By Jeremy Dunn • 5th October 2012 • Posted in Team
Photos from the Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester
With a podium place at the USGP opener in Madison, Wisconsin – Julie Krasniak has come out with a decidedly different approach to the new cyclocross season. Whereas last year was used mainly as a testing and learning phase for her cyclocross skills and fitness, this year has been an assault on the courses around the US. This weekend, with teammate Gabby Day at her side they will take on the Providence Cyclocross Festival
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By Jeremy Dunn • 3rd October 2012 • Posted in Team
PHOTOS: Jeff Curtes | INTERVIEW: Chris DiStefano
Jeremy Powers has started the 2012 Cyclocross season with his best foot forward. In addition to his decisive win at Cross Vegas a few weeks ago, Jeremy has taken the victory at the other two UCI C1 races so far in the US. First, handily winning the opener of the USGP of Cyclocross in Madison, Wisconsin and then doing the same this weekend at the Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester in Massachusetts. With the elusive Cross Vegas win out of the way and the reigning National Champion's jersey on his back, Jeremy has taken the driver's seat in what is shaping up to be his best season yet. As part of a continuing series about Team Rapha-FOCUS riders (last week was Gabby Day), Chris DiStefano sat down with Mr. Powers for a catch-up and some thoughts on the season ahead.
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By Chris DiStefano • 26th September 2012 • Posted in Team
photography by Emily Maye
In her first season on Team Rapha-FOCUS Gabby Day has come out swinging. Her fourth place finish at Cross Vegas stunned the gathered masses of the bike industry during the 40-minute race on the fake grass of Las Vegas. From there the festivities continued as the team headed towards the first USGP of cyclocross in Madison, Wisconsin where Gabby placed 3rd on Saturday and 4th on Sunday. A great way to start the season.
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By Jeremy Dunn • 21st September 2012 • Posted in Team
PHOTOS: John Watson - Prolly Is Not Probably
Jeremy Powers has fired the first shot. On Wednesday night in Las Vegas, the open season sign for cyclocross – Cross Vegas – was hammered into the desert. Just a few miles from the fabled strip, the entire bicycle industry was present to witness another lung burning iteration of this race. Every name that has been at the front end of a cross race, both here in North America and on the famed Belgian side of the pond, was present to take part. Rob Peeters (Telnet-Fidea) and Ben Berden (Raleigh-Clement) were part of the action as well as Powers teammates Zach McDonald and Chris Jones (fresh from his 5th place Tour of Britain finish). However, Powers real competition came from former teammate Tim Johnson (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld). If this is any indication to the rivalry and racing that we may see in the coming months it will be a knock down, drag out fight to determine the fastest man in cyclocross.
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By Joe Hall • 17th September 2012 • Posted in Team
photo by Steve Marsh
“For me this ranks up there with the best things I’ve done on a bike.”
Kristian House rode into Guildford in the south-east of England yesterday afternoon as the King of the Mountains of the Tour of Britian 2012. Concluding a tough week of racing in which he used his all-round ability and tactical experience, he won the jersey on stage one, lost it, then reclaimed it on stage three, where it remained on his shoulders to the finish. He was crowned in front of a huge audience, with yesterday continuing the record-numbers of spectators that have turned out all week to show support at the race. It was an unprecedented success for Britain’s tour and an indication of the rich health the sport is enjoying in the UK right now. Fittingly the World Champion, Mark Cavendish, took the last stage up a cobbled climb to the finish.
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By Joe Hall • 14th September 2012 • Posted in Team
World champions, Tour winners, crashes, lots of sheep and Ivan Basso eating cheddar cheese; just a few things you may have seen at the Tour of Britain this week. Rapha have also been there, following each stage in the world famous Rapha H-Van. The classic Citroën broom wagon has coughed and wheezed its way around the sceptered isle to meet with riders and fans, serve coffee and cake and help show support to Rapha Condor Sharp.
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By Jack Flanagan • 7th September 2012 • Posted in Team
Photo by Joe Hall
The Tour of Britain kicks off in Ipswich this Sunday and the Rapha Condor team will once again be racing. For five of our U23s this is the biggest race of the year and they’ll be led by the experienced Kristian House racing alongside luminaries such as Bradley Wiggins, Ivan Basso and Mark Cavendish. We’ll be be following the progress of the U23s online, in the London Cycle Club and on the roadside with the The H-Van parked on key climbs to serve coffee and fig rolls to supporters.
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