Category: Press Releases

Posted on by

2011 Green Mountain Stage Race-Stage 3

For immediate release

 

Day 3 at the Green Mountain Stage Race in Vermont Sunday, September 4 was the Champion System Mad River Road Race. This is a day the climbers come out and put time into their opponents. With only the Criterium remaining on Monday, this was the last chance for athletes to improve or solidify their positions.

 

The original course was drastically altered after Tropical Storm Irene devastated much of the area. Race director Gary Kessler was forced to adjust the route at the last minute instead of canceling the event. With over 700 riders coming from throughout the US and Canada, the economical impact the the local area is worth over 1.5 million dollars and everyone in the area agreed the race must go on.

 

Even though stage 3 was 30 kilometers shorter than originally planned, a very difficult dirt road section, followed by the big mountain passes at the end remained. The final climb of the day pitches up to 20%, several degrees steeper than the steepest roads on the Cabot Trail. Sydney, Nova Scotia’s Ambrose Delaney is racing in the 50+ division, representing FrameWork Racing. The big winner on the day was Stage 1 winner Kevin Mosher, who extended his lead to 58 seconds over his nearest competitor. Delaney finished the day in 7th place, 2:15 behind Mosher. With combined times, time bonuses and time penalties assessed, Delaney is 6th overall, 2:48 behind the leader.

 

In the King of the Mountains competition, Delaney took second overall with 15 points and all of the climbs behind him. The King of the Mountains in the 50+ division is Haluk Sarci with 22 points. Sarci scored first on three of the four climbs, while Delaney took second on same three climbs.

 

With only one stage remaining, The Burlington Criterium, there is not much opportunity to make up time on opponents but there could be a shakeup in the standings after what is normally a very fast race that can cause problems for riders who aren’t paying close attention. Stage races are not normally won on the strength of a criterium finish, but they can be easily lost in a moment of inattention.

 

There are two other athletes representing the Maritimes at the Green Mountain Stage Race. Halifax star Kaarin Tae, racing for Bicycles Plus Cycling Club, who competes in the men’s B division in Nova Scotia, moves to the challenging women’s 1/2 division in races outside Nova Scotia. Tae sits in 24th place after three stages. Prince Edward Island speedster, Cory Jay racing for Craftsman Construction, is in 36th place out of the 87 that remain in the Men’s 2 division, which is only one step away from the Men’s Pro/1 division. Jay raced to glory on Saturday’s Stage 2 circuit race beating 92 strong athletes in a massive sprint to the finish line.

 

-30-

Watch for the final race report after the Burlington Criterium, and hopefully some quotes from the Maritime contingent.

Bill Goldston

FrameWork Racing

 

Pictured below. Stream from the photo finish camera at the mens 2 stage 2 race. Prince Edward Island’s Cory Jay raises an arm in victory in a massive sprint to the finish after almost 100 kilometers of racing.

Posted on by

2011 Green Mountain Stage Race-Stage 2

FrameWork Racing Team Logo - Colour.jpg


For immediate release


Day two at the Green Mountain Stage Race started in Hinesburg, Vermont. FrameWork Racing team leader, Ambrose Delaney of Sydney is racing for the top of the podium in his second attempt at this grueling race. Here is a rundown of where he stands after the first two stages.

 

After the stage 1 time trial, Delaney was only 33 seconds behind the leader, solidly in fifth place. Day 2 brought a mixed bag of results after an exciting afternoon of racing. In the overall competition, which is comprised of total time, minus time bonuses, Delaney is now tied for 5th overall, 34 seconds behind the leader, with the 4 leaders from stage 1 still in front. The first five riders across the line today earned time bonuses, allowing one rider to pull into a tie with Delaney after he scored fifth place on the stage earning a 3 second time bonus. Delaney was 8th on the stage, finishing in the lead pack and receiving the same time as the stage winner and 13 other riders out of the 35 who started.

 

The 50 year old Sydney resident, turned himself inside out today, scoring 8 points in the King of the Mountains competition, to sit solidly in second place in the “race within the race.” Points are given to the first 3 riders to cross the highest mountains both in the middle of the stage and at the finish, during the second and third stages of this annual Labour Day weekend event.

 

After several years out of the racing circuit, Delaney has spent the last three years racing mainly in the Bicycle Nova Scotia road race series, and training over 10,000 kilometers per year, including countless hours in the mountains of the Cabot Trail plus hundreds of hours indoors either alone or with friends and teammates. His biggest test will come Sunday with his favourite stage. Almost 100 kilometers of racing on hilly roads with some pavement washed out by last week’s hurricane Irene and a significant dirt road section after which the climbing specialists, make their move in the Appalachian Gap. The Appalachian Gap is Vermont’s highest 4-season maintained roadway. Racers will start the first of two climbs known as the “Baby Gap”. Baby Gap will take racers through Jerusalem and a brief but fast descent as the course rolls onto the base of App. Gap proper. This final section is only 5K, but it twists and turns and climbs very steeply in sections. As racers approach the last pitch, the canopy of trees opens up and the top of the Gap comes into view less than 1K away. The final 500m will take racers up one of the steepest pitches of the day (20% in places). This final pitch will be lined with hundreds of cheering spectators to help racers push to the finish.

 

After winning a similar stage in Quebec earlier this year against extremely strong competition, Delaney will not be holding anything back in his attempt to win this race and move to the top of the heap in the 50+ division.

 

-30-

 

Bill Goldston
President
FrameWork Racing
Sydney, NS
902-561-0451

 

Pictured below is a copy of the photo finish printout showing the first 6 athletes across the line in the 50+ division. The stage 2 winner was #510 Tyler Munroe, 2nd place is #528 Tim Dodd, 3rd #522 Haluk Sarci, 4th #518 Keith Davies, 5th #503 Rick Sorenson, and 6th #500 Kevin Fitzmaurice. Delaney was 2 bikes behind the photo. 14 riders crossed the line in this leading pack, all receiving the same time, with the first five receiving time bonuses toward their overall position.

GMSR 2011-Stage 2.jpg

Posted on by

2011 Green Mountain Stage Race-Stage 1

For immediate release:


The Green Mountain Stage Race is going ahead almost as planned this weekend, even though the area was ravaged by hurricane Irene earlier this week. For the second year in a row, FrameWork Racing is being represented by Ambrose Delaney of Sydney. This year he races in the mens 50+ division. After a great weekend last week racing in his home town, against strong athletes in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, Delaney moves to the international standard Masters 50+ category, racing against athletes closer to his own age. Some of the best riders from all over the US and Canada attend this event, to test their skills in the Appalachian Mountains.


This famous annual road race is 4 stages, started Saturday, September 2, with a 9 km individual time trial. Stage 2 is a 102km circuit race with a high powered sprint finish. Stage 3 is a 123km leg busting road race ending with a brutal mountain top finish. The 4th and final stage on September 5, is the fast and furious Burlington Criterium, which is 25 laps of a twisty 1km course on closed streets in the downtown core.


The results of stage 1 have been posted. After the short 9km time trial. Ambrose sits only 30 seconds back of the leader in 5th place, riding his Specialized S-Works Tarmac. It should be noted that the individual time trial is Delaney’s weakest event. The best is yet to come for him. In this position, he is in a great spot to make up time in the massive mountain passes in stage 3, where his strong climbing and experience will take over.


To compare his results from last year, in the younger 40+ division, Delaney was 34th after the time trial, 1:36 behind the leader. After 4 stages, he climbed his way to 19th overall, in his first attempt at this event.


Stay tuned…


-30-

Posted on by

Cape Bretoners at the Classic

Stage 1:

There were 11 athletes racing for FrameWork Racing at the 2011 Cape Breton Classic Stage Race. Here is a brief rundown of how things unfolded. After the stage 1 time trial, in category A, Ambrose Delaney of Sydney was fifth, 31 seconds behind the leader, while Daniel Murray of Dingwall was tenth, 59 seconds behind the leader.

In the B category, Sydney’s Chris Milburn won his favourite cycling discipline, the opening stage time trial as the only Cape Bretoner in the field of 15.

Cape Breton was well represented in the C category with Vince Nicholson of Englishtown coming in second only 11 seconds behind the stage winner. John McQuaid of Halifax, who races for FrameWork Racing was third. Tim Brooks of Baddeck was 7th, Andreas Burger of Mabou 8th, and Bruce MacIntyre of Baddeck was 9th, in a competitive field of 14.

Julie Curwin of Sydney, another time trial specialist, won the opening stage in the women’s division, while Andre Gallant picked up the stage victory in the D category. Lauren Roy of Antigonish, riding for FrameWork Racing, was 4th in the D category.

Stage 2:

The addition of a criterium created some great excitement for the riders at this year’s Cape Breton Classic. Racing on a flat, smooth rectangle on the old Sysco property was fast and furious.

After 2 stages, Ambrose Delaney is 7th, 44 seconds behind the leader, while Daniel Murray hung onto 10th place. Delaney’s specialty is on Sunday, when the roads get longer and the hills get steeper. All Cape Bretoners held their positions in B, C, D and womens categories, after 2 stages. The general consensus among the less experienced riders was to ride safely and protect their rankings in the criterium, which can be dangerous due to the very tight turns and high speed. Lauren Roy did not start the criterium do to an illness that has plagued her for the last week.

There was a “race within the race” at the Criterium, with cash prizes known as “primes” to the leader of each category on specific laps of the race. Julie Curwin and Vince Nicholson each picked up one prime in their race.

Stage 3:

The hills around Scotch Lake and Barrachois Mountain was the conclusion to a great weekend of racing in Cape Breton. In the end, Cape Bretoners took home a heap of hardware. The top ranked Cape Breton athlete was Julie Curwin, taking the women’s overall championship. Chris Milburn was the B category champion, while Andre Gallant took home the trophy for the D category, after winning all three stages.  Vince Nicholson picked up second place in the overall C category.  Cape Bretoners now living off the island also scored with Jim Currie, winning the C category Time Trial, and holding his lead throughout the weekend taking the overall C championship. John McQuaid was third overall in the C category.

The “race within the race” on Sunday was the King and Queen of the Mountain. This is an award earned by scoring points on the major climb up Barrachois Mountain on specific laps of the race. Cape Bretoners were shut out of that competition by a strong field of determined athletes.

There are several cash prizes totaling $1850 at this weekend’s event.

Complete results here: Standings

Posted on by

2011 CB Classic This Weekend Aug 27-28

Expanded three-part race set for this weekend 

 

For Immediate Release – August 24, 2011

 

 
Up to 100 of the fastest cyclists in Nova Scotia are expected to compete for top honours and big cash prizes this weekend at the expanded Cape Breton Classic Road Race.

 

Hosted by the Framework Racing Team, the third annual Cape Breton Classic is the only cycling race held in Cape Breton for semi-pro, elite and intermediate skilled riders that is sanctioned by Bicycle Nova Scotia.

 

This year, for the first time ever, the Classic will expand into the streets of Sydney and include a former steel site when it opens its two-day, three stage event on Saturday, Aug. 26.

 

The first two stages this Saturday will involve a 9 km Time Trial where each rider will leave at a staggered time, starting at 1 p.m., near the Sydport Industrial Park. Those who rank the fastest will have a slight advantage when they enter the second stage which begins at 4 p.m., at the former Sydney Steel site.

 

After a night of rest, the third stage and final stage will be held Sunday and will involve up to 115 km of racing on roads over gruelling hills surrounding the Barachois Mountain, near Georges River.  “We decided to expand the race this year in hopes of growing the sport of cycling in Cape Breton,” said Framework Racing president Bill Goldston. “Cyclists in Cape Breton are really lucky as we ride some of the toughest and most beautiful roads in the province so we’re hoping others will come out to enjoy them too and hopefully help expand the tourist season.” It’s the first time ever in the 100 year history of Sysco that a sporting event of this calibre has been held on ground where hot steel once poured into rails.

 

Following on the heels of the successful Blue Rodeo concert, the paved roads surrounding a new track and lighted tennis court provides an ideal course for the second stage “crit” or Criterium as its known in the cycling world. Racers will start together elbow-to-elbow to complete up to 25 laps of that 1.2 km city block at Sysco and for those standing on the side lines will see the top cyclists vying for top spot at speeds which average more than 40 km/per hour.

 

“We’re really excited to be part of the action involving so many of the province’s top athletes,” said Harbourside Park president Gary Campbell who has been involved in the provincially-lead cleanup for more than two decades. “It’s a nice milestone to see and those who decide to take in the action in Sydney will have a great vantage point to see all the race action no matter where they stand on that block.”
Now called Harbourside Park, the former Sysco site has been transforming into a green site in recent years as part of the $400 million cleanup effort announced by the province of Nova Scotia and government of Canada in the early 2000s.

 

Unique to Bicycle Nova Scotia’s 2011 season, this three part race Cape Breton Classic is expected to be one of the highlights featuring some of the best including Framework Racing’s own Ambrose Delaney who chopped up the summer race circuit in North America in fine style, placing in the top 10 at international events including the America’s Cup in Quebec last month where he won the final stage.

 

Combined times of the three stages will produce overall winners in six divisions including those for women, youth and men. Like other races in Bicycle Nova Scotia’s season this summer, participants will be classified by their ability, or sex. Participants must be licensed which can be obtained at registration.

 

Race details, maps and information can be seen online at http://frameworkfitness.com/category/cape-breton-classic/

 

For further information, please contact Bill Goldston at (902) 561-0451 or 567-1909.

-30-

Posted on by

Cape Breton Number 1 in North America

Where in the world do you want to spend your vacation?

 

If you want an island vacation in North America it has to be Cape Breton Island. For the second time in 3 years, Cape Breton has been named the number 1 island by Travel and Leisure Magazine, and #3 in the entire world.

If you have never cycled Cape Breton, you need to make your plans now. We can hook you up with rental bikes that we keep in top running order, including delivery to wherever you want to start.

Send us a note to get started rent@frameworkfitness.com

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Coupe des Ameriques

 

 

 

Cape Breton cycling speedster, Ambrose Delaney of FrameWork Racing made his mark at this year’s Coupe des Ameriques, in Sutton, Quebec on Sunday. Commonly referred to as the North American masters championship, this 4 stage road race combines a short hill climb stage, an even shorter time trial, a short road race and finally a difficult long road race.

Delaney struck gold on the final stage, winning the 118 kilometer race by 3 seconds on Sunday morning. “After losing time in the first two stages, I had nothing to lose in the final stage, so I attacked the field throughout the race trying for the stage win. I finally got a break from the field and kept the pressure on every time we went up hill.” said Delaney who specializes in long races with difficult climbs. Sunday’s victory came less than a month after an impressive second place in the final stage of Le Grand Prix Cycliste de Charlevoix, another elite stage race held annually in Quebec.

Delaney cracked the top 10 in the first stage finishing 1:11 behind the stage winner on Canada Day. The 13 kilometer stage 2 time trial proved more difficult, but Delaney held his own finishing in 19th place out of 48 riders from all over North America.  The short road race helped Delaney climb back up the standings, finishing 8th overall only 11 seconds behind the winner.

After combining times from all four stages in Master C for ages 50 to 59, Delaney finished 9th overall, just 9 seconds behind 8th place finisher Scott Clark of Halifax.

-30-

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Le Grand Prix Cycliste de Charlevoix

 

For immediate release:

June 5, 2011

 

Ambrose Delaney, team leader of FrameWork Racing based in Sydney, finished second on the brutal final stage of Le Grand Prix Cycliste de Charlevoix in Quebec Sunday. The long steep climbs on this course are punishing to even the most elite cyclists. Delaney’s climbing prowess shone through, allowing him to shake off all but the best climbers only to be nipped at the line by about 1cm in a classic photo finish. At 50kph, that margin would be less than 1/1000 of a second. Photo finish cameras used in cycling are capable of between 2000 and 5000 frames per second, which would be just enough to separate such a close finish. Delaney initially thought he had won the sprint for the finish line but after a review of the photo finish he was placed second. Scott Clark of Halifax, who races for Hub Cycle was third.

After a 12th place finish on the stage 1 time trial Ambrose Delaney found himself 1:43 off the pace, about 40 seconds behind his Nova Scotia rival Scott Clark at Le Grand Prix Cycliste de Charlevoix. With 38 competitors in his 50 to 59 age group, Delaney went into the second stage criterium hoping to finish with the lead pack and give himself a chance at the overall title at this prestigious Quebec race.

 

“Making up a deficit of more than a minute is extremely difficult as the higher placed riders only need to make sure I don’t get too far ahead to defend their position in the overall.” Delaney said as he was preparing for the awards ceremony.

 

Final official results have not been posted at the time of this writing, however Delaney says he is probably 7th overall. His provincial rival Scott Clark was 3rd on the final stage and will be 3rd in the overall standings after an outstanding performance in the Stage 1 time trial.

 

In the 40 to 49 category, Lorenzo Caterini of Halifax, racing for Hub Cycle, also won his final stage although the details and his overall position are not known at this time.

 

-30-

Photos will be posted when available.

Bill Goldston, Director

FrameWork Racing

team@frameworkfitness.com

Posted on by

Killington Stage Race-Stage 2 Update

 

 

 

 

 

We just received an unofficial update from Ambrose. Once again, the official results are not posted for stage 2 yet, but here is a quote from Ambrose.

“Just finished the time trial race and placed 15th which is super because that is not my specialty. I’m about 1 minute and 20 second down on the leader which is not that much because tomorrow is the big daddy of a race. I’m excited and ready to go.”

Ok, so to explain the situation, after turning 50 in March, Ambrose is racing in the 50 to 59 category with over 50 other athletes in the same category. When Ambrose talks about his specialty, those of us who know him sometimes wonder what he’s talking about because very few of us can come anywhere close to him no matter what kind of race it is. In a major open event like the Killington Stage Race, it’s a different story.

Stage 1 favoured the sprinters with a relatively flat circuit and a very fast sprint finish. He was leading part of that stage on the last lap along with his friend and rival Scott Clark, but they were eventually caught by the pack. His strategy was to finish with the sprinters and not lose any time. There are time bonuses for the first few places, so he started the TT only 12 seconds behind the leader.

The TT is a slightly uphill grind, less than 20 km. He’s been working hard on the time trial, but he knows all of his efforts are just to stay close, so he has a good chance when the race goes uphill on stage 3.

Some of those ahead of him are going to be TT specialists and when it comes to the “big daddy” they are going to get dropped by the elite climbers. The climbs are very difficult, one of them is on a dirt road, but the finish is up a ski hill road with a grade of 22%. The steepest part of North Mountain on the Cabot Trail is about 16%. The elite climbers are going to take over and Ambrose’s plan is to stay with them as long as he can, and hopefully he will feel good near the finish and make a run for it. His goal was top 10, but he will not ride for 10th place. Ambrose is going to push for the win with everything he has. If the other guys are better, they are going to have to work for it.

Race Results

Posted on by

Killington Stage Race-Stage 1 Update

 

 

 

 

The official results are not in yet, but Ambrose sent an email update on his status after Stage 1.

 

From: Ambrose Delaney
Date: Sat, 28 May 2011 14:15:06 -0300
“Finished to race today with the bunch sprint finish in the pack where I wanted to be. The lap before the finish Scott Clark and myself got away from the pack for about 15km. The pack caught us with about 8km left to go. On the last King of the Mountain I came first so I got 5 points so I was pleased with that. I’m in a the position where I thought I would be so I’m glad with that. The time trial is tomorrow which is not my specialty so I have to limit my loses and just ride steady and see what happens. The BIG race will be on Monday where everything will break up for sure and real nasty climbs so I’m looking forward to that.”

 

For those of you not familiar with bike racing, when you finish with a group, everyone in that group gets the same time. There may be bonuses for placing, and as Ambrose pointed out, he picked up a bonus for a King of the Mountain win. So, at the moment, he is right in the mix with the leaders. He says his Time Trial is not his specialty, but he has spent the last two years tearing himself inside out to get better. He has a new time trial bike, he has his bike dialed in to fit him perfectly, and he is in the best shape I have ever seen him in. I think he might surprise himself on this one. I’ll keep you posted as I get info.