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Thanks and I look forward to talking.

I’ve been using Squadra Cycling apparel for as long as I can remember.  It’s durable, functional, fashionable and comfortable - all of the things I demand from my workout clothing, and it’s why I chose Squadra.

The tabs at the top of the store provide plenty of information about the fit and technology of the clothing, but I’ve included a few general comments of my own below:

The short sleeve jersey is very comfortable whether its 45F or 105F outside.  For temperatures between 45F and 60F, I typically pair the short sleeve jersey with a base layer, arm warmers, and a wind vest or wind jacket.  If you live in an area prone to cold weather (below 45F), the thermal vest and jacket provide significant added warm versus the wind vest or jacket, along with protection from the wind and rain, and will be invaluable.

The triathlon apparel is comfortable, form fitting, quick drying, yet provides coverage from the elements.  The fabric has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+ and shields both UVA and UVB rays.

Click on this link to take you to the store: Riccitello Coaching Cycling and Triathlon Apparel.  Apparel will be shipped to the address you provide.  Do not select the “Will Call” option unless you want to personally pick up the clothing at Squadra in Carlsbad, CA.  If you’re a France Camper, remember that I’m providing a cycling jersey for you. 

Should you choose to wear my clothing - I’m honored beyond words and look forward to seeing it on the roads and trails.

I know you’ll enjoy it and thanks!

I used to say this - or something like it - before almost every race that I ever took part in. It helped.

We face fears every day as children, as parents, and as athletes.  We face fears for our children, family, friends, and even strangers – because we’re courageous.

Fear of water, darkness, falling, crashing, illness, failure, success, tragedy, death – courage overcomes.

We all practice courage more often than we realize. Realizing we possess courage can make us more courageous. And that’s a good thing, because there can never be too much courage in this world.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear— not absence of fear. Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it.”  – Mark Twain

Stacey “SW” Finerman followed up a great result in the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon with a stellar performance at Ironman 70.3 Oceanside.  Despite battling a nagging staph infection picked up in SF, Stacey raced to a personal record in Oceanside.  Stacey is toughness personified and never ceases to amaze me with her accomplishments.

Linda Vigil “Ante” showed that her Olympic distance training is paying off.  She raced to a second place in her age-group and a 25-minute PR.  I’m looking forward to watching this Super Mom continue to kick some triathlete booty.  I’m also looking forward to showing the Vigil boys a thing or two about Air Hockey.

Kudos to Ken “Big Apple” Rideout who continues to set lifetime bests across the board.  He followed up his podium in Escape From Alcatraz with a PR in the half marathon on a tough course in downtown NYC and Central Park.  A bout with pneumonia has done little to dampen his spirits for the drive to a killer performance at Ironman Canada.  Keep up the good work, Ken!

Susan “Smooh” Hayden continues to impress and inspire all who come in contact with her.  A killer, all things considered, performance at Ironman 70.3 Galveston bodes well for her upcoming assault on Ironman Lake Tahoe.  I’m sure Smooh’s hard work on Smooh and Riccitello’s Run Challenge will come in handy during Ironman training!  By the way – stay tuned for our next challenge …

Congrats to Vic “Tattoo” Riquelme who continues to manage work, family and training in an admirable fashion.  Vic and his Body By Vi p/b VeloVie Cycling Team are racking up the results in an impressive manner, proving what can be done with comradery and teamwork, including second and third in last Friday’s Tour de Mesa Twilight Criterium and first and third last Saturday’s Tour de Mesa.  Keep up the good work, Vic.

Jenny “Legs” Lagerquist is back on the circuit!  Congrats for starting the season right with a 6th place overall/1st Age Group/1st Masters finish in the Smithfield Triathlon.  Look for JL to continue to find her legs as she gears up for Ironman Lake Placid.  And congrats Coach Jenny and her athletes who are also enjoying much success.

I love the fit and durability of Squadra clothing and that’s why I chose it.

Here’s a sneak peak at the men’s kit. I’ll post the women’s versions, which are subtly different, shortly.

Let me know what you think!

I was struck by the men who wrestled their bikes for nearly 160 miles in weather not fit for man or beast and on roads that barely seemed passable on foot, much less on 25mm wide bicycle tires.

The spectacle - fans, media, the caravan, left its mark on me.  I dreamed of some day racing on the same terrible, treacherous, and glorious cobble-stoned “roads.” 

I never acquired the skill or strength or nerve to ride those roads, however, but I was fortunate enough last April, to view the race in person.  Words and pictures do not do the historic stones justice. They stand jagged and dusty or muddy - always slippery. The road itself is rippled and grooved and worn. There is literally nothing rideable about it.

Yet not only do the men ride the road, they race it - attack it. As I watched, their suffering was palpable.

The start of the 2013 version is hours away and I can’t wait to watch. To get you in the mood, here is a snippet of the tv coverage I watched in 1985 and below is poorly edited clip of footage I shot as I stood alongside thousands adoring fans in the northern French countryside.

Enjoy!