Bicycle racing this weekend - real racing - no running! (kidding...)

This past weekend was very exciting for TARGETRAINING at races all over the country. First, Justin and No Nickname Nate raced in the Adirondack Region Empire State Games qualifier on Saturday. For you NY State guys, you know how important this is to everyone up there. Well, in a scenario soon to be repeated, Nate got in an early break and Justin bridged up a lap later. Following wheels, Justin got away with two others until they made the mistake of shifting into their small rings on a climb, and Justin didn't and rode away. This may come as a surprise to everyone, but Justin won solo. Again. Seriously, this is getting old. No Nickname held on for 5th and both guys qualified and will be representing their region and TARGETRAINING next month. Further West one time zone, 2008 Elite team rider Will No-Break-From-College Nowak raced in the Winfield Twilight Criterium in Chicago. After an attack on his breakaway mates didn't stick, Will just out sprinted them for his first USCF win of the season. Kick ass! We look forward to seeing him soon, and welcome to the "W" club. Then, on Sunday, the whole team raced at the CCC Criterium in old familiar Bethel. With Rick, Tom Toal and Client Dave racing the 45+ event, things got exciting when Rick was able to get in a solid move again. He sprinted hard and barely got nipped at the finish but took 2nd. Friggin great. Welcome back Rick, looks like things are back to normal from March! Tom was great and Dave was in the mix. Remember that Dave is no spring chicken, so to see throwing shoulder blocks race long (as well as doubling up in the cat 4 event) was pretty cool too! Frank, Jim and Bart were all in the 4 and 5 races too. Great job to Bart, welcome to the 4s. The 3/4 race saw pretty boy Max Viega and junior Ryan Storm going super strong. Ryan got in the winning move, but got bested at the finish. Conserve my boy! Then in the P123 event, the U25/Elite lads were in town in force with yours truly pinning on a number for another afternoon of pain. With cash prizes, a $100 prime and an Ipod prime on the line, the boys had their work cut out for them as their instructions were to win those primes or motor pace home. The first laps went easy as everyone waited for their signature attacks. When none came, some tried to roll off the front. Nate went with them with Justin soon to solo bridge up. (booorrrrinnnggg). A few laps later, Stylin' Ben Zawacki bridged and then soon came Matt Baldwin. So, we had 4 out of 12 up the road. With BFD Dave making a nuisance of himself by blocking in the field (much to Stage 1's dismay) Nate took the $100 and Ben the Ipod. Looks like they can drive home! At the finish, a lap card mistake by the official saw Ben sprint for what he thought was the win, only to get the bell. He tried to stay off for the last lap, but got caught at the hill and hung for 3rd. It was the right thing, he saw "1 to go" and saw red and "green". Next time as this kid is super fast! The guys rode amazing as a team and represented us all well! Next on tap, is the ultra hard Balloon Fest this Saturday (Battenkill without the dirt), then Housatonic and we are off for a week racing in the Tour of Ohio! Look for my daily race reports and wish the lads all good luck! Also remember, we are still in desperate need for drivers to help with the HHRR next Sunday. It is a lot of fun driving either an official or wheel support and is a good way to serve the sport and the club. Please let me know if you can help! Thanks, and go fast!