The Colorado State Criterium Championships, in Longmont, is always one of the fastest races of the season. This year, with a championship, on the line the guys raced for an average of 29 mph in 90 degree heat. The racing was just as hot as the pavement, with countless breaks making the racing fast, confusing, and tailor made for the Vitamin Cottage team. As always, the team rode like a well drilled pro team- getting in nearly every break of the day, and chasing down those that they did not have a rider representing.
With only a handful of laps remaining Dirk Friel launched into the winning move of the day. With a couple good sprinters in the group, he knew he had to make a move on the back side of the course. He was just out of position, however, when Mark Southard (Excel Racing) attacked with half a lap remaining, and the other racers took too long to respond. Dirk finished off the last straight with a tremendous drag race to the line beating several sprinters at their own game to finish 3rd.
Dirk Friel on the attack.
Michael Schilling and Joe Taddeucci bring back an early break.
Joe Taddeucci stays toward the front in the strung out line of racers.
Joey Pinkerton rode a strong race at the front.
Christian McCarthy and Joe Taddeucci flank eventual winner Mark Southard
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