Tough competition at the French Broad Cycling Classic

BMW-Bianchi started the French Broad Cycling Classic in Asheville, NC with a superb 1-2 in the 20km time trial with Cara McCauley just inching out Missy Petty for the win.  Going into the road race the next day, the team had some stiff competition, as sprinter Leigh Valetti (Travelgirl) and strong-woman Kat Clark (Fuji) were placed just behind in the time trial.  After an agressive start to the race, Cara made a break of four only to be reeled back in by a determined Franklin Street Cycles chase.  With two laps to go, another break went on the only climb of the circuit, this time it was the top four on GC who formed the escape.  Unfortunately for BMW-Bianchi, they could not dislodge the super-fast finisher Valetti, and had to be content with Missy's 2nd place and Cara's 4th.

After an evening of celebrating the upcoming wedding of our Miss Cora Webb (soon to be Mrs. Olson!), the team regrouped for a very aggressive criteirum.  The short course had resulted in breakaways in many of the morning races, so the team planned to attack from the gun.  First to go was Patty Shoaf, who charged away for three laps, forcing Fuji to chase.  Next up was Kelly McLaughlin, who soloed for a few laps before the fresh legs in the field pulled her back in.  Finally, mid-way through the race, Hannah Whitaker made what appeared to be a successful solo breakaway, gaining 30 seconds on the field.  However, Fuji sent Kat Clark to the front to pull the break back for their sprinter, and Hannah's time in the spotlight was over.  The race came down to a bunch sprint despite the team's best efforts, and Leigh Valetti once again took the win over Fuji's Christina DeKraay.  Newcomer to the BMW squad, Liz Gentner, and Missy Petty came in just ahead of Cara, ensuring our 2nd and 3rd place in the overall omnium finish.

The season is winding down, but there's still a lot of racing to come!  Kelly McLaughlin will be traveling to Switzerland for the World Triathlon Championships on Sept. 2nd - we wish her the best of luck, and send her off with all the support we can find!

Congratulations to the newlyweds on the team: Cora Webb (August 5) and Sara LeGrand (August 12).