Friday, May 09, 2008

U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic flies high

Twenty-five-year old Sebastian Haedo (Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home) took first place Sunday in the 2008 U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic Men’s Pro Race in a sprint to the finish in the last seconds of the three hour and twenty-seven minute race.

Relatively unknown on the pro circuit, Haedo’s surprising win came over last year’s winner Kyle Wamsley (Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home) and other pre-race favorites. Wamsley took second place and Alex Candelario (Kelly Bennefit Strategies/Medifast) took third, with Andrew Randell (Symmetrics) ahead of all three medalists until the final fifty meters. Randell was named “Most Aggressive Rider” of the day.

The 12-lap race took place on an extremely challenging 12.5-kilometer course, with a difficult chicane and many sharp turns. There was no patron during the race, keeping spectators on edge as the cyclists neared the finish line. Only about half the competitors completed the entire race, less than most events.
The U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic grew out of 2007’s Crystal City Classic.

The day began with more than 320 riders participating in the first ever Crystal Ride, an open ride for cyclists of all levels which allowed them to choose rides from 25 to 100 kilometers, depending on the number of laps completed. The Crystal Ride was followed by military academy races and the ever-popular Kids’ Race.

The academy races pitted the Air Force cycling team against teams from the Naval Academy and West Point. The Air Force won the team time trials, while West Point won the sprint competitions. Based on total points, the Naval Academy won overall.

All money raised through the Cycling Classic goes to Saul Raisin’s “Raisin Hope” fund, which raises money for people who have suffered traumatic brain injury. The funds raised will benefit troops who have suffered TBI while serving the nation overseas.

“The day was a huge success,” said Rob Laybourn, event director and president of Arlington Sports, Inc.

“You could not have asked for better weather in Crystal City, and we had a great turnout for the nail-biting end of the men’s race. It is always gratifying to raise money for such a
worthy cause.”