Uncharacteristically beautiful weather welcomed racers at the 2015 ALS Road Race Series in Perry, KS. The event was co-sponsored by the Lanterne Rouge Racing Team and by Big D Cycling.
The first event in the series was cancelled due to the typical weather associated with this race series, but it was nothing but mild temperatures and blue skies for the final two events in the series.
Many of our new 2015 team members competed at this event, showing good promise for the season. Lisa Doane showed true grit by completing the first race in the series, which included four arduous climbs to the finish.
Jay Raupp placed third in the series in his age group (the very competitive 60+ age group), with this being the first time he has been on a competitive cycling team. Donavon Hottman and Bill Wells showed good early season form, placing second and third, respectively, in the 65+ age group.
Cody Jones, new to the team and competitive cycling, won the first race in the series in Category 5. His strong showing in the second race of the series sealed his first place finish overall in Category 5.
Cody Jones showed almost too much enthusiasm with his first place finish, almost getting nipped at the line!
Another highlight in the series was Greg Vaught earning his first road win in Masters 50+. Vaught was close in points with another competitor in his category going into the final race in the series. He needed a victory to be certain of securing first overall in the series. He would not be denied. On the final hill climb, he went off road, utilizing his cyclocross skills, to get by his competitors and break away for his first win, securing his first place overall in the series, as well.
Joe Kleidosty placed fourth in the first Category 3/4 race of the series, so he needed to have another higher placement in the last race to ensure a podium finish for the series. The field increased for the final race, so another strong showing would not be easy. With an extra lap for the final race, seven hill climbs were required. Kleidosty was certainly glad he allowed himself to go cross-eyed during the training ride to Bartlett Lake at the team training camp in Scottsdale, AZ, in February. Cross-eyed he went as he crossed the line for his first road win in 2015 ~ it’s good to go into the pain cave whilst training. The win also secured first overall in Cat 3/4 for the series.
Nigel Vaught continued his winning ways, getting first in his age group for the series. Once again, Nigel benefited by having the junior race fees sponsored by our title sponsor, Keen Wealth Advisors.
In addition to all of these podium finishes, the race series also had a King of the Mountain competition. Michael Fiola, Greg Vaught, Donavon Hottman, Nigel Vaught, Cody Jones and Chip Zimmer all won a KOM t-shirt for winning the KOM competition in their respective category or age group!
Joe Rehm, new to our team, competed in his first competitive road race at this event in Category 5. Unfortunately, on the final climb, another racer tangled up with Shane Jones, causing Rehm to crash and shatter his helmet. He received a pretty nasty concussion, as a result. Rehm lives in Wyandotte County and showed he is Dotte Tough, getting back on his bike and finishing the race! He is still recovering, but is looking forward to his next event. Rehm has a nasty addiction with buying and selling bikes, recently purchasing a time trial bike that he plans to keep for a while. I think you’ll be seeing him at the time trials this season ~ less chance of getting tangled up with other cyclists!