I am writing this race update for Adrian since he is currently recovering from a long weekend of racing by taking a nap. Somehow, for some odd reason, he has been napping for three days straight.
Last weekend, in Baker City, Oregon, racers competed in a regionally prestigious stage race, The Elkhorn Classic, which is known for its uncanny ability to predict the next up and coming Pro Northwest rider. For the past five years every winner of this grueling three-day/four-stage event has landed a large Professional Contract for the next race season.
From the start Adrian lead the race after winning the opening Time Trial by a solid margin. He held this lead all the way to the last day, a day full of unexpected drama.
The last stage of this event usually consist of a 105mile road race which ends in a brutal 10mile climb to the finish. Yet, this year, despite the spell of sultry summer sun the Northwest has had, the morning of the final race in Baker City began with 30 degree weather and a snow storm. The official referees of the race decided for the safety of the riders to shorten the race to the last 25 miles.
This put Adrian at a serious disadvantage. His skill set as a racer is best suited for long, hard-man races, not pure climbing. And now he was forced to jump straight into an epic climb without the ability to tire out his competitors in the previously planned 90 miles leading up to the climb.
The final results of this race are still not decided upon as the official results have not been publicly announced.
Here is a first hand account from Adrian of the final moments of the race:
" I think I won? I finished in the front group of about 5-10, one guy won solo by I think 30-40 seconds and I had 54 seconds on him at the start of the stage. I also crashed 1k from the base of the climb and rode the whole way with my bars twisted to the side and my front wheel rubbing."
Let's knock on wood and cross our fingers for Adrian...
Here is a sneak peak at a part of Adrian's race resume--don't tell him I showed you!
2009 Highlights
Cherry Blossom Classic Stage Race
1st, 8-Mile Time Trial
1st, Columbia Gorge Road Race
1st, Volunteer Park Criterium
1st, Frostbike Time Trial
1st, Icebreaker Time Trial
1st, Carnation TT Series #2
1st, OSU Collegiate A Road Race
1st, UW Collegiate A Criterium
2nd, Brad Lewis Memorial Criterium
3rd, Athens Twilight Crit
3rd, Computrainer Grid Qualifiers
3rd, Carnation TT Series #1
5th, Stage 4, Mt. Hood Cycling Classic
11th, Stage 2
Tour of Walla Walla Stage Race
2nd, Wilson Hollow Time Trial
3rd, Waitsburg Road Race
2nd Overall
Collegiate Road Nationals
4th D1 Omnium
6th, D1 Road Race
7th, D1 Criterium
