Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Teamwork pays off at Joe Martin Stage Race

The Tulsa Tough team had an amazing weekend at Joe Martin Stage Race. We ended up with 4 wins in 4 stages with 3 different riders in the Cat 1-2 race. It wasn't easy by any means but our group of guys bonded very well together and everyone rode for the team. Jay Blankenship even raced with a L1 separated shoulder he suffered 3 weeks ago at the Matrix Crits. Chris Zenthoefer, one of our main sponsors and "brain" of the team, worked hard in the early part of the road races. Janne Hamalainen, recent Master's winner of Sea Otter Classic Stage Race rode himself inside out for the team. Most Valuable Player award goes to 21-year-old 'kid' Zach Earnest for doing some serious work up Mt. Gaylor and riding himself into the ground for the team in Stage 3's break-away. Will Gault did another lightning fast TT, and hung on for 3rd place GC. Chad Cagle won two stages, and un-retired ex-pro Jason Waddell added some great horsepower to the team and finishing 2nd in Sunday's Crit to make it 1-2 on the day. Mat Ankney rode through a few cramps and always came back to the front leading 2laps non-stop in the final minutes of the Criterium. That's what teamwork is all about and while it was great to be standing on top of the podium, all those guys deserved to be up there with me (not only Will and I).

Looking forward to Tulsa Tough in 4 weeks!

Top 8 GC Joe Martin Stage Race, Cat 1/2