According to the official Olympics website, there will be 302 total sporting events encompassing 28 sports at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This year one new sporting discipline has been added while four new events have been added. With so many events going on, it is essential to read magazines for detailed Olympic Game coverage.
The only new sporting discipline added to the Olympics this year is BMX or bicycle motorcross racing. There will be two BMX events, men's and women's individual races. The races will be a traditional 8 man, 1 lap heat. The specially-built race track features the highest starting ramp in the world--a 26 foot plunge.
BMX racing is one of many biking events including road, track and mountain bike events. The roster for the Team U.S.A. BMX is Mike Day, Kyle Bennett, Jill Kinter and Donny Robinson. Read more about these athletes and the sport of BMX racing in Sports Illustrated, Men's Journal and ESPN The Magazine.
In an effort to increase female participation in the international games, the International Olympic Committee has added two women's events. The added events are the women's 3000 meter Steeplechase and women's team events in the foil and sabre fencing disciplines; approximately 130 additional female athletes will participate in these events. For more on women athletes at the Olympics, read coverage in Good Housekeeping, Runner's World and Fitness magazines.
There is also a new swimming event--the 10k Marathon Swim, a 6.2 mile race that will take about two hours. It is both a men's and women's event and will be held at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park.
Table Tennis, which debuted at the Olympics in 1988 and now involves 172 athletes, will face a change this year. The Doubles event will be replaced with a team event, which will include 32 teams.
In its August 2008 issue, Men's Journal magazine recommends the following Olympic events: women's 50-meter freestyle in swimming on August 15, the men's 100-meter finals on August 16, women's beach volleyball on August 20, the decathlon on August 22, boxing finals on August 23 and men's basketball finals on August 23. The men's magazine editors highly recommend these events and promise them to be the most exciting match-ups of the games.
Many men's magazines like Men's Health, Maxum and Muscle & Fitness and sports magazines like Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine are currently featuring Olympic athlete profiles as part of their Olympic coverage.
About the Author
For more on this year's Olympic sports, visit http://www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?id=4157046011711&subject=0034
Jessica Vandelay is a free-lance writer in New York City.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Road Bike Trainer and You
By Daniel Lilly
Are you in the market for a new bike trainer? Is there a difference between the various manufactures? What are the pros and cons for the different types of trainers?
There are a variety of makers of cycling trainers. There is Blackburn, CycleOps and Kinetic to name a few. Each of these makers has their own twist or added feature based on the same platform/style. So there is not much of a difference in manufactures.
The different styles are as follows:
• Wind
• Magnetic
• Fluid
The good things about wind resistance trainers is they are the cheapest, been around along time and they are simple in make up. The harder you pedal the faster the fan wheel spins the more resistance you experience.
On the flip side they can be noisy to use and some lack a smooth riding, particularly when slowing down. When you start talking about magnetic and fluid trainers you start getting into trainers with means for progressive resistance.
Progressive resistance has to do with the way the trainer applies resistance while pedaling.
Magnetic (Mag) trainers are usually mid-range in the price category and have a smooth riding feel to them. They have a more realistic feel to them than do wind trainers. These trainers also have a progressive resistance band which adds to its realistic feel. Depending on your riding style these trainers might not offer the type of resistance you are seeking.
Fluid trainers are in the highest price category. They are newer and more advanced in the way they provide resistance. One thing nice about some fluid trainers is they allow you to put on a heavier flywheel for more resistance. This can be great if you want more resistance for different training programs.
No matter the type of trainer you get you can get a good work out from it. They can also help you stay in shape during the winter months. They also provide you an opportunity to focus on a particular area you would like to improve. Whichever style of trainer you decide will fit your desires, make the most of it and have fun with it.
If you would like to learn about what is New and exciting concerning trainers click here: http://www.mycyclingsource.com/road-bike-trainer.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Lilly
Are you in the market for a new bike trainer? Is there a difference between the various manufactures? What are the pros and cons for the different types of trainers?
There are a variety of makers of cycling trainers. There is Blackburn, CycleOps and Kinetic to name a few. Each of these makers has their own twist or added feature based on the same platform/style. So there is not much of a difference in manufactures.
The different styles are as follows:
• Wind
• Magnetic
• Fluid
The good things about wind resistance trainers is they are the cheapest, been around along time and they are simple in make up. The harder you pedal the faster the fan wheel spins the more resistance you experience.
On the flip side they can be noisy to use and some lack a smooth riding, particularly when slowing down. When you start talking about magnetic and fluid trainers you start getting into trainers with means for progressive resistance.
Progressive resistance has to do with the way the trainer applies resistance while pedaling.
Magnetic (Mag) trainers are usually mid-range in the price category and have a smooth riding feel to them. They have a more realistic feel to them than do wind trainers. These trainers also have a progressive resistance band which adds to its realistic feel. Depending on your riding style these trainers might not offer the type of resistance you are seeking.
Fluid trainers are in the highest price category. They are newer and more advanced in the way they provide resistance. One thing nice about some fluid trainers is they allow you to put on a heavier flywheel for more resistance. This can be great if you want more resistance for different training programs.
No matter the type of trainer you get you can get a good work out from it. They can also help you stay in shape during the winter months. They also provide you an opportunity to focus on a particular area you would like to improve. Whichever style of trainer you decide will fit your desires, make the most of it and have fun with it.
If you would like to learn about what is New and exciting concerning trainers click here: http://www.mycyclingsource.com/road-bike-trainer.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Lilly
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Top Grade Construction Strengthens Leadership in Public Works Market with Benicia-Martinez Bridge Project
Premier general engineering contractor partners with American Civil Constructors (ACC-West Coast) to complete major CALTRANS bridge rehabilitation project.
Livermore, CA (PRWEB) July 10, 2008 -- Top Grade Construction, Inc., a premier general engineering contractor, today announced the company's continued success in its public works business unit with the highly visible Benicia-Martinez Bridge rehabilitation project, marking the largest CALTRANS job Top Grade has embarked upon since its inception nearly 20 years ago. The joint venture with American Civil Constructors-West Coast (ACC), a leading construction company specializing in road rehabilitation and bridge construction and repair, is aimed at easing traffic congestion for motorists on the existing southbound Interstate I-680 as well as increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety between Benicia and Martinez.
"The bridge renovation is an important project as it marks the final step in completing the expansion to the critical regional link provided by the Benicia-Martinez bridges," said Tony Anziano, Toll Bridge Program Manager with CALTRANS. "A reduction in corridor traffic congestion and a new regional trans-bay bicycle and pedestrian facility are just two of the significant benefits that will result from the completion of this project."
Launched earlier this year and projected for completion by mid-2009, the bridge rehabilitation will be conducted in two phases with Top Grade managing all aspects of the grading and paving and ACC handling all structural improvements to the bridge. In addition to acting as the managing partner responsible for the administration, execution and successful completion of the contract, Top Grade's scope of work includes the re-alignment of both the I-680 and I-780 southbound approaches on the Benicia side as well as improvements to the southbound Marina Vista exit on the Martinez side of the bridge. Both Top Grade and ACC are confronted with significant traffic flow and complex structure upgrades to the bridge during the duration of the project, making the bridge rehabilitation a unique and challenging job for their combined team of skilled workers.
"Not only is this joint rehabilitation the first major bridge project for Top Grade, but the Benicia-Martinez Bridge job is by far our largest and most impressive CALTRANS job to date," said Brian Gates, COO at Top Grade Construction. "Securing this project in conjunction with ACC further solidifies our position as a major general engineering contractor in the public works marketplace -- helping to diversify our revenue as we continue to expand from our mainstay of private works business. By building a well thought out schedule of work, coupled with the staffing of top talent needed to execute on time and on budget, Top Grade will indeed be positioned for success on this project."
In addition to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge project, Top Grade continues to expand its public works portfolio with the newly awarded I-580/Fallon Road Interchange project in Dublin, as well as two major San Jose street rehabilitation projects. These project wins, as well as several other jobs that Top Grade continues to secure in the public works market, are helping the company continue to leverage the increased funding that the state of California is contributing towards its public roadways.
About Top Grade Construction:
Top Grade Construction, Inc., www.topgradeconstruction.com, is a premier, California-based general engineering contractor with more than 500 employees servicing projects spanning from Riverside to Sacramento. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Livermore, Calif., the company specializes in heavy highway and civil engineering construction services, including general site preparation, earth moving, excavation, grading and paving. Top Grade's clients include many of the major commercial builders, various developers as well as virtually all of the local city, county, state and federal contracting agencies. TGC has earned its stellar reputation within the construction industry through its commitment to providing superior customer service, competitive pricing, quality workmanship, state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled, professional employees on every project.
Contact:
Lee Myhre
Sr. Corporate Marketing Manager
TOP GRADE CONSTRUCTION, INC.
(P) 925.245.2191
Lee.myhre@topgradeconstruction.com
Livermore, CA (PRWEB) July 10, 2008 -- Top Grade Construction, Inc., a premier general engineering contractor, today announced the company's continued success in its public works business unit with the highly visible Benicia-Martinez Bridge rehabilitation project, marking the largest CALTRANS job Top Grade has embarked upon since its inception nearly 20 years ago. The joint venture with American Civil Constructors-West Coast (ACC), a leading construction company specializing in road rehabilitation and bridge construction and repair, is aimed at easing traffic congestion for motorists on the existing southbound Interstate I-680 as well as increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety between Benicia and Martinez.
"The bridge renovation is an important project as it marks the final step in completing the expansion to the critical regional link provided by the Benicia-Martinez bridges," said Tony Anziano, Toll Bridge Program Manager with CALTRANS. "A reduction in corridor traffic congestion and a new regional trans-bay bicycle and pedestrian facility are just two of the significant benefits that will result from the completion of this project."
Launched earlier this year and projected for completion by mid-2009, the bridge rehabilitation will be conducted in two phases with Top Grade managing all aspects of the grading and paving and ACC handling all structural improvements to the bridge. In addition to acting as the managing partner responsible for the administration, execution and successful completion of the contract, Top Grade's scope of work includes the re-alignment of both the I-680 and I-780 southbound approaches on the Benicia side as well as improvements to the southbound Marina Vista exit on the Martinez side of the bridge. Both Top Grade and ACC are confronted with significant traffic flow and complex structure upgrades to the bridge during the duration of the project, making the bridge rehabilitation a unique and challenging job for their combined team of skilled workers.
"Not only is this joint rehabilitation the first major bridge project for Top Grade, but the Benicia-Martinez Bridge job is by far our largest and most impressive CALTRANS job to date," said Brian Gates, COO at Top Grade Construction. "Securing this project in conjunction with ACC further solidifies our position as a major general engineering contractor in the public works marketplace -- helping to diversify our revenue as we continue to expand from our mainstay of private works business. By building a well thought out schedule of work, coupled with the staffing of top talent needed to execute on time and on budget, Top Grade will indeed be positioned for success on this project."
In addition to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge project, Top Grade continues to expand its public works portfolio with the newly awarded I-580/Fallon Road Interchange project in Dublin, as well as two major San Jose street rehabilitation projects. These project wins, as well as several other jobs that Top Grade continues to secure in the public works market, are helping the company continue to leverage the increased funding that the state of California is contributing towards its public roadways.
About Top Grade Construction:
Top Grade Construction, Inc., www.topgradeconstruction.com, is a premier, California-based general engineering contractor with more than 500 employees servicing projects spanning from Riverside to Sacramento. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Livermore, Calif., the company specializes in heavy highway and civil engineering construction services, including general site preparation, earth moving, excavation, grading and paving. Top Grade's clients include many of the major commercial builders, various developers as well as virtually all of the local city, county, state and federal contracting agencies. TGC has earned its stellar reputation within the construction industry through its commitment to providing superior customer service, competitive pricing, quality workmanship, state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled, professional employees on every project.
Contact:
Lee Myhre
Sr. Corporate Marketing Manager
TOP GRADE CONSTRUCTION, INC.
(P) 925.245.2191
Lee.myhre@topgradeconstruction.com
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