Our own Julie Barker came up big last weekend and secured a 1st place finish in the 12hr Female Solo division. Conditions were less than desirable with a persistent rain falling most of the day. It seemed like it would rain for 20 mins, then the sun would come out for 2hrs, then repeat... The course saw some rain prior to the race, but being where the Oleta trails sit there was no getting around the mud. It was a mess!Despite the conditions, Julie stuck to her game plan and executed a near flawless race. She kept almost a full lap lead over two other competitors for most of the day. Julie kept going for the full 12hrs and knocked out 9 laps which was good enough for the win, but also a 6th overall finish! An incredible performance! I say near flawless because on her last lap she got in some trouble and tried to bail only to take a chainring to her ankle. Its a pretty deep wound, but we got her to the ER (after her podium glory of course!) and they got it cleaned up. Couple nurses and doctors said yes to stitches, but in the end no stitches were given. The wound is already looking better, and thanks to all of those concerned!
We were there to support Julie, and whoever else needed assistance. Another notable, is the youngster Chris Janiszewski (www.buildingchampioncyclistsfl.net/University of Florida) who cleverly came up thru the ranks during the late hours of the race. Oleta is always a tough course and it really takes a toll. Chris was on his SS pushing 38x20 on a mostly flat course. I tried to give him a few time checks so he could manage his efforts and make an attempt to capture the race. He finished 2nd behind a very determined Kevin Hoffman. Way to go Chris! A great start to the new year!
You can read more about Chris J and his schedule for 2008 here: http://chrisjaniszewski.blogspot.com/
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