By Kirsten Robbins in Visalia, California
The two cyclists struck and killed by a Clara County sheriff last Sunday in Cupertino, California, were deeply missed on the start line of last weekend's Visalia Classic.
Kristy Gough, 31, and Matt Peterson, 30, had last competed in the Merco Credit Union Classic held in early March, winning their respective events in the road race and criterium. The two category 3/4 cyclists were registered to compete in this weekend's Exeter time trial and Visalia criterium, where a tribute was made on each of their behalf in a moment of silence on the start line.
The original time trial placing was held for Gough based on the registered start list where each rider started in thirty-second intervals. On Saturday, a moment of silence was held for Gough during her thirty-second start time interval before continuing on to the next competitor. On Sunday, a second moment of silence and a speech tribute from North American race announcer Dave Towle were held on the start line before the women's criterium commenced.
