Early May racing wrap up
-by Laura Weislo
Dilworth Criterium, Women's Open, May 2, 2009 Lail, Whitmore, Boswell-Vilt, Edgerton, Presson, and Olson all lined up for the Dilworth Criterium. The first two laps were hot and shed about a third of the field. Whitmore monitored the front while the rest of the squad worked their way into the action. Then Rebecca Larson jumped, Liz Hatch followed, and the chase ensued. With three to go Olson put in an effort up the hill but it was Lail who would be our hotshot of the day. She moved up on the backstretch of the final lap and was sitting at about 12th wheel into the tight bottom corner from there she jumped and claimed 8th followed shortly by Boswell-Vilt in 10th, Olsen at 12th, and Whitmore at 14th. Edgerton and Presson rounded out the top 25.
Global BMW Sandy Springs Criterium, Pro/1/2/3, May 3, 2009
The final race of Speed Week in Sandy Springs, GA saw Blakely, Davis and Whitmore take the line along with over 50 other elite women. Global BMW was the proud sponsor of this race showcasing the Mini Coup as the pace car, and with the BMW-Bianchi's X3's proudly displayed at the first of six corners on this technical course. The pace was fast and furious from the gun and the ascent up to the finish line took its toll on many racers. Despite not placing in the top 20 all three riders had a safe race and the sheer excitement of racing amidst the fastest female racers in the country made for an excellent experience not easily forgotten.
Tomato Head Criterium Series, Women's Open, May 9 – 10, 2009
Southeast regional racing continued with Deb Sweeney Whitmore representing the team at Tomato Head Criterium Series in Knoxville, TN. The two day race schedule featured three criteriums. The first race held amidst a heavy rain storm saw Whitmore solo away from the chase group with 8 laps to go to easily take 2nd. The following two races Whitmore took 3rd and 4th.