The 2009 Green Mountain Stage Race was a great success for the Reynold Cycle riders. Overall we gained a lot of experience that we are hoping will help us do very well in the overall finish at next year's race. From the moment we got in the mountainous area of Vermont we knew the race was going to be extremely difficult, with hills greater than we had all seen before. We got there Thursday evening with the first stage being Friday morning.
The first stage was a tough 9.2k individual time trial that started with 3.5k of climbing, and then flats before a short uphill finish. Many riders finished in very fast times and Chris Balestrini was nicely placed in the top 20 on GC.
The second stage was 54k and would see the first points be awarded for the green jersey and KOM jersey. 15kms into the stage a large freak crash caused a big pileup of about 20 riders, close to 1/3 of the field. Unfortunately, Reynold Cycle rider, Chris Ling was caught in it and was unable to finish the stage with some major cuts to the arm and hand. Luckily Chris Balestrini and Andrew Scollard made it through and both finished the stage, Chris B in the chase group and Andrew S a few minutes farther back.
The third stage was what would most likely decide the GC, with 120kms of riding over two large Gaps, including the finish at the summit of the Appalachian Gap at approximately 2400ft. The pace was very quick from the start with many riders trying to get in a breakaway, but Andrew Scollard and Chris Balestrini were saving there energy for later in the stage. On the first KOM climb, the Brandon Gap, a 7k mountain with average gradient just over 7%, Chris Balestrini was well placed, crossing with the lead group who had let a 3 man break get away. Andrew Scollard had fallen off the back of the group a few k from the summit. On the descent a small crash seperated the field and the attacks continued. Then up the second KOM climb, Chris Balestrini was still right there with the leaders and was feeling very strong, but on the descent he crashed extremely hard on a gravel patch and was scraped up from head to toe. He fought hard to chase back, but his injuries were causing serious pain, and he still had 40k to ride. He finished hard up the App Gap a 8k climb with the grade at the top of 20%, it was actually crazy, like Andrew Scollard was going 5km/h on some of it, that's how hard it was, (and hes not a climber, lol). Anyways he had an amazing ride just by finishing and Andrew Scollard finished pretty far back on the stage riding over 60kms solo, but failed to make the time cut. Chris Balestrini's injuries were pretty bad, so no Reynold Cycle riders participated in the 4th stage criterium.
All in all, it was a successul trip as we all experienced racing like never before, he stayed at an awesome ski resort, the Bridges, ate lots of good food, and just had a great time and an awesome end to their summer. We will definitely be going back next year! One thing we did miss in the US was our Tim Hortons, so right when we got back to Canada MOnday night we stopped there and got some coffee and timbits!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
7 Days Until Green Mountain Stage Race
With only seven days remaining until we head out to Vermont for the GMSR, we thought we'd let you know what we've been up to lately. Training wise, we've done a lot of hills, as one stage is a mountain top finish with a 7k climb, and steeps hitting 20% according to the race bible. Also putting in lots of distance on our fequent routes, mostly west of London, main hills repeats are on Old River Road for those of you who were wondering.
Hopefully once we get to the hotel we'll be able to keep updating the blog with daily reports on the stages. However if there isn't a computer we'll still be updating our twitters, so be sure to check them out.
Hopefully once we get to the hotel we'll be able to keep updating the blog with daily reports on the stages. However if there isn't a computer we'll still be updating our twitters, so be sure to check them out.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Biggest Race Of The Season
Sadly we did not end up going to Elliot Lake, but instead have already confirmed our entry in the Green Mountain Stage Race in Vermont. This is a 4 day, 4 stage race that is one of the biggest around. The competition will be great and we are really looking forward to showing what we can do. If you want to take a look at the race and all its info the website is http://www.gmsr.info/
We leave for the race in 2 weeks so we're training super hard right now.
We leave for the race in 2 weeks so we're training super hard right now.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Elliot Lake Update
We're still planning to go to Elliot Lake for the 3 stage race this Saturday and Sunday. All our riders are looking forward to competing in the first stage race of the year, including the Provincial Hill Climb TT, Criterium, and Road Race. We just have to finalize driving plans, (none of our parents want to drive 9 hours). Training lately has been going really well, the hot weather is great as well.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Burlington Road Race Report
Last Sunday four members of the team were in Burlington for another road race. The conditions were far from mediocre for the race with severe rain and the odd bit of lighting during the race. The bad conditions took a toll on many of the racers, including two Reynold Cycle riders, Chris Ling and Payam Saboni, no severe injuries, just some cuts. On a good note Chris Balestrini and Andrew Scollard both finished without crashes and both finished in the top 10. The Breakaway group of 3 riders escaped after a crash went down. The first chase group was assembled but none of the other teams wanted to work with Chris or Andrew. The gap was 5 minutes with 18 km to go. Chris Balestrini attacked the chase with 18k to go and tried to bridge the gap solo. His efforts fell short but was only 40 seconds away from 3rd by the time they finished the race. Andrew finished in the first chase pack to claim 8th overall. Solid showing from the whole team, hopefully a good result will come in the near future for the team.
Next race is the Elliot Lake Stage Race on August 15th and 16th.
Next race is the Elliot Lake Stage Race on August 15th and 16th.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Owasco Road Race Report
Team Reynold Cycle had an awesome race in New York at the Owasco Road Race. In the race was both the Junior Men and Cat 5 Men. Right from the beginning of the race the Reynold Cycle riders controlled the pace, riding at the front setting tempo and staying out of trouble. Up the first climb three Reynold Cycle riders attacked, causing a large split in the peloton. Then up the first KOM climb, a 500m climb at 15% grade, Chris Balestrini attacked and took one man with him, he went over the top first taking max KOM points. Andrew Scollard came over the top fourth and Chris Ling followed behind. Then after a fast descent Chris Balestrini attacked again on the next KOM climb, a 1.2km climb at 7.6% average grade. He put in a huge move and went away solo from there. Andrew Scollard came over the top third and formed a 4 man chase group. Chris Balestrini stayed away until the finish, having a 2:08 gap over the 4 man chase. Andrew Scollard then attacked with 200m to go and finished 2nd overall. Chris Ling followed a couple minutes back in another small group and finished strong, taking the 3rd place in the Junior Mens category. In the end Reynold Cycle swept the podium and Chris Balestrini took home both the yellow jersey and the polka dot jersey.
We will post pictures from the race as soon as they are available on the website.
We will post pictures from the race as soon as they are available on the website.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
2 Weekends - 2 Races
Over the next two weekends members of the Team are competing in two races.
First this Sunday, we are heading to Owasco, New York to participate in a road race, we are hoping to set Chris Balestrini up for the win to make a strong showing for the team.
Then next Sunday, we are racing in another OCup race in Burlington. It is a hilly course suited towards a few of our riders so we are looking for strong results there as well.
First this Sunday, we are heading to Owasco, New York to participate in a road race, we are hoping to set Chris Balestrini up for the win to make a strong showing for the team.
Then next Sunday, we are racing in another OCup race in Burlington. It is a hilly course suited towards a few of our riders so we are looking for strong results there as well.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Update on Training
Lately many of us have been doing a lot of tt training for the upcoming individual time trial in Peterborough, which is on July 12th. Also we've been working on some hills, as we are hoping to go to a stage race in New York the following weekend.
Friday, June 26, 2009
New Kits
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Summer Training
Now that school is finally over for all of us, we're really ramping up the training. The last few days we've had great group rides, working on attacks, sprints, climbing, and just chatting about whatever is going on in cycling. We're looking forward to our summer races as we will be in top notch shape to go for the podium.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Kitchener-Waterloo Road Race
Today Andrew Scollard raced in Kitchener, which was also the site for the Junior Mens Provincial Road Race. He started off very strong getting into an early breakaway of 2 riders, then dropped back to the peloton and was holding strong in the main group. Then on the main climb in the race, his chain fell off and he dropped off the back. Then a couple laps later it happened again while he was trying to chase back to the group and this ended his chance for a comeback. Still a very strong race with his new bike, and h
oping for big things next race.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Latest Races
Sorry we have taken so long to update from the last two races we were in, (we were too busy training).
Anyways, at the Niagara Classic, Chris Balestrini finished fourth just missing his first podium of the season, but had a very strong race.
Then the next weekend at Bike the Bruce, he had a pretty bad crash, but lucky only ended up with some nice looking road rash and no broken bones, and yes his madone was fine.
This Sunday Andrew Scollard will be racing in the Kitchener Waterloo Classic, which also happens to be the location of the Junior Mens provincial road race this year.
Anyways, at the Niagara Classic, Chris Balestrini finished fourth just missing his first podium of the season, but had a very strong race.
Then the next weekend at Bike the Bruce, he had a pretty bad crash, but lucky only ended up with some nice looking road rash and no broken bones, and yes his madone was fine.
This Sunday Andrew Scollard will be racing in the Kitchener Waterloo Classic, which also happens to be the location of the Junior Mens provincial road race this year.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Upcoming Races
Team Reynold Cycle is participating in 2 races over the next two weeks.
First, this Sunday is the Niagara Classic Road Race. This race is known for its mountaintop finish and we will be looking to lead Chris Balestrini out to victory as he is our top climber. This is the third Ocup of the season and we are looking to have one of our top performances.
Then on Sunday May 24, we will be in Oliphant, Ontario, to compete in the Bike the Bruce Ocup race.
For complete list of all of the races we will be attending go to
http://www.ontariocycling.org/web_pages/sch_road_ocup.php
First, this Sunday is the Niagara Classic Road Race. This race is known for its mountaintop finish and we will be looking to lead Chris Balestrini out to victory as he is our top climber. This is the third Ocup of the season and we are looking to have one of our top performances.
Then on Sunday May 24, we will be in Oliphant, Ontario, to compete in the Bike the Bruce Ocup race.
For complete list of all of the races we will be attending go to
http://www.ontariocycling.org/web_pages/sch_road_ocup.php
Monday, May 4, 2009
Springbank Road Race Followup
It was a tough race all around for the three members of Team Reynold Cycle who raced on Sunday in the Springbank Road Race. Two riders fell off the pace after a quick start with lots of attacks. Then the teams' top rider on the day Chris Balestrini, who looked promising for the win all day, had horrible luck and had a mechanical failure with 3 laps to go. The team thanks everyone for their support and is continuing to train for their next race in Niagara in 2 weeks time.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Springbank Road Race
This Sunday many of the riders from Team Reynold Cycle will be participating in the Springbank Road Race. Our race is at 3:30 and its going to be a fast paced exciting race. We would love to have some local fans out there, so come on out and support us, or if you just want to get a feel for what the races are like that we're in.
Hope to see you there!
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Good Friday Road Race

It was easy to notice the team at the race with their fully suited Louis Garneau attire and bright Trek Madone's . Unfortunately because it was the first race of the season we only got 4 guys out to the race. Chris Balestrini, Payam Saboni, Andrew Scollard and Kris Ovsenek represented Reynolds.
Results can be found at www.ontariocycling.org.
This was a big reality check for the boys, who are training harder than ever to bounce back at the second race of the year.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Perfect Sunday Ride
The sun was out, there was little to no wind, it was about as good as it could get.
We were only able to get 4 people in the main group ride, the others had already went out by theirselves prior to the group ride.
We played a fun sprint game where one person lead out as fast as they could and the 3 others duked it out and had to sprint around the lead-out man. Whoever finished 3rd in the sprint would have to do the next lead-out.
Overall it was a pretty good ride today. The forcast for the next couple of days doesn`t look promising, so we`ll probably have a couple of trainer rides to update soon haha.
We were only able to get 4 people in the main group ride, the others had already went out by theirselves prior to the group ride.
We played a fun sprint game where one person lead out as fast as they could and the 3 others duked it out and had to sprint around the lead-out man. Whoever finished 3rd in the sprint would have to do the next lead-out.
Overall it was a pretty good ride today. The forcast for the next couple of days doesn`t look promising, so we`ll probably have a couple of trainer rides to update soon haha.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Chilly Spring Night
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Allan and Chris Got out for a freezing night ride. We finally took pictures to add to the site. It was 1 degree outside with strong winds, but we persevered and manage to take a few pictures. There are more pictures coming. We are training hard right now and our first race is coming up on April 10th so we'll be sure to update everyone on the race!
See you soon,
Chris and Allan
See you soon,
Chris and Allan
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Update on evening ride!
Hey guys just updating you on my evening ride nothing to exciting but all in all i went solo. Went through springbank for an hour and 15 minutes at a steady pace. Still trying to recover from not biking for 6 months after I fracutred my wrist and had a concusion and a few broken ribs from being hit by a car on my bike last fall. It put me out but now things are slowly getting back to normal the legs are feeling good. Half way through my ride it started pouring rain and the wind picked up so that definatley gave me an extra little workout. I have no pictures due to the rain but next group ride this week as a team we will take some for you to look at and maybe a short video of us riding. Anyways got to finish up some homework for school tomorow. I will post again soon!
-Allan
-Allan
Evening Ride
After a rough start to the morning weather wise my ride was delayed till this evening the weather is nice, sunny and partly cloudy with a warm temperature which is always nice to ride in. Chris and I are going for 2 hour ride tonight if it stays nice out and we have our homework done. My hockey season has come to an end officially kicking off the start to my biking season now I can focus on my riding and really training with the team. Hopefully all our hard work pays off! update you soon with pictures from our ride!
-Allan
-Allan
Friday, March 27, 2009
Perfect Day
Today is a perfect day to ride, a couple riders are going out together to work on hills. First we're stopping by Tim Horton's to get our daily French Vanilla's and then we're heading to Reynold Cycle because Justin ripped through his tire from riding the trainer. After that we're doing Old River Road Repeats and riding for about 3 more hours. Hopefully we'll get some pictures from the ride!
-Chris Balestrini
-Chris Balestrini
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Ride Cancelled Due to Weather
So its wednesday night and im working on homework wishing I could be out riding with Chris and some of the guys like we were supposed to tonight but of course it had to be raining, windy and cold so it has forced us to stay in and go on the trainer which isnt all bad since we are still on the bike. Me personally im hoping to go on for an hour tonight. keep you posted on my rides.
Cya!
-Allan
Cya!
-Allan
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Team Ride / Photos
Hey everyone,
We had one of our first team races today, with a bunch of attacks. The pace was fast right from the gun. After the race we took photos of some of the team members, which we'll post as soon as we upload them.
Talk to you later!
We had one of our first team races today, with a bunch of attacks. The pace was fast right from the gun. After the race we took photos of some of the team members, which we'll post as soon as we upload them.
Talk to you later!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
WELCOME!
Hello everyone,
This is the blog of Team Reynold Cycle. We will continue posting on this blog so you can follow the team around throughout the season. We race almost every weekend from April to October so we'll be sure to give updates as we progress. In the time that we aren't racing, you can find us in our hometown of London, Ontario. Starting in April, we will aid in leading some of the group rides that leave from Reynold Cycle at 6:30 on Monday Nights.
Soon we will hook up our twitter account to this blog to follow us closely. We will post links to products we use and add new post frequently. A quick introduction to the team members will be added shortly. So come back and check it out! Talk Soon!
This is the blog of Team Reynold Cycle. We will continue posting on this blog so you can follow the team around throughout the season. We race almost every weekend from April to October so we'll be sure to give updates as we progress. In the time that we aren't racing, you can find us in our hometown of London, Ontario. Starting in April, we will aid in leading some of the group rides that leave from Reynold Cycle at 6:30 on Monday Nights.
Soon we will hook up our twitter account to this blog to follow us closely. We will post links to products we use and add new post frequently. A quick introduction to the team members will be added shortly. So come back and check it out! Talk Soon!
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