2004-04-25 Quick Release Spring Training Series Finale, Ann Arbor, MI

The final race of the 19^th Annual Quick Release Spring Training Series was hotly contested by Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC. In the “B” race series Joe Lekovish of Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC held a slim lead in the overall, only 4 points ahead of Jakob Steefy of Michigan State University. On paper, Joe should have had a commanding advantage over Jakob as he was supported by 8 team mates. Unfortunately, Joe was suffering from fatigue after digging deep to place 2^nd in the Cone-Azalia Classic Road Race the day before, leaving the race up for grabs.

Rain, wind gusting to 20mph and temperatures in the upper 50F’s greeted the riders at Runway Plaza in Ann Arbor for 45km of racing in the “B” race and 60km of racing in the “A” race.

The “B” race started with nearly 31 riders. Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC was represented by: John Rigdon, James Whitesides, Mark Caswell, Jeff Elam, Brian Rosewarne, Randy Hermann, Joe Lekovish, Travis Stebbins, Vince Roberge, Alex Keomany, Jordan Stohl and Gary Seelhorst. The race plan was for aggressive attacking with the goal of getting as many riders away as possible without including Jakob Steefy of MSU. With the largest number of riders in the race and the responsibility of defending their lead, Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC were