MTB Canada Cup #1 / O’Cup #3

Horseshoe Resort ON

Dan Bandurka leads out Mark Brusso at the start of the Master Expert Race at Horseshoe.

The Race Promoters at Superfly Racing took it to the next level with it’s first-ever combined Canada Cup/Ontario Cup! The course at Horseshoe was much-improved and featured better spectatorship, a challenging race for the riders and a unique resort atmosphere!  

The Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs MTB Squad had a small but enthusiastic group at this event and together the put in a great collection of results, including two podiums

Your Team’s Results:

• Ed Reading, 18th, Master Sport Men, 30-39
• Mike Chalovich, 4th, Master Sport Men, 50-54
• Derrick Cho, 7th, Master Sport Men, 50-54
• Melanie Chambers, 1st, Master Sport Women, 40-49
• Mark Brusso, 2nd, Master Expert Men, 30-39
• Dan Bandurka, 9th, Master Expert Men, 30-39
• Alex Sanchez, 11th, Master Expert Men, 40-44
• Larry Woo, 5th, SingleSpeed

Road O’Cup #6, KW Classic Road Race

Hawkesville ON

Team Rookie, Ayrton Dick, takes his first road race podium at the KW Classic.

For the 28th running of this race, the KW Classic Road Race returned to Hawkesville, Ontario. Presented by the Waterloo Cycling Club, the course consisted of an 11.3 km circuit with a long climb up Hawkesville hill and then coming back down the hill enabling riders to reach speeds of 70 km/hr. The remainder of the course took riders along the rolling hills and flats beside the picturesque Conestoga River. The finish features a long straight away with rolling hills and a little kicker hill coming into the town of Hawkesville.

Your Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Race Team results:

• Ayrton Dick, 3rd, Elite 3 Men
• Brent Vanderveen, 16th, Elite 3 Men
• Nicholas Sidhu, 27th, Elite 3 Men
• Steve Hart, 34th, Master 3 Men
• Tim Griffin, DQ, Master 3 Men
• Steve Martin, 41st, Master 2 Men
• Matt Deluco, DNF, Elite 1&2 Men

Dirty Kanza 200

Empora, KS

Jouko about to begin a big day in the saddle... and then just over 15 hours and 200 miles later looking no worst for wear.

Founded in 2006 with only 35 participants, The Dirty Kanza 200 was one of the first racers of its kind in the new “Gravel Grinder” category of events. This event now attract upwards of 1500 participants looking to test themselves on the Kansas Gravel in an around Flint Hills. 

Not for the faint of heart, the Dirty Kanza 200 event requires riders to spend anywhere from 12 to 20 hours on the bike. 

This year’s event also features several “portage” and “hike a bike” sections due to unusually high rain fall in the days leading up to there event and certainly added to the challenge of such a huge race. 

We were very proud to have Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Team representation at this unique event with Jouko Haapanen making the journey to Kansas. Jouko is not just a Team Racers, he is also one of the owners of Georgetown VW... one of our top sponsors and long time supporter of our race team program. 

• Jouko Haapanen, 9th Place, 50+ Men (also the top Canadian / Finnish racer), 15:10:45 Hours

Youth Cup #2, Pedal Fest

Barrie, ON

Young Axel... pushing through in the rain and working hard at the Youth Cup Road Race. 

Hosted by the Barrie/Simcoe Cycling Club, the 2nd Youth Cup of the season took place on May 30th and was a big part of the Barrie Pedal Fest event. 

Pedal Fest is Ontario’s first-ever all-inclusive Cycling Festival! Youth Racing, Community Walk, Roll or Wheeling, Para-Cycling & Criterium Racing. Pedal Fest also featured local food trucks and music all day with a special headliner to finish the festival off.

The course for the Youth Cup Race was 1.7km long with one punchy climb to the start finish line. A great venue for friends and family to watch, as the racers would speed past every 2-3 minutes. During the Minime road race the skies opened up and a torrential downpour ensued. This did not deter the young racers as they continued without incident to a bunch sprint finish.

• Finlay MacEwen, 5th Place, PeeWee Boys TT
• Axel Froner, 16th Place, Minime Boys TT
• Finlay MacEwen, 6th Place PeeWee Boys Road Race
• Axel Froner, 6th Place, Minime Boys Road Race

MTB O'Cup #2, Kelso

Kelso Conservation Area 

Mark Brusso leads the charge.... Derrick and Mike off the start and mixing it up with the others.

The Mountain Bike Provincial series made a much welcome return to Kelso Conservation Area for the 2nd race of the 2015 series. 

With a race course that takes one up and down the escarpment, Kelso also introduces several technical rock gardens into the already challenging mix of climbs, drops and descents. 

The day was perfect of racing with ideal late spring conditions and your Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs MTB Squad had a solid showing with a great collection of results.  

• Bevin Reith, 7th Place, Master Sport (40-44) Male
• Brian Moosie, DNF, Master Sport Male
• Andrew McDonald, 20th Place, Master Sport (45-49) Male
• Mike Chalovich, 12th Place, Master Sport (50-54) Male
• Derrick Cho, 16th Place, Master Sport (50-54) Male
• Melanie Chambers, 5th Place, Master Sport (40-49) Female
• John Roy, DNF, SingleSpeed
• Mark Brusso, 1st Place, Master Expert (30-39) Male
• Dan Bandurka, 8th, Place, Master Expert (30-39) Male
• Alex Sanchez, 7th Place, Master Expert (40-44) Male
• Oggie Sokolovic, 4th Place, Master Expert (50+) Male

Niagara Classic Road Race, O’Cup #4

Pelham, ON

Hosted by the St. Catharines Cycling Club, the Niagara Classic Road Race takes place in the picturesque and historic Town of Pelham. The course is a challenging, winding and rolling route through the vineyards and orchards of Ontario’s fruitland and features the legendary (and daunting) Effingham Hill climb.

The Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Road Squad put together a solid group of participants for this forth race in the Ontario Provincial Road Series. 

Team Results

• Arton Dick, 6th Place, Elite 4 Men
• Nicholas Sidhu, 27th Place, Elite 4 Men
• Brent Venderveen, 28th Place, Elite 4 Men
• Robbis Weymouth, 29th Place, Elite 4 Men
• Tim Anema, DNF, Elite 4 Men
• Dan Bandurka, DNF, Elite 4 Men
• Tim Griffin, 23rd Place, Master 3 Men
• Steve Hart, 32nd Place, Master 3 Men
• John Roy, 38th Place, Master 3 Men
• Chris Dunbar, DNF, Elite 3 Men
• Roderick Grant , DNF, Master 2 Men
• Thea Mizuhara, DNF, Elite 2 Women

Long Sock Classic, XC Marathon #2

Ganaraska Forest, ON

Very pleased to see such a strong presence from the Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs MTB Squad at the Long Sock Classic.

The second race of the Substance Projects, XC Marathon Series treated our Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs to an epic day of racing in the Ganaraska Forest. Known for its flowing single-track, difficult sandy climbs and yes, poison ivy (hence the reason for the Long Socks), this event have become a favourite for many members of the MTB Squad. 

Our Team is such a big supporter of this event that we have become "unofficial / official" sponsors of this XC Marathon Series.  With some additional support from "our" Team Sponsor Mill Street Brewery, we supplied the entire podium with some very tasty beverages. 

The Team had a great day flying the colours and when the dust finally settled, they had put in an impressive collection of results.

Full Marathon, 75k *

• Gus Ryan, 1st Place, Clydesdale Men
• Miro Zgavic, 3rd Place, Clydesdale Men
• Robin Kay, 3rd Place, Women Open
• Andrea Bowker, 4th Place, Women Open
• Dan Bandurka, 6th Place, Open Men
• Oggie Sokolovic, 7th Place, Master Men 40+
• Bevin Reith, 13th Place, Master Men 40+
• Ian Ptolemy, 16th Place, Master Men 40+
• Barry Cox, 27th, Master Men 40+
• Francois Boivin, 38th, Master Men 40+

Half Marathon, 37k *

• John Roy, 2nd Place, Clydesdale Men
• Chris Macfarlane, 10th Place, Clydesdale Men
• Jason Ma, 15th Place, Open Men

* At the writing of this report some of the results had to be hand-tabulated. Our apologies if we made any mistakes. We will correct them as needed. 

Morning Glory Criterium

Markham, ON

Big Steve Hart and Rob MacEwen form the lead-out train for Crit-Specialist, Rick Froner. Timed to perfection, the result was a WIN for Rick.

While the kids we putting in some time on the race course at the Morning Glory Youth Cup #1, the organizers also put together a crit race for the adults.

We were very luck to have three members of our Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs at this event. Steve Hart and Rob MacEwen put in some serious work for criterium veteran Rick Froner. The end result was fantastic sprint finish with Steve leading-out Rick to a resounding win. Nicely done gentlemen, a solid team effort. 

Team Results

• Rick Froner, 1st Place, Men’s Sport
• Steve Hart, 11th Place, Men’s Sport
• Rob MacEwen DNF, Men’s Sport

Morning Glory Youth Cup #1

Markham, ON

Axel looking strong just prior to his "flyer" on the final lap. Finlay on his way to the podium in his rookie road race. 

It certainly seems that time on the new Velodrome in Milton has payed of for our Youth Racers, Axel Froner and Finlay MacEwen. Both of these young men put in extremely strong performances at the first Youth Cup of the 2015 season. This event was actually designed and an Ominium with both a Time Trail and a Road Race talking place. 

Axel was mixing it up all race long and even attempted a flying break-away during the final lap of the Minime Road Race. Unfortunately he could not make it stick, but this certainly made for an exciting finish. (editor's note: I had an opportunity to ride with Axel on holiday Monday and this kid has some serious power. He will be a force to reckon with in the near future)

Finlay was participating in his very first PeeWee Boys road race and despite his Rookie inexperience, his track-fitness proved to be a match for the other boys and he finished on the second step of the podium. 

Its becoming somewhat cliché but we love saying it... the future of the Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Race Team is looking very bright. 

Time Trial

• Finlay MacEwen, 2nd Place, PeeWee Boys
• Axel Froner, 12th, Minime Boys

Road Race

• Finlay MacEwen, 2nd Place, PeeWee Boys
• Axel Froner, 12th, Minime Boys

Final Omnium Points

• Finlay MacEwen, 2nd Place, PeeWee Boys
• Axel Froner, 13th, Minime Boys

Spring Epic 8 Hour MTB Race

Mansfield ON

Solo veteran Robyn Duke takes 3rd in the Women's Solo and the Old Man takes 1st in the 50+ Solo. 

The Spring Epic 8 is one of those unique mountain bike events that brings together riders of all levels of ability and fitness. From Elite Experts to Weekend Warriors, this event provides challenges for all. Attendance was high this year with well over 700 racers participating. 

Taking place at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre, not far from Collingwood, this venue features a 10 km course built onto the side of the Niagara Escarpment. Loaded with fast singletrack, well spaced doubletrack for passing and several gruelling climbs to separate the pack, this year’s course truly tested all who raced.

The day was extremely hot and humid with temperatures hitting upwards of 35 C during the height of the race. This was certainly the hottest day of the year so far and rather extreme for early May. Add to this, a punchy and extremely dusty race course and many of our racers claimed that this was very likely the toughest 8 Hour they had ever participated in. Hydration (by Skratch Labs) was certainly an important factor in the success of our Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Racers.

Our Relay Teams

Nucking Futs, 1st Place, 4 Person Open
Oggie Sokolovic, James Irwin, with special guests, Guy Leclair*, Linnley Clarke*

LapDogs: Steppin’ to the A.M, 4th Place, 2 Person Open
Larry Woo & Mark Brusso

Our Soloists

Miro Zgavc, 27th Place, Solo Male, 39 & Under
Richard Bowers, 15th Place, Solo Male, 40-49
Robyn Duke, 3rd Place, Solo Female
Michael Cranwell, 1st Place, Solo Male 50+

* Guy & Linnley are on loan from other Teams

MTB O'Cup #1, Woodnewton

Woodnewton ON

The Big Man, Mark Brusso throws down the hammer and picks up where he left off last season... top step of the podium.

(photos by Peter Kraiker)

The Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs MTB Squad has officially kicked off the cross-country racing season with participation at the first race of the Provincial Series. We had a solid presence at this race with a strong field of racers participating across several categories. 

Normally a cold and wet race, racers were very pleased to be able to ride in full summer gear as the sun was out and the temperatures where above normal for early May. With these warm conditions, the course was very fast and furious. Several of our racers described it as pretty much a solid drag-race from start to finish. 

The course at Woodnewton is on private property and is custom-built by the folks at SuperFly Racing exclusively for cross-country racing. 

Our MTB Squad put in a fantastic collection of results with 3 podiums and strong finishes by all with many of our racers finishing in the top 10 of their respective categories. This bodes well for he coming season.

Our Team's Results:

• Bevin Reith, 10th, Master Sport Men 40-44
• Richard Lee, 28th, Master Sport Men 40-44
• Ian Ptolemy, 3rd, Master Sport Men, 50-54
• Mike Chalovich, 16th, Master Sport Men, 50-54
• Derrick Cho, 18th, Master Sport Men, 50-54
• James Irwin, 5th,  Master Sport Men, 55-59
• Bill Packham, 5th, Master Male, 60-64
• Melanie Chambers, 2nd, Master Sport Women, 40-49
• Steven Martin, 4th, SingleSpeed Men
• Larry Woo, 9th, SingleSpeed Men
• John Roy, 11th, SingleSpeed Men
• Mark Brusso, 1st, Master Expert Men, 30-39
• Dan Bandurka, 17th, Master Expert Men, 30-39
• Oggie, Sokolivic, 5th, Master Expert Men, 50+

New weekend, we'll see many from the MTB Squad back in action with the Spring Epic 8 Hour Relay Race. 

Road O’Cup #3, 47th, Annual Springbank Road Race

London ON

Presented by the The London Centennial Wheelers, the 47th annual Springbank Road Races, are held on a closed 2.2 km course and offers over $4,000 in cash and prizes. The width of this fast and technical loop varies and makes for exciting and spectator-friendly crit-racing. 

Due to the travel distance to this event, we only had a couple of racers from the Road Squad making the journey with veteran crit-specialist Rick Froner and rookie Brent Vanderveen flying the colours in London.

Our Team’s Results:

• Brent Vanderveen, 11th, Elite 4 Men
• Richard Froner, 30th, Master 2 Men

Paris to Ancaster, Spring Classic

Ancaster, Ontario

Ogee takes a mud facial as Gus cracks a smile. (Photo from @JeffreyNeven). Rob MacEwen... best beard in the race. 

With about 2,000 racer participating, the Annual Paris to Ancaster (point to point), event is a huge attraction for cyclists of all levels. Inspired by this classic Paris to Roubaix race, the Paris to Ancaster has taken place for the past twenty two years over the roughest farm lanes, trails and gravel roads in the area. Combined with unpredictable spring weather and the largest field of riders assembled in Canada, it has become a classic race experience for everyone from average riders (many doing their first race) seasoned professionals such as Jeremy Powers, Mike Garrigan and Christine Vardaros (to name just a few). 

Your Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs had a huge presence at this race with 19 racers taking part in the event. The ‘Dogs were certainly recognized as enthusiastic participants, especially when several photos made the rounds of Twitter and other social media feeds, including a special shout-out from Jeremy Powers. 

We even had LapDogs in the Hamilton Spectator in their article about the race. 

Well done everyone!

The Men's Race:

• Steven Martin, 66/1188
• Rob MacEwen, 104/1188 (5th in the Mixed category with Kathleen)
• Marckus Schroeter, 161/1188
• Oggie Sokilovic, 168/1188
• Lorne Anderson, 181/1188
• Marcus Boyle, 190/1188
• Steve Hart, 196/1188
• Alex Sanchez, 214/1188
• Thomas Hughes, 219/1188 (4th in Singlespeed category)
• Michael David Lamb, 242/1188
• Miro Zgavic, 281/1188 (2nd Place in the Clydesdale category)
• Sean Ganann, 316/1188
• Barry Cox, 354/1188
• Gus Ryan, 356/1188
• John Roy, 474/1188
• James Irwin, 666/1188
• Stuart Duncan, 843/1188

The Women's Race:

• Kathleen MacEwen, 24/110 (5th in the Mixed category with Rob)
• Thea Mizuhara, 33/110

Lone LapDog @ Frog 65 (100k) MTB Marathon

Southeastern Tennessee

Robin Kay looking relaxed and ready at the start of the Frog 65. Bruno gives her a big well deserved hug after 100k on the bike. 

The Big Frog 65 makes its home in the Appalachian foothills of Southeastern Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. Staging for the race takes place along the banks of the beautiful Ocoee River -- site for the 1996 Olympic White Water Events.  The 65 miles (100k) of race course traverses the mountain terrain with world class single track and fire roads. The single track is fast and flowing, but can get tight and technical in spots. The fire roads are demanding but rewarding with long ascents, fast descents, and spectacular mountain views. 

With the start of the race taking place in the rain, the day was going to be challenging at best. These were obviously perfect conditions for our veteran racer, Robin Key, as she rose to the challenge and finished on the podium. So far this season Robin has already podium at two races and seems to be well on her way to another very strong season. 

• Robin Kay, 3rd Place, Women

Road O'Cup #2, Calabogie Road Classic

Calabogie, Ontario

Members of the LapDogs Road Squad, looking relaxed a ready prior to the Calabogie Road Classic. 

This past weekend saw a very large contingent of from the Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Road Team heading out towards Ottawa for the Calabogie Road Classic. 

Always a favourite, this race is run on an old car racing circuit which features a very wide surface smooth surface. Ideal for bicycle racing with just about every race ending in an exciting field sprint. 

Amongst the highlights, this race also featured one of the largest women’s fields in recent history. This bodes well for our sport. 

Your LapDogs put in a great collection of results across a wide-range of categories:

Elite 4 Men

• Ayrton Dick, 12th
• Matthew Bucci, 26th
• Dan Bandurka, 35th
• Tim Anema DNF
• Nicholas Sidhu, DNF due to a crash (he's okay, no serious damage other than scrapes and a damaged kit)

Master 3 Men

• Steve Hart, 13th
• Ian Ptolemy, 16th
• Bevin Reith, 32nd
• Richard Lee, 55th

Elite 3 Women

• Thea Mizuhara, 11th

Master A Women

• Ola Mazowiec, 7th
• Jocelyn Stephen, 9th

Elite 3 Men

• Chris Dunbar, 19th

Master 2 Men

• Roderick Grant, 34th

Upcoming Races...

Next Weekend we'll have many folks from both the Club and Race Team participating in the annual Paris to Ancaster Classic. The Spring "right of passage" is alway a popular event for races from all over the province.

The next race on the Road Squad's calendar will be the Springbank Road Race in London Ontario on May 3rd. The XC Squad also makes their 2015 O'Cup debut with the first race of the MTB Provincial Series taking place at Woodnewton on the same day. 

MTB Uxbridge Icebreaker

Uxbridge Ontario

The Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Race Team had a small but strong showing at The Uxbridge Icebreaker on April 19th. Its great to see this race back on the calendar for 2015 after several years laying dormant. Thanks to SuperFly Racing (Sean Ruppel) and Bikenxs Productions (Eric Orcshel) for reviving this Spring MTB Classic. 

• Mark Brusso, 1st, 30k Enduro category
• Bill Packham, 6th 15k Sprint category.

Well done both!

Provincial Track Championships

Milton Velodrome

Three generations of Froner at the Provincial Track Championships. The Past, Present and Future.

We were very pleased to see veteran Track Racer, Rick Froner, taking a hard fought 2nd place at the very first Track Provincial Championships TT race held at the new Velodrome in Milton. 

Rick was edged our of the top step by this guy called Steve Bauer (Canadian Legend and Tour de France Yellow Jersey winner). All in all a very good day for our brand new Track Team Program.

Here are our Team Results from Track Provincials:

Axel Froner

• 8th Scratch Race
• 9th 500m TT
• 7th 2000m Individual Pursuit
• 8th Match Sprints
• 9th Points Race

 
Richard Froner

• 5th 2000m Individual Pursuit
• 4th Scratch Race
• 2nd 500m TT
• 5th Points Race

 
Chris Dunbar

• 8th Kilo
• 6th 4000m Individual Pursuit
• 13th Points Race

XCM #1 - Homage to Ice

Dufferin County Forest, Mansfield, Ontario

Larry Woo, on the top step of the podium at the first MTB Race of the 2015 Season. 

The first race of Substance Project's Cross-Country Marathon Race Series was blessed with sunshine and rising temperatures. While a fair amount of mud is typical of early season races, the real treat of Homage to Ice was the 5km of pristine single track. A special thanks to our sponsor Mill Street Brewery for their very generous donation of podium prizes - there were a lot of happy people.

Also, a special mention to Andrea Bowker who personally knit scarves for all the winners. Bravo!
 

30km Half-Marathon Results:

• Larry Woo, 1st, Single Speed
• Kate Morgan, 7th, Women Open

60km Full Marathon Results:

• Robin Kay, 1st, Women Open
• Steve Hart, 5th, Men 40+ (2nd Clydesdale)
• Barry Cox, 11th, Men 40+
• Dan Bandurka, 10th, Men Open
• Miro Zgavc, 14th, Men Open (2nd Fatbike)
• Andrew Ryan, 18th Men Open

Rasputitsa, East Burke, VT

This early season, 45 mile gravel race came with spring snowfall and a long, 3 mile, unrideable, snow-covered climb. Our Andrea Bowker persevered and finished the race in 13th place in Women 40+. Congratulations!

Road O'Cup #1, Good Friday Road Race

Ancaster Ontario

The Provincial Road Racing season began on a cold and windy day on the roads in and around the Ancaster Fair Grounds. The sun did come out for the later races, but the air remained cool all day long.

This initial race are of the season is the often a very tricky event as many participants are testing their race legs for the first time. Add to this first-race nerves and a technical gravel section, this event has been known to be have several crashes and tumbles. Fortunately for all concerned, this years event was a very clean affair little incident. 

Special thanks to the folks at the Hamilton Cycling Club for once again put on a fantastic event

Your LapDogs put in a great collection of results across a wide-range of categories:

Elite 4 Men

• Ayrton Dick, 18th
• Dan Bandurka, 22nd
• Nicholas Sidhu DNF

Master 3 Men

• Tim Griffin, 8th
• Steve Hart, 29th

Elite 3 Women

• Thea Mizuhara, 12th

Master A Women

• Jocelyn Stephen, 11th

Elite 3 Men

• Markus Schotter, 11th
• Chris Dunbar, DNF

Master 2 Men

• Ciprian Scriuba, 18th
• Michael Cranwell, 57th
• Roderick Grant, 59th