Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangster* (UPDATED)

Neil, Dan and Al | Photo :: Casey Kelbaugh

A 2011 RHC Milano Challenger Lineup Rundown
By LODOVICO PIGNATTI-MORANO

Last year Italians turned up at the first ever Red Hook Crit Milan as if they were going to the cinema to see an Italo-American ganster film - they giggled at the back of the start line and chattered away easily amongst themselves.  At some point, as Dave Trimble explained the rules to the racers, Crihs, the current Monster Track champion and a man known to not mince words, turned around and roared at these giggly Italians, "SHUT THE FUCK UP!"  At this point the Italians realised, perhaps too late in the case of many, that this wasn’t a gangster film but the real thing, their knees began to shake - they were a generation brought up without a notion of competition, slackers living off of the accumulated capital of miserly savings-orientated generations; they’d never known hunger and its accompanying adrenaline – not until that moment.  Red Hook Milan introduced them first-hand, and for the first time, to a vicious urban mentality.

This year the faces of Italian competitors returning for a second attempt at the race (we’re almost drawn to call them, very seriously, veterans) are gaunt, aged – their eyes seem to flicker more quickly, in fragments of hesitation, they seem wary, they giggle less.  A dangerously competitive atmosphere awaits the participants, an electric air of fear and hunger.

JT | Photo :: Johnny HsuJohn Taki: The perennial podium contender.  A great provoker off the bike but too often can be witnessed at races screaming and shouting like a gorilla thumping his chest (making a hollow sound) as he asks for collaboration within the group after he misses decisive splits – as was the case in Brooklyn earlier this year.

JT was recently spotted (even though he was wearing all black and trying to ride exclusively in the shadows of the mountains) conducting an intense week of training in the hills of Bergamo with last year’s winner, Jon Ander.  Maybe he learnt something about taking his chances, maybe they made a pact, maybe he paid him off (he’s not beyond trying). Only the race will tell.

Still probably the most elegant pedaller at the race.

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A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Talent

We're not typically in the movie-recommending business, but with the summer counting down its last few weekends, we can't help but suggest Senna. It's the tragic story of Brazilian superstar Formula 1 racer Ayrton Senna. Tons of great archival footage reveals not only a true champion, but the politics, psychological warfare, and motivations of racers at the very top of the sport.

We caught the film with Dave Trimble last night, no stranger to the world of race car driving himself. Dave was a top-ranked Go Kart racer back in the day, worked on the Formula Renault circuit, and had dreams of reaching F1. Needless to say, our post-movie dinner conversation was like discussing the Super Bowl with Howard Cosell.

Senna is a must-see for any fan of international sport.

Check out the trailer:

Senna :: Trailer, info and more clips

Can't Get There From Here

The Red Hook Crit is fast approaching (March 26th) and while the race roster is already full, it's the specatators that really make the event. Since Red Hook is a little off the beaten path (ie, the subway doesn't go there) we are organizing a group ride from Eastern Mountain Sports in SoHo. Join us at 8pm, mingle with your fellow race watchers, and then we'll hop on our bikes at 9:15pm sharp. This is a casual ride, and it's only about 5 miles, so dress in your nice clothes and cheer the racers on in style.

I promise we won't get lost.

Group Ride to the Red Hook Crit :: departs Eastern Mountain Sports 530 Broadway (at Spring St) 9:15pm

Hooked

G+D is proud to be a sponsor of this year's Red Hook Crit. Dave Trimble and crew have put this race on in Brooklyn and in Milan (and soon in Berlin), and the 2011 NYC course looks to be the most challenging yet.

In addition to the generosity of Eastern Mountain Sports, Cinelli is building up a one-of-a-kind race-branded bike for the winner, and tons of great sponsors have lined up to help make Red Hook the premier international crit series.

Fixed gear, brakeless, nighttime racing on the waterfront cobbles of Brooklyn - for racers and spectators, it doesn't get much better. 

March 26 - mark your calendar.

2011 Red Hook Crit :: Official Website

Interview with organizer/promoter Dave Trimble :: cinelli.it