Alex Tischenko - 2003

Originally recruited by Tieni Duro team patron/mob boss Carlo "El Grandissimo" Vanini, California-born cyclist Alex Tischenko burst onto the local racing scene in 2002, notching up victories in the internationally renowned Alameda Twilights Series races #5 and #9. Along the way, Tischenko served as a criterium domestique for Tieni Duro, aiding team leaders Jason Martin and Evan Anderson in their veritable cornucopia of victories in 2002.

Despite a noted dearth of climbing ability, Tischenko worked hard over the summer training for the sport of triathlon, claiming victory in his first ever triathlon against a 15 man junior field, and salvaging a hard fought second in an injury-riddled X-Terra olympic distance offroad triathlon.

"The X-Terra was the penultimate sporting goal of my season, and although it was not as successful as I had hoped, I learned valuble lessons not only about the nature of sport, but also about myself," said Tischenko

Feeling the demands of a hectic senior year of high school, Tischenko's 2003 racing season got off to a slow start. Lacking a solid base of fitness, and sidelined with illness on more than one occasion, Tischenko had to re-evalutate his goals for the season.

"I had originally hoped to be competitive in the early season criteriums and road races, perhaps even leading the team to a victory, but soon I found myself outgunned by our rivals," he said.

Tischenko once again took on the role of domestique, this time for noted climber and countryman Max "The Russian Concussion" Spirin. Lining up at the early season Pilarcitos Stage Race, Tischenko witnessed Spirin's crushing domination of a mountain time trial.

"M-diddy's [Ed. note: Spirin's] performance inspired me not only to train harder but also work more effectively for my team."

The final stage of the race, a criterium set amongst a backdrop of eucalyptus trees and sweltering pavement, saw Tieni Duro rise to the occasion and dominate the race, attacking and sending riders off the front continuously.

"The College Heights criterium was a great day for me, not only because we won in such a dominating fashion. The night before, I recieved acceptance letters from Northwestern, Pomona, and Middlebury colleges. It was at that point I realized that I wouln't be riding with those suckers next year. Ha ha ha...wait, you're not going to include that, right?"

The season continued with ups and downs. Tischenko captured Tieni Duro's only podium spot at the Sea Otter Classic, taking a fifth place in the MTB Short Track. Tieni Duro rode to an excellent placing in the 24 Hours of Adrenalin: Laguna Seca mountain bike race, Tischenko's 4th such event.

As the school year waned, Tischenko embarked on a series of criteriums, with his ultimate goal being the Junior District Criterium championships. However, fate intervened, and a cold kept him from training effectively.

"I had really hoped to do better in those criteriums, but I was happy to do what I could to work for the team, and witness the emergence of our newest danger man, sprinter Josh O'Mary."

Having ultimately decided on Pomona College, Tischenko plans to focus his summer on triathlon, as well as the velodrome. His other interests include current events, journalism, long walks on the beach, and writing about himself in the third person. Although undecided about his future career, he plans to continue racing and riding his bike throughout college.

"If there's one thing Tieni Duro has taught me, it's never to give up, no matter how much it hurts or how badly you think you're doing. It's always better to finish than to quit, in racing and in life."

"Also," he continued, "I learned never to spite the Italians. One day I dropped Carlo on a climb, the next day I woke up to find a horse's head zip-tied to my bike's handlebars. Beware those Italians, I tell you."