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Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita Set to Win NRC Championship
Northvale, NJ (August 25, 2010) -- It’s nearly official: Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita is set to finish the 2010 road racing season as the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar (NRC) champion.
While the NRC season officially concludes with the 27th annual Chris Thater Memorial on Sunday, August 29, Amaran holds such a wide lead in the points tally that no rider is likely to overtake him for the #1 ranking.
Amaran made his debut on the North American pro circuit in 2008, hand-picked by Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre. A native of Cuba, Amaran had distinguished himself as a member of the Cuban National Team and raced for several years in Spain where he finished second overall at the Vuelta Avila in 2007. The following year, he accepted Alexandre’s invitation to join the Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s Team presented by Cooking Light, the predecessor to the Jamis/Sutter Home squad.
“We always thought of Luis as our secret weapon,” said Alexandre. “With his strength and power, we knew from day one that he could win both single-day and stage races.”
Last year, the depth of Amaran’s talents was already on full display. Racing alongside sprinters Alejandro Borrajo and Sebastian Haedo, Amaran finished in the top 10 at major stage races and 10th overall in the NRC individual standings.
In 2010, Amaran captured his first overall NRC victory at the Joe Martin Stage Race. Other highlights of Amaran’s 2010 season include winning the stage two road race at the SRAM Tour of the Gila ahead of three-time Amgen Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer. In addition, Amaran made eight podium appearances and finished in the top 10 of seven major stage races.
“I am lucky to have found a team that’s committed to working together,” said Amaran. “It’s been a long season and I am grateful to all of my teammates for their support in race and after race.”
Amaran will not be on the roster for the Chris Thater Memorial. The criterium squad of Andy Guptill, Jamey Driscoll, Guido Palma, Ignacio Pereyra, and Jackie Simes will race to secure Jamis/Sutter Home’s ranking in the overall team standings.
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10 Finishes at Tour of Elk Grove for Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita
NRC Leader Luis Amaran Finishes 8th Overall; Anibal Borrajo in Top 10 in Final Stages
Stage 1 (July 30; 4.5-mile individual time trial) -- With almost $150,000 in prize money up for grabs at the Tour of Elk Grove (IL), motivation is plentiful and big risks are the name of the game. The flat opening time trial was all about speed and power and Luis Amaran demonstrated again why he’s been at the top of the NRC individual rider rankings week after week. Luis sprinted down the start ramp and flew around the course, cutting the apex of every turn and never letting off the gas. Despite the time trial being a little short for his liking, Luis still stopped the clock with a time good enough for 5th place, just 3.1 seconds behind the stage winner Peter Latham (Bissell).
Stage 2 (July 31; 97-mile road race) -- With an unprecedented 26 turns per 9.7-mile lap, the Tour of Elk Grove “road race” may as well be called a 97-mile criterium. No sooner do the riders get in a groove and up to speed when there is another turn to brake into, carefully pick a line through, and accelerate out of. The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita is no stranger to this type of racing and planned to set Anibal Borrajo up for the likely sprint finish. As the finish neared and a field sprint was certain, Jamis/Sutter Home started to come together near the front of the field. However, things didn’t go as smoothly as planned, with the constant left, right, left, right of the course making it difficult to get organized as a team. With just over a mile to go, Luis Amaran found Anibal near the middle of the pack and shot up the right hand side of the road, dragging Anibal to the front end of the field and into position. Anibal launched a great sprint and crossed the line in 4th place, just inches from the podium. Even after his efforts to help Anibal, the ever-impressive Luis still found the legs for a 10th place finish.
Stage 3 (August 1; 68-mile criterium) -- With competition for the overall victory so close that it could be decided on time bonuses, racing was absolutely ballistic from the sound of the starter’s pistol. Anibal Borrajo was again Jamis/Sutter Home’s designated sprinter for the day and kept himself near the front and ahead of the splits in textbook form. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to guarantee a smooth ride and Anibal was caught in a crash with several other riders. Despite some large patches of road rash, Anibal rejoined the race and continued to make the splits and maintain his position in the front group. With the peloton severely shattered, the finish was an “every-man-for-himself” affair, which Anibal thrives on. Fighting for his position throughout the closing laps, Anibal entered the last turn near the front and sprinted for the line with everything he had, crossing in 6th place, his second top 10 in as many days. Luis Amaran also finished in the lead group, but time bonuses acquired by other riders bumped him back to 8th in the final general classification.
About the sponsors of the Jamis/Sutter Home Cycling Team presented by Colavita
Title sponsor Jamis Bicycles rolled out the first Earth Cruiser bicycle in 1979 and has since built a reputation as a brand unmatched in performance, value, and style. Jamis Bicycles are sold in the US from coast to coast and in over 40 countries. A unit of G. Joannou Cycle, one of the oldest and largest bicycle companies in the US under original family ownership, Jamis is committed to advancing all forms of cycling. The company is also the official bike sponsor of the Colavita/Baci Women’s Pro Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light and the US Pro Tri Professional Triathlon Team. Jamis bikes are the choice of professional triathletes Laura Bennett and Stephen Hackett along with world-class riders in mountain biking and cyclocross, including the Team Jamis professional XC team, US gravity stars Kathy Pruitt, Jordie Lunn, and George Ryan and cyclocross champ Jesse Anthony. The company also supports elite athletes through its partnership with Full Throttle Endurance and the GS Mengoni USA Cycling Team. Jamis is the Exclusive Bike Partner of Bicycling's BikeTown USA, presented by MetLife, and the company’s grant to Transportation Alternatives has made possible the largest bicycle valet program in New York City’s history. For more information, visit www.JamisBikes.com.
Since its establishment in 1948, co-title sponsor Sutter Home has produced premier red, white, and blush wines at affordable prices. Today, Sutter Home is America’s #1 premium wine brand and offers consumers a variety of wines for everyday enjoyment. With its creation of White Zinfandel in the early 1970s and the introduction of top-notch varietal wines during the 1980s and '90s, Sutter Home became a household name and the second largest, independent family-run winery in the U.S. The wines are made from grapes grown in California’s finest sustainably-farmed vineyards, part of Sutter Home’s commitment to integrate environmentally responsible practices in every aspect of winemaking. Sutter Home makes 13 varietals including the original White Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Moscato and Riesling. Sutter Home is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. For more information, visit www.sutterhome.com.
Presenting sponsor Colavita USA has been importing and distributing Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other authentic Italian specialty products for 30 years. Colavita also markets world-famous Baci and other Perugina chocolates, as well as high quality prepared foods, including marinated vegetables and the new Colavita Le Zuppe line of ready-to-serve soups. A family-owned business headquartered in Linden, NJ, Colavita has championed the sport of cycling throughout its 30+-year history. Visit www.Colavita.com for product information and recipe ideas.
For the 2010 season, the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita will be riding Xenith SL road and time trial frames from title sponsor Jamis Bicycles. The bikes are equipped with SRAM components, Zipp carbon wheels, and tubulars from Vittoria. Ritchey Logic is providing handlebars, stems, and seatposts, with saddles and handlebar tape furnished by Selle San Marco. Shoes, pedals, and computers are provided by Mavic. The redesigned Xenith T2 Time trial bikes are outfitted with Profile Design aerobars and brake levers.
Team jerseys and all technical apparel are provided by Giordana; helmets, glasses, and bags are supplied by Rudy Project. Gear and equipment for the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team are supplied by GU Sports, Headsweats, Park Tool, and Thule.
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Alejandro Borrajo of Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita Wins Opening Stage of Fitchburg Longsjo Classic
NRC Leader Luis Amaran Finishes in Top 10 Overall
Back for its 51st year, the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic is one of New England’s premier cycling events and among the most challenging races in the country. Consisting of a circuit race, road race, time trial, and criterium, there is a chance for all types of riders to show their strength as well as several chances for lead changes before the conclusion of the race. The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita headed to the race planning to protect NRC leader Luis Amaran for high overall standings and individual stage wins from sprinters Alajandro Borrajo and his rejuvenated younger brother, Anibal. Playing supporting roles and looking to seize all other opportunities for top results were Tyler Wren, Ignacio Pereyra, Nick Frey, Jamie Driscoll, and Andy Guptill.
Stage One (74-mile circuit race; July 2, 2010) -- For 2010, the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic replaced the traditional opening time trial with a circuit race. The three-mile course was challenging, with a steep, ¼- mile wall to be scaled on each of the 24 laps. With no opening time trial to establish the race hierarchy, all riders would be racing aggressively to take the stage win, and with it, the first leader’s jersey. When the starting gun went off, the entire men’s field, some 170 riders strong, was quickly up to speed and on the offensive. Entering the last 10 laps when fatigue was starting to wear down some riders, a move went with Luis Amaran, followed by Anibal Borrajo. This seemed to be the move of the day and most teams were content to let it go to the line. However, Luis and Anibal had communicated to Jamis/Sutter Home Director Sebastian Alexandre that they were not feeling their best. With Alejandro Borrajo sitting comfortably in the field, Sebastian dispatched the remaining five riders to the front of the peloton to chase the break back. Ignacio, Jamie, Andy, Tyler, Nick, and a handful of other riders whose teams had missed the break, turned themselves inside-out on the front and by two laps to go had brought the break back to within 20 seconds. A few final all-out pulls on the final lap caught the remaining riders from the break just as the field dove into the last corner and the uphill drag race to the line was on! Alejandro jumped on the right side of the road but was cut off and had to slow considerably. Fighter that he is, Alejandro managed to find an open line and with one last-ditch surge took the win by inches! With the win, Alejandro slipped into the race leader’s jersey.
Stage Two (98-mile road race; July 3, 2010) – The Jamis/Sutter Home squad started the day in pursuit of a win for the only other sport that means as much as cycling to the Argentineans on the team – soccer. With Argentina playing Germany in the World Cup in the morning and the race not till mid-day, Director Sebastian Alexandre and soigneur Stephanie Roussos found a sports bar near the start of the stage that served breakfast, and most importantly, had several large-screen TVs tuned to every sports channel available. Although Argentina did not prevail on the World Cup field, the morning time-out for Jamis/Sutter Home was memorable, underscoring the positive chemistry that binds the team – both on and off the bikes.
When the time came for Jamis/Sutter Home to take to the field, Alejandro Borrajo was sporting the golden race leader’s jersey, but aware that his lead was slim, with the top 70 riders all within 10 seconds of one another. With the race so wide open and the winner of stage two likely to assume the overall lead, racing got underway like it was day one all over again. Attacks were non-stop as the peloton flew around the first of nine hilly, 11-mile laps. Despite the aggression, no breaks were able to establish a significant gap until the fifth lap when Tyler Wren, Andy Guptill, and Luis Amaran found themselves in a group of 13 riders that was able to slip off the front. After a lap, they were joined by a second group of 13 riders that included Alejandro Borrajo. The expanded group rolled smoothly until the last lap when riders began attacking again to try to get away before the finish. The accelerated pace dropped several racers, but all four Jamis/Sutter Home riders were able to hang on and launch attacks of their own. With the finish line at the top of a challenging, ¼ mile climb, the “sprint” was more of a slow drag race. Andy and Alejandro were well-positioned and dug deep all the way to the line, crossing in 4th and 5th, respectively. Tyler also finished well, crossing the line just several seconds later in 7th.
Stage Three (14.3 km/8.9 mile Individual Time Trial; July 4, 2010) -- With the general classification still far from decided after the first two stages, the Stage Three individual time trial was sure to put things in order. Jamis/Sutter Home’s Nick Frey went out at a blistering pace and never let off the gas, crossing the finish line with one of the day’s fastest times that would eventually place him 11th. NRC leader Luis Amaran, still not feeling in top form, launched himself down the start ramp, shifted to one of his largest gears and pounded on the pedals, getting up to top speed as quickly as possible. Flying around the course, he kept his speed high over every climb and continued to hammer down the descents. Sprinting up the last short climb to the finish, Luis crossed the line with an excellent time, good enough for 9th place on the stage, just 25 short seconds off the winner. Luis’ effort was also good enough to move him into 9th place in the general classification.
Stage Four (50-mile/55 lap criterium; July 5, 2010) -- After three days of intense racing, the top three riders in the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic were separated by just six seconds, and with 10-, 6-, and 4-second time bonuses available at the finish, the race was far from locked up. After 20 laps, Andy Guptill shot up the right side of the road just after a small group of riders had been caught. After several laps, Andy was joined by teammate Tyler Wren, who had bridged up with several more riders and the group of nine continued to put time on the field. Despite their best efforts, they were caught by the hard-charging peloton with only 2-½ laps to go. At that point, every Jamis/Sutter Home rider went straight to the front to set up Alejandro Borrajo for the now assured sprint finish. The field strung out single file as the speeds increased but the Jamis/Sutter Home squad was swarmed by other terms entering the second-to-last turn. Alejandro was able to fight his way through the scrum and sprint for a solid 8th place on the stage. Luis Amaran was well protected and comfortable in the field to maintain his 9th on general classification.
Photo of Alejandro Borrajo is courtesy of Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us
NRC Leader Luis Amaran Finishes in Top 10 Overall
Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita Takes 2nd in Final Stage of Nature Valley Grand Prix
Amaran and Alejandro Borrajo Finish in Top 10 Overall
Andy Guptill provides this detailed report on the final stages of the Nature Valley Grand Prix:
Stage 4 (June 18, 2010; Uptown Minneapolis Criterium) -- After stage 3 of the Nature Valley Grand Prix was canceled due to high winds and tornado warnings in the area, a rested and ready men’s pro field lined up for the Stage 4 Uptown Minneapolis Criterium. With large crowds lining the technical, six-corner course, everyone knew the 40-lap stage would be full gas from the gun. Sure enough, a break of nine riders sprinted clear of the group immediately. With no rider from the team of the overall race leader at the front, the pressure was on Jamis/Sutter Home and other squads not represented to reel in the break. Just as the race reached the halfway point, the break was caught. Jamis/Sutter Home made sure they would not miss another move as Tyler Wren jumped into the next group of riders that went clear. Tyler’s move lasted only a few laps, however, as other teams began to pick up the pace and prepare for a sprint finish. With such a fast, crazy finale, Jamis/Sutter Home’s main objective was to keep their top placed rider, Luis Amaran, in a safe position near the front. Luis entered the last lap in excellent position, and while not technically a sprinter, relied on sheer strength to finish just inside the top 10 on the stage. Thanks to his Jamis/Sutter Home teammates who kept him protected, Luis was able to avoid gaps that cost several top-placed riders valuable seconds and advance to 5th in the general classification.
Stage 5 (June 19, 2010; Menomonie Road Race) -- Always willing to try something new and exciting, the promoters of the Nature Valley Grand Prix decided to leave Minnesota for the day and head into neighboring Wisconsin for the penultimate stage. The 95-mile stage would take the riders over several small climbs before concluding with four three-mile finishing circuits. It was a perfect day for a breakaway to succeed, and the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita planned to have at least one rider in every move and had designated Alejandro Borrajo as the sprinter for the day if a field sprint looked likely. Despite a fast start to the race, no breaks were able to get established until well after the first hour. At that point, Nick Frey was able to roll away with six other riders to establish a gap of several minutes on the peloton. As the stage progressed, Nick was able to pick up valuable sprint points from the break. Their advantage slowly deteriorated until they were finally caught entering the closing circuits. Meanwhile, Jamis/Sutter Home’s plans for the finish went awry when Alejandro crashed in the first of the finishing laps and seemed unlikely to return to the front group – let alone contest the sprint. But proving again that he’s every inch a pro, Alejandro got up from the pavement, mounted his bike, and steadily worked a path through the caravan of cars that follows the race to the back end of the field, and then made make his way toward the front of the flying peloton, a feat which very few riders could accomplish. While Alejandro didn’t have perfect position heading into the final sprint, he still managed an incredible 5th place on the stage.
Stage 6 (June 20, 2010; Stillwater Criterium) -- The final stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the Stillwater Criterium, is one of the most feared days of racing in the US. While not challenging in terms of distance (20 laps of a 1.5-mile course), each lap takes the riders up an impossibly steep climb followed by a screaming fast descent with several 90-degree turns that demand impeccable bike handling skills. Riders that may have been riding strong all week can sometimes find themselves dropped and out of the race in only a handful of laps, ending any chance of a top placing. With Luis Amaran in striking distance of the podium and even the overall win, the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita was determined to throw everything they had at the other teams and see just how high Luis could climb in the standings. The race started fast and aggressive, with several riders getting dropped seemingly every lap. The Jamis/Sutter Home squad waited and conserved as much energy as possible until it was time to make their move. Finally, at the midpoint of the race, Jamey Driscoll and Ignacio Pereyra went to the front and drove the pace with everything they had for two full laps, dropping around half of the field in the process. When they were spent, Tyler Wren attacked and only one rider was able to join him. The field quickly reorganized and several teams worked to bring Tyler back, but the damage had been done and many teams were left with only one or two riders in the front group. Breakaway attempts continued, but nothing materialized until the final lap when Luis attacked with one other rider and put in a mammoth effort to stay away. Sprinting up the climb one last time to the finish line just at the top, Luis was not able to match his breakaway companions finishing kick but managed a remarkable 2nd place on the stage. The effort was not enough to bump Luis on to the podium, but he finished just shy with a still impressive 4th place overall for the five-day event. Alejandro Borrajo was close behind Luis in the second group and finished a strong 5th on the stage and 10th overall. And Jamis/Sutter Home finished 2nd in the team classification.
Photo credit: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us
Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita in Top 10 of Nature Valley Grand Prix GC after Opening Stages
The Nature Valley Grand Prix has been a mainstay of the NRC circuit for the last several years and packs six high-intensity stages into five days of racing. Beginning with a short individual time trial then continuing with three criteriums and two road races, the Grand Prix is the perfect stage for the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Men’s Team presented by Colavita to showcase their aggressive racing style and sprinting strength. Representing the team at the race is NRC leader Luis Amaran, who is joined by Nick Frey, Jamey Driscoll, Tyler Wren, Ignacio Pereyra, Alejandro Borrajo, Ivan Dominguez, and Frank Travieso. Teammate Andy Guptill provided this report:
Stage 1 (June 16, 2010; 6.1 mile St. Paul Individual Time Trial) -- The 6.1-mile opening time trial is almost dead flat for the first 5.5 miles then presents riders with a steep climb to the finish line. Setting it apart from typical time trials, the Grand Prix promoters did not allow time trial bikes to be used and all riders had to race the same bike they would in the following criterium and road race stages. (The rationale was that this would level the playing field, allowing amateur racers, who may not even own a dedicated time trial bike, to compete against the well-outfitted professional teams.) Reactions to the decision were mixed, but the racing was exciting all the same. Luis Amaran flew around the course and up the finishing climb, finishing the day in 8th as Jamis/Sutter Home’s top finisher, just 32 seconds behind the day’s winner. Former U23 National Time Trial Champion Nick Frey finished just four seconds slower than Luis to place 11th, and Jamey Driscoll had a very strong ride as well to slip inside the top 20 with a 17th place finish.
Stage 2 (June 16, 2010; 40 Lap Downtown St. Paul Criterium) -- Toeing the start line for the second time in one day, the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Men’s Team presented by Colavita was ready for an aggressive 40-lap criterium in downtown St. Paul, MN. The technical, five-turn course challenged every rider, and several time bonuses up for grabs throughout the race ensured the assembled crowds that attacks would be frequent. Right from the gun Jamis/Sutter Home riders were covering moves and represented in most breakaway attempts. The field was intact for the first time bonus sprint at the race’s halfway point and Alejandro Borrajo was able to place second, netting three bonus seconds for himself. Just 10 laps later was another time bonus and Luis Amaran attacked the field a full two laps before the sprint and managed to stay away to take the maximum five-second bonus before being reeled back in. With only 10 laps remaining, the Jamis/Sutter Home squad began to get organized near the front of the peloton, keeping sprinters Ivan Dominguez and Alejandro Borrajo in position for the finish. Unfortunately, there were a series of crashes in the field, with one taking down Alejandro. Despite the disorder, Luis Amaran was able to find his way through the crashes and sprint to an excellent 5th place on the stage. With his time bonus, Luis moved up to 7th on the general classification.
Photo credit: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us
Jamis/Sutter Home Men's Cycling Team p/b Colavita Finishes in Top 10 at Air Force Cycling Classic Races
The Air Force Cycling Classic Clarendon Cup in downtown Arlington, VA is famous for its technical, five-turn course that riders must complete a dizzying 100 times. With so many turns, the race can be more mentally than physically draining. The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita arrived at the race with its formidable crit squad, including Alejandro Borrajo, Jamey Driscoll, Ivan Dominguez, Guido Palma, Frank Travieso, Demis Aleman, Ignacio Pereyra, and Luis Amaran, ranked #1 in the NRC’s rider standings.
Racing was full gas right from the start and Jamis/Sutter Home was active covering all dangerous moves. Luis Amaran found himself in a solid breakaway early in the race, but the group was brought back after several laps. Luis was not deterred and continued to race aggressively. About halfway through the race, Luis was off the front again with five other riders. This turned out to be the defining move of the race, as the group flew around the 1 km-long course to lap the field with 30 laps remaining. The Jamis/Sutter Home squad then came together to keep Luis well-protected and near the front of the dwindling peloton. Unfortunately Luis suffered an untimely crash with just a few laps remaining. While he wasn’t able to regain position to contest for the win, Luis did rejoin the group and finish a remarkable 4th on the day.
The next day, Jamis/Sutter Home’s ace crit squad lined up for the Air Force Cycling Classic Crystal Cup. Previously a circuit race, this year’s event was a seven-turn, 90-minute criterium – which proved every bit as challenging. Attacks came fast and furious right from the gun, but Jamis/Sutter Home riders were ready and no dangerous moves were allowed to go up the road without at least one red, white, and black-clad rider in the mix. Despite the best efforts of other teams, no break attempts were ever able to stay away for more than a lap or two, and with several laps remaining it became clear that the race would come down to a field sprint. The high speeds greatly reduced the size of the peloton, but the remaining Jamis/Sutter Home riders did their best to keep sprinter Ivan Dominguez in position for the finale. Shifting winds made for a chaotic finish and Ivan was not able to get a clear shot at the line, but he still launched a strong sprint to finish in 9th place. Photo of Ivan Dominguez is courtesy of Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us
Alejandro Borrajo of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men's Cycling Team presented by Colavita Finishes 4th in Philadelphia International Championship
Jamis/Sutter Home Represented in Major Breaks in Biggest Single-Day Race in US
Now in its 26th year, the TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship race is one of the largest and most prestigious in the US. Its short, steep climbs and grueling 156-mile length make it a challenge to even finish, and a strong international field makes the race exceptionally competitive. The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Team presented by Colavita was up for the challenge, with a powerful, experienced squad consisting of Luis Amaran, Alejandro Borrajo, Jamey Driscoll, Ivan Dominguez, Guido Palma, Tyler Wren, Andy Guptill, and Ignacio Pereyra.
With Luis Amaran and Alejandro Borrajo riding so well, Jamis/Sutter Home’s plan was to allow them to conserve energy and the rest of the squad would work from the start and make sure the team was represented in any breakaways. Temperatures were already high and the air extremely humid even at the 9am start, so everyone knew the day would be especially exhausting. Attacks flew right from the gun, and Guido, Jamey, and Andy were right there to cover them. The field stayed more or less intact until the first steep climb, when a larger group of 40+ riders managed to break away including Tyler, Ignacio, and Jamey. The break was too large to work together efficiently, and just as it was about to be absorbed by the peloton, Jamey and Ignacio managed to escape with a more manageable group of 18 riders, forming the day’s key breakaway.
As the race wore on and the miles, heat, and humidity took their toll, the breakaway shrunk to just eight riders but still included Jamey and Ignacio. The peloton was slowly losing riders as well, but Alejandro and Luis were sitting comfortably near the front while Ivan, Guido, Tyler and Andy made sure they had all the food and water they needed. The breakaway was reeled in with just 15 miles to go, but not before a group of four very strong riders were able to escape off the front. Wanting the race to come down to a sprint for Alejandro, Jamis/Sutter Home went to work to bring the riders back. Andy hit the front and was soon joined by Tyler, Jamey, and Ignacio, and a handful of riders from other teams to wind up the pace and start the chase. Over the next 10 miles, Jamis/Sutter Home was able to bring the gap down from 45 seconds to just 20 seconds. Heading into the final three-mile lap of the race, Luis Amaran took the front and put in a tremendous effort to make a field sprint inevitable. Alejandro then did what he does best, fighting his way to the front and was in great position going into the finishing stretch. The dash to the line in Philadelphia is long and often dangerous as riders make desperate maneuvers, but Alejandro held his ground and launched an incredible sprint against the best in the world to finish just inches off the podium, crossing the line in 4th place!
It was a great day for the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s team presented by Colavita as they were represented in the day’s major breakaway, and then on the front of the field, in full view of the TV cameras and thousands of spectators, in the closing miles. Jamis/Sutter Home was frequently mentioned over the loudspeakers around the course throughout the day as the team showed its strength. Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre could not have been more pleased with the team’s performance. “This was one of the best races in team history,” he said. “Jamis/Sutter Home rode at the level of the Pro Tour teams -- in the breakaway and then we rode to the line. The very best way to finish would have been a podium, but it was so close.”
Photo of Alejandro Borrajo is courtesy of Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us
Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita is #1 in the NRC
Jamis/Sutter Home is 2nd in Team Standings
Northvale, NJ (May 10, 2010) -- Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita takes the lead in the NRC men’s standings. And Jamis/Sutter Home moves up to the #2 position in the overall team rankings maintained by USA Cycling.
Amaran, now in his second year racing with the Jamis/Sutter Home squad, recently claimed his first NRC stage race victory, winning the Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville, AR. Throughout the four-day race, Amaran demonstrated the combination of strength and racing smarts that have already yielded nine podium appearances this season and a victory in Stage Two of the SRAM Tour of the Gila over race winner Levi Leipheimer.
“We are very proud of Luis,” said Jamis/Sutter Home Directeur Sportif Sebastian “Seba” Alexandre. “I knew when we recruited Luis two years ago that he would be our secret weapon. And now the secret is out.”
Carine Joannou, President of title sponsor Jamis Bicycles, concurs, “We are thrilled for Luis, Seba, and the entire squad.” She continued, “The riders and staff put everything they have in to the success of this team and I’m pleased to see the rankings reflect their passion and commitment.”
Luis Amaran of Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita Wins Joe Martin Stage Race
First NRC Stage Win for Amaran
The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita brought a formidable squad to the 33rd annual Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville, AR. The team was represented at the four-day race by Luis Amaran, Alejandro Borrajo, Tyler Wren, Ivan Dominguez, Guido Palma, Jamey Driscoll, Demis Aleman, and Ignacio Pereyra.
Stage One (May 6, 2010; individual time trial) -- The race began with a 4km/2.4-mile uphill time trial. Tyler Wren was one of the first riders to tackle the course and set a blistering fast time. Tyler’s time stood as the fastest for most of the day and wasn’t beaten till the last few riders took to the course. Tyler’s teammate Luis Amaran was one of the few to better his time. Luis powered up the climb in an impressive fashion to finish just off the podium in 4th place, only 12 seconds behind the day’s winner. Tyler would end the day in a respectable 7th and Jamey Driscoll had a solid ride to finish 12th.
Stage Two (May 7, 2010; road race) -- With time gaps between the top riders so small following Stage One’s time trial, the Jamis/Sutter Home squad knew that Stage Two would be aggressive from the start. The hilly, 110-mile course was challenging enough on its own but the constant attacks coming from most teams made for a brutal day of racing. While the pace was full gas from the gun, no breaks were able to establish a gap until about 45 miles into the stage when Jamis/Sutter Home’s Jamey Driscoll followed an attack over a climb. When he looked back, the field had split and there was now a front group of about 40 riders. The group was too large to work efficiently, however, and it wasn’t long before the attacks began again. Pairs and trios of riders got away and established a new break. Ignacio Pereyra made the jump first. He was followed by Jamey Driscoll and Luis Amaran. Then Alejandro Borrajo came across and Jamis/Sutter Home had an impressive four riders in the 16-rider break.
At that point, strategy took over. The #3 GC rider was in the break but the first- and second-ranked riders were not. Luis, who was #4 after the time trial, would either have to drop him or finish in the top three on the stage and receive a time bonus to pass the rider. With Luis in the move, teammates Ignacio, Jamey, and Alejandro went straight to the front and drove the break with everything they had to ensure it stayed away to the finish. Once they knew the break would stay away, Jamey and Ignacio buried themselves while Alejandro stayed with Luis to help him set up for the final sprint. As the break neared the line, Alejandro led out Luis, who launched a great sprint to finish 2nd on the stage, and, more importantly, take enough bonus seconds to pass the rider in front of him and take the race lead!
Jamis/Sutter Home’s Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre could not have been more excited. “Today is one of the happiest days as DS,” Seba said, “I’m very proud of the team. We had four riders in a group of 16 and we were driving it! Ale, Ignacio and Jamey were working super hard. This is the first time in two years that we got the leader’s jersey and that’s because we fought and fought!”
Seba continued, “It’s more than a result. It’s the way the team raced – so smart and so strong. We may win at the end and we may not. But today is a day to be proud of how we raced.”
Stage 3 (May 8, 2010; 92-mile road race) – With Jamis/Sutter Home’s Luis Amaran in the leader’s jersey, it was time for the team to show its strength and control the race to defend his lead. A dangerous break of 10 riders formed early in the stage, but the entire Jamis/Sutter Home squad went to the front and rode tempo, with Luis sitting comfortably behind the train of red and white-clad riders. “We definitely sacrificed our chance for a stage win at the end of the day with our sprinters Alejandro Borrajo and Ivan Dominguez working,” said Tyler Wren, “But it was worth it.” The team only allowed the break a maximum advantage of three minutes before slowly clawing them back. As the finish approached, Jamis/Sutter Home received some help from riders on competing teams hoping for a field sprint, and the break was absorbed with just five miles to go. Luis stayed safely near the front of the field all the way to the line, finishing 11th on the day and maintaining his race lead.
Stage 4 (May 9, 2010; 90-minute Criterium) – With eight corners and a steep, uphill finishing stretch, the Joe Martin Criterium is known as one of the most difficult in the country. Jamis/Sutter Home’s Luis Amaran had a slim lead heading into the stage, and it was again up to his team to control the race and deliver him to the line safely with his lead intact. Right from the gun, the entire Jamis/Sutter Home squad took to the front and set a solid tempo, thwarting most attempts to establish a breakaway. Eventually, a group of four riders got away but the team continued to rotate on the front of the peloton and never allowed the break more than a 35-second advantage. Like clockwork, the team pulled the breakaway back with just three laps remaining and then sat back as other teams took over the pace-making in preparation for the sprint finish. Luis stayed safely toward the front of the group, crossed the line in 8th place, and held onto the overall win for the four-day event! It was Luis’ first major stage race win in the US and one of the biggest wins yet for the team. “Luis showed that he is one of the strongest riders,” said DS Sebastian Alexandre. “He showed his racing smarts on Friday. And thanks to his teammates, he got the lead. After that, the team worked great controlling the race to the end.” Tyler Wren, who sacrificed himself for Luis for most of the race, finished a respectable 8th on the overall.
Photo credit: Sebastian Alexandre
Northvale, NJ (May 10, 2010) -- Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita takes the lead in the NRC men’s standings. And Jamis/Sutter Home moves up to the #2 position in the overall team rankings maintained by USA Cycling.
Amaran, now in his second year racing with the Jamis/Sutter Home squad, recently claimed his first NRC stage race victory, winning the Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville, AR. Throughout the four-day race, Amaran demonstrated the combination of strength and racing smarts that have already yielded nine podium appearances this season and a victory in Stage Two of the SRAM Tour of the Gila over race winner Levi Leipheimer.
“We are very proud of Luis,” said Jamis/Sutter Home Directeur Sportif Sebastian “Seba” Alexandre. “I knew when we recruited Luis two years ago that he would be our secret weapon. And now the secret is out.”
Carine Joannou, President of title sponsor Jamis Bicycles, concurs, “We are thrilled for Luis, Seba, and the entire squad.” She continued, “The riders and staff put everything they have in to the success of this team and I’m pleased to see the rankings reflect their passion and commitment.”
Luis Amaran of Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita Wins Joe Martin Stage Race
First NRC Stage Win for Amaran
Northvale, NJ (May 10, 2010) -- Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita takes the lead in the NRC men’s standings. And Jamis/Sutter Home moves up to the #2 position in the overall team rankings maintained by USA Cycling.
Amaran, now in his second year racing with the Jamis/Sutter Home squad, recently claimed his first NRC stage race victory, winning the Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville, AR. Throughout the four-day race, Amaran demonstrated the combination of strength and racing smarts that have already yielded nine podium appearances this season and a victory in Stage Two of the SRAM Tour of the Gila over race winner Levi Leipheimer.
“We are very proud of Luis,” said Jamis/Sutter Home Directeur Sportif Sebastian “Seba” Alexandre. “I knew when we recruited Luis two years ago that he would be our secret weapon. And now the secret is out.”
Carine Joannou, President of title sponsor Jamis Bicycles, concurs, “We are thrilled for Luis, Seba, and the entire squad.” She continued, “The riders and staff put everything they have in to the success of this team and I’m pleased to see the rankings reflect their passion and commitment.”
Luis Amaran of Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita Wins Joe Martin Stage Race
First NRC Stage Win for Amaran
The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita brought a formidable squad to the 33rd annual Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville, AR. The team was represented at the four-day race by Luis Amaran, Alejandro Borrajo, Tyler Wren, Ivan Dominguez, Guido Palma, Jamey Driscoll, Demis Aleman, and Ignacio Pereyra.
Stage One (May 6, 2010; individual time trial) -- The race began with a 4km/2.4-mile uphill time trial. Tyler Wren was one of the first riders to tackle the course and set a blistering fast time. Tyler’s time stood as the fastest for most of the day and wasn’t beaten till the last few riders took to the course. Tyler’s teammate Luis Amaran was one of the few to better his time. Luis powered up the climb in an impressive fashion to finish just off the podium in 4th place, only 12 seconds behind the day’s winner. Tyler would end the day in a respectable 7th and Jamey Driscoll had a solid ride to finish 12th.
Stage Two (May 7, 2010; road race) -- With time gaps between the top riders so small following Stage One’s time trial, the Jamis/Sutter Home squad knew that Stage Two would be aggressive from the start. The hilly, 110-mile course was challenging enough on its own but the constant attacks coming from most teams made for a brutal day of racing. While the pace was full gas from the gun, no breaks were able to establish a gap until about 45 miles into the stage when Jamis/Sutter Home’s Jamey Driscoll followed an attack over a climb. When he looked back, the field had split and there was now a front group of about 40 riders. The group was too large to work efficiently, however, and it wasn’t long before the attacks began again. Pairs and trios of riders got away and established a new break. Ignacio Pereyra made the jump first. He was followed by Jamey Driscoll and Luis Amaran. Then Alejandro Borrajo came across and Jamis/Sutter Home had an impressive four riders in the 16-rider break.
At that point, strategy took over. The #3 GC rider was in the break but the first- and second-ranked riders were not. Luis, who was #4 after the time trial, would either have to drop him or finish in the top three on the stage and receive a time bonus to pass the rider. With Luis in the move, teammates Ignacio, Jamey, and Alejandro went straight to the front and drove the break with everything they had to ensure it stayed away to the finish. Once they knew the break would stay away, Jamey and Ignacio buried themselves while Alejandro stayed with Luis to help him set up for the final sprint. As the break neared the line, Alejandro led out Luis, who launched a great sprint to finish 2nd on the stage, and, more importantly, take enough bonus seconds to pass the rider in front of him and take the race lead!
Jamis/Sutter Home’s Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre could not have been more excited. “Today is one of the happiest days as DS,” Seba said, “I’m very proud of the team. We had four riders in a group of 16 and we were driving it! Ale, Ignacio and Jamey were working super hard. This is the first time in two years that we got the leader’s jersey and that’s because we fought and fought!”
Seba continued, “It’s more than a result. It’s the way the team raced – so smart and so strong. We may win at the end and we may not. But today is a day to be proud of how we raced.”
Stage 3 (May 8, 2010; 92-mile road race) – With Jamis/Sutter Home’s Luis Amaran in the leader’s jersey, it was time for the team to show its strength and control the race to defend his lead. A dangerous break of 10 riders formed early in the stage, but the entire Jamis/Sutter Home squad went to the front and rode tempo, with Luis sitting comfortably behind the train of red and white-clad riders. “We definitely sacrificed our chance for a stage win at the end of the day with our sprinters Alejandro Borrajo and Ivan Dominguez working,” said Tyler Wren, “But it was worth it.” The team only allowed the break a maximum advantage of three minutes before slowly clawing them back. As the finish approached, Jamis/Sutter Home received some help from riders on competing teams hoping for a field sprint, and the break was absorbed with just five miles to go. Luis stayed safely near the front of the field all the way to the line, finishing 11th on the day and maintaining his race lead.
Stage 4 (May 9, 2010; 90-minute Criterium) – With eight corners and a steep, uphill finishing stretch, the Joe Martin Criterium is known as one of the most difficult in the country. Jamis/Sutter Home’s Luis Amaran had a slim lead heading into the stage, and it was again up to his team to control the race and deliver him to the line safely with his lead intact. Right from the gun, the entire Jamis/Sutter Home squad took to the front and set a solid tempo, thwarting most attempts to establish a breakaway. Eventually, a group of four riders got away but the team continued to rotate on the front of the peloton and never allowed the break more than a 35-second advantage. Like clockwork, the team pulled the breakaway back with just three laps remaining and then sat back as other teams took over the pace-making in preparation for the sprint finish. Luis stayed safely toward the front of the group, crossed the line in 8th place, and held onto the overall win for the four-day event! It was Luis’ first major stage race win in the US and one of the biggest wins yet for the team. “Luis showed that he is one of the strongest riders,” said DS Sebastian Alexandre. “He showed his racing smarts on Friday. And thanks to his teammates, he got the lead. After that, the team worked great controlling the race to the end.” Tyler Wren, who sacrificed himself for Luis for most of the race, finished a respectable 8th on the overall.
Photo credit: Sebastian Alexandre
Title sponsor Jamis Bicycles rolled out the first Earth Cruiser bicycle in 1979 and has since built a reputation as a brand unmatched in performance, value, and style. Jamis Bicycles are sold in the US from coast to coast and in over 40 countries. A unit of G. Joannou Cycle, one of the oldest and largest bicycle companies in the US under original family ownership, Jamis is committed to advancing all forms of cycling. The company is also the official bike sponsor of the Colavita/Baci Women’s Pro Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light and the US Pro Tri Professional Triathlon Team. Jamis bikes are the choice of professional triathletes Laura Bennett and Stephen Hackett along with world-class riders in mountain biking and cyclocross, including the Team Jamis professional XC team, US gravity stars Kathy Pruitt, Jordie Lunn, and George Ryan and cyclocross champ Jesse Anthony. The company also supports elite athletes through its partnership with Full Throttle Endurance and the GS Mengoni USA Cycling Team. Jamis is the Exclusive Bike Partner of Bicycling's BikeTown USA, presented by MetLife, and the company’s grant to Transportation Alternatives has made possible the largest bicycle valet program in New York City’s history. For more information, visit www.JamisBikes.com.
Since its establishment in 1948, co-title sponsor Sutter Home has produced premier red, white, and blush wines at affordable prices. Today, Sutter Home is America’s #1 premium wine brand and offers consumers a variety of wines for everyday enjoyment. With its creation of White Zinfandel in the early 1970s and the introduction of top-notch varietal wines during the 1980s and '90s, Sutter Home became a household name and the second largest, independent family-run winery in the U.S. The wines are made from grapes grown in California’s finest sustainably-farmed vineyards, part of Sutter Home’s commitment to integrate environmentally responsible practices in every aspect of winemaking. Sutter Home makes 13 varietals including the original White Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Moscato and Riesling. Sutter Home is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. For more information, visit www.sutterhome.com.
Presenting sponsor Colavita USA has been importing and distributing Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other authentic Italian specialty products for 30 years. Colavita also markets world-famous Baci and other Perugina chocolates, as well as high quality prepared foods, including marinated vegetables and the new Colavita Le Zuppe line of ready-to-serve soups. A family-owned business headquartered in Linden, NJ, Colavita has championed the sport of cycling throughout its 30+-year history. Visit www.Colavita.com for product information and recipe ideas.
For the 2010 season, the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita will be riding Xenith SL road and time trial frames from title sponsor Jamis Bicycles. The bikes are equipped with SRAM components, Zipp carbon wheels, and tubulars from Vittoria. Ritchey Logic is providing handlebars, stems, and seatposts, with saddles and handlebar tape furnished by Selle San Marco. Shoes, pedals, and computers are provided by Mavic. The redesigned Xenith T2 Time trial bikes are outfitted with Profile Design aerobars and brake levers.
Team jerseys and all technical apparel are provided by Giordana; helmets, glasses, and bags are supplied by Rudy Project. Gear and equipment for the Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team are supplied by GU Sports, Headsweats, Park Tool, and Thule.
The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Colavita continued its successful season with an impressive 1-2 finish in the Wilmington Grand Prix. The 35-mile criterium held in Wilmington, DE is known as a challenging course with a tiring climb through the start/finish line. This year, the promoters added several more turns, making the race even more technical and difficult. For Jamis/Sutter Home, the higher level of difficulty gave even more of an edge to the team’s criterium specialists. Representing the squad were Alejandro Borrajo, Luis Amaran, Ivan Dominguez, Jamey Driscoll, Demise Aleman, Guido Palma, Frank Travieso, and Jackie Simes. Racing was fairly conservative until about halfway through the race when Jamis/Sutter Home riders began to attack. Ivan Dominguez was the first to escape, and was solo off the front for three laps before being caught with eight laps to go. Luis Amaran immediately countered Ivan’s move and quickly developed a gap of several seconds. When it became clear that Luis was not going to be brought back, Alejandro Borrajo jumped from the field and bridged across to Luis, putting two Jamis/Sutter Home riders together at the front of the race. Luis and Alejandro worked together to widen their lead all the way to the line and finished together with Alejandro taking the win and Luis just behind in second.
With this latest win, Jamis/Sutter Home will advance to #1 in the NRC team rankings when the latest standings are released later this week by USA Cycling. Luis Amaran is expected to maintain his #1 ranking in the individual rider standings.
