2010 US Collegiate Nationals - Day 2 - Criterium

Just a quick report on the Division 1 Championship now with a full report Sunday night including the team time trial.  

Division 1 Men: A huge field lined up on the historic Capital Square criterium course in Madison this evening. There was also a very good crowd of spectators despite cold temps in the mid 40's and a brisk wind. The exact number of starters in the D1 race is unknown at this moment, but when stretched out single file, leaders were entering turn one as the last riders were exiting turn four. 

As in all the races, there was plenty of aggression right from the gun in the hour long race but nothing really got organized to gain much of an advantage.

Nearing the end of the race, with about 7 laps remaining, two riders escaped and quickly gained 10 seconds on the field. With 3 laps to go, we were shocked to see that a single rider quickly and easily bridged the gap ... suddenly there were three, holding their advantage, and looking very dangerous. With two laps remaining ANOTHER single rider bridged up ... now there were FOUR riders away and they weren't looking back. 

As the riders came into view around the last turn to get the bell for the final lap, we were shocked again to find that just as quickly as those riders had escaped, they were caught again. So, now it's down to a one lap drag race. Who's got the legs to become champion?

Around the final turn comes the pack, all together until one single rider explodes from the front ... who is it??? Who is it???

It's JOSH CARTER from Midwestern State University!

What an emotional victory for Carter who was having a hard time holding back the tears of joy! Speaking with announcer Brad Sohner after wards, it was obvious that Carter was still choked up and this victory was especially sweet. He stated that he's raced on this course before, so he knew what he needed to do, however it was a shock coming from Texas yesterday where the temperature was 90 degrees. "Yeah, it's COLD here!"

Josh Carter (Midwestern State University), your 2010 Division One Collegiate National Champion. More reports Sunday night after the Team Time Trial in Waterloo, WI, home of the Trek world headquarters.