Killer B Winner

Non-Championship Killer B Podium

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Cyclocross Nationals starts off with non-championship age graded races to afford riders the opportunity to dial in the course and equipment. They do a podium ceremony, but no medals or jersey is awarded. They are called the B races, which some racers call the "Killer B's" as a sarcastic reference to their less serious nature.

When we got to the course, it was an absolute hockey rink of glare ice. They delayed the racing 60 minutes, and amazingly, by the time Jordan's race started, the ice was gone, and it turned to greasy mud.

Jordan's race included racers aged 10-29. Jordan did the race strictly to get a good look at the course at speed, and was not in it for a result. Turnout was lighter than past years. I assume this was due to riders having to deal with the seeding Time-trials, and difficulty in getting to Bend early enough to race on Wednesday.

Jordan's stiffest competition came from an 18 year old from New Mexico. Jordan led the race to get the best look at racing lines, and did so without burning any matches. He was all smiles from start to finish, and was very excited to unexpectedly win the race.

The Midwest dominated the Killer B races. Sarah Huang of Kenosha, WI won the Women Open, CJ Faulkner and Christopher Fisher from the Twin Cities went 1-2 in the 30-39 race. Chris Smith and Jared Roy went 8-9 in the 40-49. Nice work everyone!

Jordan's championship race is on Friday. Good luck Jordan!

Top of the Stair Run-up

Leading through the greasy mud.

Down off the Fly-over "Sky Bridge"

A Subdued Victory Salute

Jordan goes 2 for 2 at Portland USGP

Day 1 - Jr 15-16 Winner
Portland USGP Day 1 Jr 15-16 Podium: Jordan Cullen - 1st, Colin Dunlap - 3rd (not pictured - David O'Brien - 2nd)
Day 2 Jr 15-16 Winner
Portland USGP Day 2 Jr 15-16 Podium: Trevor Schauer - 2nd, Jordan Cullen - 1st, Avi Mahan - 3rd

Jordan posted wins in both days of the final USGP in Portland. Jordan raced Cat 2/3's at the other USGP's, but the categories in Portland were such that the only race he was qualified to enter was the Juniors 15-16. Most of the kids in his race will be going on to Bend this week for US Cyclocross Nationals, so it was still a good test for Jordan.

Rain all week long made for a muddy first day. The Juniors raced with the beginner and master women, but started behind them. It took the entire first lap for Jordan to work his way through all the women. Once he got a clear track, his gap to the chasing juniors opened quickly. By the end of the race, Jordan was more than 2 minutes clear of 2nd place. Way to go Jordan!

Day 2 was a much dryer affair. Once again, the juniors had to work their way through the women, and the faster course leveled the playing field a bit. Oregon native Trevor Schuaer was able to keep pace with Jordan for most of the first lap. Eventually, Jordan was able to get away, and then focused on practicing switching bikes in the pits. He won day 2 by around a minute or so. Nice work Jordan!

Monday, we are driving to Bend, OR for the US Cyclocross Nationals. Jordan races on Friday. Good luck buddy!

Jordan goes 3 for 3 at Jingle Cross Rock

Jingle Cross Rock 3 Cat 2 Podium: 3rd - Weston Luzadder, 1st - Jordan Cullen, 2nd - Dave Staab

Jordan completed his sweep of the Cat 2 races at the 3 day Jingle Cross Rock on Sunday. However, it was not easy. Jordan got the hole shot, only to slide out in a muddy turn, and slip back to 4th. He regained the lead late in the first lap, only to miss a turn, crashing through the course tape, and getting tangled. He slipped all the way to last in the Cat 2's.

From then on, he rode like man possessed. By the end of the 2nd lap, he had caught the lead group of 2, Weston Luzadder, and Dave Staab, who were 2nd and 3rd on Saturday. He kept charging, and by the end of the 3rd lap, he had a 15 second gap, and drove all the way to the finish for his 3rd win in a row. Dave Staab won the sprint for 2nd, to reverse the other 2 podium positions from Saturday. Great rides by everyone.

Jordan wins Cat 2's at Jingle Cross Rock 2

Jingle Cross Rock Day 2 Cat 2 Podium: David Staab - 3rd, Jordan Cullen - 1st, Weston Luzadder - 2nd

Jordan rode a virtually flawless race today to take the win in the Cat 2's at Jingle Cross. Today's course was a tough one, with a long steep runup Mount Krumpit, and a challenging fast downhill. Jordan had a good start, and took the race lead about half way through lap 1. He led a strong group of 4 riders, including Chris Wallace, Weston Luzadder, and Dave Staab.

Chris Wallace went to Cyclocross worlds for the past 2 seasons. Luzadder is a former junior national criterium champion. Dave Staab has been tearing up the Cat 1/2 scene in Madison, WI including a 3rd place finish last week in the WI State CX Championships, where Jordan finished 11th.

By the end of the 2nd lap, Jordan was alone with a 10 second gap, and it grew from there. He finished 45 seconds clear for a well earned victory. Congrats on a great race Jordan!

Jordan Cullen wins Cat 2's at Jingle Cross Rock 1

Jingle Cross Rock #1 Cat 2 Podium: Hollywood Henderson - 3rd, Jordan Cullen - 1st, Jason Rassi - 2nd

Cyclocross under the lights is a unique experience. The cold, windy, weather added to the experience at Jingle Cross Rock 1. Thick peanut butter mud over the top of rock hard frozen ground made traction unpredictable.

Jordan had a front row start, and went for the hole shot, but Hollywood beat him to it. Jordan quickly took over the lead, only to roll his front tubular tire, and go down towards the end of the 1st lap. He quickly remounted and rode to the pit for his spare bike, and just held onto the lead.

He built up a good gap on 2nd place, only to fall on the off-camber downhill, sliding under the fencing, and dropping his chain. This gave the chasing group of 3 or 4, including Hollywood, a chance to catch up.

Jordan re-found his rhythm, and opened up the gap again, winning by several seconds. He showed real tenacity out there, and was rewarded with the victory. Congrats Jordan!

MN State Cyclocross Epic

Jordan making the pass on the downhill.
Winning the Clydesdale Race!
Photo compliments of Dave Gabrys

The term "Epic" was over used, but what other word describes racing in 6 inches of wet slushy snow?

This was to be my last race of the season, in the Clydesdale division (> 200lbs). We started about 1 minute after the elite women, and caught the tail end of their field right away. Donimator took off like a rocket, earning the whole shot while the rest of us were getting in each others way. I picked my way around people to make it up to Donimator's wheel. Bill Kuster joined us briefly, but he was on his 2nd race of the day, and dropped off the pace shortly thereafter.

We caught the leader of the women's field, Jeanne Fleck, early in the 2nd of 4 laps. I was simply following Donimator's line, who was much faster than me through the turns and technical stuff. I thought about trying to pass him on the straights, but there just wasn't much room, so I just did my best to follow his pace.

Half way into the last lap, I made my move around Don. My gears were frozen, so I couldn't really just drop the hammer. By the time we reached the top of the stairs, he had bridged back up to me, only to endo on the downhill, sealing my victory. Thanks for the great battle Don!

Jordan raced the Cat 1/2's. His starting position was OK, but he chose to ride instead of run the first part, then he fell. By the time he got rolling, he was way back in 20th spot or so with little to no room to move up. He stayed tough, and slowly worked his way up. 12th or so after the 1st lap, 6th after the 2nd lap, eventually moving up to his final position of 4th. Way to be tenacious Jordan!

Results can be found here.

Link to Kare 11 Video of MN State Cyclocross Championships

Kare 11 Video

MN State Cyclocross is Upon Us!

Jordan - 2006 MN State Cyclocross

Look out for this kid. He loves it when the conditions turn nasty!

Jordan and Goldy at Gopher Gallop Cyclocross

Jordan 2nd at Behind Bars/VeloCross

Cat 1/2 Podium (L-R): Jordan Cullen - 2nd, Adam Bergman - 1st, Cody Larson - 3rd

Results Posted.

Maren Scores the Part of the Evil Queen in Phipps Snow White Production

Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? MAREN! She earned the part of the Evil Queen in the Phipps production of Snow White. She works so hard between here school studies, singing, and acting! She really deserves the part. I'm so proud of you Maren!

Jordan Podiums at Red Barn CX

Cat 1/2 Podium (L-R): Jordan Cullen - 3rd, Adam Bergman - 1st, Pat Lemeiux - 2nd

Click here for Results.

Jordan had a frustrating race this weekend at Red Barn. He had a bad start, and was forced to chase on a course where drafting was a big advantage. He finished 5th overall, 3rd in the Cat 1/2's. 24 hours later, he is chipper, and has learned from the experience. I'm proud of you Jordan!

Watch for these recycling bins at the local MCF races! They are Jordan's Eco Project as part of the Clif Bar DEVO Team.

US Cyclocross Nationals in Madison, WI 2011-2012!

Cross nationals in Madison, WI! Moving to January too!

Click here for the official announcement.

Jordan Cullen wins Cat 2/3's at Derby City Cup

Jordan wins USGP Derby City Cup Cat 2/3's Day 1

Jordan wins USGP Derby City Cup Cat 2/3's Day 2

Velonews Photo

Results can be viewed here.

Jordan had two great rides this past weekend, winning the Cat 2/3 races both days at the USGP Derby City Cup in Louisville, KY. Each race had close to 150 starters in the warm and dusty conditions. His main competition came from the 2 riders who split wins at the USGP Planet Bike Cup Cat 2/3's this year, Mark Parmelee from Michigan, and Andrew Coe from Kansas.

Jordan had much better luck than at the USGP Planet Bike Cup Cat 2/3 races a few weeks ago, where he finished 4th both days. His Ridley Xnight performed perfectly, and he did not need to pit during either of the races in Louisville.

The course was very cool, with a BMX style whoop, a flyover, 2 sandpits, steep bumps, fast pavement section, and some technical sections in the woods with run-ups. The course was too short on Saturday, resulting in a lot of lapped traffic. They lengthened it Sunday, which was much better.

In Saturday's race, Jordan had a 3rd row start, but was able to work his way to the front very quickly, and never looked back. Parmelee was chasing hard the entire race, with the gap fluctuating between 5-15 secs. Coe was in third, with a similar gap to Parmelee. The race for 4th was more than a minute back from the 3 leaders.

Saturday Cat 2/3 Podium (L-R): Mark Parmelee - 2nd, Jordan Cullen - 1st, Andrew Coe - 3rd

In Sunday's race, Jordan had 4th row start, but two kind-hearted riders in front of him offered up their spots, moving him up to 2nd row. Very nice gesture! Jordan hit the front at about the same point as Saturday, and again, it was Parmelee chasing hard less than 10 seconds back, for the entire race. Coe had some bad luck and crashed twice and had to switch bikes. By the time he moved into 3rd place, the 2 leaders were out of reach.

Sunday Cat 2/3 Podium (L-R): Mark Parmelee - 2nd, Jordan Cullen - 1st, Andrew Coe 3rd

Next up, Red Barn CX this Saturday!

Jordan Cullen Win's Cat 1/2 Baker Orchard Cyclocross Race

Jordan outsprints Jon Toftoy to win the Cat 1/2's at Baker Orchard CX
Jordan and his proud Grandfather, race sponsor, Tom Nielsen.

Race results can be found here.

Photos here:

2010 Baker Orchard Cyclocross Race Photos

CX Racers are Tough!

Brian Gaines - Faceplant in the mud - Wirth Classic Cyclocross.

Didn't slow him down one bit! Got up, shook it off, and kept racing. That's cross at it's finest! Way to go Brian!

Xnight is Good as New

Before
After

Dave Anderson of Anderson Custom Bicycles did an amazing job repairing the broken chainstays on Jordan's Ridley Xnight. The drive side was cracked all the way through, and the non-drive side was cracked on one side. Not only is the frame good as new structurally, the paint job is even more impressive. He duplicated the "X" graphic and painted it such it looks factory new, and you can't see any sign of repair. He did this all in 1 week for a few hundred dollars. If you've got a broken carbon bike, give Dave a call. He can definitely fix it!

Jordan 2nd in JR Ranch CX Cat 1/2's

Cat 1/2 Podium (L-R: Pat Lemieux-3rd, Adam Bergman-1st, Jordan Cullen-2nd)

For Sale: Giant TCX 2 Cyclocross Bike - Size Medium - $500 - SOLD!

2009 Giant TCX 2 Cyclocross Bike - Size Medium - $500 (original retail $975) - Has Been Sold!
Perfect starter cyclocross bike. Ridden 1 season. Perfect working order, ready to ride/race, excellent condition.
Specs and geometry can be found here:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/road/2299/32184/

Crankset upgraded to FSA 46/36
Shifters upgraded to DuraAce 7700 9sp

j.cullen@sbcglobal.net

Planet Bike Cup - A Pair of 4th's

Sporting his new kit on on Saturday

Jordan has a very successful debut for his new team, the Clif Bar Development Cross Team. He finished 4th in both of the Cat 2/3 races at the Planet Bike Cup this past weekend. There were close to 100 starters both days in each of his races.

He scored the hole shot on Saturday, and was leading the race for the first lap. Unfortunately, he slipped out in a corner, and the rider following couldn't avoid him. Jordan ended up with a broken wheel and frame. However, he shook it off, and rode his broken machine to the pit, and grabbed his other bike. He lost a good 20 spots, but didn't lose his composure. He steadily worked his way back up to finish a strong 4th. Well done Jordan.

Better luck on Sunday, but still not perfect. Let's face it, perfect races in cross are very rare. Jordan's right shifter slipped down a couple laps in, forcing him to pit and switch bikes. He still rode a strong race, staying in the battle for 2nd place until the last lap, where he lost a little ground, and finished 4th.

Jordan was frustrated both days with the problems he had, but knows it's part of cyclocross. Tenacity is key in races like that, and I was proud of him for not giving up.

Broken Rear Edge Wheel

Cracked chainstay on Jordan's Ridley X-night

Jordan joins Clif Bar Development Cross Team

Jordan will be racing Cyclocross this fall for the Clif Bar Development Cross Team. The team is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, managed by Ben Turner. This is a huge step for Jordan in the sport of Cyclocross!

Up until last week, Jordan was planning on racing again for Planet Bike. Todd Schmidt of Ridley USA took notice of Jordan's performance at Tuesday Night Cross, and saw great potential. Todd made several calls, and quickly connected Jordan with Ben Turner. A huge THANKS to Todd for making it happen!

I'd also like to share our gratitude for Planet Bike and Bob Downs. They have been incredibly supportive and generous the past 2 seasons, and were very willing to allow Jordan to switch teams this close to the start of the season.

For Sale: Wilier Mortirolo Cross - Size Medium/52 - $1200/bo - SOLD!

Selling Jordan's (the smaller one on the left) Wilier Mortirolo Cross Bike. It is in excellent condition, and works flawlessly. I will have more pics up later this week.

Price: $1200/bo. Has been SOLD!

Specifications:
Size Medium/52cm
Frameset: Wilier Mortirolo Cross Carbon Frame
Fork: Wilier Carbon w/Aluminum Steerer
Shifters/Brake Levers: Shimano 105 10sp STI
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Tektro CR 720 Black
Crank: Shimano 105 48/39
Wheelset: HED Kermesse
Cassette: Shimano 12-25
Tires: Michelin Jet 700x30
Seatpost: Thompson Elite Masterpiece
Saddle: Selle Italia Signo
Stem: Ritchey WCS OS
Bars: Shimano Pro OS 42cm

For Sale: Giant Women's Cyclocross Bike - Size Small - $450 - SOLD!

For Sale: Giant FCR2W - $450 Has Been SOLD!
This cyclocross bike is ready to ride, in perfect working order. The bike is 3 years old, and is in very good condition. The left shift lever does have some marks on it, otherwise the bike looks and functions great!
Contact: j.cullen@sbcglobal.net

Specifications:
Size Small/46.5cm (See size chart below)
Frameset: Aluminum Frameset
Fork: Carbon w/Alu Steerer
Shifters/Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra 9sp STI
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Brakes: 4ZA Cantilever
Crank: Truvativ Touro Triple
Wheelset: XERO Lite XSR-3
Cassette: SRAM 11-26
Tires: Ritchey Speedmax 700x32
Seatpost: Giant Aluminum
Saddle: WTB Speed She
Stem: Thompson Elite X2
Bars: Specialized
Computer: Shimano Flight Deck

Jordan Invited to the Olympic Training Center

Jordan has received an invitation to attend the USA Cycling National Junior Talent ID Camp, which will be held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, October 7-11. This camp serves as Talent Identification for the US National Team Programs.

Jordan attended the same camp in 2009. Congratulations on making the selection Jordan!

2010 Cyclocross Racing Schedule

Date	Race	Category	Location	Results
Sept 7	Tuesday Night Cross	Cat 2	St. Louis Park, MN	Posted
Sept 14	Tuesday Night Cross	Cat 2	St. Louis Park, MN	Posted
Sept 21	Tuesday Night Cross	Cat 2	St. Louis Park, MN	Posted
Sept 25	Planet Bike Cup #1	Cat 2	Sun Prairie, WI	Posted
Sept 26	Planet Bike Cup #2	Cat 2	Sun Prairie, WI	Posted
Oct 2	JR Ranch Cyclocross	Cat 2	Hudson, WI	Posted
Oct 3	Carson Park Cyclocross	A Race	Eau Claire, WI	Posted
Oct 16	Baker Orchard Cyclocross	Cat 2	Centuria, WI	Posted
Oct 17	Big Ring Flyer Cyclocross	Junior	Hudson, MN	Posted
Oct 23	Derby City Cup #1	Cat 2	Louisville, KY	Posted
Oct 24	Derby City Cup #2	Cat 2	Louisville, KY	Posted
Oct 30	Red Barn Classic	Cat 2	Taylors Falls, MN	Posted
Nov 6	NSC Velodrome Cyclocross	Cat 2	Blaine, WI	Posted
Nov 7	Gopher Gallop Cyclocross	Junior	Blaine, WI	Posted
Nov 13	MN State Cyclocross	Cat 2	Crystal, MN	Posted
Nov 21	WI State Cyclocross	Cat 2	Milwaukee, WI	Posted
Nov 26	Jingle Cross	Cat 2	Iowa City, IA	Posted
Nov 27	Jingle Cross	Cat 2	Iowa City, IA	Posted
Nov 28	Jingle Cross	Cat 2	Iowa City, IA	Posted
Dec 4	Stanley Portland Cup #1	Junior	Portland, OR	Posted
Dec 5	Stanley Portland Cup #2	Junior	Portland, OR	Posted
Dec 8	US Cyclocross Nationals	B 10-29	Bend, OR	Posted
Dec 10	US Cyclocross Nationals	Junior	Bend, OR	Posted

Farm Dog Time Trial

We all missed Black Dog this year, no question. A huge thanks to Silver Cycling for putting on the Farm Dog TT. It is out there in the boondocks, but well worth the drive.

Carla, Jordan, and I made all 3 of the events, and all 3 of us set personal bests at the last one. Carla took home 3rd for the series in Women's stock, Jordan won the Junior series, and I won the Masters 35+.

Jordan uncorked a huge ride at the finale, catching his 30 second front man, Jens Brabbit, and holding off his 30 second follower, John Shishilla. Both of these guys are all kinds of fast, showing the kind of ride Jordan had. His average speed was 27.5mph, and his time was less than 20 seconds off the likes of Shishilla, Timmer, and Toftoy. Keep it up Jordan!

Hamel Time Trial - Saturday, September 11

Click on the Flyer Below to enlarge.

WI State TT History and Distances

This was our 3rd year going to Kansasville, WI for the WI State TT. Here is a breakdown of our year to year results:

Year	Jordan - 20K	Jimmer - 40K
2008	29:13	54:12
2009	26:43	56:50
2010	26:08	56:04

It's clear who's getting faster, and who's getting slower.

The times are always impressive compared to other courses. Part of this is due to the fact the courses are not a full 20K or 40K.

Based on my Garmin:

Measured 20K (12.4mi) distance = 12.04mi = 19.42K
Measured 40K (24.8mi) distance = 24.26mi = 39.13K

Translating Jordan and my times:

Jordan's Time translated to a full 20K:
26:08 @ 27.6mph = 26:55
Jimmer's Time translated to a full 40K:
56:04 @ 26mph = 57:21

Data from the MN State TT Course:
Measured 20K distance = 12.46mi.
Measured 40K distance = 26.9mi.

My Little Girl is a Senior in High School!

Maren and boyfriend Charlie, Prom 2010.

No question that my daughter, Maren, doesn't get enough press from me. I can't make up for lost time, but I want to share her accomplishments and aspirations for which I am most proud.

Personality:
Maren is very genuine. Her outgoing persona and charisma have led her to make many long lasting friendships. She is a very thoughtful and caring person.

Talent:
Maren is a very talented singer and actress. She is a member of the exclusive Hudson High School Chamber Choir, and has already acted in 3 different plays, "Beauty and the Beast", "Willy Wonka", and "You Can't Take it With You". She is set to audition for 2 upcoming local plays, "Hello Dolly" and "Snow White".

Education:
To say Maren is smart is an understatement. She is modest about her good grades, and excellent study habits. Her tenacity led her to retaking the ACT after she was unhappy with her initial score. Her score improved enough to give her a great chance at getting into the college of her choice. I'm proud to say my alma matter, the University of MN, is her first choice. She is planning on a double major in Biology and Psychology. I am so impressed with her drive and direction!

Work Ethic:
Maren is a whiz at retail clothing sales. Her fashion sense, and outgoing personality make her a delight to work with. She currently works at an upscale fashion store in Woodbury called Elodie. Pay her a visit sometime. You won't be disappointed.

I'm so proud of you Maren! Keep up the hard work.

Just Riding Along...

I've been posting all of my updates to facebook lately, and neglecting my blog.

So, what's been going on?

- Joined 14 of my Flanders teammates on a 185 mile ride from Mtka to Duluth. 185 miles in 9 hours. My longest ride ever! Thanks Shepard!
- Skibby and I rode 104 mi on the hottest day in July. 1st half was in the muggy heat, 2nd half was in the pouring rain.
- I've been officiating regularly at the track.
- Jordan has been racing at the track. He has already upgraded to Cat 3.
- I returned to track racing. It's harder then I remember, but still a ton of fun.
- Lots o' TT's. Synergy, MN & WI State, TNT, Farm Dog, Track Pursuits, ...
- Jordan went to the USA Development Camp in LaCrosse, WI. He loved it.
- Carla is feverishly preparing for the Minneapolis Duathalon and Iron Girl. The chick is gettin fit!
- Maren is preparing for her Senior Year in High School, as well as selecting a college! OMG, where has the time gone?

Three State Championships in One Day

20K in 26:08, 27.6mph!

Jordan captured 3 WI State Championships on Saturday, August 7th:
WI State Time Trial - Juniors 10-18
WI State Track Scratch Race - Junior 15-18
WI State Track Points Race - Junior 15-18

He dominated the 20K at the WI State TT with a PR time of 26:08, winning by almost 2 minutes. That's an average speed of 27.6mph.

WI State Track was our first opportunity to race at the velodrome in Kenosha, WI. The turnout was dismal. Only 5 starters in the juniors scratch race, and only 2 starters in the juniors points race.

A huge thanks to the Huang family for their hospitality in Kenosha!

Both Jordan and I participated in the Cat 1/2/3 WI State Track Keirin and Points Race. That was a decent race with 14 starters. Jordan lapped the field with 2 others, finishing 3rd. I held my own, and finished 4th.

Way to go Jordan!

I'm Back

Winning by a bikethrow in the Masters 1/2/3 Summit Crit

My training and racing has been taking a back seat this year to allow me to focus more on supporting Jordan. By the time we got back from Junior Nationals, I was feeling pretty unmotivated. Poor performances at the Fairgrounds Crit, and Northfield had me ready to throw in the towel.

Then Carla helped me realize that I need to get back to my normal training volume. It started with riding home from the Northfield Crit to Hudson.

I sandbagged the Synergy TT, opting for the 20K instead of facing the fasties in the 40K. I won the Men's open division, and finished a mere 7 seconds faster than Jordan. Confidence building...

I had much better legs in the Hopkins Crit, getting in a short lived break with Chris Smith, winning a prime, and helping reel in a late solo break by Brian Koeneman. Feeling even better...

Then came my first Dakota Tech Crit since 2004. In the Masters 1/2/3 race, I stayed up front, to cover moves. After covering a few, I jumped on one initiated by Jason Snider and Charlie Townsend. I was so gassed covering them, that I just sat on for a lap before being able to pull through. Brent Binkowski bridged across the gap to make us 4 strong. Our gap was tenuous, with Charlie and Jason driving the break. Brent was pitching in too, and I pulled through as best I could. I was absolutely on the rivet for the entire time.

I knew my teammates were behind protecting the break, so getting dropped back to the pack was NOT an option. The laps ticked by, and with 2 to go, it looked like we would stay away. Snider attacked half way through the penultimate lap. Townsend was ready, but myself and Binkowski had to work to get back on. As we maneuvered for position on the last lap, the field was quickly closing in.

Eventually, Brent lead us into the 180 on the far side of the course, where Sinde, Townsend, and I jumped around on the outside. A small chase group, just in front of the field, caught us exiting the corner. I looked back to see Scott Flanders on my wheel, so I jumped, figuring he'd be on my wheel for the finish. I dug hard from about 300m out, seeing his shadow just behind. With 150m to go, I look back to see it isn't Scott, but Townsend who has my wheel.

At first I figure I've blown it, but I'm not going to give up when I'm this close. I dig as deep as I can remember to resume my sprint. Charlie draws along side me in the final straight, but I won't give up. I'm always telling Jordan never stop sprinting until you cross that line. I dug all the way to the line, and thought I had it, but it was too close to call. The photo above shows I prevailed by a very narrow margin. My first non TT victory since the 2009 MN State Crit. I was thrilled, and surprised, to say the least.

I was so wasted after the finish, I nearly blacked out. It took me a full cool down lap to catch my breath. I tried starting the Cat 1/2/3 race which immediately followed, but my legs were toast. By the time I finished the first lap, the field was almost done with 2.

I plan to formally celebrate my victory by joining my Flanders teammates in a 200mile ride up to Duluth tomorrow. The furthest I have previously ridden in one day is 140mi. It will be enjoyable and epic...

Junior 15/16 European Race Camp

One of Jordan's biggest goals for this season was to qualify for the USA Cycling Junior 15/16 European Race Camp. Only 6 riders are selected to go to Belgium for 3 weeks of racing in August. Selection is based on performance at national level events, and testing results from the USA Cycling Development Camps. The competition for this camp is very tough, and Jordan is on the younger side of the group.

Jordan found out yesterday, that he is an alternate for the camp. While he is understandably disappointed, he knows he has another opportunity to go next year. There is also a slim chance he may still go, if a spot opens up. The trip is not cheap, at $4200 all in.

Instead, Jordan will apply to attend the regional USA Cycling Development Camp in Lacrosse, WI, held the 1st week in August.

Congratulations to the 6 riders who were selected for the Camp (4 or which are past or current Junior National Champions):
Michael Dessau - 2009 Junior 13/14 National Road Race & Time Trial Champion
Dean Haas
Colin Joyce - 2010 Junior 15/16 National Time Trial Champion
Jonathon Schilling - 2009 Junior 13/14 National Criterium Champion
Marcus Smith
Erik Volotzky - 2010 Junior 15/16 National Criterium Champion

Nationals Trip Recap

Our trip out west to US Road Nationals was every bit as fun as last year. This year, Dave Hackworthy joined us for the drive. We also flew Carla, Maren, and boyfriend Charlie out to meet us in Bend.

We rented the same house we stayed in for Cross Nationals last December with Planet Bike. We shared the house with Kaitie Antonneau's family and Sarah Huang's family. There were a total of 15 of us! Surprisingly it wasn't that cramped, and we all had a great time sharing in the fun together.

On the way out, Jordan and Dave got to ride in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, SD. The terrain and scenery was incredible!

Both Jordan and Dave did the Elkhorn Classic Stage Race in Baker City, OR. Jordan finished 9th in the RR, and 2nd in the TT for the Cat 3's. Dave finished 12th in the Cat 1/2 TT.

The weather in Bend was amazing! Sunny every day, light winds, a little hot late in the week, but nothing like last year. Bend is such a cool place, Old Mill, Dechutes River, Tumulo Falls, Downtown, etc. The snow capped mountains to the West drew our attention all week.

A huge congrats to all the success of the 5 racers who stayed in our house:

Skylar Schneider (Travelling with the Huang's - Samantha Schneider's (Team Tibco) sister)
National Champion - Junior Women 10-12 Road Race
National Champion - Junior Women 10-12 Criterium
4th Place - Junior Women 10-12 Time Trial

Sarah Huang
5th Place - Junior Women 15-16 Road Race
7th Place - Junior Women 15-16 Criterium
11th Place - Junior Women 15-16 Time Trial

Kaitie Antonneau
2nd Place - Junior Women 17-18 Road Race
5th Place - Junior Women 17-18 Criterium
5th Place - Junior Women 17-18 Time Trial

Jordan Cullen
4th Place - Junior Men 15-16 Time Trial

Dave Hackworthy
19th Place - U23 Men Time Trial

Already looking forward to next year.

Final State Fair Crit

A great shot from last nights State Fair Crit. Jordan off the front solo early in the race.

US Junior Nationals 15-16 Time Trial Podium

Jordan finished 4th in the Junior 15-16 US Nationals Time Trial. He finished only 1 second out of 3rd place. His time was even good enough to place him 10th in the Junior 17-18.

Making the podium, especially considering he is on the younger end of the age group, is a great accomplshment for Jordan. I'm very proud!

This marks Jordan's 4th podium finish at US Nationals.
2008 Cyclocross Nationals Junior 13-14 - 3rd Place
2009 Road Nationals Junior 13-14 Road Race - 2nd Place
2009 Road Nationals Junior 13-14 Time Trial - 2nd Place
2010 Road Nationals Junior 15-16 Time Trial - 4th Place

Results Posted

Final Preparations for Junior Nationals

Jordan and I originally planned on heading to Ripon, WI on Sunday for the WI State Crit. The idea of driving 8 hours round trip for a 20 minute race just didn't make sense, state championship or not. Therefore, we opted out in favor of an easy training ride.

One more River Falls TT on tap for Tuesday. Looks like just Jordan and me this time, with everyone else opting for the State Fair Crit.

We depart this week for our trip to Junior Nationals in Bend, OR. Dave Hackworthy will be joining us this year for our trip out west. We had such a great time with Dylan Knutson last year, we are happy Dave is up for our western adventure.

Similar to last year, we plan on doing a stage race on the way out. Originally, we planned on doing the Uintas High Classic in Utah/Wyoming. However, we reconsidered after learning the base elevation is 7000 feet, which would likely degrade performance for nationals. So instead, we decided to do the Elkhorn Stage Race in Baker City, OR.

Victoria Circuit Race Recap

Once again, despite the threat of rain, we opted in for the Victoria Circuit Race. Jordan raced Cat 3's, Cat 1/2's for myself.

Jordan's race was uneventful, coming down to a field sprint won by Tyler Olson, Jordan 2nd, Merrill Lutsky 3rd. Bianca Bergman finished an impressive 4th!

Originally, I wasn't planning on racing at all, in favor of volunteering for Jordan's free race entry. After watching a corner for the 1st wave, I was no longer needed. With 20 minutes until race start, I opted in.

I covered a couple moved early in the first lap, then the rain started shortly after completing the 1st of 5 laps. Woell and Sedgewick attacked in the tailwind section, and, sadly, I was gapped. I chased hard, catching back on at the bottom of the course, only to be dropped for good on the next surge. Sucks to be me I guess.

Ed Alpasa caught up to me, and we joined forces determined to finish all 5 laps, despite the rain. We did just that. No DNF for me this time.

Up front, Sedgewick and Woell held onto their advantage, finishing 30 seconds clear of the field. The elder Sedgewick won, Woell 2nd. The field sprint was won by Roeser, Zimmermann 4th, Hackworthy 5th.

Results Posted

Jordan's First Thursday Night Lights Experience

Jordan's first experience at the track was perfect. Even with the threat of rain, 16 Cat 4/5's showed up to race. First up was a 10 lap scratch race. Jordan sat on the front for several laps, and found out first hand what getting swarmed is like. He finished 4th. Next was the chariot race. This is a 2 lap race, standing start, with qualifying heats. Jordan came from behind to win his heat, and make the final. He got boxed in a bit in the final, but didn't give up, found a hole, and finished 3rd.

Last was a 40 lap points race, points for the top 4 riders every 10 laps. Jordan knew this was a race in which he could do well. He rode patiently, winning the first sprint. After taking 2nd in the second sprint, he continued his effort, and got away solo. He rode a steady tempo, eventually lapping the entire field, and winning the final 2 sprints. Well done Jordan!

The best part was Carla and I were officiating the race, and got a birds eye view of his performance.

Results Posted