Vero Beach, FL (Sept.10, 2007) The Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team, presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. had an exciting weekend of events as part of the squad competed in the Univest Gran Prix races in Pennsylvania while the remainder co-hosted a very successful charity ride to benefit Dollars for Scholars in Vero Beach, Florida.
Univest Grand Prix
Typically, the Univest race comes down to a battle of attrition in the grueling finishing circuits around Souderton, Pennsylvania. This year, a break away containing representatives from each of the major teams opened an advantage heading into town that resulted in the vast majority of the field being pulled from the race well before the finish. Kodak Gallery rider, Pete Lopinto had been with the leaders in the breakaway, but suffered a serious crash that saw him lose his advantage and retiring from the race with an injured shoulder. Teammate Mark Walters and three other racers were the last to be allowed into the finishing circuit after a major chase group was led off course and lost additional time rejoining the race. Despite being more than a lap behind when he hit the final circuit, Walters was able to power his way around the course to regain his lap and finish the race in an impressive 5th place just 3:28 behind race winner Will Frischkorn.
Univest Grand Prix Criterium
The chaos of Saturday’s racing gave way to more chaos on Sunday. The Kodak Gallery squad raced very well in the early going with Jesse Anthony, Dan Timmerman and Dominique Rollin each winning intermediate primes. As the race wore on and the field held together, Anthony was able to power away from the field and build an advantage. With Anthony 10-seconds ahead of the field and extending his gap with only two laps remaining, he suffered a flat front tire that cost him a great opportunity. Still showing excellent form and coming off of a 5th place finish the day before, teammate Mark Walters was taken down in a crash not long after Anthony was sidelined with a flat tire. This same crash forced sprinting ace Dominique Rollin to unclip from his pedals and put his foot down to avoid hitting the pavement. Despite losing more than 20 places in the field, Rollin stormed back through the field in the final lap to finish a very impressive 4th place overall. Anthony’s efforts were rewarded with the race’s Most Aggressive Rider Jersey, while Rollin’s intermediate prime results earned him the Sprinter’s Jersey.
Tour de Vero
In an effort to give back to the cycling community, the Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team engaged prominent Florida cycling club, Vero Velo and co-sponsored the first annual Tour de Vero Century in the coastal community of Vero Beach. The event was a grand success exceeding the expectations of all involved. Team Marketing Director, Rob O’Dea noted, “We had an excellent partner in event promoter John O’Connor. John and his staff of enthusiastic volunteers put on a first class event that I forecast will grow by leaps and bounds in the years ahead.” The event drew 300 participants from around the region and raised money for the Indian River chapter of Dollars for Scholars. Photographs of the event can be seen by clicking here.
Tour of Missouri
The Team is presently in Kansas City, Missouri competing in the first stage of the Tour of Missouri. Jesse Anthony is showcasing his star power placing a very impressive 4th in the day’s only King of the Mountain (KOM) competition. A full race update will be forthcoming.
