(2008-06-11) MARSHALL WINS KANSAS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ROAD RACE

Last weekend in Kansas, Mercy Elite Team rider Bill Marshall, captured the State Road Race Championship title. This make it three State Championship jerseys that Mercy Cycling Team has won in just one weekend !!! Bill attributes his State Championship win to his teammates for the event, Scott Barnes and Chris Wallace. On the day, Scott Barnes was first across the line to take another fantastic win for Mercy Cycling Team!!! However, because Scott is a resident of Arkansas, Bill Marshall took the KS State Championship title by crossing the line in 2nd.

Congratulations Scott on winning the race... and congratulations Bill for being the 2008 KS State Champion !!

Bill Marshall (Mercy) leads Ex-Pro Steve Tilford

(2008-06-07) TWO NEW MERCY STATE CHAMPIONS

Kolt Bates wins U23 Age-Based Texas State Championships;
Stefan Rothe wins 23-34 Age-category Title

Mercy Team Members scored a "double" when winning the age-based Texas State Road Championships held in Copperas Cove, TX, this Saturday. The only two Mercy riders in the field, competed in combined fields of U23 riders and the 23-34 category for a distance of 80 miles . Stefan initiated a early break 5 miles into the race and later dropped his break-away companion. 45 miles into the event, 4 riders including Kolt bridged up to him and it was clear that the Winner of the race would come from this select group of 5. The constant 25 mph wind, hot temperatures and rough roads made it a challenging for everyone. "Energizer" Stefan attacked that break 10 miles out from the finish and was soloing towards the line. Here's where Kolt showed class and strength and bridged up to Stefan after leaving the other 3 riders behind. The two Mercy riders came across the line hand-in-hands and finished a strong 1-2, with Kolt actually winning the event. Each rider won their respective age-category and took home a jersey.

Congratulations to our new TX State Champions!

(2008-06-04) CAGLE IS BEST AMATEUR AT TULSA TOUGH

Tulsa local and Mercy Elite Team rider, Chad Cagle, has risen to a new level of racing excellence. After three extremely difficult days of criterium racing at the mega huge Tulsa Tough event, Chad came out as the top placed Amateur for 2008. AT the end of the weekend, Chad came out with 6th place overall. Finishing in front of Chad in the first 5 positions were 5 members of the top Professional squad - Toyota United. What a finish for Chad !!! Mercy Cycling Team is so lucky to have a rider of your caliber riding for us !! Of course, we can't forget the most excellent teamwork carried out by the rest of the Elite squad - Mat Ankney(OK); Bill Marshall(KS); Mat Stephens(TX); Alex Welch(OK) and of course Stefan Rothe (TX). Everyone on the team put on a great display teamwork in defense of Chads Overall GC position. Great riding team !!

Final General Classification Results Can Be Found HERE

Good Times at Tour of Arkansas-JOURNAL ENTRY BY STEFAN

Check out Stefan Rothe's Journal entry from the Tour of Arkansas just a few weeks ago (CLICK)

(2008-05-30) CAGLE SHINES AT TULSA TOUGH

As expected, Chad Cagle is hitting top form right now and is turning in some fine performances this weekend in Tulsa. At Fridays Blue Dome Criterium (Stage 1 of Tulsa Tough), Chad came home as the the first Non-Professional rider in the extremely tough night-crit. On the night, Chad took 9th place just a spot behind the Cuban Missile, Evan Dominquez. The ultra strong, Toyota United Pro Cycling Team, dominated the event with 6 of their riders finishing in the top 8 placings. Great Riding Chad !!

Stage 1 Results Can Be Found HERE

(2008-05-30) TULSA TOUGH WEEKEND

This weekend sees the running of the 2008 edition of the Tulsa Tough weekend. The event consists of three criterium events over three days - Friday Night, Saturday and Sunday. This year, the event is part of the NRC Calendar for Women and part of the USA Crit Series for Men. Already signed up for the event is the full Toyota United squad as well as other major professional and top amateur teams from around the whole country.

Mercy Elite Team For Tulsa Tough (Pro Cat 1 Event)

• Chad Cagle

• Mat Ankney

• Bill Marshall

• Mat Stephens

• Alex Welch

• Stefan Rothe

Mercy Development Team For Tulsa Tough (Cat 1/2 Event)

• Jason Macom

• Kolt Bates

• Brooks Branham

• Justin Jackson

(2008-05-29) MEMORIAL WEEKEND IN DALLAS

Dallas TX was the location for the final tune up races before the huge Tulsa Tough events this weekend. At the end of the weekend, CHAD CAGLE from Tulsa, turned in some very consistent results and as a result should be a man to watch at his home town Tulsa Tough races. On Sunday, Chad took a fine 6th place while on Monday, in the TX State Criterium Champs, Chad took a great 7th.

(2008-05-23) PARTY TIME

Check out the Mercy CLUB Page for details on our Tour Of Arkansas Volunteer Party...

(2008-05-10) JOE MARTIN (NRC) STAGE 2

Chad Cagle demonstrated his great sprinting abilities by taking 10th place in the mad dash to the line at Fridays Stage 2 Road Race!! Surrounded by the best elite professional riders in the country, Chad proved yet again that he can hold his own in any sprint.

The remainder of the Mercy Elite Team finished comfortably in the bunch - all finishing in the same time as the stage winner - Lucas Sebastian Haedo from Argentina.

(2008-05-08) JOE MARTIN (NRC)

Good Luck to the two Mercy squads which will be in action from Thursday through to Sunday at the (NRC) Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville. We'll be sure to bring you all the updates as we get them.

Our Elite squad consists of : Mat Ankney (OK), Chad Cagle (OK), Bill Marshall (KS), Stefan Rothe (TX/GERMANY), Mat Stephens (TX), Alex Welch (OK) and David Sojo Diego (SPAIN)

Our Development squad consists of : Scott Barnes (AR), Kolt Bates (TX), Brooks Branham (LA), Justin Jackson (AR), Jason Macom (AR) and Zach Martin (TX)

(2008-05-07) TOUR OF ARKANSAS

With the TOUR OF ARKANSAS just around the corner, we would like to remind all club members that since this is a Mercy Cycling Team organized event, you are all entitled to a 50% discount off your entry fees. Just another benefit to being a club member !!!

So, if any of you wishes to ride the Tour of Arkansas, please contact LEN O'TOOLE as soon as you can. He will get you manually registered for your event and let you know the process for paying your discounted fee of $35.

Contact Len before registration closes on Tuesday at this email address ...

(2008-05-02) Rothe Rides Well At Gila

(2008-04-27) ARVEST MT.GAYLOR TIME TRIAL - RESULTS

Arvest Mount Gaylor TT Results Can Be Found On The CLUB PAGE

(2008-04-23) Mercy riders dominates 2008 Matrix Cup at Superdrome in Frisco, TX

(2008-04-23) ARVEST MT.GAYLOR TIME TRIAL

Don't Forget - The Mount Gaylor TT is THIS WEEKEND

Due to popular demand and the generous sponsorship of ARVEST BANK, we will be organizing a Spring Edition of the ever popular Mount Gaylor Time Trial.  The date for the event will be Sunday April 27th 2008.

The official Event Flyer Can Be Found Here... CLICK
Full Event Information Can Be Found On The Event Page CLICK HERE. 

Mercy Cycling Team would like to graciously  thank ARVEST BANK for their generous sponsorship that will help make this event happen !!

(2008-04-14) DOGWOOD ROAD RACE

Congratulations to long time Mercy Elite Team rider, Alex Welch from Stillwell OK, who took the overall win at the Dogwood RR Cat 1/2 event in Bradleyville MO recently. In the Masters 40-49 event, our own Jim Corcoran  came home as winner of that event. Great riding team !!

MEN CAT 1/2

• 1st - Alex Welch (Mercy)

• 4th - Scott Barnes (Mercy)

• 5th - Mat Ankney (Mercy)

MASTERS MEN 40-49

• 1st - Jim Corcoran (Mercy)

(2008-04-13) MERCY ELITE TEAM GETS MAJOR SPONSOR

Today, Snapple announced that it would become a sponsor of the Mercy Elite Team for the 2008 season. Snapple is a major beverage company in the US and the Mercy Cycling organization is thrilled to have them onboard. More details about this exciting sponsorship deal soon...

For more information on SNAPPLE, Please VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE

(2008-04-13) THE RACING POST

Mercy Cycling Elite Team riders, Stefan Rothe and Mat Ankney, were interviewed recently by the excellent Texas Cycling publication - THE RACING POST. If you'd like the read the article from the April 2008 edition, please CLICK HERE.

Also, why not check out the official website for THE RACING POST HERE.

(2008-04-01) A GOOD WEEKEND FOR MERCY

Some results from this past weekend for our Elite and Development squads.

• RONDE von MANDA (TX) - Stefan Rothe - 2nd

• NWA Spring Classic (AR) - Alex Welch - 2nd

• NWA Spring Classic (AR) - Zach Martin - 4th

• NWA Spring Classic (AR) - Scott Barnes - 10th

• NWA Spring Classic (AR) - Jason Macom - 15th

(2008-03-23) FAYETTEVILLE STAGE RACE, TX

Stefan Rothe wins the final stage of annual Fayetteville Stage Race in Texas last weekend !!!

Mercy Cycling had another great weekend in Texas last weekend. The annual Fayetteville Stage Race always attracts a great turnout and packed quality fields - this year was no exception.

Stage 1 was a Time Trial. Stefan Rothe put all his cards on the table by laying down a fantastic time, enough to take 2nd on the stage. Teammate, Mat Ankney from Tulsa, took an excellent 4th.

Stage 2 saw Mat and Stefan finish solidly in 10th and 11th respectively - enough to keep them in overall contention for the GC win.

Stage 3 had Stefan in a very strong 3rd on GC before the start.  By days end, Stefan executed a perfect race. With a very dangerous move by Dave Wenger(Super Squadra) and Alex Boyd (UCI: VMG) early in the race, it was up to Stefan to bridge across to the break - which he did. Shortly after, he departed the company of his break companions (except for Alex Boyd who was able to match Stefan's acceleration).  In the sprint for the line, Stefan beat out Boyd and crossed the line to take another fabulous win for Mercy.

OVERALL GC - Stefan Rothe - 2nd; Mat Ankney 7th

Mercy Team Roster :
ROTHE, ANKNEY, ERLACKER, STEPHENS, BATES, MACOM, CAGLE

EVENT LINKS
FAYETTEVILLE STAGE RACE - WEBSITE
RESULTS CAN BE FOUND HERE ON THE TXBRA SITE

(2008-03-15) A ROUBAIX DOUBLE WEEKEND

Some riders just didn't have enough punishment with the Tunis-Roubaix race in TX... that they jumped in their cars and headed East to Louisiana for the Rouge-Roubaix the very next day !!! 

Rouge Roubaix is run over long rough roads with large stretches of  loose gravel, sand & dirt tracks. With hoards of crashes thrown into the mix, this event is surely one of the toughest events in the region.

In the 100+ strong Pro 1/2/3 event, Mercy rider Stefan Rothe, pulled off a great 3rd place - one up on his 4th place at Tunis Roubaix the previous day. Mat Stephens finished 9th and new Mercy rider and Louisiana Local, Brooks Branham finished strongly with the remnants of the main field.

EVENT LINKS
ROUGE ROUBAIX
TUNIS ROUBAIX 

MERCY DEVELOPMENT TEAM GETS MAJOR SPONSOR

Today, Maxxis International announced that it would become a major sponsor of the Mercy Development Team. Maxxis is one of the major bicycle tire manufacturers in the US, if not the world. The Mercy Cycling organization is thrilled to have Maxxis onboard and look forward to a successful year of racing on Maxxis Tires.

For more information on Maxxis International, Please VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE

MERCY WINS DAY 1 AT LAGO VISTA

Mat Ankney from Tulsa OK won today's first stage of the Lago Vista weekend. With 2 riders in the decisive break of the day, it was up to Mercy to dictate the fate of today's race. Using splendid race tactics, Mercy riders Mat Ankney and Stefan Rothe, took turns at putting in some seriously strong attacks. Eventually, one of these attacks 'stuck' and Mat rode home alone for a fantastic solo victory. Teammate, Stefan, rode in with the remnants of the break and took a great 8th place. 2nd on the day was the always strong Steve Tilford from Kansas. Stay tuned for day 2 results....

MERCY ALSO WINS DAY 2 AT LAGO VISTA

Not to be outdone by Mat Ankey's fantastic win on Day 1... team mate, Stefan Rothe, came out today and completed the double for Mercy Cycling Team!!! Stefan made his move with 35 miles to go by bridging up to a 2 man break which had moved off the front of the pack. The break was now five strong with super strong riders such as Steve Tilford (Ex-Pro), Brian Sheedy (Ex-Pro) and 2007 Collegiate National Champion, Alex Boyd. Stefan made the decisive winning move with 15 miles to go - only Steve Tilford could match the acceleration. In the sprint to the line, Stefan was the strongest and took a fine victory for Mercy Cycling. Finishing out a great Mercy performance was Mat Ankney who came home shortly after in 8th and Mat Stephens a fine 17th. Stefan attributed much of his win to the outstanding teamwork from team mates for this weekend, Bill Marshall, Brooks Branham, Mat Stephens and of course Bam Bam.

MERCY CAMP - JOURNAL ENTRY BY STEFAN

Check out Stefan Rothe's Journal entry from the team camp just a few weeks ago (CLICK)

MERCY COMMENCES ITS 2008 CAMPAIGN THIS WEEKEND IN TX

The 2008 season is finally upon us. So, this coming weekend will see our Elite and Development squads head South to Austin TX for some early season action.

On Saturday, racing will be in Walburg TX for the annual Walburg Classic(Click For Info). The following day will see the action continue with the Pace Bend RR(Click For Info) Last year, Mercy Elite Rider Mat Ankney, pulled off a fantastic 2nd behind seasoned ex-pro Brian Jensen from KS. Maybe this year will see him move up one more position to take the top spot on the podium...

Both events are classified as "Division 1" events in the TX CUP competition, so Team Mercy can expect a lot of great competition from the local TX powerhouse clubs.

We will post updates as soon as we receive them from the events...

EX-MERCY RIDER GETS NOMINATION FOR THE 2008 OLYMPIC LONG TEAM

USA Cycling announced this week that ex-Mercy rider, BRAD HUFF, had made the "long team" for the 2008 Olympics.  The "Long Team" will be the pool of riders that will be eligible to be selected for the final Olympic squad this Summer.

Here's the full list of nominees for the Olympic Track Team

Men's Track

1. Michael Blatchford (Cypress, Calif.)*

2. Adam Duvendeck (Santa Barbara, Calif.)*

3. Michael Friedman (Pittsburgh, Pa.)*

4. Brad Huff (Fair Grove, Mo.)*

5. Andy Lakatosh (Trexlertown, Pa.)*

6. Bobby Lea (Mertztown, Pa.)*

7. Giddeon Massie (Zionhill, Pa.)*

8. Colby Pearce (Boulder, Colo.)*

9. Taylor Phinney (Boulder, Colo.)*

The Full Press Release Can Be Found HERE

KANSAS REGIONAL RACING SCHEDULE

The Kansas Cycling Association has just published it's Regional Racing Calendar. Check it out here.... CLICK (PDF)

INTERESTED IN RIDING FOR ONE OF THE MERCY CYCLING TEAMS ?

People always ask about the different teams within the Mercy organization. Here are a few facts for any one interested in knowing more about each team.
 

• ELITE MENS TEAM
  
  We always strive to have a team of 7-9 riders on our Elite Men's Team. In order to qualify for a position on this team, you must be a USCF CAT 1 rider. CAT 2 riders on our Development Team do get opportunities to ride on the Elite Team when we need to supplement our numbers in certain events. Most of our racing is done regionally - Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. However, we do send teams to other events nationally - "Tour of the Gila" and "Super Week" are such examples.
  
  We are proud of the fact that our Elite Team has been the jumping off point for a dozen or so US Professional riders - Brad Huff and Brice Jones are just two recent examples.
  
  
• MENS DEVELOPMENT TEAM
  
  As with the Elite Team, we strive too have an active team of 7-9 riders on our Men's Development Team. Membership of the Development Team is available to USCF CAT 1 and CAT 2 riders. The main aim of our development team is to provide a "feeder program" for our Elite Team. We also strive to locate new up and coming cycling talent in the region with the aim of developing this talent to a point where the rider can move to Elite Level riding in the US.
  
  Although our Development Team also participates in many of the same races as the Elite Team, their uniforms are purposefully different from the Elite Team.  We encourage our Development Team to race as a distinct team from the Elite Team with their own goals and tactics. Most of the races we attend are located regionally - Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas, with some trips to other National Events thrown into the mix. 
  
  When slots open up on the Elite Team, priority is always given to our riders on the Development Team when looking for a new Elite Team rider.
  
  If you are a  USCF CAT 1 or CAT 2 rider and would like to "try-out" with the team, just let us know and we will work with you in order for you to possibly ride 'composite' on our Development Team for an event or two.
  
  
• WOMENS ELITE TEAM
  
  Mercy has always had an Elite Women's Team.  However, it has only been in the last few years that we have started to expand the Women's program. In 2007, our squad of 8 women proved to be the dominant team in the region with State Championship wins in MO, KS and OK. The squad races regionally in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas with some trips to National Events on the NRC Calendar.
  
  If you are a CAT 1, 2 Woman and would like to race with our Elite Women's team, Please let us know and we will endeavor to find you a spot on the team. We also have a number of very talented USCF CAT 3 riders on our team who we expect to be upgrading quite shortly.  If you are a CAT 3, you may also apply for consideration for a spot on our team.
  
  
• MERCY CLUB TEAM
  
  For everyone else - the "weekend warrior" type... we have our CLUB Team. Primarily consisting of CAT 4 and CAT 5 riders, we race all over the region - AR, OK and MO being our favorite states for racing.
  
  If you want to get into Bicycle Racing, then the CLUB Team is the best place for you to make a start. Just contact us and let us know that you are interested in joining. Also, come along to any of our organized training rides in Fort Smith and let someone know there. We will be happy to guide you into the wonderful sport of Cycling.

Click on the "Contact Us" link on the website if you'd like to send us an email requesting more information. We will respond to your email as soon as we can...

2008 will see the birth of the latest great race in Arkansas - the Inaugural TOUR OF ARKANSAS.

This week in Fort Smith AR, the final decision to go ahead with a new and exciting event was given. Two former great events - Tri Peaks and The Celebrity Classic - have combined forces to lay the ground work for another great Multi-Day Tour in America - The Tour of Arkansas.

Although the ultimate goal for this new event will be to attain National NRC status by 2009, this coming year will see the event  lay a strong professional and organizational foundation for many exciting years ahead.

Preliminary dates for the Tour of Arkansas will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 15th - May 18th 2008.  Stages will occur in Russellville and Van Buren AR. A number of new and exciting routes are also in the works. Total mileage for the planned route will be around 350 miles with close to 23,000 feet of climbing !!!

Together, the "Joe Martin" NRC event and the "Tour of Arkansas" event will provide back-to-back National quality racing from May 8th thru May 18th... with just 2 or possibly 3 training / rest days between both events. 

So, mark your 2008 calendars -

May 8, 9, 10, 11 - The Joe Martin NRC Stage Race (link) &
May 15, 16, 17, 18 - The Tour of Arkansas (link)

Stay tuned for more details...

BRAD HUFF JOINS JELLY BELLY PRO CYCLING TEAM

 Brad Huff, former Mercy Elite Team member and 2008 Track Olympic Hopeful, moves to the Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team for the 2008 US Domestic Season.  

We will keep an eye on Brad as he prepares for his bid to represent the United States on the Track at the 2008 Beijing China Olympics. Brad has a strong chance to represent the US and will be the first former Elite Team member to make it to the Olympics.

We wish the best for Brad! Good Luck Brad!

A NEW SEASON

The 2008 Season is just around the corner.... Stay tuned for updates...

If you want to read all our articles from 2007, CLICK HERE

2007 ARKANSAS STATE CRITERIUM CHAMPIONSHIPS AND
THE 2007 CELEBRITY CLASSIC
ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO THURSDAY EVENING

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND !!! Don't Miss Out !!!

Online registration will close Thursday night.

After that, you will have to wait until race day to register. Please note that all race day registrations will incur a mandatory late fee in addition to your race entry fees.

See The Latest Event Updates HERE  

TULSA TOUGH

What a great event Tulsa Tough is. If this is just year two of this event, then it will be mind-blowing what the future years will have in store for bike racing/riding in this part of the country.

Picture: Local Tulsa Rider, Ryan Fiddler,  Rides Amazingly At Tulsa Tough 2007

For our Men's Elite and Development Teams, Tulsa Tough was our best race of the year. We didn't win any stages - but, what everyone saw last weekend was the metamorphosis of our team into it's new form... a group of outstanding individual athletes now riding as a "Team Of One"...

Here are some of our results from last weekend... There was so much action in the three events, that it is almost impossible to list all our achievements from last weekend here.... Sorry if I missed anyone...

• Friday - Best place rider was Chad Cagle (18th). Racing conditions were very bad... rain, slick roads, thunder storms...  Chad showed us his outstanding bike handling skills, and was rewarded with this excellent result.

• Saturday - Best place rider was Chad again (15th). Ride of the day must go to Noah Singer who was in the most promising move of the day - staying off the front with 4 other riders even though the pack was in full flight trying to reel them back in. Kudos to Stefan Rothe for working the front of the pack trying to control the 100+ pack behind him. Surfer Nick made a dramatic appearance in the early laps when he took a major flyer off the front of the bunch. Local rider, Ryan Fiddler, was riding like a man possessed, just like our own Stefan... but, without the foaming mouth... Bam Bam was our 2nd best placed rider... even after riding his guts out for the team all through the race. 

• Sunday - The course today was a dangerous and demanding one. Steep climb, fast descent, very sharp corner at the bottom of the descent, short flat section, then repeat for 80-90 minutes... Best place on the day went to Noah Singer who finished in 16th with team mate Chad Cagle just behind in 20th. Alex Welsh also finished with the main group on a course that suited his climbing abilities.  

Great Work Team. It was an honor to see you in action all weekend. 


Picture: Local Tulsa Rider, Chad Cagle, Was Our Best Placed Rider At Tulsa Tough 2007

Our Men's Elite Team this weekend consisted of :
Mat Ankney; Doug Greek; Alex Welch; Chad Cagle; Zach Reed; Stefan Rothe; Nick Kiernan and Ryan Fiddler

Our Men's Development Team this weekend consisted of :
Jason Macom; Scott Walnofer; Ryan Heydenrych and Noah Singer
 

Tulsa Tough RESULTS Can Be Found HERE
PHOTOS From Tulsa Tough Can Be Found HERE

MERCY CYCLING TEAM MEMBERS ACKNOWLEDGED BY MEDIA

Chad Cagle, Mat Ankney & Alex Welch get acknowledged in the June Edition of the "Tulsa People" magazine.

CLICK HERE To View The Article(2 Page PDF)

MERCY CYCLING WELCOMES A NEW TEAM SPONSOR

The Mercy Cycling Team would like to welcome Vitamin Water as the official beverage sponsor for 2007.  Be sure and stop by the Mercy Team Tent at your local cycling event to try out this great healthy beverage.

Check out the full GLACEAU product line HERE

EX-MERCY PRO BRICE JONES WINS AT TRI-PEAKS

Congratulations to local pro (and ex-Mercy Team member) Brice Jones on his fantastic win at Stage 2 of Tri-Peaks last week.

Brice won the extremely difficult "Epic Road Race" on Friday which covered 100+ miles and had a total of 10,000ft of climbing thrown into the mix. In the sprint for the line, Brice beat out Karl Menzies (Health Net bp Maxxis) from Australia and Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United Pro Cycling) from Charlotte, NC.

Congratulations Brice !!

 TEXAS ACTION THIS WEEKEND

Some results from the team racing in Texas this weekend...(Chad, Stefan, Ryan Fiddler & Bam Bam)

YET ANOTHER GOLD MEDAL FOR HUFF AT PAN-AM GAMES (2007-05-24)

Brad Huff (ex-Mercy) has won another GOLD medal at the Pan American/Continental Games in Valencia, Venezuela. This time, Brad scored in the MADISON competition. Brad's team-mate in the Madison event was none other that the world famous Colby Pearse who just came back out of retirement just in time for the Pan-Am Games.

WAY TO GO BRAD (again)!!

Full Report Here

TULSA TOUGH IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER (2007-05-24)

For anyone who did not attend last years Tulsa Tough event... You really missed the event of the year!!! Tulsa really knows how to put on and organize a national level cycling event. Night races... Professional Riders... Live Music on stages... Multiple locations throughout Tulsa... Distance Rides for those of you who prefer to not race... Food galore... And huge crowds of spectators... This is an event not to be missed... the atmosphere is electric...

This year, Mercy Cycling will have full squads racing in all three Men Pro 1/2 And Women's Pro 1/2/3 events...

Click on the Tulsa Tough banner above to be linked to the event website...

TRI-PEAKS RESULTS (2007-05-22)

Results from the 2007 Tri-Peaks Challenge are being posted on our special Results Page. Please check back often as it will be updated frequently...

Click Here For 2007 TRI-PEAKS RESULTS

EX-MERCY RIDER HUFF WINS AT PAN-AM CHAMPS (2007-05-22)

Brad Huff (ex-Mercy) has won GOLD at the Pan American/Continental Track Omnium competition held in Valencia, Venezuela. WAY TO GO BRAD !!

Full Report Here

TRI-PEAKS (2007-05-20)

Stefan Rothe Away In 'Another' Break At Tri-Peaks last weekend. If there was a prize for the most aggressive rider, Stefan would surely have won that category. Here, Stefan is away with a CAICO rider from South America and Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing).  Unfortunately, this promising break got caught just before the final ascent of the infamous "Mount Nebo".

More Tri-Peaks updates to follow... Please stay tuned....

MERCY RIDER WINS NATIONAL TITLE (2007-05-15)

Mercy Development Team Member Noah Singer scored a National Title last weekend in Kansas. Noah was riding for the Division 1 Collegiate Team "Fort Lewis College" at Collegiate Nationals. In the Team Time Trial event, Noah's team came home fastest in a time of 23:17, beating out "CU Boulder" and "CSU Rams Cycling" for the top podium spot. Noah returns to Arkansas later this week to take part in the Tri-Peaks challenge... Noah will be riding for the Mercy Development Squad in the Pro 1/2 event.

Great Job Noah !!

BAM-BAM WINS STAGE 2 AT JOE MARTIN (2007-05-12)

Jason Macom has scored the win of his life by taking Stage 2 of the 2007 Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville AR. Riding for the Mercy Development Squad in the Men's Cat 1/2 event, Jason was strongest in the super fast and super dangerous downhill sprint to the line. Kudos to the whole Mercy Development Team for their outstanding teamwork in the final 10Ks of the race. They all went to the front and took control of the race when it was needed.... setting it up for Jason on the line !!!

Great Job Everyone !!

TJ ERLACKER TAKES 2ND IN WASHINGTON, MO (2007-05-08)

COPYRIGHT - 2007 Action Images

Mercy Development Team rider, T.J.Erlacker took a fine 2nd place at the Washington Circuit race last weekend. TJ was competing in the Men's Pro 1/2 event along with team mate Zach Reed from Illinois. Great Job TJ !!

MERCY LEADS TEXAS CUP SERIES (2007-05-07)

TEXAS CUP UPDATE: After 15 events, Mercy Cycling Team retains it's lead in the OVERALL INDIVIDUAL RIDER Competition!! After a string of recent successes in Texas Mercy rider, Stefan Rothe, leads the PRO 1/2 Individual Rider Competition. !! Mat Ankney is currently in 5th.

Great Job Team !

STEFAN ROTHE ADDS ANOTHER TEXAS WIN (2007-05-06)

The entire Mercy Elite Team seems to be in great shape for the Joe Martin NRC Stage Race next weekend. This Sunday, Texas-based Mercy rider Stefan Rothe won the Mineral Wells Pro/1/2 Road Race on a very challenging course.

First, he was in a two-man break-away with Colombian Carlos Vargas (Team Hotel San Jose) for the first 45 miles of the 92 mile race. Then, the duo was later joined by three more Team Hotel San Jose riders. That made it 4 THSJ riders against a lone Mercy Rider - Not very good odds for Stefan...

But being up against 4 riders from the same team couldn't stop Stefan from taking an impressive win -  riding solo off the front for the last 3 miles - leaving all 4 Team Hotel San Jose riders in his dust...  Congratulations Stefan !!

Mineral Wells Road Race - Men Pro/1/2

1. Stefan Rothe (Mercy)
2. Andrew Dahlheim (THSJ)
3. Joseph Tokarski  (THSJ)
4. Steven Wheeler (THSJ)
5. Carlos Carlos Vargas (THSJ)

RESULTS COMING IN FROM LAST WEEKEND (2007-05-01)

OKLAHOMA STATE CRITERIUM CHAMPIONSHIPS

• GOLD - MEN CAT 1 - Alex Welch - MERCY (New State Champion)
• SILVER - MEN CAT 1 - Chad Cagle - MERCY
• BRONZE - MEN CAT 1 - Steven Cate - MERCY


• SILVER - MEN CAT 2 - Ryan Fiddler - MERCY

FORT DAVIS STAGE RACE, TX  (2007-04-23)

FORT DAVIS, TX: Stefan Rothe wins Ft. Davis Stage Race for a second year in a row. The race consisted of a 16 mile time trial (which he won), a 16 mile hill climb to Mt. Locke at 6800 ft. (Stefan was 3rd) and a 74 mile road race (Stefan was 3rd). These excellent results were good enough for Stefan to win the overall GC.



Stefan attributes this win to "Team Work". Just like in 2006, Stefan only had one teammate - this year it was Mercy Development rider, Jarred Gilker from Fort Smith AR. Stefan was blown away by Jarred's unselfish riding - "He totally sacrificed himself and helped me to take that win" - Stefan said after the event. "He worked hard on the climbs and actually dropped riders....and was still able to finish 8th in GC for himself". Stefan noted that other teams had up to 8 riders per team, but were still unable to stop the Mercy Win!

Congratulations Stefan and Jarred !! (Check Out Jarred's Journal Entry) HERE

MERCY TAKES 2ND AND 3RD AT COW-SKIN  (2007-04-15)

News from Tulsa, OK 

Sunday: Mercy rider, Alex Welch, took 2nd at the Cow Skin Circuit Race near Tulsa, OK today. HRRC rider, Bill Stolte, took 1st for the second consecutive day, showing that he was the man to beat this weekend. Mercy rider, Stefan Rothe, rounded out the top three across the line today.  

Here is a brief list of results to-hand ...

• 1. Bill Stolte (HRRC)
• 2. Alex Welch (Mercy Cycling Team)
• 3. Stefan Rothe (Mercy Cycling Team)
• 4. Janne Hamalainen (CTCA/Tulsa Wheelmen)
• 5. Adam Mills (HRRC)

ROTHE TAKES 2ND AT FLINT RIDGE (2007-04-14)

News from Kansas OK  

Saturday: In form Mercy rider, Stefan Rothe, took 2nd at the Flint Ridge Circuit Race.

Here is a brief list of results to-hand ...

• 1. Bill Stolte (HRRC)
• 2. Stefan Rothe (Mercy Cycling Team)
• 3. Adam Mills (HRRC)
• 4. Brice Jones (JellyBelly)
• ... ....................
• 8. Jason Macom (Mercy Cycling Team)

GILKER TAKES 7TH AT TUNIS-ROUBAIX IN TEXAS (2007-04-01)

JARRED GILKER OFF THE FRONT AT TUNIS ROUBAIX IN TEXAS.

[ Jarred is one of our upcoming CAT 2 Development riders who rides for his Wichita Falls MSU Collegiate Team when not riding for MERCY CYCLING ]

MERCY RETAINS OVERALL LEAD IN THE AR/OK VELOCUP SERIES (2007-04-05)

VELOCUP UPDATE: Mercy Cycling Team retains the overall lead in the AR/OK Velo Cup Series. After last weekend's NWA Arkansas Spring Classic, Mercy Cycling retains their lead by a slender 3 points. The Tulsa Wheelmen had an excellent showing at the NWA Spring Classic and has closed Mercy's lead to a few points. It looks like an interesting battle shaping up for the final 3 events - Flint Ridge, Cowskin RR and Bob Herbert.. Well done Team !!

Click Here For The Latest VELOCUP Information Here

ROTHE TAKES 3RD AT TUNIS-ROUBAIX IN TEXAS (2007-04-03)

Stefan Rothe, our rider from Wichita Falls TX, was in action at the Tunis / Roubaix road race last weekend. This race, in Tejas TX, is infamous for it's atrocious road conditions... with much of the race held on badly maintained farm roads with very lengthy sections of gravel ... As with it's close relative in France (Paris-Roubaix), the winner of this race needs to be tough - real tough.

Stefan, our man from Germany, showed that he is one of the tough men in the peleton... Having been sick all the previous week, he was still able to take an excellent 3rd place. During the race, Stefan managed to get himself into a break of 3 riders. Unfortunately for Stefan, the two other riders were team mates riding for Team Hotel San Jose. After miles of cat & mouse riding, Stefan eventually had to settle for 3rd.

"GUTER JOB" - Stefan !!

MEN - PRO 1/2/3 EVENT

• 1st - Steven Wheeler, Team Hotel San Jose
• 2nd - Andrew Dahlheim, Team Hotel San Jose
• 3rd - Stefan Rothe, Mercy Cycling Team PB Zero Mountain

MERCY COMES CLOSE AT NW ARKANSAS SPRING CLASSIC (2007-04-01)

Early Results From This Weekends NW Arkansas Spring Classic...

MEN - PRO 1/2 EVENT

• 1st - Janne Hamalainan - CTCA/Tulsa Wheelmen
• 2nd - Scott Walnofer - Mercy Development Team
• 3rd - Will Gault - CTCA/Tulsa Wheelmen
• ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
• 8th - Jason Macom - Mercy Development Team
• 11th - Scott Barnes - Mercy Development Team
• 12th - Jim Corcoran - Mercy Cycling team

EX-MERCY RIDER BRAD HUFF - MEDALS AT WORLDS (2007-03-29)

News is filtering through that Ex-Mercy rider, Brad Huff, has scored a BRONZE MEDAL at the "2007 UCI Track Cycling World Championships" earlier today in Majorca, Spain. According to our sources, he took 3rd in the 5-event Omnium (200m TT, Scratch Race, Individual Pursuit, Points Race & 1000m Time Trial).

That makes Brad the FIRST American in 11 years to win a medal at a World Championship !!!

Way to go Brad !!!!

WALNOFER WINS DOGWOOD RR IN MISSOURI (2007-03-26)

SCOTT WALNOFER, (FAYETTEVILLE, AR)

RIDER NOTES (Scott is one of our newer 'development team' riders... but, with tactics and race reading skills like this, it won't be long before Scott will be knocking on the door of the Mercy Elite Team. Great Job Scott)

First year Mercy rider, SCOTT WALNOFER solo'd to victory at the DogWood Road Race in Missouri on Sunday.

Early word is that Scott and his "Big Shark" break-away companion rode off the front of the bunch and opened up a sizable gap on the Peleton. Scott then made a "Make or Break" decision to leave his break-away companion and decided he wanted to win this race solo.

The decision turned out to be the 'move of the day'... Scott rode in alone over 10 MINUTES ahead of the pack!!! Congratulations Scott !! Outstanding riding!!

MERCY LEADS TEXAS CUP SERIES (2007-03-21)

TEXAS CUP UPDATE: After 8 events, Mercy Cycling Team retains it's lead in the OVERALL TEAM Competition!! Mercy rider Mat Ankney leads the PRO 1/2 Individual Rider Competition. !!

MERCY RETAINS OVERALL LEAD IN THE AR/OK VELOCUP SERIES (2007-03-21)

VELOCUP UPDATE: After 3 events, Mercy Cycling Team retains it's lead in the OVERALL and PRO 1/2 Standings. At Hell's Kitchen last weekend, Scott Walnofer (AR State Champion) came home in an excellent 4th behind eventual winner (and Ex-Pro Rider) Brian Jensen. The rest of the team for last weekends event was : Jim Corcoran, Ryan Heydenrych, Andrew Standley and Carl Sundquist. Well done Team !!
Latest Information Here

MAT ANKNEY AND MERCY CYCLING DOES IT IN TEXAS !!! (2007-03-18)

TEAMWORK: Mercy "Bury" Themselves For 95 Miles At The Front In Texas

Fayetteville Texas : The team was up against some heavy hitters such as Pat McCarty, Dave Wenger and a full squad of VMG/U23 National team guys. In the Saturday road race there was a huge breakaway with Mat, Alex and Gilker. Mat got 2nd in the time bonus and won the race in a field sprint. That was enough to give Mat and the Mercy Team the overall lead.

Saturday afternoon in the TT - Mat took 7th and held on to his overall lead, just 7 seconds ahead of Patrick McCarty and Baine Foote - thanks to the time bonuses he received that morning.

For Sunday the obvious tactic of keeping it together was going to be extremely difficult for a hilly 95 mile road race. The ENTIRE race was controlled by the ENTIRE Mercy team the ENTIRE time. With a Cagle lead-out Mat won the time bonus hill sprint. The team was able to keep it together and despite a crash that broke Mat's wheel in the last Kilometer, Mat had enough of a time cushion to take the overall, even with the bonus time McCarty gained in the finish.

Sunday was an amazing display of well-organized teamwork. The team rode at the front from mile 1 for the whole 95 miles. "I don't know how many people came up to me and asked if I expected my team to ride at the front all day without blowing to pieces, I confidently said that I did" (Mat commented after the race). At days end, Mat and the whole Mercy Cycling Team maintained control of the race. Mat came across the line as winner of the 2007 Fayetteville Stage Race.

Congratulations Team !!!

MERCY LEADS OVERALL IN THE AR/OK VELOCUP SERIES (2007-03-13)

Mercy Controls The Front At VeloCup's Opening Race - Salt Creek, OK

With 2 events completed in the 2007 VeloCup Spring Series, "Mercy Cycling presented by Zero Mountain" is doing very well. Mercy leads in the OVERALL, the PRO 1/2 and the WOMEN 1/2/3 Standings. The next event in the VeloCup will be the Hell's Kitchen Road Race, held near Hogeye, AR, on Sunday March 18th.

More information Here

CAGLE & ROTHE TAKE 3RD IN OK AND TX (2007-03-13)

SALT CREEK,OK - Pro 1/2 MEN

1 Brice Jones (Jelly Belly)
2 Stephen Tilford (HRRC/Trek)
3 Chad Cagle (Mercy Cycling Team)
4 Jason Macom (Mercy Cycling Team)

FORT WORTH,TX - USCF "A" RACE

1 Will Black (Lone Star Racing)
2 Leo Frayre (Colavita Bolla Regional Team)
3 Stefan Rothe (Mercy Cycling Team)

THE "GERMANATOR" WINS 2007 SEASON OPENER IN TX - "The Primavera" (2007-03-04)

Check Out Stefans Latest JOURNAL Entry

Mercy Elite Team Member, Stefan Rothe, has won Day 1 of "The Primavera at Lago Vista" outside Austin Texas. The first stage of this race covered 80 miles on the beautiful, scenic (and hilly) Lago Vista road course. Stefan came out strongest in the hotly contested race. 2nd across the line was Zach Grabowski from the US National U23 Team, followed by Pat McCarty riding for the professional squad - Team Slipstream. Other highly notable performaces were by our very own Chad Cagle when he came home a great 6th on the day.Ryan Fiddler was just behind Chad in 11th.

On Day 2 of the Primavera, Stefan was best of the team yet again with a very good 6th place. Just behind were team mates Alex Welch and Scott Walnofer in 9th and 10th respectively. Yet another solid performance by the team!!

THE SUMMER DOLDRUMS ARE HERE

Things are very quiet right now...the "Summer Doldrums" are here for one or two more weeks... As expected, most of our riders are taking some much needed R&R for a few weeks. After such a hectic and very successful Spring campaign, our riders are recharging their legs for the final August / September push towards the end of the 2007 season.

If you need something to read, check out the CLUB PAGE, where most of the action is happening right now.   

OKLAHOMA STATE TIME TRIAL RESULTS

Congratulations to Mat Ankney on becoming the 2007 OKLAHOMA STATE TT CHAMPION. Mat recorded a super-fast winning time of 53:54 to take Gold in the 40KM (25 MILE) event. Fellow Mercy rider, Alex Welch, took Silver in another scorching time of 54:27. Great Job Guys !!

2007 OKLAHOMA STATE TIME TRIAL RESULTS - HERE (pdf)

TOUR OF OHIO - JUNE 18-23

The Tour of Ohio takes place from June 18th until June 23rd. Mercy Cycling has a 5 man squad racing at this years event : Noah Singer, Jason Macom, Scott Barnes, Scott Walnofer, TJ Erlacker and Ryan Heydenrych.

STAGE 6 - SATURDAY - CRIT

NOAH SINGER FINISHES 12TH ON GC

Not much changed on GC for the Tour of Ohio in today's final criterium stage. At the end of the day our best placed rider, Noah Singer, was able to consolidate his 12th place on GC. With such a quality field of 130+ riders, this is an absolutely fantastic result for Noah and the whole of the Mercy Cycling Development Team.

Great Job Everyone !!

FINAL GC FOR THE TEAM

12TH Noah Singer (AR)
42TH Scott Barnes (AR)
64TH Jason Macom (AR)
69TH Scott Walnofer (AR)
110TH Ryan Heydenrych (KS)
112TH TJ Erlacker (MO)

ARKANSAS STATE TIME TRIAL RESULTS

Congratulations to Noah Singer on recording a fantastic time of 55:33 in the Mens Cat 1/2 event. Noah is now the 2007 ARKANSAS State TT Champion.


Team mate, Scott Walnofer, finished in a time of 57:04, good enough to give him 2nd in the AR State Championship.



The Full Results For The Arkansas State Time Trial Have Been Posted - HERE  

 AUSTIN TX
AT&T AUSTIN DOWNTOWN CRIT - CAGLE TAKES 5TH
DRIVEWAY CRIT - ROTHE TAKES 4TH

Our Tulsa man, Chad Cagle, did awesome on Sat. night in Austin, TX. Chad pulled off a fantastic 5th place in the prestigious AT&T Downtown Criterium. In a stacked field of professionals and strong amateurs, Chad came home as the first amateur on the night, just behind seasoned pro riders - Travieso, Pipp, Ivan Stevic and Henk Vogels...

With 5 laps to go in the super competitive event, it looked like Chad's chances of placing well were gone. A very dangerous break of riders was riding off the front of the field and looked like that was going to be the winning move of the night. That's when Mercy team mate, Stefan Rothe, took control at the front of the stumbling field and brought everything back together... and bringing Chad back into contention again. Chad duly returned the favor by holding his own in the professional dominated sprint finish... taking 5th and being 1st amateur rider on the night.

Then, on Sunday, Stefan Rothe turned in a fine display of strong riding to take 4th in the Driveway Criterium , also in Austin. Stefan was beaten to the line by the Toyota United duo of  Stevic and Vogels with long time local rival, Vargas taking 2nd.

Additional Event Coverage and Pictures at: CYCLINGNEWS.COM

Congratulations  Chad  AND  STEFAN!!!

AT&T DOWNTOWN CRITERIUM - SATURDAY
Austin, TX

1.  Frank Travieso- AEG Toshiba
2.  Frank Pipp- Healthnet
3.  Ivan Stevic- Toyota United
4.  Henk Vogels- Toyota United
5.  Chad Cagle- Mercy Cycling Team
6.  Daniel Holloway- VMG
7.  Carlos Vargas- Hotel San Jose
8.  Mark Hekman- A&F Pro Development Team
9.  Rich Harper- A&F Pro Development Team
10. Edgar Trevino- Orven

SUN & SKI SPORTS "DRIVEWAY CRIT" - SUNDAY
Austin, TX

1.  Ivan Stevic - Toyota United
2.  Carlos Vargas - Team Hotel San Jose
3.  Henk Vogels - Toyota United
4.  STEFAN ROTHE - Mercy Cycling Team
5.  Kristian House - Navigators
6.  Barry Lee - Team Hotel San Jose

OKLAHOMA STATE ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to Alex Welch on winning the OK State Road Race Championships recently.

Early in the race Ryan Fiddler (Mercy), Scott Walnofer (Mercy) and Eric Melton (Tulsa Wheelmen) departed from the front of the bunch. At the 40 mile mark, they had opened up a substantial 3 minute gap on the main bunch. However, with just 6 miles to the finish, Alex Welch (Mercy), Will Gault (Tulsa Wheelmen) and an OKC rider bridged across to the leading group. With 3 of the 6 riders being Mercy riders, the team had the advantage. Using perfectly executed team tactics, Mercy was able to use it's advantage to set up Alex for the State Championship Title - which he duly won in fine style.

CONGRATULATIONS ALEX!!

 BURNS PARK CRIT #1

Mercy Elite Team rider, Noah Singer, continues his excellent form by taking the win at the first Burn's Park Criterium of the season. Noah managed to get himself into a 4-man break mid way through the race... then, with 15 minute to go, he departed the company of his partners in the break and rode solo to the finish. Noah credits his win in part  to the excellent teamwork of Bam Bam and Jim Corcoran... both working diligently to slow down the ever chasing pack.

Great Job Team.

TOUR OF WINGHAVEN, MO

Congratulations to Jason Macom (a.k.a. Bam Bam) on winning the King Of The Mountains competition at the recent Tour Of Winghaven in MO. Jason, a pure flat-lander sprinter, is still a little confused as to how he actually won the KOM competition... but, was none the less very thankful for the basket of Champagne, Beer and A Dozen Roses he received as KOM winner. 

TOUR OF OHIO - JUNE 18-23

The Tour of Ohio takes place from June 18th until June 23rd. Mercy Cycling has a 5 man squad racing at this years event : Noah Singer, Jason Macom, Scott Barnes, Scott Walnofer, TJ Erlacker and Ryan Heydenrych.

STAGE 5 - FRIDAY - CIRCUIT RACE

BAM BAM does it again - 9TH TODAY !!


For 2 days in a row, Bam Bam has been on fire. Yesterday, he pulled off an outstanding 6th place in the sprint for the line. Then, on Friday's stage, he does a repeat performance and pulls off another top 10 finish - taking 9th on the stage. Saturday's final stage will be a criterium... Will Bam Bam make this a "Top 10 - Three In A Row"? Fingers crossed !! Noah Singer continued his streak of consistent riding when he finished with the pack in today's stage. Noah is now 13th on the Overall GC and looking good to hold this excellent result through Saturday's final stage of the Tour of Ohio.

Results

1 Jamie Gandara Jr. (Colavita/ New Mexico)
2 Molly Cameron (Orgnic Athletes)
3 Michael Chauner (PA Lightning)
4 Josh England (A & F)
5 Mark Hekman (A & F)
6 Adam Branfman (Fast/IF powered by Lionette's)
7 Erik Tomlison (Team Turin/ Barker + Nester)
8 Ben Renkema
9 Jason Macom (Mercy Cycling Team)
10 Andrew Wulkuhle (ADG / C3)

TOUR OF OHIO - JUNE 18-23

The Tour of Ohio takes place from June 18th until June 23rd. Mercy Cycling has a 5 man squad racing at this years event : Noah Singer, Jason Macom, Scott Barnes, Scott Walnofer, TJ Erlacker and Ryan Heydenrych.

STAGE 4 - THURSDAY - CIRCUIT RACE

BAM BAM Sprints To 6th In Stage 4 Of
The Tour Of Ohio

Early breaking news from Ohio this morning is that Jason Macom was involved in the thick of the action in last nights stage 4 in Ohio. At the end of the 40 mile Circuit Race in Worthington OH, the race came down to a 130 man gallop for the line. After a hectic and sometimes dangerous sprint for the line, Jason crossed the line in a fabulous 6th place. Great Job Bam Bam!! Noah Singer retained his 7th on GC after finishing 16th on Thursday's stage. Another great performance from Noah.  

As we said a few days ago - Keep an eye on Team Mercy... 

TOUR OF OHIO - JUNE 18-23

The Tour of Ohio takes place from June 18th until June 23rd. Mercy Cycling has a 5 man squad racing at this years event : Noah Singer, Jason Macom, Scott Barnes, Scott Walnofer, TJ Erlacker and Ryan Heydenrych.

STAGE 3 - WEDNESDAY - 70 MILE ROAD RACE

Stage 3 was classified as the "Queen Stage" for this years Tour of Ohio - 70  miles of 'severely undulating' roads. Only a tough man would perform well on today's stage. Early in today's stage our man from Fayetteville, Scott Walnofer, was away in an dangerous early break with 4 strong others. However, by race end, the break was re-incorporated back into the pack. At the finish, our best placed rider Noah Singer , was able to hold his own and crossed the line in 9th - another outstanding finish for Noah. Today's stage saw a lot of time gaps open up... Right now, Noah sits in Joint 6th on GC and 1st Collegiate Rider in the race. And, with 3 more stages to go, the race is far from over... Keep an eye on Team Mercy... 

TOUR OF OHIO - JUNE 18-23

The Tour of Ohio takes place from June 18th until June 23rd. Mercy Cycling has a 5 man squad racing at this years event : Noah Singer, Jason Macom, Scott Barnes, Scott Walnofer, TJ Erlacker and Ryan Heydenrych.

STAGE 2 - TUESDAY - 50 MILE CIRCUIT RACE

Stage 2 was a rain-soaked 50 mile circuit race. Our best rider on GC, Noah Singer, was unfortunate to flat in the closing stages of today's race. However, teammate Jason Macom, pulled over instantly and gave Noah his wheel... totally sacrificing his chances of finishing well on today's stage. Because of this outstanding display of unselfish Team Work, Noah was able to finish with the pack and also moved up to joint 7th on GC, just 20 seconds behind the race leader. Scott Barnes is also in joint 7th on GC - putting Mercy Cycling in a strong tactical position. Great Job Team !!

TOUR OF OHIO - JUNE 18-23

The Tour of Ohio takes place from June 18th until June 23rd. Mercy Cycling has a 5 man squad racing at this years event : Noah Singer, Jason Macom, Scott Barnes, Scott Walnofer, TJ Erlacker and Ryan Heydenrych.

STAGE 1 - MONDAY - CRITERIUM
Word from Stage 1 is that Noah Singer is continuing his excellent form right now with a fantastic 10th place finish. In a field of 123 riders and a course that had 8 turns in .6 miles, Noah showed his talent at being able to hold his position at the front of a large and frantic bunch. What a start for Mercy Cycling !!!!

Mercy Team rider wins first Downtown Denton Crit

Stefan Rothe continues his winning streak over the last couple of weeks. On Sunday, he took the win in the Pro/1-3 race at the first edition of the Downtown Denton Criterium in Texas. The field of 45 riders contained the major Texas P12 racers and light rainfall throughout the entire 80 minutes added some extra difficulty to the race. With 30 minutes to go, a break containing Stefan and some other strong riders was about to get caught by a chasing field, led by Compliance Depot Team. Stefan used this situation to attack again and only Scott Veggeberg (Team Specialized) was able to follow him. The two worked together well and kept their lead to the finish. In the sprint, Stefan had the greater energy left and won his 10th race of the season.

The Geminator dominates Arkansas weekend.

Mercy Elite Team Member, Stefan Rothe, dominated the Harber Meadows criterium Saturday in Springdale, AR and the Mt. Gaylor Mountain Individual Time Trial Sunday in Mountainburg, AR by taking 1st in each event. The Mercy team displayed great team work during Saturdays Criterium as Scott Walnofer, Development Team Member, placed third and also finished 2nd at the Mt. Gaylor event.

Cagle Podiums at Crit Natz

Chad Cagle was Brad Huff's lead out man to win the National Championships last year. This year he had the chance to give it a shot himself and landed on the podium.

Brad Huff won the Elite National Championship Criterium while on Mercy. This year Brad as a Pro and won the US Pro Criterium Championship.

Two podium spots for Tour of KC overall.

Mercy presented by ZERO MOUNTAIN had a strong showing at the Tour of Kansas City this weekend. The Saturday Circuit race saw Chad Cagle, Alex Welch and Brian Dziewa finishing 3, 4, and 5th respecitivley. As well as Alex Welch obtaining 3rd in the KOM competition. Sunday's Crit saw Chad finishing 3rd and Alex finishing 4th on the day to take 2nd and 3rd overall. The entire squad played a valuable role in the weekends racing.

Success for Missouri Boys

Doug Greek took 3rd place at the Queen City Criterium in Springfield, MO and Brian Dziewa was Crowned Missouri State Criterium Champion.

Look who came to play ball with Mercy presented by ZERO MOUNTAIN cycling team

Texas heavy hitter Nick Keirnin has joined the Mercy presented by ZERO MOUNTAIN elite team for the remainder of the 06 season and possibly the future seasons. Look for Nick to make his first appearance at the Tour of Kansas City and following events.

Many thanks to Morgan Stanley / Specialized for allowing Nick to ride for Mercy at select events this season.

East Texas Hill Classic, Tyler, TX

Stefan Rothe scored his 5th win of the season at the East Texas Hill Classic in Tyler, TX. The Div. 1. Texas-Cup event was held on a 100mile course through some rolling hills of East Texas. Shortly after the start a break of five riders formed including Brad Armstrong (Orbea Continental), current Texas-Cup leader Phil Wikoff (Team Hotel San Jose), Stefan and two other riders. Due to the heat and the challenging course only Wikoff and Stefan were able to stay off the front while the other riders dropped back. With 5 miles to go, Stefan attacked at steepest climb of the course and soloed for the win 30 seconds ahead of Wikoff and 10 minutes before the remaining field crossed the line.

Campus Corner Criterium, Norman, OK

Chad Cagle and Stefan Rothe represented the Mercy presented by ZERO MOUNTAIN colors at this Downtown Norman Criterium in the Pro 1/2/3 event. Only one lap into the race a crash saw Chad Cagle hit the pavement but he was up quickly. In the heat of the moment, Stefan saw the opportunity to open up a gap and quickly built a 30 second gap on the field. He kept on going solo throughout the race, lapping the field and taking the win ahead of Chad who caught up to Stefan just before the finish. Both riders crossed the finish side by side to celebrate the 1-2 finish.

Mat Ankney wins Tour of Windhaven

Mat Ankney Soloed in for Victory in St. Louis at the Tour of Windhaven. With a $2,700.00 payout to first place, the fight for the win wasn't easy.

Brian Dziewa takes 7th in final stage at Nature Valley

Brian Dziewa took 7th place in the final Circuit race of the Nature Valley Grand Prix and was the top amatuer for the stage as well.

Oklahoma boys stomp local scene

Mercy presented by ZERO MOUNTAIN's Tulsa Boys took 1st, 2nd and 4th at the Speedwheel Criterium last night in an impressive display of team tactics with Chad Cagle and Alex Welch off the front and Mat Ankney winning the field sprint.

David Le Duc of the Mercy Cycling powered by Fuze Masters Team sweeps Louisville, KY on June 10 and 11, 2006. David's wins came in the men's 40+ criteriums. Le Duc also placed well in the Men's Pro, 1, 2 on Saturday with an 8th place finish.

Chad Cagle leads the team to a strong showing in Tulsa

With the first two days ending in dicey sprint finishes the team didn't have much luck. Sunday's race however was a different story. From the gun the race ripped apart on a challenging course that saw 3 out of 9 riders up the road for Mercy/Fuze, taking 5th, 8th, 9th and 15th on the stage the team had a very strong showing. Only 35 riders even finished.

Joe Martin Stage Race

Brian Dziewa breaks top 10 with a tenth place overall at this years Joe Martin Stage Race held in Fayetteville, AR May 5, 6, 7, 2006. The Mercy presented by ZERO MOUNTAIN Cycling Elite Team rode well against several of the top Men's Professional squads in the country at this years JMSR. Chad "The Hammer" Cagle also had a top ten sprint finish on the Mt. Gaylor stage on Friday.

FUZE BEVERAGE COMPANY AGREES TO POWER TOP AMATEUR CYCLING TEAM IN THE COUNTRY

Read the full Press release on the Fuze and Mercy Cycling Team relationship

Nutra Fig Cheetah Bar to sponsor 2006 Mercy Cycling Elite Amateur racing team

Read the full Press release on the new Cheetah Bar/Mercy Cycling Team relationship

Chad Cagle Takes Mercy's first big win of the Season

The Mercy Team secured its first big win of the year when Chad Cagle won Day 2 at La Primavera at Lago Vista, an 80mile Texas Cup Event in the Hill Country of Austin, TX. The Mercy Cycling is very happy about the win and thanks its sponsors for their support.

more>>>

Carbon Fujis for 2006!

The team will be aboard Fuji Team RCs for the 2006 race season. Many thanks to Fuji Bikes for their sponsorship.

2006 Press Release

Curious to see the team's lineup for 2006? Check out our press release.

more>>>

Training Camp

Ryan Fiddler reports on the First Training Camp for the 2006 season.

Ryan's Report

Brad Huff Makes the jump!

After a breakthrough year and winning the Elite National Criterium Championships Brad Huff has made the jump to the professional ranks. Brad will be riding for team TIAA-Cref for the 2006 race season.

La Primavera at Lago Vista, TX, Pro/1/2 March 11/12th, 2006

The Mercy Team secured its first big win of the year when Chad Cagle won Day 2 at La Primavera at Lago Vista, an 80mile Texas Cup Event in the Hill Country of Austin, TX.

The riders in blue already showed off their strength the day before when Ryan Fiddler made a very smart move just a few miles from the finish to earn 3rd place in the 120+ riders strong Pro/1/2 field. That day, Canadian Ryan Roth held off the entire field solo for more than 40 miles to earn him the third Texas Cup win this Spring. Rounding up the good day was Mat Ankney in 5th, Stefan Rothe in 13th, and Mat Stephens in 20th place, respectively.

On Day 2, Chad Cagle probably didnt think that his early move together with Gibson Winfield (Tulsa Wheelman) and Will Russ (Team Hotel San Jose) would stick. The three riders escaped from a lead group of 25 riders who formed halfway through the race. Chad rode very strong, eventually dropping Russ and Winfield and going solo for the win, 1:45 minutes (!) ahead of the chasing group. Mercy was represented in that small field with Mat Ankney, Brian Dziewa, Stefan Rothe, and the super-strong Ryan Heydenrych. At the end, Rothe finished 9th, Dziewa 14th, and Mat Ankney 15th, respectively.

The Mercy Cycling is very happy about the win and thanks its sponsors for their support. The coming weekend, the team will be in action at the Fayetteville Stage Race, a 2-day race in Fayetteville, TX.

The Celebrity Classic Criterium

The 2005 Mercy Celebrity Classic Criteriums were a success. To read about the Races Check This Article on Cyclingnews.com

Check the The Classic Website for more information about the Celebrity Classic Criterium.

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Chad Cagle wins Gateway Cup overall

Chad Cagle went from lead out man to the lead man with a first place over all out of a 4 crit weekend. Dan Schmatz (Sierra Nevada) and an Endeavor rider finishing 2nd and 3rd with Brad Huff of mercy cycling in forth over all. Check out stlbiking.com for pics and the full results.

Mercy Wins Elite Crit Nationals!

Mercy's top goal of the season has been accomplished... To win an Elite National Championship in either the Criterium or Road Race. In 2003 the team was close with a 2nd place in the Crit, this year a podium in the road race meant the team was on the right track, followed by the green Jersey lead in the Tour of Toona for four days really sparked some confidence in the team. Everyone new Mercy was ready for Crit Nationals and had a good chance to win, things unfolded perfectly with the entire team controlling the race and setting Brad Huff up for the Sprint Win!

National Pursuit Champion

Brad Huff won the Elite National Pursuit Title at Track Nationals last week with a time of 4:37.679 edged out Bobby Lea for the win. Brad was also 3rd in the points race and 3rd in the Kilo.

Back in Green by 4 points

After Brad and the mercy train won the first hot spot plus with Brad's two top 10 places in the 3rd and 4th stages of TOUR DE TOONA, Mercy cycling/ Fuji is on top of the leaders "green" in points taking it away from Health Nets charging efforts.

The Green Jersey for Mercy

Brad Huff is now leading the sprint competition in the Tour de Toona by 1 point over Jeff Hopkins of Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling team and Greg Henderson of Health Net Maxis pro cycling team.

Sprint Overall Standings
1	Brad Huff (Mercy Cycling Team)	14 pts
2	Jeff Hopkins (Jittery Joe's Kalahari)	13
3	Greg Henderson (Health Net pb Maxxis)	12
4	Chris Wherry (Health Net pb Maxxis)	10
5	Martin Gilbert (Equipe Volkswagen Trek)	10

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Podium at Elite Road Nationals

Mercy had a successful Elite Road National Championships, placing Brad Huff on the Podium with a 4th place finish. The entire team played a role in Brad's result. Mercy had one rider (Brian Dziewa) in the early breakaway, which was realed in late in the race. The last 15 miles of the 125 mile race was where the race blew apart on the climbs. In the last 5 miles Mat Stephens jumped across to a small group that looked threatening, to force the pack to bring it back. With Brad making it over the climbs things looked good for a small pack sprint finish. Sticking to the plan, Alex Welch attacked with about 2k to go on the steeper part of the final climb forcing the field to chase, while Brad sat in, unfortunatley two riders jumped across and passed Alex with around 200m to go with the hard charging field a couple seconds behind, and Brad getting 2nd in the field sprint.

Old Tascosa Classic

This weekend in Amarillo, Texas the Mercy team won both stages of the Old Tascosa Cycling Classic. The weekend was hot and windy and the racing was hard. The criterium course was only 1 kilometer long with six corners. There was a long cross-wind section on the straight before the finish and tail-wind on the finish straight, but otherwise the wind was not much of a factor due to the short straights. Mercy raced aggressively from the start and early on Alex Welch was in a six man break. One out of six in the break was not good enough for the team so the guys were looking for a chance to get across to the break. A few laps later Brian Dziewa attacked in the cross-wind and after a few laps he got across to the break. This gave Mercy two out of seven guys in the breakaway. Shortly after Alex and two other guys attacked and were trying to lap the field, while Brian was left chasing with one other guy. Alex and his trio went on to lap the field and after three hard laps Brian lapped the field solo. Mat Ankney was up the road so the guys did not push the pace too hard until Alex attacked like a maniac. When the group sat up Brian used the opportunity to counter-attack and bridged up to Mat Ankneys group. The race was close to the end and in the Chad bridged up to Mat and Brian. In the end Mercy put five guys in the top nine with Brian and Alex on the podium in 1st and 3rd respectively.