State Road Race Championships-Category Day

Cat 3's
With our expanding number of category 3 teammates, Cycle Logic was able to field four strong, smart, competitive cyclists for the Cat 3 race. So Rob Robins, Eric Stubbs, Gerry Bouchard and Kerry Duggan toed the line. (Would have been 5, but some moron stole Roger Montes' bike the night before the race)

With the feed zone packed with other Cycle Logic teammates and supporters, the heat of the day was kept at bay by way of copious amount of ice-cold fluids. The boys in Orange and Gray were vigilant at the front in the early laps and Rob Robins was diligently going with everything that attempted to go up the road.

In the end, it was gruppo compacto and a bunch kick was surely going to be served. Due to Eric Stubbs' pension for finding the front at the end of a race, the boys sacrificed themselves in hopes of yet another good finish by Eric and once again, he didn't disappoint. Placing 7th gave Cycle Logic an outstanding finish in a supremely competitive field. Rob gave it a dig in the sprint but was bumped into the grass and was forced to roll through cyclocross style.

Cat 4's
Ken Sallot, Anthony Musalo, Mike Arena and James Penrod took to the line in the Cat 4 race which started in the heat of the day at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. The blistering sun would soon be replaced by Armageddon-like clouds which ultimately brought hurricane force winds, lightning, thunder and cold rain.

With all our 4's on top form for this race, hopes were high that we'd be able to work some tactics and have a serious card to play in the finale. With Sallot working tirelessly at the front in the early laps covering any promising move, the field thinned under the pressure and heat of the day. Musalo and Arena negotiated the hills effortlessly while Penrod found the pace to be easier than his spirited training rides over these same roads.

As the storm approached the race officials shortened the race by two laps and gave the field "one to go". With lightning strikes hitting the ground only a stones throw away from the finish line and the wind blowing riders all over the road, a portion of the field wisely exited the race and took cover along with the many stranded spectators.

Musalo bravely forged ahead for the final lap managing to stay at the front of the attacking field. As the remnants of the cat 4 field came into view on the finishing stretch, the wind was blowing the rain and the riders sideways. Unable to see the finish line Musalo misjudged his kick slightly and still managed a 9th place finish.

All of our team, friends, family and supporters stayed safe and the worst of the storm passed without casualties.

All in all, a great weekend of racing and some more great results for Cycle Logic. Thanks to all the teammates who came out and raced, volunteered driving wheel trucks and official cars, worked as corner marshals, or picked up trash along the course following the races conclusion. Cycle Logic has once again shown it's support for the Florida racing scene through its willingness to help.