Southern California Prestige Series of Cyclocross, presented by Spy Optic
SCPS 17: Santa Cross Weekend

Photos: Kenneth Hill

Griffith Park hosted the 2-day cross-centric-bicycle festival the Southern California Prestige Series, (SCPS) called Santa Cross. With many years of Santa Cross events nothing came close to this two-day weekend of fantastic racing, advocacy, family (pets included), fun, and friends.

The course was a challenging bringing the longest climb the series has ever seen. It was a one-minute plus pulse pounding grind from the road of the start finish to the top of the park where racers made a long sweeping left back down through the winding grass/dirt sections of the park. And, along this path racers twisted back up punchy climbs that included multiple small six-inch barriers, risky twisting woodchip sections, and the man made Spy Optic, SPY Pit.

Day 1, Saturday, brought early morning rains but it dried out for some perfect cross racing. The grass seemed to have some slick sections that challenged riders but the Hero Dirt was so gripping riders were carving turns like super bike racers, or maybe that was just the Bostrom brothers. The competitors’ battles were exciting all day but, especially the Fixed Gear Championship of SoCal, with the expected winner tattoo on the line. This was a special race brought by Orange 20 and Team Cadence who came out in force to help set up a fun course full of obstacles.

Fixed Gear Championships:Brian Comer (Acua AL2/SDBC) could have raced the some super master’s event but instead brought out his fixed machine to brave the hilly Griffith Park course, showing the crowds and competitors that we are never too old to have fun. While Comer was off the start first with his senior head start discount, it was Austin Horse (Redbull/Oakley) and Hernan Montenegro (Mash) who crushed the first climb ahead of the field to descend into the park.

There was a lot of fantastic riding going on from all competitors whether they decided to ride with or without brakes and actual cross tires or other forms of fixed specialties. Regardless, the skids on course were enough to make people cheer, along with the spring loaded pedal dismounts.

By the second lap Horse had shown who was going to win as he rode himself away from the competition. In second it was Montenegro who controlled the course without brakes and third was Peter Brandenburg.

Elite Women:Turner, Turner Turner! Christine Probert-Turner (The Team SoCalCross) crushed the race from the start showing her form as she continues to get stronger this season. The chase was the Cynergy Bicycles women Julia LaFranchise and Jenna Jammer Kowalski. The two worked hard and separated themselves with Turner away from the field but by the end of lap two it was obvious Turner was going to ride away with the win.

LaFranchise and Jammer went back and forth but towards the end some mistakes allowed LaFranchise to ride in for 2nd. Jammer was a solid 3rd, with Nicole Brandt (LA Velocity) 4th, and Kate Wilson (Connie Cycling) to grab the final podium spot.

Elite Men:The men shot up the hill with Ted Willard (SGD/Felt p.b. iRT) taking the holeshot and leading into the descent. Three turns in Willard crashed in the slick grass where his teammate Jason Siegle took the lead for the remainder of the descent and into the small barrier section. There Siegle bobbled hopping the barriers and riders instantly shot ahead. Gary Douville SGD/Felt p.b. iRT) and Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Focus) came around Siegle to take the lead. Douville was quick to snap around the corner and continued the teams control through lap one.

Siegle had to work his way back to the front group with Gareth Feldstein (Ritte Racing) and others in the chase. The pace was hard and riders were falling apart quickly with the crushing climb. On the third lap Douville went down on the slick grass descent and Prenzlow was away solo with a small gap back to the chase. He was ridding strong and the chase was changing riders as they were getting closer to the leader.

Then with three to go Ben Bostrom (Sho-Air) started to close the gap leaving the chase group and continuing to gain on Prenzlow. Douville and teammate Anton Petrov were close to Bostrom and rode themselves away from others, also looking for the leader.

With two laps to go Bostrom was on Prenzlow’s wheel and still riding hard. Douville and Petrov were back about 15 seconds then the leaders attacked the climbs again to open more ground. After the Spy Pit Prenzlow lead into the mulchy woodchip section but then Bostrom came around with his two wheel handling skills sneaking by to lead into the final lap.

The last lap the Prenzlow and Bostrom punished eachother up the climb and through the lap and it was Bostrom who rode to his first win of the season. 3rd was Douville, with Petrov 4th, and the winners brother Eric Bostrom (Sho-Air) who continued to move up in the group all day for 5th.

Day 2, Sunday, brought more overnight showers and then the skies took a break to present nothing but sun. It was another perfectly cool SoCal winter race with more epic course conditions. The fixed gear championships were done which left the team gift relay race, K9 costume extravaganza, along with a lot more fantastic Santa Cross racing, thanks to the help of Universal Cycles.

Elite women:The women flew up the start and were eying each other for position as the previous days top winner was not in the field. And, leading down the descent it was the birthday girl Hannah Rae Finchamp (The Team SoCalCross) with Amanda Schaper (Ritte Racing) and the rest of the chase in tow.

Finchamp looked strong was excited about her lead because the girl was not slowing down. Schaper worked hard but the junior having her sweet sixteen was dancing up the hills away from the women. As Schaper and Nicole Brandt (The Team SoCalCross) could not close the gap Finchamp continued to open they faded back. Then Dorothy Wong (The Team SoCalCross) moved her way up in the group to eventually take control of the chase.

Finchamp in the end rolled in for her best birthday ever and first elite win. Her teammates Wong and Brandt were 2nd and 3rd, with Schaper just behind in 4th. And, 5th it was Mandy Melcher who took the final podium spot.

Elite men:The men finally hit the course for the last race of the weekend. The fresh legs of the Gritter’s brothers Brandon and Kyle (Rock N’ Road) took a commanding lead around the top of the course and into lap one. Quickly, the brothers and Jason Siegle gapped themselves off the chase leading into lap two.

It was John Bailey (Bailey Bikes) and Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Focus) who controlled the chase. On lap two the brothers lead through the descent and a small mistake by Brandon Gritters allowed Siegle to sneak up to second wheel. Then by the time the riders hit the small barriers Siegle pulled the move used on him the day before and he attacked hopping past Kyle Gritters to take the lead. Coming through the start finish and into the climb of lap three he held a eight-second gap on the brothers.

The whole field was chasing hard and it seemed like a matter of time until things would reform and settle in for different tactics later in the race. However, Siegle was holding his gap and in some sections of the course continuing to gain room. Halfway through it was the same, the brothers charging hard after Siegle and Bailey leading the chase of Prenzlow and now Anton Petrov (SDG/Felt p.b. iRT) as others had faded back from the pace.

With one to go Siegle was still off the front with a gap that was between 15-20 seconds most of the lap as he happily took his second win of the season and an early gift from Santa. 2nd was Brandon Gritters with his work horse Kyle Gritters 3rd. Prenzlow and Petrov eventually came around Bailey to take 4th and 5th and finishing another strong day of racing.

It was a fun weekend for rounds 17 and 18 of the SoCal Prestige Series with lots of action and shenanigans. The series takes a break with the approaching holidays and will resume December 31, New Years Eve for round 19 in Irvine, California.

For more information go to: www.socalcross.org

Southern California Prestige Series of Cyclocross presented by SPY Optic
SCPS #12: Cambria Cross – West Coast Collegiate Racing

The SLO-Nexus cycling club hosted the final race in the northern region of the Southern California PRESTIGE SERIES of Cyclocross presented by Spy Optic The day was superb with cool crisp yet sunny conditions. The race in Cambria was also known as San Luis Obispo (SLO) Cross #2. Race #1 was held at El Chorro Regional Park in SLO. It also hosted a West Coast Collegiate CX race not seen since Irvine a few years ago. Hope to see more WCCC CX races in the future!
Also regarded as the Central Coast region, San Luis Obispo grew into the Prestige Series as USA Cycling’s local Association (SCNCA) region covers San Diego to San Luis Obispo to Nevada. Next Sunday’s Prestige Series race in Glendale will also be the SCNCA District CX Championships hosted by PAA Pasadena Athletic Association, Montrose Bike Shop and The TEAM SoCalCross. A great opportunity to get all in the region together for bragging rights to wear the Bear!
This weekend was supposed to be another double header but with the loss of Convert Cross this weekend it became for many a choice between racing, relaxing, heading up to SFO for Single Speed Worlds and.or all of the above for some. Coast Union High School in Cambria made for a good choice for a cross race with large baseball fields allowing for tricky turns and power grass straights then the route took riders off the field for dirt track that tested riders skills bunny hops, steep climbs, tight turns and a steep run up back to the grass meandering riders back to the start for another loop. The baseball diamond making racers and spectators ‘cross-eyed’ as it looked like racers were literally riding in circles. Good times and great vibes from the morning until sunset including a catered BBQ lunch. All were treated to a great day of racing in Cambria!
The highlights of the day was certainly the Men’s B race with young Junior, Sean McElroy (Team Block) breaking up the men’s field on the first lap and never looking back for a solid win and his second race of the day in which he won the Junior race commandingly.
The elite Women’s race was led out by Trina Baumsteiger (Rambuski Law) setting the pace and stringing out the field from the start. Coming back from a gnarly crash the weekend before – powerful rider Ellen Sherrill (Bike Aptos) took a spill at the barriers allowing for riders to get past. Dot Wong (The TEAM SoCalCross) and Mary Ellen Ash (Bike 101 HRS Rock Lobster) stayed together for the entire race with Wong powering away on the last lap to take 2nd and Ash 3rd.
In the elite Men’s race, the group strung out but a solid front group of 6 stayed together for most of the race. The short course kept the top elite men out there for 12 laps=12xover the barriers, 12xup the run up and a great opportunity to practice CX skills. Finally the race broke apart with Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific-Focus), Jason Siegle (SDG/Felt p.b. iRT Wheels), John Behrens and John Bailey (Bailey Bikes) staying together. On the last lap Brent put his power down and drove ahead to gap Siegle and Behrens who finished 2nd and 3rd on the day. John Bailey held on for 4th and it was an exciting sprint finish for the last podium spot between Chris Jackson (Rambuski Law) and Gary Douville (SDG/Felt p.b. iRT Wheels) with Chris Jackson taking the photo finish sprint.

Southern California Prestige Series of Cyclocross presented by SPY Optic…
SCPS #11: Velocity Cross… a Shimano CACX Rankings Race for Championship Showdown in Bakersfield 1.21-22.2012!

November is California Cyclocross Championships (CACX) rankings month presented by Shimano. Each region, Southern and Northern California, will bring rankings points for starting positions to the Nor Cal-So Cal Showdown and end of season finale in January 21 and 22, 2012 in Bakersfield. Southern California has bragging rights after last year’s event and committed So Cal Crossers lined up this weekend in Chino to earn their SoCal rankings at Velocity Cross. Nor Cal’s Stafford Lake CX race last week earned rankings and each region’s District Championship race along with last year’s winners will bring the best from each region North and South to the $10,000 showdown in Bakersifeld, CA 1/21-22/2012.

The Velocity Cycling Club worked hard with series promoters to bring another fantastic course to the series at Prado Regional Park in Chino, CA less than 40 miles from Downtown LA for the second year in a row. It was predominantly a grass course, with some loose dirt sections through the baseball infields, and road start/finish stretch. The course had a fun mixture of off camber turns, uphill sections including the Spy Stairs, and Shimano Barrier sections. The biggest challenge were the numerous sloggy grass sections aways from Saturday’s rain that did not allow for much rest and proved best for the strongest riders each race.

Elite Women:
Tri-athlete Heather Jackson (K-Swiss) got a little cross bug after a weekend of racing in San Diego two weeks ago and came out to Chino this week motivated and riding strong. Jackson weaved her way to the front to set the pace which split the field immediately and it looked like Christina Probert-Turner (The TEAM SoCalCross-Turner) was the only rider able to challenge as the two got a gap half-way through the first lap.

The chase, just seconds behind, was led by Junior Hannah Finchcamp (The TEAM SoCalCross) returning after a could weeks rest from winning the X-Terra World Championships, but as they came to Spy hill the second wheel, Julie LaFranchise (Cynergy) went down. Amanda Schaper (Ritte Racing) and others moved quickly around to join Finchamp again in the chase. Then on the last part of the first lap there were more crashes as the group snaked through the trees, taking the front of the chase group including Schaper and Anna Fortner out of the race. Jenna Jammer Kowalski (Cynergy) snuck through the carnage and to lead the chase.

The second lap made the race and things began to calm down. Jackson kept charging hard on the front and put in the fastest women’s lap of the day, riding away from all others to eventually solo in for the win. Turner stayed away from the chase group as well to take 2nd. And after some back and forth action the emergent junior Finchcamp rode away from Jammer for 3rd. 4th was Jammer and 5th went to birthday girl and super promoter Dorothy Wong (The Team SoCal Cross).

Elite Men:
Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pcific/Focus) lead down the starting stretch of pavement, but was passed by Brandon Gritters (Rock N Road) as racers entered the grass. Then a couple minutes into the lap Gritters messed up a turn and Prenzlow lead the rest of lap one. The front group was pretty large coming through lap one as riders where waiting for a big attack.

After a few laps it started to shake down. John Behrens (Bailey Bikes) got to the front, Kyle Gritters (Rock N Road), B. Gritters, Gary Douville (SDG/Felt p.b. Irt), and Prenzlow were off to make up the front group. Douville began to let up a bit and Prenzlow had to go around to stay in the front. This lead four established themselves for the next few laps.
After Behrens pulled for a couple laps, K. Gritters took over working for brother B. Gritters. John Bailey (Bailey Bikes) was chasing solo with Jason Siegle (SDG/Felt p.b.Irt) just behind him. The leaders stayed together and with three laps to go Bailey was fading back and Seigle moved up to within fifteen seconds of the front group. With two laps to go K. Gritters lead until his chain dropped. Behrens took over the front, followed by B.Gritters and Prenzlow. Siegle was very close behind alone, but couldn’t get on.

On the final lap, Behrens who was riding impressively strong lead, Prenzlow was watching closely. 1/2 lap to go and B. Gritters passed on the right before the Spy steps and Prenzlow then countered to pass on the left. They quickly remounted and on the off camber Prenzlow went low with more speed and passed Gritters. Prenzlow come out of an off camber 180 degree corner and sprinted, he took the next 2 corners max, and attacked again to get a gap. He applied one more little sprint past the pits and nailed the S-turn through the trees. It was just enough to hold a six second lead to the finish straight. B. Gritters held off Behrens for 2nd. Siegle was alone in 4th, and Kyle recovered to take 5th.

It was some exciting action again in Chino as many groups in the series continue to see different winners each week. A sign that shows the competition is growing and the training riders are putting in this year. With riders now halfway through their season, now is the time to get focused. The Southern California (SCNCA) District Championships take place Sunday November 27 in Glendale – Turkey Trot Cross! Next week the series heads back to the central coast, Cambria, for the last of the central coast events this year and the first West Coast Collegiate Cycling race since Irvine in 2008.

Southern California Prestige Series of Cyclocross presented by SPY Optic
SCPS #8: SPYclocross

The Southern California Prestige series headed south towards the border this past weekend for double days of racing in San Diego. The Saturday event was created by the series’ presenting sponsor, Spy Optic, and hosted by Ranchos Cycling along with Team SPY-Blue. Everyone came together to put forward an event to benefit the San Dieguito river park’s open space and multi-use trails.

Along with raising money for the open space Spy wanted a fun event that would challenge competitors. They explained it best, “it’s a crusty 2.5km, spectator-friendly, all-dirt course that’s fast and furious, difficult and delirious, with downhill sections of varying speed and width, tight sandy turns, a unique “beach” section that runs along the shore of Lake Hodges, a sandpit and long, steady uphill sections with agonizingly placed barriers. This course will challenge every muscle in your body, every cubic inch of your lungs, and we’ll see just how good you are at handling your bike. Somewhere in the mix of it all you will realize just how much fun pain and suffering can be… it doesn’t hurt that there is a strategically placed beer garden where you can sit and imbibe glorious malt beverages while watching others suffer over much of the course or you can hike to the top of a nearby hill and see the entire course.” And, it was exactly that.

Elite Women:
The women pedaled out on the crusty course into the first set of right turns. It was The Team SoCal Cross’ own Christina Probert-Turner, (CPT) with the hole shot and Allison Mann (Rock N Road) close behind. First time cross racer and pro triathlete Heather Jackson joined the mix and the rest filed in as the women set out on course.

By the far-end of the course Mann took the lead before entering the first chicane. By the time the women came through the sandy beach section it was obvious Mann had the race won. Jackson was making moves and chasing down Mann but an unfortunate flat gave CPT an opportunity to monopolize upon. CPT took 2nd, with a hungry Jackson 3rd, Dorothy Wong (The Team SoCal Cross) 4th, and teammate Nancy James-Klinger 5th.

Elite Men:
Four-time cyclocross national champion Steve Tilford (Tradewind Energy) came to town and showed his experience as he snatched the hole shot and set an amazing pace, putting down the fastest lap time of the day. Tilford’s effort split the elite men apart halfway through lap one. A group of five stayed with him and John Bailey (Bailey Bikes) was the first to counter Tilford as the front group was crushing the course.

The front group stayed in tact exchanging work and by the third lap John Behrens (Bailey Bikes) and Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Focus), who was in ninth after a bad start, caught their ways back on the lead group. Coming into the fourth lap Bailey and Chris Jackson (Rambuski Law) had both flatted and crashed putting them of the group. By the end of the lap Prenzlow attacked on the climb, Tilford was immediately on his wheel, and Behrens held in too. Brandon Gritters (Rock N Road), Phillip Tintsman (Masi) and Gary Douville (SDG/Felt p.b. Irt) faded back.

The next lap coming out of the sand steps, Tilford hit his knee on this stem (a knee he already he had an issue with), and had to pull out of the race. Behrens was the only one left of the group. Prenzlow rode Behrens off his wheel with 2 to go, and soloed in for the win. When the rest came in the top five were Behrens 2nd, Gritters 3rd, Tintsman 4th, and Douville 5th.

It was a fun day for a good cause thanks to Spy Optic and a great first day of racing as the SoCal Prestige Series headed deeper south day two for Adams Avenue Cyclocross event, part cross, part track, and tech fun.

Southern California Prestige Series of Cyclocross presented by SPY
SCPS #7: SLO Cross – El Chorro Regional Park

National Champions Taking the Series Lead

Day two of the California central coast events hit San Luis Obiso for the “SLO Town Throw Down.” The course was much more of a mixture of terrain from the previous days Dirt Club Cross. The course set in El Chorro park had a variety of dirt, grass, wood chips and sand with fast flowing descents. Some large holes/bumps made for some good technical additions to the course as riders had to avoid them to not crash or have catastrophic gear failure.

The morning was brilliant and the fog from Morrow Bay cleared out to be another sunny Southern California race. The single-speed race was a great race for the second day as there was another great battle between Stevenson (Spy Optic) and Alan Danger Zinniker (Ritte Racing). But, Stevenson gained a small gap because of his mountain biking skills and dominated the course.

Elite Women:
Ellen Sherrill (Bike Station) came out again hungry for another win. From the start it was Sherrill but Trina Baumsteiger (Rambuski Law) followed close looking to make a move on Sherrill as she lead the women out on course setting the pace for the second day of racing. Julia Lafranchise (Cynergy Cycles) led the chase as the two front ladies gained some space through lap one.

It wasn’t long until Sherrill, like the day before, rode off by herself to solo in for a repeat of the previous day. The race was for second became the real battle as the leader rode away for the win. Lafranchise rode back towards Baumsteiger with teammate Jenna Jammer Kowalski and Amanda Schaper (Ritte Racing) in tow.

By the second to last lap Baumsteiger had moved off the chase group to comfortably take 2nd. Lafranchise put her own gap between the group and rolled in for 3rd. Behind, it was SoCal Cross race promoter Dorothy Wong (The Team SoCal Cross) showing her experience to pass Kowalski and Schaper for 4th. Schaper who made a move through the sand to pass Kowalski rolled in to grab 5th.

Elite Men:
Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Focus), Chris Jackson (Rambuski Law) and Gary Douville (SDG/Felt p.b. IRT) were one, two, three out of the gate. A lap and one-half in to the race Douville made his move up the back road climb and gained about five seconds starting lap three.

John Behrens (Bailey Bikes) moved his way onto the front group and made his own attack to chase Douville leaving Jackson and Prenzlow working together. Douville led for a few more laps until his bars slipped and challenged his descending ability. Behrens took over the lead and his teammate John Bailey continued to move up after an unfortunate battle with a hole on lap one that put him down. Bailey brought Jackson up with him and the two worked to reach Behrens.

When the two connected to the front group there was one and one-half laps to go, Jackson instantly attacked with a big surge that split the group up for a lap. Then on the last lap Behrens worked back onto the group after Jacksons effort and he went for the attack. It was a good effort but countered by Jackson and Bailey. Douville slid out before the descent and could not pass Behrens once he was back. The group of four came flying into the last set of barriers before the last two turns of the race. Jackson sprinted it out to take an exciting win. Bailey was 2nd, Douville 3rd after he squeezed around Behrens in the final turns. John Behrns was 4th and Prenzlow was just off the front four to take 5th.

Jackson with the Win

It was a fun weekend of events for the Southern California Prestige Series as it joined the growing central coast cross scene. Next week follow the series south to San Diego for another two days of racing. First will be SPYclocross, Spy Optic’s title event and benefiting San Dieguito River Park. Day two will be hosted by Celo Pacific & Adams Avenue Bicycles at the San Diego Velodrome in Balboa Park, an always entertaining event with the Paris Roubiax style velodrome finishing lap.

For more information go to: www.socalcross.org

Results
Elite Women:
1. Ellen Sherrill (Bike Station)
2. Trina Baumsteiger (Rambuski Law)
3. Julia LaFranchise (Cynergy Cycles)
4. Dorothy Wong (The Team SOCal Cross)
5. Amanda Schaper (Ritte Racing)
6. Jenna “The Jammer” Kowalski (Cynergy Cycles)

Elite Men:
1. Chris Jackson (Rambuski Law)
2. John Bailey (Bailey Bikes)
3. Gary Douville (SDG/Felt p.b. Irt)
4. John Behrens (Bailey Bikes)
5. Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Focus)
6. David Forkner (SDG/Felt p.b. Irt)

Southern California Prestige Series of Cyclocross presented by SPY
SCPS #6: Dirt Club Cross

California Happy Cows Looking for a Race

After a fantastic weekend of UCI events the Southern California Prestige Series presented by Spy Optic headed north to Santa Ynez valley for race six of the series. Michael Hecker’s Dirt Club known for its mountain bike races was the host to its second ever cyclocross race and like the year before they put together a fun course of long straights, tight turns, and some technical twisting descents.

Saturday’s racing started off cool but things heated up quickly in the valley of vineyards. It was warm but a typical lovely sunny California weekend. The fields were loving the course and the rest area of spectators and local beers in Charlotte’s Meadow.

Elite Women:
Ellen Sherrill (Bike Station) traveling all the way from Lake Tahoe smashed her pedals down to take the hole shot and lead the women setting a hard pace. The rest of the field lined up chasing Sherrill but half way through the first lap as the women went over the log run up and down through the lose turns Sherrill looked over her shoulder to see her 15second gap that she monopolized on through the entire race.

In second Amanda Schaper (Ritte Racing) was chasing with the women close on her wheel but a slip through the lose corners, caused a spill that lost her position as two riders snuck past. With the group in chase of Sherrill the women of The TEAM made their moves and charged past.

With one lap to go Sherrill kept her lead with Dorothy Wong and teammate Nancy James (The Team SoCal Cross) charging for the line. In the end it was Sherrill who took the win with Wong 2nd, James 3rd, Schaper 4th, and Julia LaFranchise (Cynergy Cycles) 5th.

Elite Men:
The long starting straight went into a loose left turn where riders waded up and a small group formed on the front immediately. Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Focus) took the hole shot with Brandon Gritters (Rock N Road) second wheel and then Gary Douville (SDG/Felt p.b. IRT). Other riders rode their way back up behind the front three but the leaders made things hard early in the race.

Prenzlow lead out the first lap then Douville took charge on the second lap and he held it for two. Douville hopped the log run up gaining a few seconds off the front with each lap but by lap four Prenzlow attacked pulling Gritters up with him. Again, Prenzlow was on the front and led until David Forkner (SDG/Felt p.b. IRT) caught the front three. Instantly, Forkner attacked and it blew the front apart as Prenzlow and Gritters counter attacked to ride away from the SDG/Felt riders.

With two laps to go Gritters was able to open just enough of a gap to hold off the rest of the field and take the win. Prenzlow attacked the chase on the last lap to finish 2nd. Forkner was close behind Prenzlow for 3rd. John Bailey (Bailey Bikes) who dangled off the lead group all day put out some impressive late efforts to pass Douville for 4th and Douville was 5th.

A great day of racing at the Dirt Club was a perfect warm up for the double weekend of Central coast racing as the series went to San Luis Obispo, California Sunday.

Results
Elite Women
1. Ellen Sherrill (Bike Station)
2. Dorothy Wong (The Team SOCal Cross)
3. Nancy James (The Team SOCal Cross)
4. Amanda Schaper (Ritte Racing)
5. Julia LaFranchise (Cynergy Cycles)

Elite Men
1. Brandon Gritters (Rock N’ Road)
2. Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific/Focus)
3. David Forkner (SDG/Felt p.b. Irt)
4. John Bailey (Bailey Bikes)
5. Gary Douville (SDG/Felt p.b Irt)

I couldn’t be more excited about the new Cyto Stick Packs. The portable nature of the product lends itself so well to the training and racing I do. Check out the press release below…

Cytomax© Sports Performance Drink Adds Stick Packs to Product Range

(Benicia, Calif.) July 13, 2011 – After unveiling its newly-reformulated Cytomax® Sports Performance Drink in April, CytoSport, Inc., (www.cytosport.com) today began shipping its new Stick Packs to retailers and distributors nationwide. Available in 24ct. self-merchandising boxes, the Stick Packs allow retailers the option of selling individual sticks or by the box. SRP is $20.95. Available in Cool Citrus, Pomegranate Berry, Tangy Orange and Tropical Fruit, each stick contains 25 grams, which is equivalent to one scoop of powder. The recyclable foil wrapper is sweat proof and is easily stored in a jersey pocket during training or racing.

“The Stick Packs offer the portability that endurance athletes require, meeting their training, racing and traveling needs,” said Greg Sellers, Cytomax brand manager. “Using freezer bags is cumbersome, inconvenient and now, an unnecessary transport mechanism.”

The updated Cytomax formulation features stevia, an all-natural sweetener, and has been well received by athletes across the endurance sports spectrum. While the sweetener has changed, the foundation of Cytomax continues to rest firmly on its Advanced Carbohydrate System (ACS), featuring alpha-L-Polylactate™. Alpha-L-Polylactate is a proprietary ingredient that provides superior fuel to working muscles while lowering acid buildup. Maltodextrin, crystalline fructose, dextrose and alpha-L-Polylactate comprise an unrivaled carbohydrate blend that delivers multiple pathways of absorption for vital electrolytes and carbohydrates from the stomach into the gut.

Cytomax – developed in 1988 – was among the first commercially available powdered sports drinks designed for the specialty class of trade. Largely regarded as the benchmark of true performance beverages, Cytomax has an extensive history of supporting elite and amateur athletes from a variety of endurance sports. Current partnerships include UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling, Trek-Livestrong U23 Cycling, Yahoo! Pro Cycling, Cytomax-KHS, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Chrissie Wellington (triathlete), Matty Reed (triathlete) and Ryan Hall (runner).

Cytomax is available in six flavors in both 1.5lb and 4.5lb tubs: Cool Citrus, Fresh Apple, Go Grape, Pomegranate Berry, Tangy Orange and Tropical Fruit. Cytomax is available at independent bicycle dealers, GNC, Performance Bike, REI, Roadrunner Sports, Sport Chalet, Sports Basement, The Vitamin Shoppe and other fine specialty retailers.

About CytoSport, Inc.
Founded in 1998, CytoSport, Inc. is a global industry leader in the sports nutrition category and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, beverages, and bars. CytoSport distributes a portfolio of premium brands including Cytomax®, Muscle Milk® and Monster Milk™ that appeal to a variety of consumer lifestyles. CytoSport products are produced in their wholly owned, NSF GMP Certified for Sport® manufacturing facility. For more information on CytoSport and their family of products, visit www.cytosport.com.

###

Contact: Greg Sellers
Phone: 949.633.7055 mobile
Email: greg.sellers@cytosport.com

More info on Cytomax at: www.cytomax.com

Andy B
twitter.com/outsideallday

The last 3 weeks have been hectic. Eating like crap, no training, lot’s of airports hectic.

Kicked off Sunday on trail with Jobe. Hot and dusty run requiring lot’s of Cytomax consumption.

This week’s plan:
Monday – CrossFit at Emergent Fitness
Tuesday – Short trail run
Thursday – CrossFit at Emergent Fitness
Friday – Short Mountain Bike ride at Bobcat
Sunday – Long run, location TBA

Also starting a food log again with a Whole 9 eating mindset. Need to jump start accountability.

Let’s do this thing mang!

Andy B
twitter.com/outsideallday

Good Times!

Well, the Wyoming Trail Marathon was a success. The day was cold, windy, wet and muddy. We didn’t have rain during the race but we had drizzle and ran thru a cloud the entire time. Due to life, my longest run leading up to the race was 12 miles, combo that with a lot of tempo treadmill runs and semi-consistent Emerfit workouts and I had an ok base. The first 13 miles felt strong, the turn around was up a LONG hill so I slowed down. Felt great on miles 20 – 24 and felt SLAMMED running up what felt like Mt. Everest for the last 2 miles.

My race time will end up being 5:01 for the marathon and 2:03 for Jobe on the half. Not sure what place either of us got yet, I don’t really care either. We are both very pleased considering the conditions and how crazy life is.

Jobe and I had to represent our peeps at Emerfit. We couldn’t be successful without them!

Other thank you’s to Cytomax, Honey Stinger, Fluid Recovery and the wife.

Next up is the Big Horn 50k in June. The race is in Sheridan, WY and is supposed to be very beautiful.

Happy Memorial Day, I’m off to see Kung Fu Panda 2 with the two punks (Carter and Landon).

Andy B
outsideallday.com

Really loving the new Cytomax with Stevia. The flavor/sweetness combo is now dialed in perfectly. Nice work from the folks at Cytomax.

Andy B
outsideallday.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cytomax© Sports Performance Drink
Updates Formula – Adds Stevia

(Benicia, Calif.) – CytoSport, Inc. (www.cytosport.com) revealed its newly-reformulated Cytomax Sports Performance Drink to cycling enthusiasts at the Sea Otter Classic last week in Monterey, Calif. The updated version features stevia, an all natural sweetener, while acesulfame potassium has been removed. Thus far feedback has been phenomenal from elite and amateur athletes who have participated in preliminary testing of the new rendition.

“The new taste profile is lighter, while the product’s efficacy remains intact,” said Nikki Brown, CytoSport Chief Marketing Officer. “Athletes wanted a lighter, more refreshing taste – that’s exactly what we’ve developed.”

Packaging received an update as well. Both tubs (1.5lb and 4.5lb) received a comprehensive facelift, including clear denotations regarding use occasion (‘before’ and ‘during’) on the front panel. The updated product begins shipping to retailers on April 25, 2011. The foundation of Cytomax continues to rest firmly on alpha-L-Polylactate, the key component in its Advanced Carbohydrate System. Alpha-L-Polylactate is a proprietary ingredient that provides superior fuel to working muscles while lowering acid buildup as well.

The Cytomax reformulation is the first phase of a larger-scale effort within the company to increase resources and energy on its flagship brand. Two endurance industry tradeshows have been scheduled for 2011, including Interbike and The Running Event. These trade events join a full complement of consumer events, such as Sea Otter Classic, Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Escape From Alcatraz, Muddy Buddy and hundreds of additional grassroots events, which enable to brand to touch consumers on their chosen field of play.

Cytomax, developed in 1988 and regarded as the benchmark of powdered sports drinks, has an extensive history of supporting elite and amateur athletes from the endurance realm. Current endurance sport partnerships include UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, Trek-Livestrong U23 Cycling Team, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Chrissie Wellington (triathlete), Matty Reed (triathlete) and Ryan Hall (runner).

About CytoSport, Inc.
Founded in 1998, CytoSport, Inc. is a global industry leader in the sports nutrition category and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, beverages, and bars. CytoSport distributes a portfolio of premium brands including Cytomax®, Muscle Milk® and Monster Milk™ that appeal to a variety of consumer lifestyles. CytoSport products are produced in their wholly owned, NSF GMP Certified for Sport® manufacturing facility. For more information on CytoSport and their family of products, visit www.cytosport.com.

As most know, Greg Sellers of MotorTabs fame is now the Brand Manager for Cytomax. Long before I used MotorTabs, Cytomax was my drink of choice. It’s got a great taste and has proven science behind it. Tropical Fruit is probably my favorite flavor of all time. I’ve used the product several times this week already, Emergent Fitness, 2 trail runs, snowshoeing, etc.

More info on Cytomax: www.cytosport.com

It’s a privilege to be partnering with a brand like this. Greg is a great friend and I’m excited to help him spread the word on Cytomax.

Andy B
outsideallday.com

Rummaging through my MTB gear bag at the trail head Thursday night my phone buzzed with a text message. I had awaken at 5:30 AM for an hour swim with the Slugs and Diane Graner-Gallas’ training program was leaving me tired. I was struggling to ready myself for my evening ride with Rob up Del Cerro. The text was from James and now I was going to run along the strand in Manhattan after the ride. By 9 PM Thursday I had put in 3 hours of workouts all before 9 and after 5. I’m glad that the day before Andy B had handed me Fluid Recovery – Tropical Escape. Before Wednesday I had used Endurox as a recovery drink in a number of exertions over the three hour mark. Being familiar with the protein/carbo replacement/recovery drink concept I was excited to try Fluid. Having grown up on Champion Nutrition�s Cytomax and moved on to GU20 I had already replaced them with MotorTabs. This week I replaced Endurox with Fluid. Fluid has a great taste and tastes good even after the water bottle warms up�.unlike its Endurox friend. And being a Cal Poly alum makes it even easier to love Fluid.

With forty-six days until Scott Tinley�s Extreme Tri I got fitted on Monday to my Bianchi road bike (training bike) and Trek mountain bike (racing bike). Outside All Day loves Rock N� Road Cyclery. I just happen to live almost an hour and a half from the closest one. So I met up with Brian, owner of Beach Cities Cycle in Hermosa Beach, and he fitted me up to the bikes. I worked for Brian back in high school and it was great to hang and get his help. I haven�t been comfortable on either bike and he made a bunch of changes. Both pairs of shoes were adjusted, seat post height went up, seat distance changed, MTB stem changed and he coached me on knee position. We would all be wise to get ourselves fitted to our bikes. Go see your bike shop and then head to Lake Lopez to race the Eternal Timing System.

Matt Smart
Outside All Day