Doubtful. That would
describe our anticipation Friday afternoon. As Leavenworth had just
received it's worst winter storm this year, we were doubtful there would be a
race on Saturday. We called the promoter many times. In fact, we
didn't know for sure there would be a race until 6:30 PM Friday evening.
Not deterred our team
remained focused. All our winter training both indoors and outdoors was
to pay off. The master's race was first. Zack Owen and Brendan
Sheehan raced. Zack rode at the front very strongly in his first
criterium. He went after both sprints and the final. Brendan took
8th.
Next were the Santa Fe Trails women.
Anita Gonzalez and Melissa Holstead. These two ladies rode with a
fast field. Separated from the leaders they remained focused and worked
together as a team. Because of their teamwork, Melissa took 8th in the
Women's Category 4s.
Francis Sheehan raced and won
the Children's 10-12 race. Braving the cold temperatures and snow, he has
20 percent of the series tied up.
Next was the men's category 4/5
race. Zach Owen has his sights set on the "Dirty Kanza" one of
the toughest mountain bike races in the country. He has decided to double
up on racing the Spring Fling. He raced the 4/5s as his second criterium
ever. Again he rode strongly at the front of the group. Alex
Ardussi decided to try the Category 4/5s as well. Armando Peralta looks
to be a phenomenal sprinter for our team. Armando garnered a sprint point
during the intermediate sprint in this race. That point put Armando in
11th place in the race. Mark Ramsden was also in the men's 4/5s.
Brendan Sheehan took 10th place.
Our next race was the kids
12-18. Yes. That's quite a category. Despite the huge discrepancy
in ages, John Finnegan was in high spirits at the start of the race.
Racing on a vintage 70's ten speed, John took 4th place in the race!
Our final race of the day was
the much anticipated men's category 5 race. These men are all new riders
to the sport. Our team consisted of Alex Ardussi, Bill Cole (President of
the Leavenworth Bicycle Club), Matt Doolan, Gene Lamb, James Lee, Ralph Gordon,
Kerrye Glass, and Mike Miller. All the riders rode well. Alex, Matt and
James stayed with the lead pack for the entire race. All learned a thing
or two about racing. James Lee won the intermediate sprint and took 6th
place in the men's category 5!
Thanks to Roger Harrison who
brought us a heater, encouraged us all day and took pictures! Thanks to Barb
who drove Francis to the race from Blue Springs. Great job by all the racers
who turned out for Santa Fe Trails especially Armando (11th in 4/5), Missy
Holstead (8th in the women's 4), Francis Sheehan (1st in the 10-12), John
Finnegan (4th in the 12-18), and James Lee (6th in the 5s).
We can't wait until this Saturday's Race!!
