The Virginia Tech Cycling Team with be holding a collegiate racing weekend on April 4th and 5th. Click here to view the race flier.
There will be a road race and team time trial on Saturday and a criterium on Sunday.
A big thanks to Ben Rice and Jonathan Frink for putting in the work to make these races happen.
The results of the road season can be found by clicking here, or click on the Race Results link in the sidebar on the left.
Nice job to Ben Warren, who is in charge of registration and results for the ACC this year.
The VT cycling team will be uploading their photos on pisca. Follow the Hokies through pictures by clicking here, or the Photo Album link on the side bar. This is where you can find race pictures like, such as a very young Eoin McDonnell racing his bike (furthest on the left)…
Email areagan@vt.edu to learn how to add pictures to the album.
Ben King from the Virginia Tech Cycling Team has been signed to the Lance Armstrong backed Trek-Livestrong team for 2009. I was able to get an interview with Ben through the magic of email a few days before he traveled down to California for a usacycling track camp. Below is the interview…
Tim: Hey Ben, how’s it going? What are your plans for the 2009 season.
Ben: First I should make an announcement to the whole team that I’ve decided not to be at Tech this semester. I was encouraged to make the wise decisions about the opportunities I have available, and want to take full advantage of every chance to make a career of the sport. I was planning a light school load anyways. So now I’m free to travel the world, train, and recover on call. When I discussed my spring race schedule with Axel Merckx (our director) it became apparent that I would have been a little lop sided when it came to balancing school and cycling.
Tim: I know you’ve raced with/against Taylor Phinney before, what about the other guys on the Trek-Livestrong team? It looks like a very international team.
Ben: Taylor and I have been buddies for about three years now. Of course, we raced hard against each other at times, but we have different strengths. Every time that we raced on the national team together as juniors was great. It’s really important to have teammates that you enjoy off the bike, and after team camp last week there’s no question that Trek-Livestrong is a solid crew. We have a Canadian, Japanese, and two New Zealand Riders, but we’re just a bunch of dudes the same age with the same passion, so the nationalities blend easily.
Tim: Are you committed to any races for 2009 currently?
Ben: Our first race is the Vuelta Mexico Telmex in March. We have training camp in Santa Rosa in February to help prepare for that. Redlands, and then a two month trip to Europe that will be split between Trek-Livestrong and the national team. If I’m still standing after that, there are some great stage races spread out through the rest of the season.
Tim: Ben King, the track star? Word on the street is that you’re borrowing a track bike.
Ben: The track… Three days ago I got a call from USA cycling about a camp they’re running in L.A. for roadies who want to learn how to race on the track. It’s next week right before our team camp in Santa Rosa, so why not? If I like it, and remember to keep pedaling, it could be fun. USA cycling is expanding their track program.
Tim: How do you like the new Trek Madone? How about the SRAM red?
Ben: The bike and equipment are incredible. Top of the line. We’re spoiled rotten. I’ve been on SRAM and speed play for a few years now, and was thrilled to hear that we’d be riding them for 2009.
Tim: Looks like the bikes are equipped with PowerTaps, is this your first time training with power? What did you use before to gauge your training?
Ben: I’ve never used power for training. Only looking over at Steven Gordon and Owen Nielsen’s handlebars every couple minutes last winter. I’ve always trained off of perceived effort.
Tim: What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Ben: Of every team I’ve been on in the past, the relationships have been the best part. We’re each other’s wing men, on and off the bike.
I’ll try to make it down for a few Wednesday worlds or Saturday group rides. Plus the NC weekend for the open races. Look forward to seeing everyone there.
Congratulations to Steven Gordon for winning Owen Cup on February 7th, 2009.
Movie to follow…
Welcome back, I hope everyone had a great winter break. Weather wasn’t too bad so I hope everyone had some time to ride the bike between eating sweets with the family. The spring road race season is upon us. Beginning with our spring classics, the Andrew Gold and then the Owen Cup, the first collegiate races kick off on February 14th and 15th at NC State. It’s time to start riding fast. Full schedule of spring collegiate races below.
Spring 2009 Road Schedule:
Feb 14-15 NCSU
Feb 21-22 PF (canceled)
Feb 28-Mar 1 Navy
Mar 7-8 Wm & Mary
Mar 14-15 UMD/JHU
Mar 21-22 WVU
Mar 28-29 JMU/UVA
Apr 4-5 VT
Apr 11-12 (Easter) ASU
Apr 18-19 Conf Champs WF
May 8-10 Collegiate Nationals Fort Collins CO
We are meeting every Monday for our weekly meetings. These meetings are directed at team members and specifically those who would be racing that coming weekend. However; the meetings are open to anyone in the community or university who likes to talk cycling or is interested in joining our organization. All spring there will be meetings at 6PM in Squire 341. The two exceptions are March 2nd in Squires 234, and no meeting over spring break.
