Posts By: Ignacio

We have one more NICA race to go.

I hope this puts wind in your sails and inspires you all to finish strong.

Thank you for another great weekend outside full of bikes, laughs, and maybe a bit too much sun.

Certainly want to take time to thank all of the coaches, volunteers and parents who came out to help. It takes the whole village.

I also want to take this time to thank Coach Gord for all his work and guidance over this last year a half. It has been a pleasure to work with him and of course educational. I am certainly happy to have had the opportunity to work along side him and wish him massive success at the next level.

Practices this week will solid for the High School racers.

Tuesday–MTB Endurance

Wednesday– OLD School Crit course races and intervals.

Thursday– MTB endurance

Saturday– Shoot Outs or the Phoenix Crit

‘Sunday– MTB — place TBD

For the middle school riders who have completed their seasons, they will be transitioning this week and really working on skills and the fundamentals.

Tuesday–MTB Skills. In the real dirt though, so come ready to dress out

Wednesday– Crit course fundamentals

Thursday– MTB Skills

Saturday– Road ride with Valentin and Crew

Sunday– Mtb– Place TBD

Manzo this week

Tuesday– Damiano, Mia, De La Huerta

Thursday– Lucy B and Tomas Salazar

I will write a post about this weekend and the NICA season later. I just wanted to ensure that we had the necessary information for everyone to enjoy the week.

Just wanting to ensure that everyone is ready and on time tomorrow for the Fondo.

Please remember to come in your newest clean team kit and to have appropriate clothes for after the ride.

It is not a race. It is an event to get to know the wonderful people who support you, so please be ready to converse and to get to know folks.

Arrive at 6:30 am sharp or sooner. We need your help at 6:30 am.

Riders will depart between 7:30 and 9 am depending on the distance you end up riding.

You will be free to leave after 2pm.

We will need help to clean up the grounds and put things away.

Lunch will  be provided to all riders, so please be prepared for a fun day.

Nathanial and Ben have been on the team together for over 6 years. They have grown up together on the team.

This is their last year getting to race with each other and I want to thank them for stepping up and being true leaders.

However this is a story about team work, friendship and respect.

Two weeks ago we had a race in Flagstaff. Nathaniel in the last lap crashed and went from 3rd place down to 6th. He was upset and devastated. It takes real courage and self trust to believe that you can race at the front of the race and fight for a podium. Nathaniel had never put himself in such a position so the last minute crash was hard to emotionally absorb.

This past weekend we had a race in Prescott.

In the NICA series of races Nathaniel races for Catalina Foothills High school and Ben races for Tucson High.

They both race in the same JV category.

Nathanial had never been on an individual podium for any race ever.

There race was 3 laps of a 6 mile course.

After the first lap Nathaniel was in 4th place and Ben in 5th with 6th, 7th and 8th, just behind Ben .

After the second lap things had not changed 4th through 8th place were still all together.

I had spent the race on top of the last climb cheering kids on and giving them positive energy.

On the last lap, on top of the last climb, I told Ben to Play the Game.

He knew what this meant.

Nathaniel was just in front of him. Ben did not want the others to catch Nathaniel and he could help. He could sit up just enough to give Nathanial a gap and make the other kids chase.

This was a moment of true friendship and respect. Ben made the decision to race for a freind and help Nathaniel achieve this huge goal of his. Ben sacrificed his race and possible best place all to give his friend a chance for something special.

In the end Nathaniel got it. 4th place. His first ever solo podium.

All because his friend and teammate selflessly rode his race to support him.

This is El Grupo. This is what we teach.

We teach love of teammates. We teach caring for each other. We teach racing as a team.

That is why we want everyone to participate with the Fall Fondo because it is just another way to participate with the greater cycling community to show them why we love to ride so much, and why we are so thankful for their support.

Please arrive on time and ready to help and support the Fondo.

It is because of events like this that we are able to do what we do, so affordably

Nathanial and Ben post race

Nathaniel on the podium

Race Number 3– Prescott, Arizona.   After two races in Flagstaff we are headed to Prescott this time.   We are having an incredible season so far, with many of you in positions to win your categories and become state champions, and we have a team that it is in the hunt for a podium… Read more »

This was the mantra that I had with the team all weekend.   To be tough, you do not have to be strong.   To be tough, you do not have to be skilled.   To be tough, you do not need to be fast.   To be tough, you just have to respect yourself,… Read more »

The Second race of the season is already here. They will come fast and quick for the next few weeks, so keep on top of everything at school and at home, because there is not much time in between.   With all the racing and traveling it is even more important than ever to have… Read more »

Team programming is Rain or shine during the week.   If it rains we can do all sorts of things and we like to have continuity in programming.   Over the weekends if we get rained out that is what it is and we will use this platform to let you know.   THE REST… Read more »

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29th.   We now need you to be at the clubhouse at no later than 4:15 am.   We need to be leaving at 4;30 am.   Remember to have a change of clothes and some food.   We had an incredible day today and we thank you all for your punctuality at… Read more »

Meeting at 4:45 am.   Leaving at 5am.   Please have a change of clothes for after the race.   Bring plenty of post race snacks. You will be hungry.   Ensure that you have a picture of your license.   Ensure that you have signed your contract and have it with you if you… Read more »

The Fun is just about to start.  Congratulations everyone for making it through the toughest part of the season. The base season before the fall racing season is the hardest part of the year. It is super hot, but we still need to put some time in. I appreciate everyone who did their best to have… Read more »