05/26/02 by Mosie & Denis
Sunday, May 26 dawned cold and cloudy for the 201 cyclists who converged on Akron to test their legs on the 1.6 mile criterium course in 10 different race categories. A racing spectacle not often seen in northeast Ohio, the event drew riders from Canada, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Cyclists came for two days of championship caliber competition over the Memorial Day Weekend and spectators were not disappointed by the fast paced racing action.
A "bump" or two in the downtown Akron course did not diminish the enthusiasm of these hardy competitors. While Ohio racers were vying for the top three podium spots and medals in their category, all racers were vying to claim the purse and primes. Experienced bike racer and smooth announcer Bill Mathys kept spectators up to speed on the racing action.
The Men's 45+ and Women's 30+ started the day's competitions riding in arm and leg warmers due to the unseasonably cold temperatures. Freewheeler Tricia Ingraham put in a good effort against a well organized Tri Tech force and finished in fourth place in the Women's 30+, missing the podium by only one spot. As the weather warmed, the Men's Cat 5, Women's Cat 4, and Juniors took to the course. Freewheeler Becky Blice rode a strong race and she, too, missed a spot on the Women's Cat 4 podium by only one place. Thirty five men started the Cat 4 race at high noon. Freewheeler Angelo Catalano battled it out in a field sprint and claimed tenth place after a strong performance by the Cat 4 field.
A brief intermission for the competitors after the Men's Cat 4 race allowed time for 17 kids under the age of 14 to sprint for ribbons and get a taste of racing. Hopefully there are some up and coming road racers in this enthusiastic group!
Next, 27 competitors took to the course for an 11-lap Men's 35+ race. Four riders managed to pull off the front of the peleton and sprinted for the podium spots. CVV racer Tom Frueh took the silver medal in this event. The Women's Pro/1/2 race saw 11 elite women contend for cash and merchandise in a 20-mile test of speed and endurance. With the weather sunny and 70 degrees, forty four cat 3 men clipped in and pulled away from the line. An attentive and hungry field prevented any successful break-aways. Freewheeler Jim Mullins won a prime and finished in the top 10 with a ninth place finish in a fast downhill field sprint.
Finally, the premier event of the day took off from the line as thirty six Pro/1/2 Men jockeyed for a chance to claim the title of Ohio's elite Criterium Champion. The pace was fast and repeated attacks finally resulted in strong break off the front of the field. After 30 fierce miles, only 24 of the original 36 competitors were there to finish the race. CVV cyclist Brian Batke claimed a bronze medal and a spot on—you guessed it—the podium.
The 2002 Ohio State Criterium Championship was a huge success. Many thanks go out to the sponsors and volunteers who made all facets of the race possible. On behalf of the Summit Freewheelers, we would like to thank all of those who gave time to make this event work.