Colombia

I wrote this for the website, not sure if it will go up, but I'll share it hear.

Chemstar presented by United Healthcare recently had three riders venture to Colombia for the team’s second international stage race of the season. Coulton Hartrich, Christian Parrett and Shane Braley journeyed to what they dubbed ‘the lost world of cycling,’ a place where bike racing is as big as it is anywhere in Europe. The crowds are huge, the passion surrounding the sport immense, and the climbers supremely quick.

Although Shane, Christian and Coulton are still building condition for the main part of the season, Chemstar p/b United Healthcare was able to bookend the race with nice performances. Christian Parrett cranked out 26th in the prologue and only seconds out of the jersey for best u23 rider. This was made extremely impressive since he was on a stock road bike with spoked wheels riding against competitors on full TT equipment. Parrett hopes to return with his full aero Specialized set up in May and get on the podium at the U23 Tour of Colombia.

The final day, both Christian and Coulton were able to make an elite front group of riders on the difficult circuit race in downtown Armenia that saw the Peleton torn to bits. Unfortunately a late-race crashed messed up plans for the sprint but it was still a nice performance.

In between the team suffered on the high mountain passes, unnaclimated to the altitude. However, they built fitness for the upcoming Tour of the Gila, and had an amazing experience seeing Colombia. The countryside around Armenia was beautiful and the people extremely friendly. The local press took to the gringos well, as did the spectators. The riders spent up to an hour after stages signing autographs and talking to the local children. For a team who prides itself on reaching out to the communities it races in, this trip was a huge success.

What you should get out of all that is Colombia is awesome. If you don't see me around it's probably because I moved there.