8.23.09 - For the second time in his racing career, Natural Grocers rider Jon Tarkington won the pro-1-2 Primal/Hart Criterium located in the suburban office park district south of Denver. Tarkington last won the race back in 2005. The 1.4-mile course features a stiff little climb and about 100 feet of elevation gain per lap. The repeated efforts required by the climb coupled with close to 100-degree temperatures made for a lethargic race. Breaks went away and slowly came back throughout the race. Eventually, the collective will of the field ran out of gas for the chase and Tarkington went away in a group that included teammate Joe Taddeucci. With two men in the break, Tarkington struck first with two laps to go. The move drew out Dan Porter (Rio Grande Racing) who also had teammate Logan Garey in the break. The race came down to a three-man sprint with Tarkington taking the win ahead of Porter and Eric Jones (unattached).
Tarkington pictured here with Janez Brakovic (Astana) and teammates Baker and Friel