Photos
Results
- Macon, GA -
Saturday's first Macon Cycling Classic had the hometown feel that race organizers were aiming for as teams from across the southeast gathered around Tatnall Square Park for exciting cycling action all day long. Hosted by Walthall Oil Cycling and Mercer Cycling, the hometown teams had the advantage of knowing the course well. The 1 km course around the park is home or close to home for many of the collegiate racers.
Mercer Cycling had five entries in three races throughout the day as Elizabeth Lee (Cat 3/4 & Pro-1-2-3), Kevin Roberts, Andrew Lockwood, Paul Rush and Austin Sholly joined in on the action. After the morning juniors races, Elizabeth Lee started things off for Mercer as she finished 4th in the 12 person field.
Immediately after her race, the Category 5 race featured nearly 20 cyclists at the starting line with strong representation from Mercer Cycling. After three quick laps around the circuit, Kevin Roberts, Andrew Lockwood, and Atlanta-native Curtis Strange found themselves in a three-man breakaway, distancing themselves from the field. Austin Sholly and Paul Rush led the charge in the chase group, but the 35+ minute event turned into a cat-and-mouse game as Roberts, Lockwood, and Strange worked together to lap nearly half of the field.
On the last lap of the race, Lockwood pulled away initially from the field in turn 3 with a half a second gap but was caught on the final straightway as Strange and Roberts passed him. Roberts would eventually outsprint Strange to the line to win his first ever criterium event.
"What a great win for Kevin," said Lockwood after the race. "I couldn't think of a better way to win your first race than right in front of your school in front of your biggest fans and supporters. I'm extremely proud of all the members of our team today for representing our team in great fashion," Lockwood added.
Celebration ensued after the race as Sholly rode to a 10th place finish followed by Paul Rush.
After sporting her Kudzu.com/Fulton Flyer's club jersey earlier in the day, Lee donned the Mercer Orange and Black in the small field for the Women's Pro-1-2 race. Unofficially, Lee kept pace with the group to finish 5th.
Mercer Cycling wants to thank all of the students, faculty members, friends, and parents that showed up to the 1st Annual Macon Cycling Classic to support the team and the race!
