State RR Championships (6/9/07 - 6/10/07)

This past weekend was the Florida State Road Race Championships in Ocala, FL. It was super hot!

Age Graded Championships - Saturday
On Saturday was the race for the age categories. The state championship placings would be given out in 5 year increments (30-34, 35-39, 40-44), but we would all race in the same race. This made for a HUGE field, with varying levels of ability. The race was about 55 miles, and didn't have any climbs or crosswinds to make it difficult. The finishing stretch started with a slight downhill section with a tailwind...which made for a very fast finish.

The race basically stayed together the whole time, except for a few breaks that couldn't get established. About 3 miles to go there was a wreck that took down several riders. Heading into the final rise before the finish, about 1 1/2 miles to go, Jeff attacked hard. About 1/2 mile later there was a huge wreck, that took down dozens of riders. The leadout started, and Jeff was swept up 150 meters from the line at 45 mph. Curtis was able to finish 2nd in the 30-34 category, Victor placed 3rd in the 40-44, and Jeff was 4th in the 35-39. Two podium spots, not a bad day!

Our best wishes go out to those involved in the wrecks. I know that riders had broken ribs, broken collarbones, and at least 1 concussion. Get better soon.

Pro 1,2 Championships - Sunday
This was a very, very hot day...no wind, it was like an oven. The last time I raced in heat this bad was in Tobago, which at least had some wind to help cool off a bit. Throughout the race there were several breaks, but nothing would stick. Jeff, Victor and Curtis were in many very promising breaks, but none really gained any time until about 5-6 laps to go. Victor was able to get in a break of about 13 riders, that would eventually parse down to 9. Victor was riding great, but unfortunately we weren't able to get another rider in the break to help him. He did a lot of work to keep the break from getting caught, and then paid the price in the sprint...he cramped up really bad. He rolled across the line for 7th, a great result considering he wasn't able to pedal during the sprint!

The weekend was pretty successful, and we only missed out on a state championship jersey due to some poor officiating...but that's a story for another time. Our next race is the State Time Trial Championships this coming weekend. Jeff and Curtis are ready to go, so we hope they bring back a win for ABRT.

Cheers!