May 1/12 23:31 pm - US Speedweek: Beaufort Memorial Classic, report and results

Posted by Editoress on 05/1/12
 

Speedweek Overall Shifts Following Beaufort Memorial Cycling Classic

In one of the most unpredictable Speedweek events in recent history, Sam Schneider (Team TIBCO) and Frank Travieso (Team Coco's) pulled off surprise victories at the sixth annual Beaufort Memorial Cycling Classic on May 1st, the third stop on the 2012 USA CRITS Speed Week series.

As the sun was falling on "The Lowcountry," Schneider turned out to be the only rider in the women’s field who could chase down an early getaway from Kristen LaSasso (Mellow Mushroom/Rose Bandit Racing), despite efforts from determined riders like Lenore Pipes (RIDECLEAN/Patentit.com).
 
“When Sam goes, she can jump.” said USA CRITS commentator Chad Andrews. “The gap was only 12 or 13 seconds at that point and Kristen saw her coming and seemed to sit up and wait for her.”
 
Despite their numbers, LaSasso must have known that as a team, the duo stood a greater chance of hanging on until the finish. By the time they reached the mid-race prime they had achieved a steady gap of 16 seconds. Over time that separation from the field would grow to over 30 seconds. Pepper Palace/Spin-Tech Training attempted to send Kate Ross up the road for a last minute attempt at catching the break, but it was not to be. In the end Schneider and LaSasso had a drag race to the finish and it was Schneider, the 2011 National U23 Road Race Champion, who got to the line a full two and a half seconds ahead of her competitor.
 
The men’s event in Beaufort was a more unstable affair for the most part. Early attacks from Andy Crater (Cleveland Clinic Sports Health), David Wenger (Bicycle Sport Shop/pb Integrity), and Carlos Alzate (Team Exergy) were unsuccessful. But then a key move occurred that shook up the remainder of the race.
 
A group of riders including Neil Bezdek (Mountain Khakis-SmartStop), Bobby Lea (Pure Energy Cycling-ProAirHFA), Jackie Simes (Jamis/Sutter Home), Adam Liebovitz (Team Chipotle-First Solar) rolled off the front of the main field. The escape was short-lived, but because of the efforts of Chad Hartley, Issac Howe, and John Murphy (Kenda Pro Cycling) to make the catch, the field exploded. Unfortunately for Kenda, they had exhausted their resources and weren’t able to take advantage of the resulting counter-attacks.
 
That job fell partially to Team Coco’s rider Frank Travieso.
 
“It was a really hard race, and when Kenda brought those riders back, I saw Carlos Alzate go once again and I went with him.”
 
Travieso and Alzate were joined by Thomas Brown (Mountain Khakis-SmartStop) and the finale was essentially established. The trio forged such a powerful alliance that before long, there was a real possibility they might lap the field and bring more chaos to the race. In the end they would have to sprint it out amongst themselves.
 
“Out of the last corner, Alzate started his sprint really fast and I thought I would get second. But I was able to catch him just as we got to the line.”
 
For his efforts Travieso now moves into second place in the Speedweek overall just five points behind his breakaway companion, Carlos Alzate. Luke Keough (Mountain Khakis-SmartStop) holds onto third.
 
The women’s top three placings remain in the hands of Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom/Rose Bandit Racing), Erica Allar (RIDECLEAN/Patentit.com), and Sarah Fader (Pepper Palace/Spin-Tech Training p/b ABRC).

The Speed Week field heads North to Walterboro, SC on May 2nd for the Downtown Walterboro Criterium, the fourth stop in the series.

Results from the 3rd race in the 2012 US CRITS Speed Week, held in Beaufort, SC