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The Hot Dog Race at Rosena Ranch

February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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From Jen’s Instagram

Jennifer Whalen- Ritte Racing #WSWC

Rosena Ranch W3/4 Race Report

“The Hot Dog Race”

 

 

This race was the debut of the Ritte Women’s Team skinsuits. They are fluoro and have magical powers that lie deep within the chamois. My teammate Kelli and I warmed up on the trainer to Aviici, and now I have just given away my biggest race secret.

 

Rosena Ranch has a great course. Its hot dog shape is simple, but the terrain varies just enough to give plenty of opportunities to make moves. The Womens ¾ field had 31 starters. The race started out mellow, and then it was non-stop attacks for the 2nd and 3rd laps. Two riders got away- Erin Gunn of Catalyst Racing and Kate Wilson of NOW. We had our doubts that it would stick. But there came that moment when you realize that it will stick. And you go “Ohhhhhh Sh*t man”. Decision time. Should I stay or should I go? I choose to go.

 

Michelle Ignash of Helen’s Cycles and I made an effort to chase down the break. She caught them and I lagged behind a little, thinking they would soon be engulfed by the field. When it appeared that the break would still stick, I made a solo effort to bridge up to them. Once I made contact with them, we drilled 4 strong, taking short intense pulls for the last 2 laps.

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Filed Under: Cycling Women, News, Ritte Racing Tagged With: ,

Optum Pro Cycling Presented by Kelly Strategies Team Presentation

February 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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By Kevin Hunter

There was plenty of optimism at the 2013 launch party for the Optum Pro Cycling Presented by Kelly Strategies team at the American Honda Museum in Torrance, CA on Feb. 15. After all, this is a team that in its seventh year of existence (second with Optum) enjoyed one of the best seasons in its history, so there were plenty of smiles all around as well as enthusiasm as the team prepares for its first event of the season on Feb. 28 in the Merco Cycling Classic in Merced, CA.

Last season the Optum Pro Cycling Presented by Kelly Strategies men’s and women’s teams had a combined 90 wins and went to the podium a total of 209 times. The women has a slight edge at the podium going up 109 times to the men’s 100, as Optum Pro Cycling Presented by Kelly Strategies team clearly establishing itself as one of the, if not the best men’s and women’s team in North American and the world. Yes it was definitely a year to look back on with a great sense of accomplishment and to celebrate going into 2013.

But with the season just a couple of weeks away, some of the celebration and optimism could lead to pressure as this team is now faced with the reality of topping last season’s totals and wondering where does it go from here. There will be no room for letdown and last season’s stellar results make the Optum Pro Cycling Presented by Kelly Strategies men’s and women’s teams the ones that everyone else will be chasing. [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Optum Pro Cycling, Optum Pro Cycling W, Ritte Racing Tagged With: ,

Jennifer Whalen (Ritte Racing) Weighs in!

January 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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13th Annual Anger Management Criterium

by Jennifer Whalen (Ritte Racing) #WSWC

 

There was a hearty turnout for the Women’s 3-4 field for the first criterium in the CBR series on Sunday.  I was very happy about that,since women’s cycling has been cut a fair amount this year in SoCal. This was my first race of the 2013 season, as well as the debut of the Ritte Women’s Cycling Team.  Exciting stuff!

The pace stayed consistent and moderate at 20-25mph for most of the race. My teammate Shelby and I both took a prime. I love Kool ‘n’ Fit and couldn’t help myself when they announced it as a prize. Things started getting stirred up with six laps to go.  A couple breakaway attempts went, but the field reeled them in each time.

At the last lap there was a near crash that shook everyone a little bit. Fortunately, I was in front of it. Coming around the last turn, I was second wheel behind a Catalyst Racing Team rider. At about 100m to go, I went wide to the right of the approaching field and sprinted for the finish. I could hear my teammates screaming down the entire straightaway to the finish line.

Thank you to all who support the Ritte Women’s Cycling Team. This is a good way to start the season!

Filed Under: Cycling Women, News, Ritte Racing, Road