Saturday, July 31, 2010

Friday Night Fights-Recap

The first of what we hope many Friday night fights went off last night without issue. We had a decent turnout for the first one, with positive feedback from racers and spectators alike. The ease of getting to the course along with a good fast safe course made for some happy racers. The racing was intense even with the small numbers.
The Cat 4-5 race was won in a solo break away by Jesse Miller from Clemson, SC. Jesse got away and continued to build what proved to be an insurmountable lead over the pack winning with a lot of day light between himself and the other racers.
The Masters 35+ field (One of the highest contested fields in the Southeast) was won by none other than the reigning SC Criterium Champion, Darin Marhanka. Along with Steve Sperry-Globalbike, and Eric Christopherson-Metro, these three men made a show of the course, gaining time each lap on the field and in the end lapping the field on the back stretch. It all came down to the third and fourth corner, and you do not get to be champion by sitting back. Darren made an early move to turn three which set him up to come barreling out of turn four. Daylight between himself and the other two. Eric held on for second with Steve Sperry taking third.
Fouth place went to Jae Bowen-POA Cycling.
Next on the roster was the Pro 1-2-3 field. I put out a call to some fire power from my homies up in North Carolina. Chris Harkey brought three more of the Fisher Road team, Hincapie development had a squad, with other individuals spread out. First lap was raced on the false flat drag up the front stretch at over 30mph. Justin Lowe made a strong mans move and got off the front by himself for some solo lap time. It was not to be for young Justin, with The Fisher Road team in the pack chimping at the bits to get up the road. Next thing I know, the bomb goes off and Harkey is rolling off the front in Harkey style. Gaining time on the field, he is joined by none other than registration extraordinaire Corey Fisher. The two worked together but in the end, Harkey pulled out the "W"!
Corey Fisher was second, with Justin Lowe and Adam Britton taking third and fourth respectively.

I would like to thank all of the sponsors that made this first race a success in my eyes.

The City Of Gaffney
Nestle
Nicks Muffler Shop
Rob's Jewelry
Broad River Electric Cooperative
TwoUpSports
Capri on Main
Fox Hollow Farms

Also thanks to Joey and Nancy Price for driving their pace car and Jae Bowen for helping with setting up the course.

The City came thru on these events allowing TwoUpSports to shut down what we feel is one of the best crit courses in the area. We had numerous kudos from everyone on how they enjoyed the course. Next up is Friday Night Fights-August 27th Same time, racing starts at 6:00PM, and could go into the twilight time, since the streets have lights!

Come join in, tell a friend, bring a friend, heck bring a truck load of friends.

HUMP

1 comment:

  1. you put on a great race, Bruce -- cool course, great organization, and good vibes all around. I'm looking forward to the next one in August -- with better legs next time!

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