Platinum performs well in local US Cup Series event

US Cup No. 5 Santa Ynez Classic 4/30/12 The US Cup headed to the Santa Ynez Valley for stop number five on the seven race series. The weather was perfect in the high 80's, which became quite warm on the later part of the race. The course consisted of a 11 mile lap with about 1600' of climbing per lap. The Cat 1 and Cat 2 racers took on two laps. The race took off from the start into a long singletrack which eventually hit the "wall". The "wall" is a steep singletrack climb with multiple … [Read more...]

Sea Otter Classic doesn’t disappoint local riders

SEA OTTER CLASSIC The Platinum Performance Mtn Bike team headed to the Sea Otter Classic to compete in disciplines in the XC, Crit, Road Race and Circuit Races.For Complete Results from the 2012 Sea Otter, CLICK HEREThe team had its taste of success on the very first day with Greg Turner winning the Cat 5 Criterium and Ian Barense placing 2nd in the cat 4/5 Criterium.The weather turned warm..very warm on Friday with temperatures in the mid 90s. Friday afternoon was the race most of … [Read more...]

AFC Half-Marathon in the books for Booth

Todd Booth, left, with master's champ John Reich

Most of you know by now my second passion is running. Don’t get me wrong… I’m not in the same class as these true runners…my ugly style and heavy feet would make most runners cringe. It’s my stubbornest not to give up and to accept the pain that brings me across the finish line.This year I focused on four big races which ranged in size from 6,000 to 50,000 runners. The 50,000 head count was May's Bay to Breakers 12k race in SF. This weekend's San Diego’s America’s Finest Cities … [Read more...]

Takeda, Langin lead Platinum to State title

Team Platinum claimed its sixth straight overall title in the California State Series

The finals of the 2010 California State Series wrapped up in beautiful Big Bear Lake. The series was a best five out of seven races that were held throughout Southern California. Team Platinum Performance has dominated the team title for the past five years.This season was no different having the team earn its six consecutive title!Platinum's riders have been consistently placing in the top five of the seven race series. Individual State Champion titles were won by two of … [Read more...]

Bike Fest hosts U.S. Cup Series race

Platinum rider Roger Moore on an uphill climb during the U.S. Cup Series race at the Santa Barbara Bike Festival.

Last weekend's Santa Barbara Bike Festival was the 5th stop on the U.S. Cup Series as well as part of the California State Series.  The festival, held at Elings Park, had an impressive showing even with the controversy of the County shutting it down.The 6 mile loop through one of the most beautiful areas on the central coast is one of the most fun and fastest courses out there.  The trails are 80% flowing, smooth single track with some technical sandy descents thrown in.  Sunday … [Read more...]

Never a better day at Sea Otter Classic

Todd Booth atop the Sea Otter Classic podium this weekend. (Photo by Roxanne Moore)

The Sea Otter Classic is in the top three for cycling events in North America based on participation, vendor and spectator attendance and caliber of riding talent in one place. To do well in Monterey you need to have a special day…Over the twenty years of competing in various disciplines I can only think of less than a handful of times that I had a really special day.COMPLETE RESULTS HEREI’ve had moments in the sun with some memorable wins but nothing this rewarding. It’s … [Read more...]

Platinum rolls through Santa Ynez Classic

Team Platinum Shows off their medals from this weekend's Santa Ynez Classic

Stop number four of the US Cup Series was held in the beautiful Santa Ynez valley.   The beauty was short lived, Mother Nature had another plan for the riders that day.  The riders were faced with bone chilling temps, high winds, a little rain and a course that was very rutty.  Many were describing the conditions similar to the famous Belgium classic road race the Paris Roubaix.   The Cat 1 racers took on a 27 mile course with over 3,500? of climbing.  The Cat 2 racers rode an 18 mile … [Read more...]

U.S. Cup Series stops in Fontana

Platinum Team Rider Todd Booth. (Photo Courtesy of Platinum)

The inland empire of Fontana was the second stop for the US Cup Series.The race promoters have found a new way to bring the fans into the races…shortening the courses.  The course for the Cat 1 racers was a very technically challenging 4.5 mile loop.  Most of the age groups took on four laps of the course.This is one of the most demanding races of the year.  The course threw everything at the rider..super steep climbs, long “hike a bike” sections, very loose sandy … [Read more...]

Beautiful weather starts mountian bikers’ Cup race

Adam Poytress Bonelli 2010 2

The big kick off to the 2010 US Cup season was held at beautiful Bonelli park in San Dimas.  The weather was beautiful, sunny in the mid 70’s.   The promoters pull out all the stops with a new course, a great venue with free In N Out burgers for all the racers.  Not healthy, but well deserved.The course was a World Cup style set up.  Shorter laps..the pros racing on a 4 mile loop and the Cat 1,2,3 racers taking on a 6 mile loop.  Tons of new single track was added which was very … [Read more...]