Williams Factory Texas Team

CRAIG FULK TAKES THE WIN @ MANDA ( AUSTIN, TX )

2011-03-29T20:59:00.009-05:00

I think it was the second lap, in the tailwind section, I looked back to Thomas Luton with Lone Star Racing ( LSRC ) and said lets go. We were 53/12 uphill drilling it and immediately opened a sizable gap. We were joined by Brent Wells from Bicycle-Heaven. The three of us hit it and stayed away just shy of one full lap. As we were about to be caught by the field, I attacked again.

I stayed away quite a while before being caught by Brent. He thought I needed company. After 3-4 miles we were caught by another rider. Now we had three in the break. I looked back and saw the pack was closing in and was nothing of the size it was when we started. That made me feel even better to have missed the gutter fest that had to be going on with the high winds that day. Eventually, we were caught. With 1.5 laps to go, Matthew Kessing went to the front and just drilled it in the gutter during the crosswind run. OUCH. People were popping left and right. I was sitting 6th wheel, when 2 riders right in front of me popped and left a sizable gap. I had to close it knowing that the race could very well be decided right there.

We are now down to one lap to go and things started to settle down. I had marked the riders I felt could do the job...either bringing someone back or in the sprint. I think we were down to 15 in the field now. For the last 5 miles or so of the race, I was running through how I was going to win this thing. I decided it was going to be the sprint and not another solo attempt. I thought about how it would go down...how it looked and how would I make it there first. Everything played out exactly as I thought it would. An attack from Kessing on the last corner came. Luton and myself covered it. Coming into the final 1000m I was sitting in sheltered from the wind to the left of 4 riders and very close to the yellow line.

At 400m the road opened up for sprinting. Accelerations came up the left ( legally over the line ) as I had expected. I was immediately able to attach and roll with the accelerations to 300m. At 300m, it was on.

Out of the saddle and driving it hard all the way to the line. With about 25m to go, all the cards were played and I was left holding the winning hand.

It was a hard fought race with a very sweet ending.

Wheels choice for the day was Williams Wheels Full Carbon 58 tubies with Vittoria Evo Tech tires.

Thanks to Velossimo Racing from Austin Texas for putting on another great racing weekend in Central Texas. Thanks Karl for the great pics.

RICK REITMAN - FAYETTEVILLE STAGE WIN - 3rd GC

2011-03-25T20:37:00.003-05:00

Rick Reitman pulls off a long solo run in the final stage of Fayetteville, TX Stage Race last weekend and secures the win.

In Rick's words:

Two quarts of cottage cheese, one box of Fiber One, one box of Kashi Golean, and a 2 liter plastic bottle of cherry 7-up – What? So I have a healthy appetite. Ok, so maybe that is a little over kill for a 10K ITT.

So, after my snack ( meal for a large family ), I managed onto my TT bike and time trialed to a 4th place finish in the ITT. This left me 45 seconds down in GC.

On Sunday, I was somewhat content with hoping for a pack finish and settling for 4th over all with the payouts go to the top 6. Our field had to traverse 3 laps on Sunday’s road stage. The hotspot had a 3 second time bonus and the 2nd and 3rd GC men were tied. So they both attacked very early for the intermediate time bonus. Along with 5 other riders, I went with them. At the top of the hill, we had about 30 second on the pack. I was just about to open my fat mouth and yell “let’s go, we’ve got a gap”, when everyone sat up and seemed content to go back to the pack.

That’s when I buried my head and floored it. After 10 minutes I looked back and I was out of sight. I said to myself “what the @#$%! are you doing?” Well the die has been cast, and I have to stick with it for better or worse. The official gave me time splits around every 5 minutes or so, and the largest gap was 2:45 at the bell lap. I thought “whoa, maybe I can do this?” I was the virtual GC leader.

The time gap began to shrink down to 1:15 at the feed zone still no sight of them. But along comes a Charma rider. He looked totally destroyed. He said, let me recover and I’ll help you stay away. Sounded good to me. At one Kilometer, I could see the field coming up behind us. I could see the 500 meter sign straight ahead. At the 500M to go sign, I attacked. That move was enough to take the stage win and 3rd in GC.

My wheel choice for the day was a set of Williams Cycling 85MM Full Carbon Clinchers.

Williams Cycling Takes Another Win!

2011-03-10T17:05:00.006-06:00

Saturday = clockwise (15% grade down); Sunday = counter-clockwise (15% grade up)

Dillon:

Another exciting weekend of racing down in Lago Vista this past weekend. Saturday started with a chilly 42 degree temp for Dillon's morning race, not to be outdone by the ensuing rain and hail making the 40+mph downhill that much more "exciting". Why not attack on lap 1? So he does, and he and two others immediately open a gap on the climb and that was the race. A few more laps and the three man break is down to two. The elements of the day were treacherous and Dillon was able to hold on for a much deserved 2nd place result.

Not wanting to ride around solo on Sunday, Dillon entered the 3/4 race and looked incredibly comfortable in the group. He was able to pick his way through the field of 75 guys, learned how to take a feed, was at the front when he needed to be, and draft when he needed that also. Unfortunately while in the lead group with one to go, he flatted out of the race and had to settle for an early finish. Incredible first taste of Cat3 racing.

Todd:

Saturday afternoon weather turned sunny, windy, and warm for our race. An early break with Wooly Mammoth, 787, and Garmin goes up the road. They shut down the field and the group quickly puts 1:30 on us. I tried numerous times to get away, all unsuccessful. A handful of us start working the front of the group and keeping a much higher tempo than the first 8 laps. We hear the break is getting weaker and we pounce on the opportunity to bring them back. Coming across the S/F line for the last lap, we pick them up and nothing else gets away up the climb. At the top, Michael Pincus rolls off the front. I thought for sure we would bring him back... we didn't. We drilled it down the hill and into the sprint and I just had nothing left at that point and rolled in 15th.

Sunday was a much better day. That downhill was now an uphill. With no warm-up, I decided to play it safe and sit in for a few laps. Errr. lap 2 the climb starts and off goes a Garmin guy and a 787 guy. Then a Wooly guy goes. So, I go. Then a Tulsa Wheelmen, 918x, and Park Place guys come after us. Wooly and I bridge up to 787 and Garmin, and shortly after the other three attach to the back of us. With all the big teams represented, this may be the move...except there are 50+ more miles of racing. :( Next lap, off goes Park Place. Next lap, off goes Garmin. Now there is just 5. A few more laps, and off goes 787. With our lead at over 2:00 now, it will be hard to catch except for Garmin and 787 are now chasing. Our 2+ min lead is down to 1:10 in one lap, but we only have one lap (5.5 mi) to go. Up the hill one more time, hit the u-turn at the top, and we now can see the pack as we're looking over at them coming into the same u-turn. We drill it down the hill, the P1/2 break drills it harder and catch us... they neutralize us. We are literally coasting downhill with 2 miles to go. About 1 mile left, we are given the green and we go again. 918x jumps in the last corner which is downhill and about 600m out. I tag along and we shed the other two guys. We hit the uphill and I jump, he goes left of the motorcycle, I go right and fortunately had enough in the tank to take the win for Williams Cycling!

PODIUM AT LAGO

2011-03-06T10:56:00.002-06:00

Dillon Fowler takes 2nd at Lago Vista Road Race on Saturday.

Williams Cycling Rocks Mineral Wells Stage Race!

2011-03-02T20:11:00.002-06:00

We had a great showing at the Mineral Wells Stage Race this past weekend! Our youngest rider ( Dillon Fowler ) had his best race ever and seized 1st place in GC. With only two riders, our CAT 2 team secured many placings in the top 10 and a team podium spot. It was a blast to see the Williams name plastered all over the results.

Team Results:
Cat 2 - 3rd place team points! (with just Marc and Todd in the race!)
Cat 4 - 3rd place team points! (with just Dillon in the race!)

Individual Results:
Cat4
D-train Fowler
Crit - 5th
TT - 1st (stroked a sub-18 minute time)
RR - 4th - placed in KOM points sprint also!
GC - 1st Place!!!!

Cat2
Marc Mont-amazing
Crit - 4th
TT - 26th
RR - 12th
GC - 15th

Todd Farrell
Crit - 8th
TT - 9th
RR - 6th
GC - 4th

DILLON FOWLER takes 1st in GC - Mineral Wells Stage Race

2011-02-27T13:55:00.005-06:00

Williams Texas rider, Dillon Fowler, takes 1st in GC at the Mineral Wells Stage Race.

On Saturday, after placing 4th in the morning criterium, Dillon went on to win the time trial later in the afternoon. Dillon successfully executed a nice road race finish to secure 1st place overall on Sunday.

Congratulation Dillon on your first Stage Race Victory. May there be many more.

Way to ride!

Dillons weekend wheel choice:

Crit / RR - Williams Wheels 38 Tubies
TT - Williams 85mm Tubies.

Marc Montemayor takes an early season upgrade to Cat 2

2011-02-24T21:22:00.002-06:00

Following a very nice result at Walburg, Marc Montemayor has moved on to the 2s.

After getting caught in a mishap mid way through the 72 mile Walburg Road Race, Marc regained his position in the pack after a grueling chase. Marc maintained his position near the front for the remainder of the race. The field was down from over 80 riders to less than 25 in the finish field. Marc secured 4th place in a close uphill sprint.

Congratulations Marc on your upgrade.

The 2011 Season Is Rolling in Texas

2011-02-12T20:19:00.003-06:00

The Texas Team has grown from 6 riders in 2010 to support 12 riders in 2011.

The 2011 Team additions include:

Gary Glanger
Derek Carder
Steven Crawford
Kevin Porter
Dillon Fowler
Rick Reitman

2011 Sponsors include:

Title Sponsor
Williams Cycling

Presenting Sponsors
Texas Truxx
Sun and Ski Sports

Platinum Sponsors
BH Ultralight Bicycles
Powervibe

Gold Sponsors
North Texas Dynamic Bike Fit
Precor

Support Sponsors
Rhinowraps
Alphagraphics Downtown Dallas

Industry Sponsors
3T
Vittoria Tires
Hammer Nutrition

Race Promotion in 2011

We are excited to be co-promoting the Denton Rhapsody Criterium March 12th. The crit is part of the 2011 TXBRA North Texas Cup. More to come on this one.

FALL BRINGS UPGRADES TO CAT 2

2010-09-26T11:33:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Williams Cycling riders Todd Farrell and Jason McCombs on their recent upgrade to USA Cycling Category 2.

TX TOUGH GRAND PRIX III - SEPT 15th, 2010

2010-09-16T09:13:00.003-05:00

Texas Tough is finally here. Williams TX has 4 riders in the 2/3 race. Its going to be FAST!

Williams Texas Team riders participating:

-Todd Farrell
-Craig Fulk
-Jason McCombs
-Marc Montemayor

In addition, Williams TX raised more than $7,700 for Children's Hospital. In doing so, we have 2 riders that are in the top ten for fundraising and will be wearing a special number this evening.

> 1 Burke Patrick $5,259.99
> 2 Jantzen Shawn $5,110.00
> 3 Fulk Craig $3,979.00
> 4 D'Aurelio Shawn $3,205.00
> 5 Slaughter Michael $2,741.00
> 6 Young Jeff $2,101.00
> 7 Farrell Todd $2,037.62
> 8 Cook Jason $2,035.00
> 9 Keane Craig $1,890.00
> 10 Sewell Ben $1,775.00

Over $100,000 was raised collectively by the racing teams and riders in Texas. WOW!, a $100,000 raised for Childrens from a small group of racers. Everyone racing in Texas should be proud.

TOUR OF AUSTIN

2010-09-12T10:46:00.003-05:00

Tour de Austin day 2:

A very tough race. A technical course i would liken to Bike the Bricks or the old tuesday nighters Chris Watson used to put on in Ft. Worth. Everyone knew this was the course you had to start on the front line and keep good position through the first several laps just to have a chance at finishing. So of course, Todd and I started behind two guys who chose today to learn about the intricacies of the clipless pedal system and attempting a race start on the front line. I have honestly never seen anyone take so long to attach their foot to a bicycle. Near dead last, it took me 4 or 5 laps (and a LOT of energy) to move up to a decent position, and several more laps after that to recover.

A points prime lap was coming up and Todd motioned for me to get on his wheel for the lead out. Like clockwork, we jumped and made an easy meal of 5 omnium points. A few laps later, Danny Parks and 5 or 6 others had managed a 22 second gap on us which stuck for the rest of the race. Almost. At 5 to go, as we would pass the start finish line, the announcer would call us sissies and tell us to turn our jersey's inside out, that we were bad bike racers if we couldn't pull the break back. Funny now, it was probably just what we needed to pull the break back. (by 'we' i mean someone else. I was exhausted from sprinting for the points prime).

So with four to go, Todd rolled up alongside and I told him that I didn't have what it took to bridge or chase. He did however, and told me if he pulls the break back he won't have anything for the end. So here's where it gets good: Todd and a couple of others put in the monster pulls to bring the break back to within striking range. Now the 'one to go' bell sounds and a chase group splinters off the front. So it's break of 6, short gap to chase of 10ish, short gap to strung out field. With less than half a one mile lap to go, we all come back together and todd and i slide close to the front. But wait! one guy made a solo move when we caught the break! He's now 100M up the road. At least we're in position for a good lead-out if only that one RBM guy in front of Todd will get out of the way first. Sure enough, RBM takes off, Todd goes on his wheel and i'm stuck to Todd's. At about 600M, Todd passes RBM still accelerating in the saddle. I can start to feel the breath of the pack all around and yell at todd to "GO! GO TODD!!" hoping he can give me about 100 more meters of acceleration. Now closing the gap to the solo rider, i jump hard with 200m to the last corner and 200m to the line after that. Todd, spent, peeled off into the grass on the side of the road so he wouldn't cause a crash. I came into the last corner FAST and sprinted hard, all alone and closing in on the solo guy. I got 2nd by about 10 feet. He had exploded and slowed but still had enough gap to take the win.

Today was an awesome example of what organized teamwork and a little bit of communication can do in a technical crit, even when you're not in a breakaway. Todd really busted his butt in that race and if he hadn't chased down the break, the chase group, and organized the two leadouts, we would've been 30th or 40th place and the break would've stayed away for sure. Now we have a 2nd place finish and 2nd overall in the omnium thanks to his efforts and our communication!

WILLIAMS TX DELIVERS MULTIPLE PODIUMS AT THE HHH

2010-08-30T19:17:00.006-05:00

Williams Cycling TX had a great weekend at the Hotter Than Hell. Williams TX made the podium in the Road Race, the Criterium and the overall omnium.

Saturday 100 Mile Road Race ended in a field sprint with Craig taking 3rd, Todd taking 4th and Marc taking 11th.

Sunday's crit was on a great course that was fast, hot and windy. Marc took 3rd and Craig took 6th.

Craig pulled off 2nd overall in the omnium.

HOTTER THAN HELL HUNDRED

2010-08-24T21:31:00.002-05:00

Williams Cycling Texas Team will be at the Hotter Than Hell Hundred this weekend.

Keith Williams is coming in from California for the event and will show off some of the new wheel designs for 2011. We will have a booth in the pavillion.

See you there.

ELK HILL CIRCUIT RACE - JASON McCOMBS TAKES THE WIN

2010-08-16T19:08:00.006-05:00

Jason McCombs, in a three up break, takes the sprint for the win at the 1st Annual Elk Hill Circuit Race.

WILLIAMS TEXAS - TX TOUGH GRAND PRIX III

2010-07-01T22:48:00.005-05:00

Williams Factory Texas Team is in for the TX TOUGH GRAND PRIX III September 16th.

We are committed to help in raising lots of $$$ for Children's Hospital in Dallas. You can help us help the kids by donating today. Williams TX thanks you for your support.

100% of the money raised by each of the registered participants will go directly to Children's Medical Center.

Some Pro Race Coverage from past events...enjoy.

WILLIAMS TX TAKES 1-2 @ MINERAL WELLS CRITERIUM

2010-06-16T06:07:00.000-05:00

The Haughted Hotel in Mineral Wells

After a long night in McKinney, Todd and Craig were not sure how things would fair. They set a pre-race stategy to try to keep the field together and then go for field sprint. Things played out perfectly. Todd led Craig out on the back side and through the last 2 turns. The well played leadout was enough to take 1st and 2nd.

Some fun laps

The Sprint

Everything went as planned.

1 242 Fulk Craig Williamscycling.com
2 241 Farrell Todd Williamscycling.com
3 247 Wharton Richard Mirage
4 236 Boone Jake Team Bicycles Inc.
5 244 Metoyer Russell Velossimo Racing
6 249 Brown Sean Wichita Falls Bicycling Club
7 243 Kessing Matthew Team ALS-C3
8 250 Mathewson Scott ThinkCash Racing
9 235 Baker Reid Broken Films Racing
10 251 Galindo Ramon SSPI Inc.

PODIUM SPOT @ MCKINNEY TX, BIKE THE BRICKS CRITERIUM

2010-06-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

First off, this was a very nice event for a first year. Hats off to the Town of McKinney Texas for hosting the event, the volunteers and McKinney Velo for a fine job. We will put this one on our list for next year.

The race started off pretty good. Todd, Jason and Craig lined up front row. The course was fairly narrow and technical to some standards.

Off to a good start. Jason, Craig and Todd

Jason and Craig did a good job stringing things out on the first few laps.

We had Todd Farrell in a three up break somewhere just before the midpoint of the race. Jason was a few wheels in front of Craig going with an attack up the start / finish when a huge pile up occurred. How Craig missed riders and how they missed him only video and pics will tell. Craig made it through and attached to the now chase group.

Due to the nature of the crash, they neutralized the race. On the restart, the break was sent up the road, then the chase, then the pack. The break and the chase never saw the pack again. With Todd in the break and a guaranteed podium finish, Jason and Craig sat in on the chase.

Todd Farrell in the break.

With about 3 laps to go, the break shattered leaving Todd in the middle holding on for 2nd. Jason came through 5th and Craig took 9th.

Todd for 2nd

Jason for 5th

Craig for 9th

Williams Texas Team secured all three riders in the top 10.

1 332 Aaron Robson Rice University
2 345 Todd Farrell WilliamsCycling.com
3 305 Hunter Stewart GS Tenzing
4 353 anthony white Tuneros Racing
5 347 jason mcombs WilliamsCycling.com
6 337 Richard Lamb Southern Elite/Sun & Ski
7 329 Adam Allen Plano Athletic Cycling Club/PAC
8 335 Michael Dawdy Rockwall Cycling
9 346 Craig Fulk WilliamsCycling.com
10 340 Jake Boone TBI/DRT

Todd hanging out with Web and Bob from the Great Brewers Cycling Team. Great Brewers had a great showing in their race putting Erik on the podium after a long two up break.

TULSA TOUGH 2010

2010-06-09T18:11:00.007-05:00

The Williams Texas Team had a great time at Tulsa Tough.

Friday Night - Blue Dome District - CAT3
8th - Jason McCombs
10th - Craig Fulk
12th - Todd Farrell

Full Race Coverage from Friday Night

St. Franics Tulsa Tough Men's Cat III June 4, 2010 m4v from St. Francis Tulsa Tough on Vimeo.

We were setup right at the start/finish line.

Getting ready for Friday Night

Tim Silva - Dreaming of new bar tape.

Saturday - CAT3
7th - Jason McCombs
14th - Craig Fulk
20th - Marc Montemayor
21st - Todd Farrell

Saturday - CAT4
10th - Jim Ballew

Saturday Morning Ride

Saturday Morning Breakfast and Team Meeting with Keith Williams

Jim is lined up and ready to go.

Sunday - CAT3
8th - Jason McCombs - Winning the field sprint
9th - Todd Farrell
17th - Craig Fulk

"Cry Baby Hill"

More pics to come....

Tulsa, See you next year!

TEXAS STATE CRIT CHAMPIONSHIPS

2010-06-09T18:05:00.004-05:00

Williams Cycling Texas rider Jason McCombs leaves with the Bronze Medal in the Texas State Criterium Championships.

Jason with Bronze

Williams Cycling Texas CAT 3 Team

KY State Championships

2010-05-24T22:12:00.004-05:00

A beautiful day in the capital city of Frankfort, KY for a quick day of bike racing. I arrived in KY on Friday and had plenty of time to get rest and wait for a late morning start for the downtown crit.

We arrive at the start a bit late. Start time was 11am and we parked at 10:25. I hurried up and got registered, and fortunately the course was clear of racers so I could go get warmed up on the course. Got a good 15 minutes of riding and lined up at the S/F line.

With a few teams with a number of guys in the race, I thought for sure I could pull a few guys off the front and we could get away. The course was flat and fast being approximately .5 miles in length. As we complete the first lap, I attack, and in doing so bring a Mcdonalds guy off the front. With his team having heavy representation in the field, I thought we could sneak away. Bike Clicks went to the front and reeled us in. This was the story of the day... attack, bridge, or jump with others... and get reeled back in over the next few laps. As time ticked away, I settled in to the field and did my time at the front.

With only about 150m from turn 4 to the S/F line, I figured he who leads into that last corner has a good shot at winning if they start their sprint early. Not wanting to partake in all of that fun of trying to funnel through a single lane and onto the wide open homestretch, I decide it is an all or nothing day. We cross the line with two laps to go and head single file through turns 1 and 2. There are two Michelob Ultra guys at the front, then me. As we proceed down the back straight, I launch up the right side and apex turn 3 at full speed, carrying it through turn 4 and into the front straight. I drop my forearms on my bars and tuck my head, trying to poke a tiny hole in the headwind that had been feisty all day. I was able to quickly open up a 7 second gap by the time I made the first turn. I looked back and no one else had countered my move and the group was all together.

I hit the back straight for the final time and tucked and drilled it.
Bombing through turn 3 I looked back and saw they were not going to be able to catch me. Coming down the front straight, I was able to ease up and enjoy the win for WilliamsCycling.

A good day for exposure to our sponsors. Unfortunately the next time we show up in KY to race... we're probably going to be marked.

We are in for Tulsa Tough 2010 Criteriums

2010-05-19T22:22:00.007-05:00

Williams Cycling will have both the Elite Team from SoCal and the Texas Team at Tulsa Tough this year. Three days a fast crits. If you are in Tulsa June 4-6th, stop by...meet Keith Williams ( owner Williams Cycling ) and the Teams. Be sure to check out the latest wheelsets.

www.TulsaTough.com

Now, A Word From Our Sponsor

2010-05-07T18:35:00.004-05:00

WilliamsCycling Interview 2010 from Keith Williams on Vimeo.

Be sure to check out some awesome video of the upcoming 2010 Tour of California Video Link.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CRIT ( WNC )

2010-05-03T23:07:00.002-05:00

Our weekly Wednesday night crit was a fun one this past week. Williams Cycling Texas had Todd and Craig in the field. Working diligently and patiently together, they were able to get Todd off the front with one lap to go. Todd held the field off and took first and Craig threaded the needle to pull off the field sprint win.

1 921 Farrell Todd Williamscycling.com
2 946 Fulk Craig Williamscycling.com
3 940 Miller Imari GS Tenzing
4 913 Reade Michael ThinkCash Racing
5 912 Burnett Jeffrey Tuneros Racing

The weekly series runs through the end of August.

MATRIX CHALLENGE

2010-05-02T19:50:00.007-05:00

Matrix Challenge 2010 was held on a beautiful weekend in a park like atmosphere. Lots of primes and a fast technical course.

Williams Cycling Texas:

Saturday
Todd Farrell : 12th
Marc Montemayor : 19th
Craig Fulk : 21st

Sunday

Jim Ballew : 3rd by photo finish in the 35+. He definitely had the speed at the line. .07 seconds between first and second, .0011 between second and third.

Craig Fulk : 13th
Todd Farrell : Taken out on the last lap in a crash.

MINERAL WELLS STAGE RACE

2010-04-21T21:51:00.005-05:00

Day 1 - Mineral Wells Stage Race
Road Race 07:30 - We roll out, and it is still raining. As you can imagine, getting out of the car, getting dressed, in puddles, really starts to make you question the decision. Tim, Craig, Jason and I were waiting for the first one to say "let's leave"... but no one did so we donned our along with about 40 others. We are old enough to know better.

Rolling enclosure, great roads, scenery, wonderful host town, the list goes on and on. If they can continue to pull off this race and catch some good weather, this race will be phenomenal. Anyway, the racing starts and we are about 10 miles into it and the first climb of the day goes. It's about a 1 mile climb, with a steady grade. Nothing too punishing, but a little ringer. Small gaps keep opening and I'm able to jump each of them from about mid-pack. As we crest the hill, we have about 12-15 guys in the group, but unfortunately no other Williams guys. Craig was at the back ( bad positioning ) at the start of the climb and never caught up. Jason and Tim also got put into trouble on the hill...

A few miles later, both Jason and Tim have bridged back up to the front group. Impressive.

We're riding along for a bit more, enduring what is now a piercing rain storm with winds blowing the group across four lanes of the road. There are probably 20 of us. I'm sitting at the back, and Jason is near the front, then slowly he starts drifting back. As he gets next to me, I as, "Are you OK?" He responds with a "yeah, I'm fine." Then proceeds to continue in reverse, right off the back and apparently just had no interest in riding anymore. This was confirmed at the end when he said he had no interest in riding anymore. Now it's Tim and I... and a hill. As we start the climb, three guys go off the front for the KOM points. I am sitting at the front of the pack with one guy in no mans land, so I'm about 5th on the road. Points for first 3. This will come back to haunt us... As we crest the hill, I turn to find that Tim is not with the group, and actually not even in sight of the group. Come to find out, he dropped a chain at the bottom of the hill and chasing up a climb in this weather was not going to happen. He ended up rolling in a respectable 21st - Jason and Craig rolled in 26th and 27th.

The group had whittled down to about 15 guys and with the wind and hilly roads, it is probably going to stay this way to the finish. At this point, I'm freezing again - Fayetteville-ish, just not quite so bad. I am shaking and having a hard time going straight. I do my time at the front since everyone is quite content letting the three guys go off the front. I do not like rabbits, so I chase. At first being nice, but then I drift right until I am glued to the shoulder, guttering the entire group. I tuck and drill it, bringing the break back.

5k to go, I am cooked. I know exactly where I need to be, but I am unable to get there. It goes with about 1k to go, and I have nothing. I'm in and out of the saddle for the next 800 meters, unable to produce any significant power, and come across the line 5th.
Great!.... This is a points based stage race. 25 points to the winner, decrementing each place by 1 point, I got 20 points for the stage.

Time Trial 15:12 - It's a TT... It's not very fun putting on wet gear to go ride into a headwind as hard as you possibly can for a shot at some points. With the day that the others had, there was only one of us dressed for the TT. Jason is already home. Craig and Tim are awesome getting the bike ready and everything organized and ready for me to go. I hit the starting line, drill it for 5.5 miles, then ride up a hill for another mile. The boys are in the van at the finish line... I cross, turn around, get off the bike which Craig and Tim quickly disassemble, get in a car, and we drive home. Unfortunately I did about how I felt and rolled in with an 11th best time.

Day 2 - Weather winning this weekend.

4am alarm, pick up my feed zone chick (aka Tim) at 5, and off we go. Finally the rain has let up and the wind is barely blowing; it was nice getting ready to race without getting completely soaked. We roll out at 7:30 this time to conquer the loop 3 times for about 72 miles.

The first few miles are s l o w... Which I'm pretty happy about because my legs feel horrible. After having nothing in them yesterday for the sprint nor the TT, this is going to be a long day. We keep rolling and two guys wander off the front, none of which are jockeying for my GC so I let them go. Some others that are close went a few times and I jumped on their wheel. As you can imagine we get reeled in after a few miles.

The "hill" was nothing on the first lap. Figured we would drill it and blow up the group on the second lap, so I sat in as much as I could. Knowing that I was on the edge as it was, I needed to save what I had left. The break is a few minutes up the road and now one of my GC competitors attacks, and I let him go. That's a huge gap to cross, but he rides away quite easily and I think "whoops". I began the day in 7th in GC. I put some tape on my top tube with the guys that were within striking distance or ahead of me, and I had 9 names on there. This is going to be a long day... We cross the start/finish line and the three guys up the road take the three point primes, which again is still OK for me. As we start the second lap, in comes the storm and along with it we get pounded by rain and wind.
I have no glasses on because I was too lazy to get them out of my bag this morning, and now I am paying a dear penalty ( see Jason's blog on wearing glasses in the rain ).

The miles tick off and as we are coming into the hill again, the P1/2 field is closing on us and the neutralize us, which is fabulous. Now no one drills it up the hill again, the points primes are taken from the break, and I can enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery, and freeze. As we get over the hill, they let us go back to racing and the break is now about 3.5 minutes up the road. We finally decide to go after them. Some of us start working together, but then the other half can't figure out what a pace line is and keeps getting in the way. I say forget it and go back to the back to absorb some more road grime. As we are coming up to the start/finish line, Clayton (Univ of
Texas) has sat up and comes back to the group. He could have passed me in GC, but I'm fairly confident I'll take him in the sprint and he got no bonuses on the road.

We pass the start finish line... A number of people have quit at this point and our field is probably down to 30 riders. There are a few teams with no one up the road, so this is going to be difficult to get away. A three man attack goes, so I go after it and we stay away for about a half of a mile and get brought back. Shortly after that, and with about 15 miles left in the stage, a two man break goes with Nick Boulle and Josef Garcia(currently tied with me in GC). This one is going to stick. Sean (Mirage) goes after this but can't make it and is in no mans land, I go next and bridge up to Sean and he hops on my wheel. He has two men in the field and I know they will work for him to stay away. In addition to that, one of his teammates is one point ahead of me in GC and the other is three points... We are closing down the gap to Nick and Josef as we approach the hill for the final time.

I know Sean is in trouble at this point and he says he'll work with me once we get over the hill. I now have two options. I have no doubt I can attack him on the hill, drop him, and make the bridge to Nick and Josef. I also know that if I drop him, he will either get picked up by the group and his team will come after us or once we get over the hill, he will recover and catch us, then I'm in trouble. I opt to set a steady tempo up the hill and let him stay on my wheel so we can work once we crest the hill. He is a monster TT guy so I'm fairly confident we'll get away. Unfortunately we watch Nick and Josef ride away once they get over the hill... Sean and I start working together into the wind and within 8 miles, the group is now out of sight.

At this point, I am already thinking how I am going to beat this guy at the finish since I need the points. He already has a solid 2nd place locked up. As we roll through the 5k to go, he says "you can have the sprint, you need the points more." Well OK, that solves that one. I opt to pull as much as possible into the finish since he was nice enough to give me the points. We roll across the line in 6th and 7th respectively.

Being a points based GC, there were a number of shakeups on the road.
The GC ended up as follows:

1. Nick Boulle (Park Place)
2. Sean Daurelio (Mirage)
3. Alan Good (Tulsa Wheelmen)
4. Josef Garcia (Factory Goodness)
5. Todd Delany (GS Tenzing)
6. Todd Farrell (Williams Cycling)
7. Jason Jacobs (Mirage)
8-40. others...

Weekend results for Todd:
Sat RR - 5th
Sat TT - 11th
Sun RR - 6th
GC - 6th

Park Place Lexus Criteriums - Dallas

2010-04-04T21:21:00.008-05:00

Saturday started out early as we headed out to the Texas State Fair Grounds in Dallas. Bryan Fawley (with Dallas Racing) put together a nice 'keep you on your toes' course. The course included a 180, multiple turns with more than 90 degrees and a roundabout. I knew that this was going to be a wildly technical and challenging course. Bryan had designed some pretty sick cyclocross courses this past fall... at least there was no corkscrew!

I arrived at the course to be there for the earlier events and show off the Williams Wheels. Little did I know, that was not the only reason I was there that day. Right in front of my eyes, just 10 feet away, four riders in the current race tangled with the fencing with one rider going over the bars and met the ground face first. I rushed over, did a quick triage and tended to the most critical. Cracked helmet, face bleeding but he was conscious at least. That was the good part. Even though he wanted to just hop up, I insisted he wait for the ambulance. The ambulance arrived and he was off to the hospital to be checked out. I didn't know it at the time, but I would be seeing him again soon.

Marc and Jason arrived a short time later. We got the tent up, wheels out and started getting ready for the race. We had our usual debate over the wheels of choice for the day and the tire pressure for the course...you know...fun stuff. We did our warm up and off to the line.

The race started fairly quiet. In lap four, just in front of me on the roundabout three or four riders tangle up. I just made it around the outside by inches. Whew, made it by that. A split formed and I made it across to the front group where Marc and Jason were. For several laps, Marc, Jason and I were riding together. We just passed the mid point in the race and I had slid back from Marc and Jason for a couple laps. I was thinking now was the time for the three of us to try out the field to see how reactive they would be. And then it happened.

Just after the 180 turn, we were accelerating and Marc got a little tangled with another rider and may have dropped in the wheel catching crack that was there. In an instant, Marc was slammed directly to the ground landing on the back of his head and neck. He was then hit broadside by another rider that couldn't avoid him. It was gruesome. Several other racers from other events as well as an official rushed to his aid. Marc was out cold. Jim arrived a few minutes later after not seeing Marc in the field. Every lap, Jim was giving us updates on his condition. The ambulance was on the way. Jason and I continued to race when Jim gave a thumbs up. It was hard to race though...mentally. It took several laps to regain the "edge" needed for technical crit racing. On the last lap, accelerating nicely, moving into position, dodging water bottle grenades and minor mishaps, Jason and I both ended the race in the top 10. Jason took 4th and I took 10th.

After crossing the line, we proceeded to take down the tent and head to the hospital. When we arrived, Marc was waiting for a head and neck CT. I examined his Rudy Project Sterling helmet. It did exactly what it was designed to do. It held together but had multiple cracks. When we first got these helmets, we thought the fit was different than others we had in the past. It felt like it provided more protection to the back of the head. The precise point where Marc hit. Thankfully, he left the hospital later that evening with a nice bump to the head and a neck strain.

While walking down the hall at the hospital, I came across the other rider I helped earlier that day. He ended up with some stitches, facial bruising, a broken eye socket, broken sinus and was cleared for head and neck injuries. He left the hospital a short time later.

From the Williams Cycling Texas Team, we would like to extend a "Thanks" to all of you who helped work Marc's accident. You guys made a really bad situation a manageable one. You kept Marc safe and the field on the course safe.

Fayetteville TX Stage Race Recap

2010-03-27T18:21:00.007-05:00

Well, the night before the start everyone was eyeing the weather. When will the front hit? How cold will it be? Where will the winds be from? Those and many other questions were floated the night before.

On race day, we left Bastrop where we were staying and headed to Fayetteville. It was already raining with about a 20mph south wind and in the 60s. We stopped at a local eatery on the way to grab a little pre-race snack. The locals were getting ready for a bar-b-que cookoff. I asked if they had checked the weather. One responded saying his wife was in Austin and the front had already hit there. We now expected it to hit us in about 2 hours. They asked what we were doing. We politely responded, "doing a bike race in Fayetteville." We got a little laugh and a "GOOD LUCK with the weather. We were on our way.

We arrived in Fayetteville and began the debates of how to dress. Basically, everything was going to be wet. Tim, Jason and I headed to the line and then we were off. On the first 22 mile lap of 3, a rider rode into the back of Tim's bike and next thing you know there was a pile up. I just missed the mayhem by about 3 inches. Back in the pack, the race was going as planned. There were some good accellerations on some of the hills. I could tell everyone was waiting for the "weather event." On the backside of the course ( flat alley), rider after rider after rider were getting flats. I noticed that we could not see the huge power plant off in the distance. It was hidden by the rain coming our way.

We were fairing pretty well. Not too long after crossing the line ending the first lap, the "weather event" happened. Now we can debate actual wind speeds and temperature drop. I am sure all of us had our own feelings on that topic. When the front hit, the wind kicked up solid out the northwest and with very strong gusts. We were in a straight line just trying to see something up the road. Yes, Jason wore his glasses. A short time later, the wind and driving rain was not enough....we needed hail. Yes hail. The hail was stinging nicely on the exposed skin now in what I am going to say is 40 ( maybe less) degree temps. I thought I was old enough to know better than to be out in weather like this....much less in it on a bike.

We made it to flat alley and once again riders were popping out left and right with flats. Then, it happened to us. We were in the lead group and Jason got a front flat. I was a couple bikes back from Jason and took a look back up the road. Two riders were standing, waiting for the wheel truck that was nowhere in sight. At that time, I felt Jason had the best chance of producing something for Williams Texas that day. I stopped, gave up my Williams 38 front and sent him down the road chasing the pack. About 20 minutes of standing in high winds, cold temps and rain, I got a front wheel. Freezing cold now, I just wanted to make it back to the van. Jason continued to chase, getting as close as 5 seconds at one time. He gave it his all just watching the pack up the road from him for some 30+ miles. WOW! That was one effort.

Jason arrived at the van after finishing about 6 minutes behind the lead group and shaking violently from the cold. By now, I was past my light hypothemia and proceeded to help Jason get dry and warm.

We headed back to Bastrop where we were staying to decide what we wanted to do. After such a wild ride, happy to be alive and fairly well, we called it a day.

BICYCLES PLUS SPRING CRITERIUM

2010-03-09T19:42:00.008-06:00

The weather was just beautiful all week in North Texas. That is, until this past Sunday morning when the temperatures dropped again and the rain came down. With a vengeance. And just in time for the Criterium in Denton, TX. I now recall the vivid memories of that morning, aided perhaps by the still present road grime trapped behind my eyeballs... or maybe because it was just yesterday. Note to self: Rain-covered sunglasses are a better option than an hour-long rooster-tail eyeball flush. I somehow think that I used to be aware of this useful nugget.

At the prerace huddle under the Williams Cycling Team Tent we discussed our tactics: In the first half we would all trade off working the field and chasing down any threats, trying to get someone up the road. If the field was still intact, Craig would make a solo bid with 5 or so to go ( it worked for the win fall of 2009 ). And if nothing panned out, we'd finish strong with our formidable lead-out train. Well... Attacks were mounted. Breaks formed and were reigned in. At one time or another we all found ourselves temporarily off the front, the only reprieve from the thick cloud of dirty road-spray that engulfed the long, thin, strung out field. Back in the pack the only speaking was an occasional woeful cry of "I CAN'T SEE!!"... actually, I think that was me saying that... But after more than an hour of wet, cold-soaked, numb-limbed racing, what was left of the pack was back together for the bell lap. For much of the last lap, Williams Cycling Team member Marc Montemayor was at the front forcing the pace, which made it too fast for anyone to change positon much. With half of the 3/4 mile lap to go I found a slight gap on the left that let me move into fourth position for what was sure to be the final sprint. When the sprint really opened up at about 200 meters, I was able to move into second and almost.... almost!.... nope... Just couldn't close the deal for first.

Back at the Williams Cycling display tent the rain was on our side, as spectators and racers alike came by to seek shelter and investigate the good looks/great value of the carbon 58's and 38's on display. Despite the weather, it turned out to be a great day for Williams Cycling here in North Texas: A 2nd Place and two riders in the top 15. 49 finished out of 75 starters with NO crashes.

Look for the Williams Tent at your next Texas bicycle race and come say 'Howdy'! Oh, and bring your sunglasses. You never know when you'll need 'em.

Jason McCombs
Williams Cycling Texas Team

Texas Motor Speedway

2010-03-02T20:00:00.005-06:00

Well, we closed yet another night at Texas Motor Speedway. TMS is the place where many meet to put in the miles and mix it up a bit while we have limited daylight. Only 3 more evening rides left for this season at TMS.

Thursday March 4th
Tuesday March 9th
Thursday March 11th.

Williams will be out there with the demo 38 and 58 tubies. Stop by and we can set you up on them.

Don't miss the Criterium in Denton this Sunday March 7th put on by GS Tenzing presented by Bicycles Plus. Hope to see you out there.

A Rainy Day In Walburg

2010-02-20T18:19:00.011-06:00

Today started @ 3:45am with a 3 hour drive to Walburg, Texas near Austin.

Well, Walburg was true to form. The weather forecast said it was going to be cloudy and overcast. We got rain with some wind ( not as strong as previous years though ). Nothing beats a long road race and rain in February. An early breakaway got off on the first of the three 24 mile laps. While a few strong attempts were mounted to bring it back, the breakaway was able to hold the field off. Hats off to the riders that were able to stay away.

At the end of the day, Williams Texas ended up with one in the top 20 and we are all able to race another day.

The wheel combo of choice today was a Williams 38 Carbon Tubular on the front and a 58 Carbon Tubular on the rear with Vittoria EVO Corsa CX tires.

Great Southwest Bike Swap

2010-02-09T19:58:00.003-06:00

The 2010 Great Southwest Bike Swap was a huge success for Williams Cycling. The Texas Factory Team setup a large display just inside the main entrance. The response to the Williams wheels was overwhelming.

Everyone who walked through the door had four stands of Williams Wheels to touch, feel and look at. We saw hundred of patrons on Sunday. Many patrons had seen us online and were excited to have the wheels in front of them. Several are going to meet up with us at the Texas Motor Speedway during our Tuesday / Thursday training rides to try out those the 38 and 58 tubies.