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

The American Voice in Cycling

Rebooting American Cycling Coverage

I have been listening to a number of British cycling podcasts lately (How to watch the 2014 Tour de France). I enjoy them, but honestly I can barely tell the accents apart and can only picture a few of the prominent cycling journalists in my mind while listening. They seem to be quite versed in history, with tremendous memory for who did what in which year, but they discuss in a very different fashion than Americans.

I also enjoy the Australian Media influence in cycling as well. Their enthusiasm, humor, quirky vocabulary, combined with organized minds and entertaining presentation, seems well-worth my time. I hate to generalize too much, but my point today is, I seem to be spending much of my time reading and listening to Brits, Aussies, Irish and Dutch - where is the American voice in cycling these days?

My parents love Christian Vande Velde.

This is something worth noting, because most Americans watch the Tour on TV and many of those fans are well over the age of fifty. My Mother explains that she is "really learning" from the commentary by Bob Roll, Todd Harris and Christian Vande Velde this year. If it is adding to their enjoyment of watching race coverage and creating more fans, I say all the better for America cycling.

Christian Vande Velde knows bike racing. It wasn't too long ago when he wore yellow (Colorado, 2012). Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Most of the people I know who are recreational cyclists, don't follow pro cycling. Most of the weekend amateur racers I know, are too wrapped up in their own wattage to follow what the pros are doing or attend pro races. When it comes to professional cycling, I think we need to rethink the target market and how the media delivers news.

Media should cultivate interest in sport for the regular fan.

Yesterday was a big news day at the Tour de France. Journalists scrambled to sort out rumors of bikegate and exactly how and if Contador's bike was broken. What ensued was a perfect example of the untruths and rumors that fly unfettered on Twitter (a lousy place to find real truth). It was also an example of a young crop of journalists scavenging for the early scoop and getting it all wrong (VeloNews).

Press must have two things to be solid - access and experience. In addition, Press must have two things to reach the people - integrity and the quality of keeping it real. It also helps if they have humor, are somewhat humble (sort of like Frankie Andreu caring less when James Starrt corrects his French), and can convey true love of the sport.

Being a respected newsman is not about being young and cool and being able to race a bike, being effective comes from years of making connections and knowing how to move around at a bike race. From being out there and seeing it all, and then finding a way to share it with others as if you were a friend sitting at a table discussing the best sporting game you ever saw.

That is why podcasts are endearing. 

I think that is also why people have warmed to Christian Vande Velde. He has experience, access and the warm tone of a friend (even if at times he is a frazzled friend). Who would have thought a rider who gave modest interviews would be such a good commentator, but Christian will only get better. Who would have thought five years ago that Greg Lemond would be co-hosting on Eurosport!

Yesterday I made the comment that I had tired of the commentary of Phil and Paul. My opinion was based specifically on their over-exuberance regarding Tony Martin's performance and how everyone "respected" him. Well, I don't feel comfortable seeing the same rider in a breakaway for too many days in a row. I also don't feel comfortable with Phil and Paul thinking we so easily forgot their masking the truth of the sport in past years. Although I do agree their sound is cycling tradition.

Back on topic of who I do want to listen to .....

I have been wishing we had our own American cycling podcast. Who would I want to hear on this entertaining roundtable of discussion other than Charlie Rose? I think the people who have something to say that I would be interested in hearing more from are:

Joe Lindsey, James Starrt, Frankie Andreu, Matthew Beaudin, Andy Hood, and James Huang. I would like to hear some guests join in, like Ted King, Chris Baldwin, Craig Lewis, Timmy Duggan, Matthew Busche, Andrew Talansky, Whit Yost, Cosmo Catalano, Gruber Images, Chef Biju, Dirk Friel, Dale Stetina and many others I could name including my brother who has some great concepts of the business of cycling. I thought it was funny when one of the British podcasts recently referred to Chris Baldwin (PR agent for Astana USA) as an "eccentric America." You see, we have characters right here in America.

Who would I like to see sponsor this podcast - TREK. Why? because their pro team is really lacking leadership or great inspirational riders (other than Busche and retiring Jensie), and because Americans continue to buy Trek bicycles, which means the company has the ability to bring pro cycling into mainstream America. I think Trek should say thank you by giving us something that will re-root the foundation of the sport of cycling in America and clear their name of Armstrong. Give us personality and a voice of American cycling to be seen internationally and be proud of.

For now, please read Ted King's recent blog post. 

I think Ted's storytelling demonstrates the humor, outlook and slang vocabulary Americans use when talking about experiences in sport, ... often in a group, sometimes around a table, usually over a cold drink. It's the kind of story I would like to listen to.

Read and enjoy: Yeah,  by Ted King July 15, 2014

And then watch Tour Talk with James and Frankie Tour Talk: First Rest Day July 15, 2014

Ted King (Cannondale) leaning in at Amgen Tour of California, May 2014.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

James Starrt (Bicycling) at the Tour de France, July 2012.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Franki Andreu and Joe Lindsey (Bicycling) tracking the race in the media tent at ATOC in May, 2014.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

James Huang (CyclingNews and Bike Radar) at CX Nationals, January 2014.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Matthew Beaudin (VeloNews) at CX Nationals, January 2014.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

Andrew (Andy) Hood (VeloNews and much more).  Photo from his @Eurohoody

I figure many of us walk the dog, or wait to pick up the kids, or sit on the porch in the evening with a glass of wine, or need to fill our commuter drive time to the office with something fun to listen to. I've been listening to the podcasts during my daily floor exercises, truth. Why not take our eyes off the smart phones and listen to a jam-packed educational entertaining friendly American podcast.

I hope you enjoyed your rest day. Tomorrow back at it: TOUR DE FRANCE

p.s., and wouldn't you know it, I went to pull up The Telegraph Cycling Podcast to have a listen for the day and their guests are Andy Hood and Matthew Beaudin! Well that was fast, I asked for it and I got it, except the Americans are on the British podcast (well actually they renamed The Telegraph podcast to VeloNews podcast - tricky).

World-class startlist forming for Tour of California

2014 Amgen Tour of California

If you are a fan of cycling and live anywhere near California, even if you don't live anywhere near California - go to the tour this year. The race is amassing quite the collection of riders.

It was officially announced today that Mark Cavendish is returning to California after an absence of 4 years! The last time Cavendish raced in California was 2010 when he was wearing that yellow and white Highroad muscle jersey. That's a long time in a cycling fan's world.

Who else is racing at the Tour of California - oh it only gets better: Peter Sagan, Jens Voigt, Bradley Wiggins, Matthew Busche, Laurens Ten Dam, Lawson Craddock, Joe Dombrowski, Peter Stetina, Christian Knees, John Degenkolb, Ted King, Haimar Zubeldia, Taylor Phinney, Jasper Stuyven, Tom Danielson, Rohan Dennis and more.
 
Final rider startlist for ATOC to be released very soon, preliminary startlist by ProCycling Stats.

Meanwhile the teams were announced:

WorldTour teams racing at the 2014 Amgen Tour of California:
BMC
Belkin
Cannondale
Giant-Shimano
Garmin Sharp
Trek Factory Racing,
Omega Pharma-QuickStep
Orica-GreenEdge
Team Sky

Domestic Pro Continental teams:
UnitedHealthcare
Team Novo Nordisk
German Team NetApp-Endura 

Continental:
Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home
Jelly Belly (team of US Pro champion Fred Rodriguez)
Bissell Development Team

I will be there!

I know, didn't you just read that I was attending the Grande Partenza of the Giro d'Italia in Belfast this year? That is correct, but that won't keep me from returning to California to catch the last three stages of the tour this year. I even got approval for photo credentials, which I am thrilled about. I love love the Tour of California, it's the best holiday of the year.

I have already updated and started adding to my annual TOUR OF CALIFORNIA Pedal Dancer Fan Guide Page. More information coming, of course.

Want to see some photos from last year? Or do you just want to see a picture of Mark Cavendish in that muscle jersey?

Okay, Mark it is, circa 2010 in Los Angeles, California.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Come on, we can't talk Amgen Tour of California without a photo of Peter Sagan - he is like the Grand Marshall of the race. But Mark Cavendish is returning to the golden state to challenge this young wheelie popping sprinter.

Peter Sagan in Escondido, California, 2013.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

And then there is crowd favorite Jens Voigt

Jensie making the day of yet another happy fan in Snowmass, Colorado, 2013.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Ted King - Mr. Personality (Recommended Reading: TED King on what not to say)

Podium Girl Allison Steinkamp and Ted King having fun on the sign-in stage in Murieta, California, 2013.   Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

One of my favorites - Jasper Stuyven, now on the Trek team, will be returning to California.

Jasper Stuyven in Escondido, California, 2013.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Who are your favorites, chances are good they will be racing in California 21 days from today. Of course any rider racing in the Giro will not be in California, preliminary startlist for the 2014 Giro d'Italia by ProCycling Stats. 

Read more about the race at TOUR OF CALIFORNIA or on the official website http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Read more about the GIRO ďITALIA

Recommended Viewing: How The Race Was Won – USA Pro Challenge 2013

The quirky humor and commentary of Cosmo at Cyclocosm

Video:  How The Race Was Won – USA Pro Challenge 2013

And a second one for a quick view - the excitement inside those team buses.
Video: Long transfer in RV, by Ted King

Recommended Reading: TED King on what not to say

Read: GooOOOOoooOOooOOooo Team! By Ted King

Professional cyclist Ted King (Canndondale) wrote a funny piece today (well technically really late last night) on what NOT to say to a pro rider during a race as a fan. He brings up some very good, but mostly humorous, points.

His choice of topic, written while out on the wide-open roads of the Tour of Utah this week, reminds me of this post I wrote from the Tour of California is 2012. You are looking good

excerpt from my post:

Careful what you say, a rider could be listening
The riders can hear what we say to them as they pass by, and we do not need to be screaming for them to hear. Yesterday a miffed Mark Cavendish tweeted from the Giro about the fan he heard say "ooh, Cav is in trouble!"

Rabobank Team Physician Dion van Bommel told me a funny story relayed to him from Robert Gesink (NED) after Gesink's brutal climb for the win up Mt Baldy in Stage7. Robert told the Team Doctor, “This fan yelled out “Looking good” - I was suffering! I could not have been looking good,” Robert said. Together Robert and the doctor chuckled in amazement at the silliness of the American fan.

That fan could have been me, maybe that fan was you? Think about it the next time you are screaming in a rider's face - what you say might matter.

GoooOOOoooOOooooo ... You are looking Good!

Buy your new Ted King King of the Road jersey today. These are fresh off the press. Ted promotes the jersey here - Toto - We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

It comes with its own bottle of real maple syrup in the back pocket (not really a real bottle of real maple syrup).

Photo by someone with Ted King

Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Riders in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge

Official Startlist of Riders Announced

Who will be racing? Some of the best, and certainly some of your favorites.

Froome, Porte, Dombrowski, Sagan x2, Voigt, Schleck, VandeVelde, van Garderen, King x2, Talansky, Rogers, Sutherland, Duggan, Millar, Danielson, Zabriskie, Zirbel, Rodriguez.

This is certainly the year to travel to see the pro race in Colorado! You will see the returning 2012 Champion Christian VandeVelde compete against the recent winner of the Tour de France - Chris Froome. This is Chris Froome's first time racing in Colorado with his team SKY and he brings with him his trusty side-kicks Richie Porte (The Tasmanian Devil) and Peter Kennaugh. Defending Best Young Rider Joe Dombrowski (one of the best climbers in the field) will join SKY in Colorado.

All the jersey winners from last year are returning except for Tyler Farrar from team Garmin-Sharp, who won the green sprint jersey last year. Instead we will have the good fortune of watching recent Tour de France green jersey winner, Peter Sagan, sprint for the line in Steamboat Springs and Denver, Colorado, and maybe a few other stages - if the breakaway is caught. Peter's older brother Juraj Sagan is also on the roster for Cannondale Pro Cycling.

Jens Voigt is back in Colorado to thrill the fans, and guess who is leading the posse of RadioShack-Leopard-Trek riders - Andy Schleck. Andy is team leader for the USA Pro Challenge in 2013. Andreas Kloden (Germany) returns, he was here last year and came in 4th. They are joined by Ben King (USA), George Bennett (NZL), Hayden Roulston (NZL), Tony Gallopin (FRA), Tiago Machado (POR).

Australian Rory Sutherland (winner of the Flagstaff Stage in 2012) returns this year, but on his new Saxo-Tinkoff team. He will race for fellow Aussie and team leader Michael Rogers. Tejay van Garderen, Andrew Talansky, Tom Danielson, David Millar, Timmy Duggan, Lucas Euser - are all names you will recognize from last year.

New to the race, wearing a shinny new American National Champion Road Jersey covered in red, white and blue jelly beans, is Freddie Rodriguez. His team Jelly Belly missed out on 2012, but are back for 2013. The incredible COLUMBIA team returns in 2013 to once again wow us all with their climbing skills. And the Bontrager Cycling Team returns with their young squad of very talented riders.

Ted King (Cannondale) is coming! Let's give him a huge welcome back from his injury at the Tour de France. David Zabriskie is on the team Garmin-Sharp roster, I am super excited to see him back from his injury at the Tour of California. Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), from Belgium, just won Stage 1 of the Tour of Utah yesterday - he will be racing in Colorado as well.

At the start line in Breckenridge  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

There are 16 teams; 8 riders per team. 128 riders representing 31 countries.

6 current National Champions Road - Fred Rodriguez (USA), Hayden Roulsten (NZL), Luis Enrique Lemus (MEX), Michael Olsson (SWE), Michael Schär (SUI) and Peter Sagan (SLO).

2 current National Champions Time Trial - Tom Zirbel (USA), and Kanstantsin Siutsou (Belarus).

The preliminary complete startlist for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge pro race in Colorado:

UCI ProTeams

BMC Racing Team (USA) @BMCProTeam
Tejay van Garderen (USA)
Stephen Cummings (GBR)
Mathias Frank (SUI)
Michael Schär (SUI)
Greg Van Avermaet (BEL)
Lawrence Warbasse (USA)
Julien Taramarcaz (SUI)
Brent Bookwalter (USA)

Cannondale Pro Cycling (ITA) @cannondalePro
Peter Sagan (SVK)
Damiano Caruso (ITA)
Alessandro de Marchi (ITA)
Edward King (USA)
Nariyuki Masuda (JPN)
Fabio Sabatini (ITA)
Juraj Sagan (SVK)
Davide Villella (ITA)

RadioShack Leopard Trek (LUX) @RSLT
Andy Schleck (LUX)
Ben King (USA)
George Bennett (NZL)
Tony Gallopin (FRA)
Andreas Klöden (GER)
Tiago Machado (POR)
Hayden Roulston (NZL)
Jens Voigt (GER)

Sky Procycling (GBR) @TeamSky
Christopher Froome (GBR)
Richie Porte (AUS)
Joshua Edmonson (GBR)
Ian Boswell (USA)
Joseph Lloyd Dombrowski (USA)
Peter Kennaugh (GBR)
Danny Pate (USA)
Kanstantsin Siutsou (BLR)

Team Argos-Shimano (NED) @1t4i
Patrick Gretsch (GER)
Thomas Damuseau (FRA)
Simon Geschke (GER)
Tann Huguet (FRA)
Tobias Ludvigsson (SWE)
Luka Mezgec (SLO)
Michael Olsson (SWE)
Nikodemus Holler (GER)

Team Garmin-Sharp (USA) @Ride_Argyle
Christian Vande Velde (USA)
Thomas Danielson (USA)
Thomas Dekker (NED)
Rohan Dennis (AUS)
David Millar (GBR)
Lachlan David Morton (AUS)
Andrew Talansky (USA)
David Zabriskie (USA)

Team Saxo-Tinkoff (DEN) @TeamSaxoTinkoff
Michael Rogers (AUS)
Anders Lund (DEN)
Bruno Pires (POR)
Christopher Juul Jensen (DEN)
Jay McCarthy (AUS)
Rory Sutherland (AUS)
Timothy Duggan (USA)
Jesper Hansen (DEN)

UCI Professional Continental Teams

Champion System Pro Cycling Team (CHN) @TeamChampionSys
Chad Beyer (USA)
Gang Xu (CHN)
Gregory Brenes Obando (CRC)
Chris Butler  (USA)
Craig Lewis (USA)
Ryota Nishizono (JPN)
Chun Kai Feng (TPE)
Ying Hon Yeung (HKG)

UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA) @UHCprocycling
Lucas Euser (USA)
Alessandro Bazzana (ITA)
Jonathan Clarke (AUS)
Benjamin Day (AUS)
Philip Deignan (IRL)
Christopher Jones (USA)
Jeffry Louder (USA)
Kiel Reijnen (USA)

Team Novo Nordisk (USA) @TeamNovoNordisk
Fabio Calabria (AUS)
Javier Megias Leal (ESP)
David Lozano Riba (ESP)
Joonas Henttala (FIN)
Martijin Verschoor (NED)
Andrea Peron (ITA)
Kevin de Mesmaeker (BEL)
Christopher Williams (AUS)

COLOMBIA (COL) @Col_Coldeportes
Edwin Alcibiades Avila Vanegas (COL)
Julio Alexis Camacho Bernal (COL)
Robinson Eduardo Chalapud Gomez (COL)
Marco Corti (ITA)
Fabio Andres Duarte Arevalo (COL)
Jarlinson Pantano (COL)
Michael Rodriguez Galindo (COL)

UCI Continental Teams

Bissell Pro Cycling (USA) @BissellCycling
Phil Gaimon (USA)
Jason McCartney (USA)
Jeremy Vennell (NZL)
Christopher Baldwin (USA)
Jonathan Patrick McCarty (USA)
Carter   Jones (USA)
Michael Torckler (NZL)
Kirk Carlsen (USA)

Bontrager Cycling Team (USA) @BontragerCT
Nathan Brown (USA)
Lawson Craddock (USA)
Antoine Duchesne (CAN)
Ryan Eastman (USA)
Connor O'Leary (USA)
James Oram (NZL)
Tanner Putt (USA)
Nathan Wilson (USA)

Optum Presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA) @OPTUMpbKBS
Alexander Candelario (USA)
Marsh Cooper (CAN)
Jesse Anthony (USA)
Michael Friedman (USA)
Tom Zirbel (USA) - American National Champion Time Trial
Thomas Soladay (USA)
Ryan Anderson (CAN)
Ken Hanson (USA)

Jelly Belly p/b Kenda (USA) @JellyBellyTeam
Fred Rodriguez (USA) - American National Champion Road
Morgan Schmitt (USA)
Ian Burnett (USA)
Alex Hagman (USA)
Serghei Tvetcov (MDA)
Sean Mazich (USA)
Luis Lemus (MEX)
Nic Hamilton (CAN)

Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home (USA) @TeamJamisHB
Janier Alexis Acevedo Calle (COL)
Juan José Haedo (ARG)
Matt Cooke (USA)
Tyler Wren (USA)
Carson Miller (USA)
Luis Romero Amaran (CUB)
James Driscoll (USA)
Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA)

A great roster a riders

Jens Voigt wins Stage 4 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2012  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

Who is missing? You will notice missing from the startlist are Tyler Farrar, Peter Stetina, Jakob Fuglsang, Matthew Busche, Ivan Basso, Taylor Phinney, Damiano Caruso, Vincenzo Nibali, Cadel Evans and others. Where George Hincapie retired last year, and Leiv Leipheimer did not sign with a team for 2013, these riders are occupied racing other races as assigned by their teams and will not be in Colorado. They miss out on great roads, fantastic hotels, and incredible fan support!

This race is a big deal

I like quotes, and especially quotes from the race owner and the man that makes all of this possible - Rick Schaden, so I will share Rick's comments included in the official press release this morning announcing the teams: 

“The diverse field of cycling stars participating in the USA Pro Challenge presents an opportunity to celebrate the sport of cycling on a global scale,”

“As the race continues to grow, we are seeing increasing enthusiasm from both the fans and the riders, and these impressive rosters are a testament to that.”

“The USA Pro Challenge is quickly becoming a globally recognized leader in cycling. Having the 2013 winner of the Tour de France is evidence of this race’s stature.”

A message from Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge:

“This competitive level of the field for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge is by far one of the best that has ever raced on American soil,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “Chris Froome swept headlines last month after winning the Tour de France and to have on the start line for the USA Pro Challenge will be amazing. The competition this year should be faster and tougher than ever.”

Tom Danielson on Independence Pass in 2012    ©Photo by Mike for PedalDancer®

Now would be the time to make those reservations to come to Colorado!

Stages for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge include:
Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 19 – Aspen/Snowmass Circuit
Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 20 – Aspen/Snowmass to Breckenridge
Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 21 – Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs
Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 22 – Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek
Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 23 – Vail Individual Time Trial
Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 24 – Loveland to Fort Collins
Stage 7: Sunday, Aug. 25 – Denver Circuit

Joe Dombrowksi in Aspen in 2012.  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

Looking back at the race in 2012  - who won:

2012 Final General Classification
1  Christian VandeVelde (GARMIN-SHARP) 25:57:34
2   Tejay van Garderen (BMC RACING) + 0:21
3   Levi Leipheimer (OMEGA PHARMA-QUICKSTEP) + 0:24
4   Andreas Kloden (RADIOSHACK-NISSAN) + 1:08
5   Janez Brajkovic (ASTANA) + 1:14
6   Jakob Fuglsang (RADIOSHACK-NISSAN) + 1:24
7   Thomas Danielson (GARMIN-SHARP) + 1:28
8   Matthew Busche (RADIOSHACK-NISSAN) + 1:32
9   Peter Stetina (GARMIN-SHARP) + 1:39
10 Joe Donbrowski (BONTRAGER) + 1:40
* Joe Dombrowski now rides for SKY Procycling

2012 Jersey Winners

Yellow (Overall) - Christian VandeVelde
Green (Sprint) - Tyler Farrar
Red (Mountain) - Jens Voigt
Blue (Young) - Joe Dombrowski

Jens Voigt racing through City Park in Denver in 2012   ©Photo by Laurie Valaer for PedalDancer®

Related posts by Pedal Dancer®: Organization Behind the Race

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.

California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California

Pedal Dancer Cruising California - at the race

Stage 3: Tuesday, May 14 – Palmdale to Santa Clarita
2013 ATOC Stage 3: route map, profile, and stage information

Stage Length: 110.4 miles

KEY FEATURES: The race entered San Francisquito Canyon, with a 22-mile climb up Lake Hughes Road and a gradual 18-mile descent down Spunky Canyon and Bouquet Road, followed by a field sprint into Santa Clarita as expected.  

Stage 3 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

STAGE 3 STORIES

Peter Sagan won Stage 3 in a glorious sprint, see the results, standing and photos of Peter Sagan here: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results.

I took a break from chasing the tour today to be with family. California is my home state, I grew up in southern California in Rancho Palos Verdes. This is the state were my family still resides so I have been chasing the race half the time and visiting with family half the time in Orange County and Ventura County. My family are huge fans of cycling as well and today we shared some good food, good wine, and watched the race together on TV. 

I believe in a quality rest day as a fan. Even when we chase races in Europe, we allow for breaks to enjoy family, friends, culture, food and a peaceful rest day in between attending stages. Same goes for chasing races in the USA, a little time away makes the heart grow fonder. By now, I admit - I miss Ted King, I'm ready to go back.

Ted King  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Recommended Reading: 

Read On The Road Again with Matthew Busche of team RadioShack Leopard Trek, who wrote on his personal blog about the brutal day of Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California. Please read: The Tramway of Heat

On this Pedal Dancer® rest day, I would like to share some previously written Pedal Dancer interest stories that you might enjoy.  

Educational topics for fans

• Word of the Day: Dossard 
• Word of the Day: voiture balai 

Faces and legs at the race

• Who is Peter Sagan?
• Time Trial legs
• The fans want Podium Girls? 
• Jens Voigt on the Podium
• Who is that voice on stage? 
• You are looking good (one for Jens who has asked the fans "not to yell" at him, (which from his side is like screaming), but joked that pushing is ok, (not really))

Teams and Team Equipment

• What pedals do the pros use?
• 2012 Time Trial Bikes (to get you psyched for Friday's ITT) 
• 2013 Pro Teams, and team links 
• ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Bikes, Components, Wheels, Tires  
• ProTeam Equipment 2013 - Pedals, Saddles, Clothing, Helmets

Or catch up on the Pedal Dancer crew's journeys at the tour - news and photos from Stage 1, 2, 3:

• Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results 
• California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
• Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
• California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
• Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results 
• California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California

Enjoy your reading assignments. I will be traveling to Santa Barbara tomorrow for Stages 4 and 5. See you there!  Read my travel post about Santa Barbara, California: California Here I come

If you haven't looked over Willie Reichenstein's photos at the race, please see: Photos of Stage 1 and photos of Stage 2. 

FAN TIP: Anyone going to the remaining stages of the Amgen Tour of California, please buy goods and food from any business welcoming cycling fans. A great big Thanks to the individuals who volunteer and work in the Host Cities who extend a warm welcome to tourists. Thank you!

TOMORROWS STAGE 4

Stage 4 : Route Map  |  Route Profile  |  timetable  |  Santa Clarita spectators

Stage 4: Wednesday, May 15 – Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara
2013 ATOC Stage 4: route map, profile, and stage information
Start Location: Theater Drive and Town Center
Finish Location: Cabrillo Blvd.
Start Time: 12:30 p.m.
Stage Length: 83.6 miles
PEDAL DANCER FAN TRAVEL GUIDE: California Here I come
CITY HIGHLIGHT:  Route & City information about Santa Clarita 
CITY HIGHLIGHT:  Route & City information about Santa Barbara
LOCAL CYCLING ROUTES: biking near Santa Barbara 
KEY FEATURES: This route was done previously in reverse, the first 33 miles are basically downhill, followed by a 9-mile climb to a KOM and a technical descent of Dennison Grade, followed by a sprint in Ojai, a climb up Casitas Pass and a flat fast finish along the beach into beautiful Santa Barbara.

Stage 4 ATOC 2013, (zoom in on route map and profile)

Looking Back at Pedal Dancer at the Tour of California 2013

Pedal Dancer Stage 1 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 1 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 1 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 1, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 2 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 2 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 2, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 3 Results 
Pedal Dancer Stage 3 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 3, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 4 Results
Pedal Dancer Stage 4 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 4, Tour of California
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 5 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 5 highlights: California Cruisin' - Stage 5, Tour of California 
Pedal Dancer Stage 6 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 6 results
Pedal Dancer Stage 7 results: Amgen Tour of California - Stage 7 results