Congrats to Mike Williams for pulling off another W in the Haystack TT in a time that would have netted 7th in the Pro Mens category.
| SM 45+ | place 1 | 0:34:40 | Michael Williams | Peloton Cycles – Specialized |
Category Archives: Results
Deer Trial Results
Congrats to the Peloton-Specialized team at Deer Trail.
Mike Hegdal 7th in 35+
Eric Thompson 20th in 35+ 4
Mike Williams 5th in 45+
Ron Kennedy 3rd in 45+ 4
Sam Naffziger 9th
Dan Evans 11th
Kurt Ireland, Race Report: Leadville Winter MTB Race Series #1 Jan 22nd 2011- East Side Epic
Kurts Snow Bike
Temp - low to mid 20′s
Weather - Overcast and snowing with 10-15 mph winds out of the west. The upper part of the course received 7 inches of snow in the previous 10 hrs.
Course - 10.5 mile loop, ~2000 ft of climbing. The terrain was a mix of snow packed roads (4 miles), snowmobile trail (3 miles) and finally 3 mile untracked powder with one section of 150 yards with 3 foot deep drifts.
Bike - 2011 Fatback snowbike with bar-mitts neoprene hand covers.
Clothes - Team kit and helmet, mid weight t-neck, fleece vest, wind vest, 3 pairs of socks, Lake winter riding boots, balaclava and knee/arm/leg warmers.
The Report:
We started at 10am with a 3 mile snow packed roads climb. With my heart in my throat at about mile 2.5 (11th place) I decided to sit-in on a single speeders wheel for the next .5 mile. The course then departed the snow packed road to a groomed snowmobile trail with 4 inches of powder. This gave the advantage to snowbikes (4inch wide tires running 10psi) over regular mtb. Most of the field was pushing at this point, but after de-flating the tires a few times I was able to get traction and reeled in all but one rider as the climb drew to a close. The first downhill was 1.5 miles long with 7 inches of untracked powder….SWEET is the only way to describe it….until i took a header at about 15mph. Then I had a face full of snow. 
I remounted my steed and finished out the downhill and only gave up one position. A few more ups and downs and we were on the final climb. This climbed started with 150 yards of 3 foot deep drifts (unridable) and 15mph wind. I felt like i could have been summiting Mt Everest! After getting passed by another guys (now 2 ahead of me) I entered the trees were the wind died down and the race was on. I had 2 people to catch, 1.5 miles and 5 inch of untracked powder. After about 15 mins I had pulled in the top 2 guys and we stuck together for the final .5 mile of the climb. About 100 yrd into the decent I glanced down and when I looked up the two guys vanished into the snow, wind and clouds. I looked over my shoulder and saw nobody. At this point I decide to ride within my limit and finish out the race. I crossed the line in 1:40:13 and had completed my first snowbike race. Turned out the two guys ahead of my head had ridden off course and got DQ’d so instead of getting 3rd over all and 2nd in men’s geared i got 1st over all and 1st in men’s geared….SWEET. I’ll take it!
The after party was most excellent too…..Oskar Blues beer…yum! I’d highly suggest any event put on by Cloud City Wheelers!! Series race #2 is Feb 19 at 5pm…be there or be square.
USGP New Belgium CX Cup (11/13-14, 2010)
Whether on the course, on the cowbells, or behind the scenes, Team Peloton-Specialized was there at the USGP New Belgium CX Cup in our hometown of Fort Collins on the wintry weekend of November 13-14, 2010.
Bill Frielingsdorf generating heat on a cold day at the USGP Cyclocross New Belgium Cup
USGP New Belgium Cup 2010 Ric Slayden from Peloton-Specialized Cycling Team on Vimeo.
The weekend was archetypal cyclocross: beneath overcast skies, on freshly-snowed mud, and swathed in temperatures hovering at barely 40°F which was actually unseasonably cool on the heels of a November that was boasting, until that weekend, weather that was unseasonably mild.
Bill Frielingsdorf recaps of his racing, “Sunday went better for me, but it was still really hard. There is no doubt that the mud and the hills made it the most difficult weekend of ‘cross in Colorado this year. Many thanks to the entire Fort Collins Cycling Community. Special recognition should go to Lora Heckman who did so much to make the event happen and raced so well in the Elite Women’s field.”
Lora Heckman (in blue parka) delivering race results as Eric Liprandi looks on in the foreground (in red).
Ric Slayden none worse for the wear at the USGP New Belgium Cup
Team members turned out among nearly 2,000 others who raced, cheered, and/or helped organize the landmark event that further emplaced Fort Collins in the hallows of world-class bicycle racing.
Mark Zabel (L) and Travis Baugh managing race registration. And looking forward to that next cup of coffee.
The course featured a distinctive flyover that added interest and challenge to the already exciting venue; Team Peloton-Specialized was a sponsor of the construction of this flyover, which has become popularly known as “The Pummelhorse.”
USGP New Belgium Cup 2010 Slayden Ascends Pummelhorse from Peloton-Specialized Cycling Team on Vimeo.
USGP New Belgium Cup 2010 Slayden Under Pummelhorse from Peloton-Specialized Cycling Team on Vimeo.
Not quite Publishers Clearinghouse, and a helluvalot harder to win! Mark Zabel proffers the donation provided by the Team to support construction of The Pummelhorse flyover.
Kurt Ireland manned this crossing for most of the day and saw a lot of great action under, around, over, and down The Pummelhorse!
The days began at the crack of dawn for those involved in the organization of the event, an all-volunteer effort.
Mark Zabel, who volunteered along with several teammates, comments, “Saw many of the Peloton crew both on and off the course. Travis (Baugh), Eric (Liprandi), and I arrived before dawn to help out with registration. We had a nice stroll around the course on a cold Sunday morning before the action started. What a fantastic course and venue. A real electric atmosphere with so many bike racers, fans, and volunteers having a great time despite the brisk temperatures and biting wind. Can’t wait ’til next year – see you at the starting line!”
Travis Baugh (L) and Eric Liprandi, up at the crack of dawn registering and checking riders in.
Despite tight scheduling and unique responsibilities bestowed upon every individual volunteer, team riders were still able to meet up with and to cheer on teammates, fellow cyclists, and enthusiasts during both action-packed days.
(R-L) Ron Tjalkens, Matt Gough, and Ric Slayden in various shades of "I was at the USGP New Belgium Cup"
John Holcombe (C) and Tom Carter (R) chat with Peloton Cycles expert mechanic Nick Wamsley
While the races had their podium standees, the USGP New Belgium Cup was a huge “W” for all involved.
Tom Carter shouts out, “Thanks to the folks that were out this last week pounding posts, stringing tape, sitting in a registration tent, minding crossing gates, yadda-yadda-yadda. It’s that type of presence at events that helps the wheels of FC cycling turn. It was noticed…and Lora (Heckman) kicked ass actually racing!”
Team Peloton-Specialized is proud to have been a supporter and participant in this venerable event enriching the Fort Collins and Northern Colorado communities at large.
Matt Gough (L) and Ron Tjalkens... representing.
For more exciting coverage of the USGP New Belgium cup, see the Your Group Ride page dedicated to this event, featuring video footage by Boulder Video such as the clip below.
Front Range Cyclocross 2010: Bill Frielingsdorf
Fit and fast Frielingsdorf furious on the Front Range cyclocross scene. Here, Bill maintains a gap at the Blue Sky Velo Cup on the Xilinx campus in Longmont.
With the recent change of winds confirming the emplacement of the cyclocross season, Peloton-Specialized team riders continue to make proud representations of the squad at various Front Range ‘cross venues.
Bill Frielingsdorf has been racing some of the region’s premier events including the Blue Sky Velo Cup and Boulder Cyclocross Series, and provides the following recap:
“I have gotten back into the Cyclocross scene. Two weeks ago I raced at Interlocken where the lush grass makes for a leg sapping, but very fun ride.
This past weekend I raced the Blue Sky Velo Cup Race at Xilinx which is also one of the more fun ‘cross venues on the Front Range, and the Boulder ‘cross series race at the Louisville Rec Center which is certainly one of the more punishing venues.
On my way home on Sunday I saw teammates Thomas Borch and Matt Gough out braving the winds. No wonder they are so strong!
I am looking forward to the upcoming team meeting and the USGP New Belgium Cup weekend of November 13th and 14th.”
Thanks, Bill, for making such a strong showing for the Team!
Fort Collins/New Belgium Cyclocross (10/2010): Borch, Gough, Heckman
The Fort Collins Cyclocross 2010 race series has been up and running at the grounds of the New Belgium Brewing campus, which will also host the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross – New Belgium Cup on Nov. 13 and 14.
Team Peloton-Specialized has been proudly represented by riders Thomas Borch, Matt Gough and Lora Heckman.
Thomas Borch (L) and Matt Gough awaiting their race
Lora, also a co-worker at New Belgium Brewing, has also been on hand assisting with registration at the races.
Results and other updates on the local CX scene are posted at Your Group Ride.
New Belgium CX 2010 Thomas Borch from Peloton-Specialized Cycling Team on Vimeo.
Team newcomer Matt Gough makes a strong showing representing the team and its sponsors in the vibrant Fort Collins/Northern Colorado race community
Thomas Borch gaps a rider on the New Belgium CX course
Carrying through the sand obstacle on course. The team colors look great on Matt!
Matt coming through a hot lap on the New Beligum CX course
Matt in heat-seeking mode amid a trio of strong riders
Stone Temple 8 (9/25/10): Tom Carter
Congratulations to team rider Tom Carter who, with racing mate Jess Watts, completed the Stone Temple 8 on Saturday, September 25, in Curt Gowdy State Park.
Tom and Jess together completed 5 laps with a total time of 6:21:35.1, with their second lap time of 58:04.5, being their best.
Dakota Five-O (9/5/10): Borch, Ellis, Frielingsdorf
UPDATE: Congratulations to Team riders Thomas Borch (4:27.04, 17th M 30-39), Bill Frielingsdorf (4:28.50, 18th M 30-39), and Scott Ellis (5:30.02, 9th M 50-59), for their solid finishes in South Dakota!
# # #
We wish our teammates Thomas Borch, Scott Ellis, and Bill Frielingsdorf good luck and lots of speed at the Dakota Five-O as they race this weekend in the Black Hills of Spearfish, South Dakota.
Winter Park King of the Rockies 8/28/10: Borch, Ellis, Frielingsdorf, Gough, Naffziger
The Peloton-Specialized Cycling Team was well represented at the Winter Park season finale, the King of the Rockies.
Bill Frielingsdorf displaying some of his Aqua-Man skills at the 2010 Winter Park King of the Rockies
Matt Gough, Scott Ellis, and Bill Frielingsdorf all rode S-Works Epics at the popular race that begins with the Tipperary Creek Trail. Peloton-Specialized’s own “Great Dane,” Thomas Borch, rode his S-Works Stumpy 29er, and Sam Naffziger ripped the epic singletrack on his S-Works Stumpjumper FSR.
Matt Gough rode his way to a 5th place finish at 2:05:37 in the super-competetive Sport Men 35-39 category that boasted a field of 44 riders.
Sam Naffziger posted a 2:17:21 to finish 25th in the equally competetive Sport 40-44 category.
Scott Ellis finished 6th in the Sport 50-59 category at 2:19:37. Scott finished the season with an impressive 5th place overall for the series.
Bill Frielingsdorf finished 10th at 1:56:09 in the Expert 35-39 category.
Unfortunately, Thomas Borch can’t buy a break this season. All of his bad luck seems to come at the races and this was no exception. Thomas was flying up the hills, but suffered an untimely flat tire in addition to a broken saddle. He recovered to finish 23rd at 2:12:28 in the Expert 35-39 category. At least Thomas admitted that he was still able to enjoy the sweet singletrack we all rode on Saturday.
Lory Park Mountain Challenge: Borch, Heckman, Holcombe, Zabel
The Lory State Park MTB series, homegrown in Fort Collins, has been running strong and enjoying healthy turnouts of riders from the ranks of local tots to international pros in its inaugural season.
The series is held at Lory State Park beginning on August 3, and runs for each of the following three consecutive weeks. Registration begins at 4:30PM and closes at 5:45PM on each race day; the fee for those over 18 years of age is $10, while those aged 18 and under race for free.
The series is organized by the Ciclismo Cycling Youth Foundation, beneficiary of the race proceeds.
Team rider Lora Heckman has been on hand helping with the race organization.
Mark Zabel has been competing in the races, and describes his run during Week 2 (August 10) as follows:
“Course conditions were perfect and everyone I talked with had a blast. I ate dirt four times on the course, once uphill on Timber!?! That dropped me from third to fifth, but I passed one of the guys again down Kimmons. Then I fell in three different corners on the way back on East Valley trying to catch another guy just in front of me, but only ground more dirt in my bleeding elbow, knee, and hip. Geez, maybe I need to stick to the road. NO WAY, Man! Kimmons was super-cool and The Valley was way fast and furious. Seems to be a little confusion on the results – I apparently did not finish. TWICE. Once as #104 and once as #122. No matter - I did finish, bruised and bloody but ready for more!”
Following the last race of the season on 8/24, Mark reports, “I checked my finish from the race last night, just to make sure I wasn’t DNF’d again. Finished 6th, losing a really cool battle with two other dudes for fourth. We went back and forth the last five miles or so. On the upside, I was “Timber King”, finishing first on the climb, then was passed by five guys on the descent. Such is my mountain biking career!”
Thomas Borch has also been riding and providing his 5 year-old son, Sebastian, a taste of the race circuit.
Thomas Borch (#621) lining up at the start of the Lory Mountain Challenge
Thomas reports, “My son Sebastian and I raced at the Lory State Mountain Challenge August 17th in the Kids under 8 and OPEN/PRO category, respectively. My 5 year old son took 4th on his Specialized Hotrock 16.”
Thomas Borch and son, Sebastian, pre-race at the Lory Mountain Challenge
This '09 Specialized Hot Rock 16" alloy steed was Sebastian Borch's weapon of choice at the Lory Mountain Challenge. Sebastian opted for the heavy modification of going without training wheels which helped him to his outstanding 4th place finish in the Kids Under-8 category.
Thomas continues, “There were 21 starting riders in the pro/open class out of which 14 finished. I had two crashes during the race one of which really hurt since I basically decelerated from 20 mph to 0 MPH in one second, with just 2 miles to go, and made a classic somersault over the handlebar.”
Thomas Borch paying the departure tax after visiting Endo City at the Lory Mountain Challenge.
“After straightening my handlebar out I was able to get back on the bike and finish in 8th place (time: 1:06:37). The race course consist of mostly single-track with several technical sections and great downhills.”
Team Peloton-Specialized next-generation rider, Sebastian Borch, aged 5, son of Thomas Borch, coming in for a 4th place finish. Congratulations, Sebastian! We are so proud of you!
And, although Team Rider John Holcombe has been out on injured reserve (see post), John hasn’t been keeping away from the action. His daughter, Emily, took 3rd, 2nd, and 2nd at the last three races, respectively, in the Kids Under-8 category. We are happy to report that after 3 months of recovery, John is back on the bike!
Emily Holcombe, daughter of John Holcombe, setting the pace to a 2nd place finish in the Kids Under-8 category. Congratulations, Emily! Team Peloton-Specialized has a very hopeful future!
The Specialized Hotrock Girls 20" 6-Speed: The ride of choice of Emily Holcombe, daughter of John Holcombe. Blazing fast like their owners, complete with 50mm-travel suspension fork, cantilever brakes, and 6-speed drivetrain headed by a 36T chainring. Can you handle it?
For event updates and results, see YourGroupRide and eventr.com.
Many thanks to the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and participants of this excellent race series to which we look forward to many subsequent seasons!