The Southeast Leadout

Road Racing

This past Tuesday the Giordana Crossroads Classic kicked off in Mocksville, North Carolina with Isaac Howe of Team Mountain Khakis taking the first win of the five race series. Wednesday night the action continued in downtown Concord. This time it was the Bissell pro cycling team stringing the peloton out on the bell lap and launching their rider Dan Holloway to victory. Tonight the criterium racing continues in Salibury and Friday evening in Concord with the final race of the omnium in downtown Harrisburg.

Chad Andrews of Total Cyclist who is the Crossroads race announcer breaks down Tuesday’s racing action.

“No one could get away even with though Mt Khakis and Kenda Pro Cycling both had eight riders in the field. In turn 1 with one lap to go there was a crash. Kenda Pro Cycling was leading it out but Isaac Howe (Moutain Khakis) was sitting in third wheel – the ideal spot. He easily grabbed the win by a couple of lengths.”
“Wednesday night the Bissell Pro Cycling team showed up with their crit guys,” continued Andrews. “Breaks would get up the road and come within 10 seconds of lapping the field. It was an accordion affect – riders would dandle up the road, almost lap the field and then the field would bring them back. No one wanted to get lapped.”

With Bissell in town and controlling the race there could really only be one outcome.

“Five laps top go the field was all together and Bissell was leading it out. It was a blur of black and red at the front with the Mount Khakis and Bissell squads. With 100 meters to the finish line the Bissell train dropped off their rider Dan Halloway for the win.”

The racing has been exciting and the crowds have appreciated the action.

“The coolest thing about this race is having these world class athletes in town to race. The crowds have been enthusiastic,” said Andrews.

When put under pressure to pick who he thinks will take the overall omnium winner Chad points to Kenda Pro Cycling Team’s Luca Damiani. Andrews is the expert so put your money on the Italian import.

Get lap by lap updates of the Giordana Crossroads action by following @ProBike RacingTV.

Tonight the Greenville Spinners are hosting their final time trial of the series at the SCTAC (AKA Donaldson Center). This 10 mile race against the clock also includes a team time trial, so grab a buddy and line up.

Saturday the seventh annual Presbyterian Invitational Criterium takes over downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. The elite women are racing for 25 miles and the Pro/Cat 1 men for 50 miles. The evenings activities start at 5:00 PM with the women racing at 6:00 and the Men at 7:00. This NRC ranked race is ranked the number one criterium of the 34 events on the NRC calendar.

Tours and Gran Fondos
The Assault on Morrow Mountain is Saturday and this scenic ride highlights the great roads and minimal traffic of North Carolina.

Another fun ride is the tenth annual Go for Blood ride. There are two cycling options: 35 and a 63 mile ride. Come out and support a good cause.

Mountain Bike
Round four of the Charlotte Mountain Bike Series is this August 11th. The races are worth double points, so now is your chance to move up the standings. The race is at the Col Francis Beatty Park.

Triathlon
The Lake Logan Triathlon on the 7th is an Olympic distance event and one of the most beautiful events in the country. The promoters promise that their triathlon, located in Appalachian mountains, will be a welcome break from the oppressive heat.

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