Tiger winning his 5th in a row... photo used without permission.
Our team had a great day yesterday in Napa at the 34th annual Cherry Pie Criterium.
Joel Shaffer did a great job to deliver Peter Taylor to the final corner so that Peter could unleash his sprint to a Jr 17-18 win, while David Benkoski made a great bridge effort on the last lap to grab onto the back of the lead group and also receive the benefits of Joel's sacrifice, taking 3rd overall and 1st in the Jr 15-16 race (combined fields). Teammates James Laberge, Chris Laberge, Marcus Smith, Andrew Lanier, Daniel Tisdell and Alistair Eeckman all got to enjoy a slice of pie after the race.
Kevin Metcalfe started a break early in the M45 race that never came back. I was able to bridge across to him and through his efforts I counter attacked and was able to solo away for the win. Kevin held on for 6th against 100 starters.
In the M35 race Dean "Tiger" Laberge and his 4 win streak on the line was a marked man throughout the race but Kevin and I did what we could to help Dean, including Kevin's great efforts to lead Dean out on the last lap (after being a break that was caught on the bell). Into the last lap we had gaps opening up throughout the field as Kevin drove the front and I followed wheels back to the group. Kevin takes Dean to the final corner where its difficult to describe Dean's acceleration but suffice it to say that when a rider can put 4 bike lengths on a pack that quickly you're looking at something special. What a sprint!
Four cherry pies!
Local Napa write-up here.
I didn't want to jinx the team with this information before the race but check out these team results (14 years of winning Cherry Pies!)
2009- Peter Taylor (Jr 17-18), David Benkoski (Jr 15-16), Dean (M35), Larry (M45); 2008- Dean (M35), Larry (M45); 2007- Ben Barsi-Rhyne (Jr 17-18), Dean (M35); 2006- Larry (M45) - Dean (M35) on Lombardi's; 2005- Peter Allen (M45) - Dean (M35) on Lombardi's; 2004- Larry (M45); 2003- Larry (M45); 2002- did not race; 2001- Larry (M35); 2000- did not win, Kevin 4th (M35); 1999- Larry (M35); 1998- Glen Winkel (M35); 1997- did not win, Larry 3rd (M35); 1996- Kevin (M35); 1995- Glen Winkel (M35); 1994- Larry (M35); 1993- Larry (M35)
1 comment:
Probably the only time I've been relieved to get caught with one lap to go! I was tired, didn't fancy my chances in the break and didn't want to ruin Dean's streak and only get 4th place!
It's great to have team mates like Dean and Larry who I KNOW will close the deal.
Good job guys.
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