Martin Burke and Bob Miller racing at the Ann Arbor Velo Club Spring Training Series Criterium April 22.

Making a Winning Team Stronger

After its Category 4 MBRA dominance in 2011 the Midland based Tri-Cities Race Team  wants to expand and diversify into the Category 3 ranks and the MBRA Points Race.

West Branch, MI., April 13-15, 2012

It’s hard to dispute the  2011 results résumé that included  overall race wins and second place in the MBRA points chase by TCC-RT.  But the TCC-RT has a goal of coming out of their 2012 pre-season training camp with both expansion and diversification of last year’s achievements.

The Midland Michigan based development  squad, whose title sponsor is a Midland based micro-brewing company (MBC), is gunning to repeat the success of  the team and stand out Ben Rolenhagan. Last year, Ben took top honors at several events representing TCC-RT on the podum within CAT4.  But true success will be measured by whether the team can elicit more wins from Ben within CAT3 as well garner support from Weckle as well as up and comer Riley.

“Obviously ‘Ben’ is our main guy,” said team director Steve Weckle,  “But it would certainly be nice to get some more production from other riders. We have a lot of guys on the team who are really early in their development, so hopefully as they progress they’ll start stepping into race-winning scenarios and move up in Catagory.”

Captain Ernie Riley and his 13 + rider squad spent the second of weeked of April holed up in a spacious cabin in the rolling hills terrain of West Branch MI at Camp Timbers.  On-the-bike training was job No. 1, with detailed training provided by Coach Paul Rytlewski.  Training, seminars, resting and team building casual time  filling out the busy days.  Friday was composed of a group ride to inspect the course and familiarize with the nature of the climbs.  Saturday’s training consisted of a 90 mile ride designed to work on climbing, sprinting and team pace work.  The weekend culminated premature as the sporadic Michigan weather did not cooperate with the plan to simulate a two lap race of the West Branch Classic road race as heavy rain held for the day.  Racers instead worked on compu-trainer session and bike fit. 

Following a recap of the TCC-RT training camp paired with the impressive riding ability during weekly training rides the TCC-RT looks on target to make a solid run in the MBRA points chase within both CAT4 and CAT3. 

Five members off the TCC- Race Team converged on rural Lowell Michigan for the second annual “Lowell 50″ gravel road race 3/31/12.  Coined the “Thriller” after the “Killer” in reference to following form one weekend after the massively attended Barry Roubaix.  The Lowell 50 lived up to its name and surely was a thriller!  Attendance was modestly up from last year and the hospitality by the event organizers as well as the quality of the course was unmatched.  The course looped itself through rural areas of nice countryside along the banks of a river and included bonuses of a pair of covered wood bridges and plenty of challenging climbs.  The morning started off a balmy 27 degrees and worked its way up to a blistering cloud covered 32 degrees by race time.  If it were any consultation for the cold temps, the winds were under 5mph.  Strategy for the morning seemed up in the air prior to the start, however one thing was consistent.  Tom Canale made it clear, “steady” was the name of the game for him.  It was clear that all the other racers recognized Tom’s wisdom, but it was also clear that testosterone may have interfered with rational.  Tom, Martin, Jacob and Bob all entered the 28 mile race will Kevin registered for the 50 miler.  Martin Burk had entered the 28 mile race on his MTB while all the others were riding cyclocross bikes.  His plan of attack seemed clear, “Im gonna do the best on can on my MTB”.  Bob Miller was unsure of his plan and figured he would let the race dictate his plan.  “If the race shows itself im going to play around and try some things and see what happens.”  Jacob Malarz didn’t have a whole lot to add, but he did make it clear that this was a early season test run.  Kevin’s Daum’s race plan seemed to be mixed bag of everyone else’s strategy.  With one thing being clear.  He had a long cold race ahead of him.  In the end things worked out well for the TCC-RT members and the team provided an impressive showing bringing home a bit of hardware.  And even more impressive is the overall fitness the TCC-RT is displaying in preparation for the MBRA point challenge with USA cycling events starting just around the corner.

Two weeks until team camp up in West Branch!

LOWELL 50 Spring Classic Gravel Road Race Results

Martin Burke  1.28.36    3rd Division 9th overall (28 mile)

Tom Canale 1.34.35 5th Division 20th overall (28 mile)

Kevin Daum 2.29.42 7th Division 28th overall (50 mile)

Jacob Malarz  1.34.32 5th Division 17th overall (28 mile)

Bob Miller  1.28.36  1st Division 7th overall (28 mile)

The second practice Criterium set for April 1st is canelled, no this is not a joke    Stay tuned for further updates and rescheduled activities.

In the mean time enjoy your riding conditions…they could be harsher

TCC- Race Team title sponsor MBC has provided the team with the first support package for 2012.  Thanks MBC your support makes our team possible! 

If you have not had a chance to check out MBC your missing out.  Great variety of beer brewed on site as well as a great root beer for the kids!  Follow them on Facebook for weekly updates of bands and other activities hosted at the brewery.

TCC-Race Team is looking to meet at MBC following the Tuesday Slaughterfest Training Rides at approximately 8pm.  Come on out, have some subway and a cold beer after a great ride!

The Tri-City cyclists and the TCC-Race Team are pleased to announce a partnership with Midland Subway in support of Midland Youth Mountain Biking.  Available for purchase are Subway coupon cards with several oustanding discounts.  These cards can be purchased at Rays Bike Shop and at B-Xtreme Bike Shop within Midland.  Coupon cards will be sold for a low price of only $20 with 50% of selling price going directly to Midland youth Mountain Biking.  Personally, i am amazed by the coupon for the purchase of a huge 6 foot party sub for only $10!  Great idea for graduation parties, ball game parties or just one hungry belly!

Thanks Subway!

Next stop on the racing agenda for the TCC-Race Team is the “Thriller” after the “Killer” dirtroad race.  TCC-Race Team is expecting to field several racers March 31′st in both the 28 mile and 50 mile divisions.  Come on out and support the team in its preparation for the MBRA points chase.

http://www.thelowell50.com/index.html