Alison Tetrick

Go USA National Team.

The Tour of NZL has been a tough race.  New Zealand is a beautiful country, and it has offered us hills, rain, wind, and undulating countryside.  What more could you ask for in a bike race?

I have found myself in a ditch.  In the wind.  Up King of the Mountain climbs. In a chaotic sprint finish.  In warm humid rain. On gravel roads. Through cities and farmlands.  From coast to coast.  Over rivers. From beaches to the forest, I have seen so much.  And we have only done 4 stages.  2 more stages to go.

I have yet to see a kiwi, but I have seen my fair share of sheep.

Wrap Up: USA National Team has won 2 stages, and secured the yellow jersey.  We have fought long and hard to protect the jersey.  Never discredit the power of the yellow jersey.  Much work is necessary to ensure its safety.  Welcome to my life. 

It has been an honor to race with some of the finest women in the world.  I am truly privileged to be getting this experience and learning under such incredible direction.

It has been a good tour so far here down under for Team USA! We have the yellow jersey and 2 stage wins!

Here is a little video clip of Stage 1.  I have discovered that my mind isn’t functioning up to par after Day 2 of the tour, so I am going to insert this “vlog” done my our Team Director, Manel!

Stage 1 NZL Tour

Enjoy!

Check out the interview from CycleTo.com!

This interview was done at Cherry Pie Criterium.

You can watch it HERE!

Tomorrow the race begins.  The Tour of New Zealand.  100 riders.  Lots of countries.  One tour. 

The US National Team Roster:

• Alison Starnes
• Shelley Olds Evans
• Amber Neben
• Janel Holcomb
• Jessica Phillips

We are under the courageous direction of Manel Lacambra, who is a legend in the sport.  He directed Cervelo Lifeforce, and has had countless successes directing the best teams in the world.  The USA Women’s National Team is very fortunate to be under his direction this year.  The energetic Spaniard is known for his infectious laugh, high energy, and cut throat tactics.  I can’t wait to race for him!

6 stages. 5 days. 

Keep checking for the updates.

It’s almost Game On.

I have officially made it to New Zealand.  My first time south of the equator.  When USA Cycling asked if I would like to be a part of the Tour of New Zealand, I did not even pause to think about it!  New Zealand!? Yes! I’m there!  

Why do they call it “down under”?  I am under the equator, and they are right.  Things are different here.  Maybe even a little backwards. 

They drive on the “wrong” side of the road here.  This may seem simple enough until you try to ride around here and you are used to the “left, right, left” routine and find yourself turning into oncoming traffic.  Note to self: Look both ways, look both ways again, wait until it is clear and then make a quick move and hope it works.

Don’t make eye contact with the passenger, make eye contact with the DRIVER (they are sitting on the opposite side of the car).

I heard that toilets flush differently here.  In order to investigate, I filled up the tub and then watched the water drain—in the opposite direction!  So, it isn’t an old wives tale.  Crazy.  I then repeated the experiment in the sink as well, just for science sake.  A repeatable experiment is a valid experiment.  

ShelleyO, JanelH, and RobLOVE (mechanic extraordinaire) all met in SFO to Aukland. 14 hours in the air. Not bad. We picked up ANeben (Olympian, World Champion, AMAZING rider) in Aukland and then had to go through customs pick up the 9 bikes, tools, and a beautiful Italian soigneur, Nadia, and walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal.  We made quite the exhibition as we snaked along through the 5am traffic at the airport.  The US National Team was growing in members and bikes and staff!  Welcome to NZL! 

As the plane flew into Wellington, the mountains transcended into the clouds, and cascaded down into the ocean.  The water is deep blue, and the hills are electric green.  I have never seen such colors so vivid, so alive.  What a beautiful place.  Did I mention the mountains?  Yes.  Real mountains.  They look steep.  This will be a tough race.  The winds will also be a factor. The tour starts Wednesday.

2 more days to ride and get acclimated.  My first impression of NZL: I love it.  Can I stay here?

I’m heading to NZL today to do the Tour of New Zealand with the US National Team.

I’ve always wanted to go to NZL, and I am ready to race my bike.

I will keep you updated on the race!  Stay tuned!

Today was one of those days to remember what is important in life.  The people we surround ourselves with, those we are related to and those we love and appreciate.  As we get busy in life, we get caught up in ourselves and our lives, and it is important to remember to love the ones we are with… Always keep your eye on the prize, but still live in the present.

My best friend, Autumn, a beautiful woman who I think the world of, lost her younger brother, Brandon Anthony, two years ago today.  This has been a difficult couple of years.  I remember the days unfolding like it was yesterday.  I was on my way to watch the ToC Prologue in Palo Alto.  This was before I even knew to watch a bicycle race, and had no idea how to race one.  So much has changed, but none is forgotten. 

Autumn has since dedicated her career to Donate Life California to advocate the organ donor necessity.  She is able to see how Brandon’s life gave life to others.  Speaking with her today just reminded me to remember the past, those who have had influence on us, those who have believed in us, and those who have loved us.  Look to the future for hope and realizing your dreams.  But live in the present to tell those around you that you care, that you love them.  Love the ones you are with. 

Through faith, we can have hope for our future.  Do not take one day for granted.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to keep you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jer. 29:11

Today is dedicated to Bran.

This is a fun video clip done by Pacific State Bank Cycling Team of the women’s race… It is fun to watch us in action!

You can find me and my HOT hot pink Rudy Project glasses action like an assasin for Team TIBCO!

Cherry Pie Criterium Pro Women

Some of my favorite riding buddies have put together the perfect app for those of you who love cycling and have an iPhone.  I actually prefer my BlackBerry, but I am sure there are some of you out there that might have the infamous Apple product with all its cool sleek features.

The application is called VeloVoyeur and it was just launched.  CHECK IT OUT HERE!

I know you may be concerned about following some of your favorite female cyclists using this application, and don’t you worry, that is coming very soon (or so I was promised). 

Good guys. Fun app. Great times.

Happy Friday. 

Maybe I should have a contest for this and give a code for it!? Hm.