| Intro Track Class
Session 4: Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27
|
|
|
Race Report/News
Bast wins cliffhangar State Championship Points Race
In one of the closest races in several years, Emma Bast (Speedfix Racing) narrowly edged Melissa Dahlman (Omnium Racing) to win the 2011 MN State Championship Points Race. Bast needed a half-bike-length at the finish to take full points and the win. That half-bike-length would prove decisive as Bast and Dahlman finished the race tied at 14 points. Their finishing order gave Bast the victory and Dahlman the Silver medal. Terra James (Sweet 'n Salty), tied with Bast for 2nd place going into the final sprint, took the Bronze as she crossed the line in 3rd place in the final sprint.
The see-saw battle saw 3 different leaders take control durintg the 40-lap event, sponsored by Angie's Kettle Corn. James claimed the first sprint after a strong bell lap by Abby Ruess (Biachi/Grand Performance). Dahlman earned the next two, overtaking Bast and James from the rear of the peloton each time. Bast would outlast Dahlman's final surge, though, holding her off for the final half-lap to grab the state crown.
|
|
What's Happening
Final Intro Class Begins September 6
As the season winds to a close, the last Intro to Track Racing class begins next Tuesday, September 6. The final 4 week session is open to anyone, regardless of prior cycling experience. It's a perfect way to start your winter training for next season's racing. Sign up for the intro class here.
|
|
Racing 101
Tempo Race
The Tempo is a points race in which two points are awarded to the first rider and one point to the second rider to cross the finish line on each lap.
|
|
Rider to Watch
Megan Kelly
Lured to the track by enthusiastic teammates, Megan Kelly started out a spectator. At first, she couldn't imagine doing it herself, but it didn't take long to change her mind.
"I didn't think I wanted to do it, because I felt like I was a bike rider, not an athlete," she says. "I couldn't imagine going to the track and riding around and around in boring circles to 'train.' I just wanted to ride bikes."
Megan says participating in the free women's intro night hooked her immediately, and in July 2009 she started racing. This season, she made it her mission to make the Top 8 for 2011 Track Rider of the Year. With only two nights of racing left, it appears she has achieved her goal.
She says the track has taught her that speed is her friend and to trust physics, and she calls making it to the end of the Miss and Out, earlier this season a favorite velodrome experience. After a well-timed dive in the final lap-a tactic she attributes to Sprint School-Megan took her competitor, Melissa Dahlmann, by surprise. Although, Mel outsprinted her, Megan calls it her best race this season. After all, she enjoys match sprints most.
"I have lots to learn, but I like the game of a match sprint better than, say, the game of a points race. I think match sprints are the most fun to watch the pros in, also."
In 2010, Megan attended Collegiate Nationals at Major Taylor Velodrome in Indianapolis and finished 20th in the points race. One day she hopes to race at Elite Nationals in Los Angeles. This summer, she was upgraded to a cat 3 road racer and won her first road race this summer-the Clear Lake Bicycle, Blues, and BBQ Festival-in a dramatic photo-finish. Megan also takes on leadership roles within Minnesota bike racing as MCF secretary and president of Omnium Racing. She is earning a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, studying Water Resources Science.
|
|
About Us
Contact Bob Williams at 763.785.5614 for more information about cycling at the velodrome. | |
