Van Gilder doubles up in Gateway Cup day two

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With a tenuous weather outlook for day two of the THF Realty Gateway Cup, riders gathered for another round of criterium racing in the streets of St. Louis, MO. Marking another year in the Francis Park neighborhood of the Midwest river town, the Tour de Francis showcased a demanding course that proved resistant to the flurry of attacks that would come throughout the day.

For the second day running, the women’s field set out in a downpour and worked their way through the fast but deceptively demanding course in South St. Louis, MO. A reversal of the previous day’s tactics saw the typically animated Vanderkitten-Focus team somewhat subdued as they watched the race unfold around them. Perhaps smarting from a fourth place finish the preceding day despite numerous breakaways, Vanderkitten-Focus monitored the field and did what they needed to stay in control.

Despite several attempts at solo moves by various riders late in the race, Vanderkitten stayed focused and refused to take the bait. In the end, the powerful sprint of Laura van Gilder again proved too much for the team, but Vanderkitten was consoled with a second place for Vanessa Drigo and a third for local aggressor Maura Kinsella.

While the men’s race enjoyed clearing skies and drying roads for their race, the tactics were as much of a standoff as the women’s event. Throughout the seventy-five minute race, the elite teams of Jelly Belly and Kenda 5 Hour Energy p/b Geargrinder went head to head with locals from Gateway Harley Davidson and Mercy Cycling Team. No breaks were given any leash, despite Jelly Belly sending man after man on the attack, at one point taking local rider Devin Clark to carve out a ten second gap for four laps.

With Jelly Belly attacking and counter attacking, Kenda stayed in the wings, allowing Gateway Harley Davidson and Mercy to dictate the chase. At the finish, Jelly Belly delivered on their strong teamwork, bringing Chris Kriek to the win ahead of Isaac Howe from Kenda, who placed runner up for the second day running. Howe’s second place brought him the overall lead in the Gateway Cup while Zack Allison of Mercy rounded out the podium, earning his squad some plaudits for their hard work. Left empty handed at the Tour de Francis, Gateway Harley Davidson will hope to get their timing dialed in for the final two days of racing.

Full results