Rodgers delivers Top 5 at Blacks Creek

Brad Rodgers scored his first top placing as a Senior rider by sprinting to a 5th place finish at the Black Creek Road Race today. Rodgers good finish comes after some bad luck earlier this year forcing the young gun to DNF. The good finish will certainly be a confidence booster as the bulk of the season is still ahead.

It was also Brad's first road race with his new Orbea Onix which he certainly praised after the event. All of us at team IMT-TitleOne are very proud of Brad and his great finish today.

Parker and Casella finished behind the lead group in the elite race. Parker's bad luck continued as he flatted with less than 10 miles to go. Casella recovering from tendonitis that kept him off the bike pretty much since the Hillsdale event was positive about the day "Steve was riding really good all day and flatted at the wrong time, but he's there, really close as his form is starting to come on. He rode towards the front all day and I was glad to be able to help him along the way. I just am missing the race miles in my legs and hope I'll be 100% down the road. Brad saved the day for the team and we were proud of him for his awesome finish today."

IMT-TitleOne Cycling team on small screen

TitleOne Title and Escrow company aired its new TV commercial touching on its strong community involvement and support. The commercial features team riders Steve Parker and Gary Casella as well as other local sport athletes supported by TitleOne. Thanks TitleOne! Click here to view the commercial»

Parker finishes tough windy Hillsdale race

Steven Parker finished what turned out to be a tough day out on the bike. The Hillsdale circuit (same as the Tour of Eagle) with its tough climb is a challenge enough but with the high winds of 15-20 mph gave no rest for the riders around the course.

The main field splintered into many small groups after a few laps where the field stayed together. Casella retired with back spasms. He commented later "With the wind its just extra tough out there. Many riders rode hard early and then with no rest because of the wind we saw a lot of DNF's."

Parker held on to finish and said afterwards "That was really hard, but I felt good throughout the race."

Team has bad luck and long breakaway in Season opener

The Slammer road race was held under clear but cold weather. Temps were just above freezing but the racing heated up right away for the traditional Idaho season opener. The team rolled out with some modest goals today: a) stay out of trouble (season openers everyone is a bit anxious) and b) finish.

Brad Rodgers got a flat tire halfway through his event which seemed to be the way the luck would go today as he had to pull out and DNF.

In the elite race Parker flatted as well but was able to get a wheel change and chase back, though the effort cooked his legs for later in the race.

Up ahead the race got off to a casual start with a flurry of attacks coming soon after five miles of racing. It was Casella who darted from the field with a well timed counter attack of his own to pull away the first big lead of the day. Soon that lead was up over a minute. Casella later stated "I looked back and had 200 meters and I thought sit up or wait of see if a small group organizes and bridges across. I decided to keep going. When Cody Peterson (3D racing) bridged up solo, I knew I was in for a tough day just the two of us to hold off the field. We did battle hard. I suffered a ton out there alone and with Cody, but I had a ton of fun though as its been a long time since I have been in a move like that. It was cool to also show the IMT-TitleOne colors at the front of the race."

After 20+ miles away the breakaway was brought back and Casella struggled to keep pace with the field after a while. The efforts took their toll and he abandoned with 10 miles to go. "I was just cooked from the breakaway, I just couldn't keep the pace" Parker held on a bit longer before falling behind and also having to DNF. " The chase back really ruined my legs for when I needed them"

Former TitleOne-Orbea rider Matt Weyen (Hyde Park) won the event with over a 50 second lead over the bunch in a solo move late in the race.

Casella Takes Top 10 in PreSeason debut

On a cold and windy day a good turnout showed up for the Limited Gear race in South Boise. The field quickly sorted itself out as the crosswinds split the group. Former team rider Tad Hamilton (now with Team Hype Park Cycles) and Casella stayed close to the front of this lead group. a group of four riders managed to pull away in the wind leaving 15 in the wake to chase. After a near crash that derailed Hamilton and Steve Parker who missed the split in the wind, half of the remaining chasers were left. Casella explains "The group was reduced as a rider simply didn't turn and I squeezed inside of him but saw him collect like half the group. I was in the first chase group with 3 George's riders, 3 BODE riders and myself." They closed in on the leaders a bit only to see them drop a rider and later pull away on the final lap. Casella took fourth in the group sprint and 7th overall for the day. Afterwards he commented "I was cramping a bit on the last lap and drank all the water I had. I seemed to recover but I ran out of legs a few km from the finish. I am very please with my result as this is my first hard effort all winter. It was great to finish with some tough riders like Bob Hoene and Shawn Mitchell. Its still only the limited gear race and I hope to be on form this summer for the events I am shooting for, this is a nice sign my winter preparations are paying off."

2006 Team Roster announced

The IMT-TitleOne team announced its new roster today.  The squad will consist of four riders with possibly two to be added later in the year.  The team will have two riders in the Category 1/2 (elite) field, plus two riders in the Category 4/5 (beginner) group. 
 
Steve Parker is back for his third season with the squad, this time he will be assuming the role of general classification leader a role he looks forward to taking on.  "I helped riders in the past, and I look forward to riding for myself to see how far I can go and the results I can get." 
 
Alongside Parker will be Gary Casella in the 1/2 category.  Casella will be doing a full season and look after Parker along the way and try to build on some form he showed last year.  "I have set some goals for myself for 2006 that I hope to reach.  I had a decent spring in 05 before getting sick and then some personal issues prevented me from racing and training as much.  With all that behind me and a good winter base I look forward in riding with Steve and helping him as much as possible throughout the year.  He also has expressed his effort to help me in obtaining my goals as well.  Call it a unselfish one, two punch we'll have."
 
In 4/5 group will be two new team riders.  Brad Rodgers and Alfredo Caroca. 
 
Brad Rodgers rode with the BYRDS team in 05 and is in his first season as a Sr. rider.  He will be looking for guidance from Parker, Casella and Caroca as his skills improve and he makes his way to the front of the pack. 
 
Alfedo Caroca is making his cycling comeback after time away from the sport and recovering from cancer.  Alfredo raced quite a bit in his native country of Chile growing up, and is experienced with many of the basics the average racer is still learning.  Alfredo also helped out the squad in 2005 as an assistant to Casella especially with the Uruguayan riders Jukich and Tagliabue, but is looking to make his own mark this season.
 
Both Brad and Alfredo will be looking to upgrade to Category 3 by the end of the year.
 
Gary Casella will still act as team Manager/Director for the upcoming season.  Will the dual role of Manager/Rider be an issue?  Casella responded "No, not at all.  I have a very streamlined program compared to years past and will be a lot less work.  I have also found the hunger to race and be competitive as I love to race, but also teach.  The focused smaller team will enable me to do both and work alongside Parker and Rodgers closely on the road and help them progress.  I have my own goals as well and will work hard to reach them.  I am in a better place than in 05 and have found that passion to ride again.  Best of all, we all are looking to race hard and do our very best, as well as improve as the year goes on. With this group it looks to be a fun year."  

TitleOne and Idaho Mountain Touring sign on as 06 sponsors

The team will continue with a new look and co-title sponsor for the 2006 season. 
 
TitleOne Title & Escrow company is back as a title sponsor for 2006.  TitleOne will also be the title sponsor for the 5th edition of the Tour of Eagle race on June 9th, that's part of the Eagle Fun Days.
 
Idaho Mountain Touring (also known as IMT) has also stepped up to be a co-title sponsor for the upcoming season, after three years as an associate sponsor.  IMT is the local Boise, Idaho Orbea and Trek dealer as well as a full range bicycle shop.  IMT also carries all sorts of outdoor camping & hiking gear as well as ski equipment during the winter. 
 
The team will officially be known as the IMT-TitleOne Cycling Team for the 2006 season.

Dr. Morales takes podium in team colors

Dr. Morales from Uruguay, who assisted the team during the Vuelta de Uruguay in 2004 rides in the teams colors and kit in Uruguay and where ever he races.   He recently scored a podium finish at a major event he traveled to in Europe for his age group and sent us a photo of him on the podium.  Way to go Dr. Morales!  Bravo!  Buenisimo!

Team to scale back in 2006

Team Director Gary Casella announced today that the team would be considerably scaled back for the 2006 season. 
 
"After three years of building a tremendous program and with great results, my goal for 2006 was to build on the success and momentum we gathered to have the squad participate in bigger events for the 06 season.  To do so the team would require more support and funding.  Unable to do so by the deadline established, it is difficult to announce that I will be scaling back the program for the 2006 season.  I am very proud of the success the squad has had this past season and look forward to stepping up the program again in 07."

Big Thanks to our Sponsors

Thanks you to our 2005 Sponsors that have made the 2005 season a most memorable one. 
 
Title One Title & Escrow Company, Orbea bicycles, Profile Design handlebars, stems, seatposts and aero gear, Visual Rush web design and support, Kenda Tires & tubes, Carbboom energy gel, Cheetah Bars, Shain helmets, Robin clothing, Ogata Chiropractic, Cyclista.com, Bodybuilding.com, Spinergy wheels. 
 
It is your generous support that has made our program successful.  THANK YOU!

Top 10 2005 Season Highlights

1)  Weyen and Mayfield's leg ripping record breaking two man TT
2)  Matt Weyen's dominant performance and victory at Antelope Island, Utah
3)  Team's unselfish performance throughout the George's Spring Series
4)  Justin Mayfield's epic stage win at Emmett-Roubaix
5)  Esteban Jukich's top finishes in the fast sprints of Walla Walla, Mt. Hood & Columbia Plateau
6)  Overall Win's at George's spring series & Tour of Eagle.
7)  Gonzalo Tagliabue's Stage wins at Treasure Valley Omnium and Tour of Eagle
8)  Weyen's second overall at Walla Walla & the rained out lightning stage where we and a hundred other racers stayed in the firehouse to keep warm and dry! 
9)  Esteban Jukich amazing third place and podium finish at the Twilight Criterium in Boise
10)  Tad Hamilton's leadership and unselfisness throughout the season.  Thanks Tad!

Looking back at the 2005 season

The 2005 TitleOne-Orbea cycling team was arguably one of the most dominant cycling teams ever in the Boise, Idaho area.  From the record breaking Windy 2 man Time Trial (Jason Broome Memorial race) in March to the traditional season closer the Bogus Basin Hill Climb in September, the TitleOne squad was always up front, in the mix and going for the win.

TitleOne Title & Escrow Company based out of Boise, Idaho Officially became the team Title sponsor for the remainder of the 2005 season. 

Team Manager Gary Casella announced  "Its an honor to work with such a great company as TitleOne.  Every time I mention TitleOne to people, they have nothing but good things to say, and I have to agree.  Since my first meeting with Vicki White and meeting some of the TitleOne staff I have been impressed every step of the way.  They are a great organization and a great partner I hope to work with for a long time.  The team and I are very excited to have TitleOne onboard. The team will be recognized as Team TitleOne-Orbea from here on out and we look forward to showing our new team colors at the Tour of Eagle this next weekend."

For more information on TitleOne visit their website at www.titleonecorp.com

The final Official GC results for the squad for Mt. Hood were:

25th Gonzalo Tagliabue   +7:59
27th Matt Weyen            +9:45
32nd Esteban Jukich       +11:38
43rd  Jonathan Denision       +17:36
44th  Justin Mayfield       +18:44
62nd  Jason Werst         +36:37
84th  Steve Parker          +1:11:26

Justin England and Scott Moniger from the US Pro team HealthNet finished 1st and 2nd today.  The tough stage saw riders move up and down the final general classification.

This final stage saw "El Gonchi" Gonzalo Tagliabue stay with the leaders until the final climb where he had to let the leaders go and settle into his own rhythm and eventually finished an impressive 20th overall at +2:19.  

At 4:25 in 26th place was Esteban Jukich in what was left of the first chase group.  Matt Weyen charged from the chase group trying to catch the leaders after team members Denision and Mayfield tried to bring the gap back as close as possible for Weyen to jump across.  After charging up the bottom part of the climb, Weyen was cooked and settled into his own groove to finish off a very good showing at Mt. Hood.  Weyen's finishing time was +6:31.

Other team results:  44th Mayfield +10:01, 45th Denision +10:02, 54th Werst +12:56 and 88th Parker +50:37.

The Orbea team made its presence felt at a very tough NRC event this past weekend.  With a Top 5 and top 10 for stage finishes as well as some consistent riding from the entire team, Team TitleOne-Orbea scored by finishing 4th overall.

Team manager Gary Casella stated " This is an impressive showing. This is our first NRC this year and a bit later on our schedule than in the previous few seasons.  We seem to be coming into form at the right time and we still have room to improve.  This experience and level of competition is what we've been aiming for all spring and to deliver with these strong performances is really great.  I'm very proud of all the guys who went to the Hood race, and look forward to the rest of the summer."

In an incredible performance Esteban Jukich sprinted to 4th place after a tough fast stage. 

Jukich commented afterwards  "The circuit was fast, uphill, downhill, and a bit dangerous in spots.  With 3 laps to go I moved up into the top 5 spots and just fought to hold my position.  Gonzalo was going to lead me out for the finish but got caught behind a crash and I never saw him.  I got shuffled back and came out of the last turn in fourth place and held on with all I could and tried to get onto the podium.  After how I felt a few days ago during stage 1, this result is even more amazing."

Hamilton also commented afterwards saying "Esteban and Gonzalo seemed to hold their positions in the top 25 all race long and then with a few laps to go they shot up front and Esteban going for the win was really really good to see."

A tremendous performance by Esteban Jukich showing the team colors up front at a National event. 

Other team results:  17th Tagliabue, 47th Weyen, 68th Denision, 89th Parker, 90th Werst, and 98th Mayfield.

Matt Weyen rode an excellent time trial to finish in 10th place for the day.  All 9 riders ahead of him were Professional riders, five of which were from the Pro Canadian Symmetrics team.  A great result for Weyen and the team given the tough competition and deep field.

Other team results:  62nd Mayfield, 66th Tagliabue, 72nd Denision, 74th Werst, 76th Parker and 77th Jukich.

The squad was present during the final laps of the tough circuit race as the field hit its stride which saw the field break up into small groups by the finish. 

Orbea team rider, Matt Weyen managed to be in the first big group of select riders to take 17th for the stage 1:58 behind the stage winner.

Tagliabue was in the next group in 24th position, just 22 seconds back from Weyen's group.  Jukich was in the next group feeling much better than the previous day in 36th spot and then Denison in 48th. 

A great showing from the squad.  All the team riders finished the tough circuit race and will start tomorrow

The tough opening Time Trial stage saw the Canadian Pro team led by Svein Tuft take 4 out of the top 10 places.  Tuft, a Canadian National Champion stormed in 7 seconds clear of second place.

Team Orbea's Top TT rider Matt Weyen finished 27 seconds back in 31st position, followed by Mayfield, Werst, Denison, Tagliabue, Parker and Jukich.

Jukich commented afterwards that he didn't feel well at all.  "I didn't feel right or comfortable at all.   The last part was uphill and I just felt awful going up it I just wanted to get off the bike.  We'll see how I feel tomorrow."

The squad set out today to tackle the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic on the NRC (National Race Calendar) schedule.  The team will be looking for opportunities to show themselves against some of the USA and Canada's best Professional squads.

The team will field: Steve Parker, Jason Werst, Justin Mayfield, Gonzalo Tagliabue, Matt Weyen, Jonathan Denison and Esteban Jukich. Team Captain Tad Hamilton will be do support for the event.
 
Stay tuned for team results from Mt. Hood, right here

Hamilton and Casella at Charity Golf Scramble

Team manager Gary Casella and Team Captain Tad Hamilton kept the bikes at home today and dusted off their golf clubs and head to Eagle Hills CC to play a Charity Gold scramble to benifit the new Eagle Performeing Arts Center hosted by Eagle Magazine. 

The team Orbea "Golf squad" started a bit slow but got its momentum as the day went on and finished 2nd for the day. 

In true Tipollini fashion Tad said "It sucks to finish second. I had a lot fun and it was for a good cause, I also couldn't ask for a more beautiful day to golf either."

Casella has a good time as well relying on his short game to offset his inconsistant drives.  "I had a really fun time.  Its the first time golfing with Tad and its been a blast.  Its for a great cause and the Eagle Magazine staff have been wonderful.  Its been a pleasure taking part in such an event.  I may want to hit the driving range prior to next years event though, I was miserable off the tee.  I had a lot of good laughs and fun."

Matt Weyen and Justin Mayfield lined up as the only team riders on a tough Eagle Hills circuit where Weyen finished 2nd in 2004. 

With a few laps remaining Weyen broke away from the field never to be seen again and soloed home for the victory.  Mayfield controlled the pack single handedly and later sprinted away to have the team finish first and second for the day. 

A great performance echoed in Mayfileds statements afterwards "It seemed like everyone knew what our plan was, we just were able to go forward and still do it.  It felt awesome."

The Teasure Valley Omnium provided the squad the platform to get their momentum back after Columbia Plateau a week earlier. 

Taking 1st and 4th overall with the Uruguayan duo of Tagliabue and Jukich respectively, the team is once again on track and looking forward towards the rest of the season.

Gonzalo Tagliabue scored a win that he's wanted since being DQ'd last year at the same event.  "It was something in the back of my mind for certain."  He commented afterwards. 

El Gonchi broke away with Subway Pro riders Remi McManus and Cameron Hughes who recently won the Vuelta de El Salvador, Gardie Jackson of team Healthy Choice and Orbea teammate Esteban Jukich.  They were later joined by another teammate Matt Weyen who did a remarkable solo bridge to get to the lead group.

After some attacks close to the end of the stage and some shadow boxing to see who would dash to the line first, Gonchi launched his sprint and never looked back.  Upon crossing the line he did his Juan Antonio Flecha immitation bow and arrow victory salute.  "Yes it feels good to win, especially after last year."

Afterwards Jukich stated "It was a crazy sprint and I got boxed in early before punching through an opening to close in on the line.  I felt like my legs didn't have it all day, but the entire team worked really hard all day.  We came here to get some good results, I just dug deep and gave it all I had to the line. There were guys swerving all over the place and one smashed his wheel right into my rear deraileur at the finish.  Crazy but thats racing and sprinting."

Gonchi is back!
Gonzalo "Gonchi" Tagliabue arrived today from Uruguay to join his compatriot Jukich and the rest of the Orbea team for the 2005 season.  He will not have much time to feel too comfortable as in a few days the team is off to the Columbia Plateau stage race.  Upon arriving Gonchi said stated "I feel good and am in better condition than when I arrived last year.  It will take a little time to get my race legs back but I'm here to do well in the bigger races this year."  After Gonzalo's good performance in this year's Vuelta de Uruguay, the team looks forward to him coming back and adding his all around abilities to the squad.

The team had set the Spring series as a major objective for the spring, and to use it to get a good ramp up to the long season ahead.  Team Captain Tad Hamilton said "Its very important for us to win at home as we are a Boise team." Team Manager Gary Casella echoed Hamilton's comments.  "The last few season we have had other spring objectives.  This season our goal was to do well and win locally this spring.  Focus on the local races and get all our riders up to speed for summer, where our bigger goals are.  So far its been very fruitful as we've been very cohesive and team orientated, and worked out some things that would have been much more difficult on the road.  Winning at home also is nice because its in front of your family and friends.  Our success is due to the whole team working together on and off the bike."

A great showing by the Orbea team throughout the Spring season.

Mayfield broke away with Chris McGill from Team BODE and were later caught by former Nutra Fig Pro racer Alex Gardner.  The trio built up a lead of over 3 minutes over the 2 1/2 laps that took them over two climbs and a dirt/gravel section.  Upon exiting the Roubaix section of the course Gardner flats as McGill comes off the back.  Gardner gets a quick wheel change and charges back to Mayfield and picks up McGill along the way.  As they approached the finishing climb riding through the Cherry orchards of Emmett, Team Manager Gary Casella asked Justin over the radio "..on a scale of 1 to 10 how do you feel?" Justin replied " an 11!"

Mayfield and Gardner traded pulls to the base of the final climb and as the road tilted up towards the finish, Mayfield pulled away and soloed home for the stage win.  Gardner held on for second and blasting away from the field to take third and fourth were Matt Weyen and Esteban Jukich.  Jonathan Dennision also finished in the top 10.

Afterwards Casella commented,

"This is a huge win for the team and especially for Justin.  This is his third season with the squad and I've always believed he had tremendous potential to be a dominant rider.  He's grown tremendously and I think last year at Elkhorn was a big turning point for him.  He put together an epic ride on the last day against a very good field.  I think that performance and since has had him on a wave of confidence that has pushed him over the top.  Every race this year I've been very impressed as its all coming together for him.  He's well positioned, out of the wind, up front when he needs to be, motivated and stronger than ever.  I have to say that today I am very proud to see him take this win.  I am very proud of Justin."

Jukich wins with Parker second.
The Tuesday night race series took place today with team Orbea's Esteban Jukich blasting away just inside the last km to win. The race was windy and run at a high pace and within the final rolling stretch Team Orbea went to the front to set up the finale.  Jonathan Dennison powered to the front and caught Jukich and Shawn Mitchell of team BODE and set a fierce pace towards the finish. 

The field just behind was splintering as riders tried to catch the leaders.  A small group managed to bridge up to the three leaders just within the last km and Jukich took off for the line for good.  Behind Chris Abbruzzese set the pace picking up the riders who were blowing up before the line with Steven Parker on his wheel.  Parker later sprinted around and was passed for 2nd place by Team George's Jeff Gasser. 

Broadmark/Capitol, a team from Seattle, arguably the nations best Elite team, had their rider Tubbs pick up the time bonus to edge out Weyen by a few seconds.

Jukich who rode a tremendous final race took 5th in the criterium's final dash to the line.  Jukich upset with himself as he was in great position for the stage win said afterwards "I needed my 11!  I was spun out and was ready to go for the win and I had only my 12...I turned the last corner in 3rd and perfect position to go for the win but needed the extra gear as we were going way fast.  I wanted to take the time bonus to help Matt keep the overall as well as contest the finish for the win.  I can't make that mistake in the future.  Its a hard lesson to learn as the opportunities to win sometimes are far and few between...the 11 will be on there always from now on."

Up until that point Team Orbea was active at the front of the race with riders Justin Mayfield, Esteban Jukich, Gary Casella, Tad Hamilton, Jonathan Dennision and Jason Wurst keeping an eye on things leading up to the KOM climb where the rain began to fall and the race cancelled.

The team ended up at Waitsburg Firestation with about 100 other riders trying to remain warm after the cold rain soaked the field.

Team rallies from early mishap to finish with 4 in the top 10 at Blacks Creek
The Blacks Creek Road race was cold, rainy and windy.  That didn't damped the spirits of the competitors that started the 70 mile race.  After about 7 miles Team Orbea GC leader Matt Weyen got a rear flat.  Team captain Tad Hamilton got on the radio and called on the squad to help their flatted leader.

Before Tad got even on the radio Tean Orbea riders Chris Abbruzzese had slowed to help Weyen, and Steve Parker stopped and gave Weyen his rear wheel to not lose any time. 

Weyen with the help of Tad, Chris and later Jason Wurst got back to the main field as Team Orbea's Justin Mayfiled, Esteban Jukich and Gary Casella tried to control the field to allow Weyen to get back into the field. 

The race had a breakway form just prior to Weyen's ill timed flat but Team Orbea had Jonathan Dennison there in the break to watch things.

As the rest of the race developed the efforts from the flat had only 1/2 the team in the lead pack as the rest never made it back due to the tough winds.  Solid and intelligent riding from Mayfield, Jukich, Weyen and Casella were all there in the lead pack as the remnants of the peloton made the final turn for the run in to the finish.

With Dennison in the breakaway the field accelerated to reel them in.  The breakaway also lost a few riders in the run in, as the pack also lost riders and got down to 4 riders chasing the break.  Three out the four were team Orbea riders.

Dennison took 2nd place and after a surge from Jukich from 5km out helped set up Weyen who accelerated to take 3rd at the finish followed by Mayfield in 5th, Jukich in 7th and Casella rolling in in 17th a few minutes down.

A great display of teamwork which everyone contributed to in helpeing keep their GC leader in the #1 spot heading into the final race two weeks away.

An early move right from the start of the Antelope Island road race had the field thinking they were probably in a criterium and not a road race.  The fast start had the field strung out and a counter attack saw a group of 8 get off the front.  Some hard charging from the field kept the breakaway close but they soon rolled away.  Team Orbea's Matt Weyen was in the breakaway and doing his fair share of the work.  "I knew it was early but I felt strong and we got a good lead..." Weyen commented after the race. 

With a few laps to go an attack widdled the breakaway down to a few and Weyen attacked on the final lap to make the final selection and drove it home for his first road win of the season.