Interview: JP Dawance (Voted: Best Overall Cyclist Shanghai!)

JP on the front!

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Shanghaivelo: How long you have been riding?

JP: I started when I was 13 years old, hence long time ago... However, there were in between several long periods off the bike like from 17 to 19 to resume football and then later for studies, for football again and then for some jobs abroad in “cycling incompatible” countries. No more long interruptions since I restarted in 1998 with two seasons in Belgium and then two seasons in France. A clear peak in 2003, thanks to my meeting with Mr. Doug Cousineau (my guru), as well as Gudo Kramer, the manager of the Marco Polo team (who helped fulfill my dream of riding a professional race)… and the SARS!

JP Spreads the love. . . .

Shanghaivelo: How you got into/started cycling?

JP: I started riding when my father who had been a good runner decided to resume with sport in his late thirties. I was 13 years old and playing football, pretty much the only sport activity at that time. Two years after, having reached the age of 15 years old, hence the minimum age for racing, I thrown a bomb at home when announcing I would be stopping football. How could I even consider this?... The second bomb came 30 seconds later when my parents found out the reason behind was to race. After several months of negotiation, the “no way” became a “yes with conditions”. I was finally on the start line. My weak results drove me quite naturally back to the football pitch where I could succeed. Football is the most beautiful game in the world. Cycling is the most epic sport.

Shanghaivelo: Some information about your team?

JP: TCR (TREK China Racing) is a very strong team with a fantastic team spirit. You saw only a fraction of it in the 2008 FHL series as most of the racers are from Beijing area. Despite this, we had a good share of victories and podiums. Todd is perfectly managing the blend of experienced and younger talented racers. Some of you could witness the near perfect race in Suzhou last autumn (only a stellar Chia was able to counter our plans) but what a pleasure to get handshakes and congratulating words from people we do not even know for the way we shaped and conducted the race. Recruitment for 2009 is ideal. We shall be in a better position to contest also the team general classification in 2009.

JP in third wheel even without TT bike and funny looking helmet!

Shanghaivelo: Your Bike(s)?

JP: A TREK Madone 6.9 Pro Trek-Marco Polo team 2008 that you will discover at the first FHL race of the season on March 28th. A rocket! Prepare your camera! ;-)

A TREK Madone SSL 6.9 Discovery Chanel-Marco Polo team 2007 that I used in Shanghai last year until July but which is now my racing bike in Belgium. Very stable and so keen to accelerate. A piece of art also.

My wife’s preference: the first one ever being tolerated in my living room for short stays!

A TREK aluminium 2500 1999 which is my first Trek and my first aluminum. I bought it as Trek did a special effort to give me a very attractive price when they hear it was a kind of “non budgeted emergency” as it came to replace my previous bike, stolen after a race. After 10 years of very loyal services, my elder son now uses it when he wants to go (fast!) to her girlfriend place without me knowing…

A Cannondale CAAD 7, my winter training bike.

And finally a heavy steel Scott mountain bike which I promise I did not steal from the museum; Once it was new!

Shanghaivelo: What you do for training?

JP: Nothing really special anymore… Since few years I privilege the fun of riding with the FHL group but trying to be consistent. Few weeks before my holidays in Belgium, I usually intensify and tailor a bit in the sense that races over there have nothing in common with the long stretch of the A30! But only group rides, even at fast pace, are not good enough if you wish to improve… I am going to change this and put a bit of discipline into this!

Shanghaivelo: Any season goals you have?

JP: With TCR for FHL races, this is clear: To win. Together as a team or individually, whatever, but to win. And as much as possible.

For my summer break, I would also love to have fun again in racing in Belgium meaning not having to let the race go on around me but being able to impact it a bit. Would be great to do some Flemish races with Herman again!

Shanghaivelo: Your favourite cyclist?

JP: When I was a kid I have to tell you that my family was in the Roger De Vlaeminck side when Belgium was split between the Merckx-ist and the De Vlaeminck-ist. My parents were quite neutral at early stage, admiring pretty evenly the exploits of both champions until Eddy Merckx was made kind of honorary chairman of the Racing White, a rival football club of our ever supported club. He disqualified instantly from getting any kind of consideration from us!

What a talent this Roger De Vlaeminck! During is first season as junior, he took part to 25 races, amongst them the Belgian Championship. He only finished second to one of them! He is one of the greatest cyclists in history, actually the most talented real classics rider of his generation, but he had to battle Eddy Merckx for supremacy throughout his entire career. He is one of the great professional cyclists also to have claimed the cyclo-cross world championships title. Such ability enabled him to win nearly all classics amongst them Paris-Roubaix four times, still a record, and to defeat Merckx several times in the process, including by the record winning margin in the race.

Once again I am able to find a photo with both great (Hinault on the front with Roger De Vlaeminck - this photo was taken at Paris Roubaix . . . such talent (me not them)

Today, I am happy to follow Philippe Gilbert.

Not only because he comes from my village and is born the same day (not same year!) as me but for his offensive riding style and his sense of attacking right!

Shanghaivelo: Your role model?

JP: Bernard Hinault. What a man!

Hinault in the Yellow Jersey

The last great champion who was able to win the first and the last classic of the season and the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in between. As teenager, I was impressed by his no-bounds courage, his very strong personality and his way of talking direct. A real example for me at that time!

Shanghaivelo: What one pro tour race would you like to do and why?

JP: If only I could...Without hesitation, I say loud and clear the “De Ronde” (de Ronde van Vlaanderen = Tour of Flanders). And yes, I am from the French speaking part of Belgium, so what? This is simply the most beautiful race in the world, no discussion.

2009 Ronde. . . . a picture is worth a thousand words. . .

This race has everything. This is the most epic one! Just imagine to have your name on the starting list of the race having on its winning list names such as Buysse, Van Steenbergen, Schotte, Magni, Impanis, Bobet, Forestier, De Bruyne, Van Looy, Godefroot, De Vlaeminck, Leman, Merckx, Planckaert, Martens, Vanderaerden, Criquielion, Van Der Poel, Van Hooydonck, Museeuw, Bugno, Van Petegem, Tchmil…

If you win this one, you change your status from Mr. Nobody or even from Mr. Champion to the most prestigious “Lion of Flanders” title, which is ranked somewhere next to God!

Shanghaivelo: What motivates you to ride hard?

JP: Strange question…Is it possible to do differently? Joke aside, before I take my bike I like to decide what I am going to do, if this is either to recover or to seriously exercise. There is nothing in between but comfort and this does not make you progressing. Except when on holidays, my free time is rather limited so I do not have time for enjoyable but useless long rides at moderate speed. Now of course, there are multiple ways of riding hard, multiple ways to train one aspect of the race.

Shanghaivelo: What stuff do you do other than ride?

JP: Nothing. I mean no other sport anymore. However, you have to know that after most of the Sunday ride, while you are taking your shower, I have to play the World Cup Final of football against my younger son. He is nearly 8 years old, runs faster and faster and start to have pretty strong and accurate skills. Soon I shall not need to pretend anymore I am losing against him…

Shanghaivelo: Where you work and what you do?

JP: I am the Technical Director for Nestlé Waters in China. My office is located in Jinqiao. I have however to travel which is not helping to reach my fitness peak!
Shanghaivelo: What you like to eat before training?

JP: I am not too picky about that. What I found in the fridge will be my meal. I sometimes go for sweet or even a chocolate bar, telling to myself that anyway I am going to burn these extra calories out soon after.
Shanghaivelo: Your favourite training routine?

JP: A recovery ride with the team and friends the day after a victorious race. Chat ride with heavy sore legs. The yesterday race told, told and re-told. Pure happiness. You know, in Belgium, it is virtually impossible to train without meeting other bunches. Sometimes you can be accompanied with racers you/your team just beat 24hours ago. What a good feeling when they feel the necessity to repeat the race again –but 24h too late!- and you just decide to let them go…

Shanghaivelo: Your favourite place (anywhere on earth) to ride?

JP: To the same question two months ago, I would have replied the Vosges (hills and plains East of France) for the scenery and for the variety of good roads and of course my place in Belgium located at the edge of the low flat land and the Ardenne (the Bulge), the hilly part where Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Flèche Wallonne take place.

But now, I am definitively adding Melbourne where I had the chance to spend Christmas and New Year (with Damian and his family who entertained us like if we would be prince!). The Aussies are so incredibly welcoming and the cycling culture there is really impressive. To ride at Christmas time short sleeves along the bay and to stop for a real Italian coffee is really great! Ready to go back there Down Under anytime!

Victoria seems OK ;). Photo 2007.

Shanghaivelo: Your best book about cycling?

JP: The Rider, by Tim Krabbé. The entire book, only 150 pages is about a one-day French road race during which you can feel the thrill of his emotions and physical sensations of racing his bike! On the top of this, it actually encompasses the entire experience of what means to live the life as a bike racer.

Shanghaivelo: Your shoe size?

JP: 43.5

JP on the front again!

RACE REPORT: FHL TIME TRIAL DISHUI LAKE

The 'B' Files - by the lovely but cuddly Mr. Zennon Capron! For those of you who don't know, Zennon is not only a catchy name, but also a talented writer (see below), a cyclist, and the man behind Kapron Asia http://www.kapronasia.com

The Race Report from the 25th TT:

Di shui hu roughly translated into English means ‘F*&!ing windy lake.” Anyone who has ridden there knows that any time of the year, in any part of the season, there is a strong headwind that lasts for 7.9km of the 8km loop around the lake followed by a tailwind that last for about 100m. Sunday, the lake lived up to its namesake and there was a bitterly strong headwind that actually caused a Belgian TCR rider to get off his bike and walk it across the finish line muttering about how if it were a wet cobbled road like home his dimpled Zipps, it wouldn’t have been a problem.

The wind kept up as the race started at about 09:30 and the A-category got going. The biennial FHL time-trials are typically the best attended races of the year with closet triathletes and TT-heads coming out of the woodwork to be almost as common as the Euro-pro triathlete-haters that attend the other races throughout the year. This year was no exception with the likes of the undisputed uber-taskmaster of the Shanghai spinning world Jacob Johansen, uber-China Trek boss Todd McKean, and Shanghai uber-triathlon legends Fredrik Croneborg and Tony Orvain all making appearances at the race – and they helped push the top speed – making this year’s race one of the fastest yet and had the old-hands like Allen Lueth panting at the finish line “Damn that was fast…”

The most obvious difference between the A and B categories on Saturday was the equipment. With flashy Treks, Cervelos and Zipps of every depth, the A category was not only a test of strength and grit, but of technological innovation. “Wheels that shave 20s off a 40km TT? I’ll take them.” “Water bottle not aerodynamically placed, forget water – don’t need it.” I’m sure Shanghaivelo will very shortly post a ‘most pimp ride’ award shortly. Was it the Specialized Transition? Todd McKean’s Trek Equinox? Or Edward Cork’s Specialized ‘Test Bike’? Yet ironically, if you looked at the top-10 finishers in Category A, most, while riding different brands, most were quite similarly equipped with at least an TT-specific frame, aerobars, and two deep rim wheels if not a deep front and a disc rear. Yet, the time difference between the top finisher and the 10^th, was just over 4 minutes.

Looking at the B category, it was a much more mixed bag with most riders on their road bikes with aerobars and some deep-rim action, but nothing to the extent of category A, yet the difference between the 1^st place and 10^th place riders was only 3 minutes – indeed only 12s separated the top-4. Had I known the difference would’ve been so slight, I would have begged/borrowed/stole my own set of ‘minus 20 second over 40km’ Zipps, which would’ve catapulted me into first with a few seconds to spare. So, the moral of the story?

1. Never buy Zipps so at least you have an excuse

or

2. Buy them, but make sure they’re last season’s, so at least you have an excuse.

The course itself, despite the wind, was quite nice. Almost a near perfect 8km with very little traffic and a good road surface, there were few flaws that one could point to besides the wind. The local police and security kept most of the cars, but not the wind, off the course which made it easier for riders to focus on catching the rider in front of them rather than avoiding cars. As mentioned, the B-race was tight and windy, but due to seeding, it was a bit difficult to tell who the competition was as many of the top-finishers went off in the beginning and some at the end – riders seemed to be seeded in general by team. This was unlike the A-race (also windy), where riders were seeded based on quite a complex and effective system designed by the organizers which more or less had the fastest rider going last. The wind also seemed to pick up during the B-race, but it was difficult to tell as it always seems less windy at the start line.

The finish line was about 500m before the starting line and, you guessed it, the last 1km coming to the finish was some of the most punishing wind on the course. As one rider stated before the race, “push harder until you go cross-eyed, then you can back-off a bit,” – well if it were going to happen, it would’ve been at the finish – directly into the wind.

A-results were released about an hour after the race and B-results yesterday. B saw the boys from Panaracer dominating the top spots with a few MaxSH, Specialized and Proair’s filling out the top-10.

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MATT FILE: Training races are for mistakes?

Matt: Second row - red jacket

Training races are for making mistakes right? Well I’ve now done 4 of them in Vancouver over two weekends and made a bunch of mistakes, almost all of which I really should know better then. They run the full gauntlet from eating at the wrong time (a little too late and timed almost perfectly with a fairly harsh acceleration on a hill, resulting in me getting gapped), remembering to think I should pack warm gloves while packing (without actually packing them and then racing in cold rain) to watching the race making break form from the second row of the peleton and thinking it would come back or getting bored in the opening K at piano pace and making the first attack (really just rolled off the front on a climb and set a steady pace but it probably wasn’t the smartest move). All the above being said I did actually manage to finish one in the group, and truth be told it’s early and I’m really none too worried about it.

Anyways, real racing arrives this weekend in the form of the Tour of Walla Walla, which is 4 stages over three days. Not feeling super confident about my form just yet, as last weekend was spent in bed riding out a cold instead of out on the bike, but a couple of people on the team are going pretty well so I’m hoping for the best.

I will let you know how the weekend goes. On a side note, this will actually be my first time racing in the states, so I’m a little curious myself to see how it goes.

Matthew O’Hagan

FHL RACE#1: The 'B' Files - by Mr. Zennon Kapron

Hi All, A big thanks to another guest writer in Mr. Zennon Kapron. (Ya, we call him Mr. . . . have you seen the guy? Don't mess with him. . . . )

After a cracking A-race the B-race started shortly after. The total length of the race was meant to be around 38km, so a bit shorter than the A-race, but ended showing up as about 40.5km on my speedo, so a bit longer than advertised. The race started quicker than normal, which might be expected in the first race of the season, at about 38km/h, but then settled into a more typical 36km/h. The square format of the race definitely helped as the group tends to be a bit less organized than the A-race and corners sometimes could be difficult – yet we still we had one rider down about half-way through at the far corner from the start line.

Unlike the A-race where many of the riders have switched teams in the off-season, the B riders were pretty much all the usual suspects from the usual teams. Our Maxsh team was limited to just three riders during this race which proved slightly difficult when dealing with the Panaracer threat as a few of the Max riders have either moved away or moved up to A. Overall the race was a bit slower than normal with the average speed hovering around 35km/h and a finish of 45km/h or so.

Throughout the race there were a few attacks with a few people going off the front, but none seemed to hold much promise or were too organised, so were largely ignored by the pack who were content to just slowly reel them back in. Part-way through the race the group overtook a group of MTBs from the race that started a few minutes behind us. One of the mountain bikers had found an innovative aero-position by reaching under the bars and grabbing the top of his suspension fork – likely a bit dangerous considering the going back and forth in the pack itself. The mountain bikers’ presence received mixed reactions from the group, but was mainly a big ‘why the hell don’t you ride your own race and stop drafting off us?’ from the group. The course was very short and there was little other choice but then to start them right after the B-group, so understandable.

The group was still together as we were about 1km from the finish, but then the pack started to break open with about 500m to go with the sprinters taking their cue. The finish was fast and contested by a few, but panaracer came out on top.

Thanks Zennon - a nice, tidy summary - ed!

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RACE REPORT: Shanghai, FHL Race #1

The first race of the season was postponed yesterday due to weather, and when I woke up this morning I was SURE it was going to rain. I'm happy it didn't . . . . The first FHL race of the season supported by TREK and Shimano (2009崔克上海自行车联赛2009赛季：金桥SHIMANO杯) started this morning, with the 'A'grade riders leaving the start around 9:15am for 60km. B Grade would do 38km, with the MTB riders doing 29km. It was nice to see everyone in their new team kits, as well as some new and familiar faces. It was obvious that Specialized and TREK were well represented with 6(7?) and 5 riders respectively. MaxRacing was also well represented, even though they have had a couple of departures over the offseason, and Panaracer/Bikehome was lucky enough to grab Paul Toohey recently to help round out its team. There was also 1 additional rider on the line. . . . . . although no one had seen him before, and his name is still unknown. He was dressed completely in black, and wearing a cape and mask. He is known to us only as FOREVER MAN, and he officially was awarded BEST BIKE IN THE BUNCH.

There he is. . . . to some a mystery, to some a hero, to some a great lover, to others a guy in a cape. . .

Notable absentees were Andrew Hay, and Alexander Baumstark from MAXSHRacing. The A Race started (as usual) with a hard attach from Cui Yinhao of TREK. For those of you who are unaware, Cui was in a bad crash in Huangshan last week and has not been able to ride (walk) this week. The TREK team was not sure he would be able to start, let alone attack off the gun! The first few laps were filled with attacks with the bunch consistently pulling them back. One rider of note was certainly Kaiyuan Wang of "MOST IMPROVED RIDER" status who was involved in 3 long breakaways. He rode extremely hard and came close to pulling this one off! Special note to aggressive riders Allen Leuth and Robbie at team MaxSHRacing who also rode aggressively on his BEAUTIFUL new Wilier (please send me a pic - ed!)

Trent and Eric were common figures near the front. . .

At around 10 laps to go Kaiyuan and Simon Cui of Team Specialized China broke away from the bunch and worked hard to slowly get off the front of the bunch.

There they go. . .

As the laps went by, the consistently increased their lead over the charging group with some VERY strong riding. At 3 laps to go they were still away and the group was almost asleep with a few riders going off the front. At last the group came aroung a corner at 2 laps to go to realise that Simon had ridden away from Kaiyuan and all hell broke loose.

Rob, Eric and Chia. . . .

TCR (TREK China Racing) worked very hard at the front to try to bring Simon Cui back but it was too late. . .

Simon was the strongest, and in his typical style - won in a break!

The (sprinters?) podium

Specialized took 1-2 with Chia Kung winning the group sprint over Cui Yinhao (TCR).

Full results and a write-up on 'B' to follow soon! Stay Classy!

RACE REPORT: Shanghai Cyclocross #2

"The forest of pain"

Yesterdays race was held under sunny skies with a light wind. A beautiful day for a race, and a course that was tacky, but not overly muddy (mostly. . . .).

A new record 42 racers started with celebrity rider, and Cyclocross promoter, Paul Toohey lining up for the 10am start. Special thanks again to our volunteers again who did a brilliant job keeping everyone organised.

As the starting gun (well, actually we didn't have a gun so we just yelled GO! really loud. . . ) went off it was a blistering start with Specialised leading the charge to the turnaround. As the race charged towards the holeshot, there was a crash at the start of the trail by a number of riders at 'bunny-hop-curb'. This crash also took down Chia Kung who was favoured to place highly.

As the race entered the dirt it was very strung out with many riders pushing to get to the front. At the end of the first straight there was another crash as the pack cornered left towards the 'River'. Unfortunately your "author' went down here and a good 15 people went past! Up we got, and back on the run towards the 'River'. Upon arrival I could see that someone had politely changed my course, moved the tape, and placed some neatly positioned large rocks across the water. THANK YOU ASSISTANT COURSE DESIGNER WHOMEVER YOU ARE. . . . .

Just after the rocks on the remount there was another crash (you are seeing a theme) which your 'Author' went down in with one other rider. I can tell you I am a little tender this morning. . . . once again another 7-8 riders went past as I tried to work out how my chain got wrapped around my crankarm. . . . .?

From here the mayhem seems to have let up some, and Specialized was back on the front going hard with Eric Koh and William going hard on the front. Not too far behind them was Cui Yinhao of TREK, and Chia Kung (Specialized). There were a few more minor crashes, also some road rash and sun burn, but the race went smoothly from here. Your 'author' went into 'don't panic' mode as he tried to make his way back up to the front from the back.

A beautiful sunny day saw another dominant day for Team Specialized in Shanghai Cross. There was a little bit of movement on placings towards the end with a last minute charge by Kaiyuan Wang (TCR), resulting in a bad flat, but overall a consistent finish by the favourites.

Full results to come soon!

GETTING STRONG: Winter Training Part 3c

Reprinted with permission Richard Pestes http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/ also with thanks to Sim Green resident semi-pro who rides for Bouygues Telecom’s feeder team C.A.Castelsarrasin in southern France.

After some strong riding on the A-30 Yesterday, I thought it appropriate to get us back on track with some group riding skills which will also assist once the racing starts!

. . . . Rule 4 (see previous blog entrieson GETTING STRONG for the first 3 lessons):

Pulling Through When the two riders ahead of you peel off, it is your job to come through to the front and pull the group along. If you do not want to ride at the front because you are tired or less fit than the rest of the group, it’s too late to avoid it now. Once you are in second wheel, you MUST come through to the front. Do not speed up, and do not get out of the bar-to-bar formation. Maintaining a steady speed, squeeze through the gap and go to the front (Fig 3). When the two riders ahead of you peel off, don’t slow down and look around as if you don’t know why on earth they would be pulling off to the sides of the group. Maintain your speed and go straight through without hesitation.

Rule 5: Too Tired To Go To The Front If you do not want to go to the front

Sit at the back and let the riders coming back from the front of the group slot in ahead of you. It is not acceptable to work your way up to the front of the group and then look around acting lost and confused, slowing down because you don’t feel strong enough to be at the front. If for whatever reason you do find yourself at the front, go through and take what is known as a “token pull”. You go to the front for a couple seconds, agree with the rider beside you that you are both peeling off, and go to the back.

Rule 6: Gaps

There should be NO gaps in a group ride. As soon as you see a gap, fill it by riding into the space in a steady and controlled manner. There is no need to sprint into the space and then slam on the brakes, just gradually fill in any gaps as soon as you see them.

Rule 7: Moving About In A Group

If you need to go to the back of the group, or need to move out away from the side of road because the road is damaged (for example), just steadily move in whatever direction you want to go in. The key to all group riding is to do things gradually and steadily. Even if there is a rider right next to you as you pull out to the side of the road, if you do it gradually, the other rider will naturally have time to move over with you. If you do anything sudden you will likely cause a crash. This is also very important when “peeling off” and “filling a gap”.

Any questions?

The pros at training camp demonstrate this fundamental well - obstacles and other such problems of the road are easily indicated with a simple point. . . Stay classy . . .

CYCLOCROSS SHANGHAI

(start humming the theme for JAWS in your head. . . . got it? O.K. now hold that tune). IT'S COMING. . . . .JUST WHEN YOU WEREN'T EXPECTING IT. . . . . (and you haven't been training). . . . .IT'S BIGGER THAN YOU REMEMBER. . . . . . .AND IT'S RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER . . . .

SHANGHAI CYCLOCROSS #2 MARCH 15TH AT 10AM!!!!!!!!

BE THERE SO YOU CAN TELL YOUR FRIENDS YOU RACE CROSS.

Racing will start at 10am please disregard the error on the poster. .

Kaiyuan sent us this link a while back - sign up and watch the pros race for some good tips:

http://ccx.nathanspear.com/

YOU MUST RACE. . . . .

SHANGHAI CROSS #1 (EVER!)

incredible photos here: http://www.fotop.net/TANG/090222

After a lot of organising between deepbluephatboy and Your Author the FIRST EVER SHANGHAI CYCLO CROSS RACE took place this morning at 10:30am sharp.

We arrived at the course at 7am with the plan of having the course ready for everyone to preride at 9am. We were welcomed by the TREK Sponsored Tents already set up! This was a brilliant surprise, and certainly set the scene for a smooth start.

We would like to personally thank TREK for their support.

Let me immediately express our thanks to all the volunteers!!! I must say, we never take volunteers for granted, but with the amount of organization that goes into a cross race our helpers were a blessing. We had volunteers assist with setting tape, Robbie on the tools setting up barriers and the cheerful girls helping take registrations. Once again – this race would not have been half as brilliant without your help – THANKS! The weather was excellent and the organizers set up the course, and laid about 5 kilometers of tape by approximately 9:30am. Another personal thank you to MaxSHracing (http://www.maxshracing.com/company.php) Bikehome (www.bikehome.net) and TREK (www.trekbicycles.com)

The race started at 10:30am with 30 keen racers on the line. The weather decided to transform the race immediately as the clouds opened up to greet the start with rain! We had an excellent range of cyclists and we were very happy to see so many smiles – even if many of them had mud in their teeth!

The course had a fantastic mix of challenges (says he who designed it. . .) but the plan from the start was to string out the group. We started with 700m on the road to line everyone out. Eric Koh from team Specialized entered the single track first with a smooth bunny hop from tarmac to trail (MUD). Eric was followed closely by Your Author, Chia, Cui Yinhao and 2 other Specialized riders. There was a long line from there including Sven Nijs who had a tough start. . . .

Once riders hit the mud it was time to pick your lines as the rain turned the course into a series of deep ruts, puddles and slippery rocks. At the end of the first lap it was a Specialized 1, 2, 3 with Your Author in 4^th followed closely by MaxSHRacing teammate, and perennial strong man, Cui Yinhao.

As the laps went by the course got slower and sucked the energy from all riders. After riders exited the first section of trail they entered onto the second short section of road before jumping back into the trees. By mid race this area had degraded to the point where it was one long run. Throw in some barriers and we kept all riders on their toes! In similar fashion the second set of trail was great on the first lap but turned into pure running after the barriers as the rain continued.

A huge well done to all participants on completing such a demanding and energy sucking Sunday!

Full results will be posted in the next few days, however the final top 5 were:

1. Eric Koh (Specialized China)

2.Tom Simpson (Specialized China)

3. Chia Kung (Specialized China)

4. Robert Lamb (MaxSHRacing)


5. Cui YinHao (MaxSHRacing)

More pics and news to come. . . .

CLUB AWARDS #4 BEST ALL AROUND CYCLIST SHANGHAI

We are getting down to the cold, hard, nitty, gritty of the awards in a hard fought category. Today, we will release the winner for best all around cyclist SHANGHAI as voted by your peers: Riders who received multiple votes were:

• SIMON CUI (SPECIALIZED)
• ERIC KOH (SPECIALIZED)
• MARTIN BREUVART (TCR)
• JEAN PIERRE DAWANCE (TCR)
• CUI YINHAO (MAXSHRACING)

TWO LOCAL TEAMS REALLY DOMINATING THE TOP 5! The Winner of best all around cyclist, including climbing, time trails, crits and point to point racing is: a TIE!!!!

MARTIN BREUVART AND JP DAWANCE - WELL DONE BOTH AND WELL DONE TCR!!!
Sorry I (strangely) couldn't find a pic of martin. . send one if you have one. .

The official award for this category (I Know you didn't think you would win anything. . . will be to be featured as our"banner boy" for the next year!!!

Tune in tomorrow race fans - and until then, Stay classy San Diego.

CLUB AWARDS #6 - BEST DRESSED SHANGHAI CYCLIST

This category was NOT a huge competition. Only one OTHER rider got a (single) vote. . . . .

THE WINNER: MR TRENT ILIFFE. . . . .

Congratulations TCR. . .!

Always the wearer of white socks, the rider of Italian steed, the wearer of Adidas shoes. . . . .and when off the bike Bulgari sunglasses. . . we here at shanghaivelo feel that the Australian may have a fake passport and may actually be Italian. . . . . .watch this space as Mr. Iliffe may have some words as a guest columnist to keep you looking TIGHT on the bike. . . and don't let him catch you without white bar tape. . .

GETTING STRONG: Winter Training Part3b

Story courtesy of Simeon Green/ PezCyclingNews http://www.pezcyclingnews.com

. . .As with everything, there is an exception to the rule. If there is an uneven number of riders in the group and you don’t have anyone to ride along side, you should place yourself in between the two riders ahead of you, with your front wheel between their two rear wheels. This allows the riders behind you to remain bar to bar and to keep the group tightly together. The riders behind you should ride with their front wheels either side of your rear wheel. It’s not acceptable to sit directly behind the rider ahead of you and leave a gap to your side.

Now, before you spark up and say that riding between the wheels of the riders preceding you is unsafe, let me point out, that if everyone is riding bar to bar as they should be, you are guaranteed the space of a handlebar’s width within which to move, which should be ample. So even if the two riders ahead of you knock into each other, you should have plenty of space. This is a pretty safe place to be.

Rule 3: Peeling Off
When you are tired of riding at the front, and you feel it is time for you to go to the back, make sure the rider beside you knows you are tired and want to go back. Once you have both established that you are going back, check briefly that there isn’t someone overlapping your back wheel, then both riders slowly and gradually move to the outside and let the group come through the middle. Do not suddenly veer off to the side, peel off in a steady and controlled manner.

Rule 4: Pulling Through
When the two riders ahead of you peel off . . . . . I will explain what to do in a few days on my next post - I am off to the trainer and my new cyclocross videos!