In My Mind I'm Going to Carolina

Many, if not all, of the top continental professionals were in North Carolina this past weekend to partake in not one, but two US Cycling National Racing Calendar (NRC) races.

On Saturday, Charlotte hosted the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium. The event, also a part of the the USA Crits series, boast the largest prize list of the series along with $100,000 in prize money.

Health-Net presented by Maxxis' Frank Pipp outlasted the field and the Southern summer weather to take the $25,000 men's prize ahead of breakaway partner Jesse Anthony (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada). Yosvany Falcon (AEG-Toshiba-JetNetwork) rounded out the podium.

Photo: Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

The women's race came down to a bunch sprint with Colavita/Sutter Homes. TEAm Lipton, and Cheerwine attempting to deliver their sprinters to the line. Current USA Crit series points leader, Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) found herself out front "a little too early," during the finale and was overtaken by the four-time US criterium champion, Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Homes). Gina Grain (Team Expresscopy.com) came in third.

A Vicious Dig
Photo: Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Our friend Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten) was extremely animated all day. As reported by Cyclingnews' Laura Wieslo, "With temperatures cresting the 35 degree mark and high humidity adding to the discomfort of the evening, Vanderkitten's Liz Hatch was the first to attack on lap one, but was quickly absorbed when a prime was called at the end of the lap." Liz (second wheel trying to cover another Kori Seehafer (TEAm Lipton) attack; Photo: Emory Ball/Cyclingnews) finished 10 seconds back in 24th. And yes, that's Laura Van Gilder that Liz is out kicking in the image. More than impressive!

On Sunday, Tina Pic's appetite evidently wasn't squelched as she came back for a second helping at the Hanes Park Criterium in Winston - Salem. She bested Laura Van Gilder once again, with Katharine Carroll (Aaron's Corporate Furnishings) beating out Gina Grain for third.

On the men's side, Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United) brought it home in an impressive fashion. It was the team's 30th victory of the season. Jeff Hopkins (Jittery Joe's) and Kleber Ramos da Silva (Garneau-Crocs) finished second and third, respectively.

Ivan in Control
Photo: Kurt Jambretz/www.actionimages.cc

Dominguez's victory definitely was the highlight in Toyota-United's bittersweet weekend. On Saturday, the team lost Caleb Manion with a broken collarbone.

The weekend also marked the end of Team Director, Kirk Willett's, career in the professional cycling ranks. The 37 year old will begin his studies in medicine at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Of the upcoming challenge and his career in cycling, Willett had this to say,

"It's always exciting to move on to new things and new challenges, but at the same time, I've spent so much time investing and learning in one aspect of my life that I'm saying goodbye to something that's been a part of me for 20 years."

Best wishes Kirk, you've had a hell of a run.