Sunnyking Criterium - Anniston, AL
The 3rd installment of the NCC series was run off in Anniston, AL today. With defending Sunnyking champion Johnny Cantwell moving to Europe for the 2012 season, a new winner would be guaranteed.
An early move consisting of Kenda Pro Cycling's red-hot Phil Gaimon and Team Exergy's Ben Chaddock forged a lead that reached 21 seconds before the hungry peloton began nibbling away at their advantage. After the slim gap was closed, no other breakaway threatened the race.
With the inevitable field sprint looming, Tino Alzate and the Mullervy twins took charge at 8 laps to go in the 60 lap event. The ever-improving young pros succeeded in preventing any dangerous late attacks and also placed Team Exergy fastman Carlos Alzate in the top 4 for the final sprint.
The difficult course and aggressive racing had softened the legs of all but the strongest riders and when the peloton rounded the final corner a mix of racers from 5 different squads occupied the first 5 spots. Without a controlling lead out train, a chaotic drag race ensued. 1st across the line; Kenda rider Isaac Howes, 2nd Carlos Alzate, 3rd Kyle Wamsley of Jamis/Sutterhome.
Next up on the NCC schedule is the grueling Speedweek races. 7 crits in 9 days begin next Saturday night with the Athens Twilight Criterium.
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