Iggy Is Back In The USA, Ladies...

Oh, yes, it is a glorious day for ladies all over San Diego, and the US of A, for that matter...Iggy has returned. I was getting swamped with questions about when he would return, well that happened on Tuesday evening. Security was tight even though secrecy about his return was well shrouded. Anyways, here is a snippet I just received from USA Cycling regarding his trip to Belgium. Ah...one more thing, he said he really had a good time over there and cannot wait to go back, I will post more once I get some info out of him.

• A group of 17-18-year-olds continued junior racing in Europe last week in the Omloop Vlaamse Gewesten. Iggy Silva (San Diego, Calif./Rock Racing) was the top finisher for the U.S. National squad in 37th place. Joseph Kukkola (Indianapolis, Ind./Nova Cycle Sports) completed the race in 47th, Joey Rosskopf (Decatur, Ga./Aarons-L5 Flyers) in 65th, Robert Bush (Louisville, Ky./Kentucky Flyers-Texas Roadhouse) in 68th and Brett Jacoby (Wind Gap, Pa./Gotham Cyclists) in 87th out of the more than 200 riders who started the August 19 race.

Kind Words

Here is a letter that was sent to Iggy from Pat Jak of Fitness Vantage, Iggy Pop wanted me to include it on the blog...

Iggy,

Been meaning to send you a note ever since Vince forwarded me your Nationals results. Congrats, man!

And a second one is in order based on your recent results in Belgium. Great job to fight your way into the break and get a top ten finish. In Europe no less! I have a feeling it is the first of many.

Iggy, I want you to know some things. Us old guys that never had a chance to do what you are doing are living vicariously through you. And we love it. I look back fondly on my college days, road trips to races, bonding with teammates, and can only imagine what it is like for you. Cherish and savor this time.

I also have to let you know I raced against your coach, Ben Sharp, in college. At the time he was at Indiana University and I was at Miami (OH). He regularly kicked our asses and is not just a solid, strong rider himself but an excellent and highly respected student of our sport. So be sure to listen to every word he says. Ask as many questions of him as you can. Basically become a sponge and soak it all up. This is the beginning of your future.

And you should know that you are the future of cycling. Take pride in it. Our sport has been damaged in the past and you are a refreshing change that can return a positive light to the road.

Now I'm rambling. But I look back to the Omnium 3 years ago. You impressed me then with your poise. Two riders came in on you from either side and chopped your wheel, and you held steady. But it wasn't just your handling that was so smooth. It was your ability to keep a level head. To stay in control of yourself, your emotions, and the situation. You held strong and ended up passing right by them. Maintain that discipline as it will help you through any situation you find yourself - on and off the bike.

I have the utmost faith that in the future I will be reading results sheets of some of the greatest races on the cycling calendar and find your name. Keep it up and know we are supporting you the entire way. If you need anything, have any questions, or are looking for someone to ride with, never hesitate to email or call.

Remember, hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

Your domestique,

Pat

Belgium Update and a Couple of Cool Photos

I just got off of the phone with the kid in Belgium. He told me that they are riding with 4 riders since two of them crashed out yesterday. He said he and one of the other boys totally trashed themselves today early on, not knowing which breaks to go with and which ones to let go. I told him just to chalk it up to a learning experience and he agreed. He said they finished in the group today and wasn't sure of their placings overall. Tomorrow is the last day of the stage race. We keep the calls short since I am not sure what the calls cost. We have the same carrier, but I am not sure if it is free even though his Aunt was nice enough to pay the extra $$$ so his phone would work over there. I am sorry I did not find out the boys names who crashed out, just in case their parents are reading this. I am sure they probably know by now and I am assuming that the crashes weren't too bad.

Iggy at the San Diego Velodrome with Stephen(UCSD) in the foreground and Matt Johnson (5 Star Fish) in the background
photo: Lewis Abulafia

Iggy and the boys at Nationals winning the Team Pursuit
photo: Eyecon

Race Update From Belgium

Here is a portion of an email forwarded to us by Ben Sharp. It was written by Geoff Proctor who has been in Belgium with the 15/16 year program for the past 3 weeks and has just returned...

"I was with the Jr 15/16's yesterday for their last race, but I got the scoop from Erly on the 17/18's. Their first race (a pretty big one--Interclub), the Johan Museeuw Classic, took in a big lap interweaved with two small laps that incorporated a pretty tough 1.5 km section of cobbles. We rode them the Thursday before and it was very hard, but the guys said in the race, the pave wasn't so bad. It pretty much went as first races over here go, tough, mechanicals, taking it all in. Joey Rosskopf finished 49th and Rob Bush and Iggy Silva were in the 50's. Brett Jacoby broke his seat, Joe Kukolla a spoke and JP Leclair was under the weather.

Today, I got the opportunity to work with the guys at the local Izegem kermesse and I was pleased with their rides. We had a little team meeting before to go over some things and then it was game on. 22 x 4 km. The first really hot day here and after an initial break was brought back, we had both Iggy Silva and Brett Jocoby in the 8 man break that stayed away the rest of the race. Joe Kukolla rode an animated race in the chase but didn't realize the officials were going to make his group stop with 3 laps to go. So he really didn't sprint for his placing. Same thing for Joey Rosskopf who was in the next group back. Live and learn. JP Leclair and Rob Bush both flatted out. In the end, Iggy fought hard to finish 6th and Brett came in a tired, but creditable 8th place. Joe Kukolla came 15th and Joey Rosskopf 31st from a 60 rider field."

USA Cycling Communications

Here is the communique from USA Cycling regarding the European trip...

• Another group of junior riders will be making the trip across the Atlantic to tackle a series of races from the home base of Izegem, Belgium next week. These races will include the Ronde van Antwerpen from August 9-12 as well as a few one-day local races and several track races. Joseph Kukolla (Indianapolis, Ind./Nova Cycle Sports), Robert Bush (Louisville, Ky./KY Flyers-Texas Roadhouse), Brett Jacoby (Wind Gap, Pa./Gotham Cyclists), JP LeClair (Moraga, Calif./Adobe Schwalbe-Lomabrdi Sports), Iggy Silva (San Diego, Calif./Rock Racing) and Joseph Rosskopf (Decatur, Ga./Aarons-L5 Flyers) are among the youngsters expected to make the trip.