GP Ken Hushvod In Danger of Postponement

With the GP Ken Hushvod Time Trial slated for its traditional March 31st start date, there is much speculation among the cyclorati regarding the possible postponement or even cancellation of the event. While cold, wet and windy weather are de rigeur for the Marin World Cup, weather forecasts are predicting the arrival of near cyclonic conditions for Wednesday evening.

PHRO President Joos Litvalk is making no definite decision either way as of yet but was quoted as saying, "While we all yearn in our heart of hearts for conditions that test both the body and spirit of the competitors, PHRO does not condone cruel and unusual racing and will re-schedule the GP Ken Hushvod if necessary to protect the safety and integrity of the event."

While his statement was greeted with bemusement by many of the riders who, no doubt questioned Litvalks definition of "cruel and unusual racing" given this years course for the Ronde von SanRaflaanderran, support for rescheduling the GPKH was nearly unanimous. Prohibitive least favorite and 3 time Lantern Rouge holder R.A. vonSchmidt expressed his support for Litvalks judgement saying, "I do not want my ruby red placing to be sullied by unnecessary mechanicals or crashes by other riders. My last-placing must be legitimate or it is worth nothing."

One rider who seemed to be the lone voice of dissent was

Stijn Cherry whose legendary hard-man credentials are the stuff that myths are made of. "Litvalk is going to change the date because of a little rain and wind? Pffagh! Eddie would be rolling in his grave if he was dead by now. If they quadrupled the distance and raced in the rain THEN this might actually become a worthwhile event. PHRO is run by a passel of nancy-boys who cater to the fragile physique of that pretty boy Lodewick. I'm going to go clean my bike. With my tongue. And kerosene."

PHRO is setting a 12pm PST deadline tomorrow (Wednesday) for a Go/No Go decision on a race start. Stay tuned.....

Early Edition MWC News

Clijisters Proclaims, "I am the favorite for San Raflaanderrs!"

In an uncharacteristicly bombastic manner today, Markus Clijisters staked his claim to the San Raflaanderrs crown for 2010. During an interview with reporters from local KRON 4, Clijisters was asked about his chances for the upcoming King of the Classics:

"I really have good sensations right now and am feeling very confident for the Marin World Cup. Lodewick is reportedly looking sub-par and Hushvod apparently has gained 3 stone over the winter. I am the favorite, no question."

His statements were doubly interesting as most pundits had written Clijisters off after a winter of little to no training due to his recently born daughter but the addition to his family has seemed to have bolstered his confidence rather than diminish it. Many are skeptical however with Clijisters' level of race fitness with several reliable sources noting that he has spent less time on the bike this off-season than ever before. One begins to wonder if Clijisters' is feeling contact fitness from his sister-in-law, Evelyn Stevens, the neo-pro wonder kid of Columbia's womens team. Only SanRaflaanderrs will tell.

Hushvod get new Co-Sponsor Discovery Communications

Despite persistent talk that he was planning his retirement from bike racing, repeated speculations about his motivation and skeptical glances at his robust figure, Ken Hushvod has apparently inveigled yet another high profile sponsor to contribute to his already swollen wallet. It was reported on Saturday that Discovery Communications had extended a lucrative contract to Hushvod for the 2010 season and will share co-sponsor team billing with his current main backer J. Crew. Further revealed was a plan for Hushvod to continue in an advisory role with Discovery Communications after his bike racing career is finished. Rumors that this may include a role in the upcoming Sarah Palin travelogue reality series have yet to be confirmed.

Duvel "Drops a Deuce" on San Raflaanderrs

PHRO Front-man, Joos Litvalk held a press conference today to announce a new competition within the Marin World Cup, the "Duvel Drops a Deuce" classification. Belgian beer maker, Duvel has agreed to sponsor an unexpectedly strange "race within the race" that will award points to the 2nd placed rider in each race. The "winner" of the competition will receive 2 bottles of Duvel Belgian Ale, a #2 pencil and a single used Panaracer tire. While some are calling this the "Fredericcio Jersey" (presumably in reference to the consecutive 2nd place finishes in the GPKH and Marin-Roubaix by the rider of the same name), Lodewick denied any connection and simply stated that, "Everyone like Duvel. Even my butler." What this cryptic missive represents, we can only begin to speculate on.

Lodewick say GP Ken Hushvod Time Trial is "A Formality."

In his, by now, expectedly tiresome fashion, Socialite, Gentleman of Leisure and sometime bike racer, Jonas Lodewick has once again expressed his expectation to dominate the GP Ken Hushvod Time Trial that is the MWC opener. While Lodewick made a similar claim in 2009 and was able to indeed claim victory, the margin by which he won was not exactly the comfortable time gap that he had predicted. Regardless, Lodewick announced his boredom with the competition and proclaimed:

"Perhaps, to make it interesting, this year I will ride my bike with only one leg. Or maybe backwards. Then Hushvod will stand a chance of seeing my finishing time without the aid of binoculars. I predict my winning margin to be between 5 and 15 minutes."

When reminded that the TOTAL time for his winning ride last year was only a shade under 20 minutes in total, Lodewick only nodded, got into his Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe and drove to his spa appointment.

Official Race Announcement-GP Ken Hushvod

Official Race Announcement:

Grand Prix Ken Hushvod Individual Time Trial

Presented by PHRO.

March 31st, 2010

Event Schedule:
6:45 pm – Ceremonial parade departure from the Hushvod Boosters Clubhouse on B St, San Rafael.
7:15 pm – Night of registration at race start.
7:30 pm – First rider departs on course.
8:15 pm – Last rider finishes (estimated)
8:30 pm – Results and podium ceremony.

Event Description:

The tradition opening prologue in the Marin World Cup series, the GP Ken Hushvod ITT is a demanding 5 miles circuit comprised of two major climbs (1 road, 1 dirt), two very technical and tricky descents and a ridge top false flat section. The course is run on a combination of paved road, dirt fire road and single track and is designed to be contested on cyclocross bikes.

The course starts and finishes at the San Anselmo city limit sign on Butterfield Rd in Sleepy Hollow and is run in a counter-clockwise circuit. It is NOT a closed course and riders can be expected to see automobiles, pedestrians, hikers and possibly other cyclists. Timing will be done on the honor system.

Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to attend. Registration is free but the promoter is accepting donations. Leffe, Duvel and Stella Artoisare preferred but anything of Western European origin is acceptable currency.

*******This event is run entirely for fun and not for profit. To borrow a phrase: "The less fun you have, the more you'll pay." Anyone found taking this event seriously will be banished from all Marin World Cup events for a time period no less than 1 year. Also, you will suck. Safety first.********

Turn List:
START: Butterfield-Caletta Ave-The Alameda-Indian Rock Rd-Tomahawk Dr-Elkhorn Way-Miwok Dr-Pasadena Ave-Santa Barbara Ave-Salinas Ave-San Francisco Blvd-Sorich Park Singletrack-Cemetery Fire Road-Terra Linda Ridge FR-Fawn Dr-Fox Ln-Fox Single Track-Bike Path-Fawn Dr-Butterfield. (map attached).

Joos Litvalk
PHRO Chairrman and President of Marin World Cup

Official Race Announcement-Marin Roubaix

Official Race Announcement:

Marin-Roubaix

Presented by PHRO.

April 7th, 2010

Event Schedule:

6:45 pm – Ceremonial parade departure from the Hushvod Boosters Clubhouse on B St, San Rafael.
7:00 pm – Neutral Zone Ends

7:05 pm – 1st Rider enters Railroad d'Arenberg. (estimated)

7:30 pm – Lecole d'Vincent

7:45 pm – Levee du Pedro

8:00 pm – Camp Chinois

8:15 pm – San Rafael City Limit Hot Spot Sprint

8:30 pm – 1st Rider enters L'Ecole du SanRafael finishing circuit. (estimated)

8:45 pm – Results and podium ceremony.

Event Description:

As the middle event in the Marin World Cup "Super Month," the Marin-Roubaix could easily be over-looked as riders prepare for the upcoming Ronde von SanRaflaanderran but these riders would be sorely mistaken to do so. The Marin-Roubaix is a grueling test of mind body and spirit that demands total attention by those who hope to triumph. Run on a virtually pancake flat circuit, the Marin-Roubaix is defined by the 6 sections, numbered in reverse order, of "la terre cassee" (literally "Broken Earth), which are dirt tracks and gravel roads and will likely determine the winner and losers of the contest.

The most (in)famous section is the formidible Railroad d'Arenberg, a roughly 1400m section that runs slightly uphill and that often creates the final selection in the group. The 2010 edition however tackles the Railroad d'Arenberg in the downhill direction at in the early stages of the race so it's effect on the results will likely be minimized. A new sector this year is Lecole du Vincent, an extended sector of over 3km in length.

The riders will finish with 1 1/2 counter-clockwise laps on the San Rafael High track.

The course starts and finishes at San Rafael High and is run in a clockwise circuit. It is NOT a closed course and riders can be expected to see automobiles, pedestrians, hikers and possibly other cyclists.

*******This event is run entirely for fun and not for profit. To borrow a phrase: "The less fun you have, the more you'll pay." Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to attend. Registration is free but the promoter is accepting donations. Leffe, Duvel and Stella Artoisare preferred but anything of Western European origin is acceptable currency. Anyone found taking this event seriously will be banished from all Marin World Cup events for a time period no less than 1 year. Also, you will suck. Safety first.********

Official Race Announcement:

Ronde von san Raflaanderran

Presented by PHRO.

April 14th, 2010

Event Schedule:

6:45 pm – Ceremonial parade departure from the Hushvod Boosters Clubhouse on B St, San Rafael.
6:55 pm – Neutral Zone Ends

7:00 pm – Miraberg

7:45 pm – Bridgeberg

8:15 pm – Shaverberg (cima Jimmi)

8:45 pm – Finish (estimated)

9:00 pm – Results and podium ceremony at Hushvod Boosters Clubhouse.

Event Description:

The premiere event and crown jewel of the Marin World Cup "Super Month," the Ronde von San Raflaanderrs is a legendary event in the storied history of Marin County. Heroes are made and broken on the steep slopes of the many bergs, which are the signature in this test of courage. Littered throughout the countryside, these often savagely steep climbs are as varied as the riders who will contest the victory.

While the field will come from a myriad of backgrounds, San Raflaanderrs caters to the strongmen of the spring, riders who are able to attack with power up the short climbs as well as descend with abandon are the rule of the day. The only sure outcome is that whoever ends up on the podium will, no doubt, have earned their place.

The course starts at B St and finishes at the top of the hill at the San Anselmo Theological Seminary. It is NOT a closed course and riders can be expected to see automobiles, pedestrians, hikers and possibly other cyclists.

*******This event is run entirely for fun and not for profit. To borrow a phrase: "The less fun you have, the more you'll pay." Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to attend. Registration is free but the promoter is accepting donations. Leffe, Duvel and Stella Artoisare preferred but anything of Western European origin is acceptable currency. Anyone found taking this event seriously will be banished from all Marin World Cup events for a time period no less than 1 year. Also, you will suck. Safety first.********

Late Edition Cycling News

Details Leaked about 2010 SanRaflaanderrs

An unnamed source revealed today that this year's edition of the Spring Monument Ronde von San Raflaanderran will be even more ambitious than the 2009 edition which was largely agreed to have been the most difficult and challenging parcours ever.

The 2009 running of SanRaflaanderrs saw a recalcitrant Van Von Simeon proclaim his intention to drop the field and win alone atop the Presbyterberg a week prior to the start and then, astonishingly proceed to do just as he promised. The nine bergs on course decimated the field who dribbled across the finish to the sight of a salubrious Von Simeon celebrating with a gaggle of podium girls. A bloody and resentful Jonas Lodewick was forced to accept a bitter second place despite his relentless chase of Von Simeon with his team mate Baen VanDerStandish.

Public consensus was of the opinion that PHRO had gone too far with the parcours that included the seldom visited Kingberg which bent the backs and broke the spirits of many a competitor on a day that will live in infamy. Despite the prevailing sentiment that expected a lighter and more friendly route tailored to the aging local paladin Ken Hushvod with his generous pelt and bandy legged pedal stroke, if rumor is to be believed the 2010 edition will include a staggering 11 bergs as well as an extended cobbled climb of between 2-3Km in length.

While the specific routing and road that are to be used remains to be revealed, this journalist can only speculate on the carnage that will be witnessed out on the cold, hard, merciless cobbles of the bergs of Marin. We will released more information as it is acquired. Our coverage is only beginning...

Lodewick-Fredericcio Rift Mirrors 2009 Astana Situation

A situation that had seemingly sunk back below the waves of the peloton, the schism on the Whole Athlete Team between director and patrician Dario Fredericcio and aging sprinter and gentleman of leisure Jonas Lodewick has finally boiled over. Following their spat at the 2009 GP Ken Hushvod and the subsequent war of words that ensued, Lodewick was summarily dismissed from the WA Team when his contract was up in January and Fredericcio fleshed out his roster with a bevy of neo-pros and espoirs.

Meanwhile, Lodewick has signed a corporate sponsorship with PodiumLook.com, an online cycling fashion giant who has (it's been rumored) committed to an annual budget of 13 million Euros to support Lodewick's quest for the top step at SanRaflaanderrs. An unheard of sum, PodiumLook founder and CEO Iacomo Bruzzino (shown here with his heiress mistress) has a reputation for flashy and exorbitant gestures in support of the athletes he admires. Whether he is able to give Lodewick the support he needs, remains to be seen.

Both Lodewick and Fredericcio maintain that their relationship is not strained and both have publicly stated that they wish the other only the best. The talk among other riders in the peloton seems to contradict these public statements however as several riders who preferred not to be named, say that the on-the-road interaction is predictably frosty. One rider even went so far as to mention that "This situation makes that Alberto-Lance thing look like cupcakes." While the meaning of this quote is unclear, what IS clear is that SanRaflaanders will be nothing less than a clash of titans.

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