Poor weather hinders Ag bikers
Bad weather in Fort Collins, Colo., mechanical problems and a crash on the final turn prevented any of USU’s racers from placing near the top of the standings on Saturday.
Team President Ira Tibbitts said the different groups of riders were started off on the 9-mile loop at different times, but by the final lap all of the racers were bunched up together. And when a female cyclist crashed, it caused a bottleneck.
USU’s top lady racer, Lisa Lloyd, was forced to divert off-course to avoid the tangle of bodies and bikes, and by the time she got back on track it was too late.
“It’s a little bit of a disappointment although the people who participated had a fun time, and ultimately that’s what it’s about,” Tibbitts said.
Lloyd was not the only snake-bit member of USU’s cycling club. Jonathon Kidd was the victim of a flat tire on the first lap of the race.
“Sometimes it’s bad luck,” Tibbitts said. “It’s definitely good to prepare and make sure your equipment is functioning as well as possible. The preparation for a race involved several things: your equipment, mentally and physically.”
Cold temperatures and pouring rain reduced the number of laps the Men’s C and Women’s B categories raced around the course from the usual four to three. The Men’s A riders braved the elements for a full seven laps.
“We’re looking forward to recuperating and getting ready for the next race we’ll attend as a team in Salt Lake,” Tibbitts said.
USU was ineligible to compete in the team time trial event because they did not have enough riders present at the race. Tibbitts said he is actively trying to increase the number of lady cyclists on his team so Lloyd can compete in time trials in the future. Tibbitts said anyone, male or female, who rides a bicycle at any level, is welcome to call him at 757-2709 for information on joining the Cycling Club.
-graham@cc.usu.edu