The state championship course at Fork Shoals always proves challenging. The 15-mile loop has enough climbing to hurt the sprinters and enough flats for the big boys to ramp it up. However, circumstances worked out to the benefit of Globalbike’s Cat IVs last Saturday and we were able to place three of four teammates in the top 15.
Wade Greene once again nabbed a 4th-place finish, essentially winning the field sprint as it closed in on three riders who jumped early in the sprint and were able to stay away. Rick Taylor finished 8th and Ben Butler was able to hang on for 13th. The wide-open sprint was set up by Dave Curran, the team’s workhorse, who got out in front and pushed the pace to spread the pack over the last few miles of the course.
On Sunday, Wade finished 7th at Donaldson following a leadout by Dave. We also had more riders at Donaldson than any previous race. Present also were Joel Toms, Rick Taylor, Ben Butler and Kelly Lowry (in his first race of the season!).
Wade currently sits in 3rd place in the standings, well within reach of the top of the podium. Dave’s currently in 18th place, but this is due to an error in the race results which gave Rick’s 8th-place points to Dave. We’re not sure whether that will get cleared up, but we understand the error — they’re both big and fast and green. It’s hard to tell them apart!
The final weekend of the Spring Series includes more hills on Saturday at River Falls and closes at Donaldson on Sunday. The weather promises to be beautiful, so come out and support the team this weekend!
Ben Butler - Globalbike Club Team
