JeremiahBishop.com News

Bishop Joins World Bicycle Relief at Interbike 2008

2008-09-18T15:34:00.003-04:00

Short Track and Marathon Mountain Bike National Champion Jeremiah Bishop will join forces with World Bicycle Relief to continue to spread the positive message of the power of bicycles.

Bishop looks forward to greeting members of the cycling industry and spreading awareness about the mission of World Bicycle Relief. He is a long-time supporter of the non-profit organization that provides comprehensive bicycle programs for healthcare, education and economic development initiatives to help people in underdeveloped regions survive and then thrive.

Bishop will be available for discussion, photos and autographs,

Wednesday Sept. 24, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thursday Sept. 25, 10 - 11 a.m.
World Bicycle Relief booth #1336

The World Bicycle Relief booth is located at the front of the Sands Convention Center exhibitor hall, next to SRAM Corp.

For more information, visit http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/.

Bishop to Promote Prostate Cancer Awareness Project at Interbike 2008

2008-09-18T09:00:00.003-04:00

At Interbike 2008, Short Track and Marathon Mountain Bike National Champion Jeremiah Bishop will join forces with the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project to promote its mission of significantly increasing the prostate cancer survivor rate by dramatically increasing the rate of early detection.

At Interbike, Bishop looks forward to greeting members of the cycling industry and raising awareness about the significance of early detection promoted by the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project.

Bishop will be available for discussion, photos and autographs,

Wednesday Sept. 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Thursday Sept. 25, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Prostate Cancer Prevention Project booth #3308

The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project booth is located in the front of the Sands Convention Center exhibitor hall, across from the Krptonite and Topeak booths.

For more information, visit http://www.prostatecancerawarenessproject.org/

Bishop Adventures with Bike

2008-09-15T18:53:00.006-04:00

Last fall, Bike editor Kip Mikler and photographer Chris Milliman journeyed to Jeremiah Bishop's hometown of Harrisonburg, Virginia for a taste of the rugged terrain and famed trails of western Virginia. Their adventurous account is featured in the September/October 2008 issue that is now available on newsstands.

Mikler's story complements the issue's theme "Why the East Coast Rocks," and will have readers ready to recreate his adventure as crisp autumn days return.

"Tucked into Appalachia, straddling the border between Virginia and West Virginia, is a rugged region that has played an important but largely unrecognized role in mountain biking. It is the birthplace of 24-hour racing, and is home to some of America’s best racers and thousands of devoted riders. We explore the region to discover what makes the towns, the people and the trails so exceptional."

American Mountain Classic Stage Four: Bishop Crowned Inaugural Champion

2008-08-24T22:02:00.004-04:00

August 24, 2008 - Starting Stage Four with just six seconds separating them in the overall classification, American Mountain Classic race leader Jeremiah Bishop and second ranked Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski set themselves apart from the rest of the professional men's field in yet another heated battle to the finish line. Today it would be Horgan-Kobelski to cross the finish line first, though Bishop would retain his stronghold on the leader's jersey and become the first champion of the American Mountain Classic. The event, which has boasted fierce professional competition and provided an exceptional race experience for amateurs, has undoubtedly lived up to its title.

Early on in Stage Four, it was Bishop who appeared motivated to push the pace in attempt to further his overall lead on Horgan-Kobelski, but it was the later who matched the leader's relentless attacks. After more than 45 miles of racing, Horgan-Kobelski retaliated with a move that put him nearly 20 seconds ahead of Bishop on the course's descent of Dark Hollow.

The new leader was unable to gauge the time back to his chaser, but Bishop was motivated by the swirling dust cloud that grew ahead of him - Horgan-Kobelski was just ahead as the two riders approached a 5-minute climb that would be followed with a rolling descent to the finish line. Bishop refined his riding position to that of a time trialist and powered toward the base of the climb, regaining contact with Horgan-Kobelski who continued his brutal effort to overtake the race lead.

Riding behind Horgan-Kobelski, Bishop appeared to gather a little rest on the downhill and briefly pulled ahead into the lead before relaxing the pace and returning to a comfortable position behind Horgan-Kobelski as the pair rode into a headwind. Horgan-Kobelski resumed a driving pace while Bishop, 6 seconds ahead in the overall classification, followed carefully as they approached the final stretch. Horgan-Kobelski lead the pair into a sprint and for the first time was able to cross the finish line first, one tenth of a second ahead of Bishop, to take the stage, while Bishop sealed his lead in the overall classification to become the first champion of the American Mountain Classic.

Full results and links to event coverage will be updated below as available:
(Some discrepancies in coverage. The AMC considers each day's event a proper "Stage," some coverage refers to the first Stage as a "prologue" and begin numbering subsequently.)

MTBRaceNews.com Stage Four (titled "Three") preliminary results here.
MTBRaceNews.com Stage Four (titled "Three") Greg Gibson report is here.

American Mountain Classic Stage Three: Bishop Holds Lead

2008-08-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

August 23, 2008 - For a third day, racing was neck and neck at the American Mountain Classic, with race leader Jeremiah Bishop crossing the finish line four tenths of a second ahead of Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski. The stage victory increased Bishop's overall race lead to just six seconds over second ranked Horgan-Kobelski.

From the start of Stage Three, Ryan Trebon made it clear that he wanted to move up in the overall classification. Trebon attacked early and separated himself from the front chase group that included Bishop, Horgan-Kobelski, Ben Sonntag, Colin Cares and Manuel Prado. Unfortunately for Trebon, the smooth fire road that allowed him to power away provided the terrain on which his chasers could easily work together to reel him in.

Catching Trebon on the course's steepest section and just before entering the single track, Horgan-Kobelski set a fierce pace and was followed by Bishop and a string of chasers. Hailing from Boulder, Colorado, Horgan-Kobelski would seem best suited to compete in the day's ultra high altitudes, and unleashed a furry of attacks at the front of the race. Bishop seemed content to respond to Horgna-Kobelski's accelerations, biding his time until putting in a major effort of his own.

Bishop's acceleration separated him from Horgan-Kobelski only briefly as the two climbed the Peak Trail approaching the final single track descent. The riders continued to match each other's pace as they ripped down the course's last descent. Looking ahead at the final turns before the finish chute, Bishop and Horgan-Kobelski sprinted hard, each powering for the lead around the first corner. The two riders came into the corner hard, but while Horgan-Kobelski momentarily stumbled, it was Bishop who powered through and was first to cross the finish line.

A third stage victory and retention of the leader's jersey mark Bishop going into Sunday's final stage where 54 miles of racing will determine the outcome of the inaugural American Mountain Classic.

Full results and links to event coverage will be updated below as available:
(Some discrepancies in coverage. The AMC considers each day's event a proper "Stage," some coverage refers to the first Stage as a "prologue" and begin numbering subsequently.)

MTBRaceNews.com Stage Three (titled "Two") results are posted here.
MTBRaceNews.com Stage Three (titled "Two") Greg Gibson report and photos are here.

American Mountain Classic Stage Two: Bishop Defends Leader's Jersey

2008-08-22T17:30:00.003-04:00

August 22, 2008 - Fierce racing continued today at the American Mountain Classic, where Stage One race leader Jeremiah Bishop defended his leader's jersey.

At 9 a.m., racers rolled out for a 55-mile epic, which would feature 5,000 feet of elevation gain and over 30 miles of pure single track on the Virgin River Rim Trail. As promised, the course tested each rider's fitness.

As in Stage One, race leaders included Bishop, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, Ryan Trebon and Ben Sonntag, who again was eager to set a fast pace from the gun. The elite men traded turns at the front, each pushing the pace, and seeming equally matched on the challenging route.

Ascending the final steep climb of the course, the leaders narrowed their group, dropping Trebon as the intensity of the pace continued. At the summit, Bishop, Horgan-Kobelski and Sonntag knew the remaining four miles - a wide-open, loose and sketchy Super D-like downhill - would ultimately determine the day's champion.

Horgan-Kobelski and Bishop charged ahead of Sonntag matching each other through the rough descent. At the sudden hairpin 90-degree left turn to the 400-meter finish stretch, both riders slid out hard around the turn - Bishop slightly over-geared and Horgan-Kobelski skipping his chain. Both riders quickly corrected and surged ahead to the finish line, where a lunging Bishop bested Horgan-Kobelski to the line by a mere six-tenths of a second to take the win and retain the American Mountain Classic leader's jersey going into Stage Three.

In the women's event, the tables turned with endurance specialist Monique Sawicki pulling ahead of Stage One's leader Lea Davison, who seemed to be feeling the effects of the course's high altitude. Sawicki captured the win, while Trek/Volkswagen's Jenny Smith rode a strong race to finish in second place, and Davison held on for forth. With two major stage's remaining, the women's event is wide open and should prove to be an exciting race to watch.

American Mountain Classic Stage 1: Trek/VW in Both Leaders' Jerseys

2008-08-21T21:54:00.009-04:00

Trek/Volkswagen teammates Jeremiah Bishop and Lea Davison claimed a pair of victories in Stage One of the American Mountain Classic. Bishop and Davison will take to the start line of Stage Two wearing the race leaders' jerseys.

The American Mountain Classic started with a 6-mile Prologue using the town trail in Brian Head. The 6-mile loop is a mix of fire road, single track and double track and will gave racers a taste of what it will be like racing at over 9,000 feet for the next three days!

In the men's race, a fast pace was set from the gun by German Ben Sonntag. Sonntag and race favorites Jeremiah Bishop and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski separated from the chasing field. Ultimately, the win was decided in an all-out sprint to the line between Bishop and Horgan-Kobelski. Bishop claimed the victory and was awarded a $500 cash prize for the effort. Bishop's teammate Brian Smith also took a stand on the podium with a fifth place finish.

The women's field – stacked with the nation's top endurance racers – had to contend with the likes of cross-country stars Lea Davison and Heather Irmiger and professional triathlete Jenny Smith. This trio of racers was able to charge ahead of the field and cross the finish line for first through third places, respectively. Davison's win came 27 seconds ahead of Irmiger, with Smith only 48 seconds back. Davison also claimed a $500 cash prize for the day.

Amateur racers used the prologue to establish starting positions for tomorrow's stage.

Links to coverage of A.M.C. Stage One will be updated below, as available:

MTBRaceNews.com has Pro Men's and Women's Results
MTBRaceNews.com Greg Gibson's A.M.C. Stage One Report

Bishop Among Top U.S. and International Pro Talent to Compete at American Mountain Classic

2008-08-21T12:29:00.006-04:00

The American Mountain Classic is shaping up to be a who's who in the U.S. cross-country and endurance-racing scene. The event format and course layouts should make for an even playing field as the stars of mountain bike racing converge on the resort town of Brian Head, Utah, August 21-24 to stake their claim at a combined $20,000 pro purse.

In only its first year and already touted as "America's richest mountain bike stage race," the American Mountain Classic is drawing some of the sport's top cross-country talent, including 2008 U.S. Marathon Mountain Bike and Short Track Cross Country National Champion Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/Volkswagen), along with his teammates Lea Davison, Jenny Smith and Brian Smith. Also slated to compete is duo of Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and Heather Irmiger (both of Subaru/Gary Fisher), and Ryan Trebon (Kona), who won the Deer Valley National XC in June. Additionally, Tim Allen, America's top U23 racer at the 2008 World Championship, along with Sue Butler (Monavie/Cannondale) throw their names into the hat as some of top talent set to compete in this years event.

Adding to the events international flavor is five time Australian National Champion and Santa Ynez National XC winner Sid Taberlay, along with his Sho-Air/Specialized teammate Costa Rican Manuel Prado, who is fresh off a third place at the 2008 Leadville Classic.

Joining the cross-country stars are endurance queen and 24 Hours of Adrenaline Solo World Champion Rebecca Rusch (Specialized) and three-time La Ruta de los Conquistadores winner Louise Kobin (Sho-Air/Specialized).

The American Mountain Classic offers amateur competitors a chance to ride some of America's most pristine trails and a shot at winning fantastic prizes, including custom champion and race finisher jerseys.

For more information about the American Mountain Classic, visit the event's site by clicking here.

Bishop Among Prominent Athletes to Join USADA's Efforts to Inspire Clean Sport

2008-08-11T14:20:00.005-04:00

COLORADO SPRINGS - USADA announces the launch of its My Victory campaign aimed at helping America's athletes understand and embrace the ideals of competing clean. True to USADA's mission, this campaign is another step toward protecting the integrity of fair and clean competition, and ensuring the health of America's athletes.

USADA's My Victory campaign was developed in collaboration with a number of America's inspirational Olympic athletes. The name My Victory symbolizes the ideal that all athletes fully dedicate themselves and make sacrifices for the love of their sport, in the interest of reaching the pinnacle of success, which is personal achievement through honest effort and ability, and without performance-enhancing drugs. The My Victory campaign is an ongoing effort by USADA to revitalize the true purpose of athletic competition, and refers to all athletes striving to achieve their own victories, whether that means placing first, third, fifth, tenth... or simply participating for the joy of competition.

"As athletes, we feel strongly about having a platform to demonstrate that hard work and 365-day-a-year dedication, combined with natural ability can lead to the achievement of the Olympic dream," says Michael Phelps. "We want to be living proof and an inspiration for those athletes who come behind us that there are no short cuts to achieving results."

The athlete-members appearing in this public service campaign serve as role models for the mission of protecting clean sport, and have voluntarily committed their participation in order to demonstrate their allegiance to the principle of fair play. As a part of the My Victory campaign, these athletes have pledged to formally uphold this commitment to clean sport. In this role, these athletes serve as representatives of their sports and the overwhelming number of America's athletes who compete clean and pursue true achievement. USADA is encouraging all athletes to make a pledge for clean sport by visiting the My Victory section of the USADA website at www.USADA.org/MyVictory.

The athlete-members participating in My Victory include:
Kristin Armstrong (Cycling)
Jeremiah Bishop (Cycling)
Bryan Clay (Track & Field)
Natalie Coughlin (Swimming)
Allyson Felix (Track & Field)Tyson Gay (Track & Field)
Sarah Hammer (Cycling)
Michael Phelps (Swimming)
Christine Thorburn (Cycling),
Dara Torres (Swimming)
Dee Dee Trotter (Track & Field)
Lauryn Williams (Track & Field)

USADA is pleased to have support and collaborative relationships for this campaign with a number of entities who embrace the anti-doping movement, including the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

John P. Walters, Director, National Drug Control Policy stated: "Educating young athletes about the health dangers and ethical consequences of drug use in sport is an essential component in our anti-doping efforts. With the Beijing Games rapidly approaching, USADA's My Victory campaign delivers a timely and candid message about the importance of competing drug-free. As a nation, we owe these athletes tremendous gratitude for their leadership, not only on the playing field, but for their willingness to step forward and speak with passion and commitment on this important topic. Their efforts will directly touch many aspiring young athletes and send a powerful message about the true value of sport and competition."

The My Victory multi-media campaign speaks directly to athletes and athlete-supporters, and includes audio, video, print, and online components, as well as promotional materials. In addition, a comprehensive mini-site at www.USADA.org/MyVictory will provide an interactive platform for viewers to engage with the athlete-members and to take the pledge for clean sport. A YouTube interface will also allow viewers to post and share their own “My Victory” video experiences.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. USADA is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

Bishop to Compete in Fool's Gold 100

2008-07-25T13:14:00.003-04:00

July 25, 2008 - Newly crowned USA Marathon and Short Track Mountain Bike National Champion Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/Volkswagen) is set to compete in the Fool's Gold 100-mile mountain bike race, August 16, 2008 in Dahlonega, Georgia.

The race is the sixth event of the National Ultra Endurance series and is part of the three-day Fool's Gold Mountain Bike Races & Festival. The event, presented by 55nine Performance in conjunction with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) and the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA), will benefit the Land Access Fund in support of the Bull Mountain trails - the site of the first IMBA Epic.

"[IMBA-] SORBA is an amazing group," Bishop says. "I've seen their work at other races in the southeast - they're one of the most active groups in the country. It's great to see the work they perform, and I'm excited to see the trails they've prepared for the race."

With some race proceeds to benefit the local trail efforts, Bishop says he is "encouraged by the 100-mile races and how they're such good stewards of the land areas which they use."

Race Director Eddie O'Dea says, "the Fool's Gold races and festival rides will travel a historic trail system and showcase some of Georgia's most epic riding. 55nine Performance, along with the United States Forest Service and IMBA-SORBA, recognize the opportunity for improvements to the current trails and the need for opening additional trails in this area. We are creating an event that brings together a national caliber race, recreational riding and trail advocacy in a way that will generate revenue to build and maintain trails. It's a perfect circle."

To race the Fool's Gold 100, Bishop says he is excited for two reasons. "It will be my first opportunity to rock the Stars and Stripes jersey at an epic long-distance mountain bike race, and it's a great reason to explore the legendary trails of north Georgia."

"It's going to be an awesome competition; the most competitive endurance race in the southeast. I look forward to it, and I'm really excited to see all the trails," he says. "A race like this is a really cool way to see a region's best trails. One hundred miles really highlights an area. Without even having to use a map, you get a great tour of the best riding in the region."

The Fool's Gold Festival will have organized rides, games, bands, on-site food & lodging, and more for the entire weekend of August 15-17, 2008.

For more information about the festival and mountain bike races, visit www.55nineperformance.com/100.html.

Bishop Short Track National Champion, Promotes Clean Sport

2008-07-22T16:09:00.001-04:00

Bishop Claims Another Title: In A Surprise 'Burg Cyclist Wins Short Track
Posted 2008-07-22
By Mike Barber, Daily News Record

HARRISONBURG - Jeremiah Bishop had never won a professional short-track mountain bike race. Now, he's the surprise national champion.

Bishop pulled away with five laps to go and held off a surge by Barry Wicks to win the pro men's short-track title at the USA Cycling mountain bike championships on Sunday in West Dover, Vt., just 16 days after claiming the national crown in the mountain bike marathon.

"That sprinting mentality and super high speed, attack speed, was never my strength," Bishop, a Harrisonburg resident, said by phone Monday as he drove back to Virginia. "To win this race, it's really just amazing. I don't think I would have believed that I won both of them. The marathon for sure, that's my specialty. Longer races are definitely better for me."

The 32-year-old Bishop finished the course in 24 minutes, 16 seconds. Wicks placed second in 24:24.

"I conserved my energy," Bishop said. "I picked one major move. I'm not much of a sprinter."

On July 4 in Breckenridge, Colo., Bishop won the national championship in the longer marathon race, the kind of endurance affair that is his niche. The pair of wins helps raise his national prominence in the cycling world, and gives him a more visible pulpit to talk about the issue of doping in athletics.

Bishop recently got involved in the U.S. Anti Doping Agency's My Victory campaign, submitting to extra drug testing - both urine and blood samples - and serving as a spokesman for the anti-doping effort.

"He did that on his own individual initiative," said Zack Russell, manager of Bishop's Trek Volkswagen team. "Jeremiah is fervently anti-doping in mountain biking, road racing, all athletics. He's very vocal."

Among the notable athletes also participating are track stars Tyson Gay and Allyson Felix and swimming stars Michael Phelps and Dara Torres.

As part of the program, Bishop said, a film crew followed him for a day as he trained in Harrisonburg, gathering material for a public service announcement aimed at convincing children that doping is not the way to victory.

"Trying to send a positive message, I think, is really important," Bishop said. "It's really got to stop and it requires a positive role model approach that kids can believe they can actually win clean."

Voluntarily subjecting himself to the additional screenings - which also can include experimental testing methods - allows Bishop to prove he is competing without the aid of performance-enhancing drugs.

"Mountain biking has not had the crisis with doping that road cycling has, but some of the general public doesn't discern between the disciplines," Bishop said. "It does really feel good to have that in my corner. You can really look back on your accomplishments when you compete clean, and say, ‘Look what I did."'

That's exactly what Bishop was thinking when he crossed the finish line to win the short-track title Sunday.

"It came out of the blue," said Bishop's teammate and fellow Harrisonburg resident Susan Haywood, herself a three-time short-track national champion.

Haywood's competing at the nationals was cut short when she suffered a broken tibia and fibula in her left leg in Saturday's cross-country race.

"It was the end of the first lap, coming around the corner and I stuck my foot out and stepped on a rounded rock," Haywood said Monday from her home, where she is recovering from surgery that will keep her off her feet for two weeks and off a bike for at least six. "It just rolled my ankle and I knew it broke right away. It was very painful."

As for Bishop, the short track has never been his best event, but that doesn't mean he doesn't enjoy those races.

"Short track, it's kind of got some NASCAR elements to it," Bishop said. "It's a really short lap. It's high energy, action packed. There's drafting in the start-finish area, a good straightaway stretch."

How did he manage the win? Bishop said he's been working on improving his short-track starts; Sunday, he got to the front of the pack early. Once there, Bishop had the stamina to stay in the lead.

"I think his fitness has come to a remarkable peak," Russell said. "It's a combination of the hard work that he does at home and the extensive racing he's doing during the season. Despite his natural gift for the longer races, I think the hard training he's done has given him an extra edge."

USA Cycling doesn't use the national championships to select the Olympic team, so Bishop won't be heading to Beijing. Instead, the Olympians are chosen based on their performance in the early part of the World Cup series of races and the World Championships.

But after falling ill before some of the early World Cup races, Bishop readjusted his plan for the year to be ready for the national championships.

"Sometimes you have to chart your own path," Bishop said.

Bishop Wins Firecracker, U.S. Marathon Mountain Bike National Championship

2008-07-07T10:54:00.002-04:00

July 4, 2008 - For Jeremiah Bishop (Trek/Volkswagen), Independence Day began parading down Main Street of Breckenridge, Colo. alongside more than 800 other mountain bike racers in the neutral start of the Fourth of July Firecracker 50, which served as the 2008 U.S. Marathon Mountain Bike National Championship.

Before the day's first fireworks would burst into the sky, Bishop would see his share of excitement, competing on two laps of the 25-mile Firecracker course.

Following the neutral start, Bishop commanded the race lead by mile 15, after the course's first 2000-foot ascent. "I had a strong race going with a 90-second lead," he says, "when my chain got caught in the spokes."

Bishop was forced to repair his bicycle while his closest competitors passed him by. Focused on mending his chain and spokes, he was unaware of whom or exactly how many had passed him.

When Bishop resumed racing, he began his chase hoping to rally his efforts for a top-5 finish. He caught up with former teammate Travis Brown and the duo was able to work together and regain lost time on the flat fire road before the major descent to the start/finish where they would begin lap two.

"I just buried my head and went flat out the second time up the 2000-foot ascent. I was fired up after losing the lead," Bishop explains.

Then, just as it seemed that Bishop was making good headway, his chain snapped yet again.

"I laughed as [Brown] passed me again just as I was remounting. That's the nature of bike racing," and Bishop hoped nothing else would go wrong.

Resuming the chasse, Bishop says he charged up every hill at his maximum effort. As he caught up with another rider, he realized it was veteran racer Dave Wiens, who Bishop had looked up to as he was beginning his own racing career. "[Wiens] encouraged me to chase hard, there were two riders who were just 30 seconds ahead."

With seven miles to go and only one major climb remaining between him and the finish line, Bishop says he was in the "hurt locker." Pushing himself to the limit, Bishop caught one of the riders just before the pair was set to enter a single-track section of trail. Bishop says he momentarily recovered before launching an attack to be the first onto the trail. Then he relied on his technical handling ability to make up time on Evan Plews, the remaining rider whom Bishop thought he had a chance of catching before the finish line.

"I caught [Plews] about halfway down the descent," says Bishop.

As the two riders charged for the finish, Plews entered a rocky section at a high speed and flatted one of his tires. Bishop continued the charge, but conceded it was unlikely that he would catch any more racers. "At that point, I just tired to stay smooth and not crash."

Bishop rode the final stretch to the finish line in front of a crowd of cheering spectators and racing fans, content with a valiant effort and a probable spot on the podium.

Upon crossing the finish line, Bishop was mobbed by jubilant members of his Trek/Volkswagen team, doused with beer and became the center of what seemed to him like an overeager celebration.

Amidst the cheering and shouts of "you won!" and "congratulations!" the reality hit Bishop - he had just won the race and would don the stars-and-stripes jersey of National Champion.

"I had no idea why people were spraying me in the face with beer and jumping on me. But after a second or two it started to make sense." To win the National Championship on Independence Day, Bishop says, "It was a great Fourth of July surprise!"

2008 Absa Cape Epic News Recap

2008-05-19T09:23:00.006-04:00

The South African dust is settling from the 2008 Absa Cape Epic. Here's a look back at highlights from the event.

Race Leader Board and Live Rider Tracking
The latest results, real-time tracking and links to live coverage view the site...

Cycling.TV Free 24-minute Video Recaps

View the 2008 Cape Epic preview watch video...
3/28 Prologue Time Trial watch the race...
3/29 Stage One watch stage one...
3/30 Stage Two watch stage two...
3/31 Stage Three watch stage three...
4/1 Stage Four watch stage four...
4/2 Stage Five watch stage five...
4/3 Stage Six watch stage six...
4/4 Stage Seven watch stage seven...
4/5 Stage Eight watch stage eight...

CyclingNews.com exclusive daily team diary
Index of all entries view...
Going Epic: Trek/VW Heads to South Africa read the diary...
3/30 Jeremiah: Reality and Heat Set in on Stage Two read the diary...
4/3 Cape Epic: The Hardest Race? read the diary...

VeloNews.com exclusive mid-race interviews
Trek-Volkswagen gears up in Moab read the feature...
Cape Epic promises top fields, epic stages read the story...

A Trek Life Blog: King of the Mountain

Daily updates and photos from the Trek VW team

Cape Epic Preview: Think Tour de France meets the Baja 1000 got your attention?...
3/27 Cape Epic Photo Preview: Elephants, Baby! see the photos...
3/28 Straight from Sue: The story behind the cape read...
3/29 Chris Reports from the Cape read the update...
3/30 Reality, Heat Set In at Epic read Jeremiah's diary...

3/31 Jenny Smith Phones in from Cape Epic what she had to say...
4/1 Sue and Jenny Win Stage Four read about their day...
4/2 Another Victory read about it...
4/3 Chris Checks in, Trying Not to Crack read his diary...
4/4 Darkest Hour, Greatest Moment read the diary...
4/5 Stage 8: "No Flies on Me, Mate!" read the diary...

Check out the Trek photo gallery hosted by Flickr, or view Jeremiah's personal gallery.

USA Cycling Names Bishop to 2008 Olympic Long Team

2008-01-23T11:55:00.000-05:00

Jeremiah Bishop is among 35 athletes who are eligible to represent the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games in the disciplines of mountain bike, track and women's road cycling. Bishop is one of six men eligible within the cross-country mountain bike discipline.

As part of its nomination process, USA Cycling named a Long Team of eligible athletes in the disciplines of men's and women's mountain bike and women's road cycling, which will serve as a list of riders from which this summer's Olympic Team will named.

Of the six men named to the mountain bike squad, five received automatic nominations as the top-five Americans in the UCI Mountain Bike Rankings on December 31, 2007 and provided they were in the top 60 overall - Adam Craig (Bend, Ore.), Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Boulder, Colo.), Todd Wells (Durango, Colo.), Jeremiah Bishop (Harrisonburg, W. Va.) and Michael Broderick (Chilmark, Mass.). The sixth-ranked American, Sam Schultz (Missoula, Mont.) received the only discretionary nomination to the men's mountain bike Long Team.

"This is a gratifying acknowledgement of all the hard work I've put into [my career as an athlete]," Bishop says of his qualification onto the Olympic Long Team. "It's an honor to be recognized in this way, and it's the first step in the qualification process to making it to the Olympics later this year."

Pat McDonough, USA Cycling Director of Athletics, sent his congratulations to all the athletes named to the 2008 Olympic Long Team. "Their hard work and determination to succeed has helped raise the level of American cycling to remarkable heights and their collective accomplishments are indicative of the United States' ability to be a legitimate medal contender across all four disciplines of competitive cycling in Beijing. The athletes on this list have either proven their capabilities to win medals in major international events or illustrated the potential to do so in the future."

Jeremiah Bishop races on the Trek/Volkswagen Team and is proud to represent JBL, Shimano, Rock Shox, CytoSport, Tecnu Extreme, Bontrager, Dumonde Tech, Light & Motion, Genuine Innovations, Cane Creek, OGIO, Kustom Kar Audio, Six Six One, Sara Sport Line, The Peaks Coaching Group, Advantage Physical Therapy, Shenandoah Bicycle Company, IMBA, World Bicycle Relief, Oakley and The Sole Source.

For more information, visit http://www.jeremiahbishop.com/.

Bishop Joins VW, CarbonFund.org to Offset Yearly Emissions

2007-12-05T17:59:00.000-05:00

Volkswagen Carbon Neutral Project to Reforest Mississippi Alluvial Valley

Jeremiah Bishop, has joined Volkswagen in support of the CarbonFund.org Foundation Carbon Neutral Project.

With a donation of just $59.24, Bishop offset the 31,000 miles he has driven in 2007, split between a VW Jetta and VW GTI. "Each of us can reduce our emissions by using bicycles for shorter trips," Bishop suggests. "The Carbon Neutral Project can address the impact of the higher-mileage trips."

Through the partnership with CarbonFund.org, Volkswagen will offset one year's carbon emissions for all new Volkswagen purchases made in the US, through January 2. The Volkswagen Carbon Neutral Project has also made it easy for current VW drivers to calculate and offset their yearly emissions.

CarbonFund.org supports carbon-reducing programs focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation. Contributions to the Volkswagen Carbon Neutral Project will fund the reforestation of 1,100 acres of the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, a.k.a. the "VW Forest." Strategically planted in this fertile valley, the VW Forest will grow quickly and benefit from a long growing season each year.

Bishop hopes others will join him in support of the Volkswagen Carbon Neutral Project. "Even if your car isn't a VW, you can participate," he says. "It's something worth doing. It takes just a little time and is inexpensive compared to the price we'll have to pay if we wait until later."

To calculate your annual emissions and learn more about the Volkswagen Carbon Neutral Project, visit www.carbonfund.org/vw.

Carbonfund.org supports renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects globally that reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the threat of climate change. Carbonfund.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Jeremiah Bishop is proud to represent Trek Bicycles, Volkswagen of America, JBL, Shimano, Rock Shox, CytoSport, Tecnu Extreme, PowerBar, Bontrager, AMD, Dumonde Tech, Cane Creek, Ogio, Sara Sport Line, The Peaks Coaching Group, Advantage Physical Therapy, Shenandoah Bicycle Company, IMBA, Oakley and The Sole Source.

To learn more, visit www.JeremiahBishop.com.

Avalon and Germantown Cycles Meet Bishop's World Bicycle Relief Challenge

2007-08-08T12:00:00.001-04:00

Harrisonburg, VA - On July 28, Jeremiah Bishop won the pro men's cross country race at the 2007 Showdown at Sugar Mountain National Mountain Bike Series event. Following the award ceremony, he contributed his winnings to World Bicycle Relief and offered a challenge to the cycling community: encouraging others to match his three hundred and eighty dollar ($380) contribution, to the first person to meet this challenge, Bishop promised his race-winning number plate and an autographed jersey.

Upon hearing of Bishop's offer, partnering bicycle retail stores, Avalon Cycles of Elkridge, MD, and Germantown Cycles of Germantown, MD, met the challenge in support of World Bicycle Relief.

Avalon Cycles owner Donald Rucker explains that he has trust in and respect for Bishop. Rucker says, "If he believes [World Bicycle Relief] is a good charity, then I do, too. Matching his contribution is a great way to show our support for a good cause." He jokingly adds, "And, I wanted that jersey!"

The contribution made by Avalon Cycles and Germantown Cycles will assist World Bicycle Relief in a major project underway in Zambia, Africa. The project involves providing 26,000 bicycles to trained HIV/AIDS healthcare workers and educators. This project will require two-years and $2,969,000.

To date, Bishop's challenge has provided World Bicycle Relief the ability to deliver at least seven bicycles, which will serve an estimated 140 patients. To learn more about World Bicycle Relief, visit www.worldbicyclerelief.org.

Bishop Wins National Event, Contributes Prize to World Bicycle Relief

2007-07-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

On the occasion of winning the pro men's cross country race at the 2007 Showdown at Sugar Mountain National Mountain Bike Series event, Jeremiah Bishop has contributed his winnings to World Bicycle Relief.

Founded in 2005, the mission of World Bicycle Relief is to provide access to independence and livelihood through the power of bicycles.

"Donating my prize money is a way I can share the benefits that I've enjoyed from a lifetime of riding bicycles," Bishop explains. "I believe the bicycle is a practical answer to many of our world's problems, and this is demonstrated by the success of World Bicycle Relief projects."

Bishop's donation will assist World Bicycle Relief in a major project underway in Zambia, Africa. The project involves providing 26,000 bicycles to trained HIV/AIDS healthcare workers and educators. The objective is to bring healthcare to patients, patients to clinics, and preventative care education to communities. This project will require two-years and $2,969,000.

"I encourage others to match my donation," Bishop says, followed with a challenge, "For the next person to make a three hundred and eighty dollar ($380) contribution to World Bicycle Relief, I'll send my race-winning number plate and an autographed jersey."

To join Bishop in support of World Bicycle Relief, visit www.worldbicyclerelief.org.

To the first person to contribute $380, Bishop will proudly give his number plate and an autographed jersey.