Wednesday, May 31, 2006

A Local Treat In Arlington, Va.

Granny is probably much better versed on female sprinters than I am, but I should probably be excited about defending champion Laura Van Gilder leading a long list of the USA's strongest female sprinters at the 9th annual CSC Invitational Pro/Am bike race Saturday right here in Arlington.

Mike Armellino and I will probably bike over from Vienna to watch the races, which begin at 8 a.m. The men's 100-lap race over a tight 5-turn, 1km course begins at noon. I have yet to see the field -- especially the CSC team.

The women's race will cover 50 laps. Van Gilder of TEAm Lipton (that's really how they write it!) is a two-time winner in Arlington. Other top crit specialists include current U.S. National Criterium Champion Tina Pic (Colavita Cooking Lite), Laura Yoisten (Victory Brewing), Shannon Hutchison-Krupat (Aaron's Corporate Furnishings) and Charm Breon (Diet Cheerwine).

Charm?

All of these women have had consistent podium finishes at the top criteriums around the USA this year, and have also placed in the top three in Arlington in previous years. "I love this race!" said Van Gilder. "There is no doubt it may be the hardest crit on the calendar, but good team tactics will be rewarded. Both times I've won here my team controlled the field while I was able to stay away up front."

So, should I be excited, Granny?

No comments:

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

A Local Treat In Arlington, Va.

Granny is probably much better versed on female sprinters than I am, but I should probably be excited about defending champion Laura Van Gilder leading a long list of the USA's strongest female sprinters at the 9th annual CSC Invitational Pro/Am bike race Saturday right here in Arlington.

Mike Armellino and I will probably bike over from Vienna to watch the races, which begin at 8 a.m. The men's 100-lap race over a tight 5-turn, 1km course begins at noon. I have yet to see the field -- especially the CSC team.

The women's race will cover 50 laps. Van Gilder of TEAm Lipton (that's really how they write it!) is a two-time winner in Arlington. Other top crit specialists include current U.S. National Criterium Champion Tina Pic (Colavita Cooking Lite), Laura Yoisten (Victory Brewing), Shannon Hutchison-Krupat (Aaron's Corporate Furnishings) and Charm Breon (Diet Cheerwine).

Charm?

All of these women have had consistent podium finishes at the top criteriums around the USA this year, and have also placed in the top three in Arlington in previous years. "I love this race!" said Van Gilder. "There is no doubt it may be the hardest crit on the calendar, but good team tactics will be rewarded. Both times I've won here my team controlled the field while I was able to stay away up front."

So, should I be excited, Granny?

No comments: