February 11-12, 2006
JAR Tour of the Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas
VMG debuts at Tour of the Bahamas
Click for Larger Image
Photo provided by Daniel Larson
VMG Racing debuted at the hotly contested Tour of the Bahamas (Feb 11-12) in Nassau. An unprecedented number of cyclists descended on the island for the event. Joining VMG Racing were Team Laser, JC Investors, Cycle Science, AEG Toshiba Jet Network, Hot Tubes, Ford Orlando Velo, Colorado College, the USA Under 23 National Team and host team JAR Cycling.
While VMG Racing had a strong showing in Stage 1, a 3-mile Individual Time Trial, it was AEG's seasoned riders Gabriel Mendez and Frank Travieso, who posted the first and third best times respectively. VMG's young Phil Gaimon showed his mettle and time trialing strength and clocked the second fastest time overall. VMG Racing claimed 7 of the top 10 time trial finishes sending a ripple of excitement and anticipation through the Tour.
The 50-mile Circuit Race of Stage 2 proved to be exciting and a telling pre-cursor of the outcome of the Tour overall. Jockeying for position and opportunity intensified with each lap, firmly cementing the fact in each rider's mind that the competition was serious. Jared Fullerton of Ford Cycling would say later, "Racing in the Bahamas is the real deal." VMG's Zach Bolian and Richie Cunningham (a VMG professional triathlete) put in strong performances as they stayed off in a break for 6 of the 8 laps. While VMG drove the field strongly into the final 500m it would be Ricardo Hernandez (JC Investors) winning the field sprint to the line ahead of AEG's Travieso and VMG Racing's plucky sprinter Rudy Robaina.
On Sunday morning, as the riders gathered for Stage Three's 105 mile Road Race, the weather caved in bringing the worst winter offers to the tropics. A strong northwest wind blew, torrential rain fell at times and unexpectedly cool temperatures descended on the course. Many riders were cold even before the start of the race and several were suffering from hypothermia before the end of the day.
The race started with a flurry of small attacks, each reeled back in with little effort. Mid-way though the race, a break containing all the major teams got away from a somewhat lethargic main field. Disciplined and experienced AEG Toshiba Jet Network used every opportunity effectively to either squash attacks or turn up the heat. The smaller teams, JC Investors, Ford, and Laser, rode smart and tactically advanced, staying with the key breaks throughout the race.
With 25 miles left it was clear who was still strong and who was hurting. As the longest break of the day was reeled in, VMG drove the pace and the carnage grew. Riders were popping off the back one after another. Eventually stage two winner Hernandez escaped alone for another victory and the overall win ahead of Brad Davis (Ford Orlando Velo), Yosvany Falcone (Unattached), and Travieso.
VMG had strength in numbers and figured in all of the important breakaways of the race, very often leading the overall race on the road. VMG Director Sportif Dan Larson was pleased overall with the debut of the new development squad, "We came here with a team that is primarily just out of the junior ranks, world class mind you, and despite this, we were able to put together a good team effort, control the majority of the race and remain in very good position. Our failings came only in the closing miles of a very tough day and these can largely be attributed to youth, inexperience, and an early season level of fitness".
Important lessons in communication and implementation of strategy were learned in the season opener and the team had a valuable practical lesson in "smart speed" the concept behind the meaning of VMG.
RACE RESULTS
NAME Ricardo Hernandez Bradley Davis Yvosvany Falcon Frank Travieso Daniel Larson Chris Frederick Ryan trebon Phil Gaimon Gabriel Mendez Todd Henriksen Spencer Beamer Alex Boyd Zach Bolian Rudy Robiana Richie Cunningham Jason Snow Matt Lieta Zachary Taylor Travis Enmon Eric Keim Johnathan Massie Jared Faciszewski Adam Baskin Jose Valdivia Norman Szellers Chris Deluise Josh Gewirtz Chase Fullerton Tucker Orlander Rebecca Larson John Cox Juan Jose Ferreira Neal Arnett Gustavo Ferrer Matthew Brandt Chris Griffin Chris Monteleone Kenneth Vernier Michael Vavden Hewel Tracy Sweeting Edward Bethel Barron Turbo Musgrove Tejay Vangarteren Jared Fullerton Teddy Hockenberry Andy Cornelison David Talbot Bucky Schafer Darrel Pouners Lee Farmer Ryan Saylor Todd Nordblom Conrad Colman Walker Savidge Taylor Merk-Wynne Brian Boyle "The Great" Johnny Hoyte AJ Smith David Williams Mark Holowesko Race results provided by JAR-Cycling
Race report courtesy of Daniel Larson - Director, VMG Racing
