Our team was represented by Brian Ellis, Ben Lair, Andre McNulty, Justin Orkney and two composite riders Michael Dziedzic and Christopher Chase.
Friday’s time trial was like nothing we had done before. It was a 6.5k rolling course that ended on a climb up an unpaved road with several challenging switchbacks. Brian, Justin, Andre and Michael had impressive showings. They scored points by placing 5th, 7th, 10th and 15th respectively. Though we all managed to stay upright and upbeat, we were losing the team competition to the California based Team Revolution.
Saturday’s race was a fast and furious 6 corner criterium in downtown Murrieta that was made especially challenging by strong winds. Multiple attacks were attempted but nothing stuck until the teenage phenom that dominated the time trial got away solo for the win. With 6 laps to go, Andre jumped across to two riders from Team Revolution and Team Clif Bar Cycling. With three riders in the break representing three of the bigger teams, the break was successful. The three riders worked well together and Andre placed second of the breakaway for third overall and a place on the podium. With strong finishing sprints by Michael, Ben and Justin, we were able to take the lead in the team competition.
Our spirits were high going into the final day of racing despite strong winds and a stacked field. The cat 2 men set a blistering pace finishing the 56 mile circuit race as fast as the pro field. Midway into the race, after a flurry of attacks and a crash, the field split in two. Justin and Michael made the split of 16 riders. Realizing, we had numbers in the break, Brian and Andre were able to discourage chase efforts. In the break, Justin took monster pulls to ensure they would stay away, allowing Michael to unleash his killer sprint. Michael won the bunch sprint, placing second to one rider who attacked late in the race.
Knowing we had a 7 hour drive home, it was tough to stand around in our racing kits. We had goosebumps from the chill in the air as the sun was setting. The wait was well worth it when we stood on the podium hoisting the crystal team award above our heads.
Ah, the sweetness of victory!!!!
A special thank you to Danny Munson who provided race photography!
Thank you to California Pools and Spas for putting on an awesome race and to The Bike Shop of Temecula for sponsoring the Jorge Alvarado Team Competition.
A huge thanks to our generous sponsors Orbea, Zipp, SRAM, Pyramid Coaching, Technicians for Sustainability, R&A CPA’s, and TriSports.com!
- Andre McNulty
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