2009 LAJRS, Valley of the Sun SR. Blazes
Attending the 17th annual Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Phoenix, AZ. was a tremendous opportunity for me to get a pulse on a very high quality deep field of junior riders and see the progress of the older U23 riders moving through the pipe line.
I was not disappointed when the Friday ITT rolled around. I ran into over half a dozen riders that had ridden with me on the ARIZONA SELECT Team, in Quebec, Canada. In particular, was Evan Huffman, Chase Pinkham, Ryan Zupko, Andrew Jorgenson, Nick Keller and others, all Cat. 2s now. One of my main objectives though, was to observe and assist one of my newest riders, STEPHEN LEECE, in a tough 17-18 category. Stephen had a fair ITT, but I was expecting better. When he rolled across the line and found me for a debriefing, I was glad that I had brought spare wheels with me… this is when we find 30 lbs psi in the rear sew up. This becomes a key factor for Stephen’s GC standing.
The Saturday road race was epic and tragic at the same time. One junior (ALEXANDER KUSYTYK) rider told me, “I have had my worst day on the bike to my best day on the bike”. This statement reflects the stories of 875 riders competing this week end. I put wheels into the 17-18 follow vehicle for Stephen and gave him a few words to carry with him, as I headed up to the feed zone. Stephen rode with his competition, and then decided to ride away to a solo 1st place finish and time bonus. Somewhere around here is where I have a blonde moment and lose my mobile phone.
Sunday brings light to an awesome criterium course in a great Old Town Square. For a moment you think “I could live here, but then you remember 120 degrees”. Stephen rolls into the criterium 1st in GC. We discuss that “this is a good thing” considering the dynamics of the competition and course. Stephen’s crit finish was another small factor that affected the overall results. Stephen earned 2nd in the 7-18 GC, but what impresses me is what Stephen wants to know about “what do to, to be better”. The experiences of the weekend will be for a life time, the results are a validation of commitment and dedication. 
Cool photos from Valley of the Sun are available at James Rickman Photography.
Enjoy!