Editor-in-Chief Neal Rogers was on-hand for every cycling event in London and tells the stories of aggressive race wins from Alexander Vinokourov and Marianne Vos. Rogers gets deep with track sprinter and firefighter Jimmy Watkins in “Sitting In” and details the stories behind Kristin Armstrong’s defense of her Olympic title and Tour de France champ Bradley Wiggins’ ride to time trial gold.
In VeloNotes, Andrew Hood outlines the American success in the Olympic Games with “Rising Stars and Stripes.” Despite the dominance by Great Britain in all cycling events, the Americans claimed four medals and were in contention for several more. Four was nearly seven with Taylor Phinney finishing fourth in the road race and time trial and Shelley Olds puncturing while in the perfect position to find the podium in the women’s road race.
We go behind the scenes at the Tour of Utah with a feature on Swiss BMC Racing rider Johann Tschopp and his dominance in what many consider the toughest American stage race. Velo reporter Matthew Beaudin also gives a glimpse of his day spent in the seat next to Omega Pharma-Quick Step director Brian Holm as Levi Leipheimer rode to the final-stage win in Park City.
With cyclocross season here, this issue provides equipment reviews on bikes, components, and other gear from Nick Legan, Michael Robson and Logan VonBokel. Additionally, with training advice from managing editor and world masters silver medalist Chris Case, you’re bound to learn the fundamentals that will help you edge out your competitors on race day this season. In February, the U.S. will host the first-ever UCI Cyclocross Elite World Championships to be held outside of Europe. Read about the “Dirty Dozen,” the 12 athletes we think are most likely to succeed in the domestic ’cross season this year.
And don’t miss Dan Wuori’s “At The Back” look at Vinokourov’s London bank heist. You’ll be glad you did.
Pick up a copy of Velo’s October 2012 issue at a bookseller or bike shop near you.