:01
22 Francesco Telari (Ita) A.S.D. F.N. Mengoni Campocavallo
23 Manuel Senni (Ita) Sidermec-F.Lli Vitali
24 Giacomo Berlato (Ita) A.D.Fdb-Car Diesel-V.C Schio 1902
25 Mattia Di Sabatino (Ita) Veloclub Notaresco 999
26 Ezio Galbiati (Ita) Caravatese Inda .......................................................0:00:02
27 Paolo Toto' (Ita) Club Corridonia ...........................................................0:00:08
28 Luca Maritan (Ita) Vigor - Cycling Team ............................................0:00:46
29 Loris Pettinella (Ita) G.S. Sambuceto ...................................................0:00:48
30 Andrea Cardinali (Ita) Rinascita ............................................................0:00:51
31 Francesco Casale (Ita) Sidermec-F.Lli Vitali
32 Andrea Concini (Ita) U.C. Valle Di Non
33 Andrea Magni (Ita) G.S. Prealpino A.S.D.
34 Aldo Ghiron (Ita) Ped. Chierese Cartotecnica Chierese ......................0:00:53
35 Gennaro Giustino (Ita) Picardi C. Sorrentina
36 Mattia Beninca' (Ita) V.Veneto Cieffe Forni In
37 Maurizio Mattiacci (Ita) A.S.D. F.N. Mengoni Campocavallo
38 Danilo Pirillo (Ita) Ciclisti Monzesi
39 Antonj Orsani (Ita) Stabbia Iperfinish Pratese Grassi
40 Marcello Bertossi (Ita) Romanese ASD ...............................................0:00:54
41 Alessandro Tonelli (Ita) Bornato Franciacorta Trissa A.S.D.
42 Alfonso Fiorenza (Ita) US Arianna
43 Luca Cingi (Ita) A.S.D.Cycling Team Nial Nizzoli ................................0:00:55
44 Eric Ravaioli (Ita) S.C. Faentina
45 Giovanni Gaia (Ita) Sidermec-F.Lli Vitali
46 Simone Antonini (Ita) Stabbia Iperfinish Pratese Grassi
47 Filippo Conte Bonin (Ita) Asd C.A.V.I. Carraro Sandrigosport
48 Marco Mazzetto (Ita) Team La Torre
49 Nicolo' Rocchi (Ita) V.C.G.Bianchin-Marchiol-Pizzolon
50 Federico Marchiori (Ita) Giorgione Aliseo Ventilconv. .......................0:01:14
51 Christian Marzoli (Ita) Italia Nuova Borgo Panigale
52 Alessio Mischianti (Ita) Asd Team Cycling Citta' Di Castello
53 Ivan Staniscia (Ita) G.S.Guarenna 2000 .............................................0:02:07
54 Mattia Mosole (Ita) Rinascita Ormelle Pinarello ................................0:02:14
55 Alessandro Forner (Ita) A.S.D.Postumia 73 Dino Liviero Cicl .........0:02:20
56 Gianluca Milani (Ita) A.S.D.Postumia 73 Dino Liviero Cicl
57 Luca Ferrario (Ita) Cicl.Biringhello
58 Paolo Tedone (Ita) G.S. Tugliese
59 Giuseppe De Facentis (Ita) San Ferdinando E.Bombini .....................0:02:43
60 Matteo Fontana (Ita) U.S.Biassono Asd
61 Mirco Maestri (Ita) A.S. Team Airone
62 Tiziano Trevisan (Ita) Asd Junior Team Sorgente-Pordenona .........0:02:45
63 Mattia Vigano' (Ita) U.S.Biassono Asd
64 Andrea Comuzzi (Ita) Caneva - Record - Eliogea
65 Samuele Conti (Ita) Ciclisti Monzesi
66 Loris Cirino (Ita) U.C. Casano
67 Pietro Mina (Ita) Team Ambra Cavallini - Vangi
68 Marco Morettini (Ita) ASD Gubbio Ciclismo Mocaiana
69 Alessio Bellagamba (Ita) US Arianna
70 Riccardo Ricci (Ita) SS Aquila
71 Ivan Belotti (Ita) Team Giorgi A.S.D.
72 Eugenio Bani (Ita) Team Ambra Cavallini Vangi
73 Matteo Piazza (Ita) Gcd Contri Autozai Liotto
74 Mauro Marcassoli (Ita) Trissa Team Bornato F.C. A.S.D.
75 Paolo Mondini (Ita) Asd Gs Banca Pop.Emilia Romagna
76 Luca Sacchetti (Ita) V.C. Novarese - Italia Vacanze.Com
77 Simone Camilli (Ita) G.S. U. Signori Lazio
78 Michele Scartezzini (Ita) U.S. Azzanese
79 Marco Guadagnini (Ita) Doping Free Biringhello
80 Stefano Tonin (Ita) GS Pressix Zanon Tosetto
81 Andrea Crema (Ita) Romanese ASD
82 Simone Besana (Ita) Ciclisti Monzesi
83 Marco D'urbano (Ita) Veloclub Notaresco 999
84 Davide Cimolino (Ita) J.T. Pmp Industries Danieli ............................0:03:44
85 Emanuele Ferro (Ita) Pedale Castanese A.S.D.
86 Bruno Nappini (Ita) Esperia Rolfo V.I. ................................................0:04:07

Junior Cycling World Celebrates 1 Month Anniversary...

In the 1st month online we have had more than 1600 page views from 28 countries and 25 states in the US. We have published 46 articles covering Junior events and issues from around the world. We will continue to work to bring you the latest news, videos and stories of interest to all junior cyclists.

Please send any suggestions and submissions to coachroach@juniorcyclingworld.com

Thanks to everyone for all the support

Joshua Edmondson wins the Latest Leg of the British Cycling Junior National Series

Junior cyclist Joshua Edmondson has won the Tom Simpson Memorial Road Race in Harworth after a non-stop attacking race on Sunday, June 21. The Glendene CC junior crossed the line inches ahead of Isle of Man junior rider Tim Kennaugh in a two up sprint finish which decided the race after 65 miles around the South Yorkshire mining town.


The race

The race began with around 80 junior cyclists taking to the start line in bright sunshine. On what was a relatively easy course with no major climbs on it, coming through on the first lap after around 10 minutes of racing for the six miles, the junior field was all together but a lap later and three riders were away, Felix English, Sam Harrison and Tim Kennaugh. After another six miles however, the game was almost up for them as the bunch were now closing in on them.

Once caught, a counter attack saw a larger group get away and after four laps, it was all go as the break including Sandy King and George Atkins raced through Harworth with the junior cycling field lined out behind them in small groups all desperate to get across to the junior race leaders.

The speed was now so high, the group at the front were caught but that didn't stop more attacks from being launched and two more junior riders were away as they passed the five laps gone mark. Leading the race were Simon Yates and Matt Bailey and they lasted another lap out front until, like the breaks before them, the writing was on the wall after six or so more miles leading and they were soon caught.


There was no lull in the racing though and on lap 7, a group of around 10 juniors were clear of the rest and this proved to be the key move. Behind the break, some of the favourites including George Atkins was chasing alone while Chris Whorral was part of a three man chase group just off the front of the peloton also chasing but no-one was to see the break again.

Riders in the leading move included Connor Dunne, Perry Bowater, Sandy King, Matt Bailey, Joe Perrett, David Nichols, Joshua Edmondson and Tim Kennaugh. The leaders increased their lead after another lap of the 5.9 mile course and while the bunch was chasing, the break was looking like the real deal now and did not look like it was going to fail.

It wasn't until a lap to go though the crucial winning move was made when Tim Kennaugh and Joshua Edmondson got clear of the break and with Edmondson having three teammates in the break, it was a good move for him and the Isle of Man junior.

So it proved as he and Kennaugh stayed clear until the finish where in a photo finish, the two went to the line together with Joshua getting the verdict.



Post race reactions
Joshua Edmondson (winner, Glendene CC): “I’m very pleased with that win, it shows my form is good. I just got it on the line and that was a hard last few k with Tim. We worked well together and then it was a fair sprint up the hill. There were three of us (from Glendene CC) in the break so we had a good chance. We helped keep the break away and then I managed to get away with Tim. I have to thank Bob (Downs) because his advice like how to work in the break helped me win.”

Tim Kennaugh (2nd, Isle of Man): “It was hard on the hills so I thought I’d have a little bit of a dig early on. I was going to sit up but Sam Harrison came across to me and I knew he would work hard so we kept going. Then I went for a prime and Sam had gone back to the bunch so I awaited.”

“After that I followed wheels and a group that looked dangerous got away. I waited for Joe Perrett to make a move and we got away together to get across. I attacked with a lap to go up the hill here (near the finish) and then got beaten in the sprint. That was a hard sprint with that hill in it – 11 times up there and it got harder towards the end.”

“It was a really attacking race and it was hard to know what was going to stick and what wasn’t so you had to go with a fair few of them. The legs weren’t too bad – I’ve just come out of a Olympic Development Camp (doing team pursuiting) and I was a bit tired but no complaints as the legs were good.”

David Nichols (3rd, Glendene CC): “When I saw the three of us (from Glendene CC) up there, I knew we had a pretty good chance. We were going to take it in turns to attack and it was a good win for Josh. Once he got away, there were constant attacks and we were just marking them. Sandy went a few times and each time some one went, Joe and I were jumping on them. We’re really looking forward to the nationals now and I think one of us can bring home the jersey.”



Junior Results

1. Joshua Edmondson, Glendene CC
2. Tim Kennaugh, Isle of Man
3. David Nichols Glendene CC
4. Joe Perrett, Glendene CC
5. Simon Yates, Maxgear
6. Connor Dunne, Hemel Hempstead
7. Sandy King, Twickenham CC
8. Matthew Gee, BC West Midlands
9. Matt Bailey, BC West Midlands
10. Perry Bowater, BC West Midlands
11. Adam Yates, Max Gear RT
12. Robert Hasan, Rock Hard racing
13. Jon Mould, Agiskoviner
14. Chris Whorral, Team Manx
15. Daniel McLay, Univega.co.uk

race report and photos from British Cycling

Registration for US Junior Track Cycling National Closes Thursday 6/25

Registration for USA Cycling's Junior Track Nationals closes this Thursday at 11:55 am.

CLICK BANNER TO REGISTER NOW

British Cycling National Junior Road Race Series

Joe Perrett wins the Hog Hill Junior Grand Prix in a solo breakaway

At 1pm the main event of the day was the only National Series Circuit Race in this year's programme with 56 riders entered but 46 made it to the start line. Although this was clearly a circuit race, the special demands of the full circuit meant we were not going to see a normal crit! The rain had stopped but the wind was still blowing which made for difficult conditions. With all but a couple of the country's main contenders lining up, we were in for a tough race. There were current National Champions in other disciplines such as cyclocross, timetrialling, scratch and pursuit, and former age group national champions on the road. We even had the most recent winner of the Youth Olympics Circuit Race in George Atkins of Websters Cycles lining up to take on the current leaders of the National Series, Peter Dibben of Hargroves Cycles, Sandy King of Twickenham CC, Tim Kennaugh from the Isle of Man, Dave Nichols of the Glendene and Sam Harrison of Planet X. The 1st sprint lap went to Jake Durant of Mid Devon Wheelers but one lap later, Welsh rider Jon Mould of Agiskoviner started a blistering sub 3 minute lap which led to a solo break which lasted just over half the race. Eventually his lead reached about a minute. The main group stayed together for most of the first half of the race with minor breaks off the front being pulled back. As the lap count reached double figures it was clear there was a trickle of riders falling off the pace because of the toughness of the course. That trickle became a stream as the race went on.

Jon's superb ride kept a gap until the 18th lap when Josh Edmondson and Joe Perrett of the Glendene broke clear. In an attempt to cross to the chasers, Tim Kennaugh followed on his own but never made to the two Glendene riders who caught Jon Mould in the 21st lap. Still with a substantial gap to the chasing group, the three leaders stayed together for another lap until Joe Perrett made a solo break on the 22nd lap. Meanwhile Jon and Josh worked together for another 8 laps as Joe established a substantial lead of over 50 seconds by time trialling at about 3minutes 9 seconds a lap for the rest of the race.

The main group had now split up with riders chasing the leading three riders. Dominic Schils and Jake Hayles of Lotto Olympia, Sandy King, George Atkins, Peter Dibben, Matt Bailey of Halesowen, Dave Nichols, Perry Bowater of CC Giro, Lewis Balyckyi of Team Wallis and Conor Dunne of Hemel Hempstead all set about staying in contention, but once you lose the wheel on this course, it is almost impossible to get back to the pace again. By lap 30, Jon and Josh had been joined by the first of the chasers but the field was split apart by the relentless course and the pace of riding.

With seven laps to go, Tim Kennaugh made another attempt to cross to Joe and closed his lead down by ten seconds for the next lap. By the following lap Joe had re-established a lead of 55 seconds which he kept until the last lap when he finished in 2hours 6 minutes and 13 seconds. This was his second National Series win of the season having won the Sid Standard Race last month in an equally emphatic way.

The final sprint for the chase group at 45 seconds went to the series leader Peter Dibben ahead of George Atkins and Matt Bailey ( great result for a first year junior), followed a few seconds later by Tim Kennaugh then Dave Nichols and Sandy King. Next, Dominic Schils and Josh Edmondson ( who had done a great ride earlier in the race for his team mate) came in 2 minutes later then Jon Mould another minute and a half back was the only other unlapped rider having started his finishing lap just before Joe reached the line. Jon's break at the beginning of the race was superb and he thoroughly deserved the king of the mountains prize.

Finally it was great to have Magnus and his family with us for the race and to award the prizes. For over twelve years with the professional peloton he was always the biggest rider in the race but today when giving out the prizes, I couldn't help notice that both the Dibben boys were able to greet him at eye level, or maybe even looking down a little! Who says big people are not suited to bike racing?

Many thanks to the Lee Valley Youth CC who turned out in force to run the race, supported by their associate senior club, Glendene and to all the other sponsors and supporters, including Mark Austin from Cardiff Ajax and Maindy Flyers who was kind enough to commentate and entertain us with his "Cardiff Cockney Wit"!

>>click here for full results<<

The next race in the sesies will be the Tom Simpson National Junior Grand Prix on Sunday 21 June in South Yorkshire

photos by Steve Riches and Meg (ex-GB ladies' national road race champion and junior worlds bronze medallist) Backstedt!

Junior Coryn Rivera Races Nature Valley Grand Prix

The Nature Valley Grand Prix is one of the toughest, but best organized bicycle races of the year. The first time I did Nature Valley was last year and that is when I first met Kristin Armstrong. Now it is her last year of bike racing and Nature Valley will be her last American race. It's surprising how fast time flies. Each stage at Nature Valley is filled over the top with intensity. This year, the Proman Hit Squad cycling team had Shelley Olds, Rachel Lloyd, Rachel Neylan, Christen King, Nicole Brant, and myself on the front line ready for battle.

The first day was a double day. A 10km TT in the morning and the St. Paul criterium later in the evening. The TT was short and fast with a nice kicker at the end. I was satisfied with my run since it was better than last year, so improvement is always good. But it was really Shelley Olds who did great from Proman Hit Squad with an 11th place finish. Later in the evening Proman Hit Squad director sportif, Nicola Cranmer, came up with an awesome game plan for the whole team in the criterium. Rachel Lloyd led out Shelley for many of the Wheaties Sprint Points. And on the final sprint I swept Shelley's wheel and she couldn’t get to the final corner first, so she ended up in 4th place, just one place off the podium.

The second day was the Cannon Falls Road Race, which didn’t start until 5:30 in the afternoon!! It was different, but cool that we raced late, so I was able to sleep in real good. Only the end of the race, during the circuits and the dirt road really mattered. But about 5km before the dirt road, Rachel Lloyd and I got caught up in a massive crash that basically took out the Webcor team. We cyclocross-hopped back on our bikes and tried to chase back onto the pack. Then I noticed that there was blood dripping on me, and then I realized that it was coming from Rachel's elbow! She was hurting and she thought her elbow was 'hanging on by a thread' so I said we should just wait for the caravan and use it to work back up into the field. And that is exactly what I did, but Rachel couldn’t hold on. Right when I caught on I moved up straight to the front and got myself ready for the dirt road to help protect Shelley. I exited the dirt road 3rd wheel, with Shelley right behind me. I just tried to hang on her wheel for the circuits, but it was a tough circuit for junior gears. Shelley ended up in 3rd place!

The third day was the Uptown Minneapolis Criterium. Today was all about getting sprint points for Shelley to get in the lead and for Shelley to take the stage win. Shelley was in contention for all the sprint points, so she got into the Wheaties Sprinters Jersey. And she finished in 2nd and I finished up in 11th, the first amateur to finish and the 2nd U26 rider to finish. Rachel Lloyd did some major team work helping Shelley get to the line first for the sprint points.

here is Coryn in blue on the right

The fourth day was the longest, the Mankato Road Race. All the women had to race 92 miles. Today was about protecting the Wheaties Sprinters Jersey. The team helped lead Shelley out for the intermediate sprints and followed wheels of those who were also competing for the jersey. The whole team demonstrated awesome team work, with Nicola always being on the radio for us telling us what was going on, with Tim making sure Christen's wheel change was smooth, Rachel Neylan swept up some leftover sprint points so that the other competitors wouldn’t, Christen going back to the car for bottles, Rachel Lloyd also picked up some left over sprint points, I marked certain wheels that may have been in contention for the sprinters jersey, and even my dad was in the feed zone for us after driving the big bus over to Mankato to keep the whole team comfortable before and after the race. Then after our race our host family had a bbq where we all got together and hung out by the bonfire with smores in hand!

And the fifth and final day was the infamous Stillwater 'Criterium'. If you've seen or have done Stillwater before you would understand why I put criterium in quotes. The bike race started at the bottom of a 22% climb. This race is always fast paced from beginning to end. And there is no possibility of riding that climb easy. Kristin won the stage and overall GC. Shelley got 2nd in the stage and moved up to 2nd GC after being in a break with Kristin and Andrea Dvorak. Rachel Lloyd finished in 11th on the stage. I finished as top amateur. And Rachel Lewis finished right with me.

My 2nd year at Nature Valley Grand Prix would have to be called a success. As a team, Proman Hit Squad successfully rode collectively to move Shelley up to 2nd in GC and the winner of the Wheaties Sprinters Jersey. Individually, each of us accomplished our own goals and we are very proud of what we have done together this past week. Racing in a professional bicycle racing field with World Champions and Olympic Champions on junior gears is ridiculously tough, but is definitely do-able, just put your head down and spin like crazy because it is a blessing in disguise and it will eventually pay it's dues.

Big thanks to the Cravens family for hosting Proman Hit Squad!

Big thanks to Mark, Chad, Derrick, Clay, and the rest of QBP for supporting us through all of our races and getting us on the fastest BMC bikes!

Coryn’s results for the Nature Valley rand Prix were:

51st – GC
10th – Young Rider
3rd - Amateur
1st – Young Amateur

click here for a video interview with Coryn at last year's event

Be sure to check out Coryn’s personal website http://www.corynrivera.com

And follow her at www.twitter.com/corynrivera

Danish triumph in Herbitzheim - Emil Hovmand wins Trofeo Karlsberg 2009!

Danish junior Emil Hovmand raced to victory in the 4th and final stage of the Trofeo Karlsberg. Hovmand crossed the line alone, 7 seconds ahead of the charging field. This 7 second advantage combined with the 10 second time bonus for the stage victory were enough to give Hovmand the overall tour victory by a 2 second margin. Second place on the day was the Dutchman Dylan van Baarte with Nikia Arndt capturing third.

After wearing the green sprinter’s jersey for 3 days straight, Austrian Marco Haller relinquished the overall sprinter’s title to Alexy Lutsenko of Kazakhstan.

The polka dot climber’s jersey is awarded to

Zico Waeytens of Belgium.

A very happy Danish Team wins the best team award.

The narrow margin of victory by Hovmand is reflective of how closely matched these junior bike racers from around the world actually are. Riders from the Netherlands, Italy and Denmark won stages. Riders representing Austria, United States, Italy, Netherlands and Belgium wore the red, green and polka dot jerseys awarded during the event.

General Classification

1. Emil Hovmand – Denmark ..............................10:03:45
2. Dylan van Baarle – Netherlands .....................10:03:47
3. Nikias Arndt – Germany .................................10:03:49
4. Lawson Craddock – USA .................................10:04:01
5. Nathan Brown – USA .......................................10:04:03
6. Michael Anderson – Denmark ........................10:04:03
7. Jasha Sutterland – Germany ..........................10:04:04
8. Lasse Hansen – Denmark ...............................10:04:05
9. Jasper Bovenhuis – Netherlands ...................10:04:09
10. Wilco Kelderman – Netherlands ..................10:04:14

Points

Alexey Lutsenko – Kazakhstan
Marco Haller – Austria
Bruno Zana - Italy
Barry Markus – Netherlands
Emil Hovmand – Denmark

King of the Mountains

Zico Waeytens – Belgium
Jan Nesvabda – Czech Republic
Lawson Craddock – USA
Alexander Krieger – Germany
Dylan Teuns - Belgium

Italian Junior Bruno Zana Wins On Third Day of Trofeo Karlsberg

The Italians have broken the Dutch strangle hold on the Trofeo Karlsberg as Bruno Zana wins the 89 kilometer stage 3b with fellow Italian Luca Wackerman taking third on the day. Despite two tough climbs up the Blieskastel Schlossberg, the 116 rider field came into downtown Homburg all together for four fast circuits. As the peleton approached the line in a massive sprint, Zana proved to have the fastest legs, just beating out Slovenian Marc Dzamastagic by a bike length.

As the riders head into the final stage of 138 kilometers, Dutchman Dylan van Baarte retains his yellow jersey 2 seconds ahead of German Nikias Arndt and 14 seconds ahead of American Lawson Craddock. Austrian Marco Haller wears the Green sprinter’s jersey and Belgian Zico Waeytens takes ownership of the polka dot climber’s jersey. The Dutch Team will begin the final stage as the leader of the team standings.

>>click here for complete results<<

Junior Track Nationals 2009 Information

                                           ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR JUNIOR NATIONALS IS OPEN UNTIL JUNE 25TH

                                        JUNE 28TH JUNIORS ONLY GET READY FOR NATIONALS OMNIUM(SEE BELOW)

                                                                                        for those in town early

                      

                        I would like to welcome all of you to sunny Southern California for the 2009 US National 
                        Junior Track Cycling Championships. They will take place  starting July 2nd to the 5th at the         
                        LA Velodrome at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California just south of Los Angeles.  We 
                        will use this web site to update you with information that we feel is important and helpful. Please 
                        feel free to e-mail or call with further questions.

                        I can be reached by e-mail at hmarans@gmail.com and by cell at 714-904-8625.

                        ORANGE COAST MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER  in conjuction with MOMENTUM CYCLING has 
                        generously agreed to be the title sponsor for this event. Please check out their web site.

                        We are very fortunate to once again have the Championships at the only indoor 250m 
                        International track in the country. This track is not, however, a public facility; and therefore 
                        we must follow the rules that have been put in place by the owners of the track. These rules 
                        are designed with everyone’s safety in mind and are the exact same as were in place last year.

                        Presently there are posts on this site about available hotels as well as local restaurants. 
 

                                                                          Pre-Race Training (Track Time)


                        Prior to the National Championships the track will be open for training at designated times
                        during the week leading up to the races. The schedule is now posted in the calendar
                        section of www.lavelodrome.org .  It can also be accessed directly for June and July 
                        through these links.  There  is a  certification  process  necessary to  ride  the 
                        track at the LA Velodrome. Only Cat 1 and 2 track riders can bypass this process. Any
                        other rider who has not previously been certified at THIS TRACK MUST go through a certification        
                        class. These classes are $65 and will be offered daily during the days leading up to the racing. 
                        This schedule is posted on the above links. Riders do not need to be certified to race the 
                        Championships as they are run by USA Cycling, but the pre-race training is run by the Home 
                        Depot Center rules and this requirement must be fulfilled prior to getting on the track for open
                        training. We strongly recommend that all riders go through this process so we can have good 
                        safe racing once the Championships begin.


                        There is a discounted $10 (for juniors) track fee per open training session per rider that 
                        must be paid before  getting on the track. There are also waiver forms that are separate from 
                        the USAC that will need to be filled out one time only for the pre-Championship training
                        sessions. A separate waiver will be needed for registration for the races.

                                                                       JUNE 28TH JUNIORS ONLY OMNIUM

                        There will be a juniors only omnium with racing similar to junior national distances at 4 pm Sunday 
                        June 28th. Registration will be from 230 to 330, warm-up starts at 3 pm and racing at 4 pm. There will 
                        be a $20 fee for the racing for out of district riders and track fees will apply. Information will be posted 
                        at  www.lavelodrome.org  when available. There will be a free certification class at 3 pm for those racing         
                        that afternoon.

                        Once again, if you have any questions please contact me.

                        Howard Marans 
                        Race Director/Promoter

Dutch Continue Dominance on the Third morning of Trofeo Karlsberg

For the 3rd straight stage in a row the Dutch have finished victorious as Dylan van Baarle finishes at the top of the leader board in the Böckweiler - Altheim individual TT. Finishing a very close second, just 5 seconds off the pace, is American Nathan Brown. Placing third, also at 5 seconds, is Michael Andersen of Denmark. This 12 kilometer TT was very closely contested with the top 10 finishers all within 15 seconds of the leader.

As the riders head into the afternoon’s 89k road race van Baarle holds the GC lead with Brown in second and Andersen in third.

>>click here for compete results<<

Junior Cyclo Cross World Champion Tijmen Eising Wins 2nd Stage of Trofeo Karlsberg

The Dutch Team gains victory for the second day in a row as Junior Cyclo Cross World Champion Tijmen Eising outsprints his break away companion at the finish. Second was Nikia Arndt of Germany. The break gained a maximum time of 45 seconds only to be nearly swallowed up by the charging peleton at the uphill finish. Leading the field in a massive sprint just seconds behind was Emil Soeberg Hovmand of Denmark with his victory on the day Eising takes the Yellow leaders jersey while fellow Dutchman Dylan van Barte takes the Red Jersey for best young rider and the Dutch Team takes the blue as number one team. Zico Waeytens of Belgium takes the lead in the King of the Mountains catagory and Austrian Marco Haller maintains possession of the Green Sprinter’s Jersey for the second day.

Saturday begins with a 12k individual TT in the morning followed by an 89k road race in the afternoon.

>>click here for complete results<<

Dutchman Barry Markus Wins First Stage of Trofeo Karlsberg

Yesterday’s 108 kilometer, 2 hour 26 minute, opening stage of the 22nd Trofeo Karlsberg was plagued by torrential rains and strong winds. Throughout most of the race the peloton, of 21 teams from 20 nations, remained together. The large group of junior cyclists quickly nullified any attempts to escape. In the final kilometers a group of 5 managed to gain 15 seconds on the field. As the riders approached the finish the break was pulled back to within 500 meters. Barry Markus, with a quick sprint, takes the win from the break of 5, followed closely by Daniel Freitag of Purtugal and Matvey Zubov of Russia.

The 78 kilometer stage 2 will begin today with Dutchman Barry Markus in the Yellow Leader’s Jersey, American Lawson Craddock in the Polka Dot Climber’s Jersey, Marco Haller of Austria in the Green Sprinters Jersey and the Russians as the number 1 Team.

>>click here for FULL RESULTS <<