This past Monday evening provided velodrome racers with yet another opportunity to pit themselves against their competitors under the bright lights and the ever watchful eye of Bob Williams. Rather than the typical points races, miss n’ outs, and Keirins, however, Monday night was a night for sprinters. Specifically, match sprints.
Two #koochellanextgeneration (aka new kids) brought their game faces and raced their first ever match sprints. Renee “Dark Horse” Hoppe was narrowly beat by strong sprinter and Major Taylor rider, Carolyn Stanley, placing her solidly in the middle of the women’s open field, while Rachel “Lazer” Zaidman spun her way to an impressive 2nd place in women’s category 4.
Meanwhile, things were heating up for the women’s overall title. Stephanie “Monster Mash” Aich and Beth “Treasure” Franklin went head to head in a track stand and sprint battle over 3rd place. Beth used her knowledge of match sprint tactics and sprinting prowess to snag the coveted podium spot, right behind Linsey Hamilton and Margeaux Claude in women’s overall. Steph “Monster Mash” continued to mash her way into the 1st place in the women’s category 4 races, taking home some shiny gold hardware.
See us in action this week at the NSC Velodrome on Thursday night for our regularly scheduled races, in addition to time trials on Friday evening. #allmuscleandhustle