Local pro among world’s best in Tour of California
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on February 25th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Ollerenshaw competing in
the Tour of California.
(Photo: Stefan Heymanns/Flickr)
The Amgen Tour of California — a seven stage, 650-mile race that featured the world’s top teams and riders — wrapped up in Pasadena California on Sunday. Among the finishers were all the big names of elite international racing including the legendary sprinter Mario Cipollini, World Champion Paolo Bettini, and Paris-Roubaix winner Tom Boonen.
Also mixing it up in the Peloton was a name familiar to many Portlanders; our very own hometown hero Doug Ollerenshaw.
The Northwest Portland resident is a member of the controversial and star-studded Rock Racing team and he rode to a very respectable 37th place overall finish.
Still in California after the grueling event, Ollerenshaw said he had hoped to get into a breakaway, but missed two opportunities in the final stages. “Since I’m not a sprinter, and I can’t climb with the likes of [two-time winner of the race] Levi Leiphemer, breaks are my only chance for personal glory.”
(Photo: Craig Swarthout/Flickr)
Ollerenshaw might have done better if it weren’t for some crashes early in the week. He went down twice, with a spill on Tuesday being “especially rough.”
As if the top-notch competition and dangerous riding weren’t enough, Ollerenshaw said the weather also proved challenging. “We did seven and a half hours [135 miles from Seaside to San Luis Obispo] in a driving rainstorm. You’d think I’d be used to that living in Portland, but it’s hard to race all day in heavy rain.”
famous bike racer, Doug O likes to
dress up like Pac-Man and
race cyclocross.
(Photo © J. Maus)
But Ollerenshaw is not complaining, he’s known for his gritty performances and a tough, aggressive racing style that belies his humble, nice-guy demeanor.
That demeanor has made him popular with bike racing fans, some of which followed his efforts in California. “There were a fair number of Portland folks down here,” he said, “I heard my name being yelled quite a bit from the side of the road, and a lot of people took the time to say hi…It’s always great to get a little connection to home.”
Regardless of his results, Ollerenshaw said it was “a unique experience” to be with his famous teammates for a week, “It’s been sort of surreal having breakfast with Mario Cipollini. That guys a legend, obviously.”
Read more about Doug’s trip to California, and stay in touch with his season at DougOllerenshaw.com.
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February 25th, 2008 10:41
Great job Doug! It was great to see you and Creed given free hand to attack over the two final stages!
February 25th, 2008 10:49
Let's not forget Eugene native Aaron Olson in 33rd place
http://www.bissellprocycling.com/AaronOlson.html
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Peloton/teams/2008-team-bissell/bio-olson.html
February 25th, 2008 15:00
Yeah Doug! That's a great finish. The Seaside to SLO stage was epic. Never shall I complain about riding in crap weather again.
February 25th, 2008 20:40
Congratulations to Doug. I think the beard spoke a great deal about your Oregon awesomeness.
Too bad your on a team that is both an abomination in and of itself and indicative of what is so wrong of much of professional cycling (sports).
"Bikes, jeans, and Balls don’t mix. Please take your bling back to 2002 and leave cycling alone." BS NYC
Portlander's should love this photo.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos.php?id=/photos/2007/interviews/frankie_andreu_sep07/1113
February 25th, 2008 21:00
Very Awesome, Doug!
I enjoyed watching you and all the guys in the race.
I'm from California and I never saw that much rain there. That must have been a years worth in one day.
No more woosing out and driving to work when it rains....I'm pedaling for sure. Thanks for the setting such a good example.
February 26th, 2008 01:38
Dougie,
you know that we love you. Especially us IC'ers... Dave makes us sign an oath in blood to love you. :P
Congo Rats man,
I can't wait for you to put the smack down in P-town again.
February 26th, 2008 08:49
Doug,
Did Cipo teach you any of his Dance moves?
Don't listen to the other dude, Rock Racing is rad.
Ross
February 26th, 2008 08:53
Doug,
Take the Rock Racing dollars and run (for your life and soul).
February 26th, 2008 19:19
[...] and as I was finishing up I watched the youtube video of Hincapie winning stage 7 then read a post from bikeportland about a local rider (Doug Ollerenshaw) who raced in the Tour of California which then led me to his [...]