Saturday’s weather was bright, sunny and warm. Consequently the races were teaming with riders we all had never seen before. The pace was quicker. Even the course had changed. The gravel which had once blocked the long course was gone. After some intense sweeping by the race staff the course was clean. It was over a mile long for one lap. Pretty far for a criterium.

The first race was the master’s 35+. Alex Ardussi and I rode to the line. We were taken aback by the size and quality of the field. We were blown away by the speed. I remarked to Alex that THIS was probably his fastest criterium so far. In fact, we averaged over 25 Mph for the entire race. We clung to the lead pack, but that was about all. Our former teammate Brian Parks, now a category 3 racer pushed the pace. His Oklahoma City team forced the rest of us to chase.

The next race was the ladies’ category four race. Kirsten Carl sewed up second place for the series Saturday. Her field was also larger. Anita Gonzalez and Stephanie Edwards raced the category fours.

The juniors Abby Lisk, Mason Winters, Philp Sheehan and Danielle Edwards raced the kids races. They all rode well. Abby and Mason won their categories. Philip was fourth. Danielle was third.

When the juniors raced the 12-18 and the ladies raced the ladies 3/4 they were treated to fast fields as well. The end of the day we had the men’s category 5 race. Only Josh Mendoza and Aaron Rodgers were there. Josh had a great race. He was at or near the front of the field at the sprint lap and the final lap. Fast fields were the phrase of the day.

This Saturday is the Final Spring Fling Criterium. We will have a team party after the men’s category 5 race ends.