Salt Lake City, Utah - This weekend’s collegiate races, hosted by the University of Utah, marked the end of regular conference racing for the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Conference. The Colorado State University Rams brought a full squad of 22 racers, ready to leave their stamp on the 2009 Conference Championships.
The Rams pulled out great results in every category. CSU swept all of the Men’s A events, winning the team time trial by over 2 minutes, the criterium with Caley Fretz, and the road race with Dan Lionberg. Women’s A’s were consistently on the podium as well, with Tirrel Grovenstein winning the criterium, Julia Manley taking 2nd in the road race, and the team pulling off 2nd in the team time trial.
The CSU Ram’s Cycling team gets its strength from its depth of talent, and the team’s B and C riders proved that they have what it takes to be the next generation of national caliber athletes riding for the Rams. Luke Harris spent much of the Men’s C criterium solo and still managed a 6th place, as well as taking home the overall Conference Championship for his consistency throughout the year. Brie Hawley and Monica Nelson came away from the weekend having stood on the Women’s B podium three times each, for taking 2nd and 3rd in both the criterium and the road race, and 1st and 2nd in the Conference overall. The CSU Ram’s took home gold and silver in the Conference overall championship in both the Men’s and Women’s A’s, with Lionberg and Fretz going 1-2 on the men’s side, and Grovenstein and Manley doing the same for the women. CSU’s A riders are taking the next two weeks to put a final polish on their Nationals fitness, and will be looking to take home another National Championship on their home courses in two weeks time.
“The team is ready to rock and roll,” said head coach Ainslie MacEachran, adding, “it’s good to see that everyone’s form is coming on nicely. Caley’s three wins in the last three weekends, Dan’s commanding win this Sunday, and Tirrel’s domination of the conference all season have really boosted the confidence of the whole squad. They know, and I know, that they can win a National Championship.”
“We have six guys who have a real shot at winning the road race, and 4 who could win the crit. I’m not sure how many other teams can say that,” said Rams Cycling President Erick Carlson.
Nationals will be taking place in Fort Collins from May 8-10, with the road race on Friday, the criterium on Saturday, and the team time trial on Sunday. Volunteers are still needed, especially for the road race on Friday. If you would like to volunteer some of your time please contact Rick Price at Rick@ExperiencePlus.com as soon as possible.
CSU Ram’s Cycling would like to thank its sponsors for another fantastic season. Peloton Cycles, Dohn Construction, Specialized, Gemini Training Systems, 1st Endurance, and the CSU Bookstore have all be instrumental in the team’s success this year.