Next up in the USA Crits spotlight is the Wells Fargo Twilight Criterium on July 19 in Boise, Idaho. To celebrate the event's 22nd year, organizers have created a new course for racers.
A strong field of contenders will include riders from Team Inferno, Toshiba-Santo presented by Herbalife, Time Pro Cycling and California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized.
Current UCI World Track Omnium Champion Hayden Godfrey and former Junior World Track Champion "Lightning" Jeff Hopkins (Team Inferno) will compete against Seth Hansley (Locos Grill & Pub), Adam Myerson (Time), Yosvany Falcon and Frank Travieso (Toshiba-Santo), riders who are fighting for the title of overall series champion.
"Now that we're on the homeward stretch of the series, we're getting a clearer picture of which racers and teams have consistently excelled at the best criteriums in America and who among them will be awarded the overall series winners' jerseys in Las Vegas on September 25," said USA Crits co-founder Gene Dixon. "However, history has shown us that nothing is guaranteed until the last race is won."
The elite women's race will feature Taitt Sato (Value Act Capital) and Shannon Koch (Metro Volkswagen). Koch is hoping to narrow Erica Allar's (Aaron's) lead in the competition for champion in the U25 category, but she will have to step up the pace.
Even though she will be putting in an appearance at the race, US Olympian Kristin Armstrong is not racing. Saving her speed for the Beijing Games, she will be there to make young fans smile and get them into the Olympic spirit. Armstrong will sign autographs and take part in the St. Luke's/EMI Kid's Ride before the pro races begin. She was selected for the women's road team in both the time trial and mass start races in China next month.
Remaining USA Crits events
July 19: Wells Fargo Twilight Criterium Boise, Idaho
August 2: Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium Charlotte, North Carolina
August 24: Chris Thater Memorial Binghamton, New York
September 13: San Francisco Twilight Criterium San Francisco, California
September 25: USA Crits Final, Las Vegas, Nevada
For more information, visit www.boisetwilightcriterium.com.
