1. Tour de France or Giro D’Italia? Why?
Tour de France. It’s “the” big show!

2. Any Superstitions? Why?
I have no superstitions. They are all pretty much ridiculous.

3. Racing in Europe or Racing in the United States? Why?
Racing in Europe. It’s my favorite style of racing. In general, I always enjoy racing more in Europe.

4. Classics or Grand Tours? Why?
Grand Tours. They are what I would want to be successful at if I can make it to that level some day.

5. Good luck charms? What are they and Why?
I have my Grandfather’s ring melted down into a necklace that I wear every day.

6. How do ya feel about cobble stones?
I hate them, but it’s pretty fun racing over them.

7. Espresso? Yes or No? Why?
Yes. I love coffee.

8.Gloves or no gloves? Why?
No gloves. Just more comfortable.

9. Climbs or Descents?
Descents. You get to feel like you are on a motorcycle.

10. Coke or Pepsi? Why?
Coke. It’s classic and way better.

Photo Credits: Glenn Kasin

It didn’t really hit home until the drive home from the airport. I’m lucky enough to only know a few people to ever have been affected by cancer firsthand. That being the case, it can seem a world away. As I waited at the oversized luggage door for my bike box, I glanced over at other individuals donning their black and yellow LIVESTRONG apparel. I struck up conversation with a few different people who had also attended the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin, and were also on their way back home. They shared their thoughts on the event, and their personal stories that drove them to get involved in the fight against cancer.

Their stories were all different, but I felt a connection to each of them regardless. As members of our local cycling community, we shared common experiences, and in the case of one guy, we had mutual friends. Stories, people’s feeling of empowerment, and their proactive reactions were my biggest takeaway from my weekend in Austin, Texas with my teammates.

Ian, Lawson, Nate, and I, first met Zach Mendes outside of Mellow Johnny’s on Friday afternoon. He greeted us with an ear-to-ear smile and asked if he could get a picture with us. After talking with Zach for a bit, we learned that he was thirteen-years-old…And would be riding the 90-mile course on Sunday. Thirteen-years-old. (This wasn’t his first go-around either. At the age of 12, he completed the 65-mile ride.)

Beyond riding the actual miles, each Ride for the Roses participant pledges to fund-raise a minimum of $250. Zach set his sights high and said, “Two-hundred and fifty dollars is great, but how about $25,000?” Since 2010, Zach has founded a local cycling team, organized spin-a-thons and asked for his birthday gifts to be donations to LIVESTRONG. He even spends his spare weekends in front of his local market raising more funds for those affected by cancer.

In addition to supporting the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Zach told us he was a big Trek-LIVESTRONG fan, and wants to be a part of the team someday. It’s clear he is already a tremendous over-achiever (on and off the bike).The team would be lucky to have him someday.

Over the course of the weekend, we ran into Zach on several more occasions. However, the one that I will remember most fondly was Sunday morning before the Ride for the Roses. Zach was at the Start Line getting ready to go with his mother, who was also doing the ride. Zach’s mom, Rica, is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. He’s only thirteen-years-old, but he stood so tall and strong next to his mom in support with a big smile, and beaming gaze as she shaved her head on the start line.

That was a powerful thing to watch, and young Zach’s support of his mother was a reflection of what happened at the event on an even larger scale. I looked forward to heading down to Austin this weekend for the LIVESTRONG Challenge, but had relatively little perspective on what the event meant beforehand. As I said earlier, I’ve been lucky enough to only personally know a few people who have battled cancer. After attending the events this weekend, and feeling the sense of community there, I feel like I know a lot more. I look forwarding to meeting and supporting many more survivors and people like Zach on the road ahead.

LIVESTRONG.

Joe

Photo Credits: Chris Gomez

The Lance Armstrong Foundation, headquartered in Austin, Texas

It varies from rider to rider, but a number of Trek-LIVESTRONG teammates are finding themselves embracing the short-lived, but cherished “off-season.” Over the next couple months, riders will take the time to amp up their extracurricular or side-passions whether that’s single track, cyclo-cross or returning to the class room for fall studies. Rider Charlie Avis has started his sophomore year at Princeton, while fellow student Lawson Craddock returns to the classroom…and the yoga room, testing out new ways of staying fit in the off-season.

On the opposite end of the spectrum (and world), Trek-LIVESTRONG Australian and Kiwi riders are getting a heavy-dose of local (spring) racing. Josh Atkins (New Zealand) and Dale Parker (Australia) are currently competing in the Tour of Tasmania, putting their teammate Mark Jamieson in yellow after a commanding performance in the opening team time trial.

Ian Boswell recently lent his support to Team RadioShack rider Levi Leipheimer, joining Jason McCartney (Team RadioShack), Axel Merckx and 7,500 other participants Levi’s Gran Fondo. Continuing the post-season tradition of Gran Fondo’s and charity events, numerous Trek-LIVESTRONG and Team RadioShack  riders will descend upon Austin, Texas for the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin. One of those rider’s showcasing his support will be Joe Dombrowski. Fresh off a plane from UCI Road World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Nineteen-year old Dombrowski checks in with his first “off-season” blog…

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Ian Boswell, Gavin Mannion and Joe Dombrowski "kick back" at pre-season training camp [pictured in Mellow Johny's Pedal Hard Studio

Finished
Monday, October 3, 2011

I often get words or phrases stuck in my head during races, particularly so on long, and sometimes monotonous stages of a stage race. These words and phrases get tossed back and forth in my head in a repetitive fashion like a hamster in a wheel, and are usually accompanied by a hollow stare at the wheels ahead of me.  Sometimes ten or twenty kilometers will go by, and I hardly remember I have raced. I’ll have zoned out.

On the last lap of the World Championships last week, the word bouncing around in my brain was “finished.” Halfway through the last lap, I found myself positioned at the back – or more precisely, sitting last wheel. As other riders would inevitably sit up, I was prepared to come around and close the gap, and latch back onto the long, thin line the peloton had become in it’s dash to the finish. With seven kilometers to go, I found myself sitting behind two South African riders who had found themselves detached from the back end of the race. This time, I chose not to come around. I knew my usefulness for my compatriots was over at that point, so I sat up, and rode in easy. At first I was riding alone, and the word “finished” was still bouncing back and forth in my brain. At 3k to go, I was joined by my teammate Ian Boswell. We rode in together, watching the jumbo-tron, and listening to the commentators, trying to take in the race that was ahead of us. The French went 1-2. Impressive.

It was a good feeling crossing the line at the top of the hill, and for the last time, I thought to myself “finished.” I had just finished my first World Championships, and my 2011 season. Our Trek-LIVESTRONG soigneur, Reed McCalvin, had come over to work for the national team for the worlds, and I greeted him with a broad smile as I crossed the line.

It’s been a good season. Even better than I could have imagined. I got to stand on podiums, and wear jerseys in the US and Europe, and towards the end, topped it off with a European win.

At the same time, I finished my season with a lot of learning points, takeaways, and areas for improvement. While I felt elated to be finished, I also felt motivated to improve my weaknesses. Now is the time to take it easy, enjoy some time at home, and enjoy whatever bike riding I do. While it was fresh in my mind though, I jotted down a list of my thoughts on 2011, and my goals for 2012. I’m sure I’ll revisit that list when I’m looking for motivation to train hard this winter.

Until then, I’ll be getting in some good time on VA singletrack, and hitting the local cross scene here and there.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for the support this year. It’s been a good one, and hopefully I can start next year right where I left this one off.

Trek-LIVESTRONG sits down to a well-deserved team dinner at Rudy's Barbeque in Austin, TX.

From daily training to nutrition to diving into outside hobbies like playing guitar or DJ’ing…Trek-LIVESTRONG coach and sports science Dr. Allen Lim joins the riders on weighing about the daily trials and tribulations of life as young pro.

The Trek-LIVESTRONG team gives young talented cyclists an opportunity to race as professional bike riders. CycleOps is proud to support the team again in 2011. Find out what these athletes experience in their first year as pro riders. See what it takes for them to succeed and hear their perspective on the ups and downs of professional cycling.

Following the conclusion of the Tour de France, Team RadioShack announced Trek-LIVESTRONG’s George Bennett and Dale Parker will join the team as stagieres, beginning Aug. 1. The Under-23 duo will debut with the ProTour team at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. A Nelson, New Zealand native,  21-year old Bennett joins Team RadioShack after finishing second overall at Ronde de l’Isard and leading Trek-LIVESTRONG to an overall team classification at the SRAM Tour of the Gila. The all-around talent and exceptional climber is sure to contribute tremendous support in the mountains of Utah.

Joining Bennett is world junior record holder Dale Parker. The 19-year-old from South Australia brought Trek-LIVESTRONG their first win of the 2011 season, storming the veteran field in SRAM Tour of the Gila’s time trial and winning the best young rider classification. Parker is a recognized as both an exceptional track and time trial specialist. Both riders currently reside in Boulder, Colorado with fellow Trek-LIVESTRONG teammates Joe Lewis, Josh Atkins and Michael Vink.

The roommates sit down to talk about the honor of being selected as a stagiere with Team RadioShack and the racing to come…

Tell us a bit more about the stagiaire process. What does it mean to “stagiaire” and what will the rest of your season look like?

George:  I’m learning as I go myself, but basically it’s like a job interview – you get a chance to feel the team out and learn how things work and the vice versa. They get to know what style of rider I am and if I am a good fit for their team.

Dale: This has been a childhood dream. It’s going to be an awesome opportunity and a steep learning curve. I am excited to meet all the riders and staff and try and learn as much as I can from some very knowledgable people.  This season I will be finish up in the US with Team RadioShack at Tour of Utah.  Then, it is back on the Boards [Australia] at the end of year with Olympics’ as a major goal of mine.

How did Team RadioShack approach you with this opportunity?

Dale: Trek-LIVESTRONG first had some experience meeting Team RadioShack staff and director Dirk Demol when we were in Europe earlier this season. That was the first opportunity we had to make a good impression. After Europe, I went home to Australia and traveled back to the States for Cascades Cycling Classic. It was around then I got the “green light” from Axel Merckx of their interest.

George: I knew back in May the team was looking at taking on a stagiaire or two. I didn’t know for sure until July when I suspected something, as our logistics manager asked me to update my clothing sizes. A few moments later, I got the official word from the Trek-LIVESTRONG director Axel that I had been selected.

What was going through your mind when you found out you would be racing with them in the summer/fall?

George: Lots of things. Firstly I was and still am excited but also it gave me a lot of motivation and purpose to the end of my year.

Dale: To be honest, at first, it was a similar feeling of when I broke the world record on the track in the three kilometer pursuit. I thought it was all a dream and was waiting for my alarm clock to go off and wake me up.

Your first race with Team RadioShack will be the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. How does it feel to know that you will be racing alongside some of the giants of American cycling like George Hincapie, Christian Vande Velde and your soon to be teammate Levi Leipheimer?

George: I’m buzzing about it. These are the guys I watched as I was coming up the ranks and I always dreamed of following their footsteps. To be lining up against them is huge and marks a pretty big milestone in my life. To be riding alongside someone like Levi is another amazing opportunity to learn and be part of something very special.

Dale: It is crazy, considering I watched most of those guys ride in the Tour de France as a 12-year-old and dreamt of doing the same as them. Riding with them now seven years later? Pretty cool…. I have so much respect for what they have done with their careers, and continue to do at such an the elite level today.

How has racing with Trek-LIVESTRONG prepared you for being a stagiaire with Team RadioShack?

George:  Too many ways to put in to a one short answer. But mostly  they have provided me with the environment (best equipment, etc.)  and leadership to go as fast as I can. And as for the other boys in the team, they have taught me the importance of being a tight knit unit, both on and off the bike.

Dale: Riding with Trek-LIVESTRONG has been great for me. It has taught me so much not only about racing my bike but preparing for races, recovery and all the other aspects of the sport that are equally as important as just riding your bike. Having Axel Merckx as your director is very cool. He is a great guy and has been so good for me.  He has been there for me at my highest and lowest points of my life and I can’t ever thank him enough for that.

What do you foresee being the biggest difference about racing at the Under-23 level and the ProTour level?

Dale: I think the biggest difference is obvious – the speed. It is going to be faster, that’s for sure. Faster…and harder! This next step is a big one and I think only the toughest will shine through and leave there mark on the work! Mental strength will be the huge factor.

George: I think in the Under-23’s there is maybe 25% of the guys that can win or influence the race. In the ProTour everyone is strong. There will be a huge difference in the speed and length of the races and there’s no room for wasting energy.

Any anticipation about being the “new guy” on Team RadioShack as come aboard as a stagiaire?

Dale: I am a little nervous, but definitely more excited.  I hope I can build some great relationships with everyone and one day become a very respected member of the team.

George: (Laughs) Not really. I know the rules and I’m sure I will cop a bit of stick here and there, but I’m prepared to do my time at the bottom – you have to start somewhere.

Trek-LIVESTRONG completed the Cascades Cycling Classic with two riders in the Top Ten general classification – Ian Boswell and Carter Jones riding to respective 7th and 9th place finishes overall.

Stage One lost Australian Dale Parker to a crash, involving several riders. Although a hematoma on his calf forced him to abandon, Parker has already returned to his regular training regimen. Team leaders Bend local Ian Boswell and New Zealander George Bennett stayed protected riding to Top Ten finishes on the first mountainous stage.

The 16-mile (25.7 km) individual time trial brought Trek-LIVESTRONG their third Top Ten finish of the race, as Carter Jones powered to an impressive fourth place finish. Jones, whose early season was characterized by a nagging foot injury, put in a telling performance as his form and speed continue to flourish.

Trek-LIVESTRONG joined the breakaway action on Stage Three, as the team worked together to easily position Bennett to join a seven-man breakaway.  The day conceded to the efforts of Realcyclist.com to drawn back the day’s break as teammates Cesar Grajales and Francisco Mancebo took first and third in the six-day race’s queen’s stage (84 miles/ 135.2 kilometers). The performance further protected Mancebo’s overall leader’s jersey won over from teammate Grajales, following Stage Two. Trek-LIVESTRONG’s top finisher for the day was Jones, 19 seconds off the Realcyclist.com stage winner.

Stage Four’s 90-minute criterium featured a six-man breakaway that eventually lapped the field. The major sprinters’ teams could not regain control of the race and Chipotle Development Squad’s Robert Bush took the eventual win. Trek-LIVESTRONG’s Joe Lewis marked his third Top Ten criterium finish, that includes his win in SRAM Tour of the Gila, with a 9th place finish in downtown Bend.

The concluding stage of the six-day race proved Trek-LIVESTRONG’s strongest. Boswell and Bennett’s breakaway efforts launched them from 14th and 16th place in the general classification to respective 7th and 12th place performance. Carter Jones continued to ride strongly to protect his Top Ten general classification finish, securing 9th overall.

The Trek-LIVESTRONG power duo completed an eight-man breakaway on an early circuit lap. Working together, the group made up of Kenda 5-Hour Energy rider Bobby Sweeting, Pure Black Racing’s Roger Shem, and Chipotle Development’s Alex Howes, Danny Summerhill and Lachlan Morton successfully stayed away on the 83-mile circuit course.

Sweeting (first), Morton, and Rodger eventually broke away yet again from the eight-man core to take Stage Five’s podium. The day’s efforts earn Morton the best young rider jersey, Howes’ the king of the mountain classification title, and Trek-LIVESTRONG’s Boswell and Bennett fourth and fifth on the stage.

Ian Boswell attacks to make Stage 5's breakaway and ride to a 7th place finish overall.

Congratulations to the entire team on a third place finish in the team general classification. Following a strong performance at the Cascades, Trek-LIVESTRONG is also privileged to announce that George Bennett (21, New Zealand) and Dale Parker (19, Australia) have been selected by the ProTour’s Team RadioShack as stagieres.

Bennett and Parker are set to debut with Levi Leipheimer and the rest Team RadioShack at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah on August. 9.

Kicking off the BMC Cascades Cycling Classic in Bend, Oregon, Trek-LIVESTRONG will take the following start times in the two-mile prologue course:

Joe Lewis 19:07:00
Gavin Mannion 19:16:00
George Bennett 19:27:00
Ian Boswell 19:40:00
Carter Jones 19:54:30
Lawson Craddock 20:09:30
Nate Brown 20:24:30
Dale Parker 20:39:30

Bend-native Ian Boswell is about to race on his home turf in the upcoming Cascades Cycling Classic, July 19 – 24. The Tour of Utah podium finisher is coming off his second consecutive win at the Nevada City Classic. Boswell looks forward to racing under the Trek-LIVESTRONG banner on his local turf (also home to Team RadioShack’s Chris Horner). With a time trial that starts and ends in the 20-year-old’s former high school and stages that cross his daily training routes, he’s sure to be a fierce contender.

We recently sat down with the laid-back leader who is fond of country music…and winning.  Get to know Bend’s resident Trek-LIVESTRONG rider below…

Eddy Merckx or Roger De Vlaminck? Why?
Is this one of those test questions? Axel Merckx is our director so I feel obliged to say Eddy. I don’t know much about the history of cycling in the mid 1900’s, but from what I do know Eddy won just about everything and I don’t see anyone doing that in today’s pro peloton.

Sprint victory or solo victory? Why?
The only sprint I have ever won was against the one rider in the peloton who might have been a slower sprinter than I. If I get the chance to go head to head with someone as slow as myself, I’d like to win another sprint.

Racing in Europe or Racing in the United States? Why?
USA, USA!!!! Racing in Europe can be a riot, but it is a lot more stressful and serious than races here State-sid. I like riding for a team like Trek-LIVESTRONG where I have the chance to race on both sides of the world.

White socks or Black socks? Why?
Black, high top, cotton, Nike socks. A brand new pair of cotton socks feels so good. I played basketball back in high school and my whole team wore high, black Nikes so, once I started cycling, I had a box full of them. Now that Nike is a sponsor, I am even more into my cotton socks.

White Bar tape or Black Bar tape? Why?
White tape looks really fresh, but at the rate I clean my bike, I keep it black.

Riding in the Rain? yes or no? Why?
Nope, as Axel Merckx says, “Pros don’t train in the rain” and neither do I. I have been caught in a rain storm a few times, but never have I opened the garage, seen rain and got on my bike. I’m from Bend, Oregon where it’s a desert, not Portland.

Classics or Grand Tours? Why?
As a rider, I’d prefer a Grand Tour. There are multiple days to make your mark on the race, and if something goes wrong, there is always another chance. On the other hand ‘one-days’ are dramatic and unpredictable, which makes them very exciting. I am looking forward to going to Belgium as an old man and watching riders gut themselves in the spring classics while I sit with a beer in my hand and some frites in my belly.

Electric or Manual Razor? (for shaving your legs) Why?
I only keep my legs shaved when racing, so when I do shave I need both. I use an electric razor to get the forest of hair managed, then a good women’s razor to get that smooth shine.

How do you feel about cobble stones?
The first time I rode cobbles I felt just like Tom Boonen climbing up the Koppenberg. Since then I avoid them at all cost. I don’t mind racing over the stones but the romantic novelty of training on them has long passed.

Train alone or with somebody? Why?
I do a good bit of solo rides in the winter when I am training in Chico, Ca. I like the solitude of riding alone. Though, as the season goes on and the racing starts to pick up, I love going out on group rides or doing a big ride in the mountains with a good group of people. Riding solo will make you strong and hard because you are forced to do all the work. If you start to fade near the end of a ride you have to get tough and make it home. However, getting strong is only half the battle. Getting fast is the other, and group riding is a great way to get in the speed needed to prepare you for racing.

Espresso? Yes or No? Why?

Always, I got a wicked Nespresso Espresso machine this year at Christmas that is getting worked hard by my younger brother and me. At first I wasn’t a huge fan of espresso, but now I am hooked. Nothing beats the robust and bitter taste of a good espresso.

Dave Zabriskie’s mustache? Thoughts?

I wish I could have one. I showed up to December team camp with a little dirt on my upper lip in an attempt to be a man, but I was highly advised to shave it before the team photos (I only needed a manual razor for this, my ’stash wasn’t long enough for the power of electricity).

Gloves or no Gloves? Why?

If the weather is warm enough, I never use gloves, and I usually race without them in one day races as well. In stage races however, I always use gloves, if you crash and get road rash on your legs you can keep riding, but if you get your palms torn up it’s not so easy to keep racing.

Climbs or Descents?
What goes up must come down, right? I love climbing and nothing is more fun than a hard climb followed by a fast and winding descent.

Photo Credits: Glenn Kasin

Ian Boswell spends a moment with one of the students at Solvang Elementary School during the team's winter training camp.

Written by Mark Adams

Set in the beautiful cycling nirvana that is Bend Oregon, the Cascade Cycling Classic will celebrate its 32nd edition across six challenging stages from Tuesday, July  19 to Sunday, July 24.. Trek-LIVESTRONG, a dominant force in last year’s race, will boast a strong eight-man roster, featuring many race veterans including local Ian Boswell.  The line-up includes: George Bennett, Nathan Brown, Ian Boswell, Lawson Craddock, Carter Jones, Joe Lewis, Gavin Mannion and Dale Parker.

Prologue, Tuesday, July 19th: 2 miles/3.2 km)
The competition begins in the Old Mill District with a two-mile individual time-trial. Despite the minimal distance, riders will push their physical limits to beat the clock and claim the leader’s jersey on this historic stage. Look for Trek-LIVESTRONG to be a serious competitor in the prologue as they were in 2010 , nearly sweeping the podium, placing first (Jesse Sergent, RadioShack) and second (Alex Dowsett, Sky). Nathan Brown will be dawning the American national time-trial skin suit for the first time, having won the title at USA Cycling Nationals in Augusta, Ga. a few short weeks ago.

Stage 1, Wednesday, July 20th (74 miles/119 km; mountainous)
The road turns upward and the time trial specialists, although they were in their element yesterday, will find themselves in difficulty. It is a day for the climbers on Stage One.  Within this 74-mile route,  two  mountain passes will surely test the general classification leaders as early race favorites emerge. Look for Trek-LIVESTRONG’s George Bennett and Ian Boswell to put in a strong performance.

Stage 2, Thursday, July 21st (16 miles/25.7 km; individual time trial)
The third day of racing will feature a 16-mile, out and back, individual time trial. Rightfully named, “The Skyliner’s Time Trial,” this course will favor not only those who can climb but also those who can fearlessly descend. Expect to see Gila time trial champion Dale Parker to put in strong performances, as well as local Ian Boswell. He knows the roads exceptionally well, as this stage begins and ends in the parking lot of his old high school .

Stage 3, Friday, July 22nd (84 miles/135.2 km; mountainous)
Venturing southwest  towards the Crane Prairie Reservoir, riders charge into another mountainous stage.  Stretching 84 miles, today’s course will cover two mountain passes and crest nearly 3,000 feet in elevation. Expect those in contention for the coveted “King of the Mountains” jersey to mark one and other on the climbs chasing valuable points atop each peak.  Meanwhile, the general classification candidates will have to keep a close eye on one another to ensure that they do not let any attacks slip away. This will, without doubt, be one of the most decisive stages of this year’s Cascade Cycling Classic .

Stage 4, Saturday, July 23rd (75 minutes; criterium)
Coming off the mountains, stage four  will feature a sudden change of pace – the 75-minute criterium set in historic downtown Bend, Ore .  With riders reaching speeds up to of 30 mph, this stage is sure to test the nerve of those competing. Expect to see criterium specialists like Trek LIVESTRONG’s Lawson Craddock and Joe Lewis (stage winner at the Tour of the Gila criterium) dive fearlessly into corners and test the limits of man and machine in this nighttime fan-packed event .

Stage 5, Sunday, July 24th (84 miles/135.2 km; rolling hills)
Stiff legs will not find solstice in the race’s final stage, a deceiving 83-mile course consisting of five circuit laps. The profile boasts both rolling hills and sweeping descents, likely to favor a breakaway. Such was the case last year as Trek LIVESTRONG’s Alex Dowsett escaped from the peloton for a solo victory, placing a bookend on the team’s incredible week of racing.