USA Pro Challenge 2013 - Results Stage 4

Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek Colorado - Race Results

This was the day that I knew minutes would separate the top twenty in the general classification at the end of Stage 4.  When I studied the route closely and then went out and rode the climb to Beaver Creek and up Bachelor Gulch last Saturday, it was clear that today's stage was no longer a stage for an all-rounder (as it had been in 2012 when Jens Voigt took the stage win). The addition of the climb up Bachelor Gulch would shatter the group and leave gaps. I predicted it weeks ago when I wrote the guide to the day's stage and felt more certain in the last couple of days.

Tomorrow we will see another reshuffling of the top ten on GC as the time trial specialists make their mark in the individual time trial up Vail Pass. Some of the true climbers will be weeded out. Tejay van Garderen should remain on top, with Tom Danielson moving up to podium position. There are no points or KOM points awarded on an ITT day, so Matt Cooke and Peter Sagan are safe in their jerseys.

Quotes from the day:

“That thing (Bachelor Gultch) is incredible,” said Matt Cooke. “I’m just impressed that anyone can ride up that pretty fast. It was steep and one heck of a course.”

“The biggest challenge was the bottom of Bachelor Gulch. It was an insanely hard tempo,” said van Garderen.

As I rode the climb myself, I had a clear knowledge, this is where separation anxiety will kick in. And sure enough - it was the exact place Tejay was describing. It is so great to get out and ride these routes before the pros come through because you can really understand the road, the tactics, and what the riders go through on race day. Sure they may do it faster, but we can do it too - any day of the year!

Driving over Vail Pass in route to Stage 4 in Beaver Creek, Colorado this morning.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

USA Pro Challenge Finish are in Beaver Creek. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

My view of the pristine golf course in Beaver Creek as I walked down the race route today. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Today's results from the tour in Colorado.

Stage 4 Results:
1. Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL) of Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home
2. Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
3. Mathias Frank (SUI) of BMC Racing Team

GC Standings:

General Classification after Stage 4
USA  1  VAN GARDEREN, Tejay (BMC RACING)      15:44:59
SUI  2  FRANK, Mathias (BMC RACING)           + 4
COL  3  ACEVEDO COLLE, Javier Alexis (JAMIS0  + 30
USA  4  DANIELSON, Thomas (GARMIN SHARP)      + 40
AUS  5  MORTON, Lachlan David (GARMIN SHARP)  + 1:17
CRC  6  OBANDO BRENES, Gregory (CHAMPION SYSTEM) + 1:37
COL  7  ATAPUMA HURTADO, Darwin (COLOMBIA)       + 1:52
ITA  8  CARUSO, Damiano (CANNONDALE)             + 1:58
AUS  9  SUTHERLAND, Rory (SAXO-TINKOFF)          + 1:58              
USA  10 EUSER, Lucas (UNITEDHEALTHCARE)          + 1:58              
SUI  11 SCHÄR, Michael (BMC RACING)              + 2:03
IRL  12 DEIGNAN, Philip (UNITEDHEALTHCARE)       + 2:03              
NZL  13 BENNETT, George (RADIOSHACK LEOPARD)     + 2:03               
USA  14 JONES, Carter (BISSELL CYCLING)          + 2:07

USA  15 CRADDOCK, Lawson (BONTRAGER CYCLING)     + 2:14
USA  16 WILSON, Nathan (BONTRAGER CYCLING)       + 2:35
ESP  17 MEGIAS LEAL, Javier (NOVO NORDISK)       + 3:54
NZL  18 ORAM, James (BONTRAGER CYCLING)          + 4:03
USA  19 BUTLER, Chris (CHAMPION SYSTEM)          + 4:05
POR  20 PIRES, Bruno (SAXO-TINKOFF)              + 4:11

Classification Jerseys after Stage 4:
Yellow (overall) - Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
Green (sprint) - Peter Sagan (SVK) of Cannondale Pro Cycling
Red (climber) - Matt Cooke (USA) of Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home
Blue (young) - Lachlan David Morton (AUS) of Team Garmin-Sharp
Orange (aggressive) - Michael Rogers (AUS) of Team Saxo-Tinkoff

Video: Chris Froome Humbled by Colorado Altitude (01:17 English) Bicycling
Video: Tejay van Garderen Post-Stage 4 (01:21 English) Bicycling
 
Photos from the Day:

click any image to enlarge

Lachlan Morton tried, but failed to hold onto his yellow jersey today. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

When Tejay bumped Lachlan Morton out of the yellow jersey, Lachlan took over the blue jersey which had been on loan to Lawson Craddock (Bontrager). Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens Voigt (Orange Jersey, right side) and Peter Sagan (green jersey, left side) approach the turn for the ascent up S. Holden Rd. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

American National Champion Road Freddie Rodriquez on the climb. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Chris Froome climbs by next to David Millar and Dave Zabriskie. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay van Garderen and Janier Alexis Acevedo in Beaver Creek 500m to the finish line. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay leading up the hill to Beaver Creek.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

With a little discussion of who gets the win and who gets the jersey.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tommy D coming in strong.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Gregory Obando Brenes of Costa Rica is now 6th on GC. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

And before all the riders had even reached the top, some of them began the descent back down to their team buses at the base of the hill to change into dry clothes. Here Philip Deignan of Ireland descends rapidly. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Mic Rogers finishing a very aggressive stage. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens Voigt and Jason McCartney on the final climb. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

A very wet Peter Sagan finishing the race today.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

And then Peter Sagan finding an alternative route down the hill after the stage. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Matt Cooke is pretty thrilled to be in his red and white jersey this week.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

These photos may not show it, but it really rained hard today at the end of the stage into Beaver Creek. Tomorrow rain is expected again, just in time for the top contenders to take to their TT bikes and race an individual time trial at high altitude. I'll see you on Vail Pass tomorrow to watch all the action. Bring a rain jacket!  


Tomorrow's Stage 5 of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge, August 23, 2013

Read the Pedal Dancer® FAN GUIDE to Stage 5 for the individual time trial in Vail. Timing of the day and where to watch the race. Stage 5 Start & Finish: USA Pro Challenge in Vail

For more information, and a listing of all race results, please visit the PEDAL DANCER RACE GUIDE PAGE: USA PRO CHALLENGE

Order of Riders Startlist for the time trial in Vail: USA Pro Challenge Startlist Stage 5 in Vail

Official website: www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/
Official Spectator Guide: Official 2013 Spectator Guide

That's my kid!

It's a Family Affair

This last week I read a post my nephew Kenny wrote for a publication offering tips to first time triathletes. Now Kenny is a pro triathlete who has some pretty impressive race wins (hill climb & tri) to his name and young age. I am a very happy Aunt when I receive the usual podium shots and post-race play-by-play phone calls from Kenny. But when I saw his name attached as an author - my pride overflowed. Kenny is not only winning, he is sharing the joy of participation. So proud! [link: Top 5 Tips for First Time Triathletes].

My nephew, Kenny Rakestraw, racing the Vineman 70.3 Half Ironman triathlon on July 18th.

Then this morning I woke up and thought I would start my Monday morning by wearing my new bright yellow tshirt, but not just any bright yellow tshirt, a Je ne suis pas Ted King tshirt. [link: A Ted Tshirt]. Every time I think of Ted King now, I think of his parents traveling all the way to France to see their son race for one day in the Tour de France before missing the time cut-off by 7 seconds. We all know they were just there to show their support and love, but still, 7 seconds!

Je ne suis pas Ted King, mais je voudrais être

This got me thinking about the parents of some of the other pros, those parents who are often behind the scenes at races showing their support. I realized I have met a number of these proud parents at races over the years. I somehow feel more connected to the athletes after meeting their wonderful parents. So here it is - a brief collection of parental pride:

Tejay van Garderen's (BMC) Father, is a bike racer himself and often competes in weekly crits in Boulder, CO. He also works Mavic support.

Marcel van Garderen (second from left), Tejay van Garderen's Dad, with his Mavic support crew at the USA Pro Challenge in 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay van Garderen's Mother-in-law Lynn (that would be Jessica's Mom) was in Aspen as well (with Tejay's Father Marcel) in a show of support.

Lynn and Marcel in Aspen, Colorado, August 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Taylor Phinney's (BMC) Mom - Connie Carpenter Phinney is a four-time Olympic medalist in cycling and speed skating. She knows a tremendous amount about the sport and also a great deal about cycling in Italy - just ask her sometime.

Connie Carpenter Phinney, Breckenridge 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Taylor Phinney's Dad - Davis Phinney was a stellar sprinter and American legend in cycling, he is active in his son's career and a champion in his cause against Parkinson's Disease.

Davis Phinney (far left) with BMC staff members in Breckenridge, Colorado, 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Peter Stetina's (Garmin-Sharp) Dad, Dale Stetina, and his Uncle Wayne Stetina were in Telluride last year to support Peter. Both are former National Champions and Olympians. Dale Stetina is a two-time winner of the Coors Classic. Wayne Stetina is V.P. of Shimano, USA.

Brothers Dale and Wayne Stetina, August 2012 .  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Timmy Duggan's (Saxo-Tinkoff) Mom Debbie is a familiar site at the races in the United States. I have seen Debbie in Colorado and California. She usually has a large support group nearby.

2012 American National Champion Timmy Duggan found his Mom in the crowd in Santa Barbara, May 2013, in her matching jersey.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Timmy's family can be easily spotted on the sidelines wearing their bright green tshirts.

The Go Timmy Duggan Fan Club in Beaver Creek, CO  (who also happen to be his family and includes his Dad and Mom).  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Ryan Eastman's (Bontrager) Dad and Mom were there to support him in Santa Barbara in May 2013.

Ryan Eastman (USA) and James Oram (New Zealand National Champion) of Bontrager Cycling Team are greeted by Ryan's parents after Stage 4 of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Axel Merckx - we all know who his father is ... Eddy Merckx! Axel is currently Directeur sportif for the Bontrager Cycling Team.

Axel Merckx in Santa Barbara, California, May 2013. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Did you know that David Millar's (Garmin-Sharp) sister Fran Millar works for team SKY as Head of Business Operations. I especially appreciated her tweet during the 2013 Tour de France after her brother waged his campaign against fans running next to the riders only to be ignored, but Fran posted this ...

The man in the pants with the beer running along the side of the road who nearly bumped into my brother - don't make me come and punch you.
— Fran Millar (@franmillar) July 13, 2013

Chris Froome used his brother as a double distraction from journalists during the Tour.

Chris Froome's brother  (Photo tweeted by Chris Froome)

Seems we saw Chris Froome's fiance Michelle as much as we saw Chris himself in the final footage of this year's Tour de France, and then Chris dedicated his win to his Mom - awwh!  Parents. Those wonderful beings who not only passed along outstanding genes but gave tremendous support on the road to forming a spectacular athlete.

So the next time you are at a bike race and see the parents of a rider there cheering on their kid, go up and say hi and congratulate them on their child's achievements, you never know, maybe someday someone will do the same for you on your son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter. Won't you be proud?!

After all there is no more justifiable pride than pride in one's family.

My other nephew, 7ft tall Kevin Rakestraw, with his very proud much shorter Mom Missy.

You can never have too much argyle

Scarves and argyle unit at the Garmin-Cervelo team launch party

Please wear argyle - it was clear that this company memo was received by every team member of Team Garmin-Cervelo. Last night the team presentation gala overflowed with miss-matched stuffed chairs and the theme of argyle patterned cashmere sweaters, scarves, and even pants. The pants worn by Christian Vande Velde where unsuspectingly auctioned right off of him at the end of the event (he was clearly disappointed to part with these pants).

Christian Vande Velde in argyle pants

I often watch team presentations in Europe live online, but last night, forty-five minutes from my home, the team who hopes to be considered by fans as the most popular cycling team in 2012, gave a introduction party. The Garmin-Cervelo team is a new team of men for 2012, and yet the diverse squad of riders from varied countries, already appeared quite comfortable with each other.

The new Garmin-Cervelo team for 2012:

A comfortable evening with 2012 Team Garmin Cervelo

Garmin-Cervélo riders 2012: http://www.slipstreamsports.com/ Heinrich Haussler, Andreas Klier, Tyler Farrar, Ryder Hesjedal, Christian Vande Velde, David Zabriskie, Dan Martin, Sep Vanmarcke, Andrew Talansky, Ramunas Navardauskas, Alex Howes, David Millar, Christophe Le-Mével, Johan Vansummeren, Martin Maaskant, Michel Kreder, Murilo Fisher, Peter Stetina, Ryder Hesjedal, Tom Danielson, Tom Peterson, [NEW] Robbie Hunter, Sebastien Rosseler, Raymond Kreder, Alex Rasmussen, Jacob Rathe, Koldo Fernandez, Nathan Haas, Fabian Wegmann, Jack Bauer, Thomas Dekker, Raymond Kreder, 

The evening in Boulder, Colorado: 

Garmin Cervelo Team Presentation at the Boulder Theater

Robbie Ventura (Versus Announcer, and former pro rider) performed as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. A short-film was shown emphasizing Garmin-Cervelo's team approach, Jonathan Vaughters spoke about the impact the team has had on the sport of cycling, Robbie Ventura then posed questions to 8-10 riders followed by an open question session by the audience. 

Peter Stetina answers questions

Ryder Hesjedal answering a question

Inspirational answers came from Johan Vansummeren and Tom Danielson who shared their belief that this team "makes dreams happen." Danielson described climbing Alpe d'Huez in 2011 in close pursuit of Cadel Evans, Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck during the Tour de France. Vansummeren described his life long dream of winning Paris-Roubaix and stated he specifically signed with Garmin-Cervelo for another 3-years because he credited the team for realizing his dream of winning Paris-Roubaix in 2011.

Tommy D, Heinrich, and Summie

A member of the audience asked that each rider introduce themselves, and the fans in the audience enjoyed this round of introductions very much. This team has incredible talent and if this presentation had been in Europe, we would have likely had a different first row configuration. The packed house also enjoyed a surprise performance by David Zabriskie singing not two, but three verses of "Rolling on the Garmin." (Recommended viewing and listening: Dave Zabriskie sings!)

Dave Zabriskie's surprising stage presence

After a number of lively auctions, the presentation came to an end, but not the evening. 

Robbie Ventura auctioning off an autographed jersey and a ride in a team car for the 2012 USPCC

As most fans flowed out onto the streets of Boulder, the Garmin-Cevelo team members gathered in front of the stage and at the bar to visit and relax with each other. I of course always feeling comfortable to move among the riders, went down into the pit with them as they drank their Stella Artois beers and continued to enjoy each others company.

David Millar and Ryder Hesjedal enjoying a beer

Robbie Hunter, new on the team for 2012, socializing after the presentation

I said hello to Allan Peiper and congratulated him on his new position with the team. I chatted with Johan Vansummeren who was answering Neal Roger's (VeloNews.com journalist) question about the proper spelling of his name. Johan told us that it is Vansummeren, even though we explained to him that the team website spelled his name "Van Summeren." "I'm tired of telling them it is spelled wrong," he said. We laughed as I assured him, "don't worry we'll write in and tell them to correct it." And so I have just done so, we'll see if the spelling gets corrected. (Update: it was corrected!)

Neal Rogers of VeloNews and Johan Vansummeren talking

Johan told me he was looking forward to going home soon, he'd been on the road for a month and he missed his cat. I also spoke with Heinrich Haussler who said that after Paris-Roubaix in April, he will be returning to Boulder for a month to train in Colorado prior to competing in the Tour of California in May. 

The rest of my brief time was spent recognizing people, taking photos, and acknowledging my lack of knowledge in men's clothing. I could not identify the kind of collar Jonathan Vaughters was wearing. There is no doubt there remains much more to learn in this sport.

Jonathan Vaughters in a nice tie collar vest suit combo, accented with argyle

That was fun, I like Garmin-Cervelo 2012! Maybe next year they'll ask all the fans to wear argyle as well. 

VeloNews video of the event: VIDEO: 2012 Garmin-Cervélo team presentation
VeloNews report of the event: Garmin-Cervélo’s Boulder camp was as much for the riders as the fans
Event report by ProVeloPassion: Garmin-Cervélo 2012 Launch Tidbits

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15,000+ views and counting

Legs glorious legs

PedalDancer.com is now 7 months old, and has been counting visitors for 6 months. I have always been fascinated with the idea of fast twitch muscles versus slow twitch muscles, and just how important genetics is in determining a cyclist's ability to ride a bike fast. The difference between the legs of a sprinter, a time trialist, and a climber become obvious when you see the legs of the best in the world. To celebrate 15,000 pageviews, let's play GUESS WHOSE LEGS of cycling:  all Photos by © by PedalDancer.com

Whose legs? 

Tom Boonen's legs (Sprinter - fast twitch, strong)

Whose legs? 

Mark Cavendish's legs (Sprinter - fast twitch)

Whose legs? 
 

David Zabriskie's legs (Time Trialer, look at those ankles compared to his upper thighs)

Whose legs? 

David Millar's's legs (Time Trialer)

Whose legs? 
 

Bert Grabsch's legs (Time Trialer, nice hamstrings)  

Whose legs? 

Sébastien Rosseler's legs (time trialer) (this picture I did not take)

Whose legs? 
 

Manuel Quinziato's legs (U23 Time Trialer, morphed into an All-rounder)

Whose legs? 

Jens Voigt's legs (All-rounder)

Whose legs? 

 Alessandro Ballan's legs (Spring Classics rider)

Whose legs? 
 

George Hincapie's legs (All-rounder)

Whose legs? 

Chad Beyer's legs (This is what a 5'10" 136 lb (61kg) cyclist looks like) - he does it all.

Whose legs? 

Ivan Basso's legs (Climber and Grand Tour winner)

Whose legs? 

Chris Horner's legs (Climber)

Whose legs? 

Carlos Sastre's legs (Climber and Grand Tour winner)

Whose legs? 
 

Andy Schleck's legs (Climber - long and lean!)

Whose legs? 

(Ha! sorry, couldn't resist) (Team Manager) climber Jonathan Vaughter's legs  

Whose legs? 

PedalDancer's legs (I'm a woman, and a I'm-out-there-all-day-longer, is that a category?) What are you?

All pictures above by © by PedalDancer.com

ENDURANCE Elite endurance athletes have up to 80% slow twitch fibers which allows them to cycle for a long time at medium speeds. These athletes usually are quite light and don’t have much of a sprint. SPRINT Elite track sprinters can have up to 70% fast twitch muscle fibers enabling them to accelerate really fast and reach very high maximum speed but they can only hold the speed for a short period of time. They are usually heavier and very muscular. 

Do you want more legs - - -  
The legs that powered the tour Cycling legs at the 2011 Amgen Tour of California.  
And more at More legs of the Tour of California

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