The Team finished up the 2005 racing season at YUASA's Right From the Start Criterium yesterday in Reading, PA. Carney, Cameron, Josh, Rife, Alex, Ryan, and Johann took part in the day's racing, with Young Gun Josh mixing it up in both the Category 4 and the Category 3&4 races.
Josh rode a good, solid Category 4 race, remaining towards the front and out of trouble for much of the 30-lap affair. With the uphill finish coming only 150 meters from the last corner, Josh learned quickly that it was imperative to be on the front before the home stretch. He came through that last corner in 4th wheel and fought his way into third, running out of real estate before the line. Great third place though.
One race later, we all lined up for the 35-lap Category 3&4 race, including the super confident Josh. It was a good hard race with all on the team working hard on the front to string it out. First to apply pressure was Ryan, constantly attacking and chasing moves. Cameron put in several hard moves finally sneaking away with two others with 22 laps to go. The three worked together nicely, but the charging pack had too much horsepower for the move to stay away. 6 laps later, it was all back together and new attacks were coming. Again, Ryan came to the front and put the hurt on the pack followed by tough pulls by Carney. The peleton was beginning to string out in pain when a group started to form off the front. Josh was in prime position and bridged right up, quickly finding himself in the winning 6-man break. The break worked together well and chiseled out a 17-second lead with only 5 laps remaining. With constant attacks from the main pack, their lead fell to 11 seconds with 3 to go, but the break kept working and held off the field. Josh sprinted to a terrific 3rd place - his best result to date in a Category 3 race. Meanwhile, back in the shrinking pack, Carney snuck off the front with two laps to go and held it to the line for a well deserved 7th. The rest of FHR stayed safe in the chaotic sprint with Cameron taking the last money spot for 12th.
To finish off an already great day, Cameron solidified his lead in the PA Best All Around Rider Competition and earned the Trophy, PA BAR Champion Jersey, and free entry into all of next year's races. All of it made possible by the great teamwork of FHR in 2005. What a year and what a great way to finish it off...
Race Pictures Category 4Race Pictures Category 3/4
