Last Sunday, the team headed to southeast Michigan for the “Paris Roubaix of the Midwest,” Cone Azalia.  70 miles on a dead flat 10 mile course with 4 miles of dirt and gravel roads each lap; think rocks between a half inch and an inch in diameter over the top of rutted dirt roads.  The only good lines are in the tire tracks where the traffic has pushed the rocks to the side.  Add a 20 mph wind and no trees for shelter and you have a tough race.

After some early moves and countermoves, Kirk and Derek Graham from Bissell got away and built up a several minute lead that looked certain to stick to the finish until Kirk suffered a puncture. With Kirk back in the field, the team went into full chase mode and brought Derek back on the last lap.  Kirk and I took turns attacking and covering moves from what was left of the field.  I rolled off in a group of three and was able get away for the win in the last cross/headwind section. Kirk was 5th and Andy Clarke 12th.  Ridley bikes and Easton parts absorbed a beating and came through with flying colors.

The final Race at the Lake was the day before Cone Azalia; we were treated to a repeat of the foul weather from the first week, wind driven rain and high 40 degree temps.  We were aggressive, with Moskal and Erik in an early break that didn’t stick, then myself in a break with two Carbon Racing riders and Jeremy Grimm, a strong sprinter.  When that came back, Kirk went on the attack but the field was still eager to chase.  It all came back together with 2 laps to go and we started to line up for a sprint.  With Kirk on the front and everyone fighting for his rear wheel I took a flyer from behind, got clear and held it to the line.  In the sprint, Brent was 5th and Moskal 7th.  Panther also won the team overall in the 4 race series.

-Paul Martin