Chapter 6. Summary. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Please refer to the month of September for the Prelude and October for Chapters 1-5.

So some may be curious what we did when we were not racing. I just to break it out... there wasn't really anything special here.... no bar crawling, no fish'n chips, no museum visits, no downtown escapades, but there are a lot of standouts cannot be forgotten! Let me start with the unfortunate side and build it up to the brighter side, so here's it is.... Just take these 3 major things into account:

First, evenings in England is morning time in California. Besides yearning for a real 8-10 hour sleep and finding food was as important. Secondly, it was always cold and wet. The sun only shines when the obnoxious thick clouds gives her a chance and that's usually just a few minutes later in the afternoon. Third, the commute was always mystery and trying our best to safely navigate through foreign roads.

Here's our escape route from the hotel:

And loading up in to the mini-minivan!

During our daily commute back to the hotel, finding Asian restaurants or anything else is not as easy as in California... the 3rd hurdle. If you find one, parking is not a given. If you find a takeout place, you only get a baby fork if you ask for a "fork"… yes, it was tiny! Forget the napkins! You're not going to get those! They look at you strangely when you ask for these 2 things… it's a bloody "takeaway" for heaven's sake!  But surprise.. your order comes with a fortune cookie! 

Desperation growing, we found a couple of Chow Mein restaurants, first one was near Manchester University campus which was south of the Velodrome and a another one but a takeaway-only place which is a couple of miles west of the hotel in Hale. Add a couple of stops at 2 different McD's, the food place at Asda, and the cafeteria in the velodrome, and that was it! Yep, at least we did found find food within our budget!

Now, just because we had to treat ourselves sometime... we've got to find a Filipino Restaurant at some time right! The craving was somewhat building up, if you know what I mean!

Our taste buds were eager, we spent the time on different days driving about half an hour east to Ashton-under-Lynn to Cora's Restaurant, and …  they were closed but "not" according to the internet! Talking about food problems!

But don't despair as we always endure the night for the hotel's breakfast. So here's the fortunate portion of this story... As I mentioned earlier, lunch and dinner is not too convenient for our taste buds but Chef Bhogs 'Banana' Alves, the hotel's chef at Marriott made our stay worthwhile.

Besides the hotel's breakfast buffet, he prepared lunch for us even a meal for the last night. Deo and I basically will have brunch when he is around. He would also chat with us when he frees up. Hotel chef he is, but he was a long time chef from different cruise liners. This man has traveled the world… amazing! Besides his friendliness, he is very proud of his restaurant staff.

I think he is an asset of the hotel. Beyond that, it was a treat because he also follow Philippine cycling and was very familiar with Deo's prime during the early 80's. 

It was a perk seeing my cousin Jason once again. He also brought cookies from Betty's, a must visit Tea House when you get a chance! My only regret was not getting a chance to talk to Dennis Ong of PCC-UK and Mikey Ramirez of FGL. Hopefully there's another chance.

Remember Mark Altamirano! He was Steve Pelaez's manager during 2008 UCI Track World Cup in Los Angeles. He competed also!

Naturally, we had some time to roam around the track, savor and soak all the prestige and history this building can offer. To get started, here's the front entrance to the velodrome..

Most of the days, we park and go through the back entrance. Here's the smiling Shoulin Mastah!

Look at these collections though UK's Track Cycling history!

Check out these pics from around the Velodrome: Here's the hallway to the different offices different from the offices around the lobby with Chris Hoy's picture on the wall.

Yes, the moment is yours upon entering the track through the infield.

Hopefully you've seen the pics I posted in Facebook while we were there. There are a few more, I just couldn't fit them most of them in this story. On top of that, There are many pics of UK's superstars to include Chris Boardman, Bradly Wiggins and Mark Cavendish to name a few. Here's Chris Hoy against SoCal's Jimmy Watkins...

If you recall, I mentioned in the previous chapter that Deo started to have symptoms of flu on the second day of racing. We were just fortunate that we had 2 days of rest in between. We don't realize having cold sweats and runny nose while in the velodrome but clears out a few minutes after we have left the building. My hunch could be the stagnant cold air. 

Here's the view from atop turns 1/2..

At least we were feeling better and rested when we returned for his 3rd race. But I noticed the same symptoms back once again. I think we were just fortunate that the Finals of the Points Race was move to the schedule of Heat 1. Speaking of the bug floating around, there were 2 from his 3rd race that just crashed on their own rumored having the bug. Right off, once Deo was rested we jetted out of the Velodrome! I think I started feeling sick that day.  

Recapping the event, here's the final results from 22 countries who participated with USA finishing 2nd place in the tally:

Special thanks to Mr. Ian Emmerson of UCI Cycling Masters, the staff of the National Cycling Centre who spearheaded and organized this successful event. Photo copied from their FB page.

Once again, we appreciate the fund raising effort made by Integrity Riderz Cycling Club and the structured training during Roger Young's sessions. Maggie Ethridge-Unero, Ron and Ada Garland, Chris Cruz, Tammy Aquino, Ryan and Brendon Dalrymple, Ashley Long, Christene Le, Kevin Cho, Jennifer Velasquez, Debbie Carroll, Army Luong, Joyce Guzman, Pat and Gloria Frey, Madonna Sikat, 4 anonymous donators. Peter Maharaj, Robert Herber Jr., Arland Macasieb, Alex Tellez, Louie Rivera, Al Villamil, Shon Halasi, Gibby Hatton, Bill Ron, Bong Toralba, and George Eugenio and most of all Deo's family Diana, Eugene, and Alvin for all the support we received.

Deo Asuncion's Race Results: 

Day 1: October 4, 2014 Saturday - afternoon session only 2:00 pm - 7:45 pm
30-lap Scratch Race - 12th place out of 24 participants

Day 2: October 5, 2014 Sunday afternoon session
500 meter Individual Time Trial - 20th place out of 29 participants

Day 5: October 8, 2014 Wednesday morning session
60-lap Points Race (points every 10 laps) - 9th place out of 22 participants

Day 7: October 10, 2014 Friday morning session
Team Sprints (45-54 age group) with Robert Cormin of NorCal, Alphonso Whaley of Texas. Team Texie Cali USA - 5th place out of 10 teams.

It was also a pleasure to race and rub shoulders with local friends at this big event: Jim and Carol Kloss, Robert and Rebecca Pelegrin, Mike Birditt, and Kurt Sato, Jay Wolkoff, Coach Travis Smith, and Coach Andy Lakatosh. A few coming home as World Champions and World Record Holders. Congratulations!

For complete results, please refer to 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships Results

What's next? Let's get Wilson Blas to have a chance at next year's World Championship Jersey! But, shhhh... keep it low... Deo is not done yet!

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

Racing by Pinoy Pride and SCNCA Champion Wilson Blas!

"FINAL RESULTS"

----  TEAM CHAMPIONS  ----

MEN'S OPEN - 7-ELEVEN

WOMEN - CORRATEC 

Age Group 19-35 - AIR FORCE

Age Group 36-45 - SANTE BARLEY

Age Group 46-above - EXCELLENT NOODLES

----  AGE GROUPS  ----

Age Group 19-35 (16 LAPS / 47 MINS 25 SEC)

Champion : JULIUS DELOS REYES

2nd - ROBBIE URBANO 

3rd - JUN QUINTIA 

4th - RENALD GUEVARRA 

5th - RUDY MALANGZA

Age Group 36-45 (16 LAPS / 42 MIN 12 SEC)

Champion : RICKY CALLA

2nd - VIRGILIO ESPIRITU 

3rd - WILSON BLAS 

4th - IVAN LEOPANDO 

5th - ARCHIE MAPA

Age Group 46-ABOVE (16 LAPS / 43 MIN 29 SEC)

Champion : JOSELITO SANTOS

2nd - JERRY AQUINO 

3rd - ALEX BILLAN 

4th - FERNANDO ELIJERA 

5th - BONG AQUINO JR.

JUNIORS

Champion : JAKE RIVERA

2nd - ALLEN SANTIAGO 

3rd - JUAN CARLOS BARRIOS 

4th - CHRISTIAN MERCADO 

5th - LUIS KROG

MTB (6-LAPS / 23 MIN 16 SEC)

Champion: JOSEPH FRANCISCO

2nd - KENNETH LACUESTA 

3rd - DEMMER NACILLAX 

4th - GARY FRANCISCO 

5th - ALLISTER DIO

FOLDING BIKE (4-LAPS / 14 MIN 34 SEC)

Champion: ROY ENRIQUEZ 

2nd - JEFFREY SOLIMAN 

3rd - JOHN DOMINIC BUTANO

MEN'S OPEN (20-LAPS)

Champion - JAN PAUL MORALES 

2nd - ANGEL VAZQUEZ 

3rd - FELIPE MARCELO 

4th - ALFIE CATALAN 

5th - ARNEL DE JESUS

WOMEN'S OPEN (10-LAPS / 27 MIN 57 SEC)

Champion:CHELE BARNACHEA 

2nd - MARITA LUCAS 

3rd - AIMEE BENJAMIN 

4th - JERMYN PRADO 

5th - MARELLA SALAMAT

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS TO

ALL PARTICIPANTS AND TO ALL OUR WINNERS!!!

Special thanks to the following sponsors and to everyone who made this a successful event:

From Philippines: Ricky Cruz of Wescor Transformers, PhilCycling Executive Race Director Jojo Villa, Ricky Cruz of UCAP and Quezon Circle Cycling Club.

From United States: Joe Camacho of Velo La Grange, Dan Weinberg of Helen's Cycles Sta. Monica, Mike Faello of Surf City, Lloyd Bandonillo of Hotwheels, Richard Hiraga, Grace Manzano of MRI Endurance, Noriel Simsunagco of Fil-Am Tri, Orlando Cabanday of Cabanday Law Offices, Carlo Ponce DeLeon of Bellflower Auto Repair Shop, and the Fil-Am Cycling Community.

Thank you to PhilCycling and UCAP for the recognition!

Please check out: Fil-Am Criterium Grand Prix Facebook Page

Let's hope that the 4th Fil-Am Criterium Grand Prix will happen next year!

by the man himself, Wilson Blas.

Chapter 5. Race 4: Team Sprint. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Race Day # 6. October 9, 2014 Thursday, 7 days after arriving. Team Sprint. His last race of the event.

The Team Sprint team was formed yesterday with Robert Cronin from NorCal as the first man, Alphonso Whaley from Texas as the second man, and Deo as the 3rd man. Here's a photo at the starting line taken by Rebecca Pelegrin.

Team was called "Texie Cali USA"! It was just unfortunate Robert Pelegrin was injured from the crash he endured during his Match Sprint the other day. We were set to form a team with Robert Cronin in their age group but instead we moved down to 45-54 age group because of Alphonso's age. Down aging was allowed! Despite getting sick, Deo was not looking forward to for the 3rd man sprint especially after having symptoms of flu a couple of days ago.

Out of 10 teams, Texie Cali USA still finished a respectable 6th place, just 0.2 seconds behind 5th place finishers, missing the qualification seeding. We just wished that we weren't sick.

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

Chapter 4. Race 3: 60-lap Points Race. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Race Day # 5. October 8, 2014 Wednesday, 6 days after arriving. 60-lap Points Race, points every 10 laps for the first 4 riders.

Why do people register for a race in a big event like this and not show up nor sign in just like this Scratch Race?! There were 2 scheduled Heats this morning but were eliminated because 5 out of the 27 registered riders did not show up! It was later suggested that Heat A will be the Finals instead of the last race tonight. Deo was able to roll easy before the event started and waited if warm-ups on rollers are still needed for the Heat races. Once the officials decided that Heat A was going to be the Finals, he was ready and continued on  with his warm-up. As most know, the timing when you start and the intensity needed from your warm-ups is very critical.

His bike was checked for the race and race briefing was given just before heading out from the back stretch. At least this time, there was an official stopping everyone at Turn 4 not like his previous Scratch Race where everyone raced up to the track. I don't like that! This time, Deo was in a better position when they were let off. The race started once they crossed the starting line.

At the first bell lap, Deo placed 5th after a few attacks. A few more of those ensued as he was close to where the action was. The race heated up and Deo smartly hid in the peloton with good positioning till bell lap. Here's Deo on Larry Nolan's wheel, the winner of the Scratch Race  from Race day # 1.

As the race went on, the breakaways either was successful or were caught up by their group. At the last 10 laps, only a couple where still going for their breakaways. Deo finished closed to the front of the peloton. It was another fast paced race and it was relentless. Larry manhandled this race once again and won it! It's amazing that Deo finished 9th out of 22 riders despite some drawbacks! I'll let you know at the next chapter.

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

Chapter 3. Race 2: 500-meter Individual Time Trial. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Race Day # 2. October 5, 2014 Sunday, 3 days after arriving. 30-lap Scratch Race. 500-meter Individual Time Trial.

Deo's warm-up built up correctly and were able to simulate a couple of his races on rollers as he was scheduled for Heat 7. Bike checked done afterwards. His friend Mike Birditt who won yesterday's 60-64 Scratch Race from a breakaway went and raced his 500-m ITT earlier mentioned of the need for heavy gearing, we immediately changed to a larger chainring.

We all know that Deo is a spinner but he's been convinced of the need of heavy gearing in track racing! We moved to the waiting area early enough so he can get settled in and to calm down. I think that was one of the many right moves we have done. Eventually, his bike was brought to the starting gate and we were on!

Despite the known fact the he clocks in at 40-seconds and that 35 seconds will win a medal, we were confident that he can go faster that his usual which he did at 38.440 seconds! Here's his results with 8 more heats to go.

Most of our peers dished out some pain and some won medals from Match Sprints, Individual Time Trials, and Team Pursuits. You need to know the results?! Personally, it didn't matter, he still outperformed his limits! I respect him for that!

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

Chapter 2. Race 1: 30-lap Scratch Race. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Race Day # 1. October 4, 2014 Saturday, 2 days after arriving. 30-lap Scratch Race.

We arrived at the Velodrome at 6:00 am but the doors didn't open till 7:30! Deo had an 8-9 am training session and this is the reason we arrived early... to get ready, warm-up easy on rollers before getting started with the session! That's only 30 minutes to get ready! I should have asked the receptionist what time this place opens! I'll take that for the team! So what did we do? We were stuck in the car freezing our arshes off but we exchanged so much stories, it was still well-worth the time! Time had passed and the doors were finally opened, he was able to ride easy at the track as planned and relax before the event began at 2 pm. Registration and credentials were taken care of also.

It was surprising that 3 out of 27 registered racers did not sign in.... at this highest level of Masters racing! This meant not having more than 25 racers to create 2 separate Heat races. This resulted to going straight to Finals later that evening. This also meant that we can't gamble warming up for the Heats because of the short time of that decision.

I was somewhat worried because we woke up at 4:00 am, had a couple of scones and coffee before heading out, too many times riding the rollers until the right time to warm-up (Deo mentioned that he wanted to ride on rollers long enough anyway), some porridge at 10 am for a mid morning meal (it was really nothing), and no lunch at all. At least we brought the extra scones, some fruits, a few bottles of water and energy drinks bought from the grocery store.

The time got close, bike was checked at 1 gram over the weight limit. Side note: What is a gram?! Grime on the chain or extra long bar tape?! We passed the first assignment with flying colors!

All competitors started rolling at the middle of the infield prior to getting briefed and rolling out for the neutral lap.

Deo did rock the house that night! I think I've finally seen the craziest Points Race ever with endless attacks at high speeds from start to finish! Even at the neutral lap, there was too much testosterone going on! Deo did his fare share in the house of pain, watching everyone from the back to going to the front involving himself in the attacks at the first half of the race. He even took turns leading the peloton on an attack to get back to the 2 breakaway groups.

Eventually with the others doing their fare share like "it's now or never" kind'a move, they eventually pulled everyone back to one group just like how they started but with about 8 laps left in the race, and still strung out! Deo made a valiant effort to move up in position with 5 laps to go. He officially finished 12th place with all 24 racers sprinting to the finish line. That was very respectable especially with technical race like that! How many people do you know who can still do this kind of thing at this level! 

To end that day, most of our California friends won medals from Team sprints and Scratch Race with Larry Nolan of Specialized USA and Michael Birditt winning their respective Scratch Races with domination and strength.

Oh, one last note, did you notice his wheelset? Those were the ones he used during his 2007 UCI Track World Cup that was held in Los Angeles. Finally, redemption was real with the same race but with super heavy gear for our standards, if you know what I mean! Our homework scored an "A"! It was a good night of World Track Championship racing!

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

Chapter 1. The journey had started. Olympian Deogracias Asuncion at UCI's 2014 Masters Track Cycling World Championships

Sometime last year after assisting 7-Eleven Cycling Team at Philippines' biggest Tour event: Ronda Pilipinas. Deo mentioned to me about his decision to race at World level once again. He was convinced by his long time friend Manny Ibay who is the President of the National Masters and Seniors Athletic Association of the Philippines. Many months had passed, he finally got his track bike assembled but it still took us a while making sure his bike is UCI legal. His track training at VSC had started and winning local Criterium races in the process and later earning his first State Masters Championship jersey. We seriously looked into his track riding earlier this year experimenting on different gears and wheels. Friday nights training at the track with Shon Halasi, very promising Jordan Ellison, and at times with Masters Sprint World Champion and Coach Gibby Hatton and Louie Rivera was very helpful. Not to mention Coach Roger Young's Tuesday and Thursday night sessions and is usual Criterium training nights and weekend racing.

The final months came, PhilCycling and her daughter Diana was getting involved with the logistics. Our travel arrangements were taking place. Thank you once again to all who helped with the expenses, borrowed bike cases, and airport transportation. Finally, we were at the point of no return.

It's amazing how expensive it is to check in extra luggage during air travel. It was a long flight indeed but it felt very different because of what Deo and I were set to do. It's not like travelling for a vacation. Many hours had passed and we were finally in front of the Immigration Officer at Manchester Airport. With his Brit accent, asking us the purpose of our visit. It was actually pretty neat to say that we are going to compete at UCI's Masters Track Cycling Championships at National Cycling Centre. Just like that, our passports were stamped and off we went to get our luggages.

It was cold and drizzly wet that morning getting out of the airport dragging both bike cases and luggages out to catch the shuttle bus. We were fortunate that the auto hire we requested was changed from a midsize stationwagon to a minivan. Everything we brought fitted in nicely with some room to spare. Driving off to the hotel was not an easy thing to do… the long flight, right-side steering wheel, had to drive on the wrong side of the road, and my first time driving for real in UK! To make the "2-mile drive through the motorway and runabouts" story short, we arrived at the hotel alive! It was still early but we were able to get our room and rest.  This day was basically to relax, assemble his road bike, and find dinner!

The following morning, our Olympian went out for a spin…. it was cold, roads were narrow and wet, the morning traffic was in full swing and had to figure his way back because he got lost! But no worries, he was able to get back alive! Cleaned the dirt off his road bike and we later drove north to National Cycling Centre  where the event venue will be. Setting up the GPS was different. Needless to say, we got lost around downtown and I now consider that as a tour of Manchester! All the excitement was so strong as we arrived. Seeing Henry Shibata of Encino Velodrome and Gerry Agnew was a welcome surprise! That also meant that Arizona's Miss Gia and her Mom arrived also. Deo unpacked his track bike and got it assembled in record time. We also got the rollers we hired and there goes Deo again for a spin! This first full day was very important to get settled in.

Jim and Carol Kloss, Robert and Rebecca Pelegrin, Mike Birditt, and Kurt Sato, also arrived that afternoon straight from the airport. Jay Wolkoff, Coach Travis Smith, and Coach Andy Lakatosh arrived the next day as with other folks from Texas, Colorado, and NorCal. We were also the first ones to stake our temporary home in the infield.

We finished up later that afternoon and drove back to the hotel... we were alive once again! We had a "smiley face" night of sleep as we knew that this was the first biggest hurdle we had to cross! We should be cruising till the day we return home.... knock on wood!

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

Prelude. Our 1984 Olympian Deogracias Asuncion is definitely not done yet!

Our 2014 State Champ, World Cup Veteran and 1984 Olympian in the sport of Cycling, Deogracias Asuncion is definitely not done yet! He's coming back for more with a vengeance from his 2007 UCI Track World Cup that was held in Los Angeles' Velodrome. Formerly ADT Event Center during that time and now called Velo Sports Center which is the closest spec's as Manchester's Velodrome. And after earning his Southern California Nevada Cycling Association (SCNCA) State Championships three months ago. Now he is once again prepared and peaking to race his hardest at the upcoming UCI Masters Track Championships that will be held in Manchester, England this coming October 4-11, 2014. Please wish him luck for another great experience. Here's the man just arriving at Velo Sports Center for his last Friday night of hard training.

First of all, we also would like to thank Manny Ibay, President of the National Masters and Seniors Athletic Association (NMSAA) of the Philippines for serving as his inspiration. I'm about 110% sure that Deo's efforts are dedicated to you and to serve as an inspiration to the others.

We would like to thank all friends and families who contributed and sponsored to make his quest for another World level competition possible and for supporting us in our efforts. To start, we would love to thank Deo's daughter Diana Frey for her efforts in acquiring financial help and setting an online fund raiser at www.gofundme.com.Thank you to those who submitted their donations already. For those who are planning to, please continue your support as you wish as I'm not doubting that he has paid a good portion for the expense from his own savings. I'm sure that he will appreciate all the help he can receive. Can you believe Diana and Deo were able the get Manny Pacquiao's approval for financial help from his visit a few weeks ago! But unfortunately, his staff was not able to work Manny's approval. Just to let you in, that was the last deciding factor if Deo was going to represent the Philippines.

Special thanks as always to my mentor, 2012 Olympic Coach/Manager of Trinidad Tobago Peter Maharaj for giving those important tips for this whole travel. Thank you to our many friends who helped out. We also appreciate the fund raising effort made by Integrity Riderz Cycling Club during their recent club race. Roger Young's sessions added strength, stamina, and confidence. Thank you to all our peers on and off the track who's been encouraging Deo during these months of training nights. Very special thanks to Maggie Ethridge-Unero, Ron and Ada Garland, Chris Cruz, Tammy Aquino, Ryan and Brendon Dalrymple, Ashley Long, Christene Le, Kevin Cho, Jennifer Velasquez, Debbie Carroll, Army Luong, Joyce Guzman, Pat and Gloria Frey, Madonna Sikat, 4 anonymous donators, and most of all Deo's family Diana, Eugene, and Alvin.

Thank you also to Louie Rivera (left) and Former Philippine National Cycling Team Al Villamil (right) for their tremendous assistance during this preparation.

We also would like to thank PhilCycling President Abraham Tolentino and Executive Director Jojo Villa for accommodating our request. PhilCycling Coach Christopher Allison is also aware of this endeavor. All of these help was to race for the Philippines as we already registered for the event. Unfortunately and to make it very brief, we had to change his registration using his USA Cycling International License and race for his local cycling club: South Bay Wheelmen. Fortunately, their elite and masters are experienced and competes at UCI level races including World Cups.

Here's his tentative race schedule:

Day 1: October 4, 2014 Saturday - afternoon session only 2:00 pm - 7:45 pm

• 30-lap Scratch Race
• Event 2 - Heats
• Event 13 - Finals

Day 2: October 5, 2014 Sunday

• 500 meter Individual Time Trial
• morning session 9:40 am - 2:45 pm
• Event 17 - Heats and Event 32 - Finals - evening Session 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Day 5: October 8, 2014 Wednesday

• 60-lap Points Race (points every 10 laps)
• Event 8 or Event 10 - Heats - morning session 9:00 am - 1:15 pm
• Event 46 - Finals - evening Session 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Day 7: October 10, 2014 Friday

• Team Sprints (45-54 age group) with Robert Cormin of NorCal, Alphonso Whaley of Texas. Team Texie Cali USA
• Event 15 - Heats - morning session 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
• Event 23 - Finals - evening session 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Let's make sure that he qualifies for the Finals first, then let's go for the GOLD! That's 6 or more races to plan ahead!

Lastly, I am very thankful that Deo trusted me to train, mentor, and manage during this preparation and will continue with my responsibilities throughout the travel, throughout the duration of the event, and hopefully in future races. He basically entrusted his quest on my expertise! I'll be definitely be there for him 110% to include barking from the apron during his races. I myself is going for the win!

So this is it! It's very official, Pinoy Fixie is going to Manchester, England for the Masters Track World Championships! Let's put that in our cycling resume! What I've been learning in this cycling world is to keep working that love of the sport while helping alike conquer that same dream. I tell you, it's difficult and arduous but it's very much doable and it's rewarding afterwards.

Next on the agenda, I'm already thinking of the upcoming UCI/USAC Masters National Record Breaking event this coming 30th of October at Velo Sports Center. Let's get the Champ in the record books!

Coach/Manager Arden Arindaeng

PhilCycling's Track Event at Amoranto Velodrome this July. Be there!

Our Pinoy Prides won races at SCNCA Track Championships!

Our Pinoy Prides showed their strengths, talents, and track cycling skills at the recent Southern California / Nevada Cycling Association (SCNCA) Track Championships!

Please congratulate former National Track Team Cyclist WILSON BLAS for winning races on BOTH Elite and Masters Track Championships! That’s 4 GOLD medals and a bronze medal!

Wilson’s race results from SCNCA Elites Track Championships (June 14-15, 2014) held at Encino Velodrome, California:

1. Team Sprint with Quinn Hatfield and Edward Horvet – 1st place, GOLD medal – CHAMPION

2. Keirin – 3rd place, Bronze medal

He also competed and won 3 out of 4 events he competed on at SCNCA Masters Track Championships 35-39 age group (July 12-13, 2014) which was held at San Diego Velodrome, California. Here's the CHAMP on the 2nd day of the event, topping with the fastest time for the Match Sprint seeding, the Flying 200-meter Individual Time Trial:

His amazing results:

1. Match Sprint – 1st place, GOLD medal – CHAMPION

2. 30-lap Points Race – 1st place, GOLD medal – CHAMPION

3. Team Sprint with Henry Shibata and Kirk Edwards – 1st place, GOLD medal – CHAMPION

4. 30-lap Scratch Race – 5th place

Next we have Christina Ricafort with her teammates Elise Traylor and 1976 Olympian Jan Palchikoff  (Rowing). You'll see her in this photo on her turn to pull the team for the GOLD medal!

2013 3-km Team Pursuit Masters Champion CHRISTINA RICAFORT (left) for becoming a repeat Champion:

1. 3-km Team Pursuit with Jan and Elise (35+ age group) – 1st place, GOLD medal – CHAMPION

2. 2-km Individual Pursuit (35+ age group) – 3rd place, Bronze medal

Now it's time for Tony Zaldua, Jr. to strut his quickness! Here, he's prepping up for 1-kilometer Individual Time Trial:

2011 and 2013 Team Sprint Masters Champion TONY ZALDUA, Jr. for winning the (35+ age group) 1-kilometer Individual Time Trial:

1. 1-km ITT – 1st place, GOLD medal – CHAMPION

2. 30-lap Points Race – 3rd place, Bronze medal

3. Team Sprint with Deo and Shon Halasi – 3rd place, Bronze medal

4. 30-lap Scratch Race – 4th place

Here's Tony at the top of the podium!

And finally, our 1984 OLYMPIAN DEOGRACIAS ASUNCION for winning the 3-km Team Pursuit: on the first day of competition:

1. 3-km Team Pursuit - 45-54 age group – 1st place, GOLD medal – CHAMPION

2. 500-meter Individual Time Trial - 55-64 age group – 2nd place, Silver medal

3. 20-lap Scratch Race - 55-64 age group – 2nd place, Silver medal

Here's Deo on his turn to pull his Team Pursuit teammates Ed Kissee, Mark Ulrich, and Michael Birditt for their GOLD medal run!

And two more races on the second day of the event:

4. 24-lap Points Race - 55-64 age group – 3rd place Bronze medal

5. Team Sprint with Shon Halasi and Tony Zaldua, Jr. - 45-54 age group – 3rd place, Bronze medal

At the end of the event, Deo collected medals on all the events to competed on!

Thanks to Alex Tellez for getiing Deo and Tony their fast times with his aerobar!

Please congratulate Wilson, Christina, Tony, Deo, and their teammates for their hard work at the height of 2014 Southern California racing!

Arden Arindaeng

Cycling in Alice Springs, Australia.

“Oh, there’s a velodrome there?! Really!” A lot of my local friends had given me that surprise remark once they figured out that I’ll be doing some track riding during my trips. A small city named Alice Springs, simply called “Alice” can be found just about in the middle of Australia. The plane ride leaving Sydney will give you a chance to see the vast emptiness until the plane is ready to land three hours or about 2,500 kilometers later. A lot of people say there’s nothing out there, not for me, not for a few…

It can get very hot starting from November to a few months after and very temperate temps at the middle of the year. Yes, it was HOT when I was there last Thanksgiving till mid-December giving new meaning to the festive season. Surprisingly, it was manageable and not a big deal. The sun beats down its heat rays from sunrise to sunset and can stay hot till later in the night. Occasional thunderstorms and bursts of rain can dramatically cool off this tiny city. Naturally, this summer season, the opposite of the northern hemisphere is also off season for bike racing….  I’m so grateful of my Alice Springs bike buddies who would graciously let me borrow almost everything I need just to get on the bike. All I needed to bring were my cycling paraphernalia. Without my buddies, I would never experience cycling out on the tough roads of Alice and at their velodrome. Thanks Mike, Brandon, Steve, and many more!

The roads are long without needing to stop…. Because they just never end! Some here asks me if it’s dangerous especially when the road trains passes by while bike riding… Frankly, I don’t recall any of these long behemoths passing me. During my visit a couple of years ago, I even talked to a driver for a few minutes at a street corner before he continued on with his long drive tagging up with another road train.  My bad, we weren't really having a conversation! All I asked, “How you doing mate?! Where you heading to? And the guy started his talk…. I just didn't understand any word that came out his mouth, but I knew it was still English… somewhat. All I said and reactions between his moments of break was “u-huh”, then a few more “u-huh” later”, add a few nods, a smile, and a “see ‘ya” to finish it off. So, out of the many types of trucks, you have to know which ones to avoid… road trains that move live stocks! Here’s one of them! Can you smell it?

The roads are just a bit rougher because the asphalt just melts a tiny bit as summer keeps lingering around. But I tell you, this is spin paradise! You bet they race out on these roads like any other places. And if off road cycling is what you prefer, this cycling paradise will fill your cravings as well. Maybe the week long Mountain Bike Enduro held annually will tickle your fancy. Locals love their green and yellow striped jerseys. Add their accents and unfamiliarity to Speedplay, Cliff bars and GU gels made me really feel that I’m down under and away from my usual roads. Alice Springs Velodrome is another phenomenon at this remote city. It is actually very comparable to San Diego and Hellyer’s 333 meter outdoor concrete track! They have races and training programs a few times a week for all ages just like velodromes in California. Here’s a nice pic after finishing up Friday night racing.

Their track program is just perfect! Good job Billy and Reg! One of the junior’s mom is a Filipina and was still good with her Tagalog but with a strong Aussie accent mixed in. I tell you, just like the local track scene here, parents really count a lot in junior racing! My appreciation goes out to all parents for supporting junior cyclists! The latest notable was 2012 and 2013 Northern Territory Track Titles Event were held at this track. Did I say I really admire their junior training and races?

As only a few may know, this is where TJ Mathieson trained to eventually earn medals at US Elite Track National Championships, clocking in fast times in his Flying 200-meter and Kilometer Individual Time Trial, a few UCI races, and World Cups a couple of years ago. Here’s a photo of TJ with Giddeon Massie, and Andrew Lakatosh winning the Team Sprint competition. Photo courtesy by Pat Benson. Taken from 2012’s National Track Championships held at Velo Sports Center.

Because of Alice’s summer heat, the air is dry which makes you reach for your water bottle as often as you could. Beyond that, the local track cyclists and visitors like me are very thankful of having a velodrome to use. The only thing I was not able to do was to visit the local bike shops since I couldn't make it before they close at around 5 pm during the weekdays, earlier on Saturdays, and might as well forget Sundays. Prices on anything here are three times more expensive so expect anything related to bicycles to be at that inflated cost too. Can you imagine how much a bar tape would cost, energy bars, gels, CO2, inner tubes?! At least they can do online shopping but don’t expect much of a difference because everything is expensive anywhere in Australia, top it off with the shipping cost.

Here’s a photo of the men of Alice Springs Velodrome during TJ’s comeback visit. This was taken last November 2012 by Mark Guzman.

I miss that place, I miss their hospitality, I miss their friendliness, and I can easily miss my bike buddies there. Thanks TJ for hooking me up with these great people. Because of them, I just can’t believe to have done so much road and track time the two times I was there. I’m really hoping for more.