Aug
14
Vegas Bike Race Fever – Catch It!
By Rich Kelly, Filed Under Attendee News, Cycling, Exhibitor News, Interbike, Racing
Ok. Maybe you noticed already, but the crit in Vegas is now called the “World Championship Sports Network USA Crits Finals – presented by Interbike.” It’s a mouthful, but all those words should mean that we’ll have an awesome night of racing on Thursday night of Interbike.
Here’s a little update to fill you in on what’s happening with the Industry Cup race that’s happening between the pro men’s and women’s races. Judging by the quality of some of the “industry” racers, there shouldn’t be that much difference in speed from the pro’s.
The teams that are signed up so far to compete (as of Aug 13, 2007):
Cyclesafe.com
Bike Hugger
Fuji Bicycles
Clifbar
J&B Importers
Orbea (2 teams)
Pacific Cycles/Schwinn/Saris (2 teams)
Pearl Izumi
Carmichael Training Systems
Road Magazine
Descente
Shimano
Bicycling Magazine
Giant Bicycles
Training Peaks
Baby Jogger
Defeet
Check out some of the interesting individuals within those teams that should make for a great race:
Gary Erickson, the founder of Clifbar will be racing on the Clifbar Team. Any other CEO’s out there wanna mix it up?
My former New England ride guide at Pedro’s Fest, Mark McCormack (a former US PRO Champion) will be racing on his employer Fuji’s Team. Ready for some speed?
You may not know it, but Bicycling Magazine’s publisher, João Correia, is a former – Portugal National Team Member and Worlds Participant. He’ll be defending Bicycling’s honor in Vegas.
Surprise, surprise: Wayne Stetina, former multiple-time US Champion and member of the US Bicycling Hall of Fame has to be one of the favorites with the Shimano team.
Erik Saunders – A former professional who heads up the cyclesafe.com program will be racing in their kit. I roomed with Erik and team mates at the old Killington Stage Race, oh, 7 or 8 years ago now? A good guy and a great racer. One of the top crit racers out there. Watch out.
And, as if there weren’t enough former pro racers already, seems like Gord Fraser might be lining up that evening to put some hurt on the field. He really should need no introduction, but, basically, he’s a former winner of everything. Rumor has it that the newest CTS coach will be racing in the Carmichael Training Systems colors. Looking forward to my lesson in pain that night, Mr. Fraser.
If you haven’t already signed up for the Cup race and are thinking about it, I’d get my application in pronto. Should one be a heck of a race.
BTW, I had a nice long chat with a certain ‘G.L.’ at our Health+Fitness Business trade show 2 weeks ago, and he expressed some serious interest in racing. He did ask if there would be doping controls, though. 
I’ll keep you posted on what’s going on behind the scenes with the crit – and the Cross race: Don’t forget about Cross Vegas, baby! Heard form the promoter a couple of days ago that there are some big CX guns lined up for that one, too.
And with this post done, I’m going to try to squeeze in a lunch time ride so that I can, at least, not get dropped by the field…
Comments
7 Responses to “Vegas Bike Race Fever – Catch It!”
That is seriously cool, Rich.
I’ll be there (not racing, but watching
) on behalf of Tim Grahl’s Crooked Cog Network, BTW.
Not going to “turn a pedal in anger” as Phil Ligget would say, Fritz? Either way, it will be good to see you there.
Rich – this is cool!
Fritz – you’re going to Interbike? Yiiipppeeee!!!
I wish I could race. Well line up to start anyway. But alas I’m not anywhere near the bike biz, nor in shape to start. It sounds like it’ll be one ripsnorter of a race though.
Is this a no-field limit race like Harlem? 250 starters? Or is it more reasonable?
And finally will we see highlights in the Interbike show highlights?
Bike Hugger’s strategy, that we’re discussing now, is to not get dropped by the ex-pros and the “ringers” in the field. Don’t break in the corners, stay on the wheel, and no way is Baby Jogger going to gap us!
We expect some media rivalry between old-school publisher and the insurgent bloggers . . . probably see a few racers puking after getting instantaneously dropped on the first corner, suffering with a supreme hang over (hopefully not us).
DL – Speaking of “ringers”, I just heard a rumor that Ned Overend will be working for Specialized at Interbike…
Exactly! Expect a warp speed, lap-of-destruction, with dudes getting spit right out the back. Excellent blogging material: I was dropped by Ned.