GP VeloTek sends squad to Nationals with BSA Venturing Crew assistance.

GP VeloTek combines forces with the Lawrence based Boy Scouts of America Cycling Venturing crew to send a number of youth to Junior Nationals this August in Park City Utah. Venturing crew leader's Jim Whittaker, Bill Anderson, and Dean Parker will travel 1200+ miles pulling a trailer full of bikes and ambition. Team X Junior Chris Hall (Lenexa, KS) hopes to make his mark in the 17-18 year old category after racing the 7 day Tour de Abititbi in July with 190 juniors from around the world. The bulk of the venturing crew is made up of 7 GP VeloTek junior cyclists including 18 year old Ben Robertson who recently moved to Austin, Texas. Chris and Ben's senior leadership is invaluable to the team of young GP rider's and they are both Eagle Scouts as well. GP VeloTek Junior leader Austin Fick (Topeka, KS) plans to bring his strong time trialing skills to Antelope Island on the Great Salt Lake, you might remember Austin's Top 10 time trial performances from the KCBC Gardner airport series.

GP's is fielding a complete 13-14 year old squad with Alex Edwards, Dalton Luper, Joe Schmalz, Clay Weinaug, and Garrick Valverede. The younger GP'ers are experiencing a strong season and in particular Joe Schmaltz's sprinting success. We asked GP VeloTek's director Jim Whittaker his goal's for his Junior nationals team. "My goal is for the team to unite for a common goal of improved cycling ability and confidence. I'm sure after racing in a field of 60+ juniors they'll be able to handle any other race in America. We've got several athletes capable of outstanding results, but regardless of our placing we'll make the trip a success and the riders will come back with a new perspective"

GP VeloTek team director Jim Whittaker would like to thank Lawrence Bicycle Club for their strong support, Scott Hammack of KSU Cycling, Dr. Richard Gordon, Reynolds's Bike Shop, Cycle Works, Giant Bicycles, and several private individuals for their strong support.

Elite coach makes Lawrence, Kansas paper.

Recently Elite Cycling coach Jim Whittaker was interviewed by the Lawrence-Journal world business editor Chad Lawhorn. Read how Lance Armstrong and the American armada in European racing has helped Jim's Velotek coaching business. Story Link.

Joe Douglas races "down" a couple of age groups.

Perennial Lawrence, Kansas road cyclist Joe Douglas race the Sunflower State games in Topeka last month. Joe's been out to a few Alta-Sport, LC events and plans on racing the US Crit champs weekend in Downer's Grove, Illinois later in August.  Story Link.

Ron wade of Oz Junior Racing tells of his team's Junior National's Trip.

Greetings Race Fans,

Here is all the news that is fit to print from Wichita…..  This inaugural season for OZ Jr Racing is winding down.  A season filled with highs and lows, one where we were upset and we gave some upset.  Most notably our first team crash/pileup at the Twilight Criterium, not a pretty sight, but at least we only lost one bike frame and got  just a little road rash.  We are closing out the season by sending two of our own to Park City, Utah, to compete in the USCF Junior National Championship races. 

Chris Wells, one of our “A” team members will be making the trek to Park City.  You may remember the soft-spoken Chris, at the Tailwind races down in Pittsburg.  Chris lets his racing to do the talking for him; he took third in the Road Race and fourth in both the Juniors and Cat 5 races.  He is eagerly anticipating the races coming up.  He is so excited that he has been working some odd jobs to help pay the way there.

Josh Wade, one of our “B” team members will also be making the trip to Park City.  Who does not know of Josh?  The never soft-spoken Josh wants to cap off a very successful season by spending some time on the podium in Park City.  He is very excited to experience what going to Nationals is all about.  He knows that even if he does not make it on the podium, he realizes that he will learn a lot just by going.