Weekend Racing Report - August 20, 2006

US National Criterium Championship races, Downers Grove, Illinois

Report by Jeff Hamilton, Sunrise Sports Cycling Team

Well, we lined up with about 100+ cat 2 riders from around the states for the US Pro Championships in Downers Grove Cat 2 Challenge RACE with the "DEFAULT" Category 2 national criterium championships on the line. As a team we had one objective. WIN. The moral of the team was high as we knew we could win this race. Right from the start, it became apparent that position would be a key element in this race. 8 corners with 100+ riders is a delicate art. Mark made an early effort to bring back the first break of the day. His effort was successful. The team wanted to keep the race together as our best chance to win would be a field sprint. There were 3-4 breaks, but the pack was thinking field sprint. This almost was not the case. A dangerous break of three riders gained a 15 second break with less than 10 minutes to go in the race.

With 2 laps to go the break dangled up the road around 6 seconds. I am sure a few thought as I did. Should I try and bridge. I was feeling strong and knew I had the power to bridge, but I knew that 80+ riders with 2 to go would be ready to bring them back. It was a gamble that almost failed. With one to go, the break of three was within 5 seconds. The pace was through the roof and it looked like if we caught them it would be near the finish line.

The West Michigan Coast Riders team began the lead out for Ben Renkema. His team mate, Jason Swiatlowski, ramped it up the last 1/2 of the last lap with Ben in tow. I was just off of Ben's wheel, fighting to break in. I was able to fight off a rider for his wheel coming into the 3rd to last corner. As we came up to the 2nd to last corner we caught the break. My instincts told me to punch it and go for it. I hesitated and let the pack come up on both sides of me. I saw Ben jump and I countered. I came into the last corner about 4th-5th wheel and gave it all I had coming up the left side of the road on my own. All I had gave the Sunrise Sports team a 2nd place. Ben has a strong short kick. I on the other hand needed more run-way. Ben made the winning move on the 2nd to last corner and deserved the win.

2nd was a very solid finish for our team and I was happy given the horsepower and numbers in the race. I would like to thank the team for all the moral support and Junior team member, Alex Keomany, for his encouragement from the sidelines and on the radio.

A first and second for Michigan says a lot about the caliber of racing we have in Michigan. The announcer made mention of this too.

Take care, Jeff

Full results are HERE

Jeff Hamilton (in orange at center of picture) sprinting to 2nd place "WITH A BULLET!" at the Cat 2 Challenge, Downers Grove, IL