Lance Haidet and Gage Hecht got things rolling this weekend in Rochester, NY for the Donnelly–Aevolo Cyclocross Team season opener. Both riders had a demanding road racing schedule where they were teammates for the Aevolo Cycling U23 Team. Their commitments to the road team mean both will use the first few 'cross races to dust off the skills, dial in new equipment and get reacquainted with the intensity only cyclocross can provide!
Gage would finish 5th on Saturday and 34th on Sunday, while Lance finished 13th and 8th respectively.
Gage Hecht knows how to start the season off right. Fresh off the road bike and straight to the holeshot. He would finish 5th on Day 1 and was the first U23 rider. "I was surprised to be able to get the holeshot. I also was pretty happy to have finish fifth!"
Full gas. "I knew the fitness was there, but going straight from the road bike to a ‘cross course is always difficult. I know tactically, it was not my best, but I'll be ready soon." - Gage Hecht
Even the best take a spill now and then. "On Sunday I was chasing back to the group and made it close before laying down in a corner. It took me a second to get untangled and from there. The lack of 'cross racing began to catch up with me as I bonked with two laps to go. I still managed to finish the day, but just rode easy on the last lap." - Gage Hecht
Some weekends are better than others and a bit of food poisoning doesn't help. "I really wasn’t able to eat much for a solid 36 hours and honestly spent more time in the restroom than on the course at Friday’s pre-ride. On Saturday I was starting to feel better, but still wasn’t 100%. My result definitely reflected that. I really never felt like I was racing, it was just more about survival." - Lance Haidet
The glass is half full. "I was certainly not on my best form, but luckily I was still able to grab a couple UCI points, get some quality time on the new bikes, and get reacquainted with the absurdly fast pace of 'cross racing. Man, it feels good to be racing cross again." - Lance Haidet
Teammates on the road and now on the dirt. Gage and Lance have been teammates on the road and Donnelly's new partnership with Aevolo Cycling brings them together on the 'cross course. It's going to be fun watching these two guys work together this season!
Sponsor Highlight // Shimano GRX "I have been loving GRX so far. I was a bit skeptical of Shimano trying to make a product that would replace the already incredible Dura-Ace group set, but I cannot say enough good things about what they’ve done. The brake levers are amazing for both leverage and comfort. I haven’t done a whole lot of racing where I’ve felt comfortable using one finger to brake, but now, it’s no problem." -Gage Hecht
Sponsor Highlight // POC Helmets and Eyewear The team could not be more stoked to be working with POC this season. Their award winning designs push boundaries and make a statement. Lance and Gage will be using the POC Ventral Air Spin helmets and Aspire Clarity glasses throughout the season on their way to the podium.
Introducing Brooke Becker, Donnelly - Aevolo Team Soigneur We are pleased to welcome Brooke Becker to the Donnelly - Aevolo Team this season. Brooke is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist with a strong focus and background in Eastern medicine, philosophy, spirituality and therapy. She is also a member of the Bianchi Dama Ambassador Team. You can learn more about Brooke and her practice at the Chi Longevity Center.
Rider Tire Selection and Pressure
Gage Hecht (Sat.)
Front: MXP / 24 psi
Rear: MXP / 24 psi
Lance Haidet (Sat.)
Front: MXP / 23 psi
Rear: LAS / 24 psi
Gage Hecht (Sun.)
Front: MXP / 24 psi
Rear: MXP / 24 psi
Lance Haidet (Sat.)
Front: LAS / 24 psi
Rear: LAS / 24 psi
Donnelly Professional Cycling Team Sponsors
Donnelly Bicycles
Aevolo Cycling
Shimano
Full Speed Ahead
Vision
Cuore Cycling Apparel
POC
SockGuy
Feedback Sports
Victory Circle Graphix
ProNet Cycling
For media and sponsorship inquires email: info@donnelllysports.com
Team Schedule (Tentative)
Rochester Cyclocross – Rochester, NY
Jingle Cross World Cup – Iowa City, IA
Trek CXC World Cup – Waterloo, WI
Oz Cross - Fayetteville Arkansas
US Open of Cyclocross – Boulder, CO
West Sacramento Grand Prix – Sacramento, CA
Cincinnati UCI Cyclocross - Cincinnati. OH
Silver Goose - Midland, ON
Pan Am Games - Midland, ON
Ruts N Guts CX – Broken Arrow, OK
USA National Championships – Tacoma, WA
UCI World Championships – Dubendorf, CH