NorCal Cycling News – Cycling and Racing in Northern California

The Spring Classic season is going nuts – maybe its an over crowded schedule, or maybe it is just what life is like for NorCal races but there was something for everybody this weekend.

Hellyer Friday Night

Friday Night fights were invigorating with beer, burgers, and attacks getting thrown around almost as much as Hernando’s hyperbolic hysteria. Beth Newell dominated the women’s field in a way that was just unseemly. Steve Pelaez was ruling the boards in the Scratch and Points race (on his birthday no less) but left early to take care of the family. Soon as he left the McGuire team created a super hero like wall of invincibility in the Miss and Out and took 1st, 2nd, & 3rd.

PG & E Crit – Livermore

Mary Maroon had an ambitious schedule Saturday and before heading over to the Pitt Crit she won the women’s event a few bike lengths ahead of her . In the men’s race is looks like Peter Taylor (Cal Giant) and Brian Bucholz (3rd) managed podium spots right behind Charlie Schneider. Charlie Schneider, who won, is one of the mentors of the U23 road side of the Whole Athlete-Specialized Junior/U23 development team.

Pitt Crit

Coryn Rivera took the women’s race and Fred Rodriguez took the men’s race. The local big shots were in the money with Steve Reaney (2nd), Sterling Magnell (3rd), Olivia Dillon (2nd), Mary Marron (3rd), and Bec Werner (4th.)

Berkely Hills

Bec Werner, riding the same schedule as nemesis Beth Newell this weekend, reversed postions from Friday Night racing and came out on top proving she’s a hard nut to crack in the road races. From Yuri Yrchenka (sic) took a win over Keith Hillier of Marc Pro Strava. Nice to see somebody giving those altitude freaks, i know they are not all from the Sierras, a run for their money.

Hellyer GRFS #3

Word is Jim Ryan (McGuire) walked away with the Omnium for this TVC qualifier. Jim has made a nice progression the last few years from his junior glory days.

Riders Abroad – Joe Martin

Joe Martin saw two NorCal stars with some big performances. Emily Kachorek (Primal-Map My Ride) won the crit on the final day – a big day since it was her first NRC win. Megan “Mega” Gaurnier (TIBCO) also had a big week defending and fighting for the GC lead. The TIBCO team threw everything and the kitchen sink at the race to get the time bonuses but came up short of the win but Mega came away with a stage win and second in the GC.