L’Esprit Road Race

LaGrange, Kentucky, February 28, 2004

Men’s Category 3, 4 – 5 Laps/50 miles

Team Participants: Travis “hammerhead” Stebbins – Junior Cat. 3

The L'Esprit Road Race was the biggest field I have ever raced in. I would estimate 100 riders but I could be a little off on that!

It was sunny and warm, like upper 60’s, just a little breezy.

The race started pretty fast and a break started to form. It had a bunch of UPS guys in it. They stayed out front for probably a lap. I stayed towards the front of the field most of the race. I thought it was too early to go into a break so I just sat in and watched to see who was strong and all that.

With one lap to go, I got in a break and we got caught about 1 mile from the finish. I was really wasted and started to slip to the back of the pack. Out of the last corner before the finish, I went for it, and went from 40th or so places back up to the front in my sprint.

I took 4th place. If I'd have had myself in a better spot closer to the end, I could have done better. I need to work on that.

This was one of the best races I've ever done. The roads were great, lots of rolling hills...

Real sweet race!!!

Travis Stebbins – Jr / Cat 3