Jon Dechau

JWD cycling team is deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and team mate Jon Dechau. New to the team this year, Jon was the first Cat 1 rider to race for our squad. During his tenure on the team, Jon re-affirmed what we already knew, he is a superb athlete, and more importantly, he was a man of the highest character. Whether you knew Jon for years, or had just met him on a group ride, his spirit, kindness and positive attitude always left an indelible impression.

Jon came to our team as a part of a new phase in his life. Fatherhood and a new career, left less time for preparing for the rigors of Cat 1 racing. Jon recognized the importance of his new roles in life, and fortunately for us, it brought him to the JW Dundees Cycling Team. We are grateful for the time we could have him on the team.

Jon will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched. Our condolences go out to Jon's family and friends

Over that past few days many people have left comments regarding their experience with Jon Boy, please take a few minutes to look at those. Also Terry Wherry has posted a photographic tribute to Jon HERE.

Learn about Jon's legacy and how you can help. A PayPal account has been set up by the GVCC to help the family's immediate needs. Learn more by clicking here.

Cheyne Takes Third Overall at Green Mountain Stage Race

The green mountain stage race was just another great experience to have under my belt. It feels amazing to get third in the gc and to have worn yellow for one day. The competition was great just as I knew it would be, there was a national champion there and some top juniors from canada. I knew I had a shot at the gc before the race even started but it really hit me when I rode in yellow the third day. The first day was a test of pure strength up the appalachian gap and I ended up fourth unable to stay with the front three. The second day was a relatively flat circuit with some dangerous crashes and high speed sprinting. A small gap formed at the very end from teams giving lead outs and I chased, catching up just in time for the sprint. I finished 6th. The third day I was in yellow and there was an early break away with the number 2 man in the gc. I made a critical mistake by not chasing him down by myself but I figured the hot tubes team who had a man in 3rd would chase but they didn't. We ended up catching most of the break away on the last climb of the day except for two. I led the field up the climb and kids were getting shelled all over the place. Chris Monteleone from NC on the hot tubes team attacked me and I knew I must chase because he was third in the GC. I got him about 100 meters before the line to take third. The last day was a criterium in burlington. I did all I could to hang on most of the race and ended up 6th with good positioning in the last few laps. It wasn't enough to hang on to second in the GC but I was pretty pleased. This race has given me great confidence as a junior in this country and I can't wait until nationals and other big races next year. I'll really miss the race season until then. I'd like to thank the team for the support and all that everyone has done throughout the year and hopefully next year will be just as successful.

Thanks, Cheyne