Athens Twilight Criterium - NE

Athens, GA, USA, April 27, 2003

2002 Results Results Past winners

Solo breaks upset the sprinters

By Kristy Scrymgeour

Early break was the winning break
Photo © Jonathan Devich

Although the strength of the field in this year's Athens Twilight Criterium was decimated due to the conflict of two concurrent NRC races, the ongoing Tour de Georgia and the Vuelta de Bisbee, the action was fast and furious as usual.

Originally planned as part of the Tour de Georgia, this evening criterium is always a crowd favourite with approximately 40,000 locals and university students annually crowding the streets. This year was no different. With favourites in the field such as Jonas Carney (Prime Alliance) and University of Georgia graduate Tina Mayolo-Pic (Diet Rite), it proved that this race is still a favourite for the seasoned pros who love a good criterium.

Crashes have always been an issue on this tight 1km course as evidenced by an early crash in the women's race which claimed Mayolo-Pic after puncturing her front tyre. She managed to rejoin the group after a wheel change. With dangerous sprinters in the field such as Mayolo-Pic and Nicole Freedman (Basis), other teams worked hard to avoid a field sprint. The decisive break formed with seven laps to go which included Anne Samplonius (TDS), Candice Blickem (Genesis -Scuba) and New Zealand rider Tania Duff-Miller (Diet Rite).

Schmatz makes his move
Photo © Jonathan Devich

Shortly after, on the following lap, Blickem attacked her breakaway companions and managed to stay away to take the victory. Samplonius and Mayolo-Pic were eventually caught by a hard chasing field, although Mayolo-Pic still managed to take the field sprint for second ahead of Gina Grain (Victory Brewing). Twenty three year old Blickem, who was delighted with her win and her improvement upon last years 8th place at this race, also won last year's Michelin Classic.

Later in the evening, as the scene on the sidewalk really started to liven up, it was the men's turn to brave the dark, lamp-lit streets and perhaps random beer bottles being thrown onto the course. This year it was Dan Schmatz (7UP-Maxxis), a new fast man on the scene, who upset Carney and Canadian National Road Champion and last years winner of the First Union US Pro Championships, Mark Walters (Navigators).

The race was once again aggressive from the beginning as Walters got away in a solo break that was later bridged by six others. Joining Walters was Carney, Australian rider Cameron Hughes (Schroeder Iron), James Taylor (OLP), Adam Myerson (Sportsbook.com), Ryan Guay (Navigators) and Schmatz. With two laps to go, Schmatz made his move and attacked the break. Like the women's race, it ended in solo fashion as Schmatz took the win ahead of Walters and Carney.

Photography

Images by Jonathan Devich/thefastrack.com

Dan Schmatz (7UP-Maxxis) drives the early break with breakaway companions Mark Walters (Navigators) and Cameron Hughes (Schroeder Iron) tucked in behind.
The night time criterium was aggressive right from the get go, with the early break proving decisive.
Two little tackers watch in anticipation, most likely hoping their Dad will buy them a bike for Christmas.
While it may look like the riders are racing around in a car park, up to 40,000 locals and university students crowd the streets of Athens, Georgia each year.
Criteriums are hard work any time of day, but even harder when you're at the back of the bunch.
With two laps to go, Dan Schmatz (7UP-Maxxis) made his move and attacked the break, catching his breakaway companions off guard.
Pre-race favourite Jonas Carney (Prime Alliance) came home for third.

Images by Steve Verdell

The course monitors get a pep talk before the pro race
A small portion of the folks needed to pull off the twilight
The pain shows even after only a couple of laps
A long way to go for these guys
A Schroeder Iron rider powers up the back stretch
These guys got gapped quick
Ryan Guay (Navigators) sets the early pace
Travis Hutchinson (Krystal) leads the US Armed Forces Champion
Roberto Gaggioli (Monex) has ridden many Twilights
The hill quickly takes its toll
Mark Walters (Navigators) led solo for about 20 laps but could hold off the chase
Its all a blur at this speed
Gaggioli tries in vain to cross to the break
Jonas Carney (Prime Alliance) closed the 20 second gap in less than 2 laps but it took its toll
Navigating in the dark
Cameron Hughes (Schroeder Iron) made the break and finished 5th
The field knows the break is gone
The break finally catches Walters
Jesse Lawler (Jittery Joes) leads whats left of the field
Dan Schmatz (7-Up Maxxis) used the crowd to help propel himself to a solo victory
Schmatz winks to the crowd after his win
Post race interviews for the second place team
A lucky few got to lead the race in the pace car
The womens field introspective before the start
Early on in the womens race
Former world champ Christina Dekraay
The dive into turn 4 included dodging a puddle of water at full speed
Two Genesis Scuba riders back force the field to chase Blickem
Candice Blickem was incredibly smooth on her way to a solo victory
Nicole Freedman (Basis) leads the field
Helen Kelly (TDS)
Graciela Martinez (Victory Brewing)
Tina Mayolo-Pic (Diet Rite) hold off the bunch for second behind Blickem
Everythings nice and safe early in the Challenge
Matt Van Vleet early in the Challenge
Arthur Danfy, Masters qualifier in the Challenge
The Challenge field is made up of qualifiers
From Cat III, IV, Junior, and Masters events earlier in the day
The beginning of a pile up
This is about to hurt
Im about to put my face on your foot
The guy on the left makes it through
Others dont make it
The race continues on for most
… but not for this guy
The picture says it all
Jim Carrara at the head of the field
Reece Jackson (Les Amis) in the middle of the field2
Two Bling Bling riders build a 10 second lead near the end
David Grice (Cane Creek) won the Masters Qualifier
David Osborne came from third position to win the Challenge
Rodney Dender (Les Amis) has a great ride in his first twilight

Results

Men
 
1 Dan Schmatz (USA) 7UP-Maxxis
2 Mark Walters (Can) Navigators
3 Jonas Carney (USA) Prime Alliance
4 James Taylor (USA) OLP
5 Cameron Hughes (Aus) Schroeder Iron
6 Adam Hodges Myerson (USA) Sportsbook.com
7 Ryan Guay (USA) Navigators
8 Mike Tillman (USA) Schroeder Iron
9 Siro Camponogara (I) Navigators
10 Jesse Lawler (USA) Jittery Joe's
 
Women
 
1 Candice Blickem (Genesis Scuba-FFCC)
2 Tina Mayolo-Pic (Diet Rite
3 Gina Grain (Victory Brewing-Amorosos)
4 Nicole Freedman (Basis)
5 Shannon Hutchison (Colavita-Bolla)
6 Christina Underwood (Fuji)
7 Helen Kelly (TDS)
8 Iona Wynter (Genesis Scuba-FFCC)
9 Tracy Sproule (Atlanta Velo)
10 Joanne Kiesanowski (Diet Rite)

Past winners

Men
 
2002 Gord Fraser (Can) Mercury
2000 Gord Fraser (Can) Mercury
 
Women
 
2002 Ina Teutenberg (Ger) Saturn
2000 Sarah Ulmer (NZl) Elita