With the MMSF RR route being one of the featured routes in the Wednesday World’s rotation it is no surprise Tortugans made the selection in the combined 30+/40+/1,2 field on Sunday. After a wind up start across the main forest road, the field punched it down the first descent on Old 37 toward Hindustan.
Spanbauer of Papa John’s launched a test attack up the climb into Hindustan that most of the field withstood. Steady tempo to the base of Bean Blossom allowed the bunch to remain together into and over the first ascent of BB.
Approaching Hindustan for the second time, Spanbauer, along with Tolson of Tx Rdhse, dropped the hammer. Gary Palmer, Sean Bauer and Mike Brauner made the selection with two other riders. The 7-man break floored it across the remainder of Old 37 and Anderson Road. Sanity prevailed the second time up Bean Blossom, allowing the group to remain intact.
The elastic broke the third and final time up to Hindustan when Spanbauer and Tolson said sayonara to the five chasers. Mike and Sean worked to keep Gary fresh for the final ascent of Bean Blossom. An attack by the other member of the group at the base of Bean Blossom set the stage for the final 5.5 minutes to the finish. Professor Menzel of Indy Masters was able to withstand the Tortuga Armada and held off Gary for 3rd. Palmer took a hard earned 4th, followed across by Mike in 5th and Sean in 6th. Nice job guys.
Next up on the schedule is the Proctor Cycling Classic. Don’t forget Friday Night racing at the Major Taylor Velodrome. Looking ahead, the Bret Neylon Tribute Night at the MTV is now scheduled for Friday, July 28.