Autograph signing at Jakroo!

This was our first time racing at Sea Otter and it did not disappoint! With an atmosphere that rivals InterBike, we were able to network with and hang out with many of our sponsors. This is a very unique opportunity for us to get to know the individuals behind each of our sponsored products and learn more about each of their products. Our riders had autograph sessions at Jakroo Custom Clothing and Serfas, which were both great. Having time to visit sponsor booths after our events was really key on all levels.

Fabrizio and Logan signing autographs at Jakroo.

The team was very successful at Sea Otter. With amazing team work, Cole House won stage 1, the criterium with Fabrizio Von Nacher placing 2nd on his heals. The team was able to successfully defend the leaders jersey, as well as the green Sprinters Jersey, until the final stage. Cole placed 3rd in the road race and the following day time-trial specialist Mike Olheiser sealed 3rd place in the Time Trial. In the final stage, the team fought hard for another stage win and gave it their all, ultimately finishing off the podium. For their efforts, the team retained the Sprinters Jersey which Michael Weicht had won on stage one. A great weekend of racing by Olheiser, Barton, Loader, Santos, Holloway, Weicht, Von Nacher, and House.

The team with Jen and Ken from Xpedo Pedals at Sea Otter!

Our travels took us next to Fayetteville, AR for the Joe Martin Stage Race. We competed in this event last year and had a blast. One of the great things about these events is the host housing and being able to reconnect with them year after year. Our gracious host Dori from 2012 opened her home to our team again and we were able to set up shop. This event spanned 4 events and began with an uphill Time Trial. The next two stages were road races that had the riders covering 90-110 miles per stage and to add to the intensity, both days were in the mid-40′s with rain the entire day. Thankfully our Jakroo rain jackets kept us as comfortable as possible.

Great to be greeted by a Welcome Sign at Joe Martin.

Our roster for this event included McCulloch, Barton, House, Loader, Weicht, Olheiser, Von Nacher, and Santos. Stage 2 was an exciting road race that finished in downtown Fayetteville with a fast uphill sprint. Olheiser made a valiant attempt to break away in the last 20K leading to the finish with one other rider, only to be reeled in over the finishing kilometers. Leading into stage 3, the team was focused on a stage win and with a threatening breakaway up the road, they did an impressive job working with Optum and other teams at the front to whittle down the deficit to 15 seconds. Despite great efforts by the team, the break stuck. This stage race served as a great learning experience for the team as they worked diligently together for a team result. These efforts will undoubtedly pay their dividends at future races.

After the last stage of Joe Martin, we loaded up the trailer and began our drive to Silver City, NM for the Tour of The Gila. This would be our first UCI race to compete in and at 6,000+ ft of elevation accompanied by dry heat, Gila would be a very challenging event for all who raced it. This was also our first 5-day stage race which would include two road races, a time trial, the downtown criterium, and capped off with the fabled Gila Monster road race on Sunday.

Enjoying a great home cooked dinner with Gila host Barbara, and Biff the Buffalo.

CashCall rider David Santos recounted his experience at the event:

“After racing the Tour of Gila, a five day UCI race held at altitude, I have an all new perspective on stage racing. Historically, I have always had trouble performing at altitude. But when you mix five days of racing against the country’s best cyclists, up and over thousands of feet of climbing, mostly at altitude, I had never been so humbled.

Throughout the five days, we battled high winds, heat, cold, dehydration, bomb threats, and 19% climbs.  After the first stage climbing to the top of Mogollon, I knew it was going to take everything I had to finish the race.  For me, it was the altitude that caused the most difficulty.  I quickly learned I only had one match to burn, and when it was time to use it, I had better make it count. Unfortunately, the moves I went for didn’t stick and I nearly imploded my lungs trying.

By the time the final stage came around on Sunday, the Gila Monster, I was wrecked.  From the gun, riders relentlessly attacked as we raced across rollers that never seemed to end.  Just a few miles in, nearly half the field was already dropped.  I continued to fight with everything I had, and once the rollers finally ended, I found myself still in the main group.  With 50 miles and over 8,000 feet of climbing to go, I knew I had my work cut out for me.  As soon as we hit the stages first big climb, the pace lifted.  I made an effort to stay with the group and immediately found my lungs exploding as I fell off from the pack.  I felt as if I had all of a sudden dropped a 50 pound anchor.  From that point on, it was survival mode.  I found the best group I could which included my teammates Chris Barton and Michael Weicht and for the next 50 miles, rode tempo.  My group contained the Green Leaders Jersey as well, so to ensure he made time cut, his teammates helped keep a steady pace.  The last 5k felt like an eternity but ultimately I finished with the group.

Overall, the scenery, the town, the people, the coffee, the racers, and all the support of my team made my week in Silver City one will never forget.”

Following Michael and Cole up the final climb on stage 1, Mogollon.

Michael Weicht racing for the German National Team along with Andre Greipel at the UCI 1.1 Rund um Koln

Hello everybody,

Yesterday I raced one of the last big classics in Germany. It was a UCI 1.1 race like Philly Classic. It is called Rund um Köln. Köln is a big city in Germany and the race course goes around this metropol.But before I will tell you guys something about the race, some facts about my week before.

I arrived in Germany on Wednesday after the tough week racing at altitude in New Mexico at the Tour of the Gila. After arriving home, I trained the next two days super easy. On Saturday, we drove to Köln and I had a long massage which was perfect to prepare me for the event.  There was bad weather anyways, soI could not train this day. I was super excited before the race because I raced for the German National Team together with multiple Tour de France Stage Winner, Andre Greipel. We had great support from the whole team and now it was in our hands to give it back…

It was getting close to race time, and 30 minutes before the race I looked into the sky to see if the weather from the day before had cleared. With a lot of optimism, I decided to start the race without a rain jacket. Unfortunately, on the start line, it started to rain so heavy that I was completely wet before I had ridden the first kilometer! To race with and for one of the best sprinters in the world means that you as a team are responsible for a sprint finish in the town of Köln which would be after 194 km of hard racing.

After 50 km of racing, a huge breakaway went and we did not have one rider in it. Andre told me, that he wanted to try and jump on one of the steep climbs and make it into the break. My task was to hold the break between 1:30 and 2 minutes from the field. Finally, after 117 km, Andre tried to make a move across to the break.  Unfortunately, this effort was not successful and the breakaway rode to the finish line. I finished 93th in the field.

I would like to say thank you to the Cashcall Mortgage Team and the German National Team for giving me the opportunity to race such a big race. I would also like to thank all our fans around the world.

Michael racing in the pack for the German National Team.

Barton on his way to an 18th place finish! Photo Credit: Danny Munson

This year’s Redlands Bicycle Classic began with an Individual Time Trial up in Big Bear, as opposed to the usual time trial in Redlands. The new time trial was generally more flat than the old one, but it was much more technical. In addition to it’s technical difficulty, the fact that it was set at an altitude of just under 7,000 feet made for a challenging event. Considering the altitude, I don’t believe the results would have been much different on the old course. The lack of elevation gain was somewhat made up for with the thin air.

I was able to pre-ride the course several times leading up to the race, which allowed me to find the fastest lines through the turns and to see where I might need to conserve energy and where to give 100 percent. My preparation paid off, as the only surprise during the race was having to maneuver around a fellow cyclist while negotiating the tricky curves of the road. I was happy to end up in 18th place when the day was done. Teammate Mike Olheiser had a great race and placed 10^th.

I personally enjoyed the new time trial course. It added a new dynamic to the event with sweeping turns and thin mountain air. I hope they keep the venue for next year’s event.

RBC Stage 2 Beaumont Road Race Report: Brian McCulloch

Local racer Brian McCulloch at the start line. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

As I embarked on my fourth participation in the Redlands Bicycle Classic, I was specifically looking forward to the Beaumont Road Race. The Beaumont Road Race, during my first RBC participation, was my first 120 mile race day, which is a big test for anyone’s legs, but especially for a rider new to the NRC racing scene.

Beaumont is a particularly testing day because it has a large amount of climbing and substantial winds across the entire course meaning there is little to no place to rest your legs or hide. This course is a day for ‘hard-men’ to come to the front and play their cards in the hopes of glory.

At CashCall Cycling, we have a number of ‘hard-men’ that were looking forward to this day. Not the least of which was teammate Cole House. Other wild cards were Michael Weicht and Logan Loader, and one can never count out our resident BA Mike Ol’ManHeiser. With four guys capable of putting up a good result for our team I was charged with the task of taking care of the boys to the best of my abilities. This is a job I love to do and a job that I take particular pride in doing.

Throughout the race I used my energies to help House, Weicht, Loader, and Ol’ManHeiser stay out of the wind. I helped the boys make their way to the front of the peloton before the climbs each lap before the group would go ‘nutty’ for KOM points. It is good business for us to race at the front, one never knows when an opportunity can present itself, this especially true before, during, and just after KOM points or Sprint bonuses.

As the race wore on, my legs were starting to fatigue. The 15km before the 4th ascent (of five) of the main climb saw the group string out and start to splinter. I was able to start the climb near the front, but not as far up as I really needed to and because of that, I was climbing out of my skin to stay in the group. It was about 500m from the top of the first climb of the course that I found myself on the wrong end of the group which was splitting. This is never good! The alarm bells started going off in my head and I ignored the pain in my legs and my racing heart beat. I stood and sprinted to get back into the group, and as I crested the top of the KOM, I saw my homeboy Weicht stranded on the side of the road fighting a mechanical. I immediately stopped to help him, he is a crucial part of our team and getting him back into the race is not just a necessity, its something I like to do.

Unfortunately for us, a big result on this stage was not to be. We raced hard for half a lap trying to get back into the race and for a while we were holding the peloton within our sight and even moving closer. But we were just outside the race caravan of cars, which would have provided necessary draft opportunities to ensure we got back in the peloton. Once it became clear we were not going to regain contact with the main group we turned our attention to energy conservation. This meant that we consumed every bit of remaining Hammer Nutrition products we had on our bikes and in our pockets. Any good cyclist worth his/her salt knows, preparation for tomorrow begins the moment the efforts of today end.

Thankfully, we were fully loaded with Heed and Hammer bars, which enabled us to not finish the 120 mile stage completely depleted! This would prove particularly critical for Weicht because he would ultimately give teammate Fabrizio Von Nacher the best lead-out possible from one man in order to secure our team great result in the Downtown Redlands Criterium!

When we finished the days stage, nearly five hours of pedal time, Weicht and I were relieved to hear that our teams main objective had been accomplished. Ol’ManHeiser had moved from 10th place GC to 9th. We may not have had a big stage result, but protecting Mike’s top ten position is something to be proud of. He rode like a beast and all the little help we gave throughout the day, no doubt, made a difference when it came time for him to pour on ‘the chili’ on the last climb. When the big-guns were firing, Ol’ManHeiser rose to the occasion. Today we are one step closer to getting our very first top ten GC result in an NRC race…only two more days to go!

RBC Stage 3 Downtown Criterium Report: Fabrizio Von Nacher

Michael Weicht taking care of Fabrizio Von Nacher and Logan Loader in the crit. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

The Redlands Classic Criterium is one of the most technical in the country. Boasting 9 turns on the downtown streets of Redlands, this event is a fan-favorite. The racers were glad to have a lazy morning and not line up at the start line until 4:30PM.

The course was very technical with 9 turns. It was a really fun course! I liked it because you really had to stay focused the entire race and be very aware of what was going on ahead of you and behind.

Our team goal was to get a top finish with me sprinting at the end. Michael Weicht did an awesome job keeping me in the front 15 riders for the last 10 laps of the race. He kept me safe and out of the wind the entire time. Michael is not only a very strong bike racer, he is very intelligent and knows exactly where to put his efforts. The last 5 laps, he kept me safe right behind the Jamis train at the front of the race.

It was a hard race and at the middle of the crit, there was a crash on turn 1 which is a sharp 90 degree right-hand turn. I got tangled up in the crash and it took me a while to get back to the front again. Once I got to the front, my teammates did all the work for me to stay in position and be safe. Cole House was in a breakaway for several laps and the break was absorbed with a few laps to go. Michael and I were already in a good position for the sprint. The last lap was very fast and crazy. The sprint started almost a 1 km to go, and at the end I finish in 7th place!

RBC Stage 4 Sunset Road Race Report: Cole House

Cole House leading the chase on the Sunset Road Race. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Going into Sunday I was hoping to have good legs. The 4th day of stage races is normally the best day of racing for me. Most of the guys are tired and not as snappy. I wasn’t quite sure how it would play out all day. All I really knew was the first and last laps would be the hardest.  The Sunset race starts in downtown Redlands on the crit course where we race 5 laps. We then head up into the foothills of Redlands for 12 fast and hard circuits of the Sunset loop.

The first few laps of the circuit were fast on the climb, but with smart riding and by staying near the front, I was never really in a bad spot. Olheiser was always near the front as well and only had one spot of bother when he punctured. Fortunately, teammate David Santos was right there to swap wheels with Mike to ensure he could protect his 9^th place GC spot.

Everybody knows when Paco Mancebo 5hr Energy is attacking and gets 30 seconds on the group, it is about to be really really hard. Optum’s Chad Haga was in the yellow (leaders) jersey and their team had to chase. Their team was fried and weren’t really gaining, so coming into the finish circuits back on the crit course, it almost felt like they just gave up the chase and let Jamis do the work. Again Paco had 30 seconds on what was left of the field. Everybody was at their limit, I knew the race was pretty much over, but there was a small chance he could still be reeled in. But when Jamis used their team up and only world-class sprinter JJ Haedo left, I knew we were in trouble. I really only had one good acceleration left and had to use it wisely. Haedo attack going into one lap to go, really caught me off guard and by the time I responded it was too late and basically wasted my last effort and I couldn’t even salvage a decent result.  But you learn from your mistakes right?

Redlands is a great race and one of my favorites. It is one of the most challenging races we’ll do all year. It’s the first big race of the year as well, so everybody wants to come out and show everybody how good they are. I think our team had higher expectations, at least I know I did. Olheiser had a good ride with top 10 overall. I was really looking for a chance to win a stage but in the end it wasn’t to be. Michi rode a good race, always being there when we needed him and helping Fabi in the crit with Brian, Dave, Logan and Chris racing solid all event and doing a great job helping Olheiser maintain his top 10. Overall,  it was a good confidence builder for the guys to be able to be there when it was hard and racing at a higher level than normal and should help set the whole team up nicely for this next block of racing.

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Stage 2: Beaumont Circuit Race – 120 miles!

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Day 3: Downtown Criterium – 90 minutes, 9 turn course!

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Cole House riding to the KOM! Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Chaffey Auto Body Mountain Time Trial

The San Dimas Stage Race Time Trial is a tough hill climb gaining over 1,000ft in 4.25 miles. The race went farther up Glendora Mountain Road this year, lengthening the race time and taxing the riders just a little bit more. The CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team was able to do recon of the course several times prior to the race, and the athletes were ready to rock.

The field for SDSR is always extremely strong as the domestic elite and professional teams are gearing up for the start of the NRC calendar at Redlands next week. We were excited to have three riders finish in the top 25 in the field of 162 racers. Michael Olhesier finished 14th, David Santos 22nd, and Chris Barton 24th.

Results

San Dimas Hospital Road Race

Chris Barton, Logan Loader, Fabrizio Von Nacher, Brian McCulloch, Cole House, Michael Olheiser, David Santos, and Michael Weicht began the fast and technical course for 12 laps, equalling 84 miles in hot and dry conditions. The course is very unique as it cruises through Bonelli park, past guard stations and through a twisty chicane leading into the steep KOM climb finished off with a patch of cobbles.

Mike Olheiser checked in with Cycling Illustrated after the stage to talk about the course, crashes, and how the team fared. Read more about it HERE!

Incycle/Cannondale San Dimas Classic

The San Dimas Criterium is one of the most fun courses we race all year. Olheiser, Santos, Loader and Weicht lined up for the 6-turn course for 75 minutes of racing. Olheiser soon found himself in a very strong 6-man break away that was able to stay away from the field for the better part of 60 minutes. The strong Jamis-Haegens Berman squad were motivated for sprint finish, however, and were able to reel the break in just in time to lead JJ Haedo out for the win.

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Craig Spencer is one of the founding members of the CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team

On February 23rd, long-time supporter of the CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team, Craig Spencer, won his first event! A grueling race against the clock, the Harding Truck Time Trial is no joke. Thank you Craig for all your support of the our team, and congratulations on your success!

Read his report below!

The champ with his medal!

The Harding Truck Trail Time Trial is a brutal 9.1 mile, 3100 feet of climbing, Category 1 mountain climbing Bike Race. Like all time trials, it’s you verses the clock.  You have to go full out the whole time if you want to win. Of course, that is my goal every race. To Win.

The pre-race atmosphere was the most relaxed I’ve ever experienced at a race.  Racers started between 8:40am and 9:40am.  This event is less formal than a road time trial, and we each simply lined up when we were ready to go.  I know the course well, but that’s not to say I like it. It is very punishing, especially since the first mile has a 9.9% grade. My bike of choice for the race was my Single Speed Mountain Bike, making that harsh grade seem even worse.  After the first mile, the pitch eases off a bit and I settled into a solid tempo pace and consistent rhythm.

Passing riders was a nice distraction from CashCall Cycling’s Paul Abraham’s voice in my head saying “every time the hill lets up, that’s the time to drill it”.  Although a great thought, this was the opposite of what my legs were saying.  As I approached the final 2.5 miles of the climb, the trail descended momentarily then returned to a mild 3.8% incline, an easy spin for my Single Speed. But wait, that’s too easy!  The course was not smooth and dry –  add 6 inches of snow and a couple of icy corners to make the event even more challenging. These elements along with the terrain kept the challenge factor at maximum all the way to the finish.  I crossed the finish line recording my best time ever, 1:08:38. I was very happy with my effort and then I found out it was good enough to Win! After years of racing, to finally win a race felt fantastic.  I look forward to my next race.  Can I win again?  Hopefully.  For sure though, I will enjoy every mile riding with my friends.

Author Chris Barton riding in the break at Saturday’s Tour de Murrieta Grand Prix

This year’s Tour de Murrieta started out with a quick but painful Individual Time Trial on Friday. The first half of the 4.1 mile course was on nicely paved roads, but the second half was atypical for a time trial. The racers turned right and headed up a rough and twisty dirt climb to the finish. Warming up under our KHS pop-up tent was mentally daunting to say the least. With heavy rain and hail being driven sideways by strong gusts of wind, it was looking like my effort was going to be less about turning the pedals and more about staying upright.

Luckily, the weather eased-up to just a drizzle by the time the Pro1/2 men were off, and I soon found myself at the start-line with 5 seconds to go. The paved part of the time trial went by extremely quickly and I was soon picking my lines through the rock-strewn turns of the dirt climb. I was able to catch my breath a bit and was able to give another good dig over the top of the climb to the finish line. After such a short, intense effort I often find myself instantly wondering where I could have gone harder, but this day I felt I had gauged my efforts pretty well given the conditions. This was happily confirmed with a 6th place finish, placing me the highest of the CashCall riders.

Saturday’s Criterium, a fast and windy 1 mile loop with 6-corners, was fast from the gun. After following a few attacks, I found myself in a 6-man breakaway with teammate Cole House, three Jelly Belly riders, and race leader Sergei Tvetcov. Despite being out-numbered by Jelly Belly, this was a good situation. We held the chasing field off for the whole race and had a gap of 20 seconds going in to the final laps. With 2 laps to go I attacked, but a Jelly Belly rider was soon on my wheel. I regrouped and with 1 lap to go attacked again, and again a Jelly Belly rider brought me back. At this point we came around the last turn and started the sprint. My teammate Cole House managed 3rd in the sprint to round out the podium and I held on for 4th. Since the event was an omnium (placing based on finish position not time), I moved into 4th place going in to Sunday’s circuit race.

Cole House chimes in for the final stage of Murrieta:

For the TdM, the CashCall squad consisted of Chris Barton, Wes Holloway, David Santos, Logan Loader and myself (Cole House). The rest of our team including Michael Weicht, Brian McCulloch, Justin Williams and Fabrizio Von Nacher, had traveled to Tuscon, AZ to race the Old Pueblo Grand Prix, round one of the USACrit Series. The team placed 6th at the event and decided to come back to Murrieta Sunday after noon for the 3rd stage of the event the rest of us were racing. Although the additional three riders were great, we still had some difficulty in the event with some mechanicals and riders not feeling well.

The course was, ok not anything special. It was a short big-ring circuit with quite a bit of wind. The center-line was enforced over half of the course which was frustrating and always made it difficult for positioning. In the last few laps, a 2-rider breakaway snuck up the road and to no avail, we were not able to bridge to it. Justin Williams finished 2nd in the field sprint, for 4th place on the day.

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Sporting the Jakroo Sprint Jersey (Weicht), Young Rider (Loader) and Most Aggressive (Olheiser). Photo Credit: Danny Munson

The CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team completed their first stage race of the season, the Merco Cycling Classic. The team had a great showing, winning the Green Points Jersey, the Purple U25/Young Rider Jersey and the Red Most Aggressive Rider Jersey!

This is a 4 day event beginning with an 82 mile road race on Thursday. Friday brought a fast 12-mile Individual Time Trial event where the best racers in the country tested their bodies and equipment against the clock. Saturday hosted the fan-favorite downtown Criterium on a fast and technical 8-turn course. Capping off the event was the 120 mile Hilltop Road Race winding through the almond groves.

We took an excellent squad to the event: Michael Olheiser, David Santos, Michael Weicht, Brian McCulloch, Cole House, Wes Holloway, Justin Williams, Fabrizio Von Nacher, and Logan Loader.

Thursday Feburary 28^th: Merced Irrigation District Road Race, 82 miles

Team member David Santos took some time after the race for a phone interview with Cycling Illustrated’s Brandon Hale to recount the action of the day. You can listen to David’s report HERE.

Results from Stage One: HERE

Friday March 1^st: Merced Boosters Time Trial, 12 miles

Logan Loader recounts stage 2 of the event:

Logan Loader on his way to a 10th place performance in the Individual Time Trial. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

“Friday March 1^st, I began warming up for my time trial, the second stage of the Merco Cycling Classic. It was a warm breezy day in Merced, CA. Within 10 minutes of being on the bike, I knew my legs were pretty good. The day before during the first stage, I was involved in a crash about 2k from the finish. Because of this, I wasn’t exactly sure if I would be feeling 100% for the time trial, an event I had set my sights on. Fortunately, as I started doing a few efforts during my warm-up, things were looking good.

The course was a straight out and back course with a lump in the middle, making for a 3k climb in both directions. With a head wind on the way out, I know it would be tricky with pacing it correctly. Instinct would tell you to use most energy fighting the head wind during the first half on the way out, when actually the best way to do it is save enough in the tank for a good pace on the climb in the second half.

I knew I had all the advantages with equipment that I was riding. Including my iRT I85C front wheel along with my iRT disc. Also adding to the equation was my Jakroo Pro SL Skin Suit and Rudy Project Wingspan Time Trial Helmet. I knew if I had a good time trial, I would be in the Best Young Rider jersey for the event, but I also knew it would take a 100 % effort on my part.

As I exited the start ramp and began my effort, I quickly felt I was having a good ride. As the time trial went on and on the suffering went deeper and deeper, but the speed remained fast and consistent. I crossed the finish line and heard that I had just clocked the fastest time of the day. This made for a fun few minutes as the remaining riders completed their races. After a while, the time trial specialists began breaking my race time. However, the young riders did not. By the end of the day I had collected the Best Young Rider jersey by 39 seconds. The best part of this was it gave the team a reward and a jersey to protect after they worked so hard for me the day before only to finish with a crash at the end of the day.”

Results from Stage Two: HERE

Saturday March 2^nd: McDonald’s Downtown Grand Prix, 40 miles

Stage 3 of Merco is always an exciting event. With 8 technical turns, the field get’s strung out from the gun. We took all 9 of our riders into the criterium with the following goals: Retain Logan’s Young Rider Jersey; Help Michael Weicht gain points towards the Points Jersey by winning the Hot Sprint laps though out the race; and to win the stage!

Fabrizio Von Nacher recounts the race from within the peloton:

19 year old Sprinter Fabrizio Von Nacher. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

“The plan in the race was to get Michi on the break so that he could win the sprint points thus gaining the green jersey. There were points on the line at the finish as well, so we wanted to lead him out for a good result in the sprint.

We also needed to keep Logan safe through out the race in order for him to retain the purple Young Rider jersey. We wanted him to save as much energy as possible for the Sunday road race.

The course was really fun and very technical. It was fast and really hard to get to the front because the streets were so narrow, which made it a little bit dangerous.

The race went great for the team. Early in the race, Michi went in the breakaway with 4 other riders including US National Criterium Champion Ken Hanson of Optum. There were no GC threats in the break, so the Bissel team went to the front of the peloton and kept a steady pace, keeping the break at just under a minute up the road for most of the race.

The last 4 laps, Bissel started ramping up the pace and we knew it would be a sprint finish. My teammates were doing a great job keeping me out of the wind and at the front of the race, right behind Bissel. On the last lap, I was behind 3 of my teammates, right behind Logan. Out of the last turn, Logan made a huge effort. I knew Hanson was going to sprint, so with 250 meters to go, I jumped on his wheel, but didn’t quite have enough to come around the champs wheel. The team helped me place 2^nd, and Michi finished 5. After the stage, Michi would wear the green Points Jersey, Logan still had his purple Young Rider Jersey and we got second on the stage.”

Results from Stage 3: HERE

March 3^rd: Hilltop Road Race, 120 Miles

The last stage of Merco was a circuit with sprint points up for grabs each time the peloton crossed the start/finish line. Justin Williams looks back on the events of the stage.

Fabrizio Von Nacher leading Michael Weicht out for the sprint points while Justin Williams guards the duo. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Going into the last stage we had simple goals. First, we wanted to keep Logan in the Best Young Riders jersey. Next, we wanted to get Michi up the road with one other guy to sweep up the points classification sprints on every lap and with the ultimate goal for him to keep the green Points Jersey. We also wanted to always ride together with our teammates and never let any moves go up the road without us. We wanted to win the stage, but in the end we ended up with 3 jerseys, and its hard to ask for more.

Personally, I had an important job helping Michi get the sprint points. It was a different role for me because I rarely get to help defend a sprinter. It was cool seeing the race threw a domestique position. It made me appreciate what my guys do for me even more. I was so humbled and grateful. Fabrizio led Michi out for each sprint and I helped keep him safe and other riders out of contention.

We were very pleased to have a CashCall rider in every move. Brian McCulloch spent 25 miles in a 6-man break which allowed the rest of us to stay out of the chase and stay protected in the peloton. As soon as BMc’s move came back, Michael Olheiser went with the counter attack which was just him and Tom Zirble of Optum. This effort by Mike awarded him the Most Aggressive Rider jersey at the end of the stage. Winning this jersey on the last day shows that the team was always on top of moves. We made sure we were all at or near the front of the race, allowing only the Bissel Team to be in front of us because their rider Phil Gaimon was in the yellow Leaders Jersey.

In the final 5 kilometers of the race Cole and I were cooked! We gave one more deep dig to keep Michi, Logan, and Fez out of the wind as long as we could. It didn’t work out for the win, but I was so proud to be apart of this team and we had a great weekend. Everyone was happy!

We have always been close as a team, but this weekend we became a unit and the ‘team’ was more important then anything else. The results prove that.”

Results from Stage 4: HERE

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Blog Author, David Santos, racing Red Trolley Criterium. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Whenever the CashCall Cycling Team comes down to my hometown of San Diego, I’m  excited.  Usually when the team comes to town, it’s for one purpose……to race bikes.  However, last Wednesday night was a different scenario.  Brian, Michael, Justin, Cole, Devan, Paul, Fabrizio and myself rendezvous with Bob Vibers (the KHS Bikes rep for San Diego) at Hi-Tech Bikes for a “Meet and Greet” event.  Upon arrival, we met the two brains behind the operation, Buzz and Andrew.  As a first time visitor, I was remarkably impressed with the store and the level of professionalism displayed.  There were over a dozen bike manufactures represented and a full range of accessories neatly presented throughout the store.  They cater to road, mountain, and triathletes of all abilities, offering just about every piece of equipment you would ever need.   As I continued to walk the floor, I noticed a professional fit station, where a fit was actually being performed, and an organized repair shop ready to tackle any maintenance nightmare imaginable.   But to be honest, the most noteworthy item I saw was our KHS race bike!!!

Brian McCulloch talking about his KHS Team Flite Bicycle

Mike Olheiser putting the hurt on at Red Trolley Criterium. Photo Credit: Todd MacMillan

Time trial specialist and Alabama native Mike Olheiser tested his legs, and won, his first time trial of the season. He outclassed his competition in the Tundra Time Trial in Georgia this past weekend and told us all about it.

It is hard enough for most people to get excited for a Time Trial. Add a start time of 9:00am, 20 mph winds, and a high of the day of 40 degrees.  It made for a cold day at the office.

The short and skinny, my wife Nicole has been sick for close to a month, but still wanted to do well, so I spent the coldest part of the morning getting her bike and gear ready.  This should have been fine, except it was 35 degrees, and the motivation to get on the trainer just wasn’t there for her or myself.

By this time, about 9:30am, my hands were cold which made it hard to get air into my iRT disc wheel.  As the guys at registration stared and wondered if I was ever going to warm up, get air into the tire, and at least look like I was going to race, the answer was yes. I was cold but moving in the right direction. Finally, Hollywood Undead blasted in my ears, a couple of pounds of pressure hissed into my disc and then proceeded with my 15 minute warm up (typically 1 hour).

The course was great with rolling hills, sunshine, and did I mention the 20 mph winds from the north.  I often feel bad about anybody that starts ahead of me, but on this day, even more so.  I passed my 30 second man in the first 500 meters, ouch, sorry. I set my eyes on my 1 minute man, Jon Hart (a very good TT guy himself),  which I could see just after cresting the first hill.  He stayed about 45 seconds in front of me, I would gain some time then lose it.  Just not a good focused day, well it was my first TT of the year.  I wish I could say I finished strong, but that would be a lie.  I finished, good enough to take the top step of the podium, but that is it.  I have some work to do.

Olheiser on the top step of the podium at Tundra Time Trial.

Thank Lillie Glass, for the great trophies again, and hope to see you next year.

trainhard4life,

Mike