Hey Angela! Is this event still in the works?

New event name is Vuelta Ciclista Feminina

Spanish expert corrected the title...much much better!

Yes! It’s going to be so pro-like. Since it is the first year, I am doing a test bed so I am adding to event to the SJBC Vuelta. Basically, piggy-banking so we can get help in the event. It’s very kind of them to support women’s racing. This club with majority men but 100% support women in racing. I am greatful to find such a club.

So going back to the Vuelta…many prizes and trophies awarded. BBQ at the end and special award ceremony only for the women. I plan to get a Spanish hat just like the real Vuelta. Podium kids for the flowers. It will be a blast.

Here are some of the plans in the works:

1) Category will be W4. Proposed for separate W4 Novice, W4 Experienced and W4 35+ will be tough with timing and resources this year. If there is a good showing then we will for sure have more categories next year.

2) 5 teams maximum with 3-4 team mates in each team. If teams go over 5 then it will be subject for review with the Vuelta coordinator.

3) 3 stages: TTT, Road Race and Criterium in 2 days – September 26-27.

Points system in each stage will be according to the Vuelta points system.

The teams will be introduced so that everyone knows who they are before the start of the stage. 2 GC leaders with one as back-up. Sprinters, QOM, Best Young Rider, Best Matured Rider and Best Team will be awarded based on points.

I think it will be a blast. Family members are welcome as well as friends.

There will be a website and profiles for each team members in each team will be posted. What the objective of the event, rules, start lists, teams goals, pictures and interviews of certain riders etc. Fun fun!

I sent in the following proposals to add additional categories for the SJBC Vuelta in September 26 and 27, 2009. The additional categories will be called La Vuelta Ciclista a Señora as it is a separate Vuelta event for women.

Here is the proposal:

It looks like the new field will be w4A (Novice) and w4B (Experienced) and w4 35+ (Experienced).

We will take max of 5 teams from each category with 3-4 team mates each team. Composite team is definitely accepted. They have to have a name for the team but not necessary to have the same kits. We will color code the numbers for each team in each category. Team leader will have the first number in each series of numbers. 2 team leaders (one back-up) required for overall GC.

Each stage awards are the following:

TTT: Team Winner, bragging rights and first person in line wears blue jersey (SJBC color)

Road Race: 2 sprint points, 2 KOM points, bonus time for 1,2,3 places (10, 5, 3 secs consecutively)

Criterium: 3 sprint points, bonus time for 1,2,3 places (10, 5, 3 secs consecutively)

Other awards: (Final Awards)

Best Team - top 10 placings of team mates, 1 point each team member
Best Young Rider (w4A and W4B only)
Best Matured Rider (w4 35+)
Sprinters Jersey (points, Green Jersey at the end)
Climbers Jersey (points, Red Jersey at the end)

Riders will have to sign in before each stage start. Team will be introduced at the beginning of the event as a kick off.

Website will be developed to give team lists, standings, pictures, awards and info about the event.

Hi Mo,

Thank you for your support! Yes, the first year is more of a test race and get the kinks out, improvements and for sure lots of feedback.

Appreciate your feedback

I think it sounds like a good idea, Angela. As it was mentioned, September is a bit of a tough month because the season is winding down and 'cross is starting to get underway, but I'd go for it. Market it heavy and early and see what happens, knowing that the first year might not get as stellar a reponse as you'd hope for, but it's a start in the right direction.

Maybe the focus would be for incoming new racers or those who want to start racing in 2010 or are thinking about it or on the fence about racing or have done little racing in 2008 and still want more even if it's end of season.

Since this is low key and we plan to provide maybe a clinic to go over some info about racing. It will be a good test or "try-out" for those who are looking into racing or want to race. The points give them a bit more challenge.

The benefit is to give them a chance to understand the different flavors of racing and working in teams.

What do you think?

I like the idea that it will be an introduction to racing kinda thing - to test the water and see how much fun they are missing!

our vuelta de san jose, is held on the 26-27 September, a week after the road season ends.

Let's have fun with the stage race just like the real deal - live updates and official web site with standings, photos, interviews etc.

just thinking...

I am open to any volunteers or sponsors for prizes btw :-)

I just want to clarify about forming the 5 women team.

The team can be a composite team and can call their teams any name or a team such as Velo Girls etc. The main goal is to work as a team and strategize on how to win the overall or what ever goal your team want to achieve - best team, sprinters jersey etc.

As long as there are 5 racers representing one team.

you could poll the women's clubs about timing. and I'm guessing if you committed to putting it on, there would always be women who race.

My thinking is only one weekend.

Yeah, I see your point about the timing. I guess we are looking of a low key stage race as a test run to see how much interest we get then possibly include it in the NCNCA calendar next year or the following year.

What would you suggest timing wise?

my feedback? off the cuff, September might be a tough month. some folks are still racing and others are crispy after a long season. and cyclocross starts in August now. so, there's lots going on that might conflict.

is the plan to run this all in one weekend or spread it out over 3 weeks?

That is being discussed with the club President of SJBC. I plan to propose based on the feedback I get from racers (like you!). We may add this event to the SJBC Vuelta. Right now, I am doing research to see if it is an interest because lots of work will be required to make the event successful.

It's at it's initial stage but I am very excited about it!

This will give the lower category or new into racing a view of what stage race is all about. If we have good response, it would be good to include a little clinic a week before for those who are participating a view of the wonderful world of team racing. This will encourage lower categories think about tactics and team building earlier in their race journey.

I agree, it will be fun!

would this be sponsored/promoted/insured by SJBC, Angela? looks like a fun idea.