I previewed the course Sunday and was reminded that this route always seems to be 'rolling'. The gradient is rarely flat, either heading up or down. There isn't any one hill that stands out, rather a wide variety of gradients that will drain rider's energy over the course of 108 miles. Hmm, 108 miles... that means this race could aproach the 5 hour mark for some riders, that is a lot of saddle time. How many Iowa amateurs cyclists (especially Cat 3's) really train for that sort of distance? Hopefully no one, at least that is what many entrants will be hoping. We will all suffer together, with the Cat 3 race most likely coming down to a 'survival of the fittest'.
- 2009 State Road Race Contender Rundown -
Iowa City Cycling Club/Mercy Specialized:
I feel that Brian Eppen and Jeff Barnes will be their main contenders. Any question of Brian's form this year was put to rest as he nearly won all three events he entered in the Iowa State Criterium championships. He finished 5th last year in the Road Race Championships. Teammate Jeff Barnes finished 3rd last year, and has a very respectable racing resume. Joe Hetrick and Adam Price should be very present throughout the race, rounding out this talented Cat 1/2 squad. Not sure if Duane Dickey or Ryan Nenninger will be entering, but if they do, then Iowa City is going to have some massive talent.
Thier Cat 3 team doesn't have a very large roster this year, however Brendan Keely is always competitive and Jimmy Carrico is an excellent junior.
Atlas/Ecolips:
Jim Cochran seems to be their main man for the Cat 1/2 race. He seems to have a knack for timing late attacks/sprints. Veteran Cat 3 rider, Ryan Jacobsen will be entering this year's event as well. After not feeling he had the training necessary to be competitve at the 108 mile distance last year, he has made adjustments and will be a major player for the Cat 3 podium.
Bikes2You/World of Bikes:
Sean Walker has been having yet another successful year, and needs to be considered one of this team's strongest riders. He is leading the Cat 1/2 Iowa Cup series, and will be looking to maintain his advantage with a top placing in this event. Bryan Moritz has also been delivering impressive results. In fact he is currently 4th in the Iowa Cup series. He had a technical issue in the 2008 race and couldn't finish, so is most likely even more driven to cross the line with the field (or ahead of the field) this year.
This team has so many possible tactical options, however, due to the strength and talent within it's roster... Tim Campbell, Will Greenwood, Lee Venteicher, Finn Kolsrud, Tracy Thompson, Andrew Fagersten... all guys who will definately animate the race if not pull off a top placing. Johan Bruyneel would have a field day orchestrating this team's game plan.
All9Yards/Bike World:
Jared Osterloh and Lane Anderson have been having great seasons. Most recently, Lane won the BBQ Blues Criterium and Jared won the Master's 30+ State criterium after his team proved it could work together to set up one of their strongest riders.
Bad news for Cat 3 riders, however, is that Jerome Rewerts has been achieving success in virtually every race he enters. I would be very surprised if he isn't one of the top 5 Cat 3 finishers. Ryan French and Steven Robinson should also be ackowledged as factors in the Cat 3 race.
Rasmussen's Death Squad:
I believe Lou Waugaman is their only Cat 1/2, however, he will be backed by many strong Cat 3 riders. Most notably, Rich Wince, who recently won the BBQ Blues Road Race (just ahead of Lou), seems to have some of the best fitness in the state (a key for a 108 mile race). Kris Kunze is also riding well, and Brent Mitchell and Pete Basso won't go down without a fight.
HBA Racing:
Carson Christen stands out, having recently placed 2nd in the Cat 3 BBQ road Race, and actually won the famous Snake Alley Cat 3 criterium. He hasn't been able to race quite as often as he may have liked, however he seems to be training hard and effectively, with his sights set on some State Road Race Glory.
Colorbiotics:Daniel Galles and Justin Schnee seem to be ever present on the Cat 3 results, with Daniel having posted a nice Cat 3 result at Superweek in addition to his Iowa racing.
Dice Cycling:Derek Cassaday is without a doubt a criterium racing prodigy, however hasn't quite had the overwhelming success in longer format road races. Considering his Cat 3 dominance this year, though, I would have to still suggest that he will be a noteworthy factor..
Miscellaneous Soloists:Paul Deninger of Zoom Performance, Clark Priebe, myself, etc. I couldn't mention everyone, but can say that there are definately quite a few more 'contenders' not listed here. I also predict that there will be some out of state riders interested in taking some of the cash and glory. Matt Bushe (Nova Cycle Sports, WI), for example, won this race in 2008.
We had 45 starters for the 2008 Cat 1,2,3 event, however, only 25 finished. The mileage was intense, but the extreme heat and feed zone issues were also a factor. As a successful second year event with milder weather predicted, I feel the 2009 event will have an even larger and stronger field.
Anybody else have any thoughts about this Sunday's race? I have opened up the comments to all readers, however please keep any postings positive and respectful.
6 comments:
Chad - you forgot to mention a certain Zoom Performance rider as a top contender. And don't forget yourself as well...have a good race, you'll do well.
what about a certain derek cassady. he has tearing up the curcuit this year?
Thanks for providing feedback... I edited the orignal post accordingly.
Clark is actually riding for a team this year: Powerade/IFab. They have Clark and Cody McCullough, if they jump on the private jet and come down.
The rider that would win the iowa state road race will be @ Tour of Elk Grove this weekend.
Chad- you'll do well if you do the opposite of what you do normally, i.e. Don't go to the front of the race and flex your muscles for everyone to benefit from except yourself.
I guess I am curious who would have won, had they not opted for Elk Grove?
Post a Comment