By @JonHornbeck
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Michal Kwiatkowski arriving solo as he wins Strada Bianche for a second time.
Photo: Bettini
ALLIED CYCLE WORKS PARTNERS WITH INNEGRA TECHNOLOGIES
Allied Cycle Works has partnered with Innegra Technologies of Greenville, South Carolina to bring new technology to the cycling industry through Innegra Technologies high-performance fiber material and Allied’s engineering expertise. The Innegra S high modulus polypropylene fibers are the lightest fibers commercially available. Allied looks at one of the key advantages to producing bikes in America is the access to materials, processes and technologies that aren’t available to manufacturers overseas.
With mostly all bicycle brands being produced overseas we’re curious if consumers will get behind this brand as they are being built stateside while also providing jobs over here as well. Allied has just released their second bike in their line with the Echo. The Echo is a full custom frame which is also produced in their Little Rock, Arkansas facility. The 800-gram carbon frame set sits at a price point of $3,800.
More on the Echo here
The ALLIED ECHO
AXEON LEFT ON THE SIDE LINES OF TOC
We recently just found out that with the newly upgraded World Tour status of the Amgen Tour of California will exclude one team in particular that is Axeon Hagens Berman. There has been much confusion as if Continental teams will be allowed to race in this year’s edition or not, with no direct word coming from the TOC organizers yet. Rumors have been going around that possibly two Continental teams will be allowed in but nobody knows for sure yet. If that were to be the case one would think Axeon would be a shoe in as they have animated the race many times in the past and have always showed off the upcoming young American talent. I remember personally watching Nielson Powless ride away early as we were climbing up Gibraltar and he was close to hanging on for a win, impressive. What may be the most frustrating part is that nobody knows how the selection process is being made, not even Axel Merckx himself;
“With us being left out hopefully our partners we have still see the value in our team even though we won’t be racing California this year. I wish there was more of an explanation as to why and how teams are being picked.”
Look for the complete story here.
STRADA BIANCHE
Perhaps one of the coolest one day races finished up this past weekend with Italy’s iconic Strada Bianche. With the rolling terrain and inclusion of dirt roads it makes for it’s own style of classic format racing. Team Sky had Michal Kwiatkowski take his second win of the race which possibly came at a very good time to help boost moral of the team. Team Sky is currently not in the best state with many allegations being thrown their way of possible cracks showing in their “clean” image. Regardless of the mess they are currently going through it was a pretty spectacular race win as Michal jumped away with 15km to go and took many risks through wet, paint striped corners to arrive solo.
You can view more great photos of the one day race here.
PARIS-NICE & TIRRENO – ADRIATICO
We have a full of week of racing to view this week between Paris-Nice which wrapped up stage 4 today in France and Tirreno-Adriatico which began with stage 1 today in Italy. The first two stages were very eventful in Paris-Nice as wind and rain ripped apart the field and even destroyed many of the GC riders hopes of glory later in the week. Richie Porte lost 14 minutes on stage 2 and Romain Bardet was DQ’d from the race as he received a bit too much help from his team car after a crash. Today in Tirreno BMC drew first blood as they took the win in the TTT.
FIRST LOOK: OPEN’S UPPER GRAVEL BIKE
We’ve got a first look at another new gravel bike to be hitting the dirt soon. OPEN officially launched its newest model; the U.P.P.E.R. It is heavily based on the multiple-award-winning OPEN U.P., sharing the same frame shape, tire clearance, compatibility with 700c and 650b tires and intended use. This bike looks to have some of it’s own very cool individual characteristics to help it stand out from other gravel bikes. Find out more about the new U.P.P.E.R. here.
The U.P.P.E.R. is available to order immediately, with the first batch shipping to customers this month. Price for the frameset, including frame, fork, thru-axles and small parts is US$ 4500. For more information, specs and photos, visit opencycle.com/up
Well that’s all for this weeks Mid-Week Report. Be sure to check back every Wednesday to see the latest news, views and products that have come our way. If you have any questions, comments or requests, let us know: letters@RoadBikeAction.com