Keeping Tempo: 6-6-08

The VA State Crit Champ and PLT #1 go off back-to-back in VA this weekend. Up further north it's Ride Sally Ride. No matter where you're riding and racing, it's going to be stupid hot. Even if you're not at RSR, have a look at BJ's Coach's Tips on it - lots there on staying hydrated and cool in the ozoneless air. If your goals for the weekend include setting a PB in the TT, winning the State Champs, and staying alive (in that order), it's worth a read.

• Seriously fast racing up in PA this week. There's good coverage in your favorite trade pubs, but some local perspective from vonteity and also The Service Course, who are there to suffer through and cover the events, respectively.
• It's hard to get your picture in CyclingNews.com. You either have to win, or lose so sensationally that the spectacle rivals victory itself. Hope you're OK, Lorena.
• Velo-Ice-Ity has a chuckleworthy pic of tiny Damiani drafting Big Maggie in the early 2-man break at CSC over the weekend. It looks like Luca was photoshopped in at 80% scale.
• On the topic of Maggie, DistrictCycling snagged a brief interview with the big guy. He's also got a video montage from the pro race.
• And while we're still on the topic of Magnus Backstedt, check out Blacknell's gallery from the event, linked from his site here. Particularly picture 15/76, which is not of Magnus Backstedt.
• Nick Mulder has a report from the 1/2/3 race at CSC, where his squad laid down prodigious hurt. Nick's account is must-read for anyone with leadout train aspirations. You'll note that CleanCurrents p/b Don Beyer Volvo got organized not with 2 to go, or 3 to go, but with 5 laps to go. And that they had guys in the train behind the designated sprinter, with jobs of their own (one of which is to keep snipers off Ken Young's wheel).
• In which The Unholy Rouleur provides an exclusive look at the new Campy 11-speed gruppo launch.
• If it's two things I don't need a lot of encouragement to link to, it's the Racing Union site, and LOLcats. Now I can do both with a single link. Wish I could train that efficiently. (If I hold my breath during threshold intervals, does it also count as anaerobic work?)
• Kevin Dillard has RFK pics up.
• And finally, DCVeloBella is ready to hang it up. Anybody else been there? Maybe leave her a word or two of encouragement. She sure sounds like she could use it.