Sloane Anderson

The Cascade Cycling Classic (CCC) Stage Race is happening this weekend in Bend. This is one of the largest and longest running stage races in the USA and it usually draws all the big US Teams. This year in particular it has been given an NRC (National Racing Calendar) ranking of 2.2; which means that there will be more point awarded to top finishes in several categories of the race. It will also help attract even more Teams.

I, however, will be competing in my first Masters category race. Masters consists of riders who are over the age of 35. Don't let that fool you though. Most of the established and elite riders are in the mid 30's and also have the experience to go along with it. Several former Olympians and World Champions are still racing as Masters.  Since the Masters Nationals race will also be held in Bend this September, many riders will be in town for the CCC to get a sample of what to expect in September.   The same courses held during the CCC will be used in Nationals.

The Masters race consists of 4 stages over the course of 3 days. The stages include:
1. 71 mile Road Race
2. 18 mile TT
3. 40 min Crit
4. 67 mile Circuit Race

The weather for the week looks exceptionally nice, with temps in the high 70's to high 80's.  With Mt. Bachelor still covered with lots of snow, the Cascade Lakes Road Race on  Friday should make for some very nice photo shots.  Lots of action going to take place in the next several days.  Young local phenom, Ian Boswell, will be looking to score a high GC placing as his Trek LiveSTRONG Team is in  town as well.

Stay tuned for race reports.