April 5, 2006 – Koppenberg, Boulder!
The season’s first true test for Colorado’s hardmen was run last Sunday at the classic Koppenberg Road Race. While this circuit is certainly not as hard as the real deal in Belgium, the team did have a lot harder winds to deal with this year.
The wind was blowing 40+mph. The riders had to takle a 17% dirt climb TEN Times. This day was truly survival of the fittest resulting in a 60% attrition rate.
The tough race conditions made their impact immidiatly. The winning break went away after only 4k! Two time Koppenberg winner, (and defending Champ) Dirk Friel, was strong enough to make the select group of 8 along with teammate Jon Baker. Dirk and Jon were in tough company with Healthnet, Jelly Belly, TIAA-CREF, Toyota-United, and Priority Health all represented in the move.
In the end, the day belonged to Healthnet’s Scott Moniger. Scott was able to bridge up and overtake Priority Health’s Tom Zirble on the final climb. Former Vitmain Cottage rider, Andy Bajadali, rounded out the podium. Dirk Friel held on to claim 4th, ending the day as the top amateur.
Vitamin Cottage Claim Season’s First Wins
Welcome to the first official update of the 2006 Racing Season. After a solid winter of preparations, the team has come out firing on all cylinders.
Chuck Coyle notched the team’s first win in a race outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 25th. Chuck found himself in the move of the day, along with his mate Jon Tarkington. The duo worked over the rest of the break in typical V.C fashion.
The next day, March 26th, Vitamin Cottage took its 2nd win in two days!
At the now world famious Stazio Criterium, sanctioned by the Tyler Hamilton Foundation, Jon Baker won with Chuck Coyle taking 2nd. Dirk Friel led the sprint out and finished 5th. Also our new teammate, Scott Tietzel, won the field sprint with ease! Great riding guys!