Mojo's Spring Fling Criterium

Final Standings and Story

Series Final Standings

The 8th annual Mojo's Spring Fling finally came into it's own in 2003. Race participation was way up thanks to the Cat 5's and youth races.

The first ever Category 5 race highlighted some new faces in local racing, Mike Palitto, Dan Cool, Joe Abdallah and Phil Ciesielski to mention a few. Aggressive high level tactics were seen several times and I'm sure these new riders will be in the sport of cycling for years to come.

The women's race saw a long overdue increase in numbers thanks in part to Juli Watkins of KCBC. Tanja Hess gave Tammy Spray a run for her money in a few of the sprints and Marian Smith (aka cookie) also of KCBC showed her spirit by racing so many times.

The youth racers saw a few kids come and go but the core group of 8 to 10 kid's were out there every weekend. The tight race between Team X Cycling's Adam Lang and Garrick Velocity was much anticipated. Ashley Noel of Bikes-n-Boards and Team X's Tori Nelson pulled in 1st and 2nd in the girls youth division.

The category 4 field was a tug-o-war for 2nd and 3rd once Chris Hess dominated the 1st place sprints. Jack Mason of Wheatland's and Kevin McComas of Team X Cycling put in good battle. Kevin's trusty rocket-man Brian Roche even nabbed 4th in the series. It's interesting to note that Jack, Kevin and Ashley "O." are all new racers. The future looks bright.

El Gringo (Steve Rouff) originally from Yuma Arizona showed his cold weather versatility by dominating the sprints in the Masters 30+ race. Often times he called upon team mate and fellow sprinter Jim Whittaker to neutralize the Bike Source Barrage. Rumor has it Shadd's inability to catch Steve was due to a few major off the bike distractions.

The Pro/1/2/3 race was virtually dominated by Bike Source except for an occasional lone RCRC rider mixing up the top 3. If it wasn't for Allen Cradock's mishap the Topeka crowd with their two Johnson County hired guns would have had a battle on their hands. Still everyone racing was happy with the size and pace of the Pro/1/2/3 races.

Good things are in store for 2003! Thanks for racing with Alta Sport, LC. Targeting Alternative Sports

Masters 30+ Podium, Steve Rouff, Shadd Smith in shades, and Adam Mills standing in for teammate Chris Johnson.

Most Aggressive

Cat 5 -  Mike Palitto Team X Cycling

Cat 4/5 - Brian Roche Team X Cycling

Pro 1/2/3 - Tom Luke KCBC

Women - Tammy Spray Free State

Masters - Steve Rouff - Team X Cycling

The shark club receives one free entry at this summers Twilight Bike Race.

Kris Tilford tries his 50th break of the Spring!

Surprise of the Series

Kevin McComas

Jack Mason

Tanja Hess

The last Masters 30+ break of the series.

Most Improved Rider

Mike Moore, off the front at the last Cat 5 crit!

Rusty Sallee, 2nd in Rudy Project Prologue.

Philip Ciesielski, 4:01 Prologue time as a new cat 5.

All youth riders! Watching riders age 8 to 11 in a small pack and the older juniors demonstrating smart riding in their race.

The hard fought Category 4/5 series podium.

Good things are in store for 2003!

Don't forget to pay a visit to Mojo's at 8th and Vermont to sample their excellent  wings. Thank you Mojo's!

And additional thanks to our presenting sponsors, Sunflower Outdoor and Bike, Cycle Works, Santa Fe Trail, Pro Velo, Tailwind Cycle and Fitness, Wheeler's Cycle and Fitness, Xanthos graphixs.

The Alta Sport staff plans on reducing the spread between points at next years Spring Fling. Increasing the likely hood of close battles for the top 3.

Jim Whittaker caught between the break and the pack at the last Mojo's Masters 30+ race.