2004-05-15 Kensington Road Race, Milford, Michigan

Record numbers of racers took to the roads of Kensington Metro Park for the Kensington Road Race. This is a very professional event on the most challenging circuit in Michigan. Racers were faced with 3-4 climbs per 8 mile lap. The Cat 1, 2 field would be riding 8 laps for 64 miles while the Cat 3 field would be riding 7 laps for 56 miles.

Total field sizes were 52 racers for the Cat 1,2 field and 50 racers for the Cat 3 field. Temperatures at the start were 62F with overcast skies and winds of 10-15mph.

In the Cat 3 field the race started slowly. Over the first several laps the pack rode tempo over the hills with some abortive breaks attempted. With the combination of several strong teams, Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC, West Michigan Coast Riders, Ada Team, and Saturn of Toledo Shell, any attack not containing at least 1-2 members of each team was immediately chased down. The hills eventually took their toll on the pack with 20% of the pack getting dropped before the last lap. Over the final hill to the finish line the pace was increased to a furious level. Into the uphill sprint, Ada Team lead out with a lone Wolverine, Terry Palmer, putting in a tremendous sprint to claim the victory.

Brian Rosewarne of Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC finished 9th, with Jeff Elam in 10th.

In the Cat 1,2 field the race started fast. Within the first lap a break of 8+ riders was away with Andy Weir representing Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC. This break was eventually reeled in. Continuous attacks and counter attacks marked the race with the eventual winning break containing the super strong Brian Sheedy of ABG Cycling and Chris Gottwald of Ford/Giant/AAVC. Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC racers Andy Weir and Steve Geerligs suffered flat tires at inopportune times and could not rejoin the pack. Brian Sheedy outsprinted Chris Gottwold for the victory. Jeff Hamilton of Team Bikesport/Lifetime Fitness/AAVC rode very strongly in the second chase group to finish 9th overall.

TOP 10 RESULTS:

SENIOR MEN CAT 3

Place Name Team/club No. Laps Time

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1 Terry Palmer Wolverine Sports Clu 320 7 2:34:14

2 Jonathon Heeringa 338 7 2:34:14

3 Matthew Karre Team Active 311 7 2:34:14

4 Jeff Crawford Saturn/Shell of Tole 347 7 2:34:14

5 Norman Zellers Team by Grace/Giant 330 7 2:34:15

6 Scott Claes Flying Rhino Cycling 307 7 2:34:15

7 Joe Moch Advantage Benefits G 316 7 2:34:15

8 Dylan Vanweelden 336 7 2:34:15

9 Brian Rosewarne AAVC/Bikesport 323 7 2:34:15

10 Jeff Elam Team Bikesport 309 7 2:34:15

SENIOR MEN CAT 1/2

Place Name Team/club No. Laps Time

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1 Brian Sheedy Advantage Benefits G 27 8 2:44:

2 Christopher Gottwald Ford/Giant 12 8 2:44:05

3 Tom Archer Ford / Giant 35 8 2:46:16

4 Jeff Koch Advantage Benefits G 18 8 2:46:16

5 Dan Klein 17 8 2:46:16

6 Jamon Hendler 39 8 2:46:46

7 Al Mcwilliams Advantage Benefits G 20 8 2:46:47

8 Bruce Rivera Team Essex Brass/Tre 25 8 2:46:51

9 Jeffrey Hamilton 40 8 2:46:51

10 Blair Dudley Ford/Giant 50 8 2:46:51