Sporting the Jakroo Sprint Jersey (Weicht), Young Rider (Loader) and Most Aggressive (Olheiser). Photo Credit: Danny Munson

The CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team completed their first stage race of the season, the Merco Cycling Classic. The team had a great showing, winning the Green Points Jersey, the Purple U25/Young Rider Jersey and the Red Most Aggressive Rider Jersey!

This is a 4 day event beginning with an 82 mile road race on Thursday. Friday brought a fast 12-mile Individual Time Trial event where the best racers in the country tested their bodies and equipment against the clock. Saturday hosted the fan-favorite downtown Criterium on a fast and technical 8-turn course. Capping off the event was the 120 mile Hilltop Road Race winding through the almond groves.

We took an excellent squad to the event: Michael Olheiser, David Santos, Michael Weicht, Brian McCulloch, Cole House, Wes Holloway, Justin Williams, Fabrizio Von Nacher, and Logan Loader.

Thursday Feburary 28^th: Merced Irrigation District Road Race, 82 miles

Team member David Santos took some time after the race for a phone interview with Cycling Illustrated’s Brandon Hale to recount the action of the day. You can listen to David’s report HERE.

Results from Stage One: HERE

Friday March 1^st: Merced Boosters Time Trial, 12 miles

Logan Loader recounts stage 2 of the event:

Logan Loader on his way to a 10th place performance in the Individual Time Trial. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

“Friday March 1^st, I began warming up for my time trial, the second stage of the Merco Cycling Classic. It was a warm breezy day in Merced, CA. Within 10 minutes of being on the bike, I knew my legs were pretty good. The day before during the first stage, I was involved in a crash about 2k from the finish. Because of this, I wasn’t exactly sure if I would be feeling 100% for the time trial, an event I had set my sights on. Fortunately, as I started doing a few efforts during my warm-up, things were looking good.

The course was a straight out and back course with a lump in the middle, making for a 3k climb in both directions. With a head wind on the way out, I know it would be tricky with pacing it correctly. Instinct would tell you to use most energy fighting the head wind during the first half on the way out, when actually the best way to do it is save enough in the tank for a good pace on the climb in the second half.

I knew I had all the advantages with equipment that I was riding. Including my iRT I85C front wheel along with my iRT disc. Also adding to the equation was my Jakroo Pro SL Skin Suit and Rudy Project Wingspan Time Trial Helmet. I knew if I had a good time trial, I would be in the Best Young Rider jersey for the event, but I also knew it would take a 100 % effort on my part.

As I exited the start ramp and began my effort, I quickly felt I was having a good ride. As the time trial went on and on the suffering went deeper and deeper, but the speed remained fast and consistent. I crossed the finish line and heard that I had just clocked the fastest time of the day. This made for a fun few minutes as the remaining riders completed their races. After a while, the time trial specialists began breaking my race time. However, the young riders did not. By the end of the day I had collected the Best Young Rider jersey by 39 seconds. The best part of this was it gave the team a reward and a jersey to protect after they worked so hard for me the day before only to finish with a crash at the end of the day.”

Results from Stage Two: HERE

Saturday March 2^nd: McDonald’s Downtown Grand Prix, 40 miles

Stage 3 of Merco is always an exciting event. With 8 technical turns, the field get’s strung out from the gun. We took all 9 of our riders into the criterium with the following goals: Retain Logan’s Young Rider Jersey; Help Michael Weicht gain points towards the Points Jersey by winning the Hot Sprint laps though out the race; and to win the stage!

Fabrizio Von Nacher recounts the race from within the peloton:

19 year old Sprinter Fabrizio Von Nacher. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

“The plan in the race was to get Michi on the break so that he could win the sprint points thus gaining the green jersey. There were points on the line at the finish as well, so we wanted to lead him out for a good result in the sprint.

We also needed to keep Logan safe through out the race in order for him to retain the purple Young Rider jersey. We wanted him to save as much energy as possible for the Sunday road race.

The course was really fun and very technical. It was fast and really hard to get to the front because the streets were so narrow, which made it a little bit dangerous.

The race went great for the team. Early in the race, Michi went in the breakaway with 4 other riders including US National Criterium Champion Ken Hanson of Optum. There were no GC threats in the break, so the Bissel team went to the front of the peloton and kept a steady pace, keeping the break at just under a minute up the road for most of the race.

The last 4 laps, Bissel started ramping up the pace and we knew it would be a sprint finish. My teammates were doing a great job keeping me out of the wind and at the front of the race, right behind Bissel. On the last lap, I was behind 3 of my teammates, right behind Logan. Out of the last turn, Logan made a huge effort. I knew Hanson was going to sprint, so with 250 meters to go, I jumped on his wheel, but didn’t quite have enough to come around the champs wheel. The team helped me place 2^nd, and Michi finished 5. After the stage, Michi would wear the green Points Jersey, Logan still had his purple Young Rider Jersey and we got second on the stage.”

Results from Stage 3: HERE

March 3^rd: Hilltop Road Race, 120 Miles

The last stage of Merco was a circuit with sprint points up for grabs each time the peloton crossed the start/finish line. Justin Williams looks back on the events of the stage.

Fabrizio Von Nacher leading Michael Weicht out for the sprint points while Justin Williams guards the duo. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Going into the last stage we had simple goals. First, we wanted to keep Logan in the Best Young Riders jersey. Next, we wanted to get Michi up the road with one other guy to sweep up the points classification sprints on every lap and with the ultimate goal for him to keep the green Points Jersey. We also wanted to always ride together with our teammates and never let any moves go up the road without us. We wanted to win the stage, but in the end we ended up with 3 jerseys, and its hard to ask for more.

Personally, I had an important job helping Michi get the sprint points. It was a different role for me because I rarely get to help defend a sprinter. It was cool seeing the race threw a domestique position. It made me appreciate what my guys do for me even more. I was so humbled and grateful. Fabrizio led Michi out for each sprint and I helped keep him safe and other riders out of contention.

We were very pleased to have a CashCall rider in every move. Brian McCulloch spent 25 miles in a 6-man break which allowed the rest of us to stay out of the chase and stay protected in the peloton. As soon as BMc’s move came back, Michael Olheiser went with the counter attack which was just him and Tom Zirble of Optum. This effort by Mike awarded him the Most Aggressive Rider jersey at the end of the stage. Winning this jersey on the last day shows that the team was always on top of moves. We made sure we were all at or near the front of the race, allowing only the Bissel Team to be in front of us because their rider Phil Gaimon was in the yellow Leaders Jersey.

In the final 5 kilometers of the race Cole and I were cooked! We gave one more deep dig to keep Michi, Logan, and Fez out of the wind as long as we could. It didn’t work out for the win, but I was so proud to be apart of this team and we had a great weekend. Everyone was happy!

We have always been close as a team, but this weekend we became a unit and the ‘team’ was more important then anything else. The results prove that.”

Results from Stage 4: HERE

[Show as slideshow]

Blog Author, David Santos, racing Red Trolley Criterium. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Whenever the CashCall Cycling Team comes down to my hometown of San Diego, I’m  excited.  Usually when the team comes to town, it’s for one purpose……to race bikes.  However, last Wednesday night was a different scenario.  Brian, Michael, Justin, Cole, Devan, Paul, Fabrizio and myself rendezvous with Bob Vibers (the KHS Bikes rep for San Diego) at Hi-Tech Bikes for a “Meet and Greet” event.  Upon arrival, we met the two brains behind the operation, Buzz and Andrew.  As a first time visitor, I was remarkably impressed with the store and the level of professionalism displayed.  There were over a dozen bike manufactures represented and a full range of accessories neatly presented throughout the store.  They cater to road, mountain, and triathletes of all abilities, offering just about every piece of equipment you would ever need.   As I continued to walk the floor, I noticed a professional fit station, where a fit was actually being performed, and an organized repair shop ready to tackle any maintenance nightmare imaginable.   But to be honest, the most noteworthy item I saw was our KHS race bike!!!

Brian McCulloch talking about his KHS Team Flite Bicycle

Mike Olheiser putting the hurt on at Red Trolley Criterium. Photo Credit: Todd MacMillan

Time trial specialist and Alabama native Mike Olheiser tested his legs, and won, his first time trial of the season. He outclassed his competition in the Tundra Time Trial in Georgia this past weekend and told us all about it.

It is hard enough for most people to get excited for a Time Trial. Add a start time of 9:00am, 20 mph winds, and a high of the day of 40 degrees.  It made for a cold day at the office.

The short and skinny, my wife Nicole has been sick for close to a month, but still wanted to do well, so I spent the coldest part of the morning getting her bike and gear ready.  This should have been fine, except it was 35 degrees, and the motivation to get on the trainer just wasn’t there for her or myself.

By this time, about 9:30am, my hands were cold which made it hard to get air into my iRT disc wheel.  As the guys at registration stared and wondered if I was ever going to warm up, get air into the tire, and at least look like I was going to race, the answer was yes. I was cold but moving in the right direction. Finally, Hollywood Undead blasted in my ears, a couple of pounds of pressure hissed into my disc and then proceeded with my 15 minute warm up (typically 1 hour).

The course was great with rolling hills, sunshine, and did I mention the 20 mph winds from the north.  I often feel bad about anybody that starts ahead of me, but on this day, even more so.  I passed my 30 second man in the first 500 meters, ouch, sorry. I set my eyes on my 1 minute man, Jon Hart (a very good TT guy himself),  which I could see just after cresting the first hill.  He stayed about 45 seconds in front of me, I would gain some time then lose it.  Just not a good focused day, well it was my first TT of the year.  I wish I could say I finished strong, but that would be a lie.  I finished, good enough to take the top step of the podium, but that is it.  I have some work to do.

Olheiser on the top step of the podium at Tundra Time Trial.

Thank Lillie Glass, for the great trophies again, and hope to see you next year.

trainhard4life,

Mike

2013 Cycling Team with CashCall Mortgage Vice President Ron Radziminsky. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team veteran Brian McCulloch recounted the teams visit to CashCall Mortgage during team training camp at the beginning of February.

I may be biased, but CashCall Mortgage knows how to throw a lunch party! As a third year member of the CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team, I have been a part of every visit our team has made to the CashCall Mortgage corporate headquarters in Anaheim, California. I was obviously excited for our latest visit. For 2013, CashCall Mortgage really rolled out the red-carpet for our team which included a lunch-time introduction to the nearly 1,500 employee strong staff with a catered lunch. It’s good to be a representative of the CashCall brand!

Read more →

Fabrizio Von Nacher wins Roger Millikan Criterium, Justin Williams 2nd! Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Fabrizio Von Nacher recently joined the CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team. He has relocated to Los Angeles from Mexico so that he can train and race with the team. At 19, he is our youngest rider yet packs one of the most powerful sprints. Here is what he has to say about his first win for the CashCall team.

“The plan for the race was to have at least two CashCall riders in each breakaway during the first half of the race. If none of those breaks stuck, we were to start attacking the second half of the race. With 20 minutes left in the race, and there wasn’t a break up the road, we would line the team up for the field sprint. At the start of the race, I rode aggressively and then my teammates told me to take it easy and relax for the final sprint. In the last lap, the team did a great job setting up Justin Williams and me for the sprint. The team was key in helping me win and Justin placing 2nd.

I felt really good in the race and my teammates made me feel confident that I could win the race. The entire team worked very hard to set me up for the sprint. To race well and win with my family there was the best thing. My dad, coach, and god father were visiting, and it made me feel great showing them the awesome team I have and that I am with really nice people.”

Experienced racer Cole House has also set-up shop in Southern California from his snowy home in Wisconsin, so that he can make the most of the great weather and being close to the majority of the CashCall athletes.

“Sunday was our third race of the season, second crit. We definitely didn’t want it 
to end up anything near what happen at Red Trolly last Sunday. Nobody had to say it, everybody just knew as a team we had to come away with the win. In the pre-race meeting, Paul wanted to be greedy and go 1,2 and 3 (I like his style, if you don’t, that’s too bad). The Orders were “you guys figure it out and make it happen,” which is also a 
test of leadership and teamwork. Read more →

The CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team was invited to attend the 15th Annual Palm Springs Century.  KHS Bicycles is the official bike sponsor for the event. They have a booth in the expo area and they also provide neutral mechanical support at all the stops along the century route. Team members Devan Dunn, Fabrizio Von Nacher, Wes Holloway, Brian McCulloch, Chris Barton, Michael Weicht and Cole House made the trip out to the desert for the event. Newcomer Chris Barton recounted his experience on his first Palm Springs Century. Thank you Chris!

“Our weekend trip to the hottest place in California started out with a
near-freezing evening in downtown Palm Springs. Despite the cold, the wonderful
folks at the KHS tent were hard at work giving test rides and sharing
information about their bicycle models and company with anyone who was
 interested. Read more →

The CashCall Mortgage Cycling Team lined up for their first criterium of the season at Red Trolley, in San Diego. Wrapping up our 10-day training camp, the team bolstered a full squad. Returning racers David Santos, Brian McCulloch, Michael Weicht, Wes Holloway and Justin Williams were joined by new teammates Michael Olheiser, Chris Barton, Cole House, Logan Loader and Fabrizio Von Nacher.

The course is very fast with a swooping downhill turning right into the punchy hill to the finish. The team was active through out the race initiating breaks and attacks, but in the end nothing would stick. In the end we placed 5th in the finish to cap off a great training camp and our first experience racing together as a team.

Enjoy the photos of the event!

Michael Weicht and Chris Barton on the attack up the hill. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Wes Holloway. PHoto Credit: Todd MacMillan

New addition to the squad, Chris Barton, make a solid attack. Photo Credit: Todd MacMillan

Boulevard 2013 Pro 1/2 Race winner, David Santos. Photo Credit: Danny Munson

In Southern California, Boulevard Road Race has a reputation for many things……foul weather, an uphill headwind finish, a field of motivated racers ready to race hard, and a course profile that’s arguably the hardest on the SCNCA calendar. For me, its reputation of being a tough race and the fact it’s my hometown race are the reasons why I love Boulevard.  Prior to last weekend, I’ve raced Boulevard four times. Once as a Cat 4 and three times as a Cat 1. The first time racing the pro race was in 2010 and I DNF’ed.  In 2011, I made the break finishing 3rd, and in 2012 I finished 7th.  After finishing top 10 two years in a row, it became a big goal to win Boulevard in 2013.

I’m not a fan of taking too much time off the bike in the off-season, so I typically clip in sometime in early October.  Additionally, I met with my coach to figure out which races to target in 2013.  Because Boulevard is held in early February and near my hometown, El Cajon, it only made sense that it was first on my target list. Read more →