A lot of Exergy at Air Force Classic.

Clarendon Cup

There’s a hint of glee in DS Tad’s voice as he describes today’s 1-km crit course in Arlington, Virginia. At 100 km, it’s the longest crit of the year and one of the few featuring a feed zone and the opportunity to hand out bottles, which was probably appreciated given today’s 90-degree heat.

“It’s a very tough course,” he says with satisfaction. “Five corners, small hill, it’s a good course for the crit riders.”

By which, of course, he means it’s a good course for HIS crit riders. And with an Exergy rider in today’s winning break and two men finishing in the top five, it’s hard to argue against his confidence.

The first of two crits in the Air Force Cycling Classic, today’s Clarendon Cup began with a dose of aggressive racing for the first 35 km, continuing until a break of four made it up the road containing Exergy’s Logan Loader, Team Type 1’s Alexi Schmitt, Jamis Sutter Home’s Jamey Driscoll, and United Health Care’s Robert Foerster.

With about 30 km to go, the break lapped the field, at which point the Exergy boys took charge and controlled the peloton until UHC took over on the final six laps. From the break Foerster took first followed by Schmitt, Driscoll, and Logan. Exergy’s Carlos Alzate took the field sprint for fifth place.

Tomorrow’s second and final day of the Air Force Cycling Classic features a 2-km crit course around Arlington’s Crystal City. It should be another hot day; the forecast is for temperatures in the mid 90s. Tad must be thrilled.