Steven Palaez sprints to Masters victory

HDR Masters Cycling Team Victorious in Santa Cruz

Steven Palaez sprints to victory in Criterium

San Francisco, California (April 6, 2009)- Steven Palaez of the HDR Masters Cycling team presented by Lombardi Sports won the Masters 1/2/3 Criterium held in Santa Cruz, California on April 5. Palaez outsprinted a group of 10 riders to secure the victory while giving thanks to the teams sponsors.

Santa Cruz is a technical criterium, the HDR team was well represented at the front of the race the entire day. Palaez broke away with 10 other riders midway through the race, “I felt good all day and knew the HDR team had every move covered” Steven said. Palaez stayed alert to any attacks coming out of the lead group, helping pull a rider back with one lap to go. “I came into the last turn with one rider just off the front, started my sprint, passed him and had time to sit up and point out our sponsors.”

The win continues a successful Spring campaign for the team and provides momentum heading into the peak racing season.

Solo Domination

HDR Elite Cycling Team Dominates Wards Ferry

Evan Huffman solo’s to victory in Northern Californian Classic, Vince Owens wins sprint for 2nd

Evan Huffman Dominates Wards Ferry of the HDR U23/Elite Cycling team presented by Lombardi Sports won the Pro/1/2 Ward’s Ferry Road Race held in Sanora, California on March 28th.

Evan’s report: We rolled out bright and early at 8am for 5 laps and a total of about 62 miles.  HDR p/b Lombardi Sports had 5 guys (myself, Blake, Jesse, Vince, and Tyler).  After a brief neutral roll-out the action got started quick with numerous attacks on the hills getting rid of anyone without great climbing legs.  I couldn’t help but chuckle as Vince repeatedly countered his own moves, that guy can sure go uphill, I think the new Pinarello FP6’s we were breaking in helped a lot too.  I don’t remember exactly how it went down, but about 2 laps in it was just me, Vince, Dan Martin (Safeway), Michael Margraf (Safeway) and Kevin Klein.  The team tactics were were getting negative so I went for it solo and easily extended a gap out to a minute.

There was some regrouping behind me, but thanks to a great moto ref, I had constant time gaps and was able to gauge the effort perfectly holding it right at a minute.  Coming through the finish with 1 to go, I heard the word that the gap was 1:30 to my lone teammate.  What a relief as I was starting to get tired. The feeds from my Mom and Sukie kept me hydrated and feeling fresh so I rode it in the rest of the way hard, but under control taking the win with Vinny sprinting to the line for second. Great opener for the team thanks to our great support and sponsors for 2009, 1-2 finish for HDR p/b Lombardi Sports.

Team begins year with top 10 finishes in the Valley of the Sun and Snelling Races

San Francisco, California (March 1, 2009)- The HDR Elite Cycling team presented by Lombardi Sports launched the 2009 racing calendar with top 10 finishes in the Valley of the Sun Stage Race, Boulevards Road Race and Snelling Road Race. The team conducted and outstanding training camp in January with riders leaving the camp in top condition and a racing schedule focused on achieving top results in key local and regional races.

Blake Anton in Race Leaders Jersey

The Boulevards Road Race was held on February 7 in San Diego with snowy, challenging conditions. The Pro 1/2 field consisted of 90 riders with 42 finishing the ninety mile race due to the cold, wet and snowy conditions The field featured some of the top domestic professionals- many were using the race as their final preparation for the Tour of California. HDR was represented by Evan Huffman and Vincent Owens, both riders finished race with Vince taking 10th place.

The Valley of the Sun Stage Race, held February 13-15 in Phoenix, AZ, draws some of the top talent in the West. Evan Huffman and Blake Anton made the trip to represent HDR. The first stage was an individual time trial, the field was just over 90 riders with Evan finishing 14th and Blake 21st. Day 2 featured a challenging 90 mile road race- 5.5 laps around a challenging circuit with amply heat, headwinds and climbs to provide a challenging day out for everyone. Blake began attacking during the second of the five laps to win time bonuses for being the first up the climb. With one lap to go Blake attacked out of a breakaway group to take the lead with one other rider- minutes later Evan joined Blake. Evan and Blake pushed the pace and dropped the other rider, attacking all the way to the finish line to gain maximum advantage over the other 90 riders in the field. Blake took the victory with Evan in second place; the main field finished an amazing 2:30 behind the Blake and Evan- a dominant 1-2 result for the team.

On February 21 the HDR team was well represented in the standings at the Snelling Road Race with Tyler Brandt taking 4th place and Blake Anton taking 5thin the Pro 1/2 race. The Snelling Race was 86.6 miles with a very competitive field of 119 riders. Tyler and Blake made the final selection, contesting the sprint against some of the top riders in Northern California and securing the Top 5 finishing positions.

The HDR Elite Team has a full race schedule in the coming weeks, continuing to focus on fielding a strong square and securing top results in Northern California events.

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