Can an Elite Team Beat a Pro Cycling Team?: Roger Millikan GP 2020 Legion of Los Angeles

[@janvanrookhuijzen8309]

The whole point of being a junior is to get in the way of the big boys. The point of being a 'big boy' is showing how to be a sportsman (and not to push juniors aside). Go kid!

[@JAB-jp6le]

Funny you say this because now Legion cried any time a team or rider doesn't let legion push them around

[@alifizharulhaq3370]

What did the guy @ 4:04 do wrong?

[@geraldtone5914]

The brown jerseys were L3gion. They had a "train" of riders where the leader of the train will do an effort an allow all the teammates behind him to get a draft. Once the leader does his effort, he'll peel off and the person behind him will start their effort. This keeps the people in the back of the train in the draft and using less energy so they can eventually do the sprint. The guy at 4:04 was from an opposing team, and the problem was that he was simply trying to break L3gion's train by getting into it and slow it down, which is bogus. If you look toward the end of the video, you'll see the blue jerseys doing their own train toward the end of the video.

[@Dalenator1]

@@alifizharulhaq3370 I think he's on about 2:22. That rider bashing bars endangers everyone behind them.

[@jimmyespisito6849]

@@geraldtone5914 I'm a total noob so understand if I'm wrong but this makes no sense to me in a national crit. I get the breach of etiquette if it's a world tour stage and everyone is on a team of 8. Don't mess with each other's trains, make your own. But in a field where 1 team has 11, another has 7 and every other team has 2-5 guys, it makes no sense. In that case, your only shot at a win would be to actively disrupt and take advantage of oversized team's tactics, and they should be ready to deal with that. Overwhelming and bodying the field with 11 people seems far more unfair and 'bogus'... they need to also have freedom to do so without any challenge? where's the competition?

[@the.noob.cyclist]

Wow, the communications at 5:10 really highlights the quality of leadership on the team. This is why you guys win races.

[@BananaGamingYT]

Agreed

[@MarySpender]

Honestly, one of the coolest cycling videos I've ever watched. Fascinating!

[@viragomania]

@@CarpeDiem13x nah dawg, if you want to see real bike racing, this is it. Check out American Crit as well. As a Road/Crit Racer and also fan of Mary Spender ('cause I'm an armature musician) its great to see the cross interest in sport and music ('cause that is where my heart is - race/train hard and make music - and work a 9-5 as an engineer).

[@Checkedbox]

Oh hi Mary!

[@johnr8820]

Cycling and guitars 😎

[@onenotesolo256]

@@johnr8820 present!

[@vincerelucio2]

cycling is so underrated

[@KnigthMare69]

Depends on where you live, in some countries It's nonexistant, in some it's almost a religion

[@juch3]

It's true it definitely depends, over here most people still cycle on roads with a mountain bike

[@3mtech]

@@juch3 For comfort and durability. Not everyone believes image is everything. Also possible to ride to trail and not drive

[@juch3]

@@3mtech I think price plays a bigger factor, mountain bikes are a lot more cheaper than even entry-level road bikes

[@finndegraaf2707]

It would be a lot bigger if it was cheaper.

[@wiggins_gang6313]

Amazing to see people of my color in this sport I actually just bought a bike n seeing you n your brother in videos actually made me 100% more into it

[@Zozas_The_Cyclist]

People are all the same

[@SWED510]

I’m indian and the guy who got me into cycling was a 60+ year old African American in the best shape of his life. Yeah people are all the same but it’s still nice to see someone of color do it too especially as a brown dude. Ride on bros n sis!

[@avva4090]

Stay stoked! The more cyclists the more better :)

[@peterf1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqipn2mBhLaXoM0

[@IcyUuUu]

Same here let’s work!!

[@D_in_DC]

Wow....much respect! The way y'all strategized with a smaller team was classic. That's why you're the nations number 1 beast! Great teamwork

[@dbrowninc]

The final 2 laps, OMG, the camera view is ridiculous. I"m going to watch it again and again.

[@GoodFellasBpong]

Hands down legion has been the greatest inspiration in cycling the past few years

[@Enigma71559]

You guys are AWESOME!! I love watching the vids. ESPECIALLY with the commentary. Thank Vegan Cyclist for turning me on to your channel.

[@f0t0b0y]

I got into cycling for my health and in the last year I've lost 40 lbs and absolutely love it. Now I find myself watching the races and absolutely blown away on how fucking entertaining they are! New sub, can't wait to watch past and future videos!

[@jauxed]

Glad u added the real deal conversations inside a crit race. Thank u for sharing...Congratulations on the win.

[@yvettegideon7524]

I really miss watching you guys on Sunday’s. I’m so PROUD of you @ Cory & Justin 💜. The best is yet to come.

[@raymondbrathwaite4852]

You guys are just bosses at what you do🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@nationsnumber1beast]

thank you!

[@deadmyke2]

Follow us on IG @BlackCyclones

[@dwaynepedals]

I watched this sipping my coffee this morning. That guy who crashed the field answered his own question. He wanted war. Nice video and congrats on the W.

[@Cesar-cm4if]

Love it, nice video! Something that I've heard recently is that those helmets aren't really safe, the best ones are nta certified like xnito and bern, it's time to upgrade

[@jeromele9106]

I really enjoy the commentary on these videos. Incredible how talented you guys are at riding at such a quick pace.

[@rendezvous_with]

I've watched this race 3 times now, and this is the most exciting footage. Plus COMMENTARY! Well done on the vid and race

[@Gravelmisfit_]

The communication you guys have is amazing. Truly shows how much of a family you guys are.

[@AdamRobergeCycling]

Some Clarifications: 1st - Elevate Webiplex pro cycling had 8 riders at the race. 2nd - Our strategy was to wait for the sprint to practice our lead-out. We followed attack, never created them (explaining why the race was slower than the previous years). 3rd - What a killer sprint Justin, big congrats to LEGION.

[@jseneque]

I am confused. At 4:44 - 4:55 In that moment I can see 9 riders coming through

[@elsunn]

You guys showed up to a big race with 9 dudes to "practice"? Rightttttttt

[@AdamRobergeCycling]

@@elsunn Yes, it was close to our training camp, and it's pretty much the only race we do that is not UCI. So yeah I would say it's a practice race.

[@AdamRobergeCycling]

@@jseneque We are only 9 riders in the team and Jordan Cheyne is Injured due to a punctured lung... So yeah we were only 8 racing, you can count again aha :)

[@jimmeeGray]

PRO, does this mean that you are paid to race? If your answer is yes then you got your asses kicked by an amateur team. Correct?

[@arcadiandj]

OMG!!! This is one of the best cycling videos I have ever seen!!! Your editing and comments on strategy!!! And you guys won!!! That was AWESOME!!! Thank you so much 🙏

[@quantumadmin]

Best combo of commentary and video you guys have produced. Amazing work.

[@neoduffer]

The addition of the commentary helps us noobs understand what is going on. Thanks a bunch. Keep rocking.

[@CycoWarriorx]

That was probably the most physical race video you’ve posted... great strategy for dealing with a team of 11 riders who like elbows...

[@dillydilly7722]

CycoWarriorx getting touchy is just part of racing at a higher level

[@CycoWarriorx]

White F350 lol... I see! Lol

[@DiegoHernandezLikesBikes]

Yeah they were respectful and they were conservative, no one wants to get hurt. That last lead out man should have peeled off at 600m. You were on your own and they had two men to take the left line. Good win

[@herbertpearson5665]

As a cyclist who used to compete this video makes me feel like I'm riding with you guys great commentary.

[@anthonyemmm]

I know nothing about this sport but that was bad ass. Never knew how technical cycling can be. The strategy and jockeying for position got me hyped. Don’t worry I’m not buying a road bike. I’ll stick to the mountain biking😂

[@Ninjump]

Love that you left the post-finish banter with KHS in here! Sportsmanship and commonality is so important for people to see in the racing scene! Nice win guys

[@djbattledmv]

I witnessed this in real time! Great dual commentary. Congratulations fellas! Much love Legion!

[@kmartinjr100]

Commentary is dope. Y’all are an inspiration.

[@Texas_nc]

This is insane. What a show of sportsmanship and respect. Well deserved win.

[@dwaynerandolph3565]

What a fantastic 10 mins. an 33 seconds of commentary & race footage! TEAM LEGION BIG UP !

[@vedhed21]

That was 10 min? Felt like 5.

[@SawOne729]

You guys have no idea how inspiring these videos are. Thank you

[@jeffbarco4394]

What a great commentary. You guys rock! Please keep these commentaries going as new racers like me learn a ton... Cheers!

[@CritWhit]

Amazing. Congratulations. It was phenomenal to see it in person as well as the vid with Commentary!!! 😎🤙🏽

[@tnstef2629]

7:30 selfless move was perfect for the team. Glad to see how nervous you made the pro team. Good job guys.

[@creative907]

Just got into cycling and this video is epic. I love the commentary and comms skills between teammates, you guys are so dope! keep up the awesome work!

[@phildelgiudice3448]

Legion looks like a cool team and I’m excited to see this group help USA cycling moving forward. You got my vote guys! 👍🏽

[@jr.angel.555]

5 dislikes,must be that dude that went down and was talking shit and the rest from the other team, they better start showing some respect next time, great job dudes.

[@nationsnumber1beast]

JR. Angel. Hahaha probably I try not to pay attention to the dislikes. We got too many positive people on here I’ll give my energy to them!

[@dwaynerandolph3565]

nationsnumber1beast YES I / Put some respect on Team Legions name !

[@backYARDbanter13]

@@nationsnumber1beast got a few more now buster. Time for some self reflection.

[@1-Random-Subscriber]

111 dislikes now... 1 is the guy who fell +11 the pros who lost... But who the hell are the remaining 99? I m amaized that someone would dislike such a competitive race with such a humble commentary

[@Chris-de2qc]

@@1-Random-Subscriber honestly who cares

[@Jeffis2k]

Superb commentary, gripping race. Those 10 and a half minutes flew by.

[@cooperk4]

1:07 already walking my bike back to the start line after having an Elevate rider’s derailleur destroy my front wheel 😭 was hoping to be in your video lol. Watching from the finish line and seeing Justin post up and point at the logo on the jersey was pretty cool though.

[@philiptoo]

I was keeping an eye out for you the whole time! Hope you make it into the next upload!

[@rascalbiker]

Can't wait to see you on more podiums, Kyle Cooper!

[@zacharywiles8159]

Ouch

[@zacharywiles8159]

This was an incredible win. The sacrifice to get you to the front and the sprint at the end. Awesome.

[@sirairness24]

Seriously you guys are legit!!! I feel like I learn so much watching your races with the commentary! Keep them coming! Keeping me inspired and training hard!! #LEGION

[@thisishowthetruthdies684]

The commentary is great. You may not have had the numbers but apparently they were still more worried about you than you were about them and if that didn't directly cost them the race it certainly still contributed to it.

[@12Burton24]

Worshipping their own team calling it clean even they go into the way of others is what you call great commentary....

[@brettm1501]

Once again. Great video. I really appreciate you guys breaking it down. I'm *REALLY* enjoying the action. THANK YOU!!!

[@IsaacHlungwane]

I never imagined the depth of strategy involved in races was to this level. This is amazing.

[@jeffking29]

That was so awesome!! Thanks for the effort you put into these video. Great job!!

[@Nelverjen]

Riveting! I'm brand new to cycling and typically don't watch racer videos, but now I'm definitely a fan. New subbie 😄

[@TheJackKWhitehouse]

Best video so far from you boys. Keep pumping out the content!! 🙏 Respect

[@octaviakf]

That was excellent i'm new to cycling and just learning about the sport to come and hear you all explain the different techniques ya'll used to win that was amazing. I usually watch races and dont think nothing about it at all. But to see you all actually have a plan and ya'll are communicating that plan even during the race like to see that even elevate knew what ya'll were doing and they stuck to whatever their plans were that was amazing. I loved watching that.

[@schmo9425]

I am taking part in my first crit here in the UK this summer and it's because of these awesome videos.

[@joshgull]

Commentary over the video is great. Keep that up please. Heck of a race on y’all’s part. Well done!

[@Ssander-ce3fk]

I love these vids, I'm able to spend some quality time with my Dad 🙂

[@schism8286]

Just got into road biking after being on a MTB for years. Love this stuff

[@rascalbiker]

This is an excellent and much-appreciated commentary on strategy! Great to see the intensity and professionalism in your bunch. L39ion rocks! Congrats on the win!!

[@dvoob]

y'all deadass got them to lead you out, proof of why y'all are the dominant crit team at the moment.

[@arcadiandj]

I am a cycling fan again now!!! I am so excited to learn about this team!!!

[@averydaboy]

short answer: YES

[@matejburian3191]

long answer: YES SIR

[@andyz3925]

I guess that's answering my question.

[@averydaboy]

@Dizzy McSpud you probably couldnt even handle their slowest racer go away

[@s1mpleniko488]

@@averydaboy maybe he can't handle a climber at the flats😂

[@errickrichardson2520]

You guys keep killing these fools. Smart racing and talent keeps bringing home the victories. Keep smashing em

[@ViTaLTSR]

Great commentary ! Also, loved when you wrote what you're saying during the race !

[@jasperverkuijl]

Heluvva ride brothers. Great racing and team work 💪🏻

[@BikerDave1]

Like others have said, really love the commentary along with your usual quality video. Congrats on the win!

[@ha6034]

First time watching a cycling race. And this was really exciting with your commentary

[@MrCuntbunt]

Brilliant commentary, humble energy, and overwhelming dedication to your team! Love seeing y’all win.

[@thewood1001]

My sentiments exactly!

[@mdallas]

you guys are tenacious and lethal. what a win against that army of blue. great win.

[@aok5298]

Awesome result, great vid and commentary 👍👍

[@jbakapez]

I love how you giving directions calling the shots like captain America... love it. Organised and strategic..

[@bentleymtafu23]

Watching this for the fifth time with no shame. LOVE IT

[@blaizon]

Dope video! Just getting into mountain biking myself. Never was into cycling, but the commentary & strategy is very intriguing! Subscribed

[@ptorider]

Loving all the videos you are posting! :)

[@nationsnumber1beast]

thank you!

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

I would really like to hear your thoughts on races circuits in the USA. Its a peculiar set up with 4 lanes doing an oval loop with 50+ riders in the field because it becomes completely dominated by teams and there is very little handling skill except for the obvious fight for position. Do you think there should be chacaines and hairpins? Maybe reducing to single or double lanes?

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

@@westsidewheelmen like with hairpins and chacaines? What about purpose build racing circuits?

[@will2tao]

It was a pleasure to meet a few of you at the Chino Crit practice. I hope i can get close to your guys lvl one of these days

[@alexm1841]

This is awesome. I couldn’t race though… I’d stiff arm anyone trying to run me into cones and get disqualified for sure. Props to you guys!

[@mstrasser]

Awesome. Loved the commentary and how you could hear the race talk. Justin's positioning guidance. So cool. Also, would love to know the wattage bomb you dropped on that sprint Justin!

[@sobersherpa]

My heart rate went up to 130bpm just watching Bahahahaha

[@yishaithegift9953]

This was absolutely epic! Learning so much. Legion is the truth!

[@franciss2529]

Amazing stuff guys, you really liven up the sport. We need this kind of racing, representation and teamwork in the UK (thanks British Cycling...).

[@montufaraj7066]

Awesome race and great commentary/ explanation of the race. I will need to go see you guys race soon I hope.

[@jeddmamaat9870]

This video earned my subscription. Great insight. Great content.

[@fredhubbard7210]

You guys win it for Sportsmanship alone. Fantastic that you took the podium.

[@lornelee1891]

Its really hard to see you guys as the underdog anymore. Not that its a problem. Good work!

[@jordandupont7430]

cool race and good footage. Is it possible you guys could do a video on your training? Do you guys weight train as well in the off season? Am curious what goes on behind the scenes in order to compete at the elite level you do. Thanks guys!

[@jr.angel.555]

My heart rate went crazy watching this, but I'm at home relaxing on the couch.

[@kylehagertybanana]

yo they just led out justin, sick race. love the commentary

[@owenkendall8124]

Incredible racing and thanks for all the good insight into how to race smart and respectfully while absolutely crushing out there. Congratulations!

[@counselor5286]

Great video and fearless cornering only wish HR stats would have been loaded but guess I know why not. Love the chat just like being in the action

[@boycottfactoryfarms4242]

Loved racing w yall as juniors, keep up the good work and keep the rubber side down

[@JoshMcGehee]

Love watching and listening to y'all. So intense. So wholesome too.

[@michaeledwardscarlton1484]

What a great race and beautiful explained, well done men.

[@sethwatson1753]

Love the commentary and the videos, thank you!

[@brockmiddlebrook4396]

Quality analysis, love watching them beat these guys!!!

[@angela-onesroman8873]

I was on edge on this one for sure, great job guys, loved it!✌🏽

[@marksip01234]

Wow - that was incredible and pretty scary - great video and gave such insight to the tactics involved - i jut thought everyone just pedalled hard

[@hectorrivera9810]

One of your best video's to date and congrats!!

[@nerodrive4254]

Thanks for showing us how cycling works as a team sport, I ride alone mostly, now i know more thx

[@elifriedman317]

Are you guys considering trying to go pro conti or does that not work with your current goals as a squad?

[@thhorwitz1]

...or they're proving that you don't need to spend $$$ to be a successfully marketed team. Uci pro is just pay to play in stage races that almost no one watches.

[@elifriedman317]

njkl I understand that marketing wise it’s not about pro but there is something to be said about trying to raise the level of competition when you are experiencing mega success

[@thhorwitz1]

@@elifriedman317 in this video they beat what is arguably the best UCI Conti team in the country right now. All of the Pro Conti teams have gone to Europe full time because without Tour of Cali here, these teams have no other chance to 1. Get on TV with sponsors and 2. Get invites to bigger races in anticipation of a possible TDF entree after the 2023 uci rule change. If any of the big crit teams that currently put their money into marketing were to turn Pro and go to Europe a few things would happen. First they would be like every other team, which we know is not a successful model for a long term and sustainable team. And second, the style of racing in Europe isn't necessarily harder, it's just very different. In America the crit scene had been very strong and growing for years. USAC tried to dismantle it in favor of stage races a few years ago when they removed the NCC calendar and introduced the PRT calendar. Their idea was that to find the next great the cycling hero and save stage racing in America, they had to make a bunch of the crits take a back seat. Wilmington GP, which is a long standing race, got kicked right off the pro calendar. But the writing was already on the wall. Stage races and long 1 day RR in the US haven't adapted and many are now gone. The ones that have paid attention are still here. One last note. All the big remain ik ng stage races in America end their last day in a crit, just some food for thought. So why go pro, not worth the USAC and UCI fees.

[@thhorwitz1]

@@elifriedman317 one other thought. A few years ago a little crit team popped onto the scene made up of the raddest and fastest crit racers around, CritLife by Aldo Ilisic. The team was wicked cool and instantly got a ton of attention. Their team cars were Porsche's. A lot of the exciting teams you see in crits spawned their ideas from the benchmark CritLife set. They combined style, swagger and speed. Teams like Astellas, Cylance, Elevate were all about racing and showed little interest in showcasing the lifestyle. That's how a small amateur team is able to get a bigger following than a domestic pro team. (of course there's more to it then just that). To my point, which team's sprinter is going to be more memorable in 2 years from now, the sprinter from team Astellas or Legion of LA? ;-)

[@100milesandrunnin]

You guys inspired me. I’m only just riding for fun, really enjoy it and it’s beautiful

[@psulse]

Love watching the races...I so miss the energy! New sub!

[@ThrivingwithOneil]

Man I’m addicted to watching you guys. Let’s go!!!

[@brockmiddlebrook4396]

They are the smartest riders in the field as well, racing, thinking and coaching the whole time. Unreal

[@JROCKG23]

Love the new commentary in the videos keep them coming!

[@saleemwaheed9956]

Mad proud of you gentleman! Join the Legion!