A Special Thursday Night At The Track

Oude Granny has been meaning to write something up about track racing for quite some time now. And I couldn't have picked a more perfect time (or night) to head out to the Ed Rudolph Northbrook Velodrome for the Roger DeLanghe Trophy Race. Directly from the Northbrook Velodrome website:

"This premier race is a salute to Roger DeLanghe who has made countless contributions to cycling over the years. Brutally fast, this 50 lap scratch race contest pays the top 25 riders and offers the largest total purse of the season. The Trophy Race honors the legendary Roger DeLanghe, an icon on the Midwest race scene. Since his emigration from Belgium years ago, Roger has worked tirelessly to promote bike racing throughout the region, culminating in the addition of the Quad Cities Criterium to the USA Cycling's National Racing Calendar. In recognition of his achievements, Roger takes a lap of honor at the beginning of his race each year."

And this year, Mr. DeLanghe looked as good as ever leading out the 58 rider field. Yes that's not a typo, a 58 rider field. That may seem like an exceptionally overabundant field, but because of the way the Northbrook Velodrome was constructed, its probably one of the only velodromes in the country that could accomodate such a large mass of humanity.

Roger DeLanghe (Center) Still Going Strong

Wondering about the competition of the field? Well it sported all the local big names, including the 2001 Champion, Robbie Ventura. Yes, that's right, former US Postal rider, current coach of Floyd Landis, OLN Tour de France commentator, and owner of VisionQuest Coaching Services, was back in Illinois to participate in this annual speedfest.

Robbie Ventura - 2001 Winner of the Roger DeLanghe Trophy
Getting Numbers Pinned On

VIDEO: Ventura Wins

But perhaps the biggest treat of Granny's night had to be watching Natalie Klemko. A member of America's Dairyland Cycling Team, this 19 year old from Bristol, WI was clearly the class of the Womens' field. But the high school senior wasn't out on the track merely to collect easy prizes, cash, or medals last night. She came to race! If you look closely at the photo of Roger Delanghe above, you'll see Natalie to the right (kit trimmed in pink). She mixed it up with the big boys, placing in the front of the pack for the 50 lap scratch race, and immediately following the cool down/neutral lap, Natalie jumped right into the next Women's scratch race. Udderly AMAZING! (Sorry Granny couldn't resist the pun)

Natalie Klemko - Breezing To An Easy Victory