Downers Grove, IL (August 19, 2007) Ben Raby of the Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team, presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. placed an impressive 6th in a rain-soaked USPRO Criterium Championship in Downer’s Grove, Illinois.

The fans who braved the day’s unrelenting rains were treated to an exciting championship race complete with harrowing crashes, solo attacks, Euro-style lead-out trains and a great sprint finish that placed former KGSN rider, Martin Gilbert of Canada across the line first. American Kirk O’Bee, in 2nd Place was the first American and collected the Stars & Stripes Jersey.

The Kodak Gallery riders were active all race. Ben Raby got the ball rolling for the team when he launched himself to take the race’s first of three “Hot Spot” preems. Not long after, several teams upped the pace setting a blistering tempo in the slippery conditions. The tactic worked as several veteran sprinters and race favorites caught “surfing” the back of the field to preserve their legs and were unable to return to the front of the field.

Kodak Gallery riders Mark Walters, Josh Thornton and Jesse Anthony each took a preem in the race. First year pro, Dan Timmerman took the half-way preem in impressive fashion, leading the field out for more than half a lap. Timmerman joined several others in crashes later in the race that damaged their chances to factor into the finale.

As the race progressed, riders from Kelley-Benefits moved to the front and drove the pace. Dominque Rollin sat comfortably in their wake enjoying the ride and preparing for a finish that, with several of his adversaries now out of the race, was looking ideal for the powerful Canadian. With only 5-laps remaining, Rollin could wait no longer. Fearing being caught up in one of the many crashes taking place around him, Rollin powered off the front to take a lead. With only 1 lap to go, Rollin was caught by the field and along with Anthony, was crashed out in a massive pile-up in the final corner. Teammate Ben Raby was able to skirt the crash and sprint in for 6th place.

Team Director, Kurt Stockton commented after the race, “the conditions were tough today, but our guys did really well. All of our guys who crashed are doing fine. Nobody suffered any serious injury, which on a day like today is all you can really ask for. It was great to see the range of riders we had out there winning preems – it really goes to show we clearly have one of the strongest teams racing right now.”

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