NEWS FLASH: Litwack kicked off Whole Athlete Team

Reuters: 11.24.09, 13:05 ET

Breaking news today out of Kentfield, CA is that local racing legend Joshua Litwack has been unceremoniously dumped by his Whole Athlete team and had his contract abruptly terminated. Reliable sources have reported that Litwack was removed from the team website roster and had his team intranet access blocked, without rating even a courtesy call by team staff to inform him of the actions. A founding team member, Litwack had used his devastating sprinting ability to garner the team’s inaugural road racing win in 2008 but, due to familial obligations, had faded from competition in 2009 with only a Paskenta finish and two DFL cyclocross races to his credit.

In an official written statement released to the press, the Whole Athlete team management merely stated:
“Our commitment to developing junior racing programs is unchanged and the termination of Litwack’s contract has no bearing on our future plans. He was a non-factor to our team this year and he will not be missed. By the way, your saddle is about 2 centimeters too low. You should come in for a bike fit. They are a bargain at $200 but today only we are offering a special price of $235. Call for an appointment. Also…you’re riding too hard. Try to stay in Zone 2.”

This likely marks the end of Litwack’s USAC racing career as his relationship with the Whole Athlete team management had been strained throughout the season with the team demanding far more commitment that Litwack was seemingly willing to give. As far back as their winter training camp, there were rumored differences of opinion between Litwack and WA team director Dario Fredrick that came to a head in April at the GP Ken Hushvod where Litwack raced in the livery of his former team, Dewars Racing. Tension has waxed and waned from week to week with an apparent reconciliation at the DFL Urban Outlaw event where Litwack raced both events in his Whole Athlete kit but obviously this was a short lived placebo effect.

Reaction among the racing community was mixed but the overall tone was one of non-plussedness.

Ken Hushvod, (2009 Marin Roubaix champion and local cycling hero)
“Litwack is off the Whole Athlete team? I thought that happened last year? I don’t want to say I told you so but, well…I told you so. I doubt he’ll stay out of the spotlight for long. That guy craves attention like a runway model. I only wish I would beat him in a straight up sprint.”

Baen van der Standish, (Dewar’s Racing director sportif and former Litwack mentor)
“Am I shocked? No. Am I the least surprised? No. Have I seen this writing on the wall for 2 years? Yes. We had discussed a return to Dewars earlier in the year but I did not feel confident in Litwack’s commitment to a high profile racing calendar. I said it the last time he ‘retired’ and I’ll say it the next time he ‘retires.’ He’s a pussy.”

Levi Leipheimer (Former US National Champion and Tour de France podium finisher)
“Why does everyone keep asking me about this guy I bought a TV from 2 years ago? Who IS this guy? I mean seriously, I almost won the Vuelta Espana! The VUELTA! Can we move on? Please!?!?”

Patrick Lefevre (Quick Step team manager and Director Sportif)
“We did have some interest in signing Litwack for our classics next year but his demands were too great for the level rider he is. I mean, honestly, who asks for their own personal chef and stylist to be put on the team payroll? We will stick with Boonen, Devolder and Chavanel.”

More on this breaking story as it develops. Check back for reactions and statement from the Litwack camp

You Have Been Warned

Ronde von San Raflaanderran

Tuesday April 13th, 2010

6:45pm

Gird Your Loins

Riders Gear up for China Camp Individual Time Trial

The China Camp Individual Time Trial will be held this Tuesday, August 18th. 1st rider will set off at 6:45PM.

Please arrive at the 7-ll on North San Pedro Road no later than 6:30PM for your start assignment.

Last rider off will be defending champion Dario Frederick, with last year's winning time of 24:05 at 24.34 Avg. MPH. Josh Liwack and Chris Urban also have guaranteed last-off slots as podium finishers last year.

Be Careful Warming Up!

Use extreme caution when warming up, especially if Mike Foley makes an appearance. Mike Foley had a bad fall warming up for the Susian Criterium Sunday afternoon, taking down several other competitors in the process. "That's just racing," explained Foley. editor's note: Actually Mike, that's not exactly racing...

Defending Champ Dario Frederick Confirmed but haunted by April Loss
Defending champ and favorite Dario Frederick has confirmed he will ride the China Camp ITT. Frederick is looking very strong after several high profile victories on the Mountain Bike, including a National Championship victory in Colorado. However, it seems no victory can erase the memory of the crushing 7-second loss the last time he faced Josh Litwack in a Individual Time Trial. As many recall, Litwack avenged a loss at last year's China Camp ITT with a win at the GP Ken Hushvod.

New Juniors Category

As was reported on The Whole Athlete newsletter, the China Camp ITT will again offer a Juniors Category.

Husband Hopes New shoes will improve placing

Ken Husband purchased new Road shoes Friday, replacing a pair of Sidis purchased and ridden during the Clinton Administration. "It will be the first ride on the new shoes, but I know they will shave at least 20 seconds off my time," reported Husband

Mark Christian and Mark Peuschel: Will they show?

It is rumored that veteran Mark Peuschel was the only rider offered an appearance fee for this year's ITT. Peuschel was reportedly offered a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale for starting the ride. Mark Christian, very "stoked" at the start of last year's ITT is on 24 hour baby call and may not ne "hanging loose." His appearance will be evaluated hour by hour.

Check back here for full results.

Marin World Cup 2009 Final Results

Place	Rider	GPKH	M-R	TSRF	TOTAL
1	Jonas Lodewick	1000	250	1000	2250
2	Van Von Simeon	100	0	2000	2100
3	Dario Fredericcio	500	500	0	1000
4	Baen Van der Standish	0	0	500	500
5	Ken Hushvod	250	-	125	375
6	Jimmi Robinski	0	125	250	375
7	Markus Clijsters	125	100	50	275
8	Stign Cherry	75	75	100	250
9	R.A. Von Schmidt	25	0	75	100

Defiant Van von Simeon Makes Good on Claim of Victory

Gritty 2nd Place by Jonas Lodewick Secures MWC Overall.

All the elements were in place for a legendary 3rd edition of the Ronde von SanRaflaanderrs: high winds, freezing temperatures, a top level field and a parcours that the riders are calling the hardest in recent memory.  The result?  A SanRaflaanderrs that will no doubt take it's place alongside the 1994 Paris-Roubaix, the 1969 Tour of Flanders and other historic races in the annals of cycling history.

Van von Simeon upheld his pre-race boast that he would "not [wait] for anyone next week" and rode away from the leisurely paced group over the top of the Fairberg.  Although a determined chase by a bloodied and battered Jonas Lodewick and Dewars teammate Baen van der Standish was able to bridge up to Van von Simeon on the Corbetberg, shortly thereafter a mechanical by van der Standish on the descent of the Bridgeberg caused Lodewick to elect to wait for his compatriot and allowed von Simeon to finish alone atop Seminary Hill.  Lodewick and van der Standish came in 2-3 shortly thereafter, nearly 10 minutes ahead of the rest of the field.

Van von Simeon's win was not with out controversy however, as directly after the race PHRO officials met behind closed doors with the on site race commissaires to determine if von Simeon had contravened race regulations by attacking on the Fairberg in a neutral zone while other riders were stopping for the "call of nature."  After much discussion however, the result was allowed to stand and von Simeon was awarded the victory.  

PHRO President Joos Litvalk (pictured here smoking his ubiquitious cigarillio) was quoted thusly, "While PHRO feels that the conduct exhibited by Van von Simeon was borderline unsportsmanlike and was not reflective of what PHRO believes is the 'true nature' of SanRaflaanderrs, we cannot say with any conviction that it violated the letter of race regulations.  While PHRO will not support the stratagem, we will also not intervene in the outcome of the race.  If anything, Van von Simeon is only guilty of taking himself and this race too seriously.  Future sanctions regarding his eligibility for future PHRO events is under review at this time."

A humbled Ken Hushvod finished in the pack, putting an end to his claims that Lodewick was weak and that he would triumph in spite of his points relegation in Marin-Roubaix.  A visibly exhausted Hushvod said at the finish, "Lodewick and van der Standish started to chase von Simeon at the top of the Altoberg but I could not hold their wheels, they were going too hard.  My legs were cement today, not what I had hoped for.  I will be satisfied with my [tainted-Ed.] victory in Marin-Roubaix and I plan on resting up and preparing for the end of summer China Camp ITT."

Lodewick was uncharacteristically subdued at the post-race podium ceremony and only has this to say: "Yes, I crashed twice, once on the descent of Makin Grade and again at the entrance to the Maderia Creek pavé

 but that did not hinder my performance today.  Van der Standish and I made a good account of ourselves by chasing down von Simeon but unfortunately I had to wait for Baen due to a mechanical on the Bridgeberg.  Victory was possible as I had good sensations on the climb but fate intervened."  Regarding the tactics of von Simeon he had only a few taciturn words, "Von Simeon will ride how he will ride, I cannot affect that, and he rode a strong race.  I rode with honor this night, and I have the MWC overall as a prize.  I am satisfied with my performance."

While there was an abundance of drama at the tête de la course, perhaps the most compelling story line of the event was unfolding at the posterior of the 

group.  A furious engagement was waged by multiple riders for the prestigious Lantern Rouge award for the last finisher.  An award that has seemingly been been the birthright of the "Red Devil" R.A. vonSchmidt, saw challenges from all angles over the winding byways of central Marin.  While vonSchmidt surely did his best from the outset to cement his place as the 

MWC "Red Flame of Mediocrity," Markus Clijisters and Stijn Cherry were not going down without a fight.  While for a time, Clijister's looked to be in contention with the leaders, while chasing a charging Hushvod and fighting for the wheel of Lodewick on the lower slopes of the Altoberg, he suffered what can only be described as a volcanic eruption on the scale of Mt Vesuvius.  He proceeded to go backwards as though shot from a cannon, surprising vonSchmidt and Cherry to the extent that they nearly lost the Flame right then and there.  Like it's predecessor Pompeii, Northern Mill Valley will be feeling the effects of Clijister's massive eruption and subsequent crater for years to come.  

Stijn Cherry, meanwhile, went so far in his quest to unseat vonSchmidt that he rode a mountain bike on the course!  This unconventional thinking is either a level of genius, previously untapped in Cherry or just another attempt to increase the difficulty factor to satisfy his needs for suffering.  An obvious handicap to Cherry, the bulky tires and low gears, not to mention the porpoise-like bobbing suspension actually had an unlooked for side affect: allowing Cherry to descend in a more comfortable fashion and arrive at the finish with more energy that many of the other competitors.  

This unlikely strategy seems to have backfired for Cherry and as a result, though the surprise challenge from "The Human Crater" Markus Clijsiters was unexpected, vonSchmidt was able to dig deep into his well of lethargy and successfully complete his quest for his 3rd straight Lantern Rouge.

Another edition of Ronde von San Raflaanders is in the books and it seem likely that this one may provide fodder for discussion for the years to come.

Wind May Play A Factor in the 3rd Annual Rhonde San Raflaanderrs

After two years of spectacular weather, wind may play a factor in tonight's Rhonde San Raflaanderrs. Big, meaty men like Jonas Lodewick and Jimmey Ribinski may have a distinct advantage. Fly weight riders like Macus Cijisters and Stjin Cherry may simply be blown away.

The Rhonde San Raflaanders, the final stage of the MWC begins at 6:45PM on B Street.

Ribinski Arrested!

May not start San Raflaanderrs!

Jimmey Ribinski's San Raflaanderrs may be over before the race even begins. In the early Tuesday morning hours Ribinski was arrested by San Rafael authorities for an altercation with a Storm Trooper at a local bar.

The altercation was reportedly over Russian model Nadia Shaykhlislarnova. Van von Simeon of the Whole Athlete team was with Ribinski at the time. Van von Simeon was briefly detained but released shortly after 3AM. Ribinski was booked at the county jail and is scheduled to be released just hours before the official San Raflaanderrs sign in at 6:45PM. Many feel this is just the wake up call Ribinski needs to make a strong showing.

Late Breaking News!

Federiccio close to signing one-day contract with Northside Wheelmen!

In one of the most amazing twists to the Marin World Cup thus far, Dario Federiccio may not be a scratch for the Rhonde San Raflaanderrs after all. Details are sketchy at this time, but an official close to the negotiations says the Whole Athlete rider will ride for Northside Wheelmen Tuesday night.

Stijin Cherry, Northside Wheelmen rider and a founding father was seen in a moving truck late Monday night. When asked about the late developing news, Cherry was quick to comment. “Joos Livalk has forced Frederiicco’s hand. By not allowing Whole Athlete Juniors into the race, the director has once again favored his friend Jonas Lodewick. Stupid rule! I wouldn’t be surprised if Lodewick made the rule himself. Litvalk is a puppet! There was a payoff.”

Plus, added Cherry, leaning in close explain his point, “Fredericcio is a Northsider. Always has been! Always will be!”

With Northside strongman Ken Hushvod out of the MWC overall, a partnership between the two will likely crush Lodewick’s hopes to claim the San Raflaanderrs win and MWC crown. A Hushvod-Federiccio 1-2 punch, as everyone obviously knows, would be unbeatable.

Details of the one-day contract have not been made public at this time. A phone call to the Federiccio household went unanswered at 6:30PM PDT. Not known to stay out late, it is assumed Fredericcio had retired to bed for the evening.

Mailbag Answers

Xinia,

Thank you so much for your letter. See you at the Hushvod booster party Tuesday night! It wasn't easy tracking down your old heroes, but we have a few answers for you!

Jeffe Cantarutti

Congrats should be offered to Jeffe Cantarutti who recently dominated the Kent Lake Challenge a well known but small Bass fishing tournament in California. Cantarutti's strong showing caught the eyes the Italian National Bass Team looking to put a European stamp on the Bass Master Elite Series. Jeff will be shooting for the Angler of the Year and a brand New Toyota Tundra.

Jens Van Wyngaert

Jens Wyngaert has unfortunately fallen on bad times. He was recently admitted to Napa State Hospital where he is currently recovering from an streaking incident in his hometown of San Francisco. Rather than go to jail, Wyngaert opted for the mental hospital. As you can see here, he has not fully recovered.

Marcus Peuusheler

Marcus Peuusheler rides his bike occasionally, but is more interested in preparing his border collie mix for the Border Collie World Championships in Munich this June. Marcus is also running for Minister in his small German hometown. Seen here at a fund raising lunch, Peuushler's campaign is based on naming Sierra Nevada Pale Ale as Germany's official beer. This has angered many of his compatriots.

Baen van der Standish

Baen van der Standish, seen here training in the wine country is seriously considering a ride in this year's Rhonde San Raflannderrs. PHRO director Joot Litvalk has assured van der Standish that PHRO does not have a helmet rule. In response, van der Standish is reportedly a possible starter.

Andee "dutch crunch" Van Amerseen

The "dutch crunch" can often be found riding his bike in Richmond, California. Van Amerseen has accepted a job as a traffic conductor for the California Transportation Agency known as Cal Trans.

Dougart Delonesh

Dougart Delonesh is doing just fine as seen in this picture. Delondish has not been seen riding much of late as he is assisting Jeffe Cantarutti's run at the Bass Master Championships later this month. In the meantime Dougart will continue enjoying his primary passion the musical arts.

Dear Tuesday Night World Championships...

Hello,

I am a HUGE cycling fan. I am really looking forward to tomorrow night's San Raflannderrs. I will be waiting along the Gerstleberg and at the finish. My favorite rider is by far Ken Hushvod. He is the bomb! But I like all the riders like Davey van VonSimeon and Jimmi Robinski. Jimmy is super cool, especially when he grows his hair out. I hear that he is single and has a hot tub too. Is that true?

Anyway, I was wondering where some of the old time riders are. I know Mathys Foley is washed up, and Johan Finley is now working as a bank teller. However, I'd love to know where some of my old favorites are now. Where are the old superstars such as Jens Van Wyngaert, Marcus Peuusheler, Baen van der Standish, the "dutch crunch" Andee Van Amerseen, Dougart Delonesh and Jeffe Cantarutti?

Please PLEASE tell me how my former heros are faring. And if you find them...foward them my facebook account!

Thank you!

Xinia Deportes

*A BIG FAN!

XOXOXO

Special San Raflaanderrs Early News Edition

Fredericcio Possible Late Scratch for San Raflaanderrs

The rumor mill is churning with a purpose in Marin today with an unconfirmed report coming out of the Whole Athlete camp that team captain Dario Fredericcio may not start tomorrows Ronde von San Raflaanderrs.  While no official statement has been issued, many are speculating that Fredericcio's possible non-start may be a symbolic statement on his denied petition on the relegation of Ken Hushvod in this past weeks Marin-Roubaix.  Fredericcio, who apparently felt poorly used by PHRO in the matter, is currently second behind Jonas Lodewick in the MWC overall standings and if indeed he does not take the line on B St tomorrow, this will likely spell certain victory for Lodewick.  

R.A. Von Schmidt Vows to Retain Red Lantern Title Despite Marin-Roubaix Absence

Belgian hardcase, R.A. VonSchmidt is trying a new approach in his quest to capture an unprecedented 3rd straight Lantern Rouge title - Not Starting.  A surprise no-show at last weeks Marin Roubaix suffer-fest, VonSchmidt has taken the art of indolence to an previously unexplored level.  Apparently concerned about his ability to ride slower than everyone else and feeling threatened by a challenge from newcomer Stijn Cherry for the title of Most Torpid, Von Schmidt devised a new stratagem for losing...not starting at all.  The result?  An even firmer grasp on the Red Flame of Mediocrity.  "I respect and fear Stijn's methodical pace and also his overt level of relaxation.  To lose to him, I had to think "outside the box" and create a new methodology.  By not starting, I avoid the dreaded DNF, yet also manage to escape the most damaging statistic of all: a placing."  VonSchmidt looks to secure his title this Tuesday in San Raflaanders.  What new wrinkle will he come up with this time?  Riding backwards?  Puncturing his own tyre?  Pre-breaking his chain?

Van der Standish Looking for First San Raflaanderrs Finish

While no one in this cycling rich region would think to question the experience and palmeries of Baen Van der Standish, 

the Sonoma County cycling star is not taking his first Marin World Cup event lightly.  "I am riding this year's Ronde von San Raflaanderrs solely for training and experience.  To think that I could be competitive with the Marin strongmen in their home race on my first attempt would be folly of the highest order.  I will follow wheels, learn the course and hope for a top 10 finish."  

The potential start of Van der Standish has more than a few cycling pundits questioning if he is a ringer brought in by Lodewick as they were, at one time, teammates on the now defunct Dewar's Racing powerhouse team of the early part of the decade.  Keeping a sharp eye out for envelopes being passed between the entourage of Lodewick and the Dewar's team car will likely be great sport for the fans on Tuesday's Ronde.

War of Words Continues Between Hushvod and Lodewick

In a rivalry that has reached levels unseen since the likes of Abbott and Costello, Ken Hushvod and Jonas Lodewick have maintained a veritable fusillade of aspersion towards one another this past week with both sides lobbing their fair share of invective.  

Lodewick, who in a post Marin-Roubaix interview obliquely referred to Hushvod's strategy of marking his wheel in every move as "cowardly" and prior to Hushvod's namesake event, the GP Hushvod, remarked that the aging local star was "washed up."  Hushvod for his part answered Lodewick's convincing win in the ITT with a victory of his own at the Marin-Roubaix, dropping Lodewick with little under 500m to go in the velodrome.  In the days since the race, the press has picked up on several stories that allege Lodewick's "family trip" to San Diego was, in reality, a secret training exercise as well as releasing photos that show a wrecked silver Audi A4 that is claimed to be Lodewick's.

  

While no official connection has been made, it is virtually certain that Hushvod has loosed his pet paparazzi on Lodewick in a contemptible effort to distract the charismatic star from focusing on tomorrow's San Raflaanderrs.  In a statement released today by his public relations staff, Lodewick refuted these claims and placed the onus directly on Hushvod to claim responsibility.  

"It is well known that my wife's family is in San Diego and that we were there for her cousin's wedding.  These rumors that I was training are totally without merit and only proves that Hushvod must resort to deceit and trickery to attempt to gain an edge.  In fact, in order to make my point, I have not ridden any training miles in 5 days as preparation for San Raflaanderrs.  I plan to arrive at the start line as the most unprepared rider there, if only to show the cretin Hushvod that class, good looks, great hair and a well put together kit will triumph over his sloppy clothing, "Tractor" bike and substantial paunch every day of the week."

Lodewick is obviously pulling no punches in his statement and he went on to say, "Hushvod attempting to sic the paparazzi on me is contemptable.  My visage is known from Milan to Sunset Blvd and only his sycophantic local news hacks would swallow such absurdity.  I'm suprised that Hushvod didn't follow me to San Diego...he seems follows my wheel everywhere else!"

Well then.  It would certainly seem that Tuesday San Raflaanderrs will, if nothing else, be not without fireworks.

Rumor Wheel! Sonnen Ends Lodewick Sponsorship?

It was learned this morning that Sonnen Motor Cars may have terminated its relationship with Jonas Lodewick. This may have had something to do with Lodewick's violent outburst at a photographer while training in San Diego this weekend, or simply his poor driving skills. Lodewick has for years been driving newer model Audis in a sweetheart deal with Sonnen. However, he may have damaged his last Audi ride. The Sonnen/Lodewick relationship was likely terminated this morning. Lodewick was seen dropping off his damaged Silver Audi A4 in the early morning hours at Sonnen Motorcars. Lodewick was seen riding off on his bicycle, rather than driving the customary loaner A5 given to high profile customers during servicing.

This is surprising move given Lodewick's strong performance at this year's MWC. However, many believe that Lodewick's combustible personality is at fault. Perhaps Sonnen is well aware of Lodewick's diminishing skills (both driving and on the bike) and that the public has grown tired of his over-the-top personality. This must come as a crushing blow to Lodewick's ego on the eve of San Rafalannderrs. Many feel this will have a major effect on Ledewick's already fragile confidence.

More breaking news as we learn more.