SRAM Force ROCKS!

The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team is powered by SRAM. The SRAM Force group keeps us ahead of the pack, on top of our game, and on the podium. "Will you make the leap?" Trust us, you will be glad you did. We offer our utmost thanks to the folks at SRAM for their support of the team, and innovation in the world of cycling. The team's LeMond Zurich's are equipt with a full SRAM Force groupo, Bontrager Race X Lite wheels, Michelin Pro Race tires, KMC chain, Vetta V100 computer. What more could you ask for?

Nationals Update (Days 5-7) Fuller Takes 2nd!

Day 5: We woke to a hot, rainy morning for the women's 30-34 criterium at the famous Churchhill Downs (Kentucky Derby Horse Race Track). We went out to support Lori, knowing how much she loves to race in the rain. Lori did a great job covering early moves from the nervous field. With close to 10 laps to go, a strong group of 3 riders (including the 2007 Crit National Champion) broke free. Lori, and 5 other racers formed a chase group, with Lori coming to the line to claim a great 7th place finish. I think she was just happy to leave with all her skin.
Day 6: REST DAY- Finally. We drove out to the Horseshoe Casino in Indiana to do a little spin on the time trial course. Nice relaxing flat route in some awesome country. We stayed together for the first mile or two...then it was ON! Seems like even we are not racing...we ARE racing, but it was great to clear our minds, legs and break some cabin fever.
Day 7: Last day, last races, last chance at the National jersey...pressure is on. Darren and Knetch raced first. A small group jumped free, and Knetch jumped on Dirk's wheel and almost got across. The lead reshuffled, and Darren jumped across to 2 lone riders to make the lead break of 3. Darren worked hard in the break to keep it away for close to 30 laps, eventually lapping the field with a chase group of 10+ racers. The chase group came bearing down, closing the gap to only 4 seconds with 2 laps to go. Darren sprinted to the line to take 2nd place! Our best finish so far. He was stocked, and we were pumped going into our races.

While Darren styled for his podium pics, Chris, Conn, Shane, Scottie, and Blair lined up to do battle in the 35-39 crit. From the gun the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley boys were super aggressive. Scottie started the first move, which Conn countered to establish the lead break. Chris bridged up to the break with 3 other riders. Chris and Conn started driving the break to build up a lead of close to 1 min. Scottie and two other riders jumped clear, and started the long process of trying to bridge across, which they did with close to 10 laps to secure us 3 men in the lead break of 11. This group of 11 lapped the field, and unfortunately had to come to the line of the sprint along with all the other lapped riders fighting for 12th place. We came out 7th, 8th, and 9th place. Not the finish we were hoping for, but we were all proud at how strong the boys rode. Big props to Blair and Shane for covering the field and keeping the wolves at bay, saving up for a strong leadout and sticking to the plan.

Blair and Adam went to work in the last race of the day (30-34). Bruce and Adam were aggressive early on, covering Texas Roadhouse and Crater from Wheel and Sprocket. Bruce got in a small group up the road, but was eventually chased down. A lead break of 7 riders formed, without any of our team in there. Adam layed it all out for 2 laps to chase the break down, pulling it back. Bruce got set up for the sprint, but got caught behind 2 crashes in the final two turns to cruise in around 15th.
Thanks to all the team riders for giving up their week to do what we do best. Thanks also to all of our sponsors, especially the folks at Barkley for their support of our bid at Nationals.

Nationals Tally Total(13 top 20 finishes) : *Podium Finishes
*2nd - Darren Fuller (40+ Crit) -Silver Medal
*3rd - Lori Harkey (30+ RR) - Bronze Medal
*4th - Scottie Weiss (35+ RR) - Bronze Medal
*5th - Chris Harkey (35+TT) - Bronze Medal
6th - Lara Cassidy (35+ RR)
7th - Jeremy Conn (35+ RR)
8th - Scottie Weiss (35+Crit)
9th - Lisa Preslar (35+ Crit)
9th - Jeremy Conn (35+Crit)
10th - Chris Harkey (35+Crit)
12th - Darren Fuller (40+RR)
15th - Bruce Humphries (30+Crit)
18th - AT Stamp (30+RR)

Nationals Update (Days 1-4) Lori 3rd, Scottie 4th, Harkey 5th, Conn 7th!

Day 1: Chris started off our bid for the Stars ad Stipes with the 35-39 time trial at 8:20am. Taking 5th on the windy course, Chris was the first to get the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team up on the podium with a great ride. He has been showing great form, and look for him to do well in the Road Race.
Day 2: (Wmn's 30-34 RR) Lori and Lisa both managed to secure a spot in the final break of 10 riders after the field was destroyed on the very tough Road Race course. Lori took them to the line for the sprint to take a fantastic 3rd place, and our 2nd podium spot of the week. Lisa had a fine showing, taking 9th place. (Wmn's 35-39 RR) Lara Cassidy lined up to a strong field in her RR. With no teammates, she rode a smart race using her strength to power through the hilly course to take a great 6th place finish...just off the podium. We are very proud of the fantastic showing the gals had at Nats so far.
Day 3: AT, Bruce and myself lined up for the 30-34 Road Race at 4:00. The heat proved to be pretty bad for the longest race of the day. Bruce attached early and pulled the lead break of 3 other riders out to join him, but had some extreme pain/cramping in his calf and had to pull out. AT worked hard to pull back the lead break, taking 18th after cramping up himself in the final sprint. I came in 22nd, after dropping my chain at the base of the 2nd climb on the backside.
Stay tuned for the 35-39 RR, 40+ RR, and Women's Criterium next.
Day 4: Scottie, Chris, Shane, Blair and Jeremy started the 35-39 Road Race at 7:00am. A little too early, but the team was primed to do battle. We had riders placed in every break of the race, with Scottie in the final winning break of the day. With Scottie were 2 Texas Roadhouse riders, including 2007 Champion Paul Martin, and 3 other individual riders. The nervous field, realizing all 5 podium spots were up the road drove the field hard. Scottie attached hard through the feedzone hill with less than 1K to go, was caught, and countered by Paul and 2 others. Scottie kept driving to take 4th place on the podium of all former pro racer. Jeremy Conn, meanwhile was swining away in the chase group and sprinted to 7th place. Awesome racing from the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team.

Blair and Bridgette take 2nd at State Games

The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team took two 2nd place results at the NC State Games Circuit Races. Blair and Bridgette both claimed 2nd place in the Womens cat 4, and Mens Pro 1-2 races respectfully. Both races, on the infamous Carolina Cup course, came down to close field sprints. The Pro 1-2 race got a little interesting as it started raining the last 20 minutes of the race. Our good friend Ben Faulk (Giordana/Clif Bar) took a spill on the final lap which shuffled up the sprinters positions as they came in to the last turns at the finish. It was also great to be able to race again with our old Hincapie teamate from back in the day, Chris Foster. Bridgette is showing great form and will be competing soon at the Junior Nationals in CA. Look for her to deliver the goods.

Team Score 5 NC State Championship Titles

Blair set the bar pretty high with his win for the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team 3 weeks ago at the NC State Criterium Championship, winning the Pro 1-2 Crit. We had to keep the momentum going for the NC State Road Race Championships. Mission accomplished! The team scored another 4 State Championship Titles ranging from the U23 divsion up to the Masters divisions. Reid, Chris H., Darren, and Mac all won their races and the NC State Champ jerseys. Lara Cassidy and Jeremy Conn both had great rides and came close to taking our 5th and 6th titles, scoring a close 2nd in the Womens 1-2-3, and Mens Pro 1-2 races on Sunday. Congrats to all the new Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley State Champs.

USA National Championships Preview

Best of luck the the members of the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team racing this week at the USA Masters National Championships in Louisville, KY. Both squads will be racing in three events - Individual Time Trial, Road Race and Criterium. Men's Team(10 racers competing) : Adam Little, AT Stamp, Blair Craig, Bruce Humphries, Chris Harkey, Chris Knetsche, Darren Fuller, Jeremy Conn, Scottie Weiss, Shane Martin. Women's Team(4 racers competing): Lara Cassidy, Lisa Preslar, Lori Harkey, Marianne Holt (injured, but will be supporting her gals). Special thanks to our sponsors at Barkley and Coca-Cola for helping to fund our efforts at Nationals. We could not do it without your support.

Good luck...hit em hard!

Geri WINS Bermuda National Championship!!!

A huge pat on the back goes out to our very own Geri Mewett for the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team's biggest win of the season. Mewett is the new 2008 Bermuda National Champion after winning the men's pro road race this past Sunday. After a long day in the saddle and some muggy conditions, Geri was able to drop his other break partners on the final hill before the finish to solo in for his National Championship title (a feat that has become old hat for Geri).

Geri, a Bermuda national citizen, also spends some of his days in Knoxville where he is expecting an addition to his family soon. Well, they say good things come in threes, baby, National Championship...wonder what is next? Great job Geri on a well deserved victory for a well deserving rider! check out his other musings at http://www.toadandmo.blogspot.com/

Team rides with Carolina Youth Triathlon Club

Future World Champs ready to Rock

Recently, the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team had a great chance to ride alongside of the guys and gals of the Carolina Youth Triathlon Club. The CYTC, based out of Greenville, SC, consists of over 100 fit kids ranging from age 6 and up. The goal of the club is to encourage children to become more active, enjoying the sport of Triathlon. Headed up by Susannah and Sean Hogan, our sponsors from Hogan Properies, the club also looks to give the young athletes guidance, advice, safe training sessions, and planned tri events to flex their muscle in.









Miller fuels up, while Andrew shows off his skills
Lara, Lori, Chris and myself were able to meet up with the future Ironman Champions to do a few training laps as the infamous Donaldson Center loop. While getting the ride instructions from Susannah, it started pouring down rain with wind gusts to 35mph. I felt a little worried about taking the kids out, but they were pumped...riding circles in the parking lot, practicing bunny-hops, and dowing POWERADE getting ready to burn up some pavement. (Check out Andrew's aero top tube riding) So, we took off and the kids all rode great! We were having to struggle to keep up with them! Afterwards we enjoyed some carb-reloading and fellowship.

Chris gives a little advice. Lori with Alex- 2012 National Champion
Thanks to all the kids, Coaches and Parents for letting us see what the real spirit of sport looks like again. We all left motivated. Go out and share YOUR love of the sport with youth in your area...they will thank you for it.

Blair Craig NC State Criterium Champion!

Congrats to Blair Craig for his heathy sprint finish to WIN the 2008 NC State Pro 1-2 Criterium Championships. The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team did some great racing at the Championships held in Fayetteville, NC today. Shout outs also go to Lara Cassidy for her 2nd Place (Silver Medal) in the Women's Open, with Lisa Preslar taking home 6th place. Also to the multiple State Champ winner, Mac Canon, for his 3rd Place (Bronze Medal) finish in the Masters race. Stay tuned for pics.

Belize Cross Country - Lori 3rd! Holt 6th!

After a long week of traveling and prep to get to Belize, the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Women's Team finally got their chance to play in the Sun. Lori Harkey and Marianne Holt both placed themselves in the major break of the day which finally whittled down to only 3 riders. Lori placed a great third place (finished 4th in the 2007 Belize Cross Country) after a long day in the tropical heat. Marianne worked hard in the field sprint to take 6th place for the day. A great international showing for the team and our sponsors. Photos and more details to come.

Sponsor Spotlight: VETTA Computers

V100HR WL2X Head Unit in custom team colors



Speed and Cadence Sensors with Battery Indicator Lights

VETTA, know primarily for their world class cycling computers, also are makers of lighting systems, heart rate monitors, tools, saddles and more. The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Team currently uses the V100HR WL2X computer, and has relied on the dependability of VETTA for the past 5 years. The computer offers wireless speed, cadence, temperature, HR training zones in addition to a multitude of functions listed below.

Our particular computer is wireless and features a fork mount sensor to detect speed off the front wheel, paired with a cadence sensor that mounts to the left chainstay to detect cadence from your non-drive crank arm. The head unit is clean and easy to use with three well placed buttons to switch between function screens and scroll through your ride data. The computer features an automatic cut-off that times out when not in use to conserve battery life, and a comfortable heart-rate strap to keep track of your ticker.

Overall the VETTA products have proven to be reliable, easy to use and maintain, and extremely durable due to the amount of abuse we throw at them through the season.

• V100HR WL2X Features
  Current Speed
  Average Speed
  Maximum Speed
  Speed Comparator
  Cumulative Odometer
  Trip Distance
  Intermediate Distance
  Current Heart Rate
  Average & Maximum Heart Rate
  Percent of Maximum Heart Rate
  EZ-Set Programmable Upper & Lower HR Limit
  Time In, Above & Below Target Zone
  Average Heart Rate In, Above & Below TZ
  User Selected Audible & Visible Alarms
  Wireless HR Transmission
  12/24 Hour Clock
  Current Cadence ( Available )
  Average & Maximum Cadence ( Available )
  Stopwatch
  Ride Time/Total Time
  Service Timer
  Dual Bike Memory
  Freeze Frame Memory
  Energy Saving Sleep Mode
  Low Battery Warning - Head Unit
  LED Low Battery Indicator - Transmitters
  LED Installation Alignment Indicator - Transmitters

Visit http://www.vetta.com/ to see which computer is right for your. Also check out VETTA's New Personalized Computer Program which allows you to totally customize your computer's looks and features to match your ride and needs You can even ask for our signature Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley red computers...they even look fast!

Thanks again to VETTA for their fantastic support of our Team!

Double WINS at McMinville

Mewett Off the Front for the WIN!

http://cc.msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q=73380363308595&mkt=en-US&lang=en-US&w=c4f675ab,15a92fd2&FORM=CVRE9

The Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley Elite Team had a great weekend of racing in McMinville, TN, taking home double WINS in the Road Race and Criterium. Chris and Geri pulled a bold move in the 110 mile road race, by attacking at mile 1. Yeap, mile 1. Their attack stuck and they stayed away from the field for the next 109 miles! The gap eventually grew to over 5 minutes. Chris and Geri dominated their break (which included 2 other riders) and took 1st and 2nd for their hard work. Blown from their efforts, the uphill TT the same evening proved to be tough. Bruce, however, had a great ride in the TT taking 6th place and only missing the win by 3 seconds. Geri "I like to attack from the gun" Mewett was up to his same old tricks in the criterium on Sunday. He got away with a Myogenesis rider and held off the field for his own win in the Criterium. Scottie, Conn-man, Chris, Geri and Bruce all rode great and all finished in the payout for the omnium, with Chris and Bruce taking 2nd and 3rd in the Overall Classification. Check out the link above from McMinville's paper.

Harkey WINS Tour de Moore, Conn 3rd

Chris Harkey won his 3rd Tour de Moore while teammate Jeremy Conn took 3rd...while getting a little "front page" action. Check out the article from The Pilot out of Southern Pines.
http://www.thepilot.com/stories/20080427/sports/sports/20080427Harkey.html

Chris Knetsche started off the action of the day, riding off the front of the race for the first 12 miles. Once caught, Jeremy Conn aka "Conn-man" countered with one other rider, rode away from the group for close to 40 miles. Their gap continued to grow, however was eventually reeled back in. Jeremy recovered a bit, but then went again with Chris Harkey on an attack. Our two teamates initiated the winning break of 10 riders. Chris and Jeremy eventually seperated themselfs from the other break riders, along with Pat Raines (Time). Congrats to Chris and Jeremy on their 1st - 3rd finish.

"Conn-Man" is Back!

Other Teams Beware: After taking a brief break from racing, Jeremy Conn is back with the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley boys racing full time...and as strong as ever. Jeremy's history with our Team family goes back many years with him last racing with us as the Hincapie/Bianchi team back in 2005. Jeremy will add to our team's strength as yet another go-to guy for long breaks and strong finishing power late in the race. In his first "official" race back with up at the Tour de Moore RR, he rode clear of the group for close to 40 miles early in the race, got caught, and went again to ride in solo for 3rd place...going to be a good year. We are happy to have him back. (look for more details of the TDM race in an upcoming race report).

SC Crit Championships - Blair takes the WIN

Congrats to Blair Craig for his first place finish Sunday. Blair, along with most of the team entered the Masters 30+ crit as a warm up to the Pro 1-2 event later that day. Blair was able to jump clear of the group along with Charlie Brown (Carolina Master's), and Jim Cunningham (Carolina Tri). The group of 3 worked well together with our guys covering moves from the field. Blair took the sprint for the WIN with Charlie 2nd and Jim 3rd. With Jim the only SC resident in the break, he took the Gold metal for SC.

Pro 1-2: The Team rode well together with everyone active throughout the race. Many breaks attempted to form, but the flat, relatively easy course made it easy for the field to pull them back. Our best move included Geri, Harkey, Bruce and Shane in a break of about 10 riders. This break stayed clear for the last 10 laps of the course and looked good. Blair, Knetche and I all worked to try to clog up things in the field and discourage the chase, but the break ended up being caught with 1.5 laps to go. Knetsche did a great job trying to take Blair and I to the front for the sprint. We both lost our line when another rider dive bombed in on us, taking me to the grass, and Blair lost valuable spots. Bruce was able to keep close to the front at the sprint and took 3rd (SC Bronze Metal) with his 10th place finish overall.

Women's Open: Coming down to a fieldsprint, Lara Cassidy rode very well taking 8th place.

Thanks to all who came out, and all who have supported us this weekend - Adam

ION Village Criterium: 2nd Place X 3

Beautiful Chaleston set the backdrop for the Ion Village "Smackdown" Criterium. The Team competed in 3 different events: Men's Pro 1-2, Master 30+, and Womens Open.

Pro 1-2: Our entire team was really active with Geri, Chris, Blair, Shane, Bruce, Knetsche, and Adam all in the mix. Geri rode really aggresively and finally put Bruce in the winning break of 6 riders including Dulin from DLP Pro. Bruce broke free of the break with LeDuc and pulled away. It came down to a very close sprint between the two, with Bruce taking a fantasit 2nd place finish (his best Pro 1-2 finish of the season).

Masters 30+: Chris Harkey rode off from the race with Ryan Jenkins (Carolina Master's). Both are very strong racers and the field was trying hard to pull the two time trialists back, to no avail. A lone Charleston Team racer bridged up and was able to hang with Chris/Ryan for about 2 laps. They stayed away with Chris taking 2nd place.

Women's Open: Lara and Marianne were our only two gals doing battle. Marianne looked great sporting the Hincapie/Coca-Cola/Barkley US National Champion skinsuit for the first time. Lara was really agressive early on in the race attempting to get away. Marianne set herself up for the sprint and took a great 2nd place (to Christina Dekray - former Masters World Champion).

Thanks so much to Wymm for the sweet beach house for the weekend and to Mike and Diane Balister for their host housing at the race course on Saturday.