By Amber Pierce

Last night, I arrived home in Graz after a week of training in Valencia, Spain. The journey home from Spain went something like this:

Wake up. Load enormous bike bag (an old double Bike Pro) and large luggage bag into rented Citrön C3. Drive to airport. Unload Stuff and haul it to the terminal. Check Stuff and board RyanAir flight in the usual manner of livestock. Fly to Treviso. Deplane and pick up Stuff from baggage claim.

Haul Stuff across the street to bus stop. Hoist Stuff onto small city bus. Receive gaping stares. Stand awkwardly with Stuff, holding on for dear life through the city streets. Unload Stuff at bus stop. Receive more stares (but no offers to help).

Haul Stuff across the street and down stairs of the train station, through subterranean tunnels, and up stairs onto train platform. Receive gaping stares. Sit with Stuff. Realize I am hungry. Decide in favor of starvation over hauling Stuff back down and up stairs for food.

Hoist Stuff onto train. Realize Stuff is too extensive to warrant dragging through the train car to find a seat. Stand awkwardly with Stuff between rail cars for an hour until stop in Udine. Haul Stuff off train. Haul stuff down stairs, through tunnels and up stairs.

Drag Stuff across the street to bus stop. Decide against stopping for food in fear of missing bus. Good decision. Load Stuff onto bus. Wish for food. Sleep. Get off bus in Klagenfurt. Unload Stuff.

Haul Stuff across the street to another bus stop. Load Stuff onto next bus. Sleep. Dream about food. Arrive home in Graz. Unload Stuff. Eat (finally). Collapse into bed.

This glamorous journey home was preceded by a week of training just south of Valencia in Spain. I stayed with fellow racer Liz Hatch (of Lotto Ladies Team) in Oliva, and we spent our days training along the coast between Valencia and Calpe. The full-gas training sessions, while not exactly conducive to proper sight-seeing, were all the same rewarded with the excitement of new routes and landscapes.

On a typical day, we’d warm up through citrus orchards before reaching the sandy beaches around Dénia. From there, we’d climb through the national park of Montgó, dramatic cliffs over the sea to our left, and rows of terraced stone reaching up the mountains to our right. Dropping down into Jávea, we’d hit the undulating roads along the coast south to Moraira and Calpe, climbing back over the hills further inland past orchards and dormant vineyards. Inevitably, we’d hit a long corridor of headwind on the last leg of the ride, perfect for hard tempo work.

Returning home on a small side road, we’d pull over and hop the low stone wall bordering the orchard. Walking rows of fragrant mandarin trees, we were like kids with low blood sugar in a candy store, sampling fresh citrus wedges. We’d ride the last kilometer back to the apartment with jerseys stretched over a stash of fresh-picked mandarins, a sweet reward for the day’s efforts.

Prior to my visit in Spain, David and I had spent a couple weeks in December and early January training in Italy. As usual, our visit left little time for regular vacation-type activities. We spent at least four hours a day on the bikes and the rest of our time struggling to lift a fork at mealtime or watching movies in a zombie-like state, which is to say we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

On New Year’s Day, my regular training partners had rest days, so I was on my own for a big ride. I rolled out in the chilly rain and made my way south to Monte Serra. I had been going full gas all week, so I knew my legs would be tired for efforts on the climb. But I thought wrong. The harder I pushed, the better my legs felt, and I had that sweet sensation of carrying so much speed through the switchbacks that I had to counter-steer going uphill.

If you ride, you can probably relate to this feeling: you’ve been training hard, feeling the effects in sore muscles and general fatigue. Then one day—bam! Your body has adapted, and in place of soreness and fatigue are Good Legs. I hadn’t had Good Legs in more than a year. Sure, I’d had Fit Legs and Pretty Good Legs, which if raced with cunning can still yield a win. But that day, for the first time in a long time, I really (as affirmed by my powermeter) had Good Legs.

I didn’t want to stop riding, but began to lose daylight. I hit one last climb and paused near the top. Below me rows of olive trees cast lavender shadows across the hill, sloping down to the Mediterranean. The sun hung low on the horizon, its glow refracted red across the Tuscan landscape, which slipped into warm hues as New Year’s Day 2011 ebbed slowly out to sea.

Visions of the past twelve months flashed through my mind—pushing a walker through the hospital in Qatar, tedious hours of physical therapy, my first race win of the year in Bischofshofen, among others. In many moments I’d felt utterly crushed and hopeless, but with a lot of support and stubborn perseverance, met each challenge, and finally here I stood—happy, grateful and on Good Legs.

I have to admit that I got pretty darn emotional as I thought back on how far I’d come over the past year. Life is funny like that: countless small moments slip by, but it’s those small moments that lead to big moments, small victories that lead to big victories. And in the end, each is still just a moment, another in a long string of moments that ultimately create our past and determine our future.

That moment on New Year’s Day felt big, a breakthrough culmination of small personal triumphs. Who knows what it might mean for 2011, because after all, it was only a moment.

Follow Amber's adventures as an American cyclist and expat in Europe and beyond, as she shares the journey through her own words on Anywhere Road.

Amber Pierce - An American expat living in Austria, Amber has made the leap across the Atlantic in pursuit of her dreams on the road. After making a name for herself as one of the top road cyclists in the US, she now faces new challenges in her life on the road in Europe.

Amber's path to full-time racing in Europe has been anything but linear. From high school valedictorian holding national swimming records, to scholarship athlete at Stanford University and researcher on the open ocean, she has found herself in countless adventures all over the globe. With 53 career victories under her belt, however, Amber appears to have found her calling on the bicycle.

Photos: © Amber Pierce

In a region where covered arms, legs, and head are the norm for a woman's attire, the relatively liberal Gulf emirate of Qatar is once again set to host some of the premier riders of the women's professional peloton for the 2010 Ladies Tour of Qatar.

Organized by the Amaury Sports Organization, which also operates the Tour de France, the three day, three stage race will cover 304.5km and offer approximately € 18,689 (roughly $26,000) in prize money, including € 1,128 (≈ $1,500) to the overall winner.

Stages
Wednesday, February 3 - Stage 1 - Museeum of Islamic Art to Al Khor Corniche (103.5 km)
Thursday, February 4 - Stage 2 - Al Zubarah to Oryx Farm (107 km)
Friday, February 5 - Stage 3 - Sealine Beach Resort to Doha Corniche (94 km)

Map

Download (PDF, 709.08KB)

Last year's historic first edition of the race was won by Kirsten Wild (Cervelo Test Team), who is back to defend her title along with Giorgia Bronzini (Italian National Team), who captured victory in two of three stages and donned the first ever Ladies Tour of Qatar golden leader's jersey.

David Garrett of Sportsworld was on hand last year and filed the following report of the inaugural event.

Despite the unfortunate news of an injury, sustained in training, to Amber Rais, the US National Team will look to bolster its international credentials with another strong contingent of riders in Shelley Evans, Katharine Carroll, Janel Holcomb, Sinead Miller, and Lauren Tamayo.

The race will also be the debut of American Liz Hatch (formerly of the Italian squad Team System Data) for the Belgium based Lotto Ladies Team.

Full Start List - Provisional

Photo: Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty Images

Santa Rosa, CA (February 18, 2008) – I grew up as a fan of Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts. Although he passed eight years ago, his presence is still felt in this hometown of Santa Rosa. In the downtown area, statues commemorating his various characters can be seen seemingly around every corner.

It may be a bit old-fashioned or puristic in thinking, but I never grew to love the animated versions of his characters. Nevertheless, I have grown to appreciate movies like “A Boy Named Charlie Brown" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

As such, the setting of Santa Rosa could not have been more fitting for both the Inaugural Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium and the finish of Stage 1 of the Men’s race, as both definitely could be described as animated.

V is for Vanderkitten
Although many of the top European names were not present for the Inaugural Tour of California Women's Criterium, the field could still be classified as a world class with the likes of Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), Brooke Miller and Amber Rais (Team TIBCO), Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm), and Mara Abbott (Team High Road), to name a few.

The view that the peloton saw most of the day

However, from the opening gun it was first year team, Vanderkitten that could be found at the head of the race with Liz Hatch leading the field. Though the conclusion was not to Liz’s expectations, owners Dave Verricchia and Mark Zefeldt could not be prouder of their chargers as they were either at or near the front animating the peloton throughout the course of the 60 minute race.

Jenny Trew has a dig

Body Double
For those who have not followed the career of Jackson Stewart (BMC) the 27-year-old's greatest claim to fame was as a body double for Lance Armstrong in two 2004 Nike commercials [oh, the sheer vanity of maintaining perceptions; or at this point in Our Boy Lance’s career, too busy training to maintain his Tour form].

On Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California, however, the BMC rider took center stage. Stewart launched himself over the mountainous terrain of Stage 1 in a suicidal effort to claim the day. With a lead that swelled to over 13 minutes at times, Stewart was finally overwhelmed just minutes before entering the finishing circuit in downtown Santa Rosa.

For his efforts, Stewart claimed the Most Aggressive Rider jersey [given daily to the rider who attacks the most or is most animated] and the King of the Mountains jersey.

Photos: Leonard Basobas

Vanderkitten Racing 2008 Training Camp
Berkeley, Calif. – February 4, 2008 – Vanderkitten Racing will kick off the 2008 season with its initial team training camp February 11th through 18th. The team will conclude its camp by participating in the Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium on February 18th.

Vanderkitten’s training camp will include scenic rides through Northern California, providing intense yet inspiring workouts to prepare the team for the upcoming NRC season. In addition to focused training sessions, the team will be dialing in their new BH Connect road bikes, participating in multiple photo sessions for VK Racing and sponsors, and conducting interviews with industry related media.

“We’re psyched to kick off this year’s camp. We’ve got some awesome activities planned along with some super sick rides,” said Scott Gross, Director Sportif of VK Racing. “This will be a great opportunity for our team to bond and really get to know each other in addition to getting their bodies and minds ready for the season ahead. Being able to hold our training camp in Vanderkitten’s backyard is great, and we’re extremely grateful to our sponsors for helping to make this happen.”

The Vanderkitten cycling team is composed of a powerhouse roster and a squad of regional riders, including: Jane Despas (AUS), Leah Guloien (CAN), Liz Hatch (USA), Moriah MacGregor (CAN), Melissa Sanborn (USA), Jenny Trew (CAN), Leigh Ann Valletti (USA), Flavia Oliveira (USA) and Heather Sborz (USA).

“I couldn’t be more stoked to have this group of women representing Vanderkitten - clothing for women who kick ass,” said Dave Verrecchia, owner and founder of the Berkeley-based clothing company. “These girls have proven that they not only can race their bikes, but they embody the Vanderkitten brand with class, intelligence, and style.”

The mission of The Vanderkitten Foundation's Elite Women's Cycling Team is to promote health, well being and equality for women in professional cycling. The VK cycling team is committed to the development of young riders and increasing participation and visibility of women in the sport of cycling.

For more information please visit http://racing.vanderkitten.com or email mark@vanderkitten.com

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“Off the front” is a term we use in cycling for someone who goes in a break, either with a group or solo. For some, the term not only describes a tactical strategy but also a riding style. While for others, it expresses a personality. In French, these types of riders are referred to as “baroudeur-rouleur,” literally a “fighter” who goes over rolling terrain well, or more descriptively, a rider who is brave enough to go on a suicidal solo effort. Enter Elizabeth Hatch.

The 27-year-old who rides for Team Vanderkitten has been “off the front” in the two years she has been in the women’s professional peloton, and on the internet where she formerly went by the username “Roubaix Girl.”

It would be a mistake; however, to simply label her for what you see on race day or on the internet. Liz, while strikingly beautiful, is as multi-dimensional and dichotomous a personality as I have gotten to know. She is considered "green" in the world of professional cycling, but has enough experience and talent to win the races that she enters; she transmits a "rock star" persona, but is amazingly approachable and down to earth; she is graceful on the bike, but at times trips over air off of it; she is tough and gritty when diving for a line, but vulnerable enough to emote when seeing her father after a rough race. At times, it’s as if Liz challenges your perceptions of her.

In this interview with Vanderkitten Liz Hatch, we discuss her beginnings, Europe, feeling “sexy,” and where she would take women’s cycling.

Granny’s 30 (G): In your interview with Brett of The Sporting Life, you stated that your 24th birthday was a seminal point in your cycling career. What was your motivation for getting up off that couch to cycle, let alone race, as many cycling fans cycle but don't necessarily race?

Liz Hatch (LH): 2004 was a turning point in my personal life. I had the feeling that I was standing on the edge of a cliff, the point of no return. Looking back I can see that buying my first bike was manifestation of the realization of this; taking a step in the direction of freedom, taking control of my own life. I certainly had no inkling then that it would take me this far in such a short time however...

The racing came after a year and half of crazy group rides in South Florida. Anyone who's done rides down there can probably relate. There are no hills to separate “the men from the boys" so almost every ride turns into a full out "speed fest". I just got the urge to go farther with it, to see how I compared to girls out there racing already.

G: You've raced in Belgium and in the United States, could you compare the racing done in Europe as compared to the States...the fans? Which do you prefer? Do you think you'll go back and race in Europe?

LH: The racing here is certainly tough, crits are really hard in the sense that you have to be smart and know when to take your chance and when to be patient. There are a couple really strong teams right now that control the race for their sprinters who can sit back and pounce when the time is right.

Racing in Belgium was different for the most part because they don't really do crits. I did a few of the "after Tour" crits but the majority of races I did were circuit or road races over 2 to 3 hours. You get more of a chance to stretch your legs. Also there were generally more girls racing. The breaks there stick; it's not like here where a break normally comes back. It's very windy there and the roads aren't always "ideal" so sometimes you'll end up with a few groups all fighting it out. The fans there have such a passion for the sport. They don't mind the road closures and the rain doesn't stop them from standing on the side of the road for hours either. It was cool to meet such nice people there that come to all the races and follow your progress throughout the season. I showered in more strangers’ homes after races than I care to remember! Belgian people are very hospitable.

I very much enjoyed my time in Europe, and while I have grown to love the racing here in the States over the past year, my heart is in Europe. The history of cycling there moves me greatly. I hope to be a part of making Vanderkitten a UCI team at some point in the very near future so that we can do a European program. Our director, Scott Gross, backs my feelings on this 100%. In fact, he canceled his yearly pilgrimage to Belgium for the Classics to be at Sea Otter with us.

G: I found it interesting that your first two real cycling experiences were in Florida, where if you're not heading into a head wind you're certainly getting hit by a cross wind, and in Belgium, another wind swept area. Do you feel that made you tougher as a cyclist...and how has the move to an area where cyclists abound helped your development?

LH: Being in Florida and Belgium gave me speed on the flats for sure. The wind there can get downright ridiculous but I've really grown to "enjoy" it. I feel at home in windy conditions, it forces you to be mentally strong which comes in handy in many aspects of life. This past year out in California has added depth to my ability, I've become a much better climber but I have a ways to go to be the best I can be at it. I'll never be 115lbs, let alone a Buck Five, like so many of these girls that are in many ways my role models. I have to work with the body type that I have, which is,luckily for me, built for races that I have a passion for.

G: One-day Classics or Grand Tours?

LH: Ha. Need I say it? Classics.

G: Crits or Road Races?

LH: Both. I want to win both. I want to win everything I enter.

G: You've stated that you'd like to win The Ronde someday, what about Worlds?

LH: I think every racing cyclist has, on a quiet back road with no one around, pretended to raise his or her arms envisioning themselves crossing the line first and pulling that gorgeous jersey on... Yes, I've done it too. Visualizing that sort of thing is what I translate into the motivation to make it happen in real life.

G: What's the best moment you've had on a bike…the worst?

LH: Best- The Col d'Agnel in France, it's like being in heaven at the top.

Worst- Bonking so bad on the Izoard that I began losing peripheral vision. Or maybe that digger I took in April on my face... Both are cool memories now though.

G: What is one thing that most people don't know about you?

LH: I still sleep with my baby blanket... Jesus, I used to own over 200 tubes of lipstick... I had to part with some of them, too much to carry around.

G: 200 tubes of lipstick? Are we talking every Juicy Tube flavor? And did you carry them all at one time? What did your bag...er, backpack look like?

LH: I had a huge hard sided luggage that had all of my lipstick in it. I have a huge weakness for MAC cosmetics. I race in makeup. Maybe I'll grow up one day and stop being so vain but till then...

G: Racing as a one-woman team last year, was there any race where you wished you had some teammates around you? Do you think you learned more by going it alone?

LH: All of them! The reason women like Van Gilder, Vos, or Nicole Cooke are able to win so much is because of their team! I'm sure they would tell you the same. You are at a huge disadvantage without teammates. On the other side of the coin it forced me to be proactive. I'm not the sort of racer to sit in and go along for the ride. Racing on my own gave me a lot of freedom to make my own moves. I would always think "WWLD", What Would Ludo Do? Haha, maybe that's odd but I totally dig Ludo Dierckxsens style of racing. Or Jacky Durand. They had cajones! They were interesting to watch, they involved you; you were forced to sit in front of your TV to see if they would make it to the end. Guys like that always made me FEEL the race. Like them, I want to take a race in my teeth and shake it by the neck!

G: If guys like Ludo and Jacky make you FEEL the race...what do you FEEL when you're racing?

LH: I feel so alive that I'm almost close to death. It's the best high I've ever had, I feel invincible and vulnerable all at once. I know that I could race "safer" and sit in more but I don't know that I'd get the satisfaction from that style of racing. I enjoy the risk. It's a "sexy" feeling. Ha, really...It’s a weird thing to say, but true. All that adrenaline and the goose bumps... It's like the best kiss ever! Makes me want to scream like a banshee (if I weren't so out of breath)! I cannot explain it better than that.

G: What are your personal expectations for the upcoming 2008 season? Which races are you targeting? What are your expectations for the team?

LH: I'm not going to be shy and say I just want to have fun and enjoy myself. No, I want to win. I want Vanderkitten to win. I will work my ass off for this team and these girls. We really are a different sort of team, in my opinion, just based on how we came to be. I'm so close to Mark, Dave and Jennie, they have done so much for me that I will put myself in my grave for the team if that's what it takes. We have some really talented girls this year that are going to teach me so much. Watch out for us! I'm tellin' ya! So far, Vanderkitten has been really lucky to meet like minded people out there, such as yourself, who are behind us. I want them to be proud of their involvement with us.

G: Are you really as clumsy as you say? Don't answer that, my shoulder is still broken isn't it? [laugh]

LH: I really am. I hide it well though. And again, I'M SOOOO SORRY!!!

G: I just recently watched the Morgan Freeman movie, "10 Items or Less." So Liz, 10 items or less, things that you can't live without ("keepers")?

LH:

• Westmalle Trippel
• Chapstick
• Nutella
• Electricity
• Toilet paper
• My blanket
• Bike
• My Robert Redford T-shirt
• A kazoo (love those things)
• And baked beans with weenies

G: Did you ever think of reaching out to the monks and ask Westmalle for sponsorship as you've probably subsidized their business over the years?

LH: Oh man, that would probably be the end of my racing career...

G: What would you say to the statement, "Pain is Temporary, Quitting is Forever." Have you ever quit?

LH: I have quit. It's the reason I know how much I hate the feeling of losing or giving less than my best. Quitting and losing teach you far greater lessons than winning.

G: What is appealing about women's cycling, objectively? What is appealing about women's cycling relative to men's cycling? Why do you think men's cycling still takes center stage over women's? What do you think should change in women's cycling to get people more interested and excited about it?

LH: My feelings on this subject run deep. Women's cycling is stuck in a vicious circle of poor promotion which causes a lack of interest. Cycling is at its most basic, entertainment.

In order to draw people in, to make them care, to make them to pay attention, they must have a connection to the athletes. They have to feel compelled to watch. With men's racing we learn so much about the individual cyclists, their personalities shine through, you get to know them and feel a connection. Ask yourself why you are a fan of one particular cyclist over another and normally it's because something about their persona interests you and excites you. The women I race with/against and admire are just as vibrant and interesting but we're always treated as a footnote and no one remembers the footnote. It's a shame because there is some really good clean fun going on and it's being missed out on. Vanderkitten aims to change that.

G: What do you have to say to people who think you're all "flash" and no substance?

LH: You know, I can't really answer for other people, nor will I try. You can't please everyone. As long as I have the respect and love of the people who've helped me live my dream it's something I just have to ignore.

I admit that I can be a little "over the top" and I have a bit of a mouth sometimes but that's just me, on the bike or off. Why should I change who I am?

G: Have you ever raced on the pines? What do you think about the whole fixie craze?

LH: I haven't yet but Vanderkitten will be working on a women's pursuit team which I will be a part of. I'm really looking forward to it. I admire the grace, skill, and power it takes to be a good track racer.

G: A recent Bicycling article spoke about traffic laws and specifically focused on the Bay area and the risk cyclists take and the repercussions [or lack thereof] that motorists face when riding around. What are your thoughts about the issue? What would you offer up as a solution(s)? What have been your experiences in and around the Bay area?

LH: The short answer? Bikes are the past, present and future. Americans need to wake up and smell the Ozone! Coming from South Florida, I can tell you that we are very fortunate here in NorCal to live in such a cycling friendly area, but it can always be improved. Again, look at countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. Bike highways abound!

G: Your Pops shared with me that story [that you brought up in your interview on The Sporting Life] about you sneaking out on his Gitane, or as I recollect he told me it was a Peugeot. Anyway, was that necessarily because of the freedom cycling afforded you or partly because you wanted to be like your Pops?

LH: Peugeot, man, I knew I was wrong... should have called dear old dad. My bike is still my freedom. It's been the catalyst for many life changing events and I'm sure it will continue to be for the rest of my life. I just can't wait to see where it will take me!
[ASIDE: It being every parent's right to embarass their children, Mr. Hatch shared this anecdote of Liz's first official ride on a bike]

At around 5 years old while living on a cul de sac in suburban Austin she announced that she was going to ride a 2 wheeler without aid of training wheels. I don't recall ever having put them on anyway. Her Mom asked if she needed any help to which she replied she didn't, " I know how to do it". Well, she did ride it, and fast. However, as the pavement ended and she didn't know how to steer or stop, she went through a hedge and into the neighbors garage door. So ended her first solo ride. Maybe that was a precursor to her friend Vinnie calling her " Crash "

G: This year you really discovered a talent for the sprints...did you consider yourself to be a sprinter beforehand? What type of sprint suits you best, large field sprint...two or three up...catching some wheels from another team's leadout...or leading it all out to see if someone can come around you?

LH: Before this year I never really considered myself anything but pretty strong and really stubborn on a bike. My abilities continue to grow and now that I have a great coach, I feel like I keep finding new gears! It's really amazing how cycling is such a "layered sport" as my teammate Leigh tells me.

As far as what kind of sprint suits me best, I'm going to be cagey and say they all do! Can't give too much away, yeah? I don't have a preference, I like to go fast!

G: What are your strengths...areas you might need to work on, on the bike...racing?

LH: Strengths - Obviously sprinting, but I'm finding that I may be more of an all-rounder than I previously thought. People tell me to stop saying I'm not a climber because I'm really not bad at it. It's all still to be determined, I'd rather not put labels and limit myself, ya know?

Race tactics are things I'm still learning. Patience. I've never been on a team so next year will offer a huge amount of opportunities to learn the art of racing a bike.

Photos: © Kurt Harvey (first); Courtesy Liz Hatch (second & third); ©Leonard Basobas (fourth)

Vanderkitten Names Roster for 2008
Berkeley, Calif. – December 17, 2007 – In the latest of a series of steps associated with preparation for the upcoming season, Vanderkitten Racing has disclosed their talented team of Elite Women cyclists for 2008.

"It is an honor to be the Director and a part of a first year team of this caliber. Our 2008 race season will show that the work being done by the management, coaches and team riders was with one purpose in mind and that is to be one of the best teams for the year ", said Scott Gross, Director Sportif.

The information builds upon the return of its sole-rider from 2007, Liz Hatch. This coming season, she will be accompanied by a talented squad of Vanderkitten’s:

• Jane Despas (Palo Alto, CA)
• Leah Guloien (Vancouver, BC)
• Liz Hatch (Delray Beach, FL)
• Moriah MacGregor (Vancouver, BC)
• Melissa Sanborn (Portland, OR)
• Jenny Trew (Vancouver, BC)
• Leigh Ann Valletti (Decatur, GA)
• Flavia Oliveira (Lafayette, CA)
• Heather Sborz (Tucson, AZ)

Additional riders to be announced, team to be supported by Regional riders.

“Vanderkitten Racing could not be more thrilled with the roster we have compiled,” said Mark Zefeldt, Managing Director. “The roster has a good mix of youth and experience on this team – specifically in Despas and Valletti, two riders with proven returns. We’re confident that this team will perform well, and it will only help further our preparation for many years to come."

Equipment and Supporting Sponsors to be announced shortly.

The mission of The Vanderkitten Foundation's Elite Women's Cycling Team is to promote health, well being and equality for women in professional cycling. The VK cycling team is committed to the development of young riders and increasing participation and visibility of women in the sport of cycling.

For more information please visit Vanderkitten Racing or email mark@vanderkitten.com
]]> http://triplecrankset.com/2007/12/in-full-effect/feed/ 2 http://triplecrankset.com/2007/09/almost-famous/ http://triplecrankset.com/2007/09/almost-famous/#comments Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:39:00 +0000 Lenny B http://66.147.242.184/~triplec8/?p=863

CHICAGO - As I prepare to embark for Interbike, I can't help but feel [and look, as I've been rocking the mop top lately; inset] like William Miller, Patrick Fugit's character in the movie Almost Famous.

On his first real assignment, the teenaged aspiring rock journalist, is sent to cover an "on the verge of stardom" band called Stillwater. Though advised by his mentor to "experience it, enjoy it, just don't fall for it," William gets taken on an adventure that sees him transform from fan to professional journalist.

Although this is the second time the Triple Crankset has been credentialed as media, it is my first real assignment as a member of the "working media." Admittedly, I am not a professional journalist nor do I seriously aspire to become one; my passions slanting rather to fiction and short stories.

But as a blogger, my passions for writing and for cycling have converged. I have discovered an adeptness and a style of writing that feeds both sides of my being. I am a blogger. A blogger of cycling and of things cycling related, and I am about to experience the wild ride that is Interbike.

The trade show has gone from simply being an avenue for those in the cycling business and industry to inform, consult, and aid each other in maintaining or expanding their respective businesses to something bigger than life. It has politely been described to me as "an adult Disneyland for cyclists," or "AVN [look it up] for Bike Nerds."

As William covered the spectacle of rock & roll through the eyes of Stillwater, I will analogously be seeing the cycling industry through another set of eyes, Vanderkitten eyes.

The grassroots clothing company for "women who kick ass," is on the verge of becoming more than a regional brand. With Team Vanderkitten for the road set to race with a full lineup in 2008, and with an already established mountain bike team and a fledgling cyclocross team, they have postioned themselves for an exponential growth period.

So as I get set to meet our friend of the blog, Liz Hatch, and the rest of the Vanderkitten crew I couldn't help but parody both casts and crews.

Lester Bangs (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) - Rock journalist & mentor. T-o-03 (Steve Klein) whose vast experience as a professional journalist, editor and professor has guided my creative processes.

Dick Roswell (Noah Taylor) & Dennis Hope (Jimmy Fallon) - The band's managers who troubleshoot all. Vanderkitten's equivalent, Dave & Mark - the creative and entrepreneurial force behind Team Vanderkitten.

Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and Stillwater (Jason Lee, John Fedevich, and Mark Kozelek). Hammond, the incendiary lead guitarist fronted the group to stardom. Liz Hatch and Team Vanderkitten - the one woman gang has fronted Team Vanderkitten for 2007. She's shown remarkably well for not having any teammates. Her latest exploits include another victory in the Infineon Raceway Twilight Series, and a dominating display at the Chico Criterium where she not only won, but took home every single prime to boot [guess who's buying the beer].

Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) & the Band-Aids (Anna Paquin, Faruiza Balk, and Bijou Phillips) - The groupies who reinvent themselves into "aiding the band." Not really sure who the VK groupies or Manderkittens are, but they're probably already out there.

In the end, as in the movie, we may all be singing a revised rendition of Cover of the Rolling Stones.

WE TAKE ALL KINDS OF PILLS
TO GIVE US ALL KINDS OF THRILLS
BUT THE THRILL WE'VE NEVER KNOWN

IS THE THRILL THAT WILL GET YOU
WHEN YOU GET YOUR PICTURE
ON THE COVER OF THE VELONEWS

Here Kitty, Kitty...
Its been a while since we last caught up with our favorite Vanderkitten, Liz Hatch. But then again, catching a kitten by the tail isn't that easy unless of course she's eating pavement.

At the Suisun Harbor Criterium, Liz. by her own admission, "ate shit" as she went down hard. From her blog, "It was all my fault, I am a bonehead. If you know me you know that I'm pretty clumsy, always tripping over myself. I'm sorry to whoever was behind me that I took down with me. I know it's racing and it happens, but I feel terrible."

(Photo: Kurt Harvey Photography)

She fared much better in her next race, the Metromint Il Giro di San Francisco over Labor Day weekend.

This race isn't to be confused with the now defunct San Francisco Grand Prix [that ran into economic and political issues] that was once part of the Pro Cycling Tour (PCT). But strangely enough Il Giro di SF started out as the "San Francisco Gran Prix" in 1975, and since it used many of the same roads, the confusion is understandable.

In any event, Liz [as is her nature] was off the front for several laps. "With 2 laps to go a girl hooked my bars and almost caused a mass pileup, but somehow I kept it upright and kept going." The incident was a detriment to Liz's positioning [which we all know is as crucial to having good form in cycling] and therefore her placing. She finished in 23rd.

At the Benicia Town Race Criterium on September 9th, Liz fought back and finished second to Martina Patella (Value Act Cycling). Over the rectangular 4 turn course which featured a "little climb followed by a sharp dip and then another hill," Martina and her VAC teammates looked to control the pack. Despite numerous attacks by Vanderkitten Liz [no guts no glory, right?], she fell victim to the numbers game [wasn't it Dirk Demol who said of Hincapie's chances to win in the finale of the 2001 Paris - Roubaix against more than one rider from Domo-Farm Frites, "you lose."] as Martina was led out in organized perfection for the victory.

Liz, disappointed but accepting, knew she had given it her all while losing out to the extremely fast Patella. Liz had this to say of her second place, "being beaten by Martina was an honor."

And although Liz told me recently that she's really "feeling the end of the season in my legs," she jumped on the karma train and rode full circle to end on a great note, claiming the victory at the September 11th Infineon Raceway Twilight Race.

Liz "attacked on the first lap and stayed away the whole race," besting the field by around 45 seconds.

For the one woman wrecking crew we've gotten to know this racing season as Team Vanderkitten, our friend Liz Hatch has represented her sponsors in a sterling fashion. In 2008, a fully loaded Team Vanderkitten will be on the prowl and promises to raise the elite level racing circuit to a "nice respectable level."

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift." -- Steve Prefontaine

Although he passed away over 30 years ago, Steve "Pre" Prefontaine remains one of the most beloved, and greatest, long distance runners America has ever known. The diminutive runner from Coos Bay, Oregon at one point held every American track & field record from the 2,000 to the 10,000 meters. Pre was a notorious "front runner" who thought races more like art work "...that people can look at and be affected in as many ways as they're capable of understanding." Though he didn't win every race he ever entered, he made sure that the others had earned their medal.

"A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more. Nobody is going to win a 5,000 meter race after running an easy 2 miles. Not with me. If I lose forcing the pace all the way, well, at least I can live with myself."

Every single time I have had the opportunity to correspond with our friend, Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten) or see a race photo of her at the head of the race, I always have a grin on my face thinking that Liz is somehow channeling Pre's personality. Take for instance her last race at Patterson Pass, Liz's response to blowing up on the final time going up the pass, "I just HATE sitting in the pack. and you never know... sometimes it works out. I'd rather die trying than sit in."

This may seem blasphemous to the running community but with Liz's mentality accompanied with her unbridled potential, her accomplishments may just one day rival Pre's; Liz "Pre" Hatch?

Go PRE!!!

If you've ever raced, whether it be organized or just out on the street with some buddies, you quickly realize how important and how valuable it can be to have some teammates around you. In a pack they can provide some shelter by blocking wind, they can shepard you to the line with a great lead-out, or they can simply instill some confidence by cheering you on or calming you down.

So when you see someone on the [start] line with a non-descript jersey or that lone team jersey in a large group partitioned by similar colors and markings, its not hard to find some measure of respect for that person. Now when you see that lone individual actually spring forth from that pack and win, well, then you know you've got something special.

Such is the current plight of our friend, Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten). She's a season away from leading Team Vanderkitten on the road, but that hasn't stopped her from showing the women's domestic circuit what a lone Vanderkitten can do [taking to heart the grassroots clothing company's motto; for women "who kick ass!"], and what they might need to worry about in the future.

In the past two weeks, Liz has lined up for the Lafayette and Albany Criteriums. In the women's Cat 1/2/3 races, she finished 7th and 1st, respectively. And according to Liz, she seems to be "finally getting the hang of this crit thing."

At the Lafayette Criterium, Liz stated that she "left my sprint for too late and there was no way I could pass the girls who were ahead of me."

Liz [second wheel] Tracking A Move

But at Albany, she was able to rectify that mistake and "attacked with 2 corners left and won by about 4 bike lengths!"

Another Victory Salute

The folks from Vanderkitten have recently set her up with her own blog, so now you can follow along with Liz's musings during her racing season and beyond. But, we'll be sure to have updates and reports for our readers of our favorite Vanderkitten.

Oh, and Liz's reaction to the Vinokourov news yesterday...an excerpt from her blog:

"I'm gutted.

I'm insulted, hurt and fucking irate.

Cycling is life to me and I treat it with respect. Hours of training, living healthy and sacrifice and nothing more. No pills, no shots, no transfusions. Nothing that would soil my accomplishments or steal from a competitor.

Apparently some have lost sight of the reason cycling is such a beautiful sport.

Apparently nothing matters besides the almighty dollar..."

Yup, she's real and she's spectacular.
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