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.