16 boys and 4 girls aged 10-12 lined up for the 20 minute race, which was designated as the Colorado State Junior Criterium Championship. Within the first lap a front group of 8 boys immediately formed. Michael was feeling strong and stayed in the front three the entire race, but neither he nor anyone else could get away from the "pack". A couple of last-ditch attacks on the last lap shed a few more boys, and it was five or six together for the final slightly downhill sprint.
Brady Barker from RMCEF took the gold by a full bike length with time enough to raise both arms, and Michael beat the third place boy by half a wheel. Michael was under-geared for the sprint, and hopes to challenge perennial winner Barker in the future. Both are 10 years old and so will be looking strong for the coming years.
Here's a picture of the podium. Brady won $10 for his efforts while Michael won a brand new $50 bike messenger bag!
Cheers,
Daddy (Dan) Dessau