It all started with the Jittery Joes AM Greenway qualifiers. The brothers Eddie and Art Murray proved their mettle. Both of them qualified for the evening finals by finishing in the top 10 of a strong Cat4/5 field. The team looked to place more racers into the finals through the Cat3 race. Unfortunately, the large field focused on individual results created what most would agree was a nervous pack lacking team tactics. Michael Bowen finished well (8th) and Brannon Armtower fought through a true uphill mass sprint for a qualifying spot in 20th.
The amateur finals took place in downtown Athens in the early evening on the same course the pros would race only a few hours later. The finals are composed of the top finishers from the qualifiers including 10 Cat4s, 10 Masters, 25 Cat3s, and 35 Pro1/2s. For the lower category qualifiers racing in the evening finals is a reward for a good morning finish and an experience to be "enjoyed". For the Pro1/2s and aspiring Cat3s it is an opportunity to shine on a large stage in an atmosphere unlike any other. Mike Burns cruised to a great 20th place, and Michael Bowen was caught out of position in the chaos of the final laps yet still finished on the lead lap.
Reality Bike's own Artur Sagat raced in the main event, the Athens Twilight Criterium under the lights with capacity crowds.
Historic Roswell Criterium
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Most national level racers that were in town for Athens Twilight stayed to take on the Historic Roswell Criterium the following day. The Reality Bikes RV took its customary spot on the final turn, and the team setup the tents for all to enjoy the day's festivities.
In the Cat3/4 race Reggie Pineda used his leadout strength to power through in 5th, while Brannon Amtower was shutdown in the sprint and finished 10th. Also cracking the top 25 was Allan Emmons (24th).
Kyle Emerson finished the 4/5 race just off the leaders in 8th. Art and Eddie Murray put in another good performance in 12th and 17th.
The Cat2/3 race was the target for the majority of the elite team. We had a solid representation, but could not put together anything as a team to setup our strongest racers. Pacesetter Steel put on a team clinic placing a rider to win out of a small break, and finish in the front of the sprint behind. Mike Burns pulled off the best finish for Reality Bikes with 13th, and Michael Bowen was the only other team member to finish the race of attrition in 39th.
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