Written by: Admin

The Flatwater Cycling Weekend kicked off Saturday with the "Capital City Criterium" south of the Capital building in Lincoln, NE.

The course is a flat, 8-corner, U-shaped loop on bumpy streets with a long false-flat drag to the finish. The main antagonist of the day, besides the sudden appearance of heat and humidity, was the wind. Increasing throughout the day, the southerly wind gusted at times upwards of 40mph. Luckily for the racers, the wind would be at their backs in the long stretch through the start/finish area and was felt mainly in 3 sections for short periods.

In the 40+/50+/60+ race, Bob Greigg finished 7th in 40+. Recently upgraded to Category 2, Greg Shimonek (MCC) outsprinted his breakaway mates for the 40+ win.

Buddy Houts won the Junior 14-15 category to notch his second win of the year so far.

In Category 4, Nate Hicks (DMOS) was the winner. Brent Linn was 12th and Buddy Houts came in 21st.

The Category 1-2 race was aggressive in the early going until a 2-man break was established and stayed away to the end. Nebraskan and now professional racer Matt Landen (Adageo Energy Cycling Team) would win the race. In the sprint for 3rd, Tim Farham (also a Nebraska pro for the California-based A.E.C.T.), topped Cody McCullough who finished 4th. Jon Nelson came in 9th.

The final race of the day was the Category 3 event. Ryan French (Zealous) would win the sprint out of a 4-man break in which Jeff Kluck came in 4th. Bill Feiges came in 6th and Bob Greigg DNF.

Racing continues today with the "Pioneer's Park Grand Prix." -Posted 5/23/10