Boyd and Josh in Chase Mode
A small contingent of the Globalbike team tackled the Dylan Mitchell Memorial Criterium in Fort Mill, SC today. After fighting all week with the nations best pros in speedweek, the team was hungry to play an integral part in the outcome of a race before heading to Joe Martin Stage Race in Arkansas next week.
The plan was for Josh Whitmore and Ben Miller to look for breakaways, and for David Forkner to sit in for a sprint finish.Chris Harkey of Gary Fisher established a solo lead of over 30secs mid race. The gap continued to grow, so the team decided to use Boyd Johnson and Josh Whitmore to bring it back. Here they are in a 6 lap Team Time Trial to close the gap.
Forkner, Miller, Whitmore, Johnson
Several more breakaway attempts were made before a good looking move with Globalbike’s Ben miller and 3 others established a small gap. That group of 4 lasted to the finish with Ben Miller out sprinting the others for the win.
Ben Miller Wins the Dylan Mitchel Criterium
With Ben Safely up the road, the rest of the team worked to set up David Forkner for the sprint. With one lap to go, Whitmore and Forkner sat 3rd and 4th wheel through turns 1 and 2. Whitmore then put the pedal on the floor on the back straight and was first through turn 3 with Forkner on his wheel. Whitmore pulled off and Forkner was 1st through the last turn and widened the gap to the line, taking 5th place overall.
Most of the team will be in recovery mode for the next couple days ahead of the Joe Martin Stage Race in Arkansas starting on Thursday. We’re hoping the team climber (now crit sprinter) Ben Miller will use his good form to crush some Arkansas hills!
