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Pipp Dominates 1st Day of Racing at Downers Grove Harsh Weather and Numerous Crashes Make for a Difficult 2nd Day

BISSELL’s Frank Pipp used his great racing sense to time his win perfectly in Saturday’s Downers Grove opener. Frank attacked out of an early 20-man break in the 50K race on the historic crit course. He was quickly followed by Jeremy Powers (Jelly Belly) and pursued a bit further back by Karl Menzies (OUCH). Menzies eventually made it across to the duo with a lap to go, and Frank brilliantly marked the strong sprinter going into the final lap. Powers attacked his break mates on the finishing lap, while Frank forced Menzies to follow, knowing that there was not much left in his energy reserves. Going into the finish, Frank overtook the pair for the smart win. BISSELL’s Andy Jacques-Maynes also came through in the main group for an 11th place finish.

Sunday’s National Criterium Championships was marred by thunderous skies and late race crashes. After 2 rain delays, the 100K criterium eventually got underway. Luis Amaran (Colavita) was in an early solo breakaway and built up over a minute gap on the main group with two chasers, Mike Creed (Team Type 1) and Dan Bowman (Kelly Benefits) inching closer every lap. Back in the peloton, the group knew it was going to be a long and tough day. BISSELL did an outstanding job of keeping the race in check and consistently rotated BISSELL riders to the front of the group to maintain control. With 20 laps to go, Amaran, Creed, and Bowman consolidated efforts; however, 3 laps later they were absorbed by the group. As the end of the race neared and the riders had the stars and stripes jersey in their sights, the race became even more aggressive and the wet road conditions caused even more problems. In the final 15 laps, there were several significant crashes leaving Andy Jacques-Maynes in 8th overall, and the only finishing rider for BISSELL. None of the BISSELL riders were seriously injured, but most walked away with some painful reminders of a tough fought battle.

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