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For the second time in 2009 a major stage race opened with a Panorama Point Prologue. Just like the Redlands race, the Mt Hood Cycling Classic begins with a short run up to a scenic vista named Panorama Point. However, instead of looking out over a mass of Southern California urban sprawl, this vista offers a breathtaking view: two giant volcanoes bookending the confluence of the East and West forks of the Hood River, and an endless stretch of delicious fruit orchards.
After a 1 year shift to Portland, the Hood opener returned to it's roots in 2009. The familiar track was welcomed back by athletes eager to take a shot at Nathan O'Neill's record time of 6:07. In the end, Michael Olheiser of Warp9 Cycles came closest to the magic time, with a blistering 6:12. Bissell's Paul Mach and newly signed Ouch-Maxxis rider Chris Baldwin both turned in 6:14 to round out the podium. Mach, who rode the 2008 Tour of Utah with Team Bob's, is proving to be the revelation of domestic racing this season, and without a doubt is a man to be watched in the coming years. Kai Applequist, starting the first 5-day stage race of his young career, was the best placed Bobs-Bicycles.com rider, finishing in 16th position with a time of 6:37.
Just like the prologue course, the Cooper Spur Circuit Race is a track that Mt Hood racers are very familiar with. The cigar shaped loop climbs for 15km and descends for 15 km, finally finishing on top after 5 times up the climb. Olheiser's men dutifully patrolled the front for the first 3 laps, but by the start of the 4th lap it was apparent that the Warp9 boys couldn't control the race any longer. At this point Bob's teamed up with Mach's Bissell mates to bring the day long breakaway back. The 4 minute gap was slowly erased, and a battle on the final climb would decide who gets the final starting time in the next day's time trial. Mach and teammate Morgan Schmidt forced a decisive split in the last km, pulling home a group of 5 and earning an 8 second gap over a chase group containing Baldwin and Erik Slack of Team Bob's. Slack finished 12th on the stage. This gap, combined with a 10 second bonus for winning the stage, allowed Mach to pull on the yellow jersey, which he never would concede.
At 30km, the Mt Hood TT course is longer than Gila or Cascade. Combine this with 2 large climbs, 100 year old avalanche tunnels, and a stunning overview of the Columbia River Gorge, and you have the recipe for the finest TT course on the domestic circuit. This year's edition was made even more difficult by the famous winds that frequent the gorge. The howling gale that makes Hood River the Mecca for wind surfers was in full force as a 30 knot head wind pounded the point to point course. Baldwin showed his class as a former U.S. national time trial champion, edging out Mach by 3 seconds and cementing his place as chief contender to the leader. Baldwin's teammate Jon Chodroff finished 3rd on the day, 35 seconds off the pace. Kevin Rowe was fastest of the Bob's boys, finishing 16th at 2:26 behind Baldwin.
The Wy-East Road Race starts and finishes at Hood Meadows ski resort, but spends the majority of the day out in the desert east of the Cascades. After an exhilerating 8 km downhill opener, the course turns uphill for another 8 km, before a 40 km descent away from the giant volcano. It was on this early climb that the day's breakaway was established. Kevin Rowe made his way into the eager four man group as the peloton settled in behind Bissell's red train and patiently prepared for the 50 km climb back to the ski resort. The hardworking break held a steady 2 min advantage for most of the day as Bissell controlled the chase, finally reeling in the attackers with 8 km to go. The final 3 km average about 10%, and this is where Baldwin attempted to win the week. Unfortunately for Baldwin he was successful in dropping everyone except Mach and Rob Britton of Red Truck. Britton had lost 2 minutes in the TT, and was allowed a small amount of room to run by the two protagonists. The Red Truck racer took full advantage and galloped home for an outstanding win. Mach stuck tight to Baldwin, and conserved his 13 second lead.
With 10 seconds bonus on offer in the final stage criterium, Mach needed only to stay on the wheel of Baldwin to preserve his overall victory. When an early 10 man break made it up the road without Baldwin the Bissell men were content to give the stage, and the winning time bonus, away. Erik Slack made the break by bridging solo, and promptly took a nice $100 prime. Corey Collier of Rio Grande was the only rider in the top ten to make the selection, but at 2:33 down, he was never going to threaten Mach's lead. And so two races were shaping up: a ten man battle for the stage win, and a last ditch attack from Baldwin to try and take the overall. With a few laps to go the break shattered, and 4 men were left to battle for the win. Unfortunately for Bob's, Slack wasn't one of the four. However, he did finish a fantastic 8th place on the day. Red Truck's Jamie Sparling held on for the win, and Collier secured enough time to move into 3rd position for the overall. Baldwin's attempt to shed Mach proved fruitless, and the podium was set.
Kevin Rowe finished 15th for the week, and Erik Slack slotted in at 17th. Kai Applequist finished his first 5 day stage race, and rode solidly in doing so, finishing 25th for the week. This classic event is a perfect kick-off for Bob's summer schedule. The beautiful surroundings and exciting courses truly whet the racers' appetites, and help prepare them for the hot and difficult summer stage races. The benefits of competing in this race will surely be proven over the next two weeks of amateur racing. With Idaho districts and the Elkhorn Classic coming up the Bob's boys are ready to show their stuff.