The Quebec Chronicles: The Team

I suspect I will get significant access to a computer up in Amos, so hopefully this blog shall be kept updated over the next week or so. Allow me to start this off by introducing the riders of Team Mid-South Regional:

Daniel Eaton, 18, Mesa AZ
Danny is pretty well-known in Arizona. Pretty well-known as one of the top up-and-comers in this sport. In his second year of racing, he is already Category 2. He loves to attack, break away, and take fliers...as well as time trial....and climb. He's a powerful rider, and despite his large size, he's able to climb with the best. He got 2nd at Camp, winning the flat repeats. He took 9th at the National TT and crit, but crashed twice in the road race. I sense he has something to prove.

TJ Eisenhart, 17, Lehi UT
TJ is pretty much having his best year of racing ever. He was 1st at camp, after ravaging every test. He is around 115-120 pounds, a little heavier than me, yet he produces about 40 more watts. In other words, if there's elevation, he's going to hurt you real bad. I regard him as one of the most skilled juniors I've ever seen. Also, he has been racing since 2006, so he rides with quality experience.

Owen Graves, 18, Scottsdale AZ
Big O, as we call him. Racing for Bike Haus. Owen is most comfortable in the crits. He packs a strong punch that makes him very competitive on power climbs and sprints. Seeing how Abitibi is basically a flat race, he will get many opportunities to shine. I suspect he will mix it up in the sprints, but at the same time be a complete team player.

Chris Putt, 18 Park City UT
Climbing specialist. On camp's Mars Hill repeats, Chris was incredibly close to TJ and Danny, with a time that would have won last year's test. He isn't on many riders' radars because he hasn't raced Nationals. I suspect he will surprise many people.

Erik Volotzky, 17, Chatsworth CAErik, in my opinion, brings the most experience to the table for our team. In his racing career spanning 7 years, he has accrued 9 podiums at Nationals and several wins at VOS and Callville. He went to the 15-16 Euro Camp, and rode with the National team this spring. He has Europe experience, which really helps the team. He's strong on the flat and competitive on the uphills. Certainly he will be in the mix.