NorCal Cycling News – Cycling and Racing in Northern California

It started with a bang for the hosting Webcor/SportVelo women, with Jane Wolcott taking the first prime and holding the field off over the first bump in Stage road.   The first descent dropped a rider or two, and then the climb over the next bump dropped one more. The grind up 84 commenced and somehow the group of 20-some women decided to rotate for no apparent reason.

The pattern was set and pretty much continued through the rest of the race.

Haley Juno-Galdes won the second prime for Webcor/SportVelo.   On the grind up 84 on the second lap only 10 riders were left, with four Metromints and singeltons otherwise.   But, with everyone working the roatation, the Metromints did not work the group over.  One more rider popped off on Haskins, and the final group of 9 was set.

Rinse, rotate-for-no-apparent-reason, repeat — and the group reached the bottom of Haskins for the last time.   It was tranquillo over the first steeps with Lucia Mokres (Los Gatos) setting stong tempo as she did on almost every climb of the day.   After the flatter part, Molly Van Houweling (Metromint) put pressure on… some others followed for a bit… and then they didn’t anymore.     As it flattened a little, Tibco’s Carlee Taylor brought the gap down but did not manage to close it.   Rikke Preisler and Rebecca Rising of Metromint acted as anchors on Taylor, slowing down the chase for the sake of their teammate up the road and waiting for the sprint.

Van Houweling then rode to her second district championship in as many weeks.  Preisler accelerated at the end, and with her characteristic determination, rode to second.   Taylor, outnumbered, was third.   Fourth was a resiliant Katherine Hall (UC Berkeley) who had seemed to struggle at some points earlier but was strong at the finish.  Fifth was Rising, sixth was Kim Fong (Michael David Winery), seventh was Lauren Catlin (a not-total-interloper from Durango, CO who has roots in the Bay Area), eighth was Mokres, and ninth was Julie Bellerose (Metromint).

 

Bec Werner is part of a fleet of young female New Zealanders and Aussies who are forgoing Europe making California their “winter” home. Bec came over from a suburb of Adelaide, where she worked at a local bike shop, to ride with the young Webcor “Bridge” team.  From the day she stepped off the plan she has been tearing up the local racing scene, as well as putting in some great performances at Redlands and San Dimas, before taking the lead in the NCNCA Premier Points series. After winning Copperopolis we caught up with her to get some background on how she ended up in NorCal…

 

Describe your first 24 hours in the US – I heard it was both death defying and life altering!

My trip here and first 24 hours were pretty crazy! The plane I was on had an engine fire before we even got off the tarmac in Australia, which lead to delays and missed connections the whole way, and arriving in San Fran 27 hours later. I had a few hours sleep the we drove to Merco at 4 the next morning. I had no idea how I’d be feeling, and thankfully with the legs feeling ok I, accidentally, quite literally – accidentally, rolled off the front on a short, slow climb and was forced to try and close the gap to Ina Teutenberg, or be left dangling in the middle. I knew who she was, so after catching up to her and swapping turns for the next lap, I was buzzing and pinching myself, and  rode the rest of the race on adrenaline.  I’m sure I was slowing her down, but she said she was glad to have some company, and was kind and patient. It was pretty surreal and a very cool intro to racing here.

What made you pack up and come over to NorCal?

I needed a change of scenery, and to step out and and try something different, have a bit of an adventure. I had been thinking of what I could do for a while, and Ange (McClure) who rode with the Webcor Bridge Team last year, and comes from Adelaide as well, helped get me in contact with the team over here. I really had no idea what I was getting into and what the racing and everything would be like, but I’m stoked to be over here and extremely grateful for everyones help.

How does NorCal (Menlo Park) compare to your home town?

Apart from the fact that every second car’s a Beamer?! Well they both are great places for riding, but we’ve got a bit more flat, which definitely comes in handy at times. The climate is a fair bit cooler here as well.

How did you get started?

As a kid I pretty much had a go at any sport I could, but mainly played netball, squash, and most recently soccer. I actually kind of got into cycling through soccer. I was in a junior squad at the sports institute and after doing some fitness testing for that was approached by the National Talent Identification and Development program to have a crack at cycling.

What is your favorite race over here so far?

I had an awesome time down south racing San Dimas and Redlands. They both had sweet courses, with a heaps good atmosphere and big quality fields. It was racing like I’ve never experienced before and I loved it. The vote for favourite race so far though has to go to Copperopolis. With a reputation as the Roubaix of California, some beautiful weather, an exciting and varied course, and maybe the fact that I somehow managed to sneak across the line first, it’s hard to pass up.

Copperopolis was a big win for you how did it go down?

It was tough tactically as well as physically, and I think I ‘played the game’ better than I ever have before. I managed to come out on top when I was put on the ropes by other teams that had numbers. On the last lap I was forced to lead the chase up the climb to catch a lone escapee. When we caught her there was only one rider with me, which happened to be her teammate, and I thought I was gonna get screwed for sure. Keeping the pace high we dropped one of them and the two of us rode the last 10k to the line together, where I came out on top in the uphill kick to the line. Now that I think about it, I’m pretty happy with that one.

Have you got any other US or European races you want to try out?

It’s not something I’ve really thought heaps about to be honest. I came here pretty green and unsure of how things would go, so wasn’t thinking too far ahead. I’m trying to get a ride at Nature Valley and a few more of the bigger races here, but as long as I’m racing somewhere I’m pretty happy. I reckon racing a Euro Classic would be pretty cool though. Have to put it on the bucket list!

Being from Austria it must be such ad advantage when you decide to hit those races in Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and France….

This is actually my first time overseas… that is if you don’t count Tasmania!

Ooooohhhhhh right… Australia – thats different, i always get them confused. All right… now for the culturally sensitive part of the interview.  If you were a cute Aussie animal which one would it be koala, platypus, crocodile eating shark?

Hmmm… well I know Jono’s already claimed the Koala. This is a tough one. I’ll go with the short and stumpy wombat! haha

Wombat is a good choice – i had to go look it up.  Did you know wombats have large brains? It is also the acronym for Women’s Mountain Bike and Tea Society.  You need to get a wombat tattoo or something.

haha. I didn’t know any of that… but I’ll go with it! I may have to look into joining the society I think.

Let me see if you know this one then.  Was South Australia settled by criminals?

Surprisingly not! The only Aussie state not to be [settled by criminals] I’m pretty sure. Although apparently the Woodside cops don’t know that.

WRONG!  FACT: All of Australia was settled by criminals! You know how i know it was all settled by criminals?  Aussies all play their crazy looking version of rugby cleverly nammed “Aussie Rules Football!”

Being an Aussie Rules fan defintely runs in the blood, so you can imagine I copped a fair bit of flack when I first started soccer!!  I follow the Adelaide Crows, who are definitely the best of the two teams based in Adelaide… and that’s a completely un-biased view!

Your so biased its ridiculous! That said… I’m sure we can turn NorCal into Crows fans.  Try this one…Who has a funnier accent NZ, US, or Canadian?

Well there are some pretty funny American accents, and I can’t really tell the difference between you guys and the Canadians (please don’t hate me!), but this one has to go to the Kiwis for sure. I mean we’ve gotta let them win something…

WRONG!  FACT: It’s Canadians, but since New Zealand is like your own version of Canada… I will let you have that one.

 

 

 

 

 

Please send healing vibes to one of the most well-liked and popular cyclists in our region … Amanda Seigle was involved in an accident out in Davis last night and looks to be in the hospital for a few days. When details come in, we’ll try and share as appropriate.

Amanda is a brave, intelligent, incurably funny woman who has become an icon on the Norcal racing circuit. We want her healing up fast, better, and stronger than ever.
Great lady!
-

RACING … Come out and Play

It’s the weekend … almost – so, get ready to take part in the big summer awakening of bike races in your neighborhood.

There’s about four thousand races going on this weekend – so pick a few and hammer your jiblets into submission.

Friday Night Track Races … this is my party, so come and drink all the free beer, eat the free food, and heckle the freely retarded announcer (c’est moi!)

Montezuma’s Revenge of a Time Trial … early Saturday morning on a soon to be classic course in the norEast Bay.

PG&E Criterium … aaawww yeah, the Tri-Valley Velo hommies are putting on another fun year of sweet, sweet pain. Race in the day, before racing in the night!

PITT Crit … that’s right, Dawkins and the boyz are throwing a shit-ton of cash at the locals. It’s a hefty entry fee, but worth it for the party, atmosphere, and kickass production value.

Get Ready For Summer Track Races … it’s the next qualifier for the massive, the extravagant Testarrosa Velodrome Challenge. I, simply put, cannot wait to race on Sunday! Thank you, Master Adams, for being the most kickass dude north of Al Nash.

Berkeley Hills Road Race … whatever, this thing hurts too much. It’s beautiful, it’s a classic … it’s thankfully in conflict with a track race, so I don’t have to go. But my girlfriend is … Go Fremont Ladies!

And there’s also mtb races, a hillclimb, a track clinic for women, and a road skillz clinic. Check out the NCNCA Calendar and go race that bike!
-

FROM the awesomely hot, Elizabeth Hernandez-Jones, Coordinator of clinic:
- – - – -

Looking for the perfect gift for your road racing mom (wife, baby-momma, female significant other)?

Give her the gift of track hack! We have 5 spots left for the annual Hellyer Velodrome Women’s track clinic May 7-8, 2011.

Track cycling is a great way to get faster as a cyclist and improve your racing skills!
-

Track hack: [tr?k h?k] n. to cough harshly, usually in short and repeated spasms, after fiercely exercising on a paved, circular racing course. adj. indicating or characterized by elation you get from racing on the velodrome. Elation is usually accompanied by dry, hacking cough – the gift that keeps on giving.

For details and registration information visit: http://www.ridethetrack.com/women_clinic.html

—————————

When: May 7th and 8th Twenty-eleven

Where: Hellyer Velodrome in San Jose, CA.

Cost: $89.00

The two day event, promoted by the San Jose Bicycle Club prepares and certifies women to race the velodrome track. The clinic is perfect for those who currently race on the road, mtn bike or cyclocross but have not yet completed their requisite 3 Saturdays to race on the track (clinic satisfies the “3 Saturday Beginner class” requirement).

Women who have attended the Saturday sessions and want to try racing are also encouraged to attend.

Promotions SWAG for all attendees from Cycleto, Rocktape, Clean Bottle, Bike Pure, DZ Nuts, Action Wipes/Life Elements and GU!

We will cover fixed gear riding/racing, bike handling and track-specific skills, as well as mock races and strategy. Track bikes are available.

Clinic will be led by Masters Track National champion Annabell Holland and mentored by Masters World Champion Lorraine Jarvis.

—–

Optional: Women who attend the 2-day clinic will immediately be eligible to race in Sunday’s Get-Ready-for Summer (GRFS) #3 race, if you choose. There will be separate Cat 4 and Cat 3 women’s track races. This race is part of the Bay Area Women’s Cycling Series (BAWC) 3&4 points series. Women will also be eligible to race on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. All clinic attendees race for a discounted fee of $15.00…You must register separately for the GRFS races.

—–

For details and registration information visit: http://www.ridethetrack.com/women_clinic.html

NorCal is not just a hotbed for riders.  It is a center of research and development for the entrepreneurs and scientists that develop the technology that speeds up the pro peloton and is consumed by every day cyclists. Dr. Stacy Sim’s is an accomplished athlete in her own right having ridden for TIBCO, won multiple Xterra events, and her secret past as a pro tri-athlete.  Her cutting edge research with athletes has led her to work with the likes of Garmin, RadioShack and Lance Armstrong where she helps riders of all abilities find the extra edge through science .  Dr. Sims, or Stacy to her NorCal friends, is the go to person for to top coaches when they are looking for the extra, legal, edge.

You are one of the scientists that has contributed to some of the top cycling programs in the world (Garmin, RadioShack) what aspects of your research have been used by the pro’s?

The short answer – hydration plans and formulas, heat stress and adaptation plans, race specific and recovery nutrition, and of course thermoregulation plans have been adopted by individuals in the pro-peloton (not just Garmin and Radioshack) as well as professional Ironman athletes, USACycling women’s track program, and most recently USA Women’s Field Hockey.

Give me the long answer, I want some details for all the NorCal engineering nerds that I know read this (I’m talking about you Connelly!)

I am usually pigeon-holed into one aspect of what I know and do. At a high level I am known for my work on nutrition or thermoreg. But it is the combination of everything that allows me to go in, assess the riders situation & environment, then set up a series of in-the-field tests to get enough data to illustrate what intervention needs to be done; and the hard data to support the outcome. For example- if someone is looking to perform well in a one day classic- the limiting factor(s) will usually include hydration, thermoregulation, nutrition-the days leading up to the race as well as race day, and, depending on the rider’s physique-the specific baselayer they wear. All of these tie hand-in-hand-> the rider needs to go into a long race with a higher than normal body water content- this can come from heat and/or altitude exposure to expand total blood volume (plasma volume is the essential fluid compartment for sweating; red cell mass is essential for aerobic exercise- but you need expanded PV to keep circulation high and to allow sweat rates to meet the exercise and environmental demands), or if no time has been allocated for heat or altitude stress, going into the race “preloaded” with a high sodium beverage- with sodium comes water, and you can get a buffering effect by altering the sodium compound ingested- sodium bicarb or sodium citrate or both… Then during the race, paying attention to keeping the hydration separate from fueling needs- you can come back from low blood sugar but you can’t come back from dehydration.

[Dr. Sim's hobnobbing with big shots]

And so I should go out and buy some super sharp Campagnolo artfully ripped base layer shirts?

The last of the trifecta is the clothing, esp the baselayer- I’ve done quite a bit of research on the performance properties of merino wool (see SmartWool’s website for most of the outcomes)- and merino wool tends to help thermoregulate much better than the standard technical fabrics- wool is a natural fiber and responds well to the microclimate between fabric and skin; technical fibers haven’t quite gotten there yet..

Did you meet any resistance when working with the athletes on these teams or were they receptive to doing things differently?

A few were dubious at first, but more to the fact that I’m a girl- most women aren’t on the inner circles but are more support staff or wives; not the scientist. It takes a few times of me ignoring the flirting banter for some to realize I am there as a scientist to help them get faster/get an edge. Makes me laugh actually!  Almost all are very receptive though- pulling out the pee sticks usually cuts to the chase!

Say “pee stick” again… it makes me giggle.

I’m serious about the pee stick! I pull em out at every camp- people freak out then get intrigued like it’s a crystal ball- “you’re dehydrated and you went really hard in your last training session… ” then the next day it’s the first thing they ask for!

Will scientists be the next rockstars on the ProTour?

My hope is that sport scientists will have more of a presence on the ProTour, or even across sports- instead of compartmentalizing aspects of performance and outsourcing to bike companies (for fit), clothing companies, or even old school ideas (just ride on water OR ride on liquid calories…) I’d like to see more teams coming aboard the science bandwagon-to actually get the research based information for performance, rather than the marketing claims which people take for science.

You’re an entrepreneur as well, You’ve started up a venture for your hydration mix which people can learn more about your IM project at http://www.secretdrinkmix.com/.  So this is taking cutting edge technology and brining it to the people.  Will it help improve local athletes performance like 45 year old Cat 5 masters racers?

So. this lends to my above comment about marketing claims which people take as science. Sports drinks are neither a good fuel nor a good hydrator-> regardless of category, you need to think of hydration in the bottle and food in the pocket. Again, you can come back from low blood sugar by eating some jelly beans or swedish fish or other quick hit sugar, but once hypohydration comes into play, you can just watch your power and race decline- it takes time to “refill” the body water compartments, and as little as a 2% body weight loss can equate to an 11% decline in VO2max- so no sprint for you if you’re dehydrated!

The IM drink is one of the outcomes from my work at Garmin at the TdFrance. We formulated it to have more sodium (>300mg per serving) and just enough carbohydrate to maximize fluid absorption- the sugars used (sucrose and glucose) work to maximize fluid in and minimize GI distress. The focus is on fluid absorption, whereas the calorie needs have to come from another source (there are only 80 calories per 16oz). We also didn’t like the glow-in-the-dark colours of traditional sports drinks, so we went with freeze-dried fruit powder for flavour.

All of this plays into the slowing down dehydration and maximizing your performance.

You have a funny accent!  I think you spent too long in New Zealand

Don’t be a dumbass, I know where you live.

Your passion for endurance sports seems to take your research in directions that is of extreme interest to cyclists and their equipment suppliers.  Are there any topics that you are looking at now that you are looking at?

I’m just finishing up a project looking at cooling during time trial efforts to increase critical power. Very interesting results. Basically, keeping the core temp at ~38′C tends to allow for greater power output. I believe it has more to do with the temperature of the muscle and the physiology of muscle contraction/innervation rather than specific core temperature itself.

The next project I’m kind of excited about is a follow on to early work I did in New Zealand with the NZ Merino Association- I’m going to be looking at different fabrics and weaves of fabrics as baselayers. I know that merino is an interesting fiber in that it responds to the microclimate of the skin to fabric-e.g. keeps you cool when it’s hot and keeps you warm when it’s cold; but we don’t know if a silk top weave with merino will be better, or a goretex combination etc.. So, as a science geek, to use fabric to enhance the thermoreg capabilities of the body will be very interesting!