Richmond 2015? Impossible. Bergen 2017? I'm there!

BERGEN2017
(The Norwegian delegation in Richmond)

When friends looked into a bunch of us traveling to the UCI Road World Championships taking place in Richmond this week, it looked pretty daunting. The best accomodations were 2 hours away from Richmond, and the logistics of attending the events seemed impossible. Therefore, Operation Richmond 2015 was nixed.

So when my cousin Toril, (the director of communications for the Office of Sports, Business and Culture in the City of Bergen), headed to Richmond this week, as part of the delegation from Norway bringing the championships to Bergen in two years, I was a tad jealous... but not too jealous. Because being part of our close-knit family is pretty awesome already -- but especially awesome when she tells you to come to Bergen in 2017 and you will be her guest of honor for the championships... OMG. Dying. 

(Of course Chip will probably want to go, too.)

It's still two years away, but I'm so excited -- not only to see the championships in Bergen, but to spend time in Norway with family we love. (I must work on my Norwegian!)

When the pros come to town

Fearless Femme (in purple/white) called up to the start line
Tiffany Pezzulo, Amy Cutler and Lauretta Hansen

We had a great two days hosting USA Crits Champion and former Vanderkitten pro Tiffany Pezzulo, (now racing with DNA Cycling p/b K4), while she was in town for the Mayor's Cup Boston. Tiffany arrived late Friday afternoon, (September 18th), early enough to be able to assemble her bike and head out for a quick ride with me before sunset. Yaaaaay!!! Since she had a workout to do, we rode over to Marblehead Neck together, where she was able to get in a workout on her own and shake off a long day of plane travel. We then rode a cool down lap together before heading home. So, so, soooooo much fun!!! Riding with Tiffany was really great and I'm excited for her to come back next year.

On Saturday, we headed into Boston where she met up with the team she was guest riding with for the race -- Fearless Femme p/b Haute Wheels. (DNA/K4 ended their season weeks before, so she was in Boston solo.) As a "guest rider" for Fearless Femme, Tiff's role was to assist their riders during the race with the goal of getting one (or both) of them to the podium -- which she did both days. Fearless Femme's Lauretta Hansen placed 3rd at the Mayor's Cup and 2nd the following day in Hartford. Yessss!!! (Amy Cutler also did terrific.)

It so much fun having Tiff with us -- (although much too brief) -- and really, really fun watching her race! Such awesomeness.

Vanderkittens land on their feet

Super excited for news coming out of the pro cycling circuit this week. My favorite Aussie, Jono Coulter, is now Director Sportif of the new BMW pro women's team (presented by The Happy Tooth Dental Group. Now doesn't that make you smile?) Waaaaay cooool!! Joining Jono on the team is the sweeeeeetest pro mechanic, Zane Free, who is going to kill the girls with his ridiculous jokes -- the ever fabulous Korina Huizar, (mega smiles), and fellow Vanderkitten pros Liza Rachetto, Miranda Griffiths, Rhae Shaw, and Elle Anderson!! (Forever kittens!!) SOOOOO COOOOOL. Vanderkitten may have put the brakes on the pro road circuit for a bit, but it's good to see many of them land on a new team together, (with Jono and Zane!!)

Also joining the BMW team are former US road champion Robin Farina, (women's cycling goddess), Erica Zaveta, (who I met very briefly in Gloucester), Jessy Ueberlhart, Shoshauna Routley, Megan Rathwell, and Michelle Khare. Twelve women in all. I'm so excited!

Vanderkitten is still on the pro scene in triathlon, mountain biking and cyclocross this year, and supporting the VKVIP squad in a big way. It's been a great start to the new year.