The Valley Preferred Cycling Center

Tonight’s World Series of Bicycling event at Valley Preferred Cycling Center had the best of both worlds: great professional racing and a look at cycling’s future. The jam-packed card featured both the Air Products Finals and the International Omnium Championships presented by Univest.

On the pro side, T-town fans witnessed some thrilling racing that culminated in a new Men’s Rider of the Year. New Zealand’s Aaron Gate wrapped up the Omnium win, and in so doing captured the prestigious Rider of the Year award.

Gate, in his second season at T-town, has lit up the velodrome this summer. He bookended his stay in the States by winning the Golden Wheel Race and tonight’s International Omnium Championships. In between, he was never far off the front wheel.

“This season couldn’t have been better,” said Gate. “I won the first one and I won the last one, so it’s been a great season for me. I’ve really enjoyed it. This place is awesome. I certainly hope I get to come back next year and wear the No. 1 jersey. I would hate to miss another season here. This is a great place to be in the summer.”

Gate heads to Belgium next week for some training. Then it’s on to France for a four-day tour with the New Zealand National Team, and then to Bordeaux for a three-week training camp. Gate has definitely endeared himself to T-town fans, so keep tabs on him at www.teamnzprocycling.com.

In women’s action, the Omnium was hotly contested between New Zealand’s Joanne Kiesanowski and Australia’s Laura McCaughey.

Both riders were quick to admit teamwork played a role in the outcome. McCaughey had a few friends in the field, by Kiesanowski had an entire country on her side. Team New Zealand pushed Kiesenowski to the front race after race.  While McCaughey was able to stage a challenge in the finale, Kiesanowski was able to hold on for a slight edge.

Kiesanowski is quick to credit her teammates for helping her win tonight’s Omnium.

“It was definitely an advantage to have some strong teammates with me, and we worked really well together,” said Kiesanowski. “It doesn’t matter which one of us wins, but I was the lucky one tonight. I was just trying to win every race, and whatever comes of that happens. I was always in the top three, so it helps to be consistent when you have four races.”

Air Products Finals: It was a memorable night for the 2010 graduates of the Air Products Developmental Cycling Program. The Air Products Finals have been a staple on the velodrome calendar for more than 30 years. The program, which was founded in 1977, is world-renowned for its success in developing cycling talent. Tonight featured the future stars of cycling, as well as older recreational riders who wanted to give sports stardom just one more chance.

Click here for a complete Photo Gallery from the Air Products Finals and International Omnium Championships presented by Univest.

The Air Products program is a great introduction to the skills and challenges of velodrome riding and racing, and the class culminates with a night of racing during the World Series of Bicycling. The Air Products card started off with a bang. The 3 Lap Scratch race in the Boys 9-10 category set the tone for an exciting night of racing.

Ethan Russell, who apparently learned a thing or two from his favorite pro Giddeon Massie, took an impressive flyer early in the race. It was no surprise to Russell that he would hang on for the win.

“I knew I could stay out there, but I was very tired at the end,” said Russell, who lists both cycling and baseball as his two favorite sports. “It was really cool to win because I was racing in front of my family and friends.”

On the women’s side, a familiar name won the 3 Lap Scratch race in the Adult Women category. Karen Skorochod made a bid for victory with one lap to go, and had just enough track to stave off an oncoming challenge for the win. In Skorochod’s case, Facebook is the new Disneyland.

“This is going right on Facebook,” quipped Skorochod. “Everybody has been so interested in this race, and making sure that I actually complete the race and don’t crash. And there were people at my church who were praying I don’t crash because they didn’t want any broken wrists for the organ on Sunday morning.”

In other Air Products action, Kyle Nock won the Boys 11-12 3 Lap Scratch, Allyson Wasielewski took the Girls 9-12 3 Lap Scratch, and Eric Willy won the Juniors 3 Lap Scratch. Meanwhile, Doug Johnston won the Men 19-39 5 Lap Scratch and Barry Navarre was victorious in the Men 40+ 5 Lap Scratch.

It was a wonderful night of racing, and the perfect showcase for the Air Products Developmental Cycling Program.

“We’ve been involved since the velodrome has been built,” said John Dodds, global marketing communications director of Air Products. “It’s wonderful to see the kids go through the programs, and we’re delighted to have employees involved with the program. The community is also involved. This program just makes great sense for us. We believe in community partnerships. We’re just delighted to have this partnership with Valley Preferred Cycling Center.”

In a way, the Air Products Finals may have come a week too early. At next week’s Salamander Madison Cup, Valley Preferred Cycling Center is inducting Dave Lettieri into its Hall of Fame. Lettieri is a graduate of the first Air Products program in 1977, and has the distinction of being the first graduate to make an Olympic team. Lettieri competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

“Lettieri is an absolute testament for what the Air Products program is about,” said Dodds. “We are very proud to have one of the graduates of the program to be inducted. It’s a fantastic achievement for him. And also, it’s a testament to our relationship with the velodrome. We believe in long-term relationships, and this is the first product of it.”

Next Event: The World Series of Bicycling returns to action next Friday, August 20, with the Salamander Madison Cup XXXIV. Gates open at 5:30. With tickets starting at just $5.00 and kids 12 and under getting in free, a trip to Valley Preferred Cycling Center is a great night out for the entire family. Racing starts at 7:30.

Photo by Anthony Skorochod of Cycling Captured