How You Say...

Quotation of the day:

2011-05-26T13:56:00.000-05:00

"A strong rider will make most bikes look good, likewise the most beautiful racing bike in the world looks foolish struggling to ride 25 km/h."

Dave Z

2011-04-06T22:42:00.003-05:00

This is how one should approach bicycle racing.

Silly Americans

2011-02-01T21:58:00.002-06:00

http://nyvelocity.com/content/interviews/2011/landiskimmage

I don't understand the point of this story. I normally drink 15 espressos with breakfast.

2 reasons Fabian Cancellara is one of my favorite racers

2010-03-21T22:46:00.003-05:00

Exhibit A: Responding to the recent UCI decision to ban his aerodynamic Specialized Shiv time-trial bike from competition, Cancellara had this to say:

Do you remember the ONCE team? They had avant-garde bikes. When people look at the pro bikes, they should go crazy with the desire to have one the same. Anyway, I'd win, even if they give me a steel bike.

Exhibit B:

Viva Espana!

2010-02-05T13:57:00.004-06:00

Tour of Murcia Bans Italian Teams

Tradition

2009-08-15T17:45:00.003-05:00

Rest Vacation

2009-07-05T12:55:00.003-05:00

The first half of the season is now over. I had good sensations, and I felt that the form was there, but the results don't quite match up. That's racing. There was some bad luck along the way, but luckily I never crashed or became ill. Now, I retire to a quaint chateau in the mountains of the American Northwest with Alejandro Valverde to rest and prepare for the closing races of the season.

Culture Shock

2009-05-28T18:00:00.002-05:00

Today at work a lovely American girl who was walking by asked me, "Wanna give me a pump back to my office?" and motioned toward my beautiful Italian bicycle. I thought she was being serious, and I asked her to...how you say...become my wife. She laughed and smiled and broke my heart. I was being serious.

The Hammer Falls - Part I

2009-04-13T18:48:00.003-05:00

Apologies for the delay in this update. Immediately following the racing in Fort Davis, I retired to a super-secret location somewhere in the rugged mountains along the Mexican border to receive emergency blood transfusions from hyper-oxygenated Himalayan sherpas. After a week of hot oil massages and rest, I can now say I am fully recovered from the savage festivities of the Fort Davis Hammerfest.

Before the first race day even arrived, my team, the might Wooly Mammoths began to take casualties. One of our hardiest racers, Giuseppe von Slatesonvald (who, in order to prepare for racing in the thin air of the West Texas mountains, had planned to camp at elevation with nothing but a pocket knife, a couple of matches, and a long-sleeve wool jersey for warmth) succumbed to a common viral infection. This was but a sign of things to come...

Update 2: Spring Classic

2009-03-23T23:01:00.003-05:00

It's a bit unusual for a seasoned Euro-pro to take on an unsanctioned race, but the annual Austin Spring Classic benefits a worthy cause (YBP) and is possessed of its own unique quaintness and charm. The course was fast and treacherous, criss-crossing central Austin and challenging the combatants with an array of tasks to be completed. My favorite stop was the tea-chugging at Ruta Maya, followed by push-ups. Rolling in a solid fourth behind two of Austin's most experienced pro cyclists and a young up-and-comer, I am quite pleased. Plus, I won a nifty shirt and hat and wallet and $10.

This weekend is Belterra and Manda. I will, as always, be on the offensive.

Lago Vista/Spring Classic/News

2009-03-06T21:23:00.000-06:00

Many apologies for the late arrival of this update. I have been very busy training for the upcoming Fort Davis Hammerfest and following Lance Armstrong's Twitter posts.

Lago Vista (2/28) was the most enjoyable race of the year so far. The lumpy, five-mile circuit offered many opportunities for attacks in the always nervous Cat 4 peleton. The first half of the course was mostly a long false flat with a couple of uphill punches until we reached the lago vista (lake view) and came roller-coastering down to the start-finish line. The cross-winds on the descents were always tense.

We let a Texas Tech rider go solo off the front on the second of eight laps. It was a pretty windy day, so nobody was really worried about him staying away as long as he was in sight. Still, after about three laps, he didn't seem to be getting tired, so I tried a little solo move of my own on one of the uphills to stretch out the legs and see if I might bridge up. No luck, though, as the group reacted quickly and swallowed me back up after a few hundred meters.

So I sat back and chatted with my teammates about embrocation and the discotheques we'd be attending to commemorate our inevitable victory.

After another couple of laps, it became obvious that the lone breakaway artist was being aided by a couple of teammates in the field who would block the group whenever it began to speed up in pursuit. Once again, I moved to the front of the pack and called for the others to come around the two stubborn blockers. When I looked back and saw nothing but scared, questioning eyes, I jumped again.

This time I put a little more sting into my efforts and quickly built a decent gap. The peleton tried to react, but I had timed my move to coincide with a couple of quick 90 degree turns, which I was able to take much faster than the clumsy group, and further increased my advantage. As we entered the down slopes, I was gaining on the leader but not fast enough. I started spinning out my 53x12 gearing and would have killed for an 11 in back. Still, I was having a good time off the front and was not eager to return to the boredom of pack riding, so I decided to burn all my matches and either finish bridging or hurt myself trying.

By the start-finish I had closed the gap to about 20 meters, but the chase was gaining fast. Accepting that we'd soon be caught, I sat up again and focused on recovering. I led out the last lap until pace kicked up and I couldn't follow Griswoldo as he streaked toward victory. Had he not been cut off by a jealous rival, he surely would have taken a podium spot. As it is, he somehow managed to stay upright despite breaking a spoke on the disrespectful offender's skewer and coasted to 7th.

Great racing, and the form is coming along nicely. More updates soon.

Walburg/Pace Bend

2009-02-24T18:18:00.000-06:00

Another weekend of racing is in the books, and what a wild and rewarding weekend it was. Personal highlights include:

-Excellent wheel change practice after experiencing my first race flat
-First time racing in the rain (a little moisture to refresh the legs)
-Learning to ride at a constant ~30 degree angle due to difficult cross winds
-Finally nailing down a feeding system that works
-ATTACK!
-Receiving a highly illegal and much appreciated "nudge" up the start/finish hill from an adoring fan on the second to last lap
-ATTACK!
-At one point on Sunday, I heard a slight screeching sound and looked to my left just in time to see a rider swallowed up by a very hungry patch of bushes alongside the road.

Saturday was Walburg, a very open and exposed course, notorious for brutal gale-force winds. I got my flat about 10 miles in, just as the rain was tapering off. I put my head down and started to dig hard to chase back on, but I missed a turn, and that was the end of that. The rest of the race was a solo time trial; fortunately, the wind provided me with plenty of rabbits to chase down as it continued to pop riders off the lead group. Two of my teammates, Adam and Griz, got into the lead break and dragged their thankful breakmates around the course before placing very well.

Sunday was Pace Bend, a very rolly 6 mile circuit course w/a stinging uphill finish. I put in several pulls and a short-lived attack. The legs were accelerating and recovering very well on the flats, which was very encouraging, but the previous day's efforts had left me with little power for the hills, and I had to settle for a pack finish. Once again, though, I ended the day with a great feeling of pride as I had two teammates, Tino and Griz (again), place very high. They probably would have taken 1-2 if they had simply stopped waving at the remarkably voluptuous podium girls long enough to put their hands back on their handlebars for the finishing sprint.

Next week is Lago Vista. Next week we podium.

And now a word...

2009-02-14T15:20:00.000-06:00

On this, the most romantic of all holidays, I feel I must take a few moments to raise my mead-filled glass in honour of Team Wooly Mammoth's primary sponsor, Castle Hill Specialized Fitness. Many squads in the peleton require several different sponsors to support their operations, and one might assume Wooly Mammoth would be no different (trained European soigneurs and sherpa blood don't come cheap, after all). We are very lucky, however, to have such a great, fully-equipped gym as our benefactor. Above is the owner's new road bike. Rumor has it he once road Paris-Brest-Paris in nothing but riding breeches and a pair of clogs. The wheels say it all...

The wind is my enemy, the wind is my friend...

2009-02-10T19:15:00.000-06:00

This last weekend several members of Team Wooly Mammoth traveled to the charming hamlet of Castroville, TX to contest the Alsatian Omnium. For me, it was the first real racing of the season, so the goal was to test out my legs and do anything I could to help my teammates achieve victory.

Long story short, the sensations were good all weekend, but I did way better in the criterium (13th) than the road race (DNF), which is odd because I am not a crit man by any means. Basically in the RR, I let myself get caught out in the wind on a very windy day, and that was all she wrote. Tough cookies, but that's racing. I chased for a lap (~15mi.) with a few other unfortunate souls, but it was mostly just an excuse to put in a hard spin.

Jesse ("The Launcher") was initiating all day, constantly pulling on the front and going off in a 4-man break that stayed away for a lap. He finished in 9th.

In the crit, I put in some strong early efforts and kept near the front to cover any moves so Jesse and Grizz wouldn't have to work. By the end, I didn't think I could go w/the sprint and was about to sit up, but I started passing people on the final little rise so I just kept going and wound up top 15. Now I know, don't sit up.

Grizwoldo was in great position for the sprint but just as he was preparing to unleash a massive acceleration, another racer rammed his front wheel. The Grizzly Bear used his expert handling skills to keep his bike upright and somehow still powered into 5th place.

Training Camp '09

2009-01-26T23:51:00.000-06:00

Every winter the Euro-pro packs up his bicleta and treks to sunnier climes, usually along the Mediterranean coastline, in order to develop his all-important training-tan, stock up on black-market sherpa blood, and lay the foundation for a long, successful season. Fortunately, Team Wooly Mammoth resides in Central Texas, where cruel Lady Winter fears to tread, and rain is as foreign as a pair of downtube shifters in the peleton; so we don't have to travel nearly as far.

Loading up in the team RV provided by primary sponsor, Castle Hill Specialized Fitness, TWM traveled to a secluded cliff-side lodge for an extended weekend of riding, photo-shoots, and team-building arts and crafts exercises. As one rider accurately put it, "What happens at training camp, stays at training camp," so no specific details can be disclosed, but a couple of photos of the team in stunning new racing kits have been released by the team press agent.

Hill Training/Prize

2009-01-14T23:43:00.000-06:00

Above is the bag I won at the 11th Annual Houston Winter Solstice Race. A little loud for my taste. Which is saying a lot, as my racing kit is white, light blue, gold, and hot pink. The bag is currently for sale.

This past weekend I decided to go out and shock the legs a little with some hills. I tackled Redbud, Courtyard, Jester, and Ladera Norte/Smokey Valley - as well as the rollers on 360. Nothing too major. The legs responded well. Next weekend I'll probably throw in a Bee Caves extension (River Hills and Lost Creek). And a long ride on Sunday.

I've also decreased my alcohol intake to two liters/day. Gotta be good for the race season.

Another day, another podium

2009-01-04T15:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, a few select colleagues and I took part in the very traditional and romantic 11th annual Houston Winter Solstice Classic. Though unfamiliar with the local geography, we were able to use our extensive training at elevation and superior race tactics to put a man on the podium. I am very fortunate that I had good enough legs that day to be that man, but it would not have been possible without the beautiful work of my teammates (especially Bret). Proudly flying the colors of the Arctic Rainbow (Team Wooly Mammoth sponsored by Castle Hill Specialized Fitness), I stormed to a 3rd place finish, losing by the slimmest of margins to two of Houston's most powerful riders. I was almost disappointed for a moment when the race announcer handed me my prize (Ed. - ugliest. messenger bag. ever.), and I looked around only to realize no podium girls were to be found. But then I turned to face the wild cheers of the fans and the camera flashes of the tifosi, and I remembered why I race: the glory.

Learning Cross

2008-12-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

Participated in my second cross race tonight. Made several small technical mistakes (stairs suck) and one large tactical mistake and wound up 3rd to a couple of wily Masters. Hats off to Stack, I didn't think he would be able to hold my wheel on that last attack. Still, no regrets. I raced hard and with great vitality, animating the race with attack after attack. Victory is not far away.

Training Love

2008-12-18T18:16:00.000-06:00

Today was a very very good day. When the weather turns angry in Central Texas, many racers run inside to their trainers and rollers, but as a professional cyclist I cannot. I must utilize the Belgium-like conditions of the late fall and winter to build toughness, both in the legs and in the head. So, when the precipitation begins to fall as it did today, I switch over to my custom track bike in order to work on the smooth pedaling motion that will carry me to victory.

Perhaps some others would be less than satisfied with today's outcome, but I myself am quite happy in my heart. I know that today will help me later in the season. Yes, I ran into a difficulty and went down due to the rain and the...how you say...slipperiness? But that was just a little bump at the end of much success in training in power and acceleration. I must have many beautiful accelerations in the spring months if I am to be ready for the competitiveness and vigor of the Fort Davis Hammerfest. I am not too concerned with the cronometro (TT), that is for the specialists.

Ready

2008-12-02T00:41:00.001-06:00

new bike
Originally uploaded by FrontFlipNick

New steed is complete.

-'99 Ti Merckx built by Litespeed
-Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork
-Chorus/Record build.
-Ksyrium SL wheels.
-Deda cockpit (Newton bars, Zero stem).
-Syncros Ti seatpost
-Flite Ti seat
-Stainless King cages
-Look Keo Carbon pedals

So far, I'm pretty happy. I'll probably switch out the saddle w/one of my Terry Flys. And the wheels might get swapped out soon since the front one suffered a gouge in the brake surface (Whenever I go on a ride w/Ben, we wind up offroad somehow). Only problem now is I don't have time to ride unless I want to take her downtown to work...

Thoughts on Shaving

2008-11-28T16:26:00.000-06:00

For many in the road peleton, there are certain unbreakable rules that one must follow in order to be considered a worthy, reliable racer. And to a certain extent reliability is very very important. Sure, when you're riding along at 45+kph, separated on 2-4 sides by a cushion of air 6-18 inches wide from your fellow racers, you want to be able to trust that those fellows won't do anything silly that might cause you to crash and possibly muss up your splendid livery.

Yet a racer, if he is truly to be considered great, must never be afraid to distinguish himself from the herd. In fact, he should seek out opportunities to personalize and define his style whenever possible. For this reason, I choose to break with my teammates and convention by not ritualistically shaving my legs to a smooth sheen every night of the racing season. My hair is a sign of my overpowering masculinity, and no blade will ever touch it. It keeps my legs warm and muscles supple through the long months of winter training, and during the scorching heat of the main Texas season, it keeps the cooling sweat from running off before it can do its job.

All too often pale, sickly-looking riders in loose-fitting jerseys will come up to me and ask why I don't shave. In the event of a crash, they argue, bare legs will resist infection and heal faster. Riding with this mentality, this planning ahead for wrecks, is cowardly and unromantic. To them I reply, "Get on the front, and don't worry about crashing! If my tubular comes unglued because of a lazy mechanic or my chain snaps due to the overwhelming force of my finishing sprint; the rich, pure Basque blood that courses through my veins mend my wounds without fail!" A racer thinks of nothing but the beauty of victory and the warm embrace of glory. He has no time for what-ifs.

The only acceptable argument I've heard for shaving one's legs for the sport of cycling has to do with style, and this is the main argument put forth by my teammates. Specifically, "Shaving one's legs is traditional, and it allows your fans to better see and marvel at your sculpted leg muscles." I must say, this makes a whole lot of sense to me, and I've almost been swayed several times. Yet in the end, I know I will never mar the precious mane. It is part of my identity, I draw power and inspiration from its manly beauty. If other riders in the peleton see my hair and label me a Freddie, that's okay. Their viewpoint will soon change as their bare legs are destroyed by my constant attacks and overpowering good looks.

Race Report

2008-11-24T19:45:00.000-06:00

Despite having very good sensations in the legs and riding with a beautiful and dazzling panache, I was foiled in my first foray into the world of cyclocross by the simple fact that I am neither a mountain-biker nor a bum. Translation: I got lost on the hike-n-bike trail.

Sometimes a truly romantic racer has to sacrifice precious moments that might be better spent memorizing the race bible when the tifosi and podium girls are calling his name. I am without regrets.

It Begins...For Real...

2008-11-23T19:13:00.000-06:00

So, after possibly going a little overboard on the consumption of vices (very very important in the life of a truly romantic European racer), I'm going to test out the legs tonight in a brief local cross race. In order to give the local Freddies a sporting chance and also maximize my own style, I'll be riding a vintage road bike instead of the usual clumsy, knobby-tired, cantilever-equipped (basically flat-out ugly) cyclocross bike. A true racer doesn't need anything wider than a 23c tyre to cushion any bumps the parcours might throw his way.

new steed coming soon...

2008-11-17T18:47:00.000-06:00

!!!! Campy Chorus 10 everything except the chain (Veloce) and the BB cups (Record). Deda bars/stem

It Begins...

2008-11-13T22:11:00.000-06:00

Well, barring some unforeseen miracle, I'm not going be completing the Hugel this year. Too many distractions, not enough preparation. Still, it's November, and that means it's time to start up training (slowly) for the coming race season. I hope to peak around Fort Davis and podium the hill climb and hopefully the road race as well. This shouldn't be too hard despite the lack of adequate, Ventoux-like mountains in the Austin area - as long as I don't push too hard and get sick like last year.

For the first time in my life, I'll be riding a bike that isn't made of steel, which material as everyone knows is the ultimate in romance and tradition. This makes me a little sad. Still, nothing says ULTRA like titanium, and I'm hoping the Eddy Merckx decals will make up enough in the R & T department. We'll see. My new Campy Chorus groupset arrives on Monday or Tuesday. Build pictures to follow...