Photo Credit to Evan Grucela.

Pictured is 1-3 winner Rachel Andrews of Once Again Racing, followed by fourth place finisher Julia Bradley and third place finisher Alison Merner both of First Draft Racing.

New Women’s Series Draws Excitement in WNY

Five events over two weekends made for some killer women’s racing in Western New York this summer.

The Lynn Bianco American Portfolios Women’s Race Series combined the American Rock Salt Race Series and Plan2Peak Two Days of Buffalo for a competition that featured a Merckx TT, two crits, and two road races. The combined scoring was only offered in the women’s fields for an additional $500 cash to create a women’s series that dished a total of $2,000, two different winner’s jerseys, trophies, and swag.

Each event saw record numbers in their respective women’s fields with a total of 37 racers from across NY, Canada, PA, and Conn.

Rachel Andrew of Once Again Racing fueled by Once Again Nut Butter won the Women’s 1-3 series while Jacqueline Maier of Cork Monkey Racing p/b Bike Loft East took home the top spot in the Women’s 4/5 series.

Written by Leona Chin

This morning, May 28, 2018, a group of friends, former/current teammates and their parents met at the Kissena Velodrome for an informal training and to catch up with each other.  We generally try to get together once a week to encourage and support each other at racing and in other areas of our lives.  Present today were five youth cyclists, their parents, two collegiates and an international track cyclist and coach.

Dr. Carlos Ortiz, a pediatrician who practices out of Flushing Hospital (located a few miles from the track) stopped by to watch the cyclists and reminisce.

This was the second time I have met Dr. Ortiz at the Velodrome.

After recognizing each other, chatting a bit and sharing introductions with the others at the track, he wrote a check for $1,000 to NYSBRA.

Our common goals of providing and advocating for healthy lifestyle choices for our children would be better served.  I also shared a Modell’s Team Weeks’ coupon.

For some background, on May 30, 2015 when I was administrator for the Star Track Cycling team, I introduced myself to him after he inquired about our program.  We spoke at length about his experiences riding to and from the track when he was a teenager.  His memories were vivid and life-impacting and he wanted to ensure that programs for youth cycling continue.

I took the picture below with our coaches and several of our riders on May 30, 2015.  At that time, he wrote a check for $500 to Star Track Cycling.

I am still shaking that we were at the same place at the same time today and that we recognized each other.  This donation was meant to be.  So thrilled to have been able to be a messenger here.

Sincerely and so gratefully yours.

Leona Chin

NYSBRA Junior Representative

Brands Cuevas Junior Cycling Development – Sommerville 2018

Written by Doug Toback

I made a promise to Fernando Cuevas before he passed away at the end of last year. We would continue his team, grow it and give young athletes in the NYC area the ability to cycle independent of economic capabilities. Our day in Sommerville was a step on that journey.

We placed first place in the Tour of Sommerville Jr Race on Memorial Day. We knew the race would be stacked with the areas best junior riders comprised of National Champions and elite riders. We brought our Regional level team to race including our 12 year old rider knowing we would need full team support to compete.

Gabriel Tonini went on an early break with a single rider that was later bridged to 4 riders. The story behind the story was how the Brands Cuevas team sat in the main field of the remaining 40 riders to help maintain the break. Howard, Little Juan, DJ and Anthony did their job quietly and the break stayed intact for the rest of the race which honestly was surprising.

Gabriel was able to get a small advantage in the final sprint against very strong riders. In the true Jr racing spirit there was plenty of mutual respect and all around accolades between all the riders after the finish.

At the beginning of the year we would never have expected a day like this. The community on the other hand had other plans for us – they supported us, got us back on our feet and gave us the means, knowledge and infrastructure to make our family team thrive.

Two of my friends are now coaches and my wife is the parent manager/photographer. Our local bike shop Brands Cycle and Fitness and Giant Bicycles ensure that we have access to keep riders on safe and appropriate bikes as anchor supporters. Elite Endurance trains the regional team. Arias International (Freeport NY) provides our kits and many local businesses and community members pitched in and provided funding so our team can race and grow. The support from USAC and NYSBRA has been vital – with many phone calls, answered questions and support.

We are and always have been the community grass roots junior team. We are grateful to you all and look forward to the rest of the season and beyond.

Follow us on Instagram @BrandsCuevas and contact Doug Toback if you have a Jr rider who wants to cycle at Douglas.Toback at gmail.com.

If you love to race, you’ve no doubt spent more time talking about racing than competing. And that’s half the fun.

This is the premise of Pack Chatter, a cycling podcast hosted by Tony Sylor and Todd Scheske. Twice a month, Tony and Todd sit down and discuss regional and national racing sometimes with guests and sometimes just the two of them.

“Todd and I love to talk cycling,” said Sylor. “Like most who enjoy the sport, we are a bit obsessed so we thought, ‘why not record it for others to enjoy?’”

Thus far the show has put out 4 episodes with Jeremy Powers and Brendan Housler as guests.

“We try to host people who are relevant to our regional scene,” Sylor said. “It was awesome to have a star like Jeremy, and Todd and I have known Brendan for a long time. Guests like that make the show interesting and highlight the rich cycling culture we have in WNY.”

Both Sylor and Scheske each have a long history in cycling and bring that experience to their conversations. Scheske is a Cat 1 racer who started racing as a junior and has coached beginners to World Champions. He is a former President of the Genesee Valley Cycling Club, the founder of Legaci Bikes, a USAC official, and a founding member of NYSBRA.

“Pack Chatter is something I hope Tony and I can grow into a solid listener in WNY and beyond as a medium to introduce topics, address current issues, inform and have fun talking about cycling,” said Scheske.  “I want people to experience cycling as a passion as I have for over 30 years, and if our show can provide a value in the process I’m thrilled to be a part of that.”

Tony is also an active racer but currently focused on promotions. He is the Founder and Director of the Livingston Cycling Club, Once Again Race Team, Mudslinger Gravel Series and the American Rock Salt Race Series.  He is also a current member of the NYSBRA board.

“I think Todd and I offer a nice balance,” Sylor said. “He has been a mentor to me for a long time, and he brings top racing and coaching background to the convo. I have a lot of experience in promoting and developing events and racers, especially from a grassroots approach. With that we each know many interesting people in the sport and look forward to introducing those people and our experiences to our audience.”

Currently Pack Chatter can be found on Sound Cloud and through www.ridelcc.com. The duo hopes to get it up on Itunes later this summer.

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