Giov Shines Blue on the Bipass

So it's been a while since I've posted but only because there's not been much happening here on the local race seen.

Yesterday, on the home training roads of the Sugar City Camp the 5th Annual John Briceno Bypass Criterium was held under the scortching heat and blowing crosswinds. Races in four categories were on the card for teh day, a 1/2 lap "Tinymites" race for 9-12 yr olds, a 4 lap Junior event, 3 lap 4/5 Master race and the main event was the 6 lap elite/u-23.

We fielded teams in the Master and Elite/u-23.

Damian and former 3 time Cross Country champ Charlie Lewis lined up in the master event but bad luck ruled the day. Charlie managed a brief stint out front by bridging over to the day's 1st lone man escapee, but that was short lived. He would manage to finish in the 3 bunch of the day cracking the top 15. Damian would have a horrible day flatting 4 miles into the race while trying to bridge over with 3 others to yet another lone escapee. The service truck as delayed for some reason and was no where to be found when he flatted and as such ended up abandoning the race.

In the big 6 lap (60 miler) of the day after a few early attempts a 7 man group made it clear bout 3 laps into the race. This group featured 2 Santino's riders including known sprinter Jawmeighan, a local favorite from Typhoon, Byron Pope from Benny's and Nelo Acosta from the Depredadores team out of Chetumal. We had two strong guys make the seperation in Giovanni Choto and new acquistion Glen O'Brien (formly of Santino's). Glen worked his tail off in the break to try to perserve Giov for the finale, and with a lap to go lost contact from the remaining 6.

When Glen got dropped the 6 man break had 1:25 lead on the chasing field, who were being led by Santino's and the Depredadores team, both wanting to place stronger riders in the position to win. Eventually the escape was never caught and in a surprise win Jairo Campos (Typhoon) charged around the final curve to pick up the two bike length win for his team. Giov surprised many including myself by slipping into 2nd by a front wheel, Domingo Lewis (Santino's) 3rd, Byron Pope (Benny's) 4th, Jawmeighan a surprising 5th, and Nelo Acosta (Depredadores) 6th.

Giov says it's the new Blue bicycle that he's been outfitted with that made the difference...super light, stiff, and fast!!! (Thanks to E.Murph for parting with his machine back in March)

More next time.