3/9-11/2007 
Central Valley Classic Fresno, CA 
Sakonnet’s debut in an NRC event came two weeks ago when riders Johnny Hayes and Devin Flaherty raced the Merco Cycling Classic yet it wasn’t until this past weekend in Fresno that the team began to fire on all cylinders. With a full squad of 6 riders and the sage advice of team marketing manager Joao Correia the boys had a fantastic string of results.
The good times began in Friday’s road race when David Guttenplan cracked the top twenty with a fine 16th Place finish. David along with teammates Guy East, Johnny Hayes and Phil Gaimon all made the first group on a difficult rolling course with very stiff cross winds. “Once we made the split I knew I could finish strong. Phil, Guy and Johnny helped me get to the front and the rest was history” said Guttenplan. Eighteen year old Andy Cornelison and Gavi Epstein also had a great start at the NRC level by just finishing the race when many pro’s DNF or were cut because they were out of the time limit.
The next day’s time trial was key for a top finish in G.C and an opportunity at NRC points for the team. It was Guy East who used his form from the Tour of Belize that posted the best time for the team and finished in an excellent 27th Place. “Guy posted one of the best times of any amateur and that moved him up to 25th in overall G.C which is in the NRC points” said Correia. Also of note where Johnny’s and Phil’s fast times, both riders excel against the clock and both showed good times that they will surely build upon as their fitness levels increase during the season.
Sunday’s criterium was about keeping or improving Guy’s G.C place and keeping David at the front for a strong finish. Before the race Correia split the team into two sets; one in charge of protecting East and one in charge of protecting Guttenplan. The riders did their jobs as both missions where accomplished, East finished in 24th Place in overall G.C and Guttenplan sprinted to his second top twenty five placing of the weekend for 22nd Place on the stage. To cap things off there is a great picture of Johnny Hayes during the criterium currently on CyclingNews.com
Editor Note: Congratulations to the team for riding a smart race and many thanks to Joao for supporting the kids this weekend.
For information on the results and pictures visit: www.centralvalleyclassic.com
3/14/2007 Sakonnet Selected to Race Redlands Bicycle Classic CA
The Sakonnet Technology U25 cycling team has been honored with selection to the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Commonly considered the biggest spring race on the U.S. calendar the Redlands Bicycle Classic has a long history of featuring upcoming stars. “This year’s selection is the second in a row for our young Sakonnet team and it’s great to be invited to such a storied event” said GM Basil Moutsopoulos. The team hopes to build on last years 24th overall GC result by graduated rider Andy Guptill (Colavita – Sutter Home) and will be sending a strong squad featuring; team captain Chris Kuhl, Johnny Hayes, Devin Flaherty, Andy Cornelison, Gavi Epstein and the in form Guy East.
The team will be managed at the event by former VMG professional team director sportif Dan Larson. “It’s great to have Dan at the helm for the event, he has the experience and we have full faith in him” said Moutsopoulos. Racing begins Thursday, March 22nd and runs thru Sunday, March 25th.
For information on this event visit: www.RedlandsBicycleClassic.com
3/4, 10, 11/2007 Regional Recap - CT, NJ, NY
The racing season has begun in the northeast and SKNT regional riders are in full swing racking up results. Here is a recap of the last two weekends:
3/11 Ris Van Bethel – Bethel, CT: 7th Place Robbie Giannini
3/10 Tour de Newark – Newark, NJ: 3rd Place Robbie Giannini
3/4 Ronde de Bethel – Bethel, CT: 6th Place Stephan Badger
For the full results for these events visit: www.BikeReg.com & www.CRCA.net
2/8/2007 Introducing New Sakonnet Rider David Guttenplan
David Guttenplan is a 21 year old racer from northern Florida. David comes to the team from the Atlanta based SUBARU amateur team where he enjoyed tremendous success. David joins Sakonnet as possibly our most versatile rider; his strengths include sprinting, climbing and racing in a break away. Expect to see great things from David in 2007! – Editor
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am currently in my third year at the University of Florida in Gainesville pursuing a Civil Engineering Degree with a Transportation emphasis on a full-tuition paid merit scholarship. I grew up in Tallahassee, FL. I’m 21 years of age, and 2007 will be my 7th season racing bikes. I got my cat 1 in early 2004, and 2007 will be my 4th full summer of NRC racing. I promise 2007 is going to be a breakout year for me and the Sakonnet Cycling Team.
How did you get into riding?
My dad has always ridden recreationally. I did the cross state tour, Bike Florida, every summer or spring break starting in 1993 and just always thought the idea of bicycle racing seemed really exciting.
How did your first race go?
My first race was actually the Junior 14-15 Florida State Championships where I got dropped from all the older 16-18 year olds about half way through but some how managed to beat everyone in my age group who it turned out were dropped before me.
What are your strengths and weaknesses on the bike?
I love all kinds of racing especially the hard one-day races and stage races. I really don’t prefer criterium racing, but I do, however, love hard twilight criteriums especially when well over half the field is dropped due to heat, hills, crashes, and/or rain. As far as strengths go, I’d say I’m a really fast sprinter who trains for everything but sprinting because I don’t want to be a field sprinter. I want to be the guy who is the only sprinter who managed not to get dropped at the end of a 120-mile epic road race and easily beats a bunch of climbers…
What do you miss the most when you are away from home traveling to races?
I miss my girlfriend the most; we’ve been dating for over two years now. She actually just got a bike! Normally, near the end of the summer I just miss college and feeling like I’m getting something accomplished. Don’t get me wrong though, I love racing and traveling; I’m so lucky I get to do it all summer!
What would your perfect 2007 season on Sakonnet look like?
That’s a hard question because I don’t think I could ever have a perfect season. I have a lot of goals. First and foremost would be to have some really strong team performances, as I love to succeed as a team and not just have a bunch of individuals. A perfect season would involve no injuries and an entire season of solid results with the one big result I’ve been looking for these past few years on the NRC circuit that would really get my name out there and stand out above the rest.
What do you like to do when you aren’t riding your bike?
I study a lot. I like the challenge of working the hardest I possibly can and then seeing the results, for example when I take a test and earn good grades. I really like to spend time with my girlfriend just relaxing, and when I’m not riding my bike, I like to eat. The University of Florida cycling team actually calls me “The GUTT” because of my name and because I never stop eating!
What is the last movie you saw?
I actually just watched American Flyers with my girlfriend. It was on sale at Walgreen’s and she hadn’t seen it so I had to buy it. It’s definitely an awesome movie from the 80s even if it wasn’t about bike racing. The last movie I saw in Theaters was Saw III. I love scary movies that really make you think. I thought SAW II was the best by far.
New York City, L.A or Denver?
I like college towns to be honest, Athens, GA, Gainesville, FL, and Tallahassee, FL. They are all really fun and homey. I can ride 5 minutes and I’m out of town on awesome training roads without terrible traffic like the big cities! I’d like to take this time to personally thank Basil and the CRCA/Sakonnet Technology U25 cycling team and its sponsors for their faith in me and for them allowing me to be a part of this great program. 2007 is definitely going to be an incredible year.
