Arlington County has a lot to offer residents, from plentiful housing options to numerous parks and convenient public transportation. But for those interested in professional sports, one must look to Washington D.C. and Maryland for baseball (Washington Nationals), football (Washington Redskins), hockey (Capitols) and soccer (DC United).
However, once a year, professional cycling comes to town and it is a showstopper. Organizers shut down the streets in Clarendon, turning the place into a technical 1 kilometer long race course. There are masters, women’s and kids’ races, but the highlight is the 100 lap men’s race (62.14 miles).
We took our son to ride in the 1 kilometer kid’s race, which he absolutely loved. Following that, the men began their race. This year, Alejando Borrajo, with Team Colavita Olive Oil / Sutter Home, won in a crazy time of 2:18:39. That’s an average speed of nearly 27 mph. Imagine riding at that pace for 2+ hours. These guys are machines.
VeloNews was on-site covering the action. For a detailed race report, see their article.
Here’s a collection of images I took from the men’s race:
Chuck Hutcheson (156), with Team Battley Harley Davidson, and Karl Menzies (22), with Team OUCH pb Maxxis, round the fast technical corner from Washington Boulevard to Highland Street.
The race is really accessible for spectators; this corner has racers coming within mere feet, although it felt more like inches.
On the same technical corner, Arran Brown (114, blue and white jersey), with Team Medscheme, slides out in the corner taking out Russ Langley (157), with Team Battley Harley Davidson. Eric Barlevav (165), with Team Mountain Khakis, manages to steer clear of the mess.
Chad Gerlach (123), with Team Amore & Vita, lead for much of the race. He almost lapped the field, coming within 8 seconds at one point.
Francois Parisine (31), with Team Planet Energy, navigates the high speed turn from Washington Boulevard on to Highland Street. The riders average a speed of nearly 27 mph.
Before the race started, my wife mentioned that an old high school friend, who she hadn’t seen in years, was a professional bike racer. By chance she ran into him before the race started and hung out with his wife, also a high school classmate. Here, my wife’s friend, Reid Mumford (13), with team Kelly Benefit Strategies, corners onto Highland Street.
Team Kelly Benefit Strategies lead the peloton in an effort to reel in race leader Chad Gerlach.
Chad Gerlach was heavily cheered on by the crowd as he effortlessly raced around the course. He lead for 60 laps and ended up finishing 6th.
Hanco Kachelhoffer (115), with Team Medscheme.
David Veilleux (16), with team Kelly Benefit Strategies.
by Chris
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