USAPro reports from the road - Aspen Weekend, Press Conference

Official Press Conference at Hotel Jerome in Aspen

Press Conferences are sort of ceremonial. I think media attend out of pure enthusiasm and respect for the event and race organizers. Nothing is typically learned from the simple questions asked, but I enjoy seeing the interaction between the riders off of the bike. They are in a different mood on a non race day (the press conference is typically conducted the day before the race begins) and the general atmosphere is one of calm respect.

Good humor and patience are most on display at any press conference.

It takes some experience for a rider to handle and answer questions in a professional respectful way. After all they hear the same questions a lot. Highlights are typically when a young high school journalist asks a question, or when a rider teases another rider about a particular personality trait. Other than that, I could assure you ahead of time that all the riders are happy to be in Colorado and all say they will race hard but do not know who will win.

The most interesting questions were about the fewer number of ProTour teams at the USA Pro Challenge this year, mostly due to timing, injuries and competing races including the Vuelta a España. The other hot topic pertained to the shorter length of the stages in the race this year. Race Director Jim Birrell explained that the parcours are planned based on timing in the season, altitude, weather and terrain.

The at times appearing catatonic riders came to life at this question and their response was to begin grabbing the mics to state their agreement and appreciation in the design of this year's route through Colorado. It is tough enough and they really appreciate being a considering factor in the design of the overall route. As Frank Schleck stated, "They planned the route with their eyes."

It was also nice to hear Fränk Schleck say he wouldn't have missed Jens' farewell tour for anything, they have ridden together on the same team for many years. And yes, this is Jens Voigt's last race. I and many other fans are thrilled to be part of #FarewellJens.

In attendance at the Press Conference were:

Shawn Hunter, CEO, USA Pro Challenge
Jim Birrell, Race Director
Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
Jens Voigt (GER) of RadioShack Leopard Trek
Tom Danielson (USA) of Team Garmin-Sharp
Michael Rogers (AUS) of Tinkoff-Saxo
Ivan Basso (ITA) of Cannondale Pro Cycling
Fränk Schleck (LUX)  of Trek Factory Racing
Rafał Majka (POL) of Tinkoff-Saxo
Martijn Verschoor (NLD) Team Novo Nordisk
Leopold Konig (CZE) Team NetApp-Endura
and a very impressive showing of media members

Rider Rosters for the 2014 USA Pro Challenge By Pedal Dancer
Pro Teams for 2014 USA Pro Challenge By Pedal Dancer

The morning started with a hike (for me and my dog), a little time in the Media Room, and then some time out on the road spotting teams in training. The weather was spectacular. Aspen is simply the PERFECT host city for a stage race start. 

NetApp Endura riders stop on their training ride for a photo op

UHC Training on McClain Flats Rd

That would be Rafal Majka and his Tinkoff Saxo team training. They gave me a "Ciao Bella," made my day!

Just a typical day in Snowmass with Trek Factory Racing team on the road

NetApp-Endura all smiles and friendly hellos

Tommy D was out training on his own with his team car

I saw lots of other riders and teams, all with a ready wave hello. Super fun morning along the route of Stage 1.

Photos from the Press Conference

The riders watched the USA Pro Challenge promo video. They like watching bike racing as much as we do.

Ivan Basso spoke with meaning and emotion in very excellent English. He has charm galore.

Tejay van Garderen

Shawn Hunter, Michael Rogers, Jim Birrell

Fränk Schleck, he seems to really be enjoying his time in Colorado

This is Jensie's typical press conference face

He is a man of many expressions

Tom Danielson often looks like he needs a hug

Can't wait to see how Rafal Majka races in Colorado this week

Fränk Schleck and Ivan Basso are good friends

My favorite photo of the day was when Frank Schleck walked out of the press conference and noticed the elk hanging on the walls above him inside the Hotel Jerome. He stood there studying them very closely. He comes from a family of cyclists, fishermen, and hunters.

Fränk Schleck studying the elk in the Hotel Jerome

TODAY AT THE RACE

Stage 1 activities and schedule for the day: August 18, 2014, Apsen/Snowmass Village Circuit

STAGE 1 : 65 miles Stage 1 Map PDF  Stage 1 Profile PDF
Monday, Aug. 18 – Aspen Circuit Race
Aspen circuit race, 3 laps of nearly 22-miles each, and 2,300 ft. of climbing per lap.

Race Begins: Approximately 2:40 p.m.! they changed the start time!
Race Ends: Approximately 4:45 p.m.
State Highways Impacted: SH 82,  USA Pro Challenge Road Closures 2014

Stage 1 Timetable.pdf 

2:40pm - Race Start, Race Finish at 4:45pm. Podium presentation 30-minutes after the stage finish.
12:00-5:00pm - VIP tickets: buy start/finish tent $350 each. Where: Main St., Aspen.
12:00-5:00pm - Fan Club Meeting (Trek Travel for Jens Voigt Fans) Stage 1: Aspen Circuit Race. Where: El Rincon, 411 East Main Street, Aspen. Price: $50 per person, order tickets
4:45pm - Race Finish on Main St, Aspen. Podium presentation 30-minutes after the stage finish. 

2014 USA Pro Challenge - Stage 1 route map

USA PRO CHALLENGE Race, travel and fan guide by Pedal Dancer®
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Aspen/Snowmass Village by Pedal Dancer®
http://www.aspenupcc.com local Aspen city race website.

Rider Rosters for the 2014 USA Pro Challenge

Teams and full startlist of riders announced today

Have you been wondering who will be racing in Colorado August 18-24th? Now we know. Of course Jens Voigt will be coming, he has announced that the USA Pro Challenge will celebrate his retirement from the sport after decades of racing. Tejay Van Garderen will be back, so too will Lachlan Morton, Matt Cooke, Tom Danielson, and Janier Acevedo - all names you will recognize as past stage or jersey winners at this race.

If you watched the 2014 Tour de France you will recognize Rafal Majka (polka-dot jersery winner), Michael Rogers, Leopold König, Alex Howes, and Franck Schleck. Michael Markov and Matthew Lloyd, who both won stages in the Giro d’Italia, will be in Colorado as well. Other crowd favorites include two-time Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso.

Maple Magnate and big personality Ted King will be back along with well-known American UCI ProTeam riders Peter Stetina, Brent Bookwalter, Phil Gaimon, and Gavin Mannion (a stagiaire with Garmin-Sharp). They will join American UCI Professional Continental riders Danny Summerhill, Jeff Louder, Lucas Euser and Kiel Reijnene.

Current American National Champion Eric Marcott will be racing, along with former American National Champions fast Freddy Rodriguez, Ben King and Matthew Busche. The current junior world champion, Slovakian Matej Mohorič, will be racing on team Cannondale Pro Cycling.

American UCI Continental riders I look forward to supporting and learning more about include Tom Zirbel, Ben Jacques-Maynes, Danny Eaton, Tanner Putt, Gregory Daniel, Joey Rosskopf, Oscar Clark, Robin Carpenter, Ty Magner, Carson Miller, Ian Crane, Rob Squire, Ian Burnett, Kirk Carlsen, Jacob Rathe, Steve Fisher, Alex Candelario, Bjorn Selander, Carter Jones, Jesse Anthony, Scott Zwizanski, Julian Kyer and Travis McCabe.

Drapac Professional Cycling is an entirely Australian team, Rapha Condor JLT an entirely British team, and Optum Presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies an entirely North American team. Hincapie Sportswear Development Team and Team SmartStop will be making a first appearance.

Team Garmin-Sharp in front of the crowd at the Team Presentation in Snowmass Village in 2013.
Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

UCI ProTeams

BMC Racing Team (USA) @BMCProTeam
Ben Hermans (BEL)
Brent Bookwalter (USA)
Martin Kohler (SUI)
Michael Schar (SUI)
Peter Stetina (USA)
Rick Zabel (GER)
Tejay Van Garderen (USA)
Yannick Eijssen (BEL)

Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA) @cannondalePro
Alan Marangoni (ITA)
Cristiano Salerno (ITA)
Davide Formolo (ITA)
Edward King (USA)
Elia Viviani (ITA)
Ivan Basso (ITA)
Matej Mohorič (SLO)
Michel Koch (GER)

Team Garmin-Sharp (USA) @Ride_Argyle
Alex Howes (USA)
Ben King (USA)
Gavin Mannion (stagiaire) (USA)
Janier Acevedo (COL)
Lachlan Morton (AUS)
Phil Gaimon (USA)
Thomas Dekker (NED)
Tom Danielson (USA)

Tinkoff-Saxo (RUS) @tinkoff_saxo
Bruno Pires (POR)
Edward Beltran (COL)
Jesper Hansen (DEN)
Michael Mørkøv (RUS)
Michael Rogers (AUS)
Pawel Poljanski (POL)
Rafał Majka (POL)
Rasmus Guldhammer (NOR) (stagiaire)

Trek Factory Racing (USA) @TrekFactory
Calvin Watson (AUS)
Fränk Schleck (LUX)
Hayden Roulston (NZL)
Jens Voigt (GER)
Markel Irizar (ESP)
Matthew Busche (USA)
Riccardo Zoidl (AUT)
Robert Kiserlovski (CRO)

UCI Professional Continental Teams

Drapac Professional Cycling (AUS) @DrapacCycling
Adam Phelan (AUS)
Bernard Sulzberger (AUS)
Darren Lapthorne (AUS)
Jai Crawford (AUS)
Jonathan Cantwell (AUS)
Lachlan Norris (AUS)
Robbie Hucker (AUS)
Wesley Sulzberger (AUS)

Team NetApp – Endura (GER) @NetAppEndura
Bartosz Huzarski (POL)
David De La Cruz (ESP)
Gregor Muhlberger (AUT)
Jose Mendes (POR)
Leopold König (CZE)
Michael Schwarzmann (GER)
Patrick Konrad (AUT)
Tiago Machado (POR)

Team Novo Nordisk (USA) @TeamNovoNordisk
Andrea Peron (ITA)
Charles Planet (FRA)
David Lozano (ESP)
Javier Megias (ESP)
Joonas Henttala (FIN)
Kevin De Mesmaeker (BEL)
Martijn Verschoor (NED)
Scott Ambrose (NZL)

UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA) @UHCprocycling
Ben Day (AUS)
Danny Summerhill (USA)
Isaac Bolivar Hernandez (COL)
Jeff Louder (USA)
Jonny Clarke (AUS)
Kiel Reijnen (USA)
Lucas Euser (USA)
Marc De Maar (CAR)

UCI Continental Teams

Bissell Development Team (USA) @BissellDT
Chris Putt (USA)
Daniel Eaton (USA)
Gregory Daniel (USA)
James Oram (NZL)
Keegan Swirbul (USA)
Nathan Van Hooydonck (BEL)
Nicholai Brøchner (DEN)
Tanner Putt (USA)

Hincapie Sportswear Development Team (USA) @HincapieDevo
Chris Butler (USA)
Dion Smith (NZL)
Joe Lewis (AUS)
Joey Rosskopf (USA)
Oscar Clark (USA)
Robin Carpenter (USA)
Toms Skujiņš (LAT)
Ty Magner (USA)

Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home (USA) @TeamJamisHB
Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA)
Carson Miller (USA)
Daniel Jaramillo (COL)
Gregory Brenes (CRC)
Ian Crane (USA)
Luis Amaran (CUB)
Matt Cooke (USA)
Rob Squire (USA)

Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis (USA) @JellyBellyTeam
Freddie Rodriguez (USA)
Ian Burnett (USA)
Jacob Rathe (USA)
Kirk Carlsen (USA)
Luis Davila (MEX)
Matthew Lloyd (AUS)
Serghei Tvetcov (ROM)
Steve Fisher (USA)

Optum Presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA) @OPTUMpbKBS
Alex Candelario (USA)
Bjorn Selander (USA)
Carter Jones (USA)
Jesse Anthony (USA)
Ryan Anderson (CAN)
Scott Zwizanski (USA)
Thomas Zirbel (USA)
William Routley (CAN)

Rapha Condor JLT (GBR) @raphacondorjlt
Daniel Whitehouse (GBR)
Elliott Porter (GBR)
Graham Briggs (GBR)
Hugh Carthy(GBR)
Kristian House (GBR)
Michael Cuming (GBR)
Richard Handley (GBR)
Tom Moses (GBR)

Team SmartStop (USA) @TeamSmartStop
Eric Marcotte (USA)
Flavio De Luna (MEX)
Julian Kyer (USA)
Jure Kocjan (SLO)
Michael Torckler (NZL)
Rob Britton (CAN)
Travis McCabe (USA)
Zach Bell (CAN)

Tejay van Garderen will defend his 2013 race win

“I’m really looking forward to defending my race title in Colorado this year,” said van Garderen, an Aspen, Colo., resident. “Because it starts in my hometown, it’s different and more relaxed. To race in front of my family and friends is always special. We are bringing a really motivated team and with a summit finish this year, it promises to be another hard race.”

Race Organizers invite fans to a free Team Presentation, Saturday, 6:15pm in lower Snowmass Village

On Saturday, Aug. 16, the teams will be introduced to fans at the opening ceremonies and official team presentation, taking place at Base Village Plaza in Snowmass. Celebrity hosts Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen will introduce the teams and riders, giving people a chance to check out the best of the best in cycling before the start of the race. The presentation is free and open to the public, with parking available in the lower lots and parking garage at Snowmass Village. You may also take the Gondola from the upper village (more parking and restaurants) to the lower village for free.

Related posts by Pedal Dancer: Word of the Day: Stagiaire and Words of the Day: Professional Cycling Teams (Definitions of World Tour, UCI ProTeam, UCI Professional Continental Team, UCI Continental Team).

More information about the race at the Pedal Dancer Guide Page: USA PRO CHALLENGE AT THE RACE

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

Photography from The USA Pro Challenge

A different perspective of cycling

Tonight I am sharing the photography of Ryan Muncy. Ryan has a unique style and eye for the sport of bike racing. A racer turned photographer, he has an artist's eye for capturing the race in a way you might not typically see in main stream media. A local photographer in Denver, you can follow more of his work at Facebook Ryan Muncy Photography.

For those of us familiar with Ryan's work - including many local racer's around Denver/Boulder - we can recognize an image as Ryan's within seconds. His style and the gear he uses is unique. For local photographers, we often have fun with remarks like "look this is my Ryan shot."

Ryan Muncy   Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

JJ Haedo  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Chris Froome  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Mic Rogers  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Lachlan Morton and Thomas Dekker  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen  Photo © Ryan Muncy

David Zabriskie and Lachlan Morton  Photo © Ryan Muncy

This year's trophy   Photo © Ryan Muncy

Team RadioShack Leopard Trek  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Chris Baldwin laughing  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Axel Merckx  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Jens Voigt  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Andreas Kloden  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Team RadioShack  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Team Saxo Bank Tinkoff  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Initial Press Conference  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Chris Froome  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Peter Sagan  Photo © Ryan Muncy

Team Presentation of Argo Shimano  Photo © Ryan Muncy

More Race Photography:

Please also see the amazing work of Ryan Wallace from the 2013 USA Pro Challenge: Ryan Wallace Photography of the USA Pro Challenge. Ryan is truly one of my favorite photographers.

And more photography from the 2013 USA Pro Challenge: Photography of Chuck Parsons

The photography of Laurie Valaer may be seen here: USA Pro Challenge 2013 - Results Stage 2, Aspen - Breckenridge Colorado. I really enjoy Laurie's eye for photography.

I was very happy to encourage and feature these four photographers during the tour. I aspire to learn more from each of them.