September 2009 Archives

In it's 5^th year the Portsmouth criterium has quickly grown in popularity.  The race takes place on the historic streets of  down town Portsmouth New Hampshire.  Several members of the New England Team were present: 

Seth Haskell (Cat 3)

Bryon Lewis (Cat 4)

Chris Jordan (Cat 4)

Liam Somers (Cat 4)

Bryon Lewis (Cat 4) had a terrific showing taking first place.  There is no better way to end the road season than on the podium.  Bryon has been doing quite well in many of the crits throughout New England and is considered to be a Crit specialist on the team.  Bryon was a former Pro BMX racer and is accustom to close contact in races (which is common in crit races).  This explains Bryon's fearless approach to crit racing. Chris Jordan (Cat 4)  had a great finish placing 18^th.  Liam Somers (Cat 4) had a strong race clipping on the heals of Chris rounding out the 20^th slot.  Seth Haskell (Cat 3) who recently upgraded to the 3's had a good performance placing 34^th

Great job guys!!!

Several members of the New England Team raced this years Green Mountain Stage Race.  The demanding four day stage race is well known for its climbing, especially on stage 3, where racers have to battle two Cat 1 climbs (one of which is the finishing climb up App. Gap).  This year the weather was perfect, with sunny sky's and temperatures in mid 70's. 

Members of the team present:

Chris Hillier (Hilly) (Cat 2):

• Had an exceptional race finishing 13^th on GC in the Men's Cat 2 field.  The stage race was well suited for Chris's climbing power.    

Elliot Mclellan (Cat 3)

• Making his Colavita NE Team début.  Unfortunately due to a mechanical failure Elliot had to withdraw from the race following the circuit.  We will certainly see great things from Elliot next season as he is a very strong rider.   

Jason Moriarty (JayMo) (Cat 3)

• Had a strong finished clawing his way up the GC. 

Justin Henderson (Cat 4)

• Put in a solid effort in the men's 4 field.

Great job guys!! Keep up the great work. 

On August 15^th five members of the NE team went to do battle on the Mt Washington.  The non-sanctioned race is considered to be the hardest hill climbing race in the world.  The race is a 7.4 mile climb to the summit of Mt Washington.  The average climb is 12% with sections that exceed 18%.  The final section nearing the finish maxes out at 22%.  This year the weather was sunny and warm with nominal wind (very unusual for Mt Washington).  Members of the team made the cut off to race in the Elite category lining up with some of the notable pro riders like Phil Gaimon and Ned Overand  aka. "Deadly Nedly"

Chris Hillier (Cat 2) had an exceptional race placing 15^th overall.  Chris's performance gave him the earned title as the fastest hill climber in New Hampshire.  Chris has been showing is power as a hill climber at many of the climbing races throughout New England.   

Kristen Gohr (Cat 1) placed 3^rd overall for the women.  Kristen also broke a longstanding course record for the women's 35-39 category.  Kristen has worked very hard this season and it is shows in her outstanding races results. (read Kristen's race report below) Next Kristen heads off to race the Burke Mt Race in Vermont. 

Jason Moriarty (Cat 3) and Bryon Lewis (Cat 4) had strong performances.

Great Job Guys!!!

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Race Report: Provided by Kristen Gohr (Cat 1)

The bike was ready with new super lite tires and new climbing gearing but I was really nervous about the 7.6 miles on "The Rock". I had checked out the competition and realized with 3 Pro Women in the field my goal of a podium finish would be out of reach. I took the advise of my coach and decided to "race my own race."

I was fortunate enough to be in the "Top Notch" start wave so it was fun to be jockeying with some really great climbers. I focused on my heart rate and didn't let the other riders distract me. I settled in and let my heart rate hover around 183.  At the 5 mile mark I hit a bit of a wall but did a quick calculation and realized I was on pace to beat my previous time.  I had waited a long time for this race and I knew it would come down to a test of my own will and here it was - so I just kept pedaling. 

As I approached the summit the cheers and cow bells were amazing! I had fallen on my first attempt at the final 22% grade to the finish line.  This time I was determined to finish upright. My husband, my sister, and my dad were at the final approach and seeing them there to cheer my through felt like a hand pushing me on the back. I crossed the line and Greg told me "you got third!" I had reached my goal of a podium finish and later at the awards ceremony I was told I set a new course record for my age group!

It was a great day of bike racing!