Update from Transparent Racing

We are proud to sponsor some great racers across the country. Below is a report from our friend Macky with Transparent Racing...

I'm sorry it has been so long since I've been in touch. I just got back from a multi-week trip to the East Coast for my first ever World Cup and 2 Pro XC Tour races, Mt. Snow and Windham. I had a great time at all 3 of the races, but I admit that I didn't race or feel nearly as good as I would have liked...

At the Bromont World Cup, my first ever, I finished 80th of 120 or so starters. I was called up almost dead last, so I was pleased with my result because it means that I passed 30 or so people! The race was completely chaotic because it was raining and muddy, but I had a great time and enjoyed seeing some of my Chilean friends that I met during my time in South America last winter.

At Mt. Snow and Windham, I finished 30th and 33rd, respectively. Certainly not up to par with my earlier results, but still top half.

Unfortunately, I was not chosen for this year's U23 World Championships team. I am disappointed, but I worked my hardest to be chosen, and when I spoke to USA Cycling, I was told that I was next on the list. I was also disappointed because USA Cycling chose to only bring 3 U23 racers of the 7 they were allowed to bring, but unfortunately, I have no control over that...

I am now taking a bit of a break from cycling to spend time with my family and get ready for college. When I get back to school I will be preparing for the collegiate mountain bike season and then for cyclocross!

Thank you so much for your support this mountain bike season! The Grease Monkey Wipes have been great.

Forecasters say this year's Tour of California could be just as wet as last year's

Last year’s Tour of California was notable for its cool, rainy weather that combined with a nasty bug going through the peloton to produce a 41 percent attrition rate for the then-eight-day race.

This year, riders are hoping to avoid the infection. But there is little hope of escape from a longer, tougher, race and predicted cool, wet and windy weather.

Team OUCH's Tim Johnson, known for his ability to race cyclocross in brutal conditions, says he is preparing for the toughest race of his career.

"It's going to be friggin' brutal," Johnson told VeloNews Wednesday.

"It was already hard last year, and this year there's a harder course and a better field," he said. "And there could be epic conditions."

To read the whole story, click here .