 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2009 World Series of Bicycling Enjoys International Flavor
Youth Bicycle Racing League, PeeWee Pedalers Join the Pros  BREINIGSVILLE, PA. – Round three of the 2009 World Series of Bicycling definitely had an international appeal. In all, four different countries were represented on the top of the podium. The night's winners came from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and the U.S. New Zealand's Edward Dawkins made a grand return to the States, winning the Keirin Invitational. The 20-year-old Dawkins, who rides for the Motatapu Cycling Team, arrived in the U.S. just a week ago to train and race during his homeland's winter months. "We've been doing a lot of road miles and strength work, so getting on the track has been good," said Dawkins. "The Keirin was good. I rode a big gear, and it worked out. We followed the right wheels and just had the right timing." American Shane Kline of the Kelly Benefit Strategies Pro Cycling team wowed the crowd in the 5 Mile event when he went over the top to take the lead and held on for the final circuit to pick up the win. Australia had two winners on the night, with Dough Repacholi picking up the nightcap's 30 Lap Points Race and the Wais team's Michael Freiberg taking the early evening Elimination event. Meanwhile, Argentine Leandro Battesso, of the Colavita team, took the 10 Lap Scratch race. On the women's side, American Colleen Hayduk, of the Verducci/Breakaway team, grabbed two wins, one in the 5 Lap Scratch Race and another in the Flying 2 Mile. "It's great to have all the international riders," said Hayduk, from nearby Kutztown, Pa. "It definitely makes for interesting racing. My goal is international racing in the long run, so it's good to test myself against them here." New Zealand's Josie Giddens of Hub Racing won the Elimination event, while American Kim Geist of the Alliance Environmental team took the 15 Lap Points Race Kid Stuff: While the pros didn't disappoint, the night's stars were the kids from Valley Preferred Cycling Center's community programs. The event showcased the Red Robin Marty Nothstein Bicycle Racing League, which serves youth aged 9-17. The BRL All-Stars had their moment under the lights, competing wheel to wheel in front of the crowd. The night also featured the HealthAmerica PeeWee Pedalers program. Kids aged 5-8 had the chance to take a parade lap during an intermission to show off the new skills they have learned in the introductory clinic. This was definitely one of the highlights of the evening. Next Event: The World Series of Bicycling will take a break over the July 4 holiday weekend and return to action on July 10 for The Golden Wheel Race. Tickets are available by calling Valley Preferred Cycling Center at (610) 395-7000 or through www.thevelodrome.com. Photo credit: Anthony Skorochod of www.cyclingcaptured.com |
