Atlanta Crit and US 100K Race Recaps

Atlanta Criterium Series
On Friday afternoon, Oscar and Thomas found themselves with nothing to do, eventually deciding to spend the evening at a small local race. After the short drive north to Kennesaw (which was lengthened by stop and go traffic) the duo registered and suited up. Since it was Friday evening the attendance of riders was low (about 15). Shortly after the race started, a group of riders took off with neither of the Kudzu boys represented. The break quickly came back as Oscar began setting up for the counter attack with one other rider. The duo eventually lapped the field with 2 laps to go. Meanwhile, Thomas was busy watching everyone else in the field. In the last few kilometers to the finish, there was a slight miscommunication between the two. As a result the other rider beat Oscar for first and Thomas swept the field sprint for third. After the race Thomas and Oscar celebrated by buying some 'racing' candy.

US 100K Classic (NRC circuit race)
With an early morning race start at 7:15am, it was an early morning wake up call. As Oscar and Thomas drove to the race, little was said as they were both still half asleep. With over 140 starters from numerous professional teams, the race was expected to be fast but manageable. The 100K Classic, is an interesting race because of the finish, which is a 50mph plus downhill sprint. With such a large peloton it made for an easy ride in the field as breaking away was nearly impossible. Coming into the finish, the two boys were in near perfect position except when Oscar got to the front a little to early and was forced back. Meanwhile, Thomas was busy fighting for the wheels of the major sprinters from: Healthnet, Jelly Belly, and Kelly Benefits. At 2 kilometers to go, Thomas stuck to Frank Travieso’s (Toshiba-Santo) wheel thinking he would setup for the win. However, Travieso stalled causing Thomas to rethink his plan. After some last minute maneuvering, he was able to salvage the race with a 28th place sprint, approximately less than ten meters behind the winner Bernard Van Ulden of Jelly Belly pro-cycling. Oscar rolled across the line for 52nd.