Random Rider

One of the many reasons why the Mongo-endorsed, Garmin-Slipstream team is going to give Astana, Saxo, and Caisse d'Epargne all they can handle during the Grand Tours.

Canadian...Ryder Hesjedal.

Three Sided Circle

"I consider skateboarding an art form, a lifestyle, and a sport.”

(Tony Hawk)

Paris-Nice Podium Eyebrowfest

Just Getting Started

After some well deserved juice from Mongo himself, AK47 goes out and lays a "whuppin'" on the field in the 30k TT. He wins by 20 seconds over Stijn Devolder (Who I like), and leads on GC by six seconds with two stages to go. He won this puppy back in 2007, so there's no reason to believe he can't do it again. Tomorrow's penultimate, long, mountain stage will decide the race.

Kloden always seems to roll with the Kazakh, Goon Squad, Astana B-Team. Everyone's name ends in a "V" or a "Y". Except, of course, for Gregory Rast...who is Swiss. This must come in handy any time a mediator is needed between the German leader and the Russian domestiques.

I think these guys, Kloden included, like being the black sheep of Astana, and will do what it takes to get the win.

With Contador choking away Paris-Nice and Mellow Johnny not scaring anyone yet, AK47 and LBM might ruin Bruyneel's wet dream later this Summer.

The Search For Double Chin

"Reunited, and it feels so good

Reunited, 'cause we understood

There's one perfect fit

And, sugar, this one is it

We both are so excited

'Cause we're reunited

Hey, hey"

(Peaches & Herb)

AK47 Update

Currently in a huge group of riders tied for 5th place at Tirreno-Adriatico. He is 25 seconds off the lead. When asked about his form so far this Spring, Kloden replied, "Eees Goot!"

We've Done It Before...

...And we can do it again!

Scrappy American, and Garmin-Slipstream rider, Tyler Farrar, strikes a blow against the British Empire by "Tea-Bagging" Mark Cavendish in a legit field sprint at Tirreno-Adriatico. BTW...Boonen, McEwen, and Hushovd were also there.

U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

What The Hell Do I Know?!

After proclaiming yesterday that El Bandito had essentially wrapped up Paris-Nice, though there were two stages left, it turns out I may have spoken too soon.

Spanish cycling star on the rise and burgeoning rapper, L.L. Cool 'Chez, "puts his hands in the air like he just don't care", wins Stage 7, and leads Paris-Nice by over a minute. Contador is now in fourth. He has to pass Fleck and Sylvania, and then make up almost two minutes on Sanchez in the final stage if he hopes to win.

Let's see what happens...I'm not betting against him.

Okay...Now It's Over

The Bandito wins Stage 6 (Li'l Ventoux) and takes control of the race with only two stages remaining.

I Don't Think So Frenchy

After finishing dead last two stages ago, Jeremy Roy (Francaise de Jeux) wins Stage 5 in a three man breakaway.

Oh...it also happens to be his first professional win since he turned Pro in 2003.

Now he beats a world class field two days after his last place debacle?!

DOPING ALERT! DOPING ALERT! DOPING ALERT!

That's My Boy

VDV wins Stage 4 of Paris-Nice like a man...in a solo breakaway!

He's still the best American cyclist in the world...Yeah, even better than him.

U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

If Only They Didn't Ride Cervelos

Heinrich Haussler is only four fingers away from what could have been a very awkward moment for the young German.

There Is No Pain You Are Receding

The inaugural 23/2300 Hammerfest (Miles/Feet Climbed) was a lot of fun. Though Mongo was near the back on all climbs, I rode fairly aggressively all day and did my share up front...I feel pretty good about where I'm at right now.

Mongo is motivated by personal improvement. The reality is that I ride with some super-strong dudes who demonstrate a great deal more self discipline in their training than I do. I punish my body with counterproductive substances and hope for a zero sum with all my riding. If I eliminated the anchors, who knows what might happen? This is my own personal cycling Albatross.

My point is this...I tried the product pictured above for the first time today...and the sh*t works! Check it out at your local bike shop.