The inaugural Bend Don’t Brake road race was on Saturday. About 150 riders showed up to compete on a rolling course on the east side of town. Academy Cycling Director, Bill Warburton, gave a free pre-race clinic to about 20 beginner men and women to talk about some do’s, don’ts and tips on how to have a more enjoyable, safer race. Bill’s talk was part of a larger effort from OBRA and promoters to identify certain races as Beginner Friendly.
A few of our juniors competed in the Category 4/5 men’s race and all was going well until about 200m from the finish when Cameron Carrick crashed in the sprint. Thanks to everyone for their quick response time and immediate care! Cameron was checked out at the hospital and released the same day with a headache and a few bits of road rash but is and will be fine.
Cole Sprague finished 8th in the sprint, a fantastic result on a sprinter’s course for a junior who thinks of himself as a climber!
The next day we switched gears (and bikes) for the Cascade Chainbreaker mountain bike race. Colin Dunlap won the category 2 junior race with Keenan Branch finishing either 2nd or 3rd in a disputed result. Cole Sprague was disappointed with his race because of a flat tire and broken chain. Coach Bill hopped into the Pro Men race and had a fun time, especially on the first lap where the dust was so thick it was almost impossible to breathe.
It was a big weekend for the program and we’re glad Cameron is okay.
We have some video from Saturday’s races thanks to Kirt, Lindsey and their GO PRO camera:
http://www.dailymotion.com/videoxd8l05
Colin (center) and Keenan (right) on the podium for Cat 2 juniors
