US Criterium Champion Celebration!

US Criterium Champion Celebration

by Aaron Pilling

Bloomington has always been a hotbed of American cycling. The Little 500, coupled with the accessibility to beautiful terrain from anywhere in town, has established Bloomington as a unique cycling community. As a consequence, Bloomington has also enjoyed a long legacy of talented and successful bike racers. Graduating in 1986, Little 500 produced 1992 Track Team Pursuit Olympian Jim Pollak. Around the same time, Ben Sharp was breaking in his Little 500 legs, preparing himself for eight National Champion titles in varying disciplines throughout the 90s.

More recently, Bloomington has produced a massive list of elite, national caliber bike racers, men and women alike. Pro riders Mike Sherer and Eric Young are both in the beginnings of successful pro careers. Perhaps equally as talented are elite locals Erik Hamilton, Ryan Knapp, and Jonathan Atwell. The talent in Bloomington is so deep that masters riders like Fred Rose and Ryan Shanahan are forces to respect and admire. While these riders, and all local cyclists bring diverse talents to the sport, they also share an inherent and communal love for Bloomington cycling.

Two weeks ago, we saw Eric Young firmly establish himself as a powerhouse in pro cycling. The Criterium National Championship is arguably the most prestigious one-day race in America. While his compelling Stars and Stripes victory and fast-track ascent to pro glory don't downplay the accomplishments of past and present Bloomington cyclists, it does underscore the talent that Bloomington engenders. Eric Young has made us all Citius, Altius, Fortius! And for this, we shall have a PARTY!!!

Come join us on Wednesday, August 31st to celebrate a National Champion! The party will be located in the upstairs room at the Scholars Inn restaurant, beginning at 8:30pm. All are welcome to attend and Eric will be there. Drink specials will include $3 beers and half priced martinis.

In as much as this is a celebration for Eric to honor his personal accomplishment, it is also a celebration for all Bloomington cyclists. In as much as Eric has made us all stronger cyclists, we have also collectively made him stronger. Come join us for a night of fun, celebration, and honor. Contact me atadpilling@gmail.com for any questions, and I hope to see you there!!

interview

As Eric Young week draws to a close on BVN, check  out an interview with John Gatch. Listen in at around the 20minute mark. Lots of Little 500 and groupie talk!
Interview

Ouch

@KarstenKroon (BMC) tweeted these the other day from La Vuelta...
- The worst crash I've ever seen, going 70k/h I was in the wheel of @kaarvesen when a child ran on the road and he couldn't avoid him.
- I narrowly escaped and thought they were both dead. I was in shock, could not peddel anymore and started crying.
- I thought, so now the race stops or what? Incredibly, both Kurt and the kid are more or less ok. Thank god.

I did wonder what that looked like.... wonder no more...Ouch!

Link

collegiate cx

From the MWCCC-
Below is the collegiate cyclocross schedule. This year, some of the events will be part of existing non-collegiate races which are noted below. Since this is a season of racing, participation will be required in order to compete at nationals.

November 6 - Lindenwood (Bubba Cross)
November 12 - UW-Madison (WCA Cyclccross)
November 13 - Ripon
November 19 - Marian/Purdue (Indiana CX) - Regionals
November 20 - Ball State

Vid of Crit Nats

It's Eric Young week here at BVN and this vid is of the last few laps of the Crit Champs (from Eric's Website).

Nicely ridden final lap by Bissell.
Can anyone offer insight into why Brad Huff got a little hot at the end. He seemed to be the one chopping Eric with 2 corners to go. I assume he was complaining in the tird person as he likes to do.. 'Brad Huff is not happy...'
Nice ride and maybe even better interview! Saying all the right things, very PRO!

Eric Young wins USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championship!

Eric Young capped off an incredible season that includes 2 NRC wins with a victory at the USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championship. He will be wearing the stars and bars at every crit he participates in next year. The race was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was actually stopped with a few laps left due to severe weather in the area. After a considerable break (reminiscent of the 2010 Little 5) the race resumed and 30 laps were put on the counter. The roads were still wet and several riders went down. BIssell took control and delivered Young to the win. He overtook Jelly Belly's Brad Huff at the line for his 4th National Championship (3 in Collegiate Track). Who knows what lies next? There are clearly big things ahead.


With quads like these how couldn't you win! Jake keough in 3rd looks pissed...I guess he missed his Aussie leadout men ;) (from Geraint)

Young Wins Crit Nationals!

Eric Young (BISSELL) won USA Cycling Pro Criterium Nationals!

Brief results from www.cyclingnews.com

1	Eric Young (Bissell)
2	Brad Huff (Jelly Belly p/b Kenda)
3	Jake Keough (UnitedHealthCare)
4	Isaac Howe (Kenda/5-hour Energy)
5	Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefit Strategies/OptumHealth)

Beware and be careful.

Tweeted by Aaron Pilling (@adpilling): Watchout for crazy old guy in late 90s dark green suburban. Hoosier vet plate 128. Tried running me off road, pulled gun. Filing report.

Mass Ave Crit- Saturday 12th!

Sign up before Noon today! It's the state champs for gods sake! A great day of racing on the streets of Indy!

art de france

If you're looking to brighten that new apartment with a little 'cycling-art', some of these are quite nice.

http://www.zazzle.co.uk/gifts?ch=cyclingposters