As the last races of the season wind down, several Strada riders competed in the Skull Valley Road Race this morning. Our juniors led the way to great finishes. The junior race combined all junior age groups and both young men and women. The pace was controlled until the end where a great fight ensued up the final, long climb.  Nick Thorpe won the race overall and got first in his age group. He was followed by Sean Biever who had a close fight with another junior... Sean just managed to pip him at the line with a well-timed bike throw. Michael LaNue followed close behind....a Strada 1,2 and 4 in 15-16 age group! Scott Ford won the 13-14 age group defeating a far more experienced racer. To keep the winning record intact, Madi Cocuzza competed in her first road race and won the junior women category. Congrats to all!
Our remaining junior (super junior, that is),Drew Albert, rode the Cat 3 Men's race...yes, with junior gears in the hills! Once again, he showed remarkable form and tactical sense by placing third overall. Great ride, Drew...especially since he is still recovering from his National Championship Road Race, Track State Championships and Belize Stage Race...all in two busy weeks.
Scott Cocuzza chose this race to be his first road race and competed in the always tough 40+ age group. He had things under control until a loose bottle cage required him to stop. After removing it, he chased and continued to pass riders all the way to the end of the race. Great first race, Scott. Finally, our fearless ride leader and chief pilot of the Bievmobile, Jeff Biever, rode in the Cat 4 men's race and had no difficulty with the pace until a he was caught behind a series of crashes that pushed him off the road. He was unable to catch the leaders again but rode well, felt good and is happy to have missed the accidents.