Muskoka Ironman

Muskoka, ON

Thomas Hughes breaks his Personal Best by over 50 minutes at the Muskoka Ironman

We were very pleased and excited to see that our master of the multipart, Thomas Hughes had a successful day at the Muskoka Ironman the past weekend as he set a personal best at the event.

As we’ve mentioned before, we’re not too familiar with the whole swim, ride, run thing (being cyclists), so to help put things into the right perspective, here is an overview of the event in Thomas’ own words...

Swim : 1:22 - This went exactly according to plan. I got in the water, and by a series of arm movements synchronized with my breathing I got out without drowning. Given the amount of time I have to swim train, this was an outstanding swim. I am slow, but in a very satisfying way.

Bike : 5:48 - This was also, exactly according to race plan. I stuck to my planned power output. I also stuck to my feeding and drinking plan. To be honest, this isn't my course. I am too fat to do well on a course that has 2300m of climbing (according to Strava).

Run : 4:35 - This was a total disaster. About 5km in I became aware that I couldn't eat or drink without being nauseous. It was just a matter of time until this became a walk. And walk I did. I must have walked 30% of the last half of the marathon. Having never walked significant parts of a marathon, I gained a new perspective on the distance.

Total time : 12:02 - Ok, this is a PB by over 50 minutes, on a very difficult course, but I felt like I had a 4:00 Marathon in my legs, my stomach just disagreed with me. Almost everyone I spoke to agreed with me that they would not be back; the course is too demanding for mid-pack racers.

For Trainingpeaks users. This was a 650 TSS day. It also secured me a All World Athlete Bronze spot for 2016. Which is like Ironaman Frequent Flyer points, without the upgrade coupons.

Well done Thomas!

Vermont Overland

South Pomfret, VT

David Michael Lamb, at the Vermont Overland Ride. Tuning up the fitness before 'cross season begins in the fall. 

Nearly 400 riders turned out for the Vermont Overland Adventure Ride on Sunday 23 August 2015 and we were very pleased to have the Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs colours flying at this event. In its second year, the race features some of the most challenging gravel roads in the region, as well as six sections of 4x4 dirt tracks through the forest, otherwise known as "Vermont pave".

Hardly any of the 85 km of the race was flat. Just one kilometre after the start, riders turned onto a gravel road that went straight up. After that, the terrain was almost always steep - either up or down. The finale had the riders heading down a ski run to the finish line at the Suicide Six ski resort, just outside the town of Woodstock.

LapDogs race team member David Michael Lamb finished about halfway through the field, 157th out of 339 men who started. 

Leadville LT 100 MTB

Leadville CO.

Our entire Leadville Team and Support Crew. An amazing experience for all. (Thanks to Peter Kraiker for the photo)

What began as a bravado-fueled conversation on New Year’s Eve 2014, finally came to fruition on August 15th for six members of your Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs who participated in the infamous Leadville LT100 “Race Across the Sky.” 

Since 1994, this race has long been billed as the toughest 1-day MTB race in North America. A true test of the marathon athlete’s fitness and mental fortitude, this event attracts racers from all over the world, including many professionals (Christoph Sauser, Jeremiah Bishop, Todd Wells, Annika Langvad, Sally Bigham, Katerina Nash and Rebecca Rusch) looking to test themselves on a unique out and back race course.

The LT100 is a one hundred and three mile (165km) MTB race across the high-altitude, extreme terrain of the Colorado Rockies. Starting in the mountain town of Leadville at 10,152 feet and climbing to 12,424 feet, racers accumulate almost 11,000 feet (3,300m) of climbing through the day within a 12 hour time limit.  The shotgun goes off at 6:30 pm to announce the end of the race.

This year’s Leadville LT 100 was billed as the largest edition to date with 1649 racers starting the race at 6:30am on Saturday morning. Conditions were hot and dusty and 12 hours later 1437 of those who started had finished the race.

To say this race is tough, is a complete understatement. Racers faced many challenges over the course of the day, including the treacherous high-speed Powerline descent and the “HC” Columbine Mountain climb which takes the racers above the tree line with an average 8% grade (some sections in excess of 16%) on loose, rocky and rutted terrain. Adding to the challenge is the fact that what you climbed on the out-bound first half of the race, you descend on the way back… and vice-versa. 

For more than a year our Team has been training hard and also participated in several pre-Leadville qualification races in preparation for this event. Given the magnitude of this event, for many of the racers this became a complete family affair with spouses and partners taking on the all important role of Support Crew. Such is the difficulty of this race, that it is inconceivable that anyone could finish it without the contributions of a solid crew. 

Our Support Crew:

It is thanks to this dedicated crew that our Team did so well. Not only were they instrumental in the success of our squad at Leadville, but each and every one of them have been massively supportive of our racers over the past year plus of effort. We are greatly indebted to their collective sacrifices and non-wavering enthusiasm during this entire journey. 

• Peter Kraiker (Crew Chief & Team Photographer)
• Monica Cranwell (Pit Crew / Feeder)
• Helga Trudeau (Pit Crew / Feeder)
• David Post (Pit Crew)
• Diane Thurston (Pit Crew)
• Liam Thurston (Spotter)
• Olivia Thurston (Spotter / Cheerleader)

Our Racers & Results:

Going into this race, we had a solid collection of six veterans from our MTB Squad, many of whom have been riding and racing together for many years. And while mountain bike racing is an individual endeavour, the opportunity to train, travel and race as a Team, made this event a unique experience for all.

• Michael Cranwell, 09:04:47, 27th of 255 (M50-59) & 285th out of 1649 who started
• Jouko Haappanen, 09:40:09, 56th of 255 (M50-59) & 455th out of 1649 who started
• Mark Thurston, 10:37:42, 309th of 570 (M40-49) & 776th out of 1649 who started
• Andrea Bowker, 11:21:39, 31st of 58 (F40-49) & 1077th out of 1649 who started
• Robin Kay, 11:25:28, 33rd of 58 (F40-49) & 1099th out of 1649 who started
• Barry Cox, 11:58:20, 527th of 570 (M40-49) & 1321st out of 1649 who started

Our entire Team accomplished the sub 12 hour time limit goal and all received the famous belt buckle.

Our Racers’s thoughts about the Leadville LT100

Given the size and challenges presented to out racers at this event, we thought is would be interesting to have a few words from some of our Team about what they experienced. 

Andrea Bowker
“…was the hardest day I've ever experienced on the bike. At the crewing area at Twin Lakes there were Peter, Monica and Helga cheering and looking after my every need (if only I knew what those were). On the long climb up Columbine I saw all of our team - Michael, Jouko, Mark, Robin and Barry - with a big smile and cheer of encouragement even as they were all suffering their own private hells. Pushing my bike for what felt like forever up Powerline and to the Sugarloaf summit really told me what "dig deep" meant as it was all I could do to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I was never so happy to see a hill when I came out onto the paved climb to St Kevin's - where I was lucky enough to ride with Robin for awhile before we left the aid station and she flew down the last descent before the finish. Because that climb meant we were getting so close to the end! Such a hard day, and I'm so glad it's over and so proud to have finished. And I reserve my biggest hugs and kisses for Peter who has put up with an awful lot over the last year preparing for this event and was so supportive throughout.”

Barry Cox
“One seriously hard race.  I was thinking I would set a pace similar to Whiteface but couldn't.   I stuck to my plan of keeping my HR below 85% as much as possible and I think I found the right pace, although I did have to step things up a bit towards the end. No mechanical issues at all.  I picked the right clothes for the temperature.  The only issue was a blister on my left foot.   The downhills were good and the "ready/attack position" was on full display. It was just a tough race but I gave it my all and am happy with my finish.”

Michael Cranwell
“By far, this was the most difficult and toughest thing I’ve ever done on a bike… or just about anything else for that matter. I think the only thing that even comes close was the mental and physical challenge of learning to walk again after shattering my left knee-cap so many years again. I pushed hard the entire race, but was very careful not to go too deep and burn too many matches. I know I left absolutely on the race course and literally needed to be helped off my bike by Monica and Peter after sprinting the last hill up to the finish line.
The greatest thing about this event is that I got to share and experience it with such an amazing and dedicated group of individuals.” 

Jouko Haapanen & Robin Kay
Jouko has been keeping a Blog about his travels to this race with Robin. Here is his entry following the race. Jouko is also the owner of Georgetown Volkswagen… and is a longtime sponsor and supporter of our Race Program.

Peter Kraiker
“The level of support every rider needs for this race is on a level unlike any I've been at in a support role. Besides what it takes to get there (the year of prep, qualification, all the lead up plus travel logistics) the actual day of the race requires a level of patience and focus on what the racers are about to do or are in the midst of doing. It starts early and it's intense. Then it's full on and despite what anyone might say there's no time to relax. We crew made the mistake of listening to the organizers to have a coffee and take our time only to find that we were a looonnnggg walk away from the feed zone. That was really our only mistake, and it only impacted us as we carried all the supplies for about 2 miles to get to a spot we could feed. Once there we were part of the team and locked into what we were doing…”

Mark Thurston
“I am a Leadville 100 finisher. Hardest I have ever pushed myself. I truly went to some dark places during this race but always pulled myself back. Great to have the kids running behind me at the finish, Helga with a hug and some great friends to experience it all with. 2 days later and my legs are toast... But who gives a sh!t, I got my belt buckle!!!”

Thanks to all who helped to support this event for our Race Team... what will 2016 bring? Good question... and our answer is that we already have a second group targeting the Leadville LT100, 2016 Race. 

Orillia Subaru Duathlon

Orillia, ON

Melissa takes a well deserved 3rd Place at the Orillia Duathlon.

We were very pleased to see more action for our new Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Multisport Team with Melissa Knapp participating on the Subaru Orillia Subaru Series Duathlon.

Melissa had a great race and we are very proud to have see her on the podium at this event where she finished 3rd (bronze medal) in women's age group 30-39.

MTB O’Cup #6 - Buckwallow

Buckwallow ON

After recovering from a broken collar bone, Oggie races to an impressive 3rd Place at Buckwallow

After a 2-year hiatus the Ontario Cup Series is re-visiting the perennial CLASSIC. Buckwallow is a legendary race course set amidst the wind-bent pines and granite-enriched landscape of Muskoka country.

The course at Buckwallow, while reasonably flat, presents a number of unique challenges for the racers. While countless rocks, roots, and more rocks..., including some huge boulders and “whale backs,” the course challenges one’s bike-handling skills and nerve. 

We were very pleased to see that despite these challenges, our Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs put in a great collection of results. Amongst the Team, we were also very pleased to see Oggie race to a 3rd Places finish, after just recovering from a broken collar bone. 

Our Team’s Results

• Bevin Reith, 6th Place, Master Sport Men (40-44)
• Brian Moosie, 10th Place, Master Sport Men (40-44)
• Bill Packham, 5th Place, Master Sport Men, (60-64)
• Melanie Chambers, 5th Place, Master Sport Women (40-49)
• Larry Woo, 5th Place, SingleSpeed Men
• Mark Brusso, 6th Place Master Expert Men (30-39)
• Oggie Sokolovic, 3rd Place, Master Expert Men (50+)

Tour de Terra Cotta

Terra Cotta, ON

A proud Sarah after her road race debut... and a bit of bling, picked up by Ayrton.

Envisioned by Senior Cycling Olympian Ted Webb in 2005, the Tour de Terra Cotta began as a collaborative effort between the community and the Brampton Cycling Club. In 2008, the race became a 100% community-driven event and has grown to include close to 700 racers, attracting participants from across Canada, the United States and internationally.

The race takes place every summer on the long civic-holiday weekend (a long weekend for some, but not for all) and features a totally closed road circuit in and around the village of Terra Cotta. A highlight of the race is the Heritage Road climb, a little “bump” that certainly puts the hurt into the legs after several laps of the circuit. 

We’re very pleased to see that six of our Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs got out to do their civic duty on this Holiday Monday and participated in the Tour de Terra Cotta Road Race.

Axel Froner - 10th Minime Time Trial and Road Race

It was a day of tens for Axel, finishing in 10th place in both the time trial and the race. This result put him 10th place overall for the season. Great year. Next season will be even better. 

Sara Pa‎rgari Cohan - 4th women's 30-39 -  26 km Beginner road race 

Sara was competing in her first ever road race. She described her race as "a very positive experience for me and highly motivating". She is (pictured below) showing a "look of proud surprise" on learning of her result.

This isn't a one off for Sara. Expect to see her back on the road race circuit sometime next year or sooner.

Tim Bender - DNF - 52 km Intermediate Road Race

Tim described his Civic Day race as "one of the worst days on a bike in recent memory". The combination of Tim's kids, only allowing him four hours sleep, the heat and Heritage Hill took their toll. No need to despair, Tim will return stronger this fall @ the Milton Velodrome. ‎Hopefully his kids will play ball. 

Steve Hart - 26th Men 40-49 (56th overall) - 78 km ‎ - Open Road Race

Steve spent far too much time taking wind on the 3rd lap causing him to dropped like a brick on the fourth lap of nine. Plans to do more crits in the future, to work on being more aggressive when it comes to fighting for position. Steve did manage to stay on the lead lap, and picked up more than a few minor places. near the end. So all was not lost.

Ayrton Dick - 1st Men 20-29 (20th overall) 78 km - Open Road Race

First year racer, Ayrton Dick took first place in his category, which isn't all that impressive, since he was the only competitor. What is impressive, was his 20th place overall in very tough field of 90 plus riders. Ayrton rode, what is becoming his signature race strategy, of racing a clean quiet race then mixing it up at end. It appears to be working for him. 

Ian Ptolemy - 14th Men 50-59 (40th overall) - 78 km - Open Road Race

Ian rode like the steady ‎veteran he is. Managed to hang with the main group to the end, but struggled on the last lap with some brief cramping and nearly dropped off the back. On the last stretch, a kind, B1 Evo rider took pity on him and gave him a push, allowing Ian finish with main group.

Thanks to Steve Hart for collecting the content for this report. 

Six in the Hood, MTB Relay

Port Colborne, ON

Derrick, Andrea and Miro... all smiles, prior to a little 6 hours of fun

Presented by the Short Hills Cycling Club, this 6 hour relay race is grass roots racing personified. The course didn't feature a lot of massive climbs, but it was very rocky and technical featuring lots of bridges, rocks, technical ups and downs, more rocks, tight twisty single track, and rocks. The heat at this season’s race was incredible and added to the difficulties of the day. 

The Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs had a small group out at this event, and they all put in an impressive set of results.

• Andrea Bowker - 3rd Place, Womans Solo
• Derrick Cho - 9th Mens Solo 45+
• Miro Zgavc, Shannon Ford-Smith - 2nd Place, Tag Team Mixed (Shannon, a former LapDog Club Member, was on loan from Team Race Against Cancer)

Thanks to Miro Zgavc for collecting the content for this report.

Summer Epic 8 Relay

Hardwood Hills, ON

Robyn Duke celebrates her 3rd Place finish at the Summer Epic 8.

The Epic 8 Hour Mountain Bike Relay is all about the camaraderie, sportsmanship and the gritty, hard-core enjoyment of riding with friends.  The Epic 8 Hour relay is a personal and team challenge to complete as many laps as possible. 

As has been the recent trend of late, we have been seeing more of our Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Racers challenging themselves in the various solo categories in the Epic 8 Series. The Summer Epic took place at Hardwood Hills, just north of Barrie and home of the recent Pan Am Games Mountain Bike Race. 

• Jason Ma, 17th Place, Solo Men Under 40
• Richard Bowers, 9th Place, Solo Male Men, 40+
• Barry Cox, 11th Place, Solo Male Men, 40+
• Miro Zgavc, 5th Place, Solo SingleSpeed
• Robyn Duke, 3rd Place, Solo Female

Oggie Sokolovic also put together a Team of friends and they finished in 1st Place in the 3-4 Open Team Category.

Niagara Duathlon

Niagara ON

We are very much enjoying the fact that several of our Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs have been pushing the bounds of their athletic endeavours and have been delving into the world of Multi Sport.

We recently had Jocelyn Stephen participate in the Niagara Duathlon. In her own words... 

I made a game day decision to switch from the tri to the du today due to high posted levels in the water.  (I have a very busy next 4 weeks and did not want to risk getting sick).  Since running is my weakest segment, I really had no idea what to expect.  And, with the heat/humidity today, I tried to race smart and not worry as much about my placing.

My age group finish was 4th, and I came 9th overall for women.  

Run #1 - I took it easy and just tried to concentrate on keeping an even pace and turning over my feet.  I ran faster than I thought I would.

Transition #1 - the guy racked next to me had his bike facing the same way and really close to my bike, so my handlebars got caught.  My hands were so wet that I struggled a bit with the knobs on my shoes, but overall, not too bad.

Bike - they changed the course due to construction so there was no escarpment climb.  The route was really flat and fast for the first half.  After the turnaround, there was a head wind for pretty much the rest of the way.  I was happy that I passed a lot more people than passed me.  I concentrated on keeping a high cadence so was satisfied with my time but my heart rate was really high the entire ride

T#2 - Some guy tried to rack over my running gear and someone else stood blocking the aisle with his bike (what is wrong with these people?).  Then I had calf cramps as I slipped my feet in my shoes.  Just keep going

Run #2 - the heat was really incredible...almost unbearable as there didn't seem to be any airflow through the forest, or on one of the side streets.  The first 3.5km went well but then the calf cramps started again (pre-existing calf injury).  So, this is where I decided to be smart and walked a little after each water station.  I am not happy at all with my pace for this segment - lots of work to do on the run.  

Overall, I am satisfied...as I wasn't training for a du, it was hard to have an overall goal.  At least now I have a benchmark.  I finished and can still walk :)

My next event is Orillia on Aug 16th and then either Guelph or Lakeside (or both).

Youth Road Cup #4

Windsor ON

Axel at speed...

The East Side Riders hosted the annual Windsor Youth Cup at the famed Ciociaro Club crit circuit. Over 75 riders made the trek to the border city for a day of great racing.

We were very pleased to have young Axel Froner at the race flying the colours for the Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Team

• Axel Froner, 9th, Minime Boys

MTB O’Cup #5 - Endur-O-Cup

Albion Hills, Bolton ON

Bevin and Brian, power up the trail at the start of the Albion Hill O;Cup, Endure.

Following a 2 year absence from the MTB O’Cup circuit, our Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs MTB racers were very happy to see a welcome return to the trails of Albion Hills for the 5th race in this year’s Provincial series. 

Following hot on the heals of the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice, the trails at Albion Hills are a long-time favourite of many mountain bikers. This venue features very fast flowing single track and the infamous Green Monster climb. 

The folks at SuperFly Racing (race promoters) also decided to shake things up a bit with Enduro-style racing for the 10am and 11:45am sport-level events. This featured extended race courses for these racers.

Our Team's Results:

• Bevin Reith, 12th Place, Master Sport Men (40-45)
• Brian Moosie, 22nd Place, Master Sport Men (40-45)
• Mike Chalovich, 10th Place, Master Sport Men (50-55)
• Derrick Cho, 15th Place, Master Sport Men (50-55)
• Melanie Chambers, 5th Place, Master Sport Women (40-49)
• Larry Woo, 10th Place, SingleSpeed
• Mark Brusso, 6th Place, Master Expert Men (30-39)
• Ban Bandurka 12th Place, Master Expert Men (30-39)

Ironman Muskoka 70.3

Muskoka, Lake of Bays

Our Multi-Sport advocate, Thomas Hughes participated in this weekend's Ironman Muskoka 70.3 Race. 

In his own words...

What could be better than spending the hottest day of the year in Muskoka? Spending 5:42 of it at race pace!

Swim : 41:32 this is not a PR for me, but an otherwise acceptable swim. I was actually in the mid pack with this swim, so that is something.

Bike : 2:58.02 (31.9 km/h). I had a rough go on the bike. Enough said. I only passed 300 people on the bike. But a few people passed me, which is unacceptable. Unacceptable. 

Run : 1:51:58 Given the course elevation, I was happy with this run. I managed to reel in a dozen people in my category. That probably isn't indicative of my running prowess, but that I didn't otherwise crush those people on the bike.

In 2012 my time was 05:59:54. So, improvement yes, but there is still so much room to grow. I hope.

Northumberland Humbler, MTB Marathon

Northumberland Forest

LapDogs MTB Director & Team Racer, Bevin Reith... always a welcoming personality at all events. 

The third race in the XC Marathon Cup Race Series, took our Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Racers to the sweet single track of Northumberland Forest. 

Racers had the option of two distances. A full, two lap 70k challenge of a shorter 35k single lap race. 

With the threat of heavy rains, our racers were extremely lucky to fit the full race in before the deluge of the summer arrived on Saturday afternoon - as a result, the course was in superb condition and everyone finished dry! (if sweaty)

The LapDogs are a big supporter of this race and with the help of our Sponsor, Mill Street Brewery, we provided the six-packs of Mill Street’s finest brews for all the winners in each category. 

Full Marathon 70k

• Bevin Reith, 8th Place, Master Men
• Brian Moosie, 9th Place, Master Men
• Steve Hart, 13th Place, Master Men
• Barry Cox, 15th Place, Master Men
• Gus Ryan, 12th Place Open Men
• Andrea Bowker, 4th Place, Open Women
• Robin Duke, 5th Place, Open Women
• Kate Morgan, 7th Place, Open Women

Half-Marathon 35k

• Ian Ptolemy, 6th Place, Master Men
• Richard Cecconi, 33rd, Master Men
• Damian Fleetwood, 1st Place, Under 20 Men

Multi Sport - Something New for the LapDogs

As our cycling Club continues to mature, many of our members as looking to expand their athletic horizons and bring in some new disciplines and challenges. 

For 2015 we are very pleased to now include a fledgling Multi-Sport Program, championed and lead by Thomas Hughes. Those of us who are long time cyclist as still a bit confused by the addition of swimming and running, but we do take great pride in seeing new opportunities for our Club Members

Welland 1/2 IronMan

As we are new to understanding this sport… what better way to introduce it to you but with Thomas’s own words….

Swim 2000m (officially) 44:42. This is a slow swim. Then again my garmin says it was 2500m. I was swimming with people in my wave. The lesson learned is that if you are swimming with people who are slow, you will be slow. 

Bike 90k 2:25:41. 37.1 km/h. This is a PR for me. How many times can you say "on your left" as I passed through the hoards of swimmers faster than I. I have been working on "incremental gains". Getting more aerodynamic, less rolling resistance, etc. You can train 100 hours for a 2% gain in power. You might get the same result from learning to ride with your shoulders tucked down. 

Run 21.1km 1:49:03. This is also a PR for me. Torrential rains made this a little epic. I have been working on my stride, and it has paid dividends. 

Total - 05:09:43. (13th in my age group, 73rd overall in the race) I was hoping to break 5, but a slow swim and some "issues" in transition made that impossible. My powertap wasn't working. My top was inside out. I haven't raced in two years and my transitions showed it. 

I did get a shout out from the race announcer for Dukes (I was wearing my cycling jersey on the run). 

For those of you thinking of going long, the Barrel Man 1/2 Iron is in September, and uses most of the same bike course. I highly recommend it as a first long course race, and registration is still open.

Guelph Triathlon

We would also like to let to know that veteran Marcus Boyle also like to add a bit of swimming and running to his cycling. He recently participated in the Guelph Triathlon were he Placed 1st in the 50-54 age catergory and finished a very impressive 28th overall.

We are looking forward to seeing more MultiSport results in the future as this season for this type of racing has only just begun. 

Wild Ride

Wildwood Conservation Area

Once again a great event with a wide variety of riders.  Kids races, single and double lap categories in a fun and friendly atmosphere at the Wildwood Conservation Area.  This year was a little wet but all the LapDogs finished well!

• Claire Humphrey, 3rd Place, 25K Solo Female 30+ 
• Bevin Reith, 4th Place, 50K Elite Male 
• Richard Lee and Neil Curry*, 5th Place, 25K Team Male 

* on loan to the Lapdogs

Tour de Waterloo Road Race

St Jacobs, ON

The calm before the storm... 

In just a few short years, The Tour de Waterloo has become a classic and favourite race for many. Unlike a typical O’Cup race with distinct categories of racer, the TdW allows riders from all classifications race together in one of three different lengths. Club level riders can test themselves against elite racers, including ex-pros such as Steve Bauer. 

Thanks to loads of encouragement from our very own Steve Hart, we had a huge field of participants that included many racers from the Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Race Team rubbing shoulders with many members from our LapDogs Cycling Club… many whom were participating in their very first road race. 

For those who participated, it was a great experience and who nows… we may have convinced a few of our “rookies” that joining the formal race team is not as daunting as first thought. 

46km Race

• Kate Morgan, 1st Place, Female

79km Race

• Luke Lorenzini, 1th Place, Male 30-39, 
• Timothy Bender, 66th Place, Male 40-49
• Ola Mazowiec, 1st Place, Female 30-39
• Jocelyn Stephen, 4th Place, Female 30-39
• Sarah Fasullo, 8th Place, Female 30-39 
• Brenda Zurbi, 12th Place, Female 40-49

133km Race

• Nicholas Sidhu, 21st Place, Male 20-29
• Russell Slater, 9th Place, Male 30-39
• Chris Dunbar, 22nd Place, Male 30-39
• Robbie Lejasisaks, 30th Place, Male 30-39
• Jeff Perry, 39th Place, Male 30-39
• Steve Hart, 20th Place, Male 40-49
• Tim Griffin, 30th Place, Male 40-49
• Adlen Bourafa, 43rd Place, Male 40-49
• Michael Cranwell, 8th Place, Male 50-59
• Jean Michaud, 6th Place, Male 60+

Team Results 

Based upon the first 5 racers of each Team/Club who crossed the finish line

• LapDogs, 6th Place Overall

24 Hours of Summer Solstice

Albion Hills Conservation Area, Bolton, ON

The official start of summer brings with it the annual 24 Hours of Summer Solstice. A longs-standing tradition for many, this mountain bike race offers opportunities for Teams and Solo riders to race around the clock on a course that is fun, fast and flowing. 

While no formal multi-person Team was entered by Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs, several from the squad still got together with friends and fellow racers to enjoy the challenges that this type of event offers.

We are especially proud of Richard Bowers, who decided it might be “fun” to attempt 24 hours Solo. Richard finished in 13th Place and completed a very impressive 10 laps. 

MTB Canada Cup / Ontario Cup

Hardwood Hills, ON

A wet and extremely technical race course was on hand at the combined Canada Cup / Ontario Cup race at Hardwood Hills. This venue is home for the upcoming 2015 PanAm Games and it gave our team a chance to race on the same course as those who will competing at the games. Hardwood Hills has invested a great deal in the development of this new course and the racers were not to be disappointed as the degree of difficulty was taken up a few notches with the addition of very tough climbs and several new technical features that would test all. 

Your Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs raced extremely well and pulled in a solid collections of points.

• Mike Chalovich, 7th Place, Master Sport Men 50-54
• Derrick Cho, 11th Place, Master Sport Men 50-54
• Melanie Chambers, 7th Place Master Sport Women 40-49
• Mark Brusso, 6th Place, Master Expert Men, 30-39
• Dan Bandurka, 14th Place, Master Expert Men, 30-39
• Larry Woo, 4th Place, SingleSpeed Men

Youth Cup #3, Tour de Speed

Newmarket, ON

Was good to see the young pups back out on the race course at the third Youth Cup of the 2015 race season. We’ve take great pride and joy watching this development of out two young LapDogs as the begin to cut their teeth and develop into serious racers. 

We’ve said if before, but its worth repeating… the future of our sport and Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs, looks bright. 

• Finlay MacEwen, 2nd Place, PeeWee Boys Time Trial
• Axel Froner, 9th Place, Minime Boys Time Trial
• Finlay MacEwen, 5th Place, PeeWee Boys Road Race
• Axel Froner, 5th Place, Minime Boys Road Race

Wilmington-Whiteface 100

Wilmington NY

A great group of friends and teammates at the Wilmington 100 Race.

Taking place in the heart of the Adirondacks, just down the road from Lake Placid, this year’s Wilmington 100 drew 352 participants from all over the US and Canada. This year’s course was considered to be the toughest to date. Racers faced 2300+ metres of climbing with the addition of a nasty muddy, wet, rooted and rocky hike-a-bike section that challenged the races in the last 10k of the race after already pushing it hard for 100k. 

A qualification race for the famous Leadville 100 (taking place later this August), your Duke’s Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Race Team had a highly visible presence at this event with 9 racers from the MTB Squad participating. 

Your Team’s Results:

• Kate Morgan-Constable, 6th, Female, 30-39 (246th Overall)
• Gus Ryan, 63rd, Male 30-39 (238th, Overall)
• Robin Kay, 3rd, Female, 40-49 (207th Overall)
• Andrea Bowker, 6th, Female, 40-49 (267th Overall)
• Mark Thurston, 49th, Male, 40-49 (134th Overall)
• Francois Boivin, 104th, Male 40-49 (280 Overall)
• Michael Cranwell, 6th, Male 50-59 (73rd Overall)
• Jouko Haapanen, 15th, Male 50-59 (125th Overall)
• Ian Ptolemy, 17th Male 50-59 (134th Overall)

We'd like to give a special shout-out to Jouko who did this race only a week after participating in the Dirty Kanza. 

Many of these racers will also be together this coming August at the Leadville 100 taking place in Colorado.