Dave Campbell's Trivia For April 2009

Just completed at the end of March, bridging the gap between the Milan-San Remo, the season opening one day Classic and the Northern Cobbled Classics, this is a very unique event. Not unlike “your own local stage race”…a flat stage, a mountain stage (9 climbs in under 100 km), and then a closing 8.3 km TT. Promoted by the Tour de France organizers, the event always draws a top field and is usually a key early season test for those with later Tour de France aspirations.

Q1. Jens Voigt of Germany (Team Saxo Bank, formerly CSC) just won the race for the third time in a row and his fifth time overall. Remarkably, his TEAM has won the last seven editions in a row! Who were the other CSC race winners?

Q2: Despite the incredible success of Spaniards in stage racing, the Criterium International, begun in 1927, has only ever been won by THREE Spaniards…most recently Alberto Martinez of Euskatel-Euskadi (in front of none other than Lance Armstrong) in 2002. Who was the first Spanish winner and when?

Q3. The Criterium was not always very “International” and for many years was dominated by the French! Who was the first non-French winner and when?

De Ronde van Oeste Portlandia

Portlander's have always been known as a odd bunch. Cycling is part of the mainstream in this city. The Hawthorne bridge, which is about 100 feet from where I'm siting, has daily bike commutes of a jaw dropping 5,000 riders. The De Ronde van Oeste Portlandia is an event that's gaining a place on Portland's cycling calendar. Held for the first time a few years ago the event has grown in legend. The climbs are really steep and it takes its name from the Tour of Flanders in Belgium. If you're ever in Portland in the early part of April be sure to check out this great event.

March 2009 Dave Campbell's Trivia

SEASON OPENING CLASSIC: Het Nieuwsblad



Q1. On February 28, Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team) became the first Norwegian to win this coveted Belgian Semi-Classic. He is only the NINTH Non-Belgian winner in the race’s 64 year history. Which “other nation” has been most successful in the 200 km cobbled “hard man’s” race?

Q2: What is the best result ever in this race by an ENGLISH Speaking rider?


Q3. Hushovd is also a past winner of the Belgian spring classic Ghent-Wevelgem. With the cobbles, the climate, the climbs, and the country (Belgium) Het Nieuwsblad (or Het Volk or Ghent-Ghent) would likely see MANY riders win both. And yet, it has been awhile! Who was the last rider who triumphed at Het Volk also had a Ghent-Wevelgem in his palmares?


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Showers Pass Portland Jacket = Love

For about 2 weeks now I have been "testing" the Portland jacket from our old friends at Showers Pass. I have worn the Portland everyday for the last 2 weeks! I love this jacket! Not only does it function well as a cycling jacket but it also looks great at the office, or anywhere around town. It's not a neon green cycling jacket that screams I am a geek, I ride a bike (perhaps, I have some issues.)

It looks great too!
During my "testing" of the Portland jacket not a day goes by without a compliment on the great looking jacket I'm wearing. Many people don't even know it's a fully functional cycling jacket. Even the reflective piping on the jacket is subtle. (see the video below for more details on the reflective properties of the Portland)



It's Warm and Breathable
I have been wearing my jacket on my commute to work and it does a great job of protecting me from the wind and the rain. So far I haven't gone on longer rides of more than 10 miles. The Portland has a 2 way zipper as well as pit zips for regulating body temperature.


This jacket is perfect for the commuter who wants to look good both on and off the bike.

Cervelo Test Team Videos

Milram Jersey + Fake Cow

I don't really have much to say about this except I love the cow.