USA Crits Series - NE

USA and Canada, April 26-September 25, 2008

Photography

Race 11 - September 25: USA Crits Finals, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

Jen McRae (Advil-Chapstick) tried to get the crowd cheering with one lap to go.
Jen McRae (Advil-Chapstick) crosses the line way ahead of the rest of the field.
The mens race started the night with a huge field.
Crowds look on as the field starts to get strung out.
A break forms part way through the race.
Hilton Clarke (Toyota United) gets to the front as they close in on the last laps.
Hilton Clarke (Toyota United) made the sprint look easy tonight.
Umbrella girls were on hand to escort riders to the start line.
Riders hit the deck in turn one.
Mandalay Bay was the back drop for the late night pro crit.
Turn one continued to be a problem all night.
A break gets a gap in the pro mens race.
It was quite race scene in the Mandalay Bay parking lot.
Enough with the champagne already!

Race 10 - September 13: San Francisco Grand Prix, San Francisco, California

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Images by Larry Rosa Photography/larryrosa.com

The finish of the elite men's race
Daniel Ramsey (Time Pro Cycling) takes his team's second USA Crits win.
Christine Thorburn (Webcor)

Images by Ken Conley

Shelly Olds (Proman) takes the win in the women's race.

Race 9 - August 24: Chris Thater Memorial, Binghamton, New York

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Images by David Williams

Hilton Clarke (Toyota United) claims victory over Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home), who won the sprint for second place.
Men's podium (L-R): Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita/Sutter Home), Hilton Clarke (Toyota United) and Eric Boily (Equipe Volkswagen).
Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) leads break-away mate Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine Cycling) who she beat in the sprint finish.
Women's podium (L-R): Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine Cycling), Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) and Kacey Manderfield (Verducci/Breakaway).

Race 8 - August 2: Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Crit, Charlotte, North Carolina

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Images by Emory Ball/Cyclingnews.com

Local hard man Chris Harkey is called to the line.
Scotty Weiss looks relaxed on the start line.
Alejandro Barrajo on the start line.
Thad Dulen of DLP team get called to the line.
Mark Hekman of Toshiba.
Jeff Hopkins and Davide Frattini.
Rasaahn Bahati of Rock Racing.
Maybe Bahati's wheel is giving too much of his strategy away.
A first lap breakaway.
The pack looks fairly relaxed ... its gonna be a long night.
Calovita send a man up the road.
As darkness falls on the course the speed picks up.
Jim Baldasare of Inferno Racing.
Teddy King of Bissell attacked and spent some time off the front solo.
Clayton Barrows of Rite Aid.
Chris Judy of DLP Kane Bikes.
The pace heats up and the strain starts to show.
Omer Kem shows the signs of a crash on his knee.
The pack disappears into the gathering gloom.
Battley Harley tried their hand at attacking.
Mark Hekman made the winning break.
Team Type One was aggressive all night.
Jittery Joe's missed the break and had to chase.
Jittery Joe's on the front chasing as the laps wind down.
Jeremy Conn shows his pain face.
Out of the shadows.
Kyle Wamsley chases his shadow with a late race attack out of the break.
Hekman with one to go.
The podium: Borrajo, Pipp and Abraham.
Borrajo douses the press.
And then himself.
Maybe he's had a bit too much.
Borrajo savors the moment as Pipp takes another drink.
Tina Pic looks calm and relaxed on the line
Christy Blakely of BMW Bianchi has her game face on.
Some riders were looking for any edge they could get – no foot down here.
Kat Carroll looked ready to rumble at the start.
Laura Bowles was active all night chasing and covering moves.
Tibco was one of the big factors in the race.
Kate Sherwin of Advil Chapstick launches an attack.
Blakely tries to close down a gap as the pace heats up.
Aarons was on the attack all night.
The pack drives up the slight rise between turns.
Colavita on the front.
Monique Hanley of Team Type 1
Cheerwine kept the pace high most likely hoping for a field sprint for their two sprinters.
Rebecca Larson was Aaron's trump card if it came down to a bunch kick.
Lauren Franges working to keep the pace high.
Tina Pic's wheel was a popular place to be.
Kat Carroll attacked and got a massive gap right away.
Carroll quickly settled into her pace and started putting time into the field.
Advil sent Bowles to the front to chase hoping to bring Carroll back.
Carroll looks determined and continues to open the gap.
Now Tibco takes over the chase.
Van Gilder's face says it all.
VICTORY!
The sprint for second and Miller of Tibco pips Pic.
Carroll has been practicing in Europe and has the champagne spray down.
The women's podium.

Images by Dennis Johnson

Warming up for the big event
The five-man break comes through...
... followed by the field.
Rasaahn Bahati of Rock Racing leads the pack.
Colavita paid attention and didn't let anything go unnoticed.
Concentrating before the sprint close to the end.
The winner gets it all the loser standing small, but needing to help carry the prize money.
Winner Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita Sutter) is flanked by Frank Pipp (Team Health, second, left) and Emile Abraham (Team Type 1).
An early break attempt in the women's race.
Things started out aggressively and didn't calm down much.
The bunch together through the start-finish area.
Merdith Miller is off the front as Aaron's made the others chase quite a bit.
Kat Carroll won and Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO, left) finished second, while Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) got third.
The winner Alejandro Borrajo deserved the limelight with a post-race interview by Chad Andrews.

Race 5 - July 5: Iron Hill Twilight Crit, West Chester, Pennsylvania

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Images by Zui Hanafusa/www.keirin.us

The finish line even marked Independence Day in the United States of America.
The sponsors of the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium had there full team.
Mayor Richard Yoder having a blast setting off the 2008 Iron Hill Twilight Criterium on his fourth of July weekend.
Team Breakaway rider was too strong even when caught one lap to go. He went on to win the Amateur race.
The future of cycling set off with over 10+ races all medaled.
The field split into pieces and the strongest stayed upfront.
As usual there were scrapes and burns in the super fast, short and narrow four corner criterium.
Look out! Laura McCaughey (Juice Plus/NC Racing) squeezed herself a win under Sarah Caravella (Tibco).
Frank Travieso (Toshiba) and David Guttenplan (Time Pro Cycling) launch after ahead of the field.
Teams sent only one rider at a time to pull and or try to cross over.
Does any body like to work to catch the break?
Mark Hekman (Toshiba) giving it a try to breakaway early in the race.
Many teams gave it a go to catch Mark Hekman (Toshiba) but were not successful.
Jeff Hopkins (Inferno) wanted the runway to clear.
Mark Hekman (Toshiba) still soloing into the evening.
Eric Barlevav (Time Pro Cycling) winner of the 2008 Harlem Crit getting ready to go after a wheel change.
Team Toshiba looking out for Mark Hekman (Toshiba) at the front the peloton.
David Guttenplan (Time Pro Cycling) and Frank Travieso (Toshiba) worked together to stay away from the main field.
Mark Hekman (Toshiba) looked after by his team-mates after lapping the field.
After working together David Guttenplan (Time Pro Cycling) and Frank Travieso (Toshiba) dragged raced to the finish.
Mark Hekman (Toshiba) laps the Pro 1/2 field and wins.
Mark Hekman (Toshiba) rolls in after his victory lap and is full of joy.
Mark Hekman (Toshiba) winner and leader of the USA Crits series is greeted by one of his number one fan.
Women's Podium: Laura McCaughey (Juice Plus/NC Racing), Sarah Caravella (Tibco) and Gina Grain (Webcor).
Men's Podium: Mark Hekman (Toshiba), David Guttenplan (Time Pro Cycling) and Frank Travieso (Toshiba).

Race 4 - June 21: AT&T Downtown Austin Crit, Austin, Texas

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Images by Rick Kent

VIPs gather before the race Michael Ball, Paul Carrozza (sponsor, owner: Runtex), AT&T rep, RudBud Sports staff Lizzie Horn, Todd Reese
Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) just after being announced as a VIP start of the pro mens race
Tyler Hamilton and his Rock Racing team-mate await the start of the Austin Criterium.
Alejandro Borrajo spewing champagne on the crowd after getting his $5k prize check
Aaron's leads the way ahead of Van Gilder, while Kelly Benjamin hanging back off Jen McRae five laps to go
Toyota leading out Henk Vogels with Borrajo's Colavita squad on their tail on the start of the bell lap
Borrajo wins the Austin criterium ahead of Henk Vogels (Toyota)

Images by Nathan Sanchez/Nathan Sanchez

Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita Sutter Home) was happy with his win.
The cheque and champagne please!
Formula one style the riders wait for the start under umbrella's!
Meredith Miller (Aarons) was 16th.
The Rock Racing team before the start.
Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) finished 24th.
Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) going for it.
Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) concentrating in the turn.
The women's racing action.
Freddie Rodriguez (Rock Racing) takes the corner.
Freddie Rodriguez (Rock Racing) racing into the sunset.
Rodriguez (Rock Racing) eventually finished 33rd.
Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team) warming up before the criterium.
Jen McRae (Team Advil-ChapStick) came home for third.
A tattooed Kayle Leo Grande (Rock Racing).
The men's podium (l-r): Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United), Alejandro Borrajo (Colavita Sutter Home) & Henk Vogels (Toyota-United).

Images by Vanessa Ford/www.thebikechick.com

An Austin Pedicab driver watches as the earlier Men’s 1/2/3 field rolls by.
Patrons of the popular Austin bar, The Ginger Man, watch from the patio.
The pro women line up at the starting line.
Katharine Carroll (Aaron’s) puts the hammer down in one of her many attacks.
A focused Allyson Brandt - part of a small, but victorious Cheerwine team.
Meredith Miller and Chrissy Ruiter both work hard on the front to keep the pace high.
Nichole Wansgard (Colavita/Sutter Home) pushes through a corner.
There was no shade to be found today.
Laura VanGilder (Cheerwine) looking strong as always.
The early field keeping an eye on one another.
Tina Pic, still nursing a hand injury from the Liberty Classic, sprinted for a close second today.
Hometown favorites Allyson Brandt (Cheerwine) and Shontell Gauthier (Colavita/Sutter Home) worked hard all day for their sprinters.
Keeping tabs on what’s going on in the pack while cycling fans watch from above.
Austinite Jen McRae (Advil Chapstick) would finish third today.
Morgan Patton (Team Type 1) took a hard fall
2007 winner, Jen McRae
High humidity, high temps, and high speeds increased the difficulty of the race.
Daniele Staskal (Austin Flyers) initiates a solo breakaway
Hannah Banks (Value Act Capital), one of several international racers in the field today
Tina Pic and Kat Carroll working hard for the money
Brook Miller (TIBCO) turning the screws on the front of a whittled-down field
Anna Lang (Aaron’s) catching a ride on the Miller train
The irrepressible Kat Carroll on the attack again
Tina Pic and Colavita weren’t letting anything get away today
Shontell Gauthier (Colavita/Sutter Home) making it look easy.
After several promising breaks , it’s all together with one to go!
Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) waiting for the women’s podium (or perhaps the Umbrella Girls).
The podium Kelly Benjamin, Tina Pic and Jen McRae.
Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine) showing Tina Pic her very big check.

Race 3 - June 15: Harlem Skyscraper Classic, New York, New York

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Images by Marco Quezada/www.nyvelocity.com

Big time racing comes to New York city.
And it was a star studded field
The field raced past some of the most beautiful and historic townhouses in the district of Harlem New York
El Chepe (Toyota United) leads Matt Johnson (Empire) in an attempt to break away.
Matt Johnson (Empire) and Jason Snow take a shot at the front.
A local guy Edwin Morel (TOGA-GOTHAM) wasn't intimidated with the big boys, he shot to at the front and hoping some would come along
A New York city cab probably looking for a fare on the race course. But he is quickly ushered away (Only in New York).
Local bike shop (TOGA BIKES) provided neutral support on the pit and they were very busy. on a day filled with crashes
Fast Freddy Rodriguez (Rock racing) looks ahead and tries to shave some time by going aero
Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) put on a good show despite a broken wrist
A Majestic view of the race on the top of a roof of the beautiful Harlem neighborhood.
The field gets strung-out uptown NYC.
It was mayhem as riders fell like dominoes in a day fill with crashes.
Former Portuguese junior national champion Joao Corriea ( Bissell) tried to stay out of trouble but to no avail as he was taken out on the final sprint near the finish line.
Karl Rahn (Empire) tried to break the field but Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) kept him on a short leash.
The Rock Racing train in full power
Ivan Dominguez took a dangerous flyer with a few of laps left in the race
Michael Ball (Rock Racing) probably looking for his director sportif Mariano Frederic
Jon Hamblen (TIME) kept the pace high
It was a classic photo finish sprint
But Eric Barlevav (TIME) just nipped Rashaan Bahati (Rock Racing) for the win
But the victory was short lived as he went down after the bike throw
Eric Barlevav (TIME) takes the traditional victory lap
The men's podium (L-T (Rashaan Bahati, Rock Racing) Eric Barlevav (TIME) Jake Keough, CRCA/Sakonnet
That's going to hurt in the morning Eric Barlevav (TIME)

Images by Zui Hanafusa/www.keirin.us

Jamie Nicholson-Leener (Deutsche Bank) rocked the womens field
The women tried their best to organize the chase
Jamie Nicholson-Leener (Deutsche Bank) wins over Lisa Jellett (Verducci/Breakaway)
The messenger race was amusing and action packed before the Pro Mens race
NYC Velo delivers their win in the messenger race
David Wiswell (Empire) looked after his teammates as they tried to get one in the break
Former Harlem Skyscraper winner Jeff Hopkins (Inferno)
Local NYC team U25 Sakonnet looking out for Jake Keough
Team Inferno kept things hot
Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing) sacrificed every bit to keep the race exciting and together
The Cuban Missle Ivan Dominguez (Toyota United) made an attempt to breakaway solo
Past Portugese National Champion Joao Correia (Bissell Pro Cycling Team)
The final laps Rock Racing led the train for several laps
Eric Barlevav (Time Pro Cycling) throws his bike to just sneak past Bahati
He's Safe!!! It almost looked like the fastest slide into home plate.
John Eustice (Sparta Cycling) brought fun, excitement and the event to the next level
World championship Sports Network WCSN.COM covered the race live worldwide.
Eric Barlevav (Time) with Micharl Ball cycling enthusisast and owner of Rock and Republic
The men's podium 1) Eric Barlevav (Time Pro Cycling) 2) Rashaan Bahati (Rock Racing) 3) Jake Keough (CRCA/Sakonnet Technologies U25)
Eric Barlevav with Adam Myerson (Time) at the finishline with first place bling

Race 2 - June 1: Tulsa Tough, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 111km

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Images by Rob Evans/www.otbphoto.com

Sun was setting in Tulsa but the action was just beginning.
Shelley Olds (Proman) was looking for the DoubleShot Coffee prime.
Leigh Valletti (Vanderkitten) keeps an eye on the eventual race winner Kelley Benjaman.
Jen McRae crashed early then battled back to take third.
Susy Pryde (Jazz Apple) lead by example all weekend.
Cari Higgins (America's Dairyland) was one of the many track riders @ Tulsa.

Race 1 - April 26: Athens Twilight Crit, Athens, Georgia

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Images by Jonathan Devich/

Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing) claims victory at the opening race of 2008.
A large crowd came out to watch the evening's action.

Images by Dennis Johnson

The field lined out on the finishing straight.
Blood and broken bikes were the order of the night.
Kyle Wamsley (Colavita) and Peter Dawson (Rock Racing) with Ben King (KBS) behind made up the day's break.
Colavita stayed at the front waiting for the break to come back.
John Murphy (Health Net) grits his teeth and drives the chase.
Mid-way through the race and the pain is starting to kick in.
The field zooms through turn two.
The field was single file for much of the race.
Cheerwine patrols the front with Pic in tow.
Darkness falls… and Tina Pic is easy to spot in her stars and stripes jersey.
Rebecca Larson (Aaron's) rides ahead of Tiffany Cromwell (Colavita) in the breakaway.
Hugs for Larson from her team.