Battenkill Tour Gaining Momentum

by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 30, 2008 2:46 PM EST in N. American Racing

VN has the story. Apparently Chuck Schumer is a good guy to know. New York's senior senator -- himself a cyclist -- couldn't force the race's acceptance into the UCI America tour, but he's done the next best thing: landing a sponsor. Schumer's intervention apparently has helped deliver former USPS Team sponsor AMD to the Tour of the Battenkill, where AMD or its new incarnation will provide backing for a full slate of races. Race director Dieter Drake told VN he has assurances that Team Type 1, Rock Racing, Steve Bauer's Team RACE, and the Kenda team are slated to appear. Also, registrations are apparently through the roof, though that's what happens when your event gets top billing at the Podium Cafe (and VeloNews). Nice comments from Vassili Davidenko of Type 1 about the need to support big East Coast events. Nothing says "east coast" like a 200km grind over dirt and short climbs, in variable conditions.

Having garnered a lot of attention, this is Battenkill's chance to shine, I would guess. If you live anywhere near Cambridge, NY, you might want to contact the organizers about volunteering. This may never turn into my fantasy of a true American Classic, but at a minimum it's an event we're likely to hear about for a while.

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PdC is King of the World!

registrations are apparently through the roof, though that’s what happens when your event gets top billing at the Podium Cafe

Well yes. One day soon PdC will rule the world!

Welcome back Chris. Did you enjoy your flight? Did you see the Bennlanche happened while you were on the airplane yesterday? Some folks drowned in the surf, others were caught in the Bennasnow.

by ZoeRochelle on Dec 30, 2008 3:44 PM EST reply actions

Thanks!

Nice to be back. There is no such thing as “enjoyed your flight” when two kids <6 are involved, but they’re good boys nonetheless, and we’re all very happy to be home. The Bennalanche… I asked Ursula to detonate some minor explosives to reduce the risk, but Gavia is bogarting his slide rule.

CQRanking.com, you complete me.

by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 30, 2008 4:33 PM EST up reply actions

Ouch. That doesn't sound like our cute little Gavia.

Someone must’ve forgotten to make sure she had food and wine while you were away. She was so busy with the cats she forgot to eat and drink herself. I’ll get right on that one. Oh Gavia….. I have a bottle for you with your name on it. ha ha!

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Dec 30, 2008 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

you got mail, girl ;-)

by Jen See on Dec 30, 2008 5:48 PM EST up reply actions

Gavia's a big nasty bully!

And I say that with my mouth full of sand!

by ursula on Dec 30, 2008 6:33 PM EST up reply actions

but, but, i'm nice...

i took care of the cafe cats and everything

{sniff}

by Jen See on Dec 30, 2008 7:21 PM EST up reply actions

Holy crap.... she shoved your face in the sand too.

Gavia. How long have you gone with out a drink. Get over to Lyne’s and drink what’s left. This is so unlike you sweetie.
Ursula… I am sure she did not mean it. She must have got a whiff of the cat nip and gone goofy.

DAD!!!! We need some help here.

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Dec 30, 2008 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

me?!

I would never bogart the slide rule. Sheesh, those things are sacred. Even I know that.

Post on the way. Maybe you could come get the cats, though? Coppi is sitting on my keyboard and it’s sorta hard to type and stuff.

by Jen See on Dec 30, 2008 5:48 PM EST up reply actions

Flying with kids is exhausting.

I flew from Germany to Cali in 1988 with a 7 month old. That was horrendous. 13 hours plus customs at La Guardia during a layover and plane change.

by ZoeRochelle on Dec 30, 2008 7:07 PM EST up reply actions

ouch

That is pretty rough. I hope this involved a lot of naps, at least.

CQRanking.com, you complete me.

by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 30, 2008 7:11 PM EST up reply actions

Do folks still slip the kiddies cold medicine?

You know… the kind that makes them a little sleepy? No? Damn. Friends used to swear by it.

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Dec 30, 2008 8:41 PM EST up reply actions

if necessary

hell, they usually do have a cold.

CQRanking.com, you complete me.

by Chris Fontecchio on Dec 30, 2008 11:55 PM EST up reply actions

I Can't Put My Finger On It

I am all for the Tour of the Battenkill and was sorry to see it not earn the UCI sanctioning nod it sought. But I can’t figure out this story on VeloNews.com. It wasn’t written by a staffer. Was it written by the race’s PR person? It was a real rah-rah piece. Thoughts?

by Chief Commissaire on Dec 30, 2008 6:20 PM EST reply actions