June 13, 2003 (Colorado Springs, CO) – Track riders and fans alike were treated to an all-star affair Friday night as the USA's top track cyclists competed for Pan Am and World Championship spots. The men's scratch race started things off and saw the maximum number of riders on the track for a lightening-fast 15km. Jamie Carney (Prime Alliance) edged Colby Pearce (OFOTO) for the victory. Kyle Wamsley (T.E.A.M. Fuji Bikes) captured the bronze.
“I felt strong today,” said Pearce after the effort, “but I'm really motivated by the points race. The scratch race is so unpredictable – when you get an opportunity to move in the scratch race you take it. Now I'm really looking forward to the points race and riding the madison with Tyler (Farrar) on Sunday.”
The women's 25km points race was filled with aggressive racing from the gun with several contenders going for sprint points every six laps. With six laps to go, Erin Mirabella led with 23 points with Ashley Kimmet and Sarah Hammer (T-Mobile) right behind with 19 and 15 points respectively. Mirabella held on to win with 25 points while Sarah Hammer clinched second with 22 points. Ashley Kimmet took third with 20 points after 25km.
“I was looking to win but it was hard, ” commented Mirabella. ” There was a lot of teamwork in the race and I knew I'd have to suffer to win. I tried to use the team tactics to my advantage. There were a lot of good riders out there but I knew if I could keep the breaks from going I could be up there for the sprints.” Team T-Mobile's Sarah Hammer rode a strong race with help from teammate Mari Holden. “I've never had anybody work for me in the points race, so it was really cool to have more people on and the road riding I've been doing has definitely helped my endurance.” Adham Sbeih claimed the victory over Mike Tillman in the men's individual pursuit with a ride of 4:37.450. Katie Compton and Karissa Whitsell rode to a victory in the women's paraylmpic tandem sprint defeating Suzie Tignor and Pam Fernandes for the national title.
The women's sprint event came down to an all Team T-Mobile affair with Tanya Lindenmuth and Chris Witty both vying for the top spot of the evening. Jennie Reed defeated Becky Conzelman 2-0 to claim third-place. In the final Tanya Lindenmuth defeated teammate Chris Witty to win but the Pennsylvania native was happy to have the fierce competition.
“I'm really happy to have Chris back training and riding with us,” said Lindenmuth. “She's an awesome rider and really elevates the level of competition here. I haven't ridden with her since 2000 so I needed to be alert riding with her. I feel like I've found my form and it will be great to train with Chris for the next few weeks.” Witty was also satisfied with her first result of the season on the track.
“I'm happy with it. Tactically I felt like I rode a smart race. I came in with a good level of fitness but some muscles don't feel as good right away on the bike, so I'm excited for that to come around.” Christian Stahl captured the men's kilometer victory with a ride of 1:05.334 after a rough start from the gate. Adam Duvendeck followed closely in 1:05.499 to clinch second while Mike Beers claimed third with a time of 1:06.117. “My start was the worst start of the year for me – I practically dragged the gate with me down the track.” commented Stahl after his winning effort.
Now, I'm getting ready for the team sprint on Sunday.” The final event saw Giddeon Massie win the men's keirin just edging out teammate Steven Alfred. Garth Blackburn was third.