Tour of Hermann

The Tour of Hermann was as advertised. Tons of climbing. The first climb in the road race was over 400 vertical feet. Great event. Well supported by volunteers and staff. Wonderful town with great bed and breakfasts, wineries, and breweries. Temperatures were quite a bit cooler this year than last. We rolled up to the time trial with temperatures in the high 30s. The day warmed quickly though. We were in vests and arm warmers by the start.

The time trial course was rolling smooth pavement with two big climbs. Shawn Morelli was the first rider off for our team, she was followed by Erica Haas, myself and then Sean Smith. Brendan's time 37:37.262, Sean's time 37:38.237, Shawn's time 38:01.079 (metaled for third), Erica's time 38:21.301. Great job! We were all in the points for the Omnium (all three events).

The criterium course was over 150 foot vertical climb followed by a descent of 150 feet. Brutal climbing and a scary descent. Sean Smith and I raced first. Fast group. I think our leader put 1 minute and 30 seconds on the second placed rider. Sean finished strong in 13th and I was 18th. Erica and Shawn raced next. There category was women's open. Which meant super fast! Pro ladies were mixed in with beginners and everything in between. Both ladies rode exceptionally well. Erica was 10th and Shawn was 16th.

The road race course was scary. Especially for those of us who tip the scales over 185 pounds. Skies were cloudy and overcast. Temperatures were in the 50s, yet winds out of the north made it seem colder. The first climb ascended to the heavens. I was breathing so hard I couldn't hear anyone else. I thought maybe they weren't? We started out neutral through the town, although riders were still jockeying for position anticipating the first climb. We hit the climb and the field shattered. More or less you just rode with whoever was still around when your reached the top of the climb. The men rode first. Matt Doolan and James Lee joined us for the road race. In the 4/5 category we had Matt, James, Sean and myself. Sean rode like a beast. Sean was trying to close the gap on the lead group. He stayed at the front of our field. Sean finished 28th and I finished 35th. Erica Haas was also tremendous. She finished right behind the lead women's group in 13th place. Shawn Morelli was not far back in 19th place. We all enjoyed the race. This was the last Tour of Hermann. Can't wait for this weekend's time trial and road race in Leavenworth!

1. Men's 4/5 Road Race Matt Doolan was 50th and James Lee was 52nd.
2. Omnium Results:
Ladies' Open - 7 Erica Haas, 9 Shawn Morelli
Men's 4/5 - 10 Sean Smith, 11 Brendan Sheehan