Mash Cycling Grand Prix #4      2/22/12

Written by Platinum rider Jeff Stern

Perfect temperature for this race, but we got there a little late so I felt rushed in getting ready. I only completed 2 warm up laps, so did not have a good feel for the course at full speed. Also did not feel completely warm. The field was huge compared to the first 3 weeks Andres said, roughly 40 guys. I went out hard and attacked on the second lap. Just about then the wind really picked up. Today was my first ride on aero wheels and man did I pick a bad one. I really felt the positives and negatives of them today. Ended up sitting in the middle/front of the pack the rest of the race until 3 laps to go when Andres started to attack and pushed more to the front. He made a really good move to the inside before the last horseshoe turn to get 2nd wheel while I was sitting around 15th. Andres killed the straightaway uphill sprint to the finish for an easy win while I rallied to passed half a dozen riders for a solid 9th and another top 10 finish. For the first time I felt like I went all out on the sprint. Considering the wind, new tubular aero wheels and not knowing the course I felt satisfied. Most importantly, notch up another W for Platinum early in the season. Andres is that much closer to upgrading to Cat 3 and I only need 4 more races to get to Cat 4. Enough of this road crap, I'm ready for Vail Lake Kenda Cup!

Results

Andreas Malovos --- 1st  cat 4/5

Jeff Stern --- 9th  Cat 4/5

Cat 5 Race Report  2/19/12

Wriiten by Platinum rider Jeff Stern

 Pine Flat Road Race, 62 miles - Already satisfied with my unexpected and dominating finish on Saturday I went into this hilly road race with no expectations; I just wanted to finish as strong as I could. The course and the scenery at Pine Flat Lake were awesome. We stayed in a hotel that was a 5 minute bike ride away from the start which was awesome. The weather however, was horrible. Super overcast with tons of low fog that reminded me of being at home in the San Francisco Bay. It was also freezing cold which taught me lesson #2 of the weekend: how to dress and layer properly. My gloves sucked, I wore no shoe/toe covers, the wrong arm warmers, no base layer, etc, etc. I was extremely uncomfortable the entire race. I could barley find my jersey pockets to eat or feel my nose to blow all the gnarly snot that was accumulating. Throw into the equation that I had to pee from mile 5 onward and it really did suck. The race started with a little neutral climb and then a 20 mile out and back rolling, curvy section alongside the lake with tons of cattle guards. After the turn around I thought I would try to drop to the back of the pack and pee. I asked the official if it was alright and he said, "Just don't pee on me." It was nearly impossible in the cold and with the constantly changing grade of the road to try and get anything out, so I gave up and settled into the fact that I would race the next 3 hours having to go to the bathroom. I could not kick the thought for virtually the whole race. That being said, I did not have to work very hard. There was one guy with no leg warmers, no arm warmers, and short finger gloves working the entire time. He was on the front for 52 miles! I could not believe it. More power too him. Absolute animal. He must have been training for something else because he was very strong, but once the climb hit, he was no where to be found. There were lots of sketch little kids all over the road. One guy even got pulled over by the judge less than 10 miles in for blatantly breaking the center line rule. It was hard to let loose on the descents because it was so cold and riders were all over the place. Right before the end of the long straightaway and the start of the climbing I let loose to do a little pulling in an attempt to warm up. It only made me realize how cold I really was. I decided it would be best to try and stay near the front to keep the blood flowing so I did that for the rest of the way. We made one final right hand turn and the climbing was on. The fog got so thick I could not tell the grade of the road, which riders were actually around me or how far we had to go. It made the suffering that much worse. I definitely came close to redlining as a group of 4 riders surged into the thick tule fog and completely out of sight. I realized top 5 was the best I could do. When I made it to the top of the first climb I was with one older guy, a kid my age and a middle age guy who I actually met at my first race ever (San Bruno Hill Climb, 1/1/12). We worked together to try and chase down the top 4, but to no avail. Eventually the younger guy dropped, the SBHC guy (Ron) took off with the older guy and I was left thinking 7th was mine with ease. As we hit the last pitch, the older guy started to really suffer and I knew I could jump one more place. I persevered and passed him with no problem and even shot past a racer from a different category who was dropped long ago. Again, another strong finish even with all the things I could have done better. After today I realized that as long as I finish strong I am happy with my race.

Cat 4 Race Report

Written by Platinum rider Andreas Malovos

Alfredo Gallegos and Andres Malovos learned the Pine Flat Road Race is given a deceptive name given its 4k+ ft of climbing.The course features a rolling out and back portion followed by a descent onto the flat orchard roads. From there rollers, and small climbs give way to a 3 mile stair step climb with many steep pitches.  We previewed the course with fellow Platinum riders and race veterans John Echeveste, and Ben Ellenberger the previous day for tips, and a sense of what was in store on race day. It was clear this race was going to be a war of attrition given its length, and steep climbs. The race morning was cold gloomy making proper clothing essential. Luckily the gloomy skies stayed dry, so the cold and fog sacked climb were the only weather adversities we faced during the race. After the neutral start the race picked up in pace with two riders going off the front almost immediately. The pace of the out and back made conservation an even more important goal in this race. The descent and flats gave an opportunity to take in the sights, and feed before the rollers and main climb. Constantly moving forward over the rollers we were in good position as we approached the climb. The pace was tremendous from the base and never let up. Eventually after a hard fight we were both dropped from the leaders, and began plan B. Plan B was to make it over the climb and work with others to bring back anyone we could, or prevent any others catching up. Doing so allowed Andres Malovos to finish 11th, and Alfredo Gallegos 15th.  A very demanding race with hard fought positions from a 56 man field. 

Results

John Edwards --- 15th  Cat 3

Andreas Malovos --- 11th  Cat 4

Alfredo Gallegos --- 15th  Cat 4

Jeff Stern --- 6th  Cat 5

Written by Platinum rider Jeff Stern

  Cantua Creek Road Race, 52 miles - Went to bed at 11pm after refereeing soccer for 4 hours on Friday night. Woke up at 2am to get to Steve's (my carpool buddy) house by 3:30am so we could make the 4+ hour drive to Coalinga. Made great time and got there with over an hour to spare until my start time (which was 8:20am). Felt like a complete zombie while getting ready; pinned my number horribly on the first try, waited in line for 20 minutes to go to the bathroom (#1) only to realize after exiting the port-a-potty that I now needed to go #2. I really just wanted to finish this race in one piece. All the categories before us were taking off late so this gave me a few minutes to really need to go to the bathroom and continue to compose myself. Finally, we started off and I grabbed the biggest, strongest guy's wheel and just stuck to it. I knew if the course paralleled Highway 5 at all that it was going to be windy so conserving what little energy I had was necessary. The course was an out and back and our group did only 2 laps. The majority of it was flat except for a rolling uphill finish which is what I am good at. Steve calls them "power hill sprints." I really had no difficulty coming up the hill for the end of the first lap and felt confident making the turn into the second lap. After not working at all on the first lap I ended up in front for a little bit of the 2nd lap on the way out. The guy's wheel I grabbed was moaning at me to do some work so I felt a little compelled. Lesson #1 from the weekend: don't ever let someone bully you into working. After the last turn around with 13 miles to go on the way back a few guys attacked but really had nothing. Most of our small pack was full of Fresno State guys. There was one strong guy who did most of the work the whole race, Patrick. I put in a little attack with about 10 miles to go only to get pulled back and stuck trading off with Pat. When we finally hit the last crossing of Hwy 5 it was me at the front with him on my wheel. I just kept the same cadence, spinning the in the big ring; not really exerting much effort. Only a minute later I hear someone yell out, "We've got to bridge the gap!" I took a quick peak and realized the whole pack has dropped off. I turn to Pat and say, "Let's work together and we've got this." He ended up taking one pull and then was no where to be found. We hit the first rolling climb and downhill and he was not even on my wheel anymore. With less than 2 miles to go I decided to throw the hammer down and crush it to the finish in the drops. No one was even close when I crossed the finish line. I could have just cruised, but it felt awesome to power through my first win. It honestly felt easy. I didn't feel like a zombie anymore. Actually, "winning" a race, not just doing well or PRing was something I've wanted for a while. The feeling is outstanding. Although completely unexpected it was a great confidence builder for the rest of the weekend and a race I will always remember as my first win.

Cat 4 Race Report

Written by Platinum rider Andreas Malovos

Team Platinum riders Alfredo Gallegos and Andres Malovos contested a
45 rider field at the Cantua Road Race this past weekend and finished
on the podium. The race was an out and back three lap race totaling 70
miles that features gradual changes in elevation near the
start/finish. Entering the race our plan was simple, save energy! With
the Pine Flat Road Race, and Dinuba Criterium planned the following
days we were looking to save energy in hopes of strong finishes in
those races. The race pace was smooth enough to ride at the back and
catch a free ride for all but the return on the final lap. We made our
move toward the front as the dense pack made its way over the rolling
terrain approaching the finish. The fast pace strung out the field
allowing Andres Malovos to put in an attack as he cleared the front,
resulting in a third place finish. The 1st and 2nd positions were won
with a breakaway established as we worked our way to the front. Andres
Malovos 3rd, Alfredo Gallegos 10th.

Results

Jeff Stern --- 1st  Cat 5

Steve Weixel --- 3rd  Cat 3

Andreas Malovos --- 3rd  Cat 4

Alfredo Gallegos --- 10th Cat 4

Dinuba Criterium  2/20/12

Written by Platinum rider John Echeveste

Disappointed by my results at Pine Flat, I went into Dinuba Crit
knowing that I had to win it. Last year I had managed to do well at
all the races that weekend, and with two races down this year I had no
personal results to show for it.  Therefore, Dinuba was going to be
mine.

Steve, Ben and I talked a bit for the race and decided that we should
try and make a break stick, since the course is so well suited for
rolling off the front. Ben was the first to attack, but was pulled
back shortly thereafter.  I attacked a few laps later, but was only
able to hold the break for a few laps.  Ben and Steve took turns
covering moves and keeping the pace up. Around half way through the
race I attacked again, but the field wouldn't have it and never gave
me a leash. I resigned myself to sit in and wait for the sprint. At 10
laps to go an attack went, but Ben was right on his wheel, and
continued to string the group out even after they were pulled back.
With 5 laps to go I was getting myself in position, and found Steve up
front keeping the pace up. I was sitting 6th wheel coming into the
last lap, with the pace just high enough to string the field out, but
low enough that I was comfortable. Last year I had been too
conservative in the sprint at this race, but I was sure I knew how to
correct for that this time around. Heading into the 4th corner it was
clear that the front few riders were waiting for someone to lead it
out. Mid way between the 4th and 5th corner I jumped, quickly passing
everyone and diving into the 5th turn as quickly as I could.  A few
hard pedal strokes put me to the 6th and final turn. From there it was
a long sprint, broken up about 2/3rds of the way in by a dip. I went
as hard as I could to the dip, coasted through it, then gave my last
few pedal strokes that carried me to the line. My early attack into
the sprint paid off, and I won by a bike length or so.

Results

John Echeveste --- 1st  Cat 3

Alfredo Gallegos --- 4th  Cat 4

Andreas Malovos --- 15th  Cat 4

Jeff Stern --- 16th  Cat 4

Ben Ellenberger --- 26th Cat 3

Dan Benson

John Biron

Adam Poytress

Greg Turner

Southridge Mtn Bike Series #4

The Platinum Performance Mtn Bike Team took home hardware from the last "warm-up" race before the US Cup Series begins in a couple of weeks.  Jon Miller took home Gold in the Cat 1 59+ class.  While Dan Benson (Cat 1 19-26), Adam Poytress (Cat 1 27-34), John Biron (Cat 1 43-58), and Dave Culbertson (Cat 2 43-50) all brought home Silver.  Rounding out the top three were Greg Turner (Cat 1 43-50) and Dean Swank (Cat 1 51-58).  The course was challenging with tons of rocky, twisty single tract which kept the riders on their toes.  

Results:

Jon Miller --- 1st  Cat 1 59+

Dan Benson --- 2nd  Cat 19-26

Adam Poytress --- 2nd  Cat 1 27-34

John Biron --- 2nd  Cat 1 51-58

Dave Culbertson --- 2nd  Cat 2 43-50

Greg Turner --- 3rd  Cat 1 43-50

Dean Swank --- 3rd Cat 1 51-58

Todd Booth --- DNF

On Saturday, February 11, members of Team Platinum Performance made a training day out of “Test The Best” at The Dirt Club in Los Olivos. The Dirt Club hosted Specialized Bicycle’s Demo crew allowing members of the public to “Test The Best” and ride 37 of their 2012 line up! Team Platinum Sho-Air was on sight to ride with the public and display the best XC bikes on the market!

Specialized Field Marketing Rep, Scott, Demo Program Manager Alex, and local Sales Rep Matt, were there to represent Specialized and put riders on their top end product.

Thanks to The Dirt Club and Specialized for making a great forum for local MTB riders to spend the day on the trails!

Todd Booth 

 Dean Swank

Adam Poytress, Todd Booth and Dean Swank

 Dave Culbertson winner!

Soutrhridge Mtn Bike Series #3

The third race at Southridge had great conditions and weather.  The Platinum Performance Cycling Team had six riders heading down to the inland empire.  The course was a mixture of technically challenging single track, steep climbs and loose descents.  Keeping the riders on their toes the entire race.  Platinum riders Jon Miller and Nick Berkeley succumb to the courses abuse to their bikes.  Jon DNF with a double flat and Nick had chain issues.  On the positive side, Dave Culbertson won his first Cat 2 race in the Cat 43-50 class.  Adam Poytress (Cat 1 27-34) and Dean Swank (Cat 1 51-58) pulled off 1st place finishes in their races.  Todd Booth (Cat 1 43-50) had a great finishing time but ended up in 2nd.  Great job boys!

Results

Adam Poytress --- 1st Cat 1 27-34

Dean Swank --- 1st  Cat 1 51-58

Dave Culbertson --- 1st  Cat 2 43-50

Todd Booth --- 2nd  Cat 1 43-50

Jon Miller --- DNF

Nick Berkeley --- DNF

Master 35+  3/4

Written by Platinum rider John Orach

With a field of just over 50 for the Masters 35+ 3/4 race, Tom Anhalt, Mark Luke, Roger Moore and I (John Orach) lined up to give it our best shot. Knowing my fitness is far below expectations, I planned to ride smart and lend teammate support. I knew Tom would put some attacks in, and I'm good at slowing folks down. After an early Prime, Roger put in a hard dig and got away. Paul Thorson from SB took off in pursuit with me on his wheel, but the escape was short lived. Tom never rode outside the top 10 in the field and put in many hard efforts to breakaway, but never got paired up with anyone capable of trading pulls with him. With 4 laps to go I was muddled in the middle of the pack. Going through turn 1 I saw three guys in pink jerseys lining up on the front. I first thought to myself, "I can't believe some old 3/4 dudes are actually setting up a leadout.' But then I noticed that Tom was fixed on their wheel in 4th position as they began their train. It took me half a lap, but I shot up the inside of the pack, got up to Tom and barked, "TOM, LET ME IN!" I slid into 4th position with 3 laps to go with Tom on my wheel. The lead pink jersey guy hammers a lap, and peels off with 2 to go. The next pink jersey guy puts in a faster lap.....but only has one teammate left behind him. I figured if these guys burn out, I'll take Tom to the final corner myself. The bell rang and the 2nd pink jersey guy peels off, leaving one rider in front of me who put the hammer down for the final lap. However, he cooked himself and began to peel off just before the final corner, as the swarm began on our right side. I came out of the corner in 5th as the sprint started. A couple of the guys that passed up were fried, and the wheel I chose to follow ended up clearing a path. I passed two riders and held on for 3rd place, with Tom in 11th (in the chaos), Roger in 14th and Mark finishing in the pack. Fitness wise, I didn't deserve a top 40 finish. But it's proof of what you can do with simple teammate communication and using other team's work to your advantage.

Written by Platinum rider John Echeveste

 PCKRR - Cat 3

I was looking forward to this race, knowing that the new finish on
this course would suit me better than years past.  I started the race
up at the front, and made sure that I stayed there. The first lap was
painfully slow, but the pace did pick up a little after the
turn-around.  There were a few bursts of speed on the second lap, and
finally after the final turn around things were getting interesting.
Every climb was hit hard, but I managed to hold on with the leaders.
After the final climb the group had split up a bit, but smaller clumps
of riders managed to catch up on the descent.  A few miles out from
the final turn into the finish I managed to lose position, and found
myself mid-pack. The roads were too narrow to allow me to move back up
to the front, and by the time the turn was in sight I knew my race was
over. Although I was able to catch up with the front riders coming
into the finish, I had used up all my energy just as they were
starting to sprint.

Mothballs - Cat 3

Disappointed in my poor tactics from the day before, I decided to take
control of Mothballs.  The first few laps saw some attacks, which
Steve, Ben and I covered.  I put in an attack that stayed away for a
lap or two, but the field chased hard and my breakaway companions
didn't cooperate.  10 Minutes later I attacked again after another
rider had upped the pace coming out of the turn into the start/finish
straight.  Nobody followed, and soon enough I had a good gap. After a
couple laps dangling another rider sprinted up to me and passed me,
but as soon as he collected his prime he dropped back to the group and
I continued on alone. A few more laps passed and someone else pulled
the same move.  Finally a strong rider that I had been watching
yesterday bridged up to me and took some pulls. Our gap grew large
enough that I couldn't see the field behind us, and we got down to 12
laps to go. Unfortunately we somehow managed to collide on the back
side of the course, and both had to leave the race.  I'm hoping that
with a couple weeks of healing I can be right back at it!

Cat 1 19-29 Race

Written by Platinum rider Nick Berkeley

I started the first lap a bit too aggressively and wish I would have paced myself more. For some of the first lap I followed another Platinum team member (Dean). There was a drizzle that gradually increased the saturation of water into the first 4 inches of sand and clay substrate by the end of the third lap. I did three laps in the Expert class each lap was 6 miles long. The Climbing was challenging because of the technical sections. For the whole first lap and part of the second lap I diced with two riders over my age group in a different class. I learned from riding with these two fast riders that my time needs to be improved on the downhill, about my bikes technical issues, ways to improve my body position, and have since made a few purchases to improve my performance. My preperation for racing includes doing 20 to 30 mile rides, strength training, cross training, stretching, and eating well.    

Results:

Nick Berkeley --- 2nd Cat 1 19-29