April in Review

Still in the grip of winter the team kept on keeping on in April.

At the Tour of the Battenkill David took 4th in the masters 30+ while Laura Lee finished 7th in the women's cat 3 race. Fabienne previously unbeaten in two editions of this epic race was finally beaten but still managed a creditable 14th in the women's elite race.

Undeterred by her result at Battenkill Fabienne wreaked revenge on the cycling gods by taking wins in two CRCA races on consecutive weekends while David managed a couple of top five results in the same events.

At the end of April we welcomed Ann Marie Miller to the Fuoriclasse party, Ann Marie brings many years of experience plus multiple national titles to the team and we're honored to have her.

Look out for more from us in May - the sun has finally come out.

In like a Lion out like a Lion

The Fuoriclasse Racing team has enjoyed an extraordinary start to the season. The early spring weather has not been racing friendly but the team has managed to beat the elements and everybody else to record three wins plus a few other notable placings to record the best March ever.. without question. Fabienne Gerard (characteristically) got the season off to a great start with a second place in the first CRCA club race then followed up the following week with a win at the Bethel Spring series in CT. David Taylor (uncharacteristically) followed a couple of early season top tens with a win in the NY spring series then the following week won the CRCA race in central park - a race marked by sub zero temperatures and Arctic wind chills - Taylor took the win from a three man breakaway then spent the rest of the day wrapped in foil. So April is on the horizon with upcoming highlights like the Tour of the Battenkill and the Quabbin road race - the team is hoping for more wins and for some warmer weather, but mainly for some more wins.

First WIN of the Season!

On Saturday Vicki, Laura Lee and Fabienne raced Grant's Tomb Criterium in NYC. We worked very hard and made the race fun by attacking a lot. We missed the winning move but it definitely was a great and fun workout! Best recovery brioches and coffee at our favorite Hungarian Pastry Shop.





On Sunday, Colleen, Vicki and Fabienne drove to race at Bethel, CT . On a very windy and cold course, Fabienne took the WIN. First win of the season in our second week racing, we are very happy! Here is a link to a picture of the winning sprint.

Racing Season 2011 is ON!

On Saturday March 5th, first CRCA race in Central Park!

Fabienne took 2nd in the sprint up Cat's Paw.

Exciting New Sponsor for 2011: Betsy Hafkin Massage !

Fuoriclasse Racing is pleased to announce Betsy Hafkin Massage as a new team sponsor for 2011.

Having spent the last year working on many Fuoriclasse team members, we are thrilled to have Betsy as an official sponsor. Betsy Hafkin is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist with over 7 years experience. She is certified in Sports and Medical massage and recently finished all coursework for her Personal Training certification. Betsy is an avid cyclist herself and understands the common and not so common complaints that many cyclists suffer from.

Read more about Betsy at http://www.betsyhafkin.com/ or contact her at betsyhafkin@gmail.com.

Cycling Performance and Chiropratic

Fuoriclasse Racing sponsor Discover Chiropractic of Soho recently hosted a small workshop aimed at determining what practical role chiropractic care could play in improving cycling performance and efficiency.

Professional bike fitters perform a valuable service in improving cyclists comfort and efficiency but they are able only to change the relative position of the saddle, pedals and handlebars and cannot easily compensate for physical imbalances and asymmetry. The bicycle is designed to be symmetrical and it does not adapt itself to an imbalanced rider.
To facilitate the study two local racers kindly agreed to act as guinea pigs. Dr. Beth Forgosh of Discover Chiropractic performed a preliminary physical assessment and David Taylor assessed their cycling form via a few basic measurements and observations.

Initial Observations – Typical in everyday life but a hindrance on the bike
Dr. Forgosh commented that both subjects exhibited skeletal alignment issues that are commonly found in the general population but when the subjects climbed onto their bikes it was evident how some of these minor issues were compromising their cycling efficiency. Both subjects displayed irregular tracking of the knees and irregular movement in the hips. Apparent asymmetry in leg length was observed through measurement of the knee angle at the point of maximum extension.

Basic adjustments make a big difference
Following the initial evaluation Dr. Forgosh made a series of adjustments on each of the subjects working on each for around 15 minutes. The cyclists then re-mounted their bikes for re-assessment.
In both cases the apparent asymmetry in leg length that existed pre-adjustment was not evident afterwards. Both subjects also displayed better pedaling mechanics evidenced by more consistent knee tracking and looked and felt more comfortable on their bikes.

Will the adjustments hold?
Dr. Forgosh said that “The subjects will likely revert to their previous state as the body adjusts but through a series of treatments in the short term and with a program of monthly / bi-monthly maintenance the improvements could be made permanent.”
The amount of follow up treatment required usually depends on the severity of the condition and the length of time that it has gone untreated. One of the subjects has continued to receive treatment from Dr. Forgosh and six weeks after the initial session was observed to have excellent form and balance on the bike.

An unanticipated benefit
A remarkable and unexpected benefit occurred for one of the subjects treated. The person had suffered from an atypical asthmatic condition for 2 ½ years and hard efforts on the bike triggered severe breathing restrictions. Visits to several specialists had failed to resolve the problem but immediately after the adjustment the subject reported that her ability to breathe deeply improved by about 50%. A few days later on a training ride the subject saw heart rate numbers and experienced a level of performance that had been absent since the onset of her breathing problems. Six weeks later at the time of writing she appears to have found full resolution to her condition. Dr. Forgosh hypothesized that the subject was possibly holding nerve tension that was preventing the normal function of her vocal chords and when released it enabled the body to correct the issue.

Conclusions
The correction of common structural imbalances can deliver a biomechanical advantage for cyclists. The care of the human frame is essential for the purpose of optimizing physical potential. Competitive cyclists spend thousands of dollars on coaching, carbon components, nutrition and massage but often neglect this vital component.
Chiropractic is a powerful method of revitalizing the body. Dr. Forgosh has a unique set of skills within the chiropractic model to produce impressive results.

Now What?
Dr. Forgosh is offering a 50% discount on an initial visit and physical evaluation through January 2011 when you mention this article.

For an appointment contact:
Discover Chiropractic (212) 598 5995

Meet the Team!

FUORICLASSE RACING TEAM is inviting any women interested in learning more about the team or in joining a competitive racing Team to come on a coffee ride on Sunday September 26th.

Meeting point: Sunday September 26th / Grants Tomb @ 9am.
Feel free to email fuoriclasseracing@gmail.com if you have any questions.