A.G. Edwards Cycling Team

Welcome! The Wachovia Securities Cycling Team is comprised of competitive cyclists from Western New York. Made up of hard core racers, seasoned veterans and casual riders, Our primary goal is to have fun while remaining competitive, make a positive impact and represent our sponsors in the local cycling community. Thanks to Andy Cummings for assembling the team and to all of our great sponsors! We look forward to a strong 2008 season! In 2008, Wachovia Securities Cycling continues its partnership with Viva for Life. Viva is a non-profit organization that works in conjunction with Roswell Park Cancer Institute to promote and support breast cancer awareness and research. In addition to donating our race winnings to this terrific organization we are working to host a race this season with Viva for Life as the sole beneficiary. News: Roots, Rocks and Ridges September 21st WNY's premier MTB race is only a few weeks away. Details available at: http://www.ellicottvillebikeshop.com/roots_rocks__ridges Saturday August 9th LORANTY WINS ROCHESTER! while Jim Cowle takes the field sprint!!!!! WOW! Wachovia Securities rider Mike Loranty powered his way to the win besting the strong 4 man break! Saturday August 9th, 2008 marked the change of guard as we switched over from our AG Edwards kit into our new Wachovia Securities cycling team kit designed by Rob Hillyard and Andy Cummings. Looking good for our big day was not the priority as our team was well represented in two major races in the Rochester Twilight Criterium. Ben Willis was gracious enough to get there early and stake out a staging area for us along the course next to the river. Five tents were set up with our new banner hanging, where the team warmed up before the race and hung out to enjoy our Mayer Brothers water and catered meal from the Dinosaur BBQ thanks to Andy Cummings and Wachovia Securities. This set-up left all teams envious and possibly intimidated by our presence. The only thing left to do was show that we are worthy of it. The Cat 5 Race hosted members Stefan Buczak, Brian Borowiec, and Brian Rohr in a small but very fast field. The weather was a comfortable 70 degrees with sunshine as they rolled off the start line. After a few laps of the 30 minute race a select group of 12-15 riders emerged off the front, with both Brian's making the cut and riding smart mid-pack waiting for their turn to make a mark on this race. Contrary to Brian Rohr's usual style of working to much at the helm of the race, he sat second or third wheel marking moves at the front looking incredibly smooth, saving a little something for the finale. With a little confusion at the finish as the lead group lapped the Junior riders both Brian's finished in the select group with Brian Rohr stealing the fourth place spot. The Cat 3/4 race started at 6:55 under sunny skies and a dry course that was lined with spectators, as this was the big show highlight amateur race before the Pros took the field. A field of 60 riders took the line with many Wachovia members on the line. Keith Pellerin, Chris Cej, Pat Merrick, Stan Skotnicki, Chris Fuller, Ben Willis, Dave Bisenieus, Mike Loranty, Ken Thomas, Jim Cowle, Dave Kina, and Andrew Cummings were in uniform. With this many guys on the line other teams where certainly looking at us to make a difference and therefore it was time to deliver. As the race started Mike Loranty immediately jumped off the front with an attack to test out his legs. Testing those legs out kept him there for 3 laps solo showing everyone else that Wachovia came to race. As Mike was absorbed by a fast-paced pack Chris Cej and Stan Skotnicki tried their luck off the front in the coming laps as counter-moves. As the group began to settle into a fast pace the wind started to pick up and the skies started to darken. The field was soaked with a downpour of rain that completely changed the race. The corners where slick, it was hard to see with rain in the eyes, and the riders were getting nervous as conditions worsened. It wasn't long before the crashes started. It seemed like riders where going down every other lap, and many Wachovia riders fell victim to crashes as well. With about 22 laps to go Mike Loranty found himself at the front of the race again trying to thin out the field. Using his superb bike handling skills and power to stay out of trouble he did just that, bringing along riders from JW Dundee and Corning to quickly form a sizeable gap from the field. Back in the pack Pat, Stan, Ken, and Jim stayed near the front and out of trouble, making sure that the field didn't come back together. The only one to get across was an impressive Joe Halter from Handlebars as he solo bridged the 20 second gap after regaining composer from an early crash. Joe reached the leaders and now it was four up the road. With three laps to go Loranty decided to test the legs again with a flyer off the front to see how tired his select group was. They caught him before the final lap and played a little cat and mouse game as the set up for the final sprint to the line with the course packed with spectators cheering on with deafening sounds and encouraging words. Our own Andrew Cummings and crew were on the finishing straight edging Loranty on, leaping off the curb into the streets. With extreme joy they watched Loranty power past the four person group and raise his arms in victory across the line with a smile from ear to ear as the winner of the 2008 Rochester Twilight Criterium. Back in the field Jim Cowle counter-attacked a move from teammate Skotnicki to hold off the pack for fifth place as Merrick, Thomas and Skotnicki finished safely in the bunch. Great racing and great success as Team Wachovia Securities debuted at the Rochester Twilight Criterium. For the remainder of the season racers will attend Chris Thater memorial later this month, the USA Crit Finals in Las Vegas, and a handful of MTB races before we move into Cyclocross season Mike Loranty in the rain: Andy being interviewed by TV13 News: Brian Borowiec, Brian Rohr and Stefan Buczak in the Cat.5 race: Team warm-up before the Cat. 3/4 race: Saturday alsomarked the unveiling of the new Wachovia Securities Cycling team kit at the Rochester Twilight Criterium in Rochester, NY. Below is a sneak peak: Langford: Report from Joe Saviola There was a large turn out for both the A and B race after our July break. And after some word from the race director about loose stones in the corners from the roads be "stoned" we were off. Beautiful Langford home of the famous tractor pull held the same day brings out the good old boys for some racing on a nice rolly course perfectly suited for a "rouleur" like myself. In the B's it was just Brian Rohr and I. Brian doing lots of work at the front through out the race. I just sat in for lap 1 taking notes. On the 2nd lap I was one of the first 4 to the start/finish line. I sat in again on lap 3rd lap recovering from lap 2 and riding smart for what I thought would be explosive lap 4. Well lap 4 was a bunch of crossing the yellow line (typical for the BBC and a "no, no" but never enforced) and what seemed to be some match sprint track tactics of nobody wanting to pull in a head wind up the start finish. There were several accelerations and decelerations up to the finished where we all finished together. Good luck sorting out who finished where without video. All I know is I finally finished a race at the front with the fast guys for once. Brian Rohr finished in the first few racers and really it was his race to win. He was the strongest guy out there and with a little more help.....maybe next time! Almost 38 miles...1 hour and 50 minutes and just under 3000 feet of climbing. Tour de Toona and 6HOP: Team AG Edwards had a busy weekend, with strong contingents on the road in PA, and at the 6 Hours of Power in Ellicottville. Ken Thomas, Dave �Spellcheck� Kina and Andy Cummings raced the 6 corner Grandview Grand Prix. This unknown race (death march) attracted some serious talent from Baltimore, Philly and NYC. The gun went off and the 60 strong field began racing full gas immediately. Kenny was no where to be found until 7 or 8 laps to go when he and Andy moved up as much as possible, finishing 14th and 15th in what was agreed upon as the toughest race of the year. The field was smaller and the pace slightly more agreeable Sunday at the Intl Tour de Toona. The team worked well and once again Kenny came out of no where. A last lap crash took Andy out of contention, but Ken and Mike Loranty stuck in to take 3rd and 4th. Dave Kina finished 11th in the Cat 4 race. At 6HOP a rainy week made for muddy conditions. Rob Hillyard finished 5th in his class for the day. Brian Borowiec and Joe Saviola finished 9th in the MM30 class. The 46+ team of Chris Fuller and Brian Rohr won their class completing 7 laps and came in 2nd overall as far as two person teams. Stan �the Polish Stallion� Skotnicki won the solo single speed class, covering nearly 7000 vertical feet of climbing with one manly gear. Busy Another busy weekend has concluded. Most of the team was either racing or volunteering at the NY State Road Race Championships in Boston, NY. Mike Loranty and Stan Skotnicki made the trek to Vermont for MTB Nationals. Further details and race results soon. Brian Borowiec chases Chris Fuller @ the NYS RR Championship masters 45+ race: Condolences With heavy hearts all members of the Wachovia/AG Edwards team wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tim Putman. Tim was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday morning. Both on and off the bike Tim exhibited the kind of character that could be matched by few others. He was a genuinely kind person and will be sorely missed. We will keep Tim and his family in our thoughts and prayers. Late June RACCOON RALLY MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE courtesy of Brian Borowiec Huge hammers to Chris Fuller for missing his top-ten target by one spot, eleventh overall and third in age class after a mechanical is huge indeed. Chris� use of a 29-er may have helped on the muddy 29.5 mile course. A three hour torrential downpour the night before soaked the mountain and made the infamous Snowsnake climb-fest a slow slog. After Snowsnake everything was middle and big rings. Surprisingly, much of the rolling upper looping trails were semi-hard, but the fast and treacherous Ridge Run was muddy on all the tricky curves. Number plates were completely covered so the sport/expert marshals couldn't tell which way to direct you. We had to yell out our class. It's been a long time since my legs so covered in mud that I couldn't see any skin. Brian Borowiec finished in 3:12, about 40 minutes after Chris. The Rally is an old-school mountain bike festival with fun events for everyone. Once I finished I had 10 minutes until the kids races. I had 5 and 7 year old girls racing so I dumped my, jumped into the creek to clean up quickly, changed out of the muddy race gear, grabbed the camera, mugged the Red Bull girls for a can, and got there in time to see the start. The girls had a great time and are already talking about next year. Maybe it�ll be drier. It's late June already and the team is in full race mode! This weekend is another busy one with multiple events on the schedule. Some of the guys are heading to Columbus, OH for the Tour De Grandview while others are off to the annual Raccoon Rally in the southern tier. The BBC is also hosting a club race on the Corfu course. More information on these events can be found at the following links: Fathers Day It was a busy Fathers day weekend with some of the guys down in NYC for the Harlem Rocks event. Others ventured north at Lake to Lake one of the premier mountain bike races in Southern Canada. Congratulations to Brian Rohr for posting an 18th place overall finish in 2:03:44! Chirs Fuller came in at 2:09:50 in 34th overall. Rob Hillyard came in at 2:16 in 75th with a chewed up Joe Saviola in 189th at 2:37. Mike Loranty and Stan Skotnicki ventured down to the "Stoopid 50" in State College, PA. Both finished the epic event in under 6 hours with Mike helping pull home Stan who was suffering from dehydration. We will return with an update from Harlem Rocks shortly, thanks! Rob Hillyard getting cleaned up @ L2L: Mike and Stan gettin' "Stoopid": 3rd Time is a charm! Congratulations to Mike Loranty on winning the BBC Club Championship on Sunday June 8th. This is the 3rd consecutive year that AG Edwards Cycling has claimed the title! In the B race Allen Erb barely edged AG Edwards Rob Hillyard by half a wheel to take the "B" Road Race Championship. In the A race, an eight-man group broke away early and managed to stay away to the finish. AG Edwards Teammates Mike Loranty and Jim Cowle battled it out for the "A" Road Race Championship, with Loranty taking the title away from last year's champion. Season Update The month of May has been packed full of racing, so much that we've had no time for updates. A new course for the Bristol Mountain Road Race made for a rough first race for those who made the trip. Pat Merrick finished 29th in the Cat 4 race, Chris Fuller placed 18th in the Masters race, and Mike Loranty came in 5th in Cat 3. The following weekend Mike Loranty raced in the Highland Hex in Fabius, NY placing 5th overall among the solo racers. Ben Willis wasn't far away contesting the Syracuse Race weekend, placing 39th overall in the 3-race event. On Memorial Day weekend a small band piled into the Team Cadi and set off to catch a ride on the NRC pain train. Kenneth "McLovin" Thomas lead the team on the weekend finishing 21st in the Cat2/3 Kelly Bike Jam in Baltimore and at the Tour of Sommerville. Ken took 4th and Mike Loranty taking 13th in a very competitive Boundbrook Criterium. Chris Cej rode strong in a multitude of category and masters races, showing the sort of stamina that can only be obtained by drinking lots of milk. Andy Cummings, Mike Loranty, and Ben Willis avoided crashing all weekend. Meanwhile back at the ranch big Jimbo Cole placed 4th in the BBC race. This past weekend Rob Hillyard, Mike Loranty, and Stan Skotnicki traveled to Loudonville, OH for the Mohican 100. As the second stop on the National Ultra Endurance series the Mohican drew a competitive crowd, so the start felt more like that of a cross country race than an all day slog. Stan raced his single speed on the 100 kilometer course placing second. Rob came in 28th in the open class of the 100k race. Mike raced in the 100 mile event finishing 23rd place. Great Job Mike!! Chris Fuller represented the team at the Empire State Games Western Regional qualifies, held on the Bristol Course. Brian Rohr raced the Sprague Brook Summer Sizzler race and placed sixth overall. Third in class It's a girl!! Congratulations to the Mayer's on the birth of Leslie Allen Mayer. Born May 18, 2008 at 10:07pm 8 lbs, 0 oz and 21 inches Marilla East Road Race � Sunday - April 27, 2008 Beautiful weather brought out 87 racers to Sunday�s Marilla race. In the A race Ken Thomas- 4^th, Jim Cowle- 6^th, Andy Cummings- 13^th, Mike Loranty- 19^th, Chris Cej-20^th. For the B�s Rob Hillyard- 12^th, Brian Rohr 24^th, Joe Saviola- 33^rd Paris to Ancaster - Sunday 4/19 Unseasonable warm and dry weather made for a dusty kickoff to the 2008 season at Paris to Ancaster. Our neighbors to the north host what is usually one of the largest races around, and this year nearly 1200 people toed the line. The 60km course is comprised mainly of dirt roads with a smattering of trail and a nice steep climb at the end. Enthusiasm for racing within the team this year is apparent as a group of nine riders made the trip. Although it occurs early in the season, Paris to Ancaster is one of the more difficult races of the year. Most of our riders managed to avoid a series of wrecks early in the race, and were left to battle the winds. The team did well placing four riders in the top 100; Mike Loranty 24^th, Chris Cej 77^th, Andy Cummings 80^th, Stan Skotnicki 87^th, Chris Fuller 133^rd, Rob Hillyard 223^rd, Joe Saviola 389^th, Brian Borowiec 533^rd, and Keith Pellerin 655^th. Akron Time Trial- Saturday 4/12 What happened to spring? Saturday delivered a cold and blustery day for the Akron TT. The 20km flat course was an out and back affair which gave the guys a chance to get beat up by the crosswind in both directions. Fresh back from New Zealand, Mike Loranty wasted no time in showing everyone what a couple months of �working� down under can do for your cycling fitness! Team results were Mike Loranty 6^th, Dave Bisenius 7^th, Ken Thomas 14^th, Ben Willis 15^th and Chris Cej 24th. Corfu Road Race- Sunday 4/6 Team AG Edwards/Wachovia Cycling kicked off the BBC Team Series on Sunday in Corfu, NY. Sunny blue skies and seasonally warm temperatures greeted the guys and team participation was at an all time high. A lack of base training mileage and a headwind across 70% of the course proved challenging to all. In the 36.6 mile A race it was Ben Willis taking 3^rd and Ken Thomas 6^th with the rest of the guys finishing in the main pack. The B race at 30.5 miles went off at break neck pace splitting the field almost immediately. Rob Hillyard rode strong all day with a 9^th place finish followed by �new guy� Brian Rohr in 16^th. Tour of Pelham Chris Fuller and Rob Hillyard headed north to participate in the Tour of Pelham on Saturday April 5th. The event is located in St. Catherine�s Ontario; unofficially Chris finished 17^th and Rob a respectable 30^th place in the early season event. The guys enjoyed a mixed bag of paved, farm and seasonal roads in addition to some single track and mud. Happy Spring! If you have looked at the roster page you may have noticed a few changes. As always the off-season is a time for the reshuffling of teams. We are pleased to welcome Dave Bisenius and Brian Rohr to the team this year. Brian has heaps of mountain bike racing experience and is no stranger to the roads either. Dave is a young speedster with plenty of potential on the roads. He is excited to turn 18 this month so he can buy lottery tickets. Dave's tender age has yielded a substantial decrease in the average age for the team. Lastly the team bum, Mike Loranty, has finally made it to a race. On Easter weekend he took to the line at the Coppermine Epic in Nelson, New Zealand. His race started off nicely, and he arrived at the base of the first climb with the lead group. An hour later, at the top of the climb, he was not in the lead group anymore. Things turned around slightly and Mike finished at 14th overall. Not a bad first race on a very technical course. Mike will be returning home in less than a week. Winter cycling in Buffalo!!! 02/10/08	Sponsors: Buffalo Weather Forecast, NY

2008 � Wachovia Securities Cycling Team

Welcome!

The Wachovia Securities Cycling Team is comprised of competitive cyclists from Western New York. Made up of hard core racers, seasoned veterans and casual riders, Our primary goal is to have fun while remaining competitive, make a positive impact and represent our sponsors in the local cycling community. Thanks to Andy Cummings for assembling the team and to all of our great sponsors! We look forward to a strong 2008 season!

In 2008, Wachovia Securities Cycling continues its partnership with Viva for Life. Viva is a non-profit organization that works in conjunction with Roswell Park Cancer Institute to promote and support breast cancer awareness and research. In addition to donating our race winnings to this terrific organization we are working to host a race this season with Viva for Life as the sole beneficiary.

News:

Roots, Rocks and Ridges September 21st

WNY's premier MTB race is only a few weeks away. Details

available at: http://www.ellicottvillebikeshop.com/roots_rocks__ridges

Saturday August 9th

LORANTY WINS ROCHESTER!

while Jim Cowle takes the field sprint!!!!! WOW!

Wachovia Securities rider Mike Loranty powered his way to the win besting the strong 4 man break!

Saturday August 9th, 2008 marked the change of guard as we switched over from our AG Edwards kit into our new Wachovia Securities cycling team kit designed by Rob Hillyard and Andy Cummings. Looking good for our big day was not the priority as our team was well represented in two major races in the Rochester Twilight Criterium. Ben Willis was gracious enough to get there early and stake out a staging area for us along the course next to the river. Five tents were set up with our new banner hanging, where the team warmed up before the race and hung out to enjoy our Mayer Brothers water and catered meal from the Dinosaur BBQ thanks to Andy Cummings and Wachovia Securities. This set-up left all teams envious and possibly intimidated by our presence. The only thing left to do was show that we are worthy of it.

The Cat 5 Race hosted members Stefan Buczak, Brian Borowiec, and Brian Rohr in a small but very fast field. The weather was a comfortable 70 degrees with sunshine as they rolled off the start line. After a few laps of the 30 minute race a select group of 12-15 riders emerged off the front, with both Brian's making the cut and riding smart mid-pack waiting for their turn to make a mark on this race. Contrary to Brian Rohr's usual style of working to much at the helm of the race, he sat second or third wheel marking moves at the front looking incredibly smooth, saving a little something for the finale. With a little confusion at the finish as the lead group lapped the Junior riders both Brian's finished in the select group with Brian Rohr stealing the fourth place spot.

The Cat 3/4 race started at 6:55 under sunny skies and a dry course that was lined with spectators, as this was the big show highlight amateur race before the Pros took the field. A field of 60 riders took the line with many Wachovia members on the line. Keith Pellerin, Chris Cej, Pat Merrick, Stan Skotnicki, Chris Fuller, Ben Willis, Dave Bisenieus, Mike Loranty, Ken Thomas, Jim Cowle, Dave Kina, and Andrew Cummings were in uniform. With this many guys on the line other teams where certainly looking at us to make a difference and therefore it was time to deliver. As the race started Mike Loranty immediately jumped off the front with an attack to test out his legs. Testing those legs out kept him there for 3 laps solo showing everyone else that Wachovia came to race. As Mike was absorbed by a fast-paced pack Chris Cej and Stan Skotnicki tried their luck off the front in the coming laps as counter-moves. As the group began to settle into a fast pace the wind started to pick up and the skies started to darken. The field was soaked with a downpour of rain that completely changed the race. The corners where slick, it was hard to see with rain in the eyes, and the riders were getting nervous as conditions worsened. It wasn't long before the crashes started. It seemed like riders where going down every other lap, and many Wachovia riders fell victim to crashes as well. With about 22 laps to go Mike Loranty found himself at the front of the race again trying to thin out the field. Using his superb bike handling skills and power to stay out of trouble he did just that, bringing along riders from JW Dundee and Corning to quickly form a sizeable gap from the field. Back in the pack Pat, Stan, Ken, and Jim stayed near the front and out of trouble, making sure that the field didn't come back together. The only one to get across was an impressive Joe Halter from Handlebars as he solo bridged the 20 second gap after regaining composer from an early crash. Joe reached the leaders and now it was four up the road. With three laps to go Loranty decided to test the legs again with a flyer off the front to see how tired his select group was. They caught him before the final lap and played a little cat and mouse game as the set up for the final sprint to the line with the course packed with spectators cheering on with deafening sounds and encouraging words. Our own Andrew Cummings and crew were on the finishing straight edging Loranty on, leaping off the curb into the streets. With extreme joy they watched Loranty power past the four person group and raise his arms in victory across the line with a smile from ear to ear as the winner of the 2008 Rochester Twilight Criterium. Back in the field Jim Cowle counter-attacked a move from teammate Skotnicki to hold off the pack for fifth place as Merrick, Thomas and Skotnicki finished safely in the bunch.

Great racing and great success as Team Wachovia Securities debuted at the Rochester Twilight Criterium. For the remainder of the season racers will attend Chris Thater memorial later this month, the USA Crit Finals in Las Vegas, and a handful of MTB races before we move into Cyclocross season

Mike Loranty in the rain:

Andy being interviewed by TV13 News:

Brian Borowiec, Brian Rohr and Stefan Buczak in the Cat.5 race:

Team warm-up before the Cat. 3/4 race:

Saturday alsomarked the unveiling of the new Wachovia Securities Cycling team kit at the Rochester Twilight Criterium in Rochester, NY. Below is a sneak peak:

Langford:

Report from Joe Saviola

There was a large turn out for both the A and B race after our July break. And after some word from the race director about loose stones in the corners from the roads be "stoned" we were off. Beautiful Langford home of the famous tractor pull held the same day brings out the good old boys for some racing on a nice rolly course perfectly suited for a "rouleur" like myself. In the B's it was just Brian Rohr and I. Brian doing lots of work at the front through out the race. I just sat in for lap 1 taking notes. On the 2nd lap I was one of the first 4 to the start/finish line. I sat in again on lap 3rd lap recovering from lap 2 and riding smart for what I thought would be explosive lap 4.

Well lap 4 was a bunch of crossing the yellow line (typical for the BBC and a "no, no" but never enforced) and what seemed to be some match sprint track tactics of nobody wanting to pull in a head wind up the start finish. There were several accelerations and decelerations up to the finished where we all finished together. Good luck sorting out who finished where without video. All I know is I finally finished a race at the front with the fast guys for once. Brian Rohr finished in the first few racers and really it was his race to win. He was the strongest guy out there and with a little more help.....maybe next time! Almost 38 miles...1 hour and 50 minutes and just under 3000 feet of climbing.

Tour de Toona and 6HOP:

Team AG Edwards had a busy weekend, with strong contingents on the road in PA, and at the 6 Hours of Power in Ellicottville. Ken Thomas, Dave �Spellcheck� Kina and Andy Cummings raced the 6 corner Grandview Grand Prix. This unknown race (death march) attracted some serious talent from Baltimore, Philly and NYC. The gun went off and the 60 strong field began racing full gas immediately. Kenny was no where to be found until 7 or 8 laps to go when he and Andy moved up as much as possible, finishing 14th and 15th in what was agreed upon as the toughest race of the year.

The field was smaller and the pace slightly more agreeable Sunday at the Intl Tour de Toona. The team worked well and once again Kenny came out of no where. A last lap crash took Andy out of contention, but Ken and Mike Loranty stuck in to take 3rd and 4th. Dave Kina finished 11th in the Cat 4 race.

At 6HOP a rainy week made for muddy conditions. Rob Hillyard finished 5th in his class for the day. Brian Borowiec and Joe Saviola finished 9th in the MM30 class. The 46+ team of Chris Fuller and Brian Rohr won their class completing 7 laps and came in 2nd overall as far as two person teams. Stan �the Polish Stallion� Skotnicki won the solo single speed class, covering nearly 7000 vertical feet of climbing with one manly gear.

Busy

Another busy weekend has concluded. Most of the team was either racing or volunteering at the NY State Road Race Championships in Boston, NY. Mike Loranty and Stan Skotnicki made the trek to Vermont for MTB Nationals. Further details and race results soon.

Brian Borowiec chases Chris Fuller @ the NYS RR Championship masters 45+ race:

Condolences

With heavy hearts all members of the Wachovia/AG Edwards team wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tim Putman. Tim was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday morning. Both on and off the bike Tim exhibited the kind of character that could be matched by few others. He was a genuinely kind person and will be sorely missed. We will keep Tim and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Late June

RACCOON RALLY MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE courtesy of Brian Borowiec

Huge hammers to Chris Fuller for missing his top-ten target by one spot, eleventh overall and third in age class after a mechanical is huge indeed. Chris� use of a 29-er may have helped on the muddy 29.5 mile course. A three hour torrential downpour the night before soaked the mountain and made the infamous Snowsnake climb-fest a slow slog. After Snowsnake everything was middle and big rings. Surprisingly, much of the rolling upper looping trails were semi-hard, but the fast and treacherous Ridge Run was muddy on all the tricky curves. Number plates were completely covered so the sport/expert marshals couldn't tell which way to direct you. We had to yell out our class. It's been a long time since my legs so covered in mud that I couldn't see any skin.

Brian Borowiec finished in 3:12, about 40 minutes after Chris. The Rally is an old-school mountain bike festival with fun events for everyone. Once I finished I had 10 minutes until the kids races. I had 5 and 7 year old girls racing so I dumped my, jumped into the creek to clean up quickly, changed out of the muddy race gear, grabbed the camera, mugged the Red Bull girls for a can, and got there in time to see the start. The girls had a great time and are already talking about next year. Maybe it�ll be drier.

It's late June already and the team is in full race mode! This weekend is another busy one with multiple events on the schedule. Some of the guys are heading to Columbus, OH for the Tour De Grandview while others are off to the annual Raccoon Rally in the southern tier. The BBC is also hosting a club race on the Corfu course. More information on these events can be found at the following links:

Fathers Day

It was a busy Fathers day weekend with some of the guys down in NYC for the Harlem Rocks event. Others ventured north at Lake to Lake one of the premier mountain bike races in Southern Canada. Congratulations to Brian Rohr for posting an 18th place overall finish in 2:03:44! Chirs Fuller came in at 2:09:50 in 34th overall. Rob Hillyard came in at 2:16 in 75th with a chewed up Joe Saviola in 189th at 2:37. Mike Loranty and Stan Skotnicki ventured down to the "Stoopid 50" in State College, PA. Both finished the epic event in under 6 hours with Mike helping pull home Stan who was suffering from dehydration. We will return with an update from Harlem Rocks shortly, thanks!

Rob Hillyard getting cleaned up @ L2L:

Mike and Stan gettin' "Stoopid":

3rd Time is a charm!

Congratulations to Mike Loranty on winning the BBC Club Championship on Sunday June 8th. This is the 3rd consecutive year that AG Edwards Cycling has claimed the title! In the B race Allen Erb barely edged AG Edwards Rob Hillyard by half a wheel to take the "B" Road Race Championship. In the A race, an eight-man group broke away early and managed to stay away to the finish. AG Edwards Teammates Mike Loranty and Jim Cowle battled it out for the "A" Road Race Championship, with Loranty taking the title away from last year's champion.

Season Update

The month of May has been packed full of racing, so much that we've had no time for updates. A new course for the Bristol Mountain Road Race made for a rough first race for those who made the trip. Pat Merrick finished 29th in the Cat 4 race, Chris Fuller placed 18th in the Masters race, and Mike Loranty came in 5th in Cat 3. The following weekend Mike Loranty raced in the Highland Hex in Fabius, NY placing 5th overall among the solo racers. Ben Willis wasn't far away contesting the Syracuse Race weekend, placing 39th overall in the 3-race event.

On Memorial Day weekend a small band piled into the Team Cadi and set off to catch a ride on the NRC pain train. Kenneth "McLovin" Thomas lead the team on the weekend finishing 21st in the Cat2/3 Kelly Bike Jam in Baltimore and at the Tour of Sommerville. Ken took 4th and Mike Loranty taking 13th in a very competitive Boundbrook Criterium. Chris Cej rode strong in a multitude of category and masters races, showing the sort of stamina that can only be obtained by drinking lots of milk. Andy Cummings, Mike Loranty, and Ben Willis avoided crashing all weekend. Meanwhile back at the ranch big Jimbo Cole placed 4th in the BBC race.

This past weekend Rob Hillyard, Mike Loranty, and Stan Skotnicki traveled to Loudonville, OH for the Mohican 100. As the second stop on the National Ultra Endurance series the Mohican drew a competitive crowd, so the start felt more like that of a cross country race than an all day slog. Stan raced his single speed on the 100 kilometer course placing second. Rob came in 28th in the open class of the 100k race. Mike raced in the 100 mile event finishing 23rd place. Great Job Mike!! Chris Fuller represented the team at the Empire State Games Western Regional qualifies, held on the Bristol Course. Brian Rohr raced the Sprague Brook Summer Sizzler race and placed sixth overall. Third in class

It's a girl!!

Congratulations to the Mayer's on the birth of Leslie Allen Mayer. Born May 18, 2008 at 10:07pm 8 lbs, 0 oz and 21 inches

Marilla East Road Race � Sunday - April 27, 2008

Beautiful weather brought out 87 racers to Sunday�s Marilla race. In the A race Ken Thomas- 4^th, Jim Cowle- 6^th, Andy Cummings- 13^th, Mike Loranty- 19^th, Chris Cej-20^th. For the B�s Rob Hillyard- 12^th, Brian Rohr 24^th, Joe Saviola- 33^rd

Paris to Ancaster - Sunday 4/19

Unseasonable warm and dry weather made for a dusty kickoff to the 2008 season at Paris to Ancaster. Our neighbors to the north host what is usually one of the largest races around, and this year nearly 1200 people toed the line. The 60km course is comprised mainly of dirt roads with a smattering of trail and a nice steep climb at the end. Enthusiasm for racing within the team this year is apparent as a group of nine riders made the trip. Although it occurs early in the season, Paris to Ancaster is one of the more difficult races of the year.

Most of our riders managed to avoid a series of wrecks early in the race, and were left to battle the winds. The team did well placing four riders in the top 100; Mike Loranty 24^th, Chris Cej 77^th, Andy Cummings 80^th, Stan Skotnicki 87^th, Chris Fuller 133^rd, Rob Hillyard 223^rd, Joe Saviola 389^th, Brian Borowiec 533^rd, and Keith Pellerin 655^th.

Akron Time Trial- Saturday 4/12

What happened to spring? Saturday delivered a cold and blustery day for the Akron TT. The 20km flat course was an out and back affair which gave the guys a chance to get beat up by the crosswind in both directions. Fresh back from New Zealand, Mike Loranty wasted no time in showing everyone what a couple months of �working� down under can do for your cycling fitness! Team results were Mike Loranty 6^th, Dave Bisenius 7^th, Ken Thomas 14^th, Ben Willis 15^th and Chris Cej 24th.

Corfu Road Race- Sunday 4/6

Team AG Edwards/Wachovia Cycling kicked off the BBC Team Series on Sunday in Corfu, NY. Sunny blue skies and seasonally warm temperatures greeted the guys and team participation was at an all time high. A lack of base training mileage and a headwind across 70% of the course proved challenging to all.

In the 36.6 mile A race it was Ben Willis taking 3^rd and Ken Thomas 6^th with the rest of the guys finishing in the main pack. The B race at 30.5 miles went off at break neck pace splitting the field almost immediately. Rob Hillyard rode strong all day with a 9^th place finish followed by �new guy� Brian Rohr in 16^th.

Tour of Pelham

Chris Fuller and Rob Hillyard headed north to participate in the Tour of Pelham on Saturday April 5th. The event is located in St. Catherine�s Ontario; unofficially Chris finished 17^th and Rob a respectable 30^th place in the early season event. The guys enjoyed a mixed bag of paved, farm and seasonal roads in addition to some single track and mud.

Happy Spring!

If you have looked at the roster page you may have noticed a few changes. As always the off-season is a time for the reshuffling of teams. We are pleased to welcome Dave Bisenius and Brian Rohr to the team this year. Brian has heaps of mountain bike racing experience and is no stranger to the roads either. Dave is a young speedster with plenty of potential on the roads. He is excited to turn 18 this month so he can buy lottery tickets. Dave's tender age has yielded a substantial decrease in the average age for the team.

Lastly the team bum, Mike Loranty, has finally made it to a race. On Easter weekend he took to the line at the Coppermine Epic in Nelson, New Zealand. His race started off nicely, and he arrived at the base of the first climb with the lead group. An hour later, at the top of the climb, he was not in the lead group anymore. Things turned around slightly and Mike finished at 14th overall. Not a bad first race on a very technical course. Mike will be returning home in less than a week.

Winter cycling in Buffalo!!! 02/10/08

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2008 � Wachovia Securities Cycling Team