Racer Profile: Doug Ollerenshaw

Doug has taken part in the Crit every year since it began. "Unfortunately," Doug says "I've never done particularly well in this race. The first time I did it I crashed twice and barely finished. I've only managed mid-pack finishes the other times. It's such an exciting event though, I'd really love to change that this year." Doug has been racing all summer and he says the season has gone reasonably well so far, "I've mainly ridden in support of teammates, and the team's had a lot of success this year. As for personal results, they've been a little slim. But some of the biggest races of the year are still coming up. A week later I'll be doing the professional road nationals in Greenville, NC, racing against guys like Levi Leipheimer and George Hincapie. One week later still, I'll be finishing the season at the seven-day Tour of Britain, going from London to Glasgow. It should be a great way to finish off the year."

Pro racer, what does that really mean? "Technically, anyone who is a member of a Union Cycliste International registered professional team is a professional cyclist. There are approximately 150 professional road cyclists in the US. What it means in practice is lots of travel and dedication to the sport, in return for little pay. Professional cycling is not a rich sport, especially in the US. Nonetheless, the competition is very good." Doug says he loves racing for Team Health Net, and not just because they're a top-ranking team. "There are so many details to be attended to," he says, and Health Net covers them all. "Whether it be booking air travel, maintaining the bikes, or mixing water bottles - Health Net takes care of it so we can just focus on the racing."

So after all that traveling, Doug's about to return to his home turf. "I'm looking forward to getting to race in front of so many friends and family. I spend most of my time racing in front of complete strangers, so to hear my name being screamed all around the course is certainly special. And the Portland crowd is so rowdy, so excited to be watching the race, it just makes for an incredible atmosphere. Bike racing in the best bike town in the US just makes a perfect fit. It's really a lot of fun to be a part of."

And though there will be eight-10 professional cyclists racing against amateurs, Doug says you aren't likely to see much more than a small difference in the riding skill. He's proud to brag about the many skilled amateur locals.

This year the Crit has a new course in the North Park Blocks. Doug happens to live nine blocks away and he says he is definitely familiar with the area. "I think it'll be another great course for spectators and racers alike. It'll be flatter than the old course by the art museum, which should lead to safer and more exciting racing. I think it'll be a great race."

Doug wants ORbike readers to come on down to watch the race. "Bring friends!" he says. "The louder and more excited the crowd is, the better the racing becomes. As riders, we really thrive off the energy of the crowd. And even if you've never seen a bike race before, come check it out. A criterium is a great opportunity to learn about race tactics, simply because you can see so much of the course. It's so much more complex than a first time spectator might suspect, but that only makes it more interesting to watch. Plus, there's beer and music. What better way could there be to spend a Friday night?"

Best of luck, Doug, we'll be cheering you on!

(photo by Mike Beavers)