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

Ready for Track Racing

Jordan went up to the track Wednesday night for practice. Thanks to Bob Williams for offering the class, and John Baker for the loaner bike. Jordan's ready for Thursday Night Lights!

State Fair Crit #1

Despite the rain, Jordan and I opted for the State Fair Crit Tuesday evening. By the time we raced, the rain had quit, and the roads were drying out. 30 starters in the 1/2/3's. Jordan's goal was positioning.

15 minutes in, I got gapped off the back. I sat-up, regrouped, and rejoined the field 1 lap down, and rode tailgun for the rest of the race. I had a catbird seat to watch Jordan do a good job of positioning himself. He was even able to move forward in the final lap to finish 7th. Nice finish Jordan!

The field sprint was dominated by recent Cat 1 upgrade, Colton Barrett and Timmer. DanO 3rd, Woell 4th.

MBRC/Flanders managed to get in several moves off the front, but nothing stuck. However, we were rewarded with 3 ninja primes! Well done guys!

Donimator outsprinted Adam Gorski to win the Cat 3/4 race on his 14th wedding anniversary. Nice way to celebrate? What do you think Brenda?

Wisconsin Junior State Road Race Champion

(L-R) Patrick Diamond - 3rd, Jordan Cullen - 1st, Lionel Rocheleau - 2nd

Jordan won the overall Wisconsin Junior State Road Race Championship on Sunday. He raced up in age last year and was 3rd. Top step this year. Very proud!

The course is southeast of Madison, WI in Spring Prairie. A 6.5 mile circuit with several short steep climbs, that wear on your legs, and a NW wind to add to the challenge. The juniors did 4 laps.

Around 20 riders lined up, and the action started right away. Halfway through the 1st lap, a group of 7, including Jordan, had a gap. However, they sat up in the tailwind, and everything came back together prior to the finish climb.

Jordan pushed it over the top of the climb, and drew out some riders. Eventually, it was just Jordan and Lionel Rocheleau from Gear Grinder in a 2 man break, with 3 chasers: Patrick Diamond (Geargrinder), Kaitie Antonneau (Kenda), and Kevin Lindau (IScorp).

Jordan and Lionel worked together for a lap, then Jordan made a move on one of the climbs and got away for the solo win. Lionel held on for an easy second place. Diamond got away from Kaitie and Kevin, but the 2 kept him in sight and working hard to stay away. Diamond finished 3rd. Kaitie gapped Kevin on the hill for 4th, Kevin 5th. What a great race!

Results Posted

River Falls TT #3

Had some company this go round in Dan Casper and Jonathan Toftoy. Conditions were ideal with calm sunny skies. I went first, followed by Jordan a minute later. Once we were finished, Casper started in front of Toftoy by 1 minute.

I rolled good, but still expected Jordan to pass me like last time. At the turn around point, Jordan was much further back than I expected, and out of this aero position. I had a feeling he was having issues with his right leg again. I finished, and had to wait quite a while before Jordan came in. My suspicions were correct that his leg was slowing him down again. Bummer.

I figured Toftoy and Casper to beat my time by around 2 minutes. I was off by a minute. They really flew over the course. Casper stayed away from Toftoy on the challenging course. Toftoy drew back 20 seconds on Dan, but not close to catching him. Incredible rides by both.

Results (12.78mi, 600ft elevation gain):
1. Toftoy: 28:14
2. Casper: 28:34
3. Jimmer: 31:21 (PR by 19 seconds)
4. Jordan: 33:25

Jordan has been stretching, but it obviously isn't enough. Last week, prior to the TNT, he got a Sports Massage at the Fix Studio, and that seemed to make a world of difference. Looks like sports massages will become a more routine thing for Jordan from now on.

Jordan wins the Cat 3's at Snake Alley

Jordan had one of his best races ever, winning the Category 3 race at the Snake Alley Criterium in Burlington, IA.

The race consisted of 15 laps, each with a steep climb up the "crookedest alley in the world" (as seen in the photo below).



Jordan made the initial selection of 12 riders, from over 60 starters. Jordan raced the Juniors 15-18 earlier in the day, and had a disappointing 5th place finish. He knew he could do better.

With 5 laps to go, Jordan attacked his group on the Snake. He established a small gap, which slowly grew. By the finish he was 30 seconds clear, taking an impressive solo victory.

The funny thing was that after Jordan's disappointment in the Juniors race at Snake Alley, he stated "I'm not racing the Cat 3's Dad." I convinced him to shake it off, regroup, and focus. Clearly, he did just that. Well done Jordan!

TNT - Much, Much, Better

Better conditions, better legs = better day.

89degs and moderate SW winds made for some fast times last night at TNT. Toftoy ripped a new course record in 22:36, for an average speed of 29.2mph. Casper and Mulrooney both rode fixies to fast times of 23:12 and 23:43, respectively. I had a great ride, in 24:24, improving by 2mins25secs, over 2 weeks ago. Jordan improved as well with a 24:41 (1min18sec improvement). Dad wins the father/son battle this week by 17 secs. I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. All of these times match the self-timed results for each rider.

We dodged a weather bullet, as a thunderstorm rolled in after everyone had finished.

Times for the later starters look off to me. I got self-timed results from several of the later starters that were slower by as much a 1min30sec from the ones listed in the results (all in increments of 30 seconds). May have been some mistakes in start order?
Results Posted

Square Lake Road Race - Grav Racin' in the rain.

Square Lake Road Race was advertised at 30% gravel, 70% pavement. Anyone who raced will attest this seemed a bit of an embellishment. It was also not as hard packed as advertised. Lots of pinch flats. I will say that Birchwood did an excellent job of marshaling the corners, and controlling traffic. Just to make it interesting, an unpredicted thunderstorm rolled in for the last half of the morning wave of racing.

I raced Cat 1/2's. It was short lived. I flatted on the first lap, buried myself to chase back on, almost made it, then called it a day. When the rain started coming down, most of my guilt from quiting washed away.

After I quit, I got in my truck, grabbed some wheels, and drove support behind the Cat 3's. Only 11 starters, with 8 left when I started following. Jordan was pushing the pace on the gravel sections, and in the feedzone hill. On lap 4, an attack in the feedzone gapped Shaw and Krueger. At 2 laps to go, only 6 riders were left: Jordan, Kermisch, Byrnes, Ribbens, Olson, and Weisgram. Kermish and Jordan made a bid to get away on the paved section, but were chased down. Due to lightning, the officials notified the group they would be finishing on this lap.

Unfortunately, Byrnes got a flat on the last gravel section. I gave him a fresh wheel, allowing him to at least finish 6th. The remaining 5 came onto the pavement with about 600m up a gradual rise to the finish. Jordan jumped first, but Kermisch was ready, and was able to get around him for the win. Jordan didn't give up, and held on for second. Weisgram 3rd, Olson 4th, and Ribbens 5th.

Carla was officiating, so we also stuck around for the afternoon wave. It was pouring rain, and officials were considering cancelling the afternoon races, but it cleared up, allowing a delayed start, albeit, with many racers opting out.

As it cleared up, it up came the temps and the wind. This decimated virtually every field. Riders were coming through the finish 1 or 2 at a time all afternoon. This made updating the lap counter and scoring a difficult task. Carla did a great job given the circumstances. We capped the day off with dinner out at the Freighthouse in Stillwater.

Results Posted

Fast, But Not Fast Enough

Finally found my legs last night at the County Cycles Time Trial. To say I've been struggling this year with my form is an understatement. Last night was the first time this year I felt like my old self. However, I was still humbled by an unbelievable performance by Jon Toftoy.

Perfect conditions last night. 80 degrees, light wind, and dry. Turn out was very light compared to the Ride and Glide TT's. Not sure why, publicity?

Start order (30 sec between riders):
Andy Tetmeyer
Eric Oftedahl
Jimmer
Missing Rider
Jordan
Timmer
Toftoy

I figured Andy and Eric would be perfect carrots for me, and I was right. I also figured Jordan would catch me for a minute. Thought I had a chance of holding off Timmer and Toftoy.

Part of my struggle this year has been getting my HR up. Not a problem last night. I was running 10bpm higher than previous efforts. I knew I was on a good ride, and caught Eric at the halfway point, and Andy at the turn onto Manning.

I struggled a bit in the stair step rises on Manning, and someone comes blazing by me. I expected it to be Jordan, but no, it's Toftoy! He's already caught me for 2 minutes?

I check over my shoulder, and can see Timmer closing too. By now, I'm on the faster section of Manning, and dig deeper. My mind and legs were working together, and I pulled back a little time on Timmer all the way to the finish.

I rolled back to the parking lot with the guys, and start wondering what happened to Jordan. Turns out he had a bad night, having some cramping issues in his right leg and glute. Despite this, he still averaged over 26mph. Jon and Timmer helped Jordan out post race showing him some stretching exercises to loosen the affected areas. Thanks guys!

Toftoy smoked a new course record, averaging over 29mph! Dave and Holly Ludwigson rode a great time on their Tandem.

Toftoy: 27:48
Timmer: 29:10
Jimmer: 29:54
Ludwigsons: 30:54
Jordan: 31:10
Oftedahl: 31:27
Tetmeyer: 31:42

Results Posted

Looking Pro

Jordan in the Cat 1/2/3 race at Wheels on Willy

The Picture Says it All

Jordan wins the field sprint against a stacked juniors field at Wheels on Willy.

Photo courtesy of Dan Barrett

River Falls TT #2

What a difference 2 weeks make. Tonight was perfect bike racing weather. 80 degrees and light winds. Nothing like the chilly blustery conditions last time. We did our 2nd practice TT in River Falls, on a course designed to match the Junior Nationals TT course.

Like last time, I started 1 minute in front of Jordan. Once again, he made up most of his deficit by the top of the first climb. I held him off to the turnaround, where a farm tractor and a couple cars made for an interesting turnaround. No traffic on the entire course until that point. Go figure.

Up the return climb, Jordan made the inevitable pass. However, I was able to hold him in sight all the way to the final descent. Near the bottom, I was able to re-pass him. This motivated him, and he re-passed me. This happened a couple more times until he passed me for good. Great ride.

Both of us improved our times over from 2 weeks ago.

Last week:
Jordan 31:40
Jimmer: 31:55

This week:
Jordan: 30:36 (1 min, 4 sec improvement)
Jimmer: 31:39 (16 second improvement)

Wheels on Willy 2010 Recap

Jordan amongst the over 100 starters in the Pro/1/2/3 Men Race

Jordan and Dan Casper on the last lap of the Pro/1/2/3 Race

Jordan on the attack in the Junior 15-18 Race

Finally made it down to the legendary Wheels on Willy Criterium in Madison, WI. We've been intending to make the trek the past few years, but always opted for racing in MN. Another beautiful day in Madison. Partly sunny with light winds. The 4-corner rectangular course is in a cool residential neighborhood, with a couple bike shops and small cafes. The finish stretch is a light uphill grade, and the course is relatively narrow, with some tough to avoid potholes.

Junior 15-18 Recap:
A nice big and strong group of 20+ older juniors towed the line for Jordan's first race. He played it cool in the beginning of the race, and got more aggressive as the race wore on. Lots of attacks, but nothing stuck, until Spenser Oswald (Baraboo Sharks) made a strong move with no reaction from the field. IScorp and Geargrinder had the biggest numbers in the race, but didn't seem intent on chasing. This gave Spencer the gap he needed for the easy win. Jordan rode a smart race, and won the field sprint, taking a strong 2nd place, in front of Thompson Remo and Darrell Kohli. Well done Jordan! Average speed 25.5mph.

Masters 1/2/3 Recap:
I started in the back, and was stuck in the back for the entire race. My legs were flat, and every time I moved up, I drifted to the back again. I resigned my self to tail gunner, and watched to make sure I didn't get gapped off the back by tired riders. I finished at the back of the field, which came down to a field sprint of over 60 riders. Average speed 27mph.

Pro/1/2/3 Recap:
Jordan was excited to race with the big boys, so he opted for the this race instead of the Cat 3's. He started near the front of the 100+ rider field, with the intention of staying out of trouble. He did just that. He came up with a strategy of marking a couple riders, and making sure he never went too far forward or back in the field. His plan worked to perfection, and he made it all the way to the end, which was a field sprint of over 60 riders. He finished a respectable 39th. Adam Bergman and Texas Roadhouse gave Colton Barrett the perfect lead out for the win. Average speed 28.5mph.

During the race, Pat Lemieux (Texas Roadhouse, Nick Vetter (SPBRC), and an IScorp rider got in a break which looked pretty good. The IScorp rider flatted, resulting in Pat and Nick almost being caught, but he returned after a free lap, and the gap grew again. Unfortunately, the IScorp rider rolled his front tubular and crashed out of the break. This resulted in the ultimate capture of the break and resulting field sprint.

Results Posted