Track World Championship Video

If this clip doesn't get you amped for track, then you are officially comatose and I officially hate you.



Thanks to CycleFilm for the clip.

Velocity 2007 Race Report. Yes, 2007...

Thank you, I am well aware that this race report is almost a year late. I’m also aware that the article from the first issue of Cog Magazine makes whatever I have to say here more or less redundant. I think you should stop complaining and deal.

Velocity was my favourite day of track racing last season. How could it not be? Organized by some of the best people alive today, Squid, Brean, Val and Josh, Velocity was basically a party at the track. There was also an alleycat (where I finished second last, I think) and an IRO Sprints roller race party. It was basically a weekend of events. The main day started with everyone meeting up in a rainy Dominick’s parking lot, and ended… I don’t remember how it ended. But in between that parking lot and wherever the hell I ended up that night was some of the most fun track racing evar!!1!

Group photo by PeteD of Cog Magazine.

After we loaded our bikes into the trailer that Val and Brean were towing (not me, I managed to get my bike on Aaron’s truck with the other bikes too sexy to mix with the proletarian rabble) we all boarded a school bus for the trip north to Kenosha. We got lost twice. Once while still in downtown Chicago. I think the driver was legally blind.

The "sexy bikes" truck that I somehow managed to get my average bike onto. From left to right: Henry's ICE, my Concept, Michelle's Watanabe, and Aaron's Gentili. Photo by Chris.

We made it to Kenosha eventually. Bikes were unloaded. Tyres were pumped up. Race numbers were distributed. Infield chilling space was claimed. Barbecues were lit. There were lots of people there, lots of racers but also just a lot of people hanging out and having fun, watching the races and cheering the racers on.

Non-messenger ladies scratch race start. Pegaus well represented. Photo by Amanda.

The peanut gallery. Photo by Lyle (my nemesis) of Cognition Caps.

The racing was split into two big groups, messengers and city riders. The top male and female messengers won plane tickets to Dublin to compete in the Cycle Messenger World Championships, and a bunch of other stuff like custom Chrome bags. Fancy!

The races were a blast. In my first scratch heat I came third behind Lyle and TJ. I won my second heat. Here’s a picture of me making my “comedy smug bastard” face as I cross the line ahead of TJ:

What a twat... Photo by Amanda.

Then, in my last scratch race, I decided I’d jump coming out of turn 2 of the last lap, and try to keep it going. I got a good jump, and I had no idea where anyone was so I thought I’d caught them napping. I hammered away at the pedals, and coming out of the last turn and into the straight I started to smile. I slowed a bit and did the my “comedy smug bastard” face as I crossed the line. I even included some “smug nods to the crowd.” Except I had made a mistake… I had slowed enough to let Lyle, barrelling along behind me like the fast lunatic he is, pass me. Right. On. The. Line. Did I mention that everyone was sitting right there at the finish? The howls of derisive laughter will haunt me till I die. I had fecked it up by celebrating too early, and ended up looking like a total gobshite. Mortified.

I don’t remember much after that. There were points races and miss’n’out (which I think I came 3rd in). We raced, I was made fun of, people not racing drank, prizes were given, I was made fun of, people tried to tell Josh how to run a race, I was made fun of, whatever. Andrew Nordyke and Jen Greenburg won the messenger category and got their tickets to Dublin. Lyle and Val won the city biker category. I was proud to come 4th overall in the city rider category, behind Lyle, Ted, and Henry, three great riders.

Josh, either screaming at the kids or eating a microphone, I'm not sure which. Photo by Chris.

Group photos were taken, beers were downed, bikes dismantled, and buses boarded. The day had gone by so quickly, but I realized that I’d learned more in that one day of racing than I had in all of the track clinics and Friday night races I’d done at Northbrook. Plus, just hanging out with everyone was great, and it was cool to see so many people try track racing for the first time.

Aaron and I warming up. Photo by PeteD of Cog Magazine.

Velocity is not coming to Chicago this year, because Chicago has the NACCCs. But if it’s coming to a city near you then you have to go, and if you race, and you think you’ve won, don’t celebrate too early…

Go here for details on Velocity 2008.

Mud, Sweat & Tears

I have no connection to these races. I'm posting this here strictly because:

1: I love the poster.

2: The race idea reminds me of when Henry showed up to race BanditCross on his track bike.

3: The idea of cyclocross getting hip will drive a couple of people I know into apoplectic rage. Hi Josh!


Go here for more details.

David O'Loughlin 6th at the Worlds!

David O'Loughlin competing at the 2008 Track World Championships yesterday. Photo by Guy Swarbrick.

David O'Loughlin of Ireland and Pezula Racing came 6th in the 4000m Individual Men's Pursuit at the World Track Championships in Manchester yesterday, beating some incredible riders like Luke Roberts, Taylor Phinney, and Volodymyr Dyudya. He came in with a time of 4.20.91, 4.4 seconds faster than the national record he set in Beijing in December. G'wan Davo! It's a great result for David, for Ireland, and for Pezula. I really hope we get to see David compete at the Olympics, and I'm sure his 6th place finish will help get him there. Big thanks to Guy Swarbrick for the great photo of David. Check out swarbrick.com to see more of his great cycling photos. Also, check out trackcyclingworld.com for up to the minute updates and results from the Worlds.

Track Cycling World Championships 2008

The Track World Championships start tomorrow at Manchester Velodrome, with three hundred cyclists from thirty seven countries competing in eighteen events. It should be an incredible five days of racing, with cyclists like Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Theo Bos, Victoria Pendleton, and Ryan Bayley competing. Ireland will have a representative also, when current Irish road race champion and Olympic track hopeful David O'Loughlin lines out on his swanky Dolan. David rides for Pezula Racing, an exciting new Irish team that is making a name for itself on the boards and on the road.

David O'Loughlin of Pezula Racing. Photo by Aidan Reade.

Also happening at the Worlds is the launch of a new website about track cycling, Track Cycling World, which promises to be one of the best resources for track on the web. It will include up to the minute news updates on track racing across the world, and video coverage of world class events. The lunatics who run the site have asked me to contribute to it, so in amongst all the good stuff there will be a few small articles from me, covering track racing in Venezuela. Here's hoping I don't lower the tone of the site...

Milan San Remo

The 99th edition of the longest one-day race of the cycling calendar, the Milan San Remo, is on tomorrow. Who do you think will win? Boonen, Pettachi, Cancellara, Hushovd, Pozzato? Personally, I think Freire will take it. But, whoever wins, it won't be as great as this, one of the greatest finishes in the race's history, by one of the greatest cyclists of all time, Sean Kelly. Enjoy.

New Cadence Stuff

Cadence have some nice new hip pouches out. Called the Supiun, each pouch is lined with Equestrian Lycra (I have no idea, but it sounds serious) and has a rugged Twill shell. It has reflective detailing and velcro straps for quick placement on straps, belts, etc. Most importantly it is made out of 99% recycled or salvaged material. Available in military green or light brown.

Hip pouches are big in Caracas. But not cool ones like this Cadence one or the Reload one I have. Dudes here are still rocking the huge mad 90's fanny pack (what we called a bum bag in Ireland) in day-glo colours. Oh yeah, sounds brilliant if you're a skinny cool kid into ironic luggage options, but it doesn't quite work when you're a paunchy 50 year old Dad, especially not when you realize guy has enough "urban survival gear" hanging off it to rival Batman's utility belt. I call those guys Adult Babies.

I hope I don't suffer an Adult Baby backlash now...

Andy Hampsten Jersey from Rapha

Remember when Andy Hampsten devastated a field of near-frozen Giro riders over the snow covered Gavia Pass?? Me neither. I was 13 and busy listening to Seventh Son of a Seventh Son for the 50 millionth time. Nevertheless, to commemorate Hampsten's incredible ride, Rapha have released this beautiful jersey. It even has a pinned on race number. I don't know why it's there, but it looks feckin' deadly!

Who Was Nathan Fabian?

I love this. A laser-etched rendition of the infamous Natty Fab, as used on the Superheroes Alleycat poster. I have no idea if this saddle is for sale, but head over to Visitor Design for more details.

I suppose BFSSFG isn't that bad. Just kidding, it's a cesspool, but I did see this over there so whatever.

This Morning.

While riding this bike around the hills of Caracas I saw the following:

The city from the hils.



This mini peleton of serious dudes. Nice Look, buddy!

The teleferico cable cars.

And this piece of stencil graf. Get money, get money.

Racing Season.

The start of the racing season, at least in the Midwest, is upon us. People are shedding the multiple layers they’ve had to wear to survive the winter, and are kitting up to take on the competition. In particular, Team Pegasus is gearing up for what should be another great year. We’re sending a big crew to the Parkside Criterium in Kenosha this weekend, and I demand good results from all. From. All.

Shawn leading a group at the Brewer's Hill Crit. Nice Bianchi. Where have I seen that colour-scheme before? Photo by Josh.

The team is stronger than ever. We lost some people but gained some people too, and I think this year is going to be incredible. I’m of course basing that on Jamie’s fortune cookie. But really, we’ve got some great new people on the team, and I’m looking forward to reporting on everyone’s progress.

I’m raging that I won’t be able to represent the team in the US much, but I’m determined to make it back there for at least one day of track racing. I didn’t go to all the trouble of Cat-ing up last year for nothing! Also, new track skinsuits = extra speedy. As soon as we get the new kit done I’ll sling a few pics up here.

We also secured some incredible new sponsors, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team members. Check it:

Ben's Cycle is an incredible bike shop that everyone should already know about. SRAM make some of the best components around, and I know the team is really excited to ride with their stuff. They actually made us one of their Grassroots Teams, which is a real honour. It's also a real honour to represent World Bicycle Relief, check out their page to see how they use bikes to empower people all over the world. Basically, all of our sponsors are great, and we're proud to represent them.

Anyway, in solidarity with my team, I have shaved my legs. Under the corona of hair we discovered that I have the legs of a 16 year old girl. Feckin’ brilliant. Plus, the Black Flag tattoo on my calf looks really weird now…

Good luck at Parkside, Team Pegasus. If you don’t win, you’re walking home.

TrackosaurusRex Known Pleasures Shirt!

I got mine. Get yours... HERE!

Ghostbike for Matt.

This ghostbike memorial was set up on the spot in Chicago where Matt Manger-Lynch was killed. Thanks to Gavin for the great photo. Be safe, everyone.

H8TR 100!!

100 km of Spring Classic-style racing in Madison, WI, for a measly fiver. Miss this and you are officially a gobshite. Go over to the KittenFactory!!! for more details and to register. Do it up right, Team Pegasus!

St. Patrick's Day Race in Dublin.

Head over to Dublin Messengers for more details.

MMI7

Goldsprints and Velocity NYC.

Looks like a fun weekend was had. Apparently, it was 38 degrees at the track on Sunday, with 20mph winds, but a good crowd still showed up to race. That's the power of Squid, the guy is a legend and puts on a great event. Thanks to John Prolly for letting me use his pics!

Massan from MASH versus Kyle from DQM. I wonder who won?

SPINNNNNN!

Messenger Scratch.

Damn that looks cold, but all of a sudden I want a burger...

Prize giving.

Which reminds me, I should really put up my report from last year's Velocity Chicago, which was a blast.

London: Two Messengers Down in One Day.

I just read about this over on Moving Target. Apparently, two London messengers we involved in separate accidents today. They survived, but it sounds like it was touch-and-go, and both are now in hospital. Check out this photo of one of the bikes involved, taken by Todd over on londonfgss.com.


Jaysus, the state of that bike, it's mangled! Messengers work hard for little money, so if you have a few spare sovs, head over to the Bicycle Messenger Emergency Fund to help out.

[UPDATE] So, this is all second hand info, but I heard that one messenger broke some bones in his foot and will be out of work for a while. The other messenger, however, sustained serious soft tissue damage to his legs, and he may never be able to ride his bike again. More details on Moving Target, including a donation link for these two messengers in particular.

The Most Badass Track Pic Ever?

Holy crap!! That's Craig McLean of PlowmanCraven in front of Jason Kenny of Great Britain, at Revloution 17 at Manchester Velodrome last October. It looks like he bit his tongue or his lip, or maybe he's coughing blood, but whatever is happening, this is one of the most intense track photos I've ever seen. Check out more of John's great track photos here. And check out the PlowmanCraven team here. If you ask nicely, they'll send you a free cycling cap.

Caracas Velodrome.

I knew there was supposed to be a velodrome in Caracas. I'd heard it was on the campus of the Institutio Nacional de Deportes. I'd also heard that they hadn't had any track events there in a while. A satellite photo I found online confirmed that the place actually existed, but not whether the velodrome was ridable. Not that it feckin' matters, because I don't have my track bike with me, but I wanted to see it anyway.

Caracas is an interesting city. Five million or so people living in a valley, many incredibly poor, some incredibly rich. You don't really know what a neighbourhood is going to be like till you visit it, because depending on who you talk to it could be either heaven or hell. We took the Metro from our place all the way west to La Paz, and walked from there. The neighbourhood seemed fine. We walked along between bootleg dvd stalls and pineapple vendors. We could see Barrio La Vega on the hills in front of us.

After a fifteen minute walk we came to the Instituto Nacional de Deportes. The campus looked like it had been built in the 1970's, after the oil boom. It was open to the public, so we just walked in. People were milling around. We saw men from the national Taekwondo squad, and women from the national volleyball team. Eventually we found it...



Three hundred and thirty three metres of perfect concrete velodrome, with banking that looks close to 40 degrees, in the middle of a stadium, surrounded by barrios. Crazy. We found our way under the stands and out onto the track. It was an amazing feeling, standing on the start line, looking at the stadium and imagining what it must be like to line up for a race with thousands of people cheering.


It's definitely the most impressive velodrome I've ever been too. It looks like it's fast as hell, and I basically walked around the track in a daze, imagining diving down the banks into a sprint, or hammering out a flying 200. I'm now totally desperate to find a track bike down here. I don't know what my chances of actually riding this thing are, but I'm going to try to figure something out.

We wandered around for a little while longer, taking pictures and sitting in the stands. We found the Venezuelan Cycling Federation office, and got the phone number for the guy who runs the track side of things. Maybe he'll know where I can get a bike from. But whether I get to ride this beautiful velodrome or not, it's nice to know that it exists...

Why didn't I bring my track bike? WHY??!?!

GOLDSPRINTS NYC

Ed asked me to throw up the flyer for Goldsprints this Friday. MonsterTrack isn't happening, but that doesn't mean this weekend can't be kickass.


There's been a lot of negativity recently, for obvious reasons, but Matt wouldn't have wanted that. Go to Goldsprints. Go to Velocity. Give thanks. Ride yr bike.

"Trackside, image is everything."

So true... it took me for feckin' ever to find a saddle the colour of which perfectly matched the colour of my grips. Anyway, that quote is from an interview in today's Guardian with Victoria Pendelton, current sprint, team sprint and keirin world champion. The journalist is clearly amazed that a woman can remain "feminine" while racing track, but apart from that it's an interesting interview.