Sunday, July 11, 2010

No ride on Monday July 12

Redbike Canada Cup

Just a great day today at the Edmonton Canada Cup. All of our racers had some type of fun. Congrats to everyone that gaver out there. 
Chris Ring rang in a 3rd place finish after wiggling his way up to the front groups of the start line. He staged up last but "somehow" ended up within arms length of the other Redbikers. 
Good job Chris.
As for Sam Mothana (AKA Poncherello), he was silent but deadly. He slowly made his moves through the group to get his great 7th place.
Now, let's not forget the REAL Lance Steinke. After missing the finish turn he had to pick up his bike and run back to use the finishing straight. Not a happy camper. So, he came in 8th just behind Sam. Say thank you Sam.
Notice the Pro XC knee pads. I think he keeps his EPO in there.
Great first XC race.
DUDE CAN HAMMER!!!
I have never ever ever seen a novice take off that fast. I think he should lay off the caffeine. Waleed had to be a country mile away from the whole group before the first climb. WOW! I'll have what he's having. Needless to say Waleed blew up. He did come back though, and after settling in had a good race. Waleed, when I said go hard the first 100-200 meters, I thought you would leave a little. Still, good race Waleed.
Ah, Mark Jung, our enforcer. Mark used his "Drunken Rider" technique to block other riders for Chris. Out came flying elbows to the right and left almost crashing to back up his team mates. This man would through himself on a grenade for his mates. If a grenade is an elbow or two. Well, he's our enforcer no matter how you look at it. 
Oh, he did well. 5th I think.
Shadow man. Paul Wiminga had a valiant ride. However, I think he was in the shadows. I didn't get one good picture of him. Paul is our steady, strong anchor man always slipping in. he pulled out a solid race today. It was great having on the "Pro Novice" squad.  
As for our elite riders, they had clean rides.
Shantel Koenig turned in a 10th place using her steady "donkey style" riding. we all could learn a thing or two from this chick. Keep rolling, keep moving, get up, keep rolling, get up, keep pedaling. Sounds simple because it is. Try it!

Last but not least is our elite man on the move, Matt Krahn. A few weeks ago Matt crashed on his way to a Tuesday night MTB race. He dislocated his shoulder and had to get off the bike for a week or two. After a while Matt was able to hop on his road bike but not the MTB. So Matt's Canada Cup was the first race since the injury. Once it all wound to a close he had fought hard and stayed with his Alberta compatriots. Even beat a few. 
Excellent Job!

Now, we start all over again next week in Camore for Nationals. I can't be there but I hope that as much of the  Red-Army make their way down as can go.

- Bruce