2005 WCA News Archive |
Endeavor Bike Stolen at Cudahy CritJuly 5, 2005 Last Saturday, July 2, Ben Lund's (Endeavour) bike was stolen from near the registration table sometime during the races. Below is a description of the bike and if anyone has any information about where this bike might be please contact Ben or WCA. If you are a bike shop owner, please be on the lookout for this bike or any of its components. Ben's bike was a team-issued 2005 Felt F15. Bike is the stock colors (black) with 10 speed dura-ace. Other distinguishing features are a Concor light saddle, bontrager x-lite haddlebars with red bar tape, Tacx water bottle cages. The front wheel was a 2005 Mavic Ksyrium SL and the rear was a Mavic Open Pro with Power-Tap hub. Power-Tap computer was mounted on an FSA "control center" computer mount. Email Ben at ben@tokous.com with information. WCA Talks To Andy CraterJune 30, 2005
Not a bad start, and one that would lead him to the professional ranks riding for Monex, Lemond, and Ofoto. Crater spent four years (2001-2004) riding as a pro and can quickly recount his favorite rides. “The best thing about those years was doing the USPRO week in Philadelphia. That was so great for me to race with all the euro pros that I had watched on tv for the past ten years. I raced with guys like Andrea Tafi and Vlatchaslav Eckimov.” Crater’s 2005 results show his form is as good as ever. He captured the first two WCA crits then went on to win three of his next four crits in Wisconsin. He doesn’t stop at Wisconsin though and has shown results at the toughest races in the country such as Athens (22nd ) and Nature Valley (7th, Stage 2). Crater describes himself as an aggressive rider, always looking to get into breaks or going for a big prime. One of his favorite races occurred in Wisconsin last year at the Lakefront course of Superweek. After working most of the race for a teammate who was in a break, he found himself going across to the break with a small group with just four laps to go. He remembers the finish this way: “I was still trying to help my teammate win the race when a bunch of attacks started. I was able to follow and my teammate was not. I found myself off the front of the break with one other rider with two laps to go. I then beat him in the sprint to take the win.” Crater says he is enjoying his first year back as an elite amateur and is coaching many other riders. With his steady coaching the riders on the Wheel & Sprocket team continue to progress. Coaching comes naturally to Crater, who has competed in about 1,500 races. He gained his knowledge about cycling through his first coach, Jeff Lackey and then Bobby Livingston, a track Olympian. He began coaching other riders and his riders started getting results. “Watching riders achieve their goals is a very rewarding thing,” notes Crater. When he’s not on his bike, you might find Crater at a restaurant called Zuppas in Neenah, Wisconsin, where he’s a chef. Besides cooking he loves to cross country ski in the winter. Does he have a favorite food? “Hard for me to say, but I guess I would have to say that a well-prepared sea scallop with a porchine or morel sauce over it would be close to my favorite.” To talk to Andy about his coaching services, sponsoring his team, or how to cook morel mushrooms, email him at: andycrater@hotmail.com.
Lasting Tribute to Matt...Commentary by Rebecca Anderson, President, WCAJune 21, 2005 I've been in the profession of fundraising
for a long time and it's a rare occasion that compells me to write
for a cause outside my own work. WCA lost a rider last spring. We
all know who by now and that's why I'm tapping the keys here. I'll
keep this short: a scholarship has been created in Matt Wittig's
name by his teammates at UW. I'd like WCA riders, as many as are
able, to pick up a pen and make a gift in Matt's honor. 2005 State Road Race RecapJune 21, 2005 State Roads always embody the epic nature of road racing, and the 2005 edition presented by the 1%> / Beans and Barley Cycling Team proved true to form. Epic climb? Spring Prairie course has one of the best 'walls' in Wisco—just ask your legs. Epic weather? Sweltering heat for most of the day and pockets of torrential, blinding downpour in the afternoon. Epic turnout? Try 403 entrants: the most of any WCA race to date. IS-Corp began their ubiquitous run of podium shots early in the day, with Aaron Brandt and Kip Spaude taking 1-2 in the 16/18 "boys" race, Katie Antonneau winning her 14/15 girls division, and Mitch Bogardus taking the 10/12 boys. The Baraboo Sharks were out en force, as well, with Sam Stone taking gold and the race for the 12/14 boys category among several other chondrichthians taking silver and bronze. The women's fields, sans la cowgirls (predisposed at Nature Valley), were the most scantily attended races of the day. Cat-n-mousing ensued, and the usual suspects rode off with medals in the Cat 4 race (Rita [Team WI], Steph [IS-Corp], and Madeleine [Beans & Barley]) and in the Women's 1/2/3 race (Kristin and Kristen [IS-Corp] and Cynthia [unattached]). Some lesser-seen contestants rounded out the Masters Women breakdown (Laura, Heidi, and Muriel, all Unattached). Trocodero were an obvious force in the Cat 4/5 race, but some stiff competition from down south kept our 2nd favorite Milwaukeeans out of the top 5. Casey Masterson (Trocodero) still pulled off a Bronze medal behind Steve Smith (UW Cycling) and Tristan Benzler (Spring Street Sports). The Masters fields, thanks to the arguably brilliant Categorical divisions, may have had more riders on Saturday than the entire population of Spring Prairie. At least, that's what it looked like as they were both staging at the same time. Amazingly, each 100+ rider field negotiated their race with enough expertise to avoid any major traffic conflicts or crashes. This was especially easy in the Masters 1/2/3 division for Robbie Ventura (Endeavor/Advantage-Benefits) and Chris Halverson (Spring Street Sports) who were off the front for most of the race and took 2nd and 1st places, respectively. And, although Masters 4/5 is not a USCF division, they still received WCA State Championship medals. The recipients are too numerous to mention due to their age divisions in 5-year increments.
The Cat 3s and the Pro 1/2s started off with some hazy weather on the horizon, which quickly turned into a threatening downpour. Many riders in both fields pulled out due to lack of visibility, but the determined were rewarded with sun for the remainder of the race.
Billy Jones (Endeavor/Advantage-Benefits) defended his WI Road Race title in the Pro 1/2 race, and Dan Lionberg (Beans & Barley) reconciled a broken chain from last year with a convincing win in the Cat 3 race.
The 1%> / Beans & Barley Cycling Team would like to thank all of the volunteers, officials and sponsors who helped execute this race for our 2nd year in a row, especially Kurt Otter, who doesn't get to race as much these days but still finds a way put out THE major effort to make this happen, Beans & Barley, Natural Ovens, Sprecher Brewery, and Ben's Cycle for product support and Holzhauer Sign for donating the podium backdrop. We've got photos of all the podium finishers, and we want you to have a copy: look for more information concerning this on the WCA site in the near future! And, if you liked the flyer but didn't buy your State Road Race T-shirt, we've still got some for sale at a discounted price ($7). Inquire with Nick Holbus (holbus@yahoo.com) to get yours! Nicole Reinhart Memorial Fund Collegiate Scholarship Application Now On LineMay 26, 2005 Eligible college students who hold a valid USCF license may apply for a collegiate Scholarship by going to: www.nicolefund.org. Nicole Reinhart was an Olympic hopeful whose life was cut short by a tragic cycling accident. Her parents continue to honor Nicole every year with 20 scholarships of approximately $1,000 each. The Nicole Fund is supported by memberships so please consider taking out an annual membership and in doing so you’ll be helping aspiring student athletes.
Matt Wittig Collegiate Scholarship Fund StartedMay 26, 2005 As most of us are all too aware last month the greater cycling community lost a racer, training partner, and great friend. Matthew James Wittig, a member of the IS Corp and University of Wisconsin Cycling Teams, died following a crash in a Wisconsin Cup criterium.Talk to anyone that knew Matt; they will no doubt remember Matt's kindness, generosity, and passion for cycling. Matt had a profound impact on so many people, and it is in his honor that I am pleased to present the Matthew James Wittig Cycling Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin.This annual scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate University of Wisconsin Student, male or female, who actively participates in the UW Cycling Club. This scholarship will function as an endowment such that after the initial installment, the scholarship will sustain itself for the lifetime of the University of Wisconsin. Beginning this coming fall, a UW Cyclist will receive the Matthew James Wittig Cycling Scholarship every year for the lifetime of the University of Wisconsin. Recipients will be selected by a committee of UW Cycling Club Officers, select UW Cycling Alumni, the Wittig family, and the UW Foundation staff. To ensure the permanence of the Matthew James Wittig Cycling Scholarship, we have set a fundraising goal of $10,500 by the end of The 2005 cycling season. Proceeds from the Matthew James Wittig Wisconsin/IL State Time Trial Championships will benefit the scholarship, and private donations are strongly encouraged. Please pass this information on to anyone you think may be interested. I am pleased to say that 24 hours after the establishment of this endowment we are already at 25% of our fundraising goal. To make a donation, please mail a check, made out to the 'UW Foundation' with "Matthew James Wittig Cycling Scholarship" on the memo line, to the following address: M. J. Wittig Cycling Scholarship For more information, please feel free
to contact me at any time: Behind Guess the RiderMay 4, 2005 Every week or two we post a photo of some Wisconsin rider along with a trivia question. The best part of the game is the responses we get from people sending in their guesses. Due to the notoriety of a recent rider featured in the game we received a record number of responses. The rider was of course Gordy Paulson and we'd like to award Gordy a prize for being the most popular mystery rider. Not only did Gordy get more votes than any rider to date, everyone knew his national record. In addition to some Natural Ovens products we thought we'd post some of the responses for everyone to enjoy. -
That is the world famous Gordy Paulson! Lastly, one rider had this to say: (Gordy) is also one of the most friendly and supportive riders I have found. He gives the sport a good name. This is my first year bike racing and at my first criterium I was really nervous and just plain scared. Gordy parked next to my car and immediately struck up a conversation. He sensed my Cat 4/5 naiveté and reassured me that I would do just fine. He gave me some some sage advice, to be patient and to not dress too warmly on that sunny day. He also talked about people we knew in common and kept me from thinking about what I was going to do that morning. His reassurance helped and surprisingly, I finished 10th overall and 1st in my age class. He's a great ambassador for our sport.
You Know the Season is Here When…April 28, 2005 This particular rider is seeing the signs that the season has set in for the summer haul and so I thought I’d write how racing impacts my life as a homeowner and full time worker. Hint: If you need support in your racing endeavours, try showing this column to your spouse/partner and say “See! I’m not the only one!!” Exhibit A: I have a blender in my home office because I started rehabbing the kitchen two weeks ago and haven’t finished yet. The blender can’t go back to its normal cupboard until it’s painted. Um, that won’t be happening anytime soon. On the yard front I couldn’t help but notice today that there is a GIANT dandelion growing in my patio. I tried to pull it out, as I was on my way out the door to ride, but it didn’t budge. I think it laughed at me too. At the office I’m behind in my tasks and I’m tired to boot. My motto “I go to work to rest” is repeated only amongst my teammates. Lastly, there is the dog. She has mastered the art of waking me up because she knows that’s her only shot at a walk. If this sounds familiar, take heart. You are NOT alone! Ride on….the chores can wait!
Clarifying the 05 Masters ClassesMarch 15, 2005 New Masters Format Q & AWhat is the new format? We have added Wisconsin Cup championships for category 4/5 masters in 30+, 40+, and 50+ age classes Why? Wisconsin has more than its share of national champions and medalists in the masters classes. This does not provide a welcoming environment for new riders over the age of 30! By providing an entry-level masters race, we expect to draw new riders into the sport. We also believe it will provide a more competitive race for the upper category riders, many of whom have been placing well in both the 30+ and the 40+. How will this affect race schedules? To avoid adding to the length of the race day, we recommend that race organizers run two masters races: 30+ category 1/2/3 and 30+ category 4/5. How will riders be scored? For points, riders will be scored in either 30+, 40+, or 50+ in each of the category groups. The first 30+ rider will earn first place points, as will the first 40+ and 50+ riders, regardless of their finishes in the race. May I elect to ride in a younger class for points? Yes, but please make the decision once for the entire season. The category on my license is not the category in which I would like to race. Requests for upgrade and downgrade of category are handled as follows:
If you do not have internet access, you may send the resume and/or explanation to Heidi Mingesz, 405 Holy Hill Road #2, Twin Lakes, WI 53181 Please remember that you may never race outside the category that is on your license. Race officials cannot authorize changes in category.
New: Member Services GuideJanuary 25, 2005 A new service on the WCA website is the Member Services Guide. The Guide is a listing of goods, services or products produced or sold by WCA member riders. WCA riders represent a broad section of skills and services that other riders may need or want so the Member Services Guide was created so riders could more easily connect with one another. Need a plumber? Consult the guide. Need a landscaper? Try the guide! Click here for more info. Click here to see who is advertising in the Guide.
Matt Wittig TributeMay 12, 2005 I
spent this morning at Froedert Hospital with Matt's family. We sat
in the family waiting area just outside of the NICU and they regaled
me with stories and memories about Matt. It was truly a conversation
which celebrated Matt's life. Each story was different and yet each
was inextricably connected by one, common thread: Matt's modesty,
his love of family, and his love and passion for cycling. Tour de GeorgiaApril 28, 2005 John Ericsson (Brazen Dropouts, CycloCross organizer and WCA Board member) went to the Tour of Georgia and all we got were these fabulous photos.
Club/Team Q & AApril 6, 2005 Why isn't my team name listed in the results? Your club or team is not a USAC or USCF member club. Your club or team is a USAC or USCF member club, but you are not registered as a member of that club. (look at your license - if there is no club listed, then you are an unattached rider.) Your club or team has not yet renewed their USAC or USCF membership. How can I become a registered club member? Pay any dues required by the club. Request a reissue of your license from USA Cycling. If you have had your license more than 30 days, there is a $15 fee. If you've had it less than 30 days, reissue is free. Or, contact Heidi Mingesz (wcatech@earthlink.net). She can update your records with USA Cycling, and give you a "C" sticker for your license. Can I wear my jersey from a non USAC club? Not in a race, unless you are a category 5 rider (cat 4 woman) riding on a one-day license. Why not? Member clubs support the USA Cycling program. They agree to a code of conduct for their members, they are eligible to organize races, and they are the heart of the local cycling program. USA Cycling thus gives them the right to advertise their sponsors on their riders' jerseys. Why isn't my team listed on the team points? Only clubs that are members of the Wisconsin Cycling Association are eligible for the team competition. Contact board@wicycling.org to join! I want to ride for a different club than is on my license. You are free to change clubs at the time that you renew your license. At all other times, you must obtain a release, signed by an officer of your old club, that says you are a member in good standing, and free to join a new club. I want to ride for a different club for a particular event. The club which is listed on your license can give you a release that says you are free to ride for another club for a specified event, date, or type of event. Give that release to the chief referee before registering.
Atac Produces WCA Cross Champions JerseyFebruary 10, 2005 Atac Sportswear has been manufacturing performance sports apparel for the past 25 years. Atac uses the most advanced technical fabrics for its sophisticated sublimation printing processes. Sublimation printing is a thermo dye process that does not impede the performance characteristics of the technical micro poly fabrics. The end result is brilliant color reproductions of your graphic designs and logos on leading edge technical fabrics and apparel that enhance your cycling performance. WCA is proud to have Atac as the maker of the 2004 and 2005 Cross champion jerseys.
Time to Announce Your Team!January 25, 2005 Last year we asked Wisconsin teams to give us some background on their riders. The result was the first ever “Team profile” page. To have your team included simply provide the information requested (below) and return it to WCA with a jpeg of your jersey. Get a move on—and get your sponsors some PR! 2005 Team ProfileCut and paste the headings below in
an email, and send completed form to: Rebecca@tds.net.
Please include a jpeg of your 2005 jersey (ask your jersey maker
for a jpeg of your jersey. Remember, this is to get your sponsors
and rides some recognition! Club/Team Name:
A Warm Welcome to New WCA OfficialsApril 4, 2005 Please join us in
welcoming Aaron Ackley, Tim Cisler, Chris Gabrielson, Chris Gerber,
David Knauf, Bob Konen, Chris Lemke, Erika Meier, Mark Meier, Phil
Mikalofsky, Ben Milano, Ken Myskewicz, John Owen, Karen Stone, and
Dave Stone to our roster of dedicated race officials. All have recently
completed certification as USA Cycling officials. WCA Sends its Sympathy to the Family of Dar VollrathApril 20, 2005 While details are not fully available, Dar Vollrath, the long time leader of the Wisport series died last week while riding in Italy. For those who knew Dar, he was an enthusiastic and unwavering support of cycling "for the normally obsessed." His leadership helped build Wisport into the largest citizen race series in America. He will be missed but his legacy is that of thousands of riders who raced because of the friendly Wisport atmosphere he created. Team Profile Deadline: April 15April 20, 2005 Last year we asked Wisconsin teams to give us some background on their riders. The result was the first ever “Team profile” page. To have your team included simply provide the information requested (below) and return it to WCA with a jpeg of your jersey. Get a move on—and get your sponsors some PR! Click here for instructions. Chris Carmichael at Wheel & Sprocket in Fox Point - Free!April 21, 2005 Hear the "coach" himself this Friday night at 7pm in Fox Point. Carmichael will answer questions and sign copies of his book. For more information call Wheel & Sprocket. The Racing Adventures of Nick ReistadMarch 10, 2005 This intrepid Wisconsin cyclist is off on a new adventure. Reistad is a member of the Advantage Benefits Endeavour Cycling Team, and he is gaining experience racing in Europe and elsewhere this spring. Here is the first installment in a series of articles Reistad will submit for readers. In the future, Reistad’s “Tales from the Road” column can be found under its own link on the home page near Lowell Kellogg’s column. Introducing the Borah Juniors TeamMarch 10, 2005 Kenny Crook is a USA Cycling "Expert" Coach who resides in the West Central Wisconsin town of Holmen, just north of LaCrosse. Kenny as been riding for eight years and is the leader behind the Borah Juniors Team and here he tells us about the new team. Q: What motivated you to start this team? I made a lot of mistakes in my own training
through ignorance and ended up in physical therapy trying to heal
tendonitis from overtraining. I purchased a copy of Joe Friel's
training bible and nearly memorized it, determined not to make the
same mistakes. It was after this I realized I was interested in
coaching and began looking for more training and certification.
Friel suggested USA Cycling so I started the process of certification.
At the same time I was approached my members of our local cycling
club to see if I would be interested in starting a junior’s
development program.That was four years ago. The first year was
spent getting organized, recruiting members and training them in
the basics before we even tried racing. That also gave us time to
identify which riders were interested in and ready for racing. These
kids were coached over the off-season and we began racing seriously
in the second year. The third year was an explosive growth year.
At one time we had over 22 kids involved to Q: What is the team’s mission and goals? We want to identify kids that have a serious commitment to bicycle racing, provide them with expert coaching, a team to race with and financial resources so that money does not limit their ability or opportunities to compete. The team will compete in the Wisconsin Cup series and the State Championships are a priority as well as Junior Nationals. We will also send a composite team to L'Abitibi in 2005. Riders for L’Abitibi will be selected from the USAC Midwest Regional Development Camp. Q: Tell us about the team. The Team is made up of two levels of members. The first tier is the sponsored racers, of which there are seven. These are kids that consistently raced last year. The second-tier are kids that are interested in learning more about bike racing but are not ready to make a commitment. They are able to train and race with us but are not subject to minimum participation requirements or eligible for financial support. There are currently five kids at this level. There is a limit of eight sponsored riders, no limit to non-sponsored riders. Q: What you hope to accomplish in 05 as a team? Success for me is defined by answering
some questions. Did the kids have fun, did they give there best
to their team, did they compete honestly and fairly, did they ride
safely and responsibly? Our goal as a organization is to develop
cyclists, to instill a love of the sport and an appreciation for
good clean competition. If the kids take care of these issues then
we are successful. To start a junior’s team you need a vision and a passion for juniors racing. It takes a lot of work and commitment but the rewards are nearly indescribable. I have gotten to know some really great kids and committed parents through the last four years. I've shared in their triumphs and failures and have grown as a person right along with them. I would be a much poorer person without the memories we have gained together. What kids are looking for is something they can call their own. If you try to start a juniors program and roll it into a seniors club, it probably won't work. We train as a junior’s group, we travel as a juniors group we even socialize as a juniors group. Last year we even vacationed as a juniors group riding in the Colorado mountains for a week. You need to make it something unique that the juniors can belong to and then you will have success.
I think others can help through recognition
and encouragement. Up here in La Crosse we are a bit isolated from
the cycling population so when Q: Tell us about the team sponsors. Our sponsors are the best! Foremost
is Chris Jackson over at Borah in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. Borah
makes custom cycling, skating and nordic skiing apparel. Chris has
supported this team from day one by providing the kids with custom
team gear for free. In fact if it were not for Chris this Mark Brone at Brone's Bike Shop in Fountain City has worked tirelessly finding Orbea, our bike sponsor, Bell our helmet sponsor and Michelin our tire sponsor. He also provides mechanical support and spare parts for the team. My company, Endurance Coaching provides free coaching and I serve as the team director. Special thanks to my coaching mentor
Larry Martin a USAC Elite coach up in the twin cities. Lowell Kellogg
with ISCorp and Kori Seahafer a pro Johns Flaherty provided free legal services helping us set up the non-profit corporation that owns the team. Firstlogic, Pfizer and Paterson Dental Supply provided the essential cash and there is another person who contributed money but I am sworn to secrecy on their identity. Q: Parting thoughts? I would like to encourage anyone thinking
of starting a junior team to go for it! Cycling needs juniors, they
are the future of our sport. You will not regret the time and effort
you put into this. There are plenty of people willing to help, you
won't be alone, but it does take one person to be the Kenny can be reached at: krcrook@centurytel.net.
USA Cycling's Online Club Renewal ProgramDecember 4, 2004 USA Cycling has just completed its new online Club Renewal Program. This new program allows clubs to renew their club's membership directly online, change contact and mailing information and check on what members are listed under their club. It also allows club to see which members have current licenses and which do not. The information regarding this new program will be mailed out to clubs this week. If you would like to go ahead and go online and check out this new program simply go to your account on-line (My Page) section and click on "Renew Club". Only members who are listed as the contact person for their club can renew, change information, etc... Club officers, please renew your club's USCF or USAC membership as soon as possible. If your riders renew their licenses before the club has renewed, they will receive "unattached" licenses. In order to wear a club's jersey in competition, that club must be listed on the rider's license. You can avoid headaches for your members by renewing now. If you need further assistance please contact Theresa Delp, VP Membership, USA Cycling at tdelp@usacycling.org.
New WCA Website Advertising RatesJanuary 25, 2005 WCA continues to build its website and the number of hits each month has increased 50% in the last two years. Click here to download the 2005 website advertising rates.
|
Crater
was five years old and living in Englewood, Colorado when he saw
a movie based on the Coors Classic. The movie, "American Flyers"
hooked young Andy. His first race was in 1991 after his family moved
to Greensboro, North Carolina. Crater remembers the moment: “I
was so nervous for that race, I remember I could not control the
shake in my leg as we were on the start line. I was fifth out of
about twenty kids.”
About WCA 
