Herring Team headed to Belize

Early Monday morning, the Herring Gas Cycling Team will be leaving for the Tour of Belize ( www.tourofBelize.com ). The Tour of Belize is a 5 day, 6-stage race that will cover over 500 miles. The Herring Team is one of only 3 teams from the United States, of which include the U.S. National Team. The race organizers have invited a total of 17 teams from 9 different countries, consisting of up to 9 riders. Belize is a country in Central America, south of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. Belize is less than half the size of Louisiana with its highest point being over 3800 feet above sea level. The race starts off with a 120 mile stage heading north from Belize City to the border of Mexico. The second day will be an 80 mile road race in the morning followed by a 25 mile Team Time Trial in the evening.  On Saturday, February 16, the race will cover some considerable climbing and by then, the general classification should be well sorted out. The last stage is a 100 mile event heading back into Belize City.

The Tour of Belize has moved up on to the UCI international calendar, bringing the race international notoriety and importance. But the upgrade also makes it a requirement for the race organization to tighten its drug testing policies. Already, last year's Tour of Belize winner and several of his teammates have been suspended because of violations of the UCI anti-doping code. See the details here:
http://lovefm.com/ndisplay.php?nid=7023

"I'm thrilled to see that there will be more stringent drug testing in this race", states Kenny Bellau of the Herring squad. "As soon as they made the announcement of this new drug policy, we saw several teams that were on the race roster the week before remove their names. Now I can't wait to start the race."

Frank Moak, founder and strong man sprinter on the team adds, "I wish there were more testing in the U.S. I've been racing against suspected cheats and beating them for years. But if there were more testing, there would be less suspicion. The Tour of Belize will be a great opportunity for us to showcase our talents against honest pro and top amateur racers from around the world."

The team has recruited 2 outsiders to assist the team in striving for the podium. Those riders are Ryan "Woody" Boudreaux from New Orleans recruited from the venerable NBO/Peak BMW Team. Sprinter Tim Regan states, "Woody is a strong rider who has been putting in about 22-25 hours a week on his bike in preparation for this race. I think he'll be a big asset to the team down there."

The other recruit is 2-time Masters World Champion (30-34 y/o) Michael Olheiser from the Memphis Motorwerks Team. "I've raced with Michael O' a bunch of times," says Bain Foote. "Once on the same composite team in the Tour of Virginia. He just adds a whole new dimension of depth and strength to our squad. He can climb, time trial and sprint with the best in the world."

The Herring Gas Team for the Tour of Belize is:
Chris Alexander, Baton Rouge, LA
Bain Foote, New Orleans, LA
Scott Kuppersmith, Mobile, AL
Frank Moak, Brookhaven, MS
Timothy Regan, New Orleans, LA
Kenneth Bellau, New Orleans, LA
Ryan "Woody" Boudreaux, New Orleans, LA
Michael Olheiser, Huntsville, AL

Support Staff will be:
Mal Schuler, New Orleans, LA. Directeur Sportif and Driver
Perry Gaudet, Baton Rouge, LA. Massage Therapist, Medical Specialist

Stay tuned to our blog for updates. Also, you might be able to catch us on Skype while we are down there for a live chat. Or you can go to www.tourofbelize.com to see video and results from this year and previous years.

See you on the road,
The Herring Gas Cycling Team

Ed: It's official, for all of you fellow old codgers out there. Our pal Frank Moak is the oldest guy entered in the Tour of Belize. By a lot. Get off your butt and ride. Right now :-)