Tour de Tuscaloosa

Greetings from the Myogenesis.Com camp. This week’s write up brings more good news, as the guys build on their successful weekend in Birmingham, Alabama and Perry, Georgia.
The second real race weekend with the bulk of the squad would see the guys tackling the Second Annual Tour de Tuscaloosa. Making the trip over to Alabama were
Bruno Langois, our very own import from north of the border, Eric “e” Murphy, one of our resident kangaroo chasers, Chris Klem, Cleve the beav Blackwell and Shady Brady.
The first of two stages for the weekend would be a criterium around the old train depot in downtown Tuscaloosa. The course was quite a tough one, but well suited for Bruno. It consisted of 6 corners in an “L” shape with a slight downhill on one side and on the other, quite a substantial power climb. The climb was sure to take its toll on the peloton. We would have our work cut out for us as several of the strong teams from the southeast would be in attendance. Memphis Motorworks would roll in from Tennessee; Herring Gas making the trip from Louisiana, Inferno Racing and Loco’s would be represented as well.
The race started out fast as expected with Memphis Motorworks and Herring Gas making several attempts to establish a move up the road, but to no avail. About the half way point, Bruno was able to gain an advantageous gap along with Matt Winstead (Inferno Racing). The duo was able to hold the gap until the end. Unfortunately this time around Winstead was able to nip Bruno on the line. Another “PODIUM” none-the-less.
The next day, the next stage, would be a circuit race around the Lake Lurleen recreation area. The course was rolling, and never a flat spot. Going into this race, we new we we’re marked, after having swept the podium just two weeks before, and taking second the day before. That was the challenge and we felt we we’re up to it. The race went from the gun with a move that see Brady and Cleve up the road with Jeff Hopkins and various others. After being away for the first lap, the group was soon swallowed and flurry of counters started flying. Once again Myogenesis was able to get Bruno up the road in a move that we were happy with. We moved to the front to control the peloton. Rolling along at nice clip, we looked up and noticed Bruno on the side of the road……Flat tire! Cleve shot forward and gave his wheel up and effectively ended his day there. Brady went to the front and set a “leisurely” pace at the front to allow Bruno to get back in. Once Bruno made contact, the chase was on. The remainder of the team went to the front and started riding steady tempo to pull the break back in. After a lap and half of chasing, we we’re able to bring it back within reach. From there, our Canuck did his thing again….and went to bridge. Bruno was able to make contact. He went to make his winning move and came off the back of the break to the left side. One of the other teams in the break saw this as dangerous, and moved to the left to block Bruno. When doing this, it forced Bruno over the yellow line. The official subsequently informed Bruno that he was DQ’d…?....but Bruno kept racing. He once again attacked and went free of the break and was able to hold it to come in solo with about 500 meters on the break. After crossing the finish line with what we thought would be another win, Bruno was relegated to 2nd. That’s ok. He was obviously the strongest that day..and deserved the win. But we’ll take it…..another “PODIUM” (you guys should get yourself some, it obviously works!)….
See you guys next week from the Georgia Cup in Gainesville, Georgia. Until then………….

for more pictures and a video of the finish of the road race...click here