Ciociaro Thursday Night Series #7

Another beautiful summer night at the Ciociaro for the Thursday Race Series. Once again, Courtesy Bicycles Race Team was well-represented at the Ciociaro and our riders did a fantastic job. Ben Baillargeon, Aljonn Lacerna, Katrina Pawley Mason had great races and challenged the field. Our newest team addition, Seth Makotoko, came to race and added some nice action to the race. The four racers were all racing in the first race and the guys were racing in the C category with Katrina in the girls youth group.

The race started off quick and went to a fast race pace immediately. Ben was driving hard with a very early attack and pushing the group to the limits. The strains started to show by the end of the first lap with people dropping off the back.

Katrina was among the first group of people blown out the back by Ben's early attack. Everyone in the race was straining hard to keep up with the very spirited and fast pace. Within two laps, he had effectively cut the main group in half. Needless to say, Ben was not making friends....

After the initial attack, the women in the race took over the pace. They moved to the front and continued the pace for a short time before slowing down the race pace. Of course, Ben and the boys didn't want the new pace and within a lap, Ben was on the attack again! Driving the pace hard and pushing the main field to the limits.

Ben pushed so hard that Aljonn dropped off the back with a few more riders. It was another spirited attack and Ben was still not making any friends. Seth, in beautiful form, stayed tucked into the main group and was able to weather the hard pace. Aljonn struggled hard after falling off the back but within a lap and a half, he managed to regain!!!! Excellent perseverance and I can only imagine how he felt, tired and happy, to be back on the lead group. At the same time, Katrina was also riding very smart and she, with three other rides, formed a nice chase group.

Well, I suppose after a few attacks and pushing the pace really high, the women were no longer going to have anything to do with Ben's shenanigans. They effectively boxed him in for a number of laps, keeping him under control and slowing the pace of the race. Nothing to be surprised about and Seth and Aljonn managed to stay tucked into and protected by the group.

So, it would all come down to the final sprints. The Courtesy Bicycles Race Team had excellent final sprints and the drama was exciting to watch unfold! Ben hammered hard to the finish. Aljonn had a nice sprint but was too far back to challenge Ben. Seth, however, was in the perfect spot, staying behind Ben and edging him out at the finish to get the win! Super exciting finish.

Katrina also sprinted for the finish in the chase group, ending a good race in excellent form. So, the Courtesy Bicycles race team finished: Seth 1st, Ben 2nd, Aljonn 8th (5th for Men) and Katrina 12th (1st for Youth Girls). Very impressive results for Courtesy Bicycles Race Team and an amazing race.


Pictures by Chyla's Race Photos and check more out at her site Photography by Chyla.

Full results at: Ciociaro Cycling Club