madcyclist
05-31-2005, 01:53 AM
Guys,
I didn't know if I shared this with you before but I am a USCF Road and NORBA racing official; I went on and did the cert this Spring. If course all of our dreams starts with officiating a big Euro Pro Race (i.e. TdF) and ends with us stealing a European Poduim girl back to the USA. But, in reality, we were told that we'd be lucky to know someone who knew someone who knew somone who has died who officiated races such as these. ;-)
Anyway, the Washington DC Metro area's biggest Pro cycling race of the season just past this weekend (yesterday), the CSC Invitational (formerly known as the Clarendon Cup Race). This race draws the big Euro teams (such as T-Mobile and CSC - of course) as well as the big domestic teams (such as Webcor, Health-Net, Colavita, Monex, ...). Bobby Jullich was the biggest name who in the PRO race along with other noticables like Ivan Domingues and Lars Michealsen - last year's winner). Interesting that two big American names weren't there this year, Chris Horner (who now rides for Prodir) and Henk Vogels (riding with Lotto).
Well, I tried to get on the officials list as a volunteer and I was denied (because I am a neophtye) - can't say I didn't try. But I was able to sneek in as a road marshall. However, I found that this is NO easy job. I think I was assigned the most difficult stretch of road to watch - it was the straight away up to the finish. I had to constantly reminded and even scolded some adults about staying off the road (more importantly not to sit on the curves as the riders would literally ride the curb sides). It wasn't until there was a pile up on the last lap that happened RIGHT IN FRONT of my stretch of road did people really understand and appreciate what I had been telling all race long. Man I was exhausted after that race and was happy to see it was over.
But it was a memorable event - I snuck out with my badge and whistle for as memorabillia - ssshhhh!
Now, off to Philly next Sunday for the US PRO Road Championship. I seriously doubt I'll get to work that race, but, I see the field is bigger and there is one noticable name in the start list that may be familiar to you - JOSH TAYLOR.
Yes, Josh, the MDA MI, will be leading the cycling team Snow Valley-Seal On in the US Pro Road Championship race; his bib# is 221. He will be racing against world-class Pros from Europe as well as our domestic teams including Lance's Discovery Pro Cycling Team (formerly US Postal).
Those of you who live in Philly, the race will be televised on WPVI Channel 6 (ABC) starting at 9:00A; I think OLN will air it too. If you see a guy streaking on the Drive near the boat house, you'll know it's me. ;-) I'll be looking for Josh, but, it is a gruelling race - a 156 miles over the Manyank wall (275 ft at about 20%+ grade at some points) in loops all-day long.
The Sunday's forecast call for a goregeous day so get out there and support t the race if you can.
Paix.
--
I didn't know if I shared this with you before but I am a USCF Road and NORBA racing official; I went on and did the cert this Spring. If course all of our dreams starts with officiating a big Euro Pro Race (i.e. TdF) and ends with us stealing a European Poduim girl back to the USA. But, in reality, we were told that we'd be lucky to know someone who knew someone who knew somone who has died who officiated races such as these. ;-)
Anyway, the Washington DC Metro area's biggest Pro cycling race of the season just past this weekend (yesterday), the CSC Invitational (formerly known as the Clarendon Cup Race). This race draws the big Euro teams (such as T-Mobile and CSC - of course) as well as the big domestic teams (such as Webcor, Health-Net, Colavita, Monex, ...). Bobby Jullich was the biggest name who in the PRO race along with other noticables like Ivan Domingues and Lars Michealsen - last year's winner). Interesting that two big American names weren't there this year, Chris Horner (who now rides for Prodir) and Henk Vogels (riding with Lotto).
Well, I tried to get on the officials list as a volunteer and I was denied (because I am a neophtye) - can't say I didn't try. But I was able to sneek in as a road marshall. However, I found that this is NO easy job. I think I was assigned the most difficult stretch of road to watch - it was the straight away up to the finish. I had to constantly reminded and even scolded some adults about staying off the road (more importantly not to sit on the curves as the riders would literally ride the curb sides). It wasn't until there was a pile up on the last lap that happened RIGHT IN FRONT of my stretch of road did people really understand and appreciate what I had been telling all race long. Man I was exhausted after that race and was happy to see it was over.
But it was a memorable event - I snuck out with my badge and whistle for as memorabillia - ssshhhh!
Now, off to Philly next Sunday for the US PRO Road Championship. I seriously doubt I'll get to work that race, but, I see the field is bigger and there is one noticable name in the start list that may be familiar to you - JOSH TAYLOR.
Yes, Josh, the MDA MI, will be leading the cycling team Snow Valley-Seal On in the US Pro Road Championship race; his bib# is 221. He will be racing against world-class Pros from Europe as well as our domestic teams including Lance's Discovery Pro Cycling Team (formerly US Postal).
Those of you who live in Philly, the race will be televised on WPVI Channel 6 (ABC) starting at 9:00A; I think OLN will air it too. If you see a guy streaking on the Drive near the boat house, you'll know it's me. ;-) I'll be looking for Josh, but, it is a gruelling race - a 156 miles over the Manyank wall (275 ft at about 20%+ grade at some points) in loops all-day long.
The Sunday's forecast call for a goregeous day so get out there and support t the race if you can.
Paix.
--