Hopefully all the Upland and Team Upland fans out there had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! These past 2 weeks have been very exciting for Team Upland, and the next few weeks should not disappoint as we look forward to the Indy Criterium this Saturday, July 13th and the Bloomington Cycling Grand Prix on Saturday, July 27th.
On the weekend of June 28th – 30th, Team Upland participated in the Ohio Criterium Series, which featured races in Columbus, Madeira and Cincinnati. Friday’s Tour de Grandview Cycling Classic took place in Columbus as Kyle Perry continued his recent surge to 14th place finish. A decent showing from Team Upland as they prepared for the main event in Cincinnati the following day.
The Hyde Park Blast Criterium on June 29th marked one of the biggest races for Team Upland all summer. This was a bicycling extravaganza featuring a full stage, rows of street food vendors, and miscellaneous bike product tents in a blur of activity just outside the downtown city limits. With scattered rainstorms throughout the Midwest, what rain did fall did not slow the racers down; especially with $5000 on the line in the marquee Pro/1/2 race that evening.
The course featured a sharp 180 to start accompanied by 2 straightaways and an uphill loop to keep things interesting and the pace quick. A grueling 90-minute race ensued that featured slide outs, sprints, hairpin turns and money laps to keep the spectators on their feet. Team Upland scattered the field as one by one racers were pulled off the course, sadly including our own. Kyle Perry once again shocked the race (and even the announcers!) with his stunning performance culminating to his participation in the final sprint to a 6th finish!
A big congratulations goes out to all Team Upland racers this past weekend, they represented Upland and Indiana well! A special shout out goes to Team Upland racer Chris Kroll as well on his 1st place finish (Masters Category) and 9th place finish (Pro/1/2) in the Homewood Downtown Classic Criterium, an excellent display!
Looking ahead once more, this is your chance Indiana Upland fans to catch the team in action downtown Indianapolis for the Indy Criterium THIS SATURDAY and later in Bloomington for the Bloomington Cycling Grand Prix. Be sure to check out the Facebook and Twitter pages for news and updates. Spin on my fellow Upland drinkers!
