Catching up for November 10 through November 16

-by Jamie Naragon

This week’s catching up features, though is not exclusively, cross races around the globe.  Therefore, where better to start than in Belgium—the heart of cyclocross!

On November 8, the Vlaamse Houtlandcross Eernegem was raced.  Despite a crash in the first lap and a long pull to rejoin the front group of riders, Page was able to eventually join the elites of the race—Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Tonissteiner), last year’s winner Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb Projob Cycling Team), Thijs Al (AA Drink-BeOne), and Dieter Vanthourenhout (Palmans-Cras).  In the end, Nys was able to sprint his way to victory, while Page took a highly commendable 5th overall.

Publishers note: This is the first of a three part series on Bobby Julich. We at USCR congratulate him on his career, on being a classy guy from start to finish and on his upcoming new opportunities in cycling. Ride on Bobby J.

Bobby Julich Retrospective

-by Jamie Naragon

September 8, 2008 was a dark day for many American cycling fans. Though it was inevitable, the news of Bobby Julich’s retirement from cycling hit some close to their hearts. The quiet, calm, and classy CSC-Saxobank rider had witnessed a tapering in great results of late (which contributed, in part, to his decision to retire). He sensed the end coming during the Tour de Suisse.  His non-selection for the Tour de France, for the second year in a row, and for the Olympics solidified the decision. The day after CSC’s website reported Bobby’s retirement, a certain Lance Armstrong announced his return to the sport, eclipsing the news of Bobby J. As an extremely important American rider, however, it is important for cycling fans to remember the contributions Bobby Julich has made. Bobby J has had his share of tough times in the sport-- from allergies to a heart condition to crashes at the worst possible moments in pivotal races--but he has remained focused and professional throughout his long career.

Minneapolis (Nov. 17, 2008) – A national program is offering race promoters the opportunity to send their top amateurs to the 2009 edition of the Nature Valley Grand Prix (Minnesota, June 10-14) to compete against the country’s top men and women professional bicycle racers.

Baden Cooke, Ivan Dominguez, José Enrique Gutiérrez and Francisco Mancebo among top names signed

Culver City, Calif. — Rock Racing bolstered its ranks for 2009 with the signings of European specialists Baden Cooke, Francisco Mancebo and José Enrique Gutiérrez, as well as top domestic talents Ivan Dominquez, Glen Chadwick, Chris Baldwin and Caleb Manion.

WHERE: Cow Palace! - San Francisco/Daly City, CA
WHEN: 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and 10 AM to 8 PM Sunday, November 29-30 2008

Why attend the Bicycle Expo and Swap ...

Based on figures from an annual count of bicyclists conducted since 1984, the New York City Department of Transportation announced this past Thursday that commuter cycling rose a remarkable 35 percent between 2007 and 2008. The data is suggestive, not definitive, but officials said they considered the trend to be genuine.