Racing season is just beginning for riders in the US and for others south of the equator it is just passing mid season.  The blend of racers hitting their mid season peak and riders just coming out of winter base mile training brings everyone together for the 8 day, 10 stage, UCI 2.2 level race in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  Teams from around the world will make this event very exciting. 

Josh Liberles of the team scored a small side job with Velonews to write a few stories and provide results about this event and our team. 

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/02/news/gringo-diaries-vuelta-independencia-etapa-dos-a-b_106052

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/02/news/gringo-diaries-vuelta-independencia-etapa-4_106283

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/03/news/gringo-diaries-from-chaotic-to-full-on-s-show_106695

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/03/news/gringo-diaries-its-a-wrap-but-on-to-stage-11_106947

The Ten Speed Drive / BH Bicycles team was a hit from stage one with the press.  Not one, but two  interviews on national TV about the trip down from the US and the teams mission “Go Green and kick the CO2 habit”. We explained more about getting out and ride your bike. This seemed to be an exciting topic for the press. With the language barrier, we had a couple riders that spoke Spanish and made it easier during the interviews.  I think this female reporter seemed very interested in Jaime.

Josh coming from the snow of Portland Oregon and Pavel coming from the cold of the Czech Repubic.  Well the 96 degree day on stage 3 did not sit well with them.  Food on the other hand is always difficult when traveling to another country.  Specially when a couple riders were Vegetarians.  I dont think the Vegetarian dish was a choice on the menu??  They must of found something.  They ate well and alot. They’re still alive.

Stage 7a became a tragedy for the team. In route to the race Josh had a local bus knock him down and run over his front wheel.  Then in stage 7b crashed and broke his steer tube. Pavel was in a later crash and broke his frame.  Two riders down. Not a good day.

Waiting for constant changes in start times, route changes, finish line location changes, etc.  This race was fun to attend, but would never met the standards of USA Cycling.  Reminds us alot of racing in Mexico.  Just paint a line on the road and go until they say stop.