4/10/04 by Shawn Adams
Race update for the Tour of Richland County, members racing was Shawn Adams, Josh Blubaugh, Phil Esempio, Bob Grimm, and Glen Sullinger. Glen, Bob and I were in the 3,4 race which had a good field of about 50. Josh and Phil were in the 4,5 race with about 30. The conditions were perfect 55 and sunny. The 3,4 race was 42 miles and the 4,5 was 32 miles. The course was a rolling 10-mile loop with a 1-mile climb, and the finish line was at the top. The 3,4 started with a break going in the rollers on the first lap. The teams in the break were Orville (John Lorson), Breakaway, and Savage Hill. We missed the move along with Stark Velo. For the next 2 laps there was a kind of unorganized chase by Stark and us. On the second time up the climb I put in a big effort, hoping to bring the break back or bridge to it, this did some damage to the field but it didn't work. On the third lap we caught part of the break (Savage Hill). After this the chase was really on. Bob, Glen, John, Scott (Stark Velo) and I put the hammer down on the front. Bob and Glen did most of the work in the chase, which helped keep me fresh for the climb. Breakaway did a nice job of blocking. On the forth lap up the climb a Breakaway rider drove the pace up the climb, then a Savage Hill rider attacked and I bridged, then John Larson bridged and finally a Breakaway and Stark rider got on. This was a good group because all of the major teams were represented. The break worked well and the teams in the field blocked well. On the final climb the Stark rider drove the pace at the bottom, then I took over. I was worried about Larson's sprint but I was able to hold him off for the win. In the 4,5 race Josh was 4th and would have done better but cramped in the sprint. Phil had a top 20 finish. This was a great day of teamwork for the Summit Freewheelers and Allied Decal Cycling teams.