World of Northwave

Hincapie Re-signs with Northwave

2010-01-14T10:02:00.000-08:00

George Hincapie Resigns with Northwave

George Hincapie re-signs a two year contract to remain sponsored and support Northwave shoes. Northwave, the innovative Italian company, has partnered with George Hincapie to sponsor and supply him with cycling shoes till 2012. The recently crowned US Pro Champion has ridden Northwave Aerlite SBS shoes the past 2 cycling seasons with several important victories.

“To be affiliated with one the most recognizable and clearly classy American riders in our generation is an absolute honor. George brings unparalleled image and visibility to the Northwave brand”, says Brand Manager John McKone. “It’s one thing to have a high level pro athlete on our shoes, but George is on another level. His new team and US Champion jersey makes the partnership even sweeter”.

After being congratulated by Northwave on his 2010 Pro Road Championships, George responded, “Thank you… The shoes were part of it, for sure”. George also stated, “I am happy about continuing my relationship with Northwave… I believe Northwave’s are the most comfortable and highest performance shoes on the market”. While in transition from Columbia to BMC, Hincapie continues to ride and train on Northwave.

George has chosen to ride and compete in Aerlite SBS shoes for the past two seasons. His color of choice is the sharp white and silver design that gives him a clearly distinctive look.

2010 Northwave Razer- Velo New Tech Update

2009-11-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

By Zack Vestal
Published: Nov. 25, 2009

* Article Extras
* Photos

The Northwave Razer mountain bike shoe promises to be lighter and more comfortable than its predecessors.

The fall trade show season is now just a distant memory, and 2010 cycling gear is already hitting the shelves. It’s never too early to start thinking about new toys for the coming cycling season, so we’ve got a roundup of a few tech items that caught our collective attention here. These are compiled from company press releases, because we’ve not got this gear in hand yet. But stay tuned, and we’ll try to cook up some actual reviews.
Northwave introduces 2010 Razer mountain bike shoe

Renowned Italian cobbler Northwave announces their new, top of the range 2010 Razer mountain bike shoe. It’s geared toward racers and elite riders as a lightweight, performance driven design.

Using experience from the Aerlite MTB series, Northwave designed an entirely new sole and upper for the Razer. With research and athlete input, Northwave’s 2010 top shelf shoe is lighter, offers a more supple upper and has a thinner carbon sole to bring the foot closer to pedal. These characteristics have been achieved without sacrificing ventilation or stiffness in the sole or support for the foot in the upper.

The new sole, dubbed “The Thin Profile Sole”, has a much lower profile in the outer sole itself. This reduced overall weight and permits an easier, more intuitive pedal interface. The outsole traction lugs are also improved, with dual-density rubber. One is a softer durometer for sure grip on all surfaces, while the other is firmer and gives excellent support and greater durability. This structural sole is supported by carbon layer that gives the shoe its overall stiffness, but at the same time is thinner than ones used in the past giving it lower foot-to-pedal stack height.

The all-new upper uses more supple materials and Northwave’s Aerator System for ample ventilation. There are no overlapping materials and the mesh is placed in key areas for maximum foot comfort. A new “Omega” heel cup gives the Razer superior heel stability and allows for cooling via rear air vents. Northwave continues to use its ASR2 instep closing system including the innovative S.B.S. buckle. This allows for a precise closure over the instep area giving the greater control and power transmission. The size range has also been lowered allowing for more women to step into the Razer.

The $250 Razer has already been in use on the World Cup MTB circuit with European Cross Country Champion Ralf Naf riding to victory and long-time Northwave athlete Jose Hermida, who both ride for the successful Multi Van-Merida MTB Team. It’s available in full sizes 37-47, and half sizes 39.5-45.5

On the Web: www.northwave.com

2010 New Product- Northwave Touring

2009-08-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

Northwave introduces the Touring specialty cycling shoe. With the popularity of touring, that is the exploring of your world on a bike be it road or trail without the need to race and enjoyment of the journey itself. Commuting is also at the heart of the Touring with it’s easy fit and walk-friendly design.
Although the Touring is a casual riding shoe designed to give comfort and security on and off the bike, Northwave has included design specific features that deliver performance.
Starting with the new Touring Sole, Northwave has developed an incredibly light sole that offers excellent traction off the bike and gives superior support due to its 100% rubber sole and tread design. This gives the touring rider confidence to explore on and off the bike. SPD compatibility is achieved through a removable insert on the sole for those who use clipless pedal systems. A triple Velcro closure system over the top of the foot allows for a precise and easy to adjust upper. Ample amounts of ventilation through the patented Airflow System give the Touring excellent breathability in all climates. Northwave also uses the Ultra Y Heel to stabilize the heel (same as in the Aerlite Series) to achieve stability and heel hold down.

The Touring fills a position that is not available from any other brand- a touring/commuting specific shoe that is remarkably comfortable, efficient, and maintains distinct Northwave design!

Northwave Touring
99.99 USD
Sizes: 37-47

Northwave, North America
400 N. 34th St. #203
Seattle, WA 98103
206.762.2955

www.northwave.com

New Northwave Products for 2010

2009-08-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Northwave, the Italian-based cycling company, is proud to introduce its newest mountain bike shoe, The Razer. Northwave has been at the forefront of performance-driven design footwear and has not disappointed with the 2010 top gun model mtb shoe.

Using the experience of the highly successful Aerlite MTB series, Northwave has gone to the next level with a completely re-designed model including an entirely new sole and upper. With research and much feedback from athlete input, Northwave’s new top shelf shoe has been lightened, offers a more supple upper and has thinned out its carbon sole to bring the foot closer to pedal. This has been achieved with sacrificing ventilation or stiffness in the sole or support for the foot in the upper.

The new sole, dubbed The Thin Profile Sole has been given a much lower profile in the outer sole itself. This allows for a lower overall weight due to less material used and an easier, more intuitive pedal interface. The rubber in the sole now has two separate densities. One is a softer durometer for sure grip on all surfaces, while the other is a firmer rubber that gives excellent support and greater durability. This outer sole is supported by carbon layer that gives the shoe its overall stiffness, but at the same time is thinner than ones used in the past giving it a closer foot-to-pedal stack height.

The all-new upper is using much more supple materials and ample ventilation through the Aerator System. There are no overlapping materials and the mesh is placed in key areas for maximum foot comfort. There is also the new Omega heel cup that gives the Razer superior heel stability and allows for cooling via rear air vents. Northwave continues to use its ASR2 instep closing system including the innovative S.B.S. buckle. This allows for a precise closure over the instep area giving the greater control and power transmission. Northwave has also created a new footbed system which is truly three dimensional, perforation in key areas, micro fiber top sheet and a micro foam core for all day comfort. Size range has also been lowered allowing for more women to step into the Razer.

The new Razer has already been in use on the World Cup MTB circuit with European Cross Country Champion Ralf Naf riding to victory and long-time Northwave athlete Jose Hermida, who both ride for the successful Multi Van-Merida MTB Team.

Northwave Razer
249.99 USD
Sizes 37-47, Half Sizes 39.5-45.5

Nicola Cranmer Interview-

2009-08-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

PROMAN Hit Squad director Nicola Cranmer gives an excellent interview with much insight on running a top level elite women's team. The Nor Cal-based team has been winning races all season across the country and even competes in Europe. Northwave has been the official shoe sponsor of the team since 2008. Check out the interview on the following link-
http://www.triplecrankset.com/2009/07/triple-exclusive-interview-with-promans.html

Boise Twilight Crit

2009-07-21T09:30:00.001-07:00

If there is one criterium that is a must race or visit event it's the Boise Twilight Criterium. In a city that is more known for things other than bike racing, the city comes out for this race in droves- to the tune of about 20,000 spectators. Racing starts at about 4pm and goes till about 10pm with the men's Pro Race starting at 8:30 and raging full gas till 10pm. This year Northwave made the stop with a sidewalk expo on the bottom of the 2nd turn. While pulling double duty as the Cole Sport Elite Team tent, Northwave put out the goods to show and handed out stickers and cozies for the masses.
Much excitement in the race as Type 1 rider Michael Creed showed everyone why he has been a pro for so long. Taking flyer after flyer until a break finally went with about half of the race done. The two man break of Tyler Wren (Colavita) and Pete Latham (Bissel) were caught with at the last corner of the last lap. Type 1 executed a perfect chase/lead out the netted a 1-2 finish for the night- Ken Hanson and Aldo Ino Ilesic out kicking the remaining field of about 50 riders. Northwave athletes were active in the race and snuck into the top 20 for some prize money. Todd Hageman of Cole Sport Elite and newly signed Adam Carr of Ten Speed Drive/BH bikes were the top riders for Northwave. For most of the riders Boise was a stop over for this weeks Cascade Classic Stage Race in Bend, OR. As the top 10 finishers were mostly sprinters the remaining rides were using the race as a tune up for Cascade.

Look for an update on the Cascade race coming soon. Cheers.

Sea Otter Classic 09 Going Off!

2009-04-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

This will be the Sea Otter that everyone will be talking about for years to come. The first in recent memory where the planets came into alignment and the weather cooperated in a HUGE way. Sea Otter has become much more than just a weekend of road races that I remember from 1995. It has morphed into the largest US-based consumer bike show where vendors can display and interact with their respective consumers. Even being the opening MTB racing for the US, both gravity and all things dirt, bikies arrive in droves to check it out, buy and be part of the scene. The crowds were ready to be wowed by the new product, insane racing/demos, even roadie racing with none other than Levi Leipheimer coming into town to win the Pro road race. New Northwave athlete Seamus McGrath showed up to pick up his new Aerlite SBS MTB Carbon for the cross country on Sunday. Incidentally, the heat felt by the early Sunday races caused the officials to shorten the pro race by 10 miles and made it a 28 mile event. Notable Northwave sponsor rider Chris McKay garnered a 10th place in the Cat 1/Expert mens cross country. Strong work Chris (he did the full 36 miles course).

Northwave flew the flag and entertained throngs of bikies showing the kicks and handing out goodies from the swag bag. Below I have included a new Tech Feature from Road Bike Action at Sea Otter. Check it out:

http://www.roadbikeaction.com/fly.aspx?layout=content&taxid=67&cid=1452

Will also post the event pics on our Face Book page, suprisingly called Northwave Cycling. Go to the page, add as a friend or fan and see what Sea Otter was all about.

Tour of California Wrap Up

2009-02-28T09:20:00.000-08:00

The riders have left and the race is over for this year, but what a show. 8 days of racing that showcased the best cycling athletes and most competitive race on the US soil.
Northwave had a strong showing with our athletes shining throughout the week and stirring it up. The following riders made their mark at this year’s event:

Glen Chadwick- Rock Racing
Dominique Rollin- Cervelo Test Team
Mathias Frank- BMC
Jeff Louder-BMC
Ian McKissick-BMC

As a bonus Northwave also hosted a team meet and greet with above BMC riders at Bike Bling in Escondido post stage. The riders met with fans, young and old, signed posters, jerseys, water bottles, and even cowbells. With approximately 100k spectators showing up, there was no shortage of fans.

Next stop Sea Otter in Monterey, California!

TOC 09 Stage 2- Sausalito - Santa Cruz

2009-02-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

So when it rains, it pours or so the song and some say. It did. Drove to Sausalito in the rain, when to sleep and it was raining, woke up and it was raining. Just think of the riders and their morale? This should have a been a stellar day with the start in one of the most picturesque areas in Nor Cal and an unpresidented first time crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge by a bike race.
Then good news was that the expo at the start was put under a large tent that housed the expo, race staff, and "Bikers Brunch" who were VIP's that had paid to preride the course accross the bridge and return after the race went over it. They looked like they had endured quite a bit when they came back for the brunch. There were also 2 large Jumbo-Trons giving a live feed from the course. Lots of action. Even with the weather being non-cooperative, there were an estimated 5-6k spectators gawking at racers, bikes, and the spectacle in general. Northwave had quite an audience and turnout. 2 hours post stage start, funny thing, the weather broke and dried out the roads. Timing is everything. Next stop- Solvang.

TOC 09 Prologue- Hometown Race

2009-02-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Having the biggest race in American history start in your hometown is a pretty awesome thing. Not only were all the pros (domestic and euro) in town, but all the bikies, groupies, and newbies in bike racing drawn to downtown Sacramento like months to a flame. None other than Lance Armstrong along with no less than 3 other Grand Tour winners spinning around the roads that I have ridden on in the past. There were even stories bouncing around about pro teams actually going out for training rides in the area with local amatuer racers along the streets and bike paths in the area. Try that with the bigger than life "Big 3" athletes we have here in the US. Ever shot hoops with Lebron James or played catch with A-Rod? Didn't think so.

With the weather reports hovering around like a dark, bad rumor, the day in Sacto was actually not as bad as it could have been. Swirling winds and temps in the low 50's was all Mother Nature could throw at the riders. Crowds were unbelievable, with estimates anywhere from 80-100k. The excitement that Lance generated alone was something like Brad Pitt at the Academy Awards alone. There were people 10 deep surrounding the Astana bus. Just unbelievable. Autograph hounds were, well, hounding around for riders and holding all their memorabilia to be signed like it was a family treasure.

Results were not spectacular with the following in the top 10:

1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team Saxo Bank 4.32.9 (50.294 km/h)
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.01.2
3 David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin - Slipstream 0.02.7
4 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad 0.02.8
5 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervélo TestTeam 0.03.1
6 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia - Highroad 0.03.4
7 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step
8 Mark Renshaw (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad 0.04.1
9 Svein Tuft (Can) Garmin - Slipstream 0.04.2
10 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana 0.04.3

Onto the first stage starting in the most bike friendly city in the US- Davis, CA. Home of the Aggies for all you college sports fans. Northwave flew the flag with an expo at the start with plenty of new shoes to show and tell about. With approx. 20k spectators we had much walk and talk by traffic and did a great job representing, even though it was miserably cold with rain and wind. For some reason fans just want to see a bike race and all there favorite riders. Unfortunatley, the riders stayed in their team buses till about 10 minutes before the start, so no time for sightseeing.

Stage 2 from Sausalito coming soon!

Stage 2 coming soon

An American in Holland

2009-02-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Here is it! Straight from Belgium...

2009 Cyclocross World Championship race report

This year's Cyclocross World Championship adventure started Thursday, January 29, when most of the US riders converged at the team hotel, a converted abbey in the small town of Rilland, in the Netherlands. We unpacked and unloaded and settled in our rooms, had lunch, then rode to the race course in Hoogerheide. To my surprise the course was very dry, mostly frozen and very fast. The conditions made me excited for a much different race than I had been mentally preparing for. Last year I raced a world cup race in Hoogerheide and it was more like the race in Nommay (thick and heavy mud, the perfect course for Katie Compton and Georgia Gould.) I had my bikes set up for mud - and wasn't getting my hopes up for a great race, since I often don't race as well in the thick, power intensive race courses – but as soon as I saw the track I realized it would be a different, faster, race. The race turned out to be so fast it felt more like a crit than a cross race. Saturday the Juniors and U-23's raced and both races were indeed fast and furious. Sunday dawned early for me with the dreaded knocking on my door of the UCI anti-doping doctors calling for my blood. I unhappily rolled out of bed at 6:20am and was escorted downstairs to have two vials of blood drawn from my right arm. As much as I tried to keep my eyes closed and stay relaxed, I couldn't fall back asleep until about 15 minutes before my alarm was to wake me up. We arrived at the race course at 9:30am (two hours before the start) and started the warm up process. With all the support staff in place all we had to do was ride our bikes. Trainers for 30 min then a couple of laps on the race course. The two or three turns that were slick the days before had frozen over leaving the course in unbelievably fast and dry conditions. I was leaning over in turns on the dirt as if they were paved turns in a crit course. The course started on the cobbled streets of town, made two right hand turns, past the church and then a left hand turn onto the grass. It then curved right, passed the pit for the first time, went over an overpass and into the woods for a quick down/up U-turn and exited the woods to double back on itself and descend down to the field and bend back into the woods to the only running section on the course where a set of 5 stairs forced riders to dismount. After the stairs the track passed under the overpass and again looped back on itself then passed the pits for a second time turned left and popped up onto the road again. Only on the road for about 25yards to dive to the right, chicaine right/left and wind it up on the frozen bumpy ground to a 10ft 'wall' that hit with enough momentum was easily ride-able. This 'wall' took the course back onto the road to cross over the start line on a real overpass then turn left and right to the downhill feature, which was a steep 20yard chute of dirt with a quick left/right/left at the bottom. Back onto a short road section, fast left onto the frozen dirt past the VIP boxes, left again and then heading back onto the cobbled road up to the finish stretch. It was a long windy finish.

Temperatures had dropped for us on race day, below freezing with a bit of a wind chill to factor in as well. They started calling riders up and I got called up 14th and decided to line up behind Christel Ferrier-Burneau whom I had raced with in Milan and who I knew to be a fast starter. Once all the girls were called up and the countdown done, we started on the green starter lights. Only 150yards in we hit the first turn and a couple of riders went down. I managed to avoid the crashes and started making my way towards the front end of the group. I could see when we entered the woods that Katie Compton had already gotten a gap on the rest of the field, with Hanka quickly making her way to the front. By the end of the first lap, I think it was Katie off the front, Hanka chasing with Marianne Vos glued to her wheel, Christel Ferrier a ways back in fourth, and a Dutch rider solo in fifth. I ended up in a group with three Dutch riders including Daphny VandeBrand , the young Belgian Sanne Cant and maybe another French rider. Once my group got to the pavement they all sat up and looked at each other. Who would chase. Well, I came here to race, so I got to the front and took chase. We eventually caught the Dutch rider, and after three laps when my fingers thawed we started closing in on Christel. Usually over here in Europe it is the first lap where the riders are aggressive and taking each other out in the turns, on this day of racing, at this caliber of an event, it was non-stop racing action. Elbows thrown in every turn, fighting for position constantly... until the cobbled uphill finishing stretch where the girls would sit up and play games. I just couldn't sit in the pack and force someone else to work, I was too worried about more girls joining our group, so I ended up being the sucker that pulled everyone up the hill into the wind. I knew that I was working harder than I should, but I wanted our group to get smaller. My hands were working, and my legs felt like they were warming up. At one point I remember assessing our group and I figured we were 4th place through 8th place. I remember seeing 2 laps to go but with the craziness of the crowds and the chaos of the racing, I made the ultimate rookie mistake. I miscalculated the laps. Somehow in my head, I counted wrong... with one lap to go, and finding myself in the lead again I drilled it for the line. I figured I will just go for it and the worst I can get is 8th place, I crossed the line in 4th place only to have two Dutch riders pass me and continue on past the podium and onto the course. There was still one lap to go. I had given it everything I had left, and there was still one lap to go. I couldn't believe it, I looked at my watch and indeed it said we had only been racing for around 36 minutes. So now all I could do was suck it up and recover as best I could. Maybe this wasn't the worst thing, now I would be last in our group and someone else would be forced to lead out the sprint. All I had to do was hang on that pack. I got gapped a couple of times, but I still was able to catch back on with no effort on the turns and descents. I found myself chasing hard to close a 10ft gap only to have to brake at the bottom of a descent as I easily caught back on. Back to the cobbles again, and everyone sits up. This time I will not be the one leading it out. Christel goes up the left side even though she is tired looking from riding half of the race solo in 4th place, and then sometime after the right hand turn the sprint starts and I slide to the back of the pack. I had nothing left, no sprint, and we got caught by three more riders when we were playing games before the sprint. I rode most of the race solidly in 4th-8th and ended up placing 11th. A very disappointing placement considering I was consistently 5th-8th in the 4 World Cup races that I raced in. I had no idea how the sprint played out, but Sanne Van Passen won the sprint for 4th. Marianne Vos won the race out sprinting Hanka (2nd) and Katie (3rd) at the line. One thing is certain, if this race was a muddy race it would have played out very differently. The crowds of spectators were amazing, the techno beer tents, big screen TV's and crazy Belgians made for a truly spectacular weekend of racing. It is always an amazing experience racing with the crowds in Belgium (or the Netherlands) and I think this race had the most people in attendance of any race I have ever raced. I heard estimates of "at least 50,000 people" The racing was fast and furious, and I raced as hard as I could. I left it all on the course, that is the most I can ask of myself. The support I received from everyone back home was amazing this year, I cannot thank everyone enough for all the great emails and 'wall postings' that I got. My bikes worked great, I had good health and good spirits. So it is the end of a successful season, with the exception of my flight being canceled today and having to spend another day in Brussels the whole trip has gone with a hitch. So now I head home for some much needed rest. I will be racing on the road with the Proman Racing women's team and some select mountain bike races. Thank you to Anthony Gallino who runs the California Giant Berry Farms team who made this season of 'cross racing possible for me. See you out there on the roads and trails!

Thanks for reading! -Rachel Lloyd

Northwave and BMC Racing Team Partnership

2009-01-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

Northwave North America is proud to announce the partnership and official team sponsorship to BMC Professional Cycling Team. Northwave is no stranger to being a supplier to athletes around the globe and has been inked to be the footwear supplier to the team. BMC, as a relatively new team, has made its mark on the North American racing scene as well as abroad in such races as the Tour of Romandie and Tour de Suisse. With a group of young gun talent being mentored by such riders as Markus Zberg, Alexandre Moos, and Tony Cruz, the team has abundance of youth and with the mix of the more experienced riders. They have the talent to make a mark on any race.

The team will be racing on the Aerlite S.B.S. and wearing the après footwear for travel and podiums. Northwave is no new product to BMC, as Jonathon Garcia and recently retired Mike Sayers were sporting the Aerlite models last season.

As BMC has recently finished a 15 day training camp in Santa Rosa, CA, they are getting ready for the TOC and a second group is heading off to the Tour of Qatar. Having won jerseys at TOC in ’08, the team is keen to make it to the level and land a rider on the final GC podium.

If you are traveling to California for some up close racing action, be sure to swing by the Northwave booth in either Davis or Sausalito for some swag and get a chance to meet the BMC team in Escondido for a meet and greet session at conclusion of the final stage and closing presentations.

Rachel Lloyd in Belguim and Beyond

2009-01-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

Northwave athlete and cross diva Rachel Lloyd has been attacking the Belguim cross scene since taking a bronze at the US Cross Championships in December. Here are some race reports and general vibe of Euro cross. Enjoy!

The Zolder circuit is a famous car racing track. It turns out that our host Gert has driven on the track (in his dealing with the company he works for, BMW.) The race track is about 30 minutes from the town where we are staying in. Since the track is so close, Gert offered to drive Sam and I to the course on Christmas (the day before the race) to pre-ride the course and pick up numbers, parking passes and pit passes. Gert kept telling us that it would be crazy the next day, that there would be 40,000 people there, which turned out to be true! So Sam and I rode around 4 laps on the course, which was a very fast and fun course. In trying to find super fast lines, I ended up crashing a few times (one time quite hard wrenching my right shoulder pretty well in the process.) The race course started on the track into a headwind up a false flat for about 250 meters, the made a sweeping left onto the dirt and immediately bent to a right hand U-turn, crossed the track, turned left passing the pits for the first time made a few more turns then headed up and down a sandy dune a few times before diving into the woods. Then the course went down a quick rooty descent and bent a few times before climbing quickly up a grassy hill past a small chapel to again quickly descend down the hill and out of the woods. Crossing the other side of the track and heading back by the pits to do a series of steep up and downs along the hillside on the west side of the track. There was one very descent and one very steep run up, then the course traversed the hillside turned 180° to the right in a loose sandy turn, went over an overpass and back onto the track. I could tell the the race would be fast and the laps short.

Race Day: Gert and his dad Jo met us at the house in Herentals at 10am. We had decided to leave earlier than usual to give ourselves a cushion for traffic and craziness at the Zolder circuit. We made good time to the course and were parked with two hours till race time. We got the trainer set up, Gert was off finding some mud tires for me so I will have something in my quiver for the really muddy courses like Nommay. I warmed up on the trainer next to Hanka Kupfernagels trailer, then got on the course for a couple of laps. The course had gotten even faster than yesterday. It had frozen overnight and the temps were still below freezing. The whole west side of the course was in the shadow of a hillside and would be for the whole day, keeping the ground frozen. We lined up at 1:30 and started with the green light of the race car start lights. As soon as we started the U-turn chaos ensued. I got around a couple of girls only to give my hard fought spots away on the sand dune. We almost came to a stop and I tried to ride around people off the line in the sand which was a mistake. Eventually the field strung out and passing was a possibility, except that the pace was so blisteringly fast and girls would fight for the turns and any spot they could. After the race, Sam said that on the second lap the race almost came back together. I think at that point the group of 4 that I was in had some trouble and that was the end of the leaders being in sight of us. Basically there was a group of 5 off the front with Katie Compton, Hanka, Daphne Van De Brand, Marianne Vos, and Maryline Salvetat. All of these people have either been World Champions, Olympic gold medalists, or World Cup winners! My group of chasers had Cristelle Ferrier, Wendy Simms, Pavla Havlicova and myself. Eventually Cristelle rode away from me to take 6th(she was accelerating so much faster out of turns and on the paved sections, I was going downhill faster, but she took more time out of me on the track.) I put a small gap on Pavla and managed to hold it to the line for 7th(she almost caught me on one of the steep uphills that I was running.) And Wendy held on for 9th with a hard charging Georgia Gould closing in to finish 10th. The leaders sprinted for the line with Katie leading out the sprint but being over taken by World Champion track racer Marianne Vos who won the race. Hanka got second, Daphny third and Katie fourth. Former cross World Champ Maryline took fifth. It was a very exciting race! The men's race proved to be just as exciting!

Thanks for reading, now I am packing to move to Franky VanHaesebroukes house near Oudenaarde. I will race a local race in Louenhout on Dec.30 called Azencross I have heard that there will be thousands of spectators at this one, should be exciting!

Stay tuned,

-Rachel Lloyd

InterBike Press Release

2008-11-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

’09 Northwave Cycling Line

Northwave, the Italian based cycling company, is proud to unveil its 2009 shoe line. New models and colors are featured throughout the mountain and road collection. The all-terrain line has also expanded its versatility by creating a clipless, pedal-friendly cycling sandal, the Shark.

Having had great success, the Northwave Aerlite series continues to raise the standard by upgrading technical features and adding edgy, new colors. The Aerlite SBS now has an improved mechanical closure that is not only stronger, but simpler to use. Durable and easy to use, the new strap offers precision and still allows significant ventilation. 5-layers of carbon are used on the shoes’ sole for strength and stability. The Aerlite SBS is also designed with the WLI (Wood Lasting Insole), made of a thin wooden midsole that manages temperature and dampens “road noise” associated with riding on pavement. New colorways include: red/white/black, white/silver, and red/silver.

On the mountain side of things, the Aerlite Series has hit the trails. Taking a cue from the road, the Aerlite SBS MTB series are the newest shoes presented by Northwave. Using the same upper as the Aerlite SBS road, the new mountain version has more than ample ventilation. Designed with the Ultra Y heel cup, this shoe has superior heel hold. The Aerlite SBS MTB is also highly adjustable, thanks to SBS (Step By Step) and ASR 2 (Ankle Strap Regulation). Available in two models: a top shelf Aerlite SBS Carbon MTB -- the flagship model with a full length carbon sole paired with natural rubber lugs for superior traction. The Aerlite SBS MTB is the non-carbon version which utilizes the versatile Jaws Carbon Reinforced sole and offers some flex while providing exceptional performance.

In the women’s category, Northwave proudly introduces the Devine SBS. This is a high performance road shoe, lasted specifically to fit a woman’s foot. The Devine SBS has lower volume in the heel and forefoot, and is available in a smaller size range. Utilizing the ST 7.5 carbon composite sole, the Devine delivers high performance with ventilation through the Aerator system. The SBS closure system allows easy adjustments for a precise fit. Comes in a unique color way: pearl white, with light blue details.

Added to compliment the Shiver SBS, the Shiver with three Velcro fasteners has been added to the women’s mountain line. The Velcro version is designed with a Jaws mountain sole and women’s specific fit and size range of 36-43 including half sizes 39.5-42.5.

With an ever-expanding offering of all terrain shoes, there are minor tweaks and the addition in all 3 models: The Gran Canion 2 GTX and City Cruiser bookend the category and give it more depth. Northwave introduces a new mid-top “bike and hike” model, the Gran Canion 2 GTX, using a Vibram sole and Gore-Tex lining to give it multi-weather usage. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the City Cruiser is an urban model with a clear commuter friendly sole for walking and is clipless friendly. An exciting addition to the line is the Shark. This an open sandal that uses the same EVA cushioned sole as the City Cruiser, but consists of an open sandal, summer weather design. Its upper material is water repellent and odor resistant. Toe protection and a Velcro closing system make for a comfortable fit that is the lightest cycling sandal on the market.

Northwave hasn’t stopped to rest and proudly introduces the most extensive specialty cycling line, ever. The Montebelluna, Italian based brand continues to push forward with designs and continues to expand into important cyclist categories.

www.northwave.com

New Womens Model From Northwave

2008-11-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

Northwave proudly introduces the Devine SBS to the 2009 collection. Deriving from the momentum and popularity of the Typhoon SBS, Northwave delivers a true women’s specific performance road shoe for 2009. After closely studying the foot’s shape and anatomical differences, Northwave has designed a last that is true to women’s needs. The Devine SBS has lower volume in the heel and forefoot to accommodate these differences. Available in women’s U.S. size range 6-13 in March ‘09.

Utilizing the ST 7.5 carbon composite sole, the Devine delivers high performance with a replaceable heel tab for durability. Ventilation is achieved through the Airflow system in the sole. The upper uses the Aerator System to keep the foot cool, using air vents in the toe area and throughout the upper. It is also designed and stitched with separate material pieces that allow the foot to expand for extra comfort when riding.

The patented SBS closure system allows easy adjustments for a precise fit with a micro buckle and a “macro” closure that perfects the fit over the instep. With dual Velcro straps at the forefoot, the closure system is complete and delivers total comfort. The Devine is available in a unique color way: pearl white, with light blue details.

Northwave Devine
MSRP 169.99 USD
Sizes 36-43, Half Sizes 39.5-42.5

Northwave Introduces New Aerlite MTB Series

2008-11-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Northwave Aerlite SBS MTB

A shoe for demanding cyclists looking for technically advanced, but exceptionally comfortable footwear. The special upper envelops the foot to ensure optimal stability, while providing excellent ventilation throughout the shoe. Heel retention is achieved by the Ultra Y Heel Cup and the “cats tongue” material lining the heel. Enriched with carbon powder, the sole guarantees a high level of rigidity, while the natural rubber tread ensures superb traction. The innovative Step-by-Step mechanism ensures precise, secure closure of the instep strap. Gradual release of pressure using the special “release” button provides the optimal micrometric adjustment. This device allows you to control the pressure release on the foot’s arch “step by step”.

Cyclocross athletes Rachel Lloyd and Mike Sayers are lining up with the Aerlite SBS MTB. Another notable mtb athlete is Gunn-Rita Dahl who debuted the shoe in Beijing this summer.

The top shelf Aerlite SBS MTB Carbon is identical to the above with the inclusion of a 5 layer 100% carbon sole, due to roll out in March 09.

Northwave Aerlite SBS MTB
MSRP: 199.99 USD
Sizes: 39-47, 39.5-45.5 half
Color: White/Red/Black
www.northwave.com

Deer Valley NMBS

2008-10-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

June 27-29

Greeting all,

A bit late on the entry here, but wanted to show some dirt action from the Beehive State-Utah. The NMBS tour made a stop here with all the flash of an X Games entourage. Full on DH riders looking like gladiators and skin suit wearing XC guys rubbing shoulders and talking about their respective games. On the menu was XC, Short Track, DH, Super D and 4 Cross. As this being held in my own backyard, I had no choice but to watch the spectacle from my humble Northwave tent. On hand was Northwave pro athlete Ray Storm throwing down in the Super D event and chasing national points.

Watching the Short Track from my tent was like a criterium on main street USA. Bikies going mach schnell on a 1km course about 50-50 pave' and dirt. The fields blew apart on about lap 1 and saw the favorites form the move. Trebon and Kabush taking pulls until a lap to go and Kabush stomped it on the small climb coming in solo while jettisoning his water bottle into the crowd as a salute!

The XC race saw a flip flop of the short track results with Trebon taking out the win. This course was one of the only single track premdominate on the tour. Meaning there was little chance of passing except on the climb and other open areas sparcely dotting the course. The weather for the weekend was epic. Horizon to horizon big bluebird with temps in the low 80's, no humidity of course. The biggest threat was the altitude-approx. 7000 feet putting the hurt on the flatlanders. Plenty of dust was on hand to give the riders a look of epic racing. In the end a perfect weekend of riding and racing with all the heavy favorites on hand, not dissappointing the tofosi.

Next stop Rochester NY!

ciao!

Wenatchee Omnium

2008-06-04T03:45:00.000-07:00

May 18-19 Wenatchee, Washington

The Northwave tour making it's stop at the Washington State Omnium Championships. This 3-event weekend was held in The Apple Capitol of the World, Wenatchee. This being our backyard, we fielded no less than 4 teams of Northwave sponsored athletes. Nice to have such a strong representation.

Northwave sponsored the twilight criterium in downtown in front of a crowd of 1500 fans and athletes. The pace throughout the race was kept high with primes from Northwave apparel and cash being thrown out by the announcer with yours truly taking the win in the Masters A/B. The featured Pro/1/2 race was a full gallop down to the wire with Northwave athlete Kenny Williams taking out the win.

Next morning saw the road race start with 2 laps on basically and uphill/downhill course with a flat run-in to the finish. Again, yours truly taking out the win in the Masters A/B.

The premierP/1/2 event was won by Northwave sponsored Patrick Stanko from Hagens- Berman Elite Team. Not only did Patrick take out the Queen stage, he also snagged the GC win.

Look for Northwave at Deer Valley at the upcoming NCS race later this month.

Sea Otter Classic

2008-05-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

April 17-20
Descending to Monterey for the Sea Otter Classic was a fantastic experience for the Northwave crew. Traveling with me was pro mtb rider and Northwave athlete Ray Storm. Ray was at the end of an injury sidelining his early race calander.This being our first foray to the SOC, we had expectations of seeing some cyclist and tents around the Laguna Seca Raceway. What I wasn't prepared for was the enormity and scale of this event. No less than 250+ vendors with all types of competitive events happening simultaneously.
If you never have gone to SOC, mark it on your calendar now. This can be best described as an "Interbike for consumers". We saw non-stop traffic for 4 days from all categories of bikies. The first 2 days had a strong road influence with the road races happening on Thursday/Friday and the weekend catering to the mtb/freeride community. Estimated 30,000 bikies made their way through the gate to either work, race, attend, watch, oogle and generally hang out at America's opening of the mtb season. Yours truly even lined up for the masters 35+ road race that went 70 miles through Fort Ord finishing a semi-respectable 10th. The next day I felt the pain of the Laguna Seca Circuit. There was hardly and flat stretches for recovery-either uphill or downhill, including the famous "'Corkscrew" descent. Soloed in for 8th, those CA guys are flying.

The only downside was the weather deteriorated through the weekend. Starting in the mid-70's, it became apparent something was coming our way. By Saturday morning the winds coming off the Pacific (3miles away) were cranking up to 30+mph with gusts to 50. This has an obvious effect on the pop-up tents. Even with 50lbs on each leg, our NW tent was tossed onto to it's head with all merchandise and displays being splilled onto the ground. We weren't the only casualities as tents were being thrown around like paper in the wind. Some slight tweaks in the frame was the only damage-oh, the sand from the wind would have challanged a Sahara sand storm. Quick recovery saw us with a slightly new look for Sunday am in the expo as we lost a few things in the windstorm.

So chalking it up to experience, Northwave will be flying the flag next year at Sea Otter.

Visalia Womens NRC Weekend

2008-03-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Just returned from California and the Sequoia Cycling Classic. This is a return of the famed Visalia weekend races from the late 80's and into the 90's. Most notably the race has become a women's NRC level race with an ITT on Saturday and classic downtown crit on Sunday.

Making the trek out on the road (literally) making our way to Sacto and some good weather for a couple of days of training, we made our way down the Valley to Visalia Saturday for our expo show and tell on Sunday. Traveling with a real-deal former Euro pro Tyson Apostal, getting in some training in the sun. Tyson rode for Volksbank for 3 years, a Northwave sponsored squad out of Austria.

The race had all fields held, from Juniors to Masters 55+ including Mens Pro/1 actually racing before the women's featured event (this is typically run in reverse to above) to underline the level that the women's race has been elevated to.

I even had a chance to line up for the Masters 35+ race. Couple of national champions on the start line gave me look into the level of this race, even for the amateur races. Single-file and numerous attacks and regrouping gave yours truly to launch a solo attack that lasted 4 laps getting our new team name- Team Northwave, some publicity among the crowds that had shown up for a day at the races. Getting reeled in a sprinting to a semi-respectable 8 th. place was all good.
Back to the big races, the Men's Pro race was stacked with pro's in CA preparing for Redlands in early April. Kelly Benefits was showing a strong full team with a peppering of Toyata United, Colavita, BMC and Health Net.
There were to no breakaways as the stronger teams with sprinters kept it all together for a final gallop into the final 400m to the finish. Multiple 100.00 primes kept the pace uber-high and strung out, squashing any breaks.
Final laps saw Kelly Benefits lined up in front and in control with Colavita right behind. In the final lap, their train fell apart and Colavita bad-o sprinter Lucas Haedo (of famed Haedo family) took out the win with fellow SOTB compatriot and teammate Alajandro Barrajo taking third. Notable result: BMC and Northwave athlete Mike Sayers, riding sans teammates, took out an 8th place before getting back to training and heading over to Europe for Criterium International.

The women's race saw much of the same tactics-stronger teams keeping it together and burning up riders to keep the pace high to set up for a mass sprint. Northwave sponsored team PROMAN had a full squad taking out multiple primes. With only a handful of riders, Team High Road (formerly T-Mobile) had the ace in the hole Ina-Yoko Teutenburg sitting in for the finale and positioned her right behind the TIBCO train setting up sprinting upstart Brooke Miller. Not to be as Tuetenburg came around in the last 50m to take the win. Another notable placing-PROMAN sprinter and Northwave rider Megan Gaurnier took out 7th before heading to Europe with the National Team this week for a one month stint.

Tri News fromThe Southwest

2008-02-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

News from the land of cacti- Northwave pro triathlete Scott Sunderman hit the roads (and water) to compete in his first event of the year. Jumping in at the deep end, Scott was in fast company at his first "big pro race" of the season, The Phoenix Desert Classic Feburary 17. Mucho national talent in the form of ITU leaders and gold medalists. After the race Scott wrote, "I beat a few guys, but I got creamed". Note that Scott works at Cole Sport in Park City, Utah ( which happens to be a huge Northwave supporter) and finds training in the middle of winter tough at 6500ft. Lots of cross training and a fair bit of alpine skiing. Look for more of Scott in the future as he hits the roads this spring.

TOC News Flash

2008-02-26T06:02:00.000-08:00

TOC stage 7 Santa Clarita to Pasadena. Northwave top American gun has taken out the stage in style with a win in the final stage of the '08 TOC. Powering a break all day long with other bad ass Americans Michael Creed and J. McCartney, sprinkled with some euro-dog talent. Weather was not ideal with no California dreaming sunshine to be scene-although I was at the start and had to wear sunglasses because of the glare of the wet pavement.

There were numerous attacks within this break with Bissel's Tom Zirbel doing the brunt of launches that eventually were all reeled in with our boy George taking the honors of the stage.

Leipheimer easily maintained his lead and second consecutive TOC. Same time next year and see you all at Sea Otter.

Saturday Feburary 23,2008 Stage 6 TOC

2008-02-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

Quick fly by from not so sunny SoCal. Past 4 stages from TOC has seen weather from torrential horizontal rain to typical semi nice weather with at least no rain.
Stage wins have gone from solo wins from Dominic Rollin in San Louie to a mass finishes in Santa Clarita today, taken out by Luca Paloreni. High Road rider Mark Cavendish thought he had until the commisares told him that he had a 20 second time penalty for hanging onto a car after hitting the deck. Ouch baby.
The TT in Solvang was soooo nice. Very quaint little euro-styled building making the euro-dog racers feel at home. Levi Leipheimer slayed all and put a firm hold onto GC. Crowds were thick and frantic watching their favorite bikies cruise at LT + while swerving $10k bikes.
Strong winds and a winter storm put a damper on our Rock the Bike event. Still we saw some of our peeps and flew the NW flag-go red and yellow.
The start to stage 7, with the finish in Pasedena, should showcase sprinters once again. Levi should hold onto the jersey no problem. Heavy rain winds should greet the bikies at the start with a menu of hills and a flat-out finish on a 100 mile + venture.
Out for now.

2008-02-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

Tour of California Stage 2 Tour of California-Santa Rosa to Sacramento Tom "Tornado" Boonen took out the stage win in a group gallop. Coming around none other than Mario Cipollini and Mark Cavendish of High Road in the last 10 meters.Cold temps with rain and wind met the riders as they started in Santa Rosa and made their way through the hilly Wine Country before dropping into the Sacramento Valley for a 40km flat run-in into the State Capitol. BMC rider Scott Nydam went on a 95 mile solo effort and was clear until about 15 miles to go. Quick Step took up the tempo with CSC and drove it into the state capitol. Here they did 3 two mile circuits before hitting the 700m finishing straight. Brit sprinter Mark Cavendish took a flyer with about 400m to go and looked liked the winner until Haussler and Cipo launched sprints. Boonen came around with a bike length to spare.Tom has been seen sporting a niffty pair of Northwave custom white with rainbow stripes to commerate his 2005 World Championship win.Even with wet weather the vibe is good in at the race with thousands of bikie.s trying to catch a glimpse of their favorite racer. I bumped into Tyler Hamilton who has been training due to his exclusion from the race. He is psyched about racing again in his Northwave kicks.Palo Alto prologue was a smashing success. If there is one stage that shows the state of cycling, this has been the one. An estimated 100k spectators looked on as Cancellara took the leaders jersey. The Lifestyle Event venue looked like a state fair. Cyclist everywhere looking at everything cycling. Even the odd pro roadie cooling down after their ride-saw Bobby J. cruising through on his pimped out Cervelo.The stage 1 start in Sausalito was quite possibly the best venue for the start of a race anywhere in the U.S. Stunning geography and weather in the small Bay Area hamlet showcasing the creme de la creme of cycling. Northwave was placed in the exhibitors venue under the big top while all the team buses and cars were parked about 100m away. Strolled through and spotted numerous Northwave athletes chatting, riding and getting ready to do battle on the roads or NorCal.Quick short list of Northwave riders in the race-Tom Boonen-Quick StepGeorge Hincapie-High RoadTyler Hamilton-Rock Racing (training this week)Kevin Hulsman-Quick StepSebastien Turgot-Bouygues TelekomRock Racing is riding in Northwave outerwear-Rain jackets and vests, winter gloves and shoe covers, base layers. A select number of athletes have chosen Northwave for shoes, but are riding other races during the TOC.Next stop is the Santa Clarita later this week on Saturday. Northwave is taking part at the H3 Publications "Block Party" with none other than Tom Boonen to show for an autograph session.Rumor has it George Hincapie will be on hand, too. The event is called Rock the Bike and will feature music by The Gin Blossoms. Go to www.santa-clarita.com/tourofca/events_rock-the-bike-.aspNorthwave has graciously donated hand -signed shoes from Boonen and Hincapie to be auctioned off for the Road to Cure raffle.
Will be on the road for other stages and will fill you in and bring some pics to our blog, ciao.