Emily Collins 3rd in Best Rider Competition at San Dimas Stage Race

Emily Collins 3rd at SDSR Best Young Rider

Young Kiwi sensation Emily Collins ended the San Dimas Stage Race just 9 seconds off the coveted white jersey of Best young Rider, won by Canada’s Lex Albrecht.
Entering the final day criterium, Emily and Jazzy Hurikino fleshed out several scenarios to try and claw back the one second defecit to Aussie Bec Werner (Webcor Sportvelo) and Albrecht, however with HTC and Peanut Butter TWENTY12 dominating the hotspot sprints, it proved too difficult to gain those precious seconds.
Still, a great result for the young Collins, and with a complete team at this weeks NRC season opener, The Redlands Bicycle Classic, Vanderkitten-FOCUS is looking to improve on their recent successes and forge themselves at the top of the peloton.

Vanderkittens are in SoCal!!

Vanderkitten-Focus riders Jasmin Hurikino and Emily Collins have joined Vanderkitten VIP rider in SoCal for a weekend of racing at the San Dimas Stage Race- the final dress rehearsal before the NRC season starts in earnest at Redlands Classic next week.
There is minimal pressure for the riders at this race- up against full squads from HTC High Road, Peanut Butter TWENTY12, Colavita and TIBCO- rather, it is an opportunity to dial in their FOCUS Izalco bikes and finetune their preparation. In the case of Jazzy (from Australia) and Emily (from New Zealand), it is about watching which riders have the best form coming into the USA season.
Not that the cheeky Vanderkittens wont be able to play their own cards in the race-Emily is fresh off multiple top results in New Zealand whilst Jazzy has been building form and has three wins in the USA to her credit in 2010.
Bringing Kat Carr- a young but experienced rider originally from New England, will be on board to provide support and show her Vanderkitten colors at the race also. Kat impressed Vanderkitten-Focus Director Jono Coulter with several top finishes at NRC events last year, including a 5th at joe Martin Stage Race. In 2011 she is a part of the extended Vanderkitten VIP program, which includes female athletes from across the USA, Europe and Australasia.

Vanderkitten-Focus KEEN AS for Redlands Bicycle Classic

Vanderkitten-Focus Women’s Cycling Team has confirmed its entry in the 2011 Redlands Bicycle Classic in California, USA. The team has made a solid start to the North American Cycling Season, with 4 top ten placings in the Merco Credit Union Stage Race last week and a 4th behind Ina Yoko Teutenberg for Emily Collins (NZL) on the final wet and windy stage.

The team for Redlands will be spearheaded by the experienced Jennifer Reither (who has finished Redlands 11 times), Emily Collins and the promising 20 year old from Australia, Jazzy Hurikino who won 3 Pro1-2 races in the USA in 2010. Jennifer Weinbrecht, on form Swiss rider Vanessa Drigo, Maura Kinsella from St Louis Missouri and Kat Carr are also rostered to take the prologue start on 30th March.

“Vanderkitten-Focus definitely has an underdog tag at a race like Redlands, with big teams like HTC- Highroad, Peanut Butter & Co Twenty12, Colavita and TIBCO in presence with full strength teams”. says Vanderkitten-Focus director Jono Coulter. “But riders like Collins (the 2011 UCI NZCT best Young Rider Winner and current NZ U23 Champion) and Hurikino represent a new generation of exciting and quick athletes who are hungry for success. We are going into this event with the full intent of putting one of our riders on the top of the podium on one of the days, we want to win”

Returning from early season injury is Jen Weinbrecht, who won the 2011 Boulevard Road Race in SoCal before being involved in a massive crash the following week in which she suffered a collapsed lung and 3 broken ribs. “Weinbrecht is an exciting athlete and i cant wait to see what she can do at as race like Redlands against the best riders in the world with the quality teammates she has on Vanderkitten-Focus. ”

Vanessa Drigo has been quietly asserting herself at the front of the US peloton in recent times and is also looking for a breakout opportunity at Redlands.

The team will be supported by mechanic Dan Horndasch and Vanderkitten Apparel owner Dave Verrecchia. It will be the first race event of 2011 where fans of Vanderkitten-Focus will be able to purchase Vanderkitten clothing on site, with JL Velo setting up their sportswear and cycling apparel stand at the Criterium in Downtown Redlands on April 2. Its YOUR chance to see the latest 2011 Vanderkitten range in person! Remember if you cant make it to the race, you can always purchase Vanderkitten apparel online at www.vanderkitten.com

VK Bubblegum Tee- 100% manufactured in the USA by JL Velo- get yours at Redlands!!

Redlands Bicycle Classic Start List to be announced this week

Photo by Rob Evans OTB Photo

The start list for the Redlands Bicycle Classic- the first NRC (National Racing Calendar) appointment for Vanderkitten-Focus is set to be announced this week. The four day race in Southern California is set to be the most hotly contested in years, with HTC HighRoad, Colavita, TIBCO To the Top and Peanut Butter & Co TWENTY12 look set to compete against the might and Kick-Ass awesomeness of Vanderkitten-Focus. Stay tuned for confirmation of our roster and plans for this rad bike race!!

Maura Kinsella ready for her first NRC appointment of the year

Vanderkitten-Focus honors Carla Swart

Maura Kinsella, Jazzy Hurikino and Emily Collins today joined Carla’s Ride tomorrow From Peets in Los Altos, in memory of Carla Swart the multiple time Collegiate National Champion and South African World Championship representative Carla Swart, who was tragically killed in a training accident in South Africa at the beginning of this year.
Carla was an amazing young woman who’s tremendous abilities on the bike were only outshone by her infectious personality and bubby smile. An inspiration to athletes and everyone who met her all over the globe.
The ride was organized by former Vera Bradley Foundation and current TIBCO Director Lisa Hunt, Katheryn Curi Matthis, Kristin Keim and Cyclingnews reporter Laura Weislo.  A fitting tribute was the presence of her HTC teammate Ina Yoko Teutenberg and Athlete Manager Kristy Scrymegeour, who joined the Ride to Remember.

www.podiuminsight.com has some wonderful images of the riders celebrating the life of the GINGER NINJA!, as does our Facebook page.

Maura, Jazzy and Emily wear special ribbons to celebrate the life of Carla Swart- the Ginger Ninja!

Maura, Jazzy and Emily wear special ribbons to celebrate the life of Carla Swart- the Ginger Ninja!

Merco Credit Union- Garret Lau Gallery

Emily Collins da solo

Starla Teddergreen on the gas

Jazzy Hurikino takes a flyer past the Vanderkitten-Focus tent

Vanessa Drigo sweeping the HTC and 2012 train with a lap to go

Emily on the front

Garrett Lau took these awesome pics of the Merco Credit Union Criterium on Saturday. We thought we would share them to show how proud we are of our Vanderkitten-Focus riders!

Additional footage can be seen on www.podiuminsight.com and www.cyclingnews.com

Vanderkitten-Focus animates Merco Credit Union Stage 4. Kinsella makes the breakaway, Collins 4th and Hurikino 10th

Ina Yoko Teutenberg 1st, Pascal Schneider 2nd, Lauren Tamayo 3rd, Emily Collins 4th, Ruth Winder 5th

On a wet and windy Almond Blossom stage 4 of Merco Credit Union Stage Race, Vanderkitten-Focus managed to put two riders in the top ten with Emily Collins in 4th and Jazzy Hurikino in 10th.

The day was dominated by solid defence of Alison Starnes Yellow Jersey by her team Peanut Butter and Co Twenty12, but riders from Vanderkitten-Focus, HTC Highroad and TIBCO launched many solid attacks to try and escape before the undulating finish of the 72 mile Road Race.

The most impressive move of the day came when Ally Stacher (HTC), Kendall Ryan (TIBCO) and Peggy LeGrand (US Army) were up the road with a 25 second advantage. 19 year old Vanderkitten-Focus rider Maura Kinsella launched herself out of the peloton and bridged the gap to the leaders. She eventually took the break out to 49 seconds before the strength of the  Peanut Butter Twenty 12 team brought her back.

Heading into the finale the attacks were flying thick and fast and 4 VK-Focus riders were in the remaining 32 rider selection. Jazzy Hurikino launched another move similar to her stage 1 effort but it was absorbed quickly. With 3 kms to go disaster struck as Vanessa Drigo punctured. Even a lightning wheelchange by Mechanic Dan Horndasch did not get her close enough to the charging peloton, and it was left to Jazzy, Maura and Emily to contest the sprint.

After 72 miles in the wet and windy rain it was a close sprint won by one of the legends of women’s cycling, with our petit kiwi Vanderkitten-Focus rider Emily edged out of the top placings to finish 4th, and Jazzy 10th.

A great weekend for the riders- special thanks to Brian and Patti Moore and their lovely girls (and next generation of Vanderkittens) Valerie, Stephanie and Delia who hosted the entire team for the duration of the 4 day stage race.

Merco Credit Union Stage 3- Emily Collins 7th after a late race solo flyer

Merco Credit Union Stage 2 Time Trial

Jazzy Hurikino warms up prior to Merco Credit Union Stage 2 TT

Peanut Butt’r 2012 rider Alison Starnes scorched todays 12 mile Individual TT to take the yellow jersey from HTC-Highroad’s Amanda Miller. Pascal Schneider from Switzerland was second, whilst  Molly VH from Metromint was outstanding with 3rd fastest time in front of Ina Yoko Teutenberg. Emily Collins was 17th place with Jazzy Hurikino, Maura Kinsella, Vanessa Drigo, Starla Teddergreen also riding strongly in their first TT of the year. Results and classification to come.

HTC rider Ali Stacher

Vanderkitten-Focus in the start house

Emily C dials it in

VK_focus with our awesome host kids Delia and Stephanie

Vanderkitten-Focus impresses at stage 1 of Merco Credit Union Tour

Vanderkitten -Focus riders Jazzy Hurikino, Emily Collins, Starla Teddergreen, Vanessa Drigo and Maura Kinsella turned heads today at the first stage of Merco Credit Union Stage Race in Merced, California. Most exciting was Jazzys solo breakaway inside 5 kms to go that took the combined efforts of HTC Columbia and Peanut Butter 2012 to reel in. Results to follow.

Following HTC, TIBCO and TWENTY12 in the convoy.

First day done and won by Amanda Miller (HTC-HighRoad) from former Vanderkitten Flavia Oliviera (Brazil) and Alison Starnes (Peanut Butter & Co 2012). Jazzy took a solo flyer with 9kms to go and was caught by a concerted Ina Teutenberg led chase within 5kms of the climb. Little Emily C was 10th and looking smooth as. Starla showed ferocious pixie powers by finishing the race alone in no womans land after 2 full laps on her own.

Emily Collins and Jazzy hurikino recover after a tough stage

For an excellent picture gallery of the race check out http://www.podiuminsight.com/2011/03/03/miller-wins-a-tough-uphill-sprint-at-merco/

Emily Collins in the USA!

Vanderkitten Owner Dave Verrecchia and Director Jono Coulter were on hand to greet young Emily Collins when she arrived at San Francisco International Airport at noon today. The tiny kiwi rider, fresh of winning the best young rider jersey two days ago at NZCT, was rested and happy as she made the trip to Scotts Valley to meet and greet associated sponsor representatives from Easton and Giro.
She was also fit to her Focus Izalco Team Issue bike and headed for a 2 hour spin around Scotts Valley, before resting in anticipation of what should be an exciting first week in the USA.
Vanderkitten-Focus riders Maura Kinsella, Vanessa Drigo, Jazzy Hurikino, Starla Teddergreen and Emily will travel to Merced tomorrow to begin the 4 day Merco Credit Union Classic.

Future looks bright for Kiwi Winner

A great roadcycling.co.nz article about our new 20 year old Kiwi, Emily Collins, who arrives Monday California time.

http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/TeamTalk/future-looks-bright-for-kiwi-winner.html

Day 3- Vanderkittens in LOVE with Scotts Valley

Day 3 of riding in Scotts Valley.

Gorgeous Californian Sun!!

 

Check out some awesome day 3 photos on the Vanderkitten Racing Facebook Page!!

Day 2 of camp- Snow to Sunshine!

Rest Stop!!

The kittens woke up to snow this morning in Scotts Valley, but after their bodies were warmed up with Relegate Coffee they were KEEN AS to get the day underway.  Here is a selection of pics from their ride- more to follow!

Maura K

Starla T

Jen W and Jazzy

 

JC and VK Photo by Podiuminsight.com

 

Jen X

Vanderkitten-Focus Scotts Valley Camp- Day 1

Photo by Rob Evans OTB Photo

Scotts Valley turned on the sunshine and the Vanderkitten Focus gals dialled in the laughs and shenanigans for a fun and informative day at Easton Bell giro HQ in Scotts Valley, CA. After trying on their totally fabulous 2011 kits manufactured in the USA by JL Velo, the riders embarked on a fast paced noon ride led by the gang at Easton. Next up was a briefing and Giro shoe fitting session, followed by an informative talk by the wonderful Julie Gavrilis from FOCUS Bikes USA. The night was capped off with some fantastic home cooking by team captain Jenn X- who wore an apron as she always does when cooking for her kittens, followed by a hilarious foto shoot by Rob Evans at OTB studios. A very special bottle of champagne may or may not have been opened for the occasion!! Pics to come- a small sample gallery is below.

Photo by Rob Evans OTB Photo

Jazzy Hurikino- from Australia to California!

Jazzy Hurikino and her 2011 Focus Izalco Team

Vanderkitten-Focus’ 20 Year Old Aussie rider Jazzy Hurikino hit the ground running in Los Altos, California today after her 17 hour flight from Australia yesterday.
After catching up with her Australian Director Sportif Jono Coulter and getting the run down on Vanderkitten Apparel from Dave Verrecchia, Jazzy was ready for her first ride in the US as a Vanderkitten-Focus rider. Mechanic Dan Horndasch was on hand to dial in Jazzy’s measurements on her 2011 team issue Focus Izalco, and she set off on a gentle spin through Portola Valley “in love” with her new bike. Jazzy will head to Scotts Valley, CA on friday morning to catch up with all of her teammates as the 2011 Vanderkitten-Focus camp gets underway at Easton Giro HQ.

Vanderkitten-Focus training camp slated for 25-27 February in Scotts Valley, California

Starla Teddergreen readies for the 2011 season

Vanderkitten-Focus will have its pre-season camp at Easton Bell Giro Headquarters in Scotts Valley, CA next weekend. This will be the first time that the 2011 team members will be in the same place together, to dial in their 2011 Focus Izalco bikes, test new equipment and learn how they interact as riders and new teammates.
Importantly, this will also mark a new beginning for Vanderkitten apparel and their new partners JLVelo, who will announce a spring range over the course of the camp.
Scotts Valley local and Vanderkitten-Focus team captain Jennifer Reither, who has raced as a professional for a decade on the road and track, is excited to gather her 2011 teamates in her hometown. “A team camp such as this is a fantastic opportunity to set the groundwork for a successful year. Being able to bring new riders, sponsors and staff into the Vanderkitten fold and help create an atmosphere that will carry us through what will be a gruelling season is a task i am looking forward to”

Technical Director Jono Coulter is also looking forward to the camp “Top level women’s cycling is undergoing a resurgence in the USA. We want to showcase our fresh faced athletes and sponsors in one of the best training environments in the US- Scotts Valley. I am very excited about Vanderkitten-Focus prospects for a successful race season, but an important part of that is getting the blend of cultures, ages and levels of experience right at the start of the year. We have three 20 year olds on the team to ride alonside women who have been Professional Cyclists for half a decade or more, and we have riders who have raced in Europe coming to experience US culture for the first time. We have grown from being a sprinters team to including some GC contenders, and we need to know where we all stand in order to contribute to the strength of the team”.

An added bonus for the squad is that, apart from meeting with media and sponsors over the course of the camp, Focus Athlete Liason and Communications officer Julie Gavrilis will talk to the riders about her experiences as an International Pro and Women’s Team Director in the 1990s.

Vanessa Drigo, Jenn Reither and Starla Teddergreen know what its like to race together- having been teammates in 2010. Photo by Jason Perry

Camp will kick off at noon on Friday, 25th Feb with a ride from Giro Easton Headquarters.

Jenn Reither's 2011 Focus Izalco outside Easton Giro HQ in Scotts Valley. Ready to Ride!!

Maura Kinsella- a Missouri gal enjoying a Californian winter

Maura Kinsella and her Focus Izalco Team

No complaints under the saturday sun from Maura Kinsella- the 19 year old Santa Clara University student is busy laying the foundations for what looks to be an exciting year with her Vanderkitten-Focus squad.

Maura came to California at the beginning of 2010 to attend Santa Clara University, and immediately imprinted her mark on the NorCal racing scene as a part of the Webcor AV Sportvelo team.

At the 2010 USA Cycling Championships in Bend, Oregon, this St Louis, Missouri native scored a bronze medal in the U23 Time Trial to match her bronze in the Junior Criterium the year before.

In 2011 Maura will serve as a vital part of the powerhouse Vanderkitten-Focus lead out train, look for this young kitty doing her thang at the bell lap!!

When she is not riding, Maura is busy with her Environmental Sciences/ Biology studies at SCU, and listening to tunes by musicians as diverse as Tiesto to Joni Mitchell.

Vanderkitten-Focus Focus Izalco Team

Stop Press! Jen Weinbrecht notches up a win in style at Boulevard Road Race.

2011 Vanderkitten-Focus recruit Jen Weinbrecht showed she is coming into 2011 in fine form after winning the prestigous Boulevard Road Race, SoCal’s traditional season opener.

Jen took command of a 5 rider break that formed early in the 67 mile road race and used her early season form to show a clean set of heels in thefinale. You can click on the Race Reports link in the blog header for a full account of the race, by the winner herself, Jen W.

Kitty meow!

Vanderkitten-Focus to lead the peloton in 2011

Jazzy Hurikino (Vanderkitten-Focus) at the front of the peloton with Carla Ryan (Garmin Cervelo) and Judith Arndt (HTC-Columbia) Photo by Anthony John Noonan

Vanderkitten-Focus 2011 Jersey Release

Vanderkitten-Focus. Designed By Dave Verrecchia

The 2011 Vanderkitten-Focus jersey has created a bit of a stir and excitement on Twitter and Podiumcafe.com after it was released by Focus Bikes USA this monday.

Dave Verrecchia, who has designed every Vanderkitten garment since he founded the company in 2005, says the departure from the traditional team uniform marks a revamp of the team structure. Where previous designs have always featured a large Ophelia the cat in the centre of the jersey, the 2011 version combines more subtle markings, and bright colours across the black and white blocking.

Even better is the fact that Vanderkittens everywhere will be able to see the 2011 range when it is released by JLVelo.com in late February- this means you will be able to wear the same quality 100% USA made performance wear from locally sourced and mostly recycled fibres.

You can view the press release at velocurean, norcalcyclingnews, cyclesportnews or comment on the jersey design at podiumcafe

Vanderkitten-Focus debuts at Cherry Pie Criterium

2011 Focus Izalco- Bike of Choice for Vanderkittens Everywhere!

Vanderkitten-Focus Team Mechanic Dan Horndasch dials in a 2011 Focus Izalco pre race.

Starla Teddergreen and Vanessa Drigo with Kate Mills from JL Velo

Maura Kinsella chillin...

2011 got underway in style in California, with the Cherry Pie Criterium won in convincing style by Pascale Schneider (Switzerland). Vanderkitten-Focus were on hand to lend to an aggressive style of racing, and did not disappoint. Starla Teddergreen managed a 9th place in her first outing on the Focus Izalco, with Vanessa Drigo and Maura Kinsella also featuring in the top 15. A low key start to an exciting 2011 season for the hottest team in cycling!

Jumpin Jen X

Jumpin Jen X

Something about being outdoors on a bike that is better than anything. Vanderkitten Team Captain Jenn X has travelled the world as a Professional Road Bike Racer, and has awesome experience in some of the fastest crits and grittiest road races the top Pro Women have raced. Even for a rider at the top of her game, though, its never enough. Jen loves to spend her spare hours on the weekends doing things she’s never done before. Take her off-season of jumping and stunting at demo days. All winter she has been perfecting her technique, the whoosh of non gravity from flying off ramps and jumps. Lately she’s been nailing it like never before. Check this example- Vanderkitten Racing Road Team Captain, suspended in mid air- her, her bike, no gravity, flying through space. KICK ASS!!

SMP Lady Dynamic and Stratos- Vanderkitten APPROVED

SMP Stratos Lady (left) and SMP Dynamic Lady (Right) looking after Vanderkittens where it matters most.

An exciting weekend ahead for Vanderkitten riders, as they test ride their 2011 Selle SMP saddles direct from Italy.
Designed just for the ladys. Starla Teddergreen this morning described the sensation of riding her SMP lady Stratos as “floating”.

Keen to try it out!!

Vanderkitten 2011 Team Bikes- taking it to the next level.

Vanderkitten Mechanic Dan Horndasch has been busy prepping the 2011 Vanderkitten Team Bikes at his San Francisco Service Corse. Get ready for an exciting media release in the coming week- Vanderkitten Racing is on track to higher goals in 2011!

2011 Vanderkitten Team Bikes at the San Francisco Vanderkitten HQ

Emily Collins (NZ) to race with Vanderkitten in 2011

Emily Collins (NZ) Photo by Swabo Ladies Team

Talented New Zealand rider Emily Collins is set to ride with Vanderkitten in 2011. Emily first caught the attention of Vanderkitten riders and staff at the Honda Insight International, where the tiny speedster placed 2nd Overall in the 5 race criterium series. Emily then went on to place 5th in the NZ Road Nationals, on a notoriously hard and hilly circuit.

Peta Mullens, Rochelle Gilmore and Emily Collins Overall GC at Honda Insight International GP in NSW

A member of the Cyclosport team in NZ, 21 Year old Emily has garnered several wins in her young career, and is versatile enough to be considered as both a sprinter and GC rider.

Emily Collins takes on Vanderkitten @ Honda Insight International GP in Australia (Photo by Anthony Sill)

Emily raced the 2010 season with SWABO Ladies Team in Holland, with several UCI Tours under her belt and some top ten finishes in International races. She will race the UCI womens NZ Cycling Tour in late February before flying to California to race the Merco Credit Union stage race with her new Vanderkitten Teamates.

Emily Collins Signs On!

Starla Teddergreen tastes nuun

Starla Teddergreen was the first Vanderkitten Racing athlete to sample the 2011 range of nuun optimal hydration products. Here is her synopsis:

“I really like nuun because it is very palatable, leaves no aftertaste. It has a nice fizz but doesnt bloat my stomach when i am doing multiple efforts sprinting and the like”. Starla’s favorite flavor is Orange ginger. Check out the nuun store at http://www.nuun.com

Starla Teddergreen loves nuun

Maura Kinsella uses Chamois Butt’r

Pre Season is all about base Miles and long hours in the Saddle. Vanderkitten Racing uses Chamois Butt’r and Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle exclusively to keep the most crucial rider-bike interface point soft and smooth.

Maura Kinsella and Chamois Butt'r. Nuff Said.

Jazzy Hurikino ready to race @ Aussie Open Road Nationals.

Just Jazzy- photo by Anthony Sill

Vanderkitten Racing’s newest and youngest recruit, Jasmin Hurikino, from Queensland Australia is set to contest the 2011 Australian Open Road Nationals in her Vanderkitten colours on 8th January (Australian time).
At 20 years of age, Jazzy will contest both the Open Pro titles and U23 crown in the same race, a challenging 102km Road Race that ascends the Bunninyong Climb 10 times before finishing in downtown Bunninyong.
Jazzy will be up against some of Australia’s best professional riders, including Chloe Hoskins (HTC), Rachel Neylan (Diadora- Pasta Zara), Carla Ryan and Alexis Rhodes (Garmin Cervelo), Rochelle Gilmore, Tiffany Cromwell and Vicki Whitelaw (Lotto Ladies Team), Emma Mackie and Carlee Taylor (TIBCO) and the mighty Jayco AIS squad.
However, Jazzy has recently completed a 3 week training camp in Ocean Shores, NSW, immediately followed by a strong showing at the Honda Insight International GP in Sydney.
Jazzy is a young, determined rider on her way up- and though her US based teammates aren’t wont be on the start line with her on Saturday morning- Vanderkittens everywhere will cheer her all the way!

Who is Ophelia?

We just stumbled upon this great 2006 Cyclingnews post from original Vanderkitten Barb Howe. If you have ever wondered the story behind the scraggy tooth cat who has become a symbol to female athletes everywhere, check out this link.

Ophelia

The Real Ophelia