Criterium Podium - Cascade Classic

Alison Testroete, Brooke Miller, Gina Grain

Cascade Classic 2009 Criterium Podium

Inspiration is a Two Way Street

Mia Van Maldegiam on a Designs for Women Specialized bicycle

Inspiration from both her parents who are avid cyclists as well as the Aaron's Pro Cycling Team

Catherine Powers - Teacher/Professional Cyclist

Catherine Powers, one of the veterans of the Aaron's Team, while not racing as much this season as season's past, still continues to take time out of her teaching schedule to make time for young cycling enthusiasts. Catherine was interviewed by Mia Van Maldegiam on her career as a professional woman cyclist for a career day fair.

The Aaron's Team met Scott and Melissa Van Maldegiam and there two kids, Mia and Alec a couple of years ago at Criterium Nationals in Downers Grove, IL just outside of Chicago. Since then, the family has invited the "A-Team" back every year as a host family and is an enthusiastic supporter of the team.

Orange or Red?

After Kat Carroll's strong ride at the Nature Valley Grand Prix she pulled on the Leaders Jersey for the Women's Prestige Series as well as the Sprint Leaders Jersey....well done Kat!

Nature Valley Grand Prix

Four weeks on the road took the "A-Team" from Montreal to Philadelphia, to Minnesota and to Austin, TX before a much needed rest at home.

Along the way we revisited some of our wonder host families and got to catch up with them as well as meet some new folks that took the team under their wings. GRATitude GalORe is all I can say...thank-you, thank-you, thank-you all for your hospitality and support! We can't do this without you all.

Polka Dots in Montreal

Felicia takes flight in the Climbers Jersey

Felicia Gomez claims the Climbers Jersey on day 1 of the QOM competition

A top the podium with some of the very best in the World

Brian is All Smiles

Brian Muck, the Aaron's Team Mechanic, hit the streets of Little Italy in Montreal Canada to represent the Aaron's Team during the mechanics/directors race that takes place every year prior to the elite women taking the course. Brian's love of cycling shines through that huge smile.

Upcoming Races for the "A-Team"

The "A-Team" will send a team of riders to contest the Montreal World Cup and Grand Tour of Montreal as well as send a small but strong squad to the CSC Invitational in Arlington, VA this coming weekend.

Both Felicia Gomez and Julie Beveridge will be looking for a top placing in the Montreal WC in hopes of landing a spot on the Canadian Olympic Team. If Mt. Hood is any indication of the form these two riders are carrying into this tough selection race I would say they have a lot going for them. A strong supporting team of Meredith Miller, Kristin Sanders, Alison Testroete and Carmen McNellis will be heading to Montreal as well.

At the CSC Invitational it will be Erica Allar, who recently finished 3rd in Sommerville, Anna Lang and team veteran Catherine Powers who will look to bring home some cash in Arlington, VA before being joined by Athens Twilight winner, Rebecca Larson and heading up to race in the Triple Crowne of races that begins in Allentown at the Lehigh Valley Classic. Reading will be spot two of the Triple Crowne followed by the Liberty Classic in Philadelphia, PA.

For the Liberty Classic, the "A-Team" will see the return of Kat Carroll from her recent european racing where she claimed 2nd place in a stage at the Tour de L' Aude. Joining her will be Meredith Miller, Rebecca Larson, Carmen McNellis, Kristin Sanders, and Erica Allar who finished 8th place in last years race.

Erica Allar 3rd at Sommerville

Erica Allar

Photo by Kurt Jambretz

Kellie Benjamin, Tina Pic, and Erica Allar a top the podium at Sommerville

Flying solo at Sommerville, Aaron's, Erica Allar went up against some tough competition form the Colavita and Cheerwine squads. By putting her super sprint and race savy to work she finished third place in a tough drag race with some of the countries very best sprinters.

Rock on Erica!!!

Mt. Hood a HUGE Success!

Overall G.C. Podium - Julie Beveridge Wins at Hood!

The "A-Team" has been knocking on the door since Redlands for it's first big stage race win and we finally got it! Kat and the team came close in Redlands, Felicia and our small team of 4 came close in Gila, and Julie and the team "mission accomplished" in Mt. Hood.

Team G. C. Rebecca Larson, Meredith Miller, Julie Beveridge, Felicia Gomez, and Alison Testroete

The team started off strong with 5 of our 6 riders in the top 15 after the prologue. With her 5th place finish, Julie would pull on the Best Young Rider Jersey that she would continue to hold on to for the remainder of the race.




Best Young Rider from Day 1 to the end

On Stage 1 Meredith once again showed her strength at the front of the race and assisted Alison in claiming a $500 preem. With two laps to go, Felicia crashed but lady luck was on her side with the 3km rule already in effect giving her the pack time at the finish. At the finish it was Meredith and Alison who set Julie up for a tough uphill finish...luckily when a little voice whispered in Julie's ear she took off and finished a strong third behind two of the best sprinters in the world.



Stage 1 Podium - Jo Kiesanowski, Tina Pic, Julie Beveridge

Stage 2 the Cooper Spur Circuit Race had it's ups and downs. With Kristin Sanders trying her hand the QOM intermediate sprints she was the unfortunate victim of a hard crash that left her with a mild concussion, stitches in her elbow and a dislocated shoulder. Eyes wide when I got to her laying on the ground I could tell she wanted to get up and continue but it wasn't the thing to do...in the trusted hands of Judy Richardson, M.D I jumped back in the car and tore down the hill to gain contact with my other riders. Felicia also had her battle of the day on that same lap...after getting dropped on the descent she finally found that her rear brake had been rubbing causing her to get dropped on the downhill. Up the final climb of the day and in a tight sprint to the line it was Felicia coming 3rd in a photo finish at the line. Another day for Aaron's on the podium!

Stage 2 Podium - Jeanne Longo, Joanne Kiesanowski, Felicia Gomez

Stage 3 the Individual Time Trial would prove to be a decisive day for the overall G.C. With the UCI officials checking legality of each riders time trial bike (must meet weight and measurement standards) and it being each riders responsibility to arrive at bike check prior to their start time, Jeanne Longo possibly cost herself the overall win when her bike didn't pass but her start time did as she made adjustments to her bars. Who knows in the end what the final outcome would have been...Julie wasn't without difficultly either and lost valuable time when she dropped her chain and had to dismount to put it back on...maybe she would have won the time trial, who knows. In the end Julie finished 2nd on the day but gained enough time to put her into the yellow leaders jersey which the team would defend.


Stage 4 the Wy East Road Race, which was the stage last year, that Aaron's tried to rock race leader, Leah Goldsteins world, would prove much different this time around. The team was prepared for the other teams to come out to hammer us but it never materialized. A huge group of riders would arrive at the final climb together and the final time gaps would be minimal. Meredith Miller covered an important attack at the end of the race that would give her a head start up the climb and allow her to give Julie one last effort as she came by close to the finish. Felicia did a fabulous job staying with Julie and helping to minimize the efforts that Julie had to put out covering key attacks at the end of the race. At the end of the day Mara Abbott was able to pull herself a little closer by winning the stage but with no time bonus available for this mountain top finish she only gained back 25 of the 50 seconds she needed on Julie. Julie would climb with legend Longo and finish 3rd on the stage to keep the yellow jersey.

Stage 3 - Julie Beveridge and the Aaron's Team Still in Yellow on the Mountain


Stage 5 the riders would take to the streets of downtown Hood River. Again the team would focus on defending the jersey and that they did! Everyone on the team rode a strong race and in the end would come away with the yellow jersey and the overall team G.C. to show the depth and teamwork that make the Aaron's team one of the top teams in the country. The celebration was a bit suppressed as Julie hit the deck in the last corner of the last lap sliding like a professional base ball player across the pavement. Once again it would be the 3km rule that would award her pack time and thus she would win the overall by a mere 11 seconds over Jeanne Longo.

Overall G.C. Podium - Jeanne Longo, Julie Beveridge, Leah Goldstein

Support Crew and Host Family - Leslie, Chris, me and Jim

MUCH thanks to our host family, Leslie and Jim and to my husband Chris for all their additional support!!! Thanks also to our mechanic Brian Muck and massage therapist, Sky Robbins for their great attitude, good energy and hard work! Teamwork rocks!!!

Aaron's Nailed the ITT in Gila

Felicia Gomez WINS ITT at Gila!!!

Julie Beveridge 3rd in ITT at Gila...looking good!

Stop #3 on the Aaron's Bicycle and Helmet Safety Tour

Meredith Miller demonstrates how to fit a helmet properly.

Rebecca Larson poses after her Athens Twilight victory with our team's "Biggest Fan ": )


Prior to the Team's awesome victory in the Athens Twilight Criterium in Athens, GA the women visited the Barrow Elementary School on Stop #3 of the Aaron's Bicycle and Helmet Safety Tour.

Over 200 kids listened intently as Rebecca Larson, Erica Allar, Anna Lang, Kristin Sanders and Meredith Miller spoke to them about what their daily lives entail as professional bicycle racers as well as the importance of helmets and general bicycle safety.

50 helmets that were generously donated by the team's title sponsor, Aaron's Corporate Furnishings, and were delivered to teacher Teresa Sheppard prior to the team's arrival. A contest was created that would challenge the kids to think about bicycle and helmet safety and to express that through a written story, a poem, or any creative process. The top 50 entries will be awarded one of the bright red helmets! One of the kids raised her hand and asked, "Can we submit multiple entries?" The helmets have been a great hit!

Rebecca Larson wins Hometown Athens Twilight Criterium

Victory was SWEET in Athens for the Aaron's Team!!!! Check out the article in the Athens Banner-Herald

http://onlineathens.com/stories/042808/news_2008042800574.shtml

Hometown gal, Rebecca Larson proudly displays the Leader's Jersey that she will be wearing in Race #2 of the South East Crit Series. She took this jersey after winning the Athens Twilight Criterium in Athens, GA.Rebecca also claimed the Lap Leader Jersey for the Series for leading the most laps during the race. Prior to the nights racing

"The Kat" is interviewed on thebroadbandracer.com

During the Redlands Bicycle Classic a couple of weeks ago, Mari Holden, former World and National Time Trial Champion, interviewed Aaron's, "The Kat" Carroll.

Check it out and enjoy! http://www.thebroadbandracer.com/fly.aspx?taxid=19&layout=player&videoid=313

We are looking forward to a creative video diary from Kat soon...hint, hint, hint.

Garett Lemire Cycling Classic

Aaron's, Anna Lang, riding solo at the Garett Lemire Cycling Classic in Ojai, CA finished 4th by winning the field sprint. A breakaway of three riders took the top spots on the day. With temps of 102 degrees Anna said it was a battle just to over come the chills she was experiencing.
*correction and due credit should be given to Rachel Tzinberg of the Bicycle Johns Racing team for winning the field sprint.

Way to go Anna!

1 806 Cromwell Tiffany Colavita Racing 1:00:17.1
2 835 Wynter ParkIosna Colavita Racing 1:01:18.1
3 842 Tzinberg Rachel Bicycle Johns 1:01:21.3
4 821 Lang Anna Aaron's Womens Pro Cycling 1:01:21.7
5 834 Wilson Jennifer South Bay Wheelmen 1:01:22.3
6 812 Gauthier Shontell Colavita/Sutter Home 1:01:22.3
7 820 Kroepsch Lara ValueAct Capital Cycling Team 1:01:23.4
8 845 Schuster Pamela Helens/Trek 1:01:23.5
9 817 Kelly Helen Team TIBCO 1:01:23.9
10 833 WangsgardNichole Colavita Racing 1:01:24.2

Redlands Overall Podium

Redlands Bicycle Classic Overall Podium

L to R: Mara Abbott, Alex Wrubleski, "The Kat" Carroll

The Aaron's Women did a fantastic job this year at the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Katharine "The Kat" Carroll got things rolling with her 2nd place finish in the uphill individual prologue on day one. Teammate Meredith Miller also had a very solid riding placing her inside the top ten in 9th place which would be a preview of her strength in the coming days.

On Day 2, the Aaron's Team would not only claim the lead in the Sprint Jersey Competition but would also put together an aggressive race that eventually would allow Kat to claim the stage win at the end of the day. Meredith Miller set the tone of the race the entire day with aggressive riding. First in a strong break of 5 riders that would put Team High Road on the defensive to protect their yellow jersey, second, in a 1 1/2 lap solo breakaway, and third with a finally last effort to contribute to the winning leadout for Kat's stage win...bravo Meredith!!!

Stage 2 Podium Sprint Jersey Leader "The Kat" Carroll

Day 3, the Redlands Downtown Criterium would finish in a bunch sprint with Rebecca Larson and Katharine Carroll finishing in 5th and 6th place respectively.

The Final Sunset Road Race once again saw some "Miller Time" at the front of the race with an early solo 1 min. bridge attempt that would join Aaron's with Cheerwine rider Anne Sampolonius off the front. With only seconds separating the top three in the overall GC and the win still in reach of all three it would be a show down for the time bonus given at the first QOM sprint on lap 1 and at the final finish in downtown Redlands. In the end it would be a trio of young guns standing atop the overall podium with Alex Wrubleski overtaking Mara Abbott with time bonus and Kat Carroll retaining her 3rd palce overall.

The Next Generation

One of the best parts of returning to events year after year are the reunions you get to have with friends that you've made along the way. I first stayed with Andrew and Laurel Haglund way back in 1997 during my 4th Redlands Bicycle Classic and have gotten to see them pretty much every year since. This year I was able to bring their boys Reed, Josh and Ethan their very first jerseys. We hope they too will be proud to be an "Aaron" as our Erica Allar says.

"Women's Night" at Concept Cyclery

This past Friday evening, Felicia Gomez was the guest speaker at a special "Women's Night" and Concept Cyclery in Morgan Hill, CA. As well as one of countries top stage racers, Felicia is also a tenured professor at Fresno State University and holds a PhD. in Exercise Science and Nutrition.

Felicia is a natural when it comes to speaking to large groups and she gave a wonderful presentation on nutrition and how it plays a major role in exercise and recovery.

Saturday, Felicia joined the group in Morgan Hill for a morning ride and was able to help several beginner riders.

Sunday, at the CVC Criterium, one of the women that attended the event came up to thank Felicia once again for all the great information and advice she had given at during the two previous days...Flea, has just added 15 new fans to her fan club!

Central Valley Classic

Felicia Gomez during the Central Valley Criterium

After a long trip down under and some really strong race results Felicia Gomez returned to hometown soil to race in the Central Valley Classic this past Sunday in Fresno, CA.

Against some tough competition from Team High Road, TIBCO, Colavita, and ValueAct, Felicia was able to put herself in the winning break of six riders that would almost lap the field. With world class sprinters like Ina Teutenburg, Brooke Miller, Tait Satto, Iona Wynters all present Felicia would have her hands full but she gave it a good go at the end and finished a strong 5th.

Kat Claims Jersey in New Zealand

Women's Tour New Zealand Overall Jersey Winners

Aaron's/US Team Member Katharine Carroll, Kristin Armstrong, Lorian Graham, Carla Ryan

The Women's Tour of New Zealand completed it's final stage today. Aaron's/USA Team Member, Katharine Carroll finished 7th on the stage and was the Overall Winner of the Sprint Jersey over some tough competition. Felicia Gomez, guest riding for Platteland finished a very strong 12th place overall. Carmen McNellis also riding for the US National Team finished 26th overall. All really solid performances - congrats to each of you!

We are excited for your return to US soil and look forward to you coming back into the Aaron's Team fold. Safe travels!

Kinetics Cycles Grand Opening

Pictured: Anna, Carmen, Bruce, Meredith, Erica, and Kristin

Pictured: Carmen, Meredith, Erica, Alley, Kristin, Anna

Bruce Kaiser at Kinetic Cycles was super happy to have the team come out to support the shops grand opening. Super nice shop! Hopefully we can get him to put up a signed Aaron's jersey next to the super sized photo of my husband Chris...he gets all the attention : )

Pictured: Chris D'Aluisio and Chris D'Aluisio

Sorry gals, we missed getting our photo with the Specialized Angel...I was told she had been wearing the wings for 6 hours already and that she needed her rest : )