New York, NY

Tucson Bicycle Classic - Tucson, AZ (September 30th thru October 2nd)

The Durango fleet of SKNT riders, which included Alex, Chris, Andy, LeeRo
and Johnny, headed down to Tucson, AZ for the team's last stage race of the
season.

The event began with a 4.4-mile Prologue that featured an uphill start all the
way to the turn around and then downhill to the finish. The prologue was very
important and the team didn't disappoint. Johnny finished in 3rd Place just
24 seconds off the lead. Chris was in 7th place and LeeRo was sitting in
10th Place. Johnny's strong ride put him in 3rd Place on the General Classification.

In the 84-mile Road Race the team's plan was to have one rider off the front
early so as to allow Johnny an armchair ride in the opening laps. After the gun
went off Andy was able to break free of the field with one man for company.
Andy pushed the lead to 4 minutes after dropping his companion. Back in the
field Chris, LeeRo and Alex kept a tight lid on attacks and a close eye on 1st
and 2nd in G.C. On the last lap the plan worked out brilliantly with Johnny
escaping the field in an 8-man breakaway. Andy was plugging away yet the
efforts of his break were starting to catch up with him and the now 5-man
chase group was quickly closing in. With just 2 miles to go Andy was caught
and passed by the now 3-man chase group. Johnny jumped 300 meters from
the line and stormed to the win and 1st Place while Andy was able to hang
onto 4th Place on the day. Johnny victory moved him up to 2nd Place in General
Classification and Andy was in 5th Place on G.C.

In the 45-mile Circuit Race which featured a stiff hill each lap the boys used the
same plan as the day before, have one SKNT rider off the front early, have the
rest work for Johnny and let Johnny rest until near the end of the event where
he'd have to take back 12 seconds from the leader. The plan went off picture
perfect with LeeRo leading a break. As LeeRo powered away misfortune struck
when Johnny unexpectedly flatted. Chris and Alex immediately dropped back
off of the peleton waiting for Johnny's wheel change. Race hardened Chris
and Alex did not panic and safely towed Johnny back into the field with 5 laps
to go. At the front LeeRo's break was caught but he immediately went with a
counter move that stayed away. In a close sprint LeeRo took a courageous
2nd Place on the stage to cap off a great season which saw him take 6th at
the Espoir Criterium Championships.

Back in the field the race leader on G.C who was nervous about holding onto
his lead took a strong flyer that saw him escape the peleton. Chris and Andy
were working as Johnny's lead-out men and with a strong showing of power
they brought back the leader with 1km to go and then Johnny immediately
counter attacked and soloed off the front. There were 12 seconds to make up
and a 3rd place finish also gave a 5 second time bonus. Johnny's move looked
like it was going to work but with 50-meters to go he was swallowed up by the
field sprint (Chris took 6th Place and Johnny held on for 8th Place on the stage).
At the end of the day it was a brilliant effort by the SKNT crew. Johnny retained
his 2nd Place in G.C and Andy claimed 5th Place on G.C

 

Sakonnet Kids Featured in 2006 Gita Catalog - New York, NY (October 6, 2005)

Team clothing manufacturer Gita Sporting goods honored our program by including
a picture of Chris and Andy from last seasons FBD Milk Ras in their 2006 catalog.
A link to the page can found here:
http://www.gitabike.com/images/Custom_wo_prices.pdf

Thank you Sandy, Chris and everyone at Gita for your support.

 

Collegiate Track Nationals - Chicago, IL (October 1st & 2nd)

Sakonnet's Jon Swain ended his season racing with his school team from Marian
College at last weekends Collegiate National Championships. The track was a
very short 383 meters with a 17 degrees banking, which was not, what Jon was
accustomed to. No matter as he podiumed by taking 5th Place in the 300-meter
Individual Pursuit, 10th Place in the Kilo TT and 10th Place in the Points Race.
In the team events Jon road with his Marian teammates to Bronze and 3rd Place
in the Italian Pursuit and they also took 3rd Place in the Team Pursuit.

 

Duathlon Report from Lee Sossen- New York, NY (September, 15th)

Sakonnet's Professional Duathlete checks in with an update of how his late season
has gone. The biggest news of note has been Lee's invitation to represent the U.S
at the Elite World Championships in Sydney, Australia! Lee has certainly worked hard
and his work has paid off with this invitation from the federation. For more info on the
worlds visit: www.worldduathlon2005.com.

Also Lee took 1st Place at the "Lighter than Air Duathlon" in New Jersey on September
10th. Lee had previously podiumed at this race however this year he was able to take
the top step, which is a testament to his fitness level.

In a warm up race to fine tune his cycling Lee competed at the "Ed Peters Memorial
Individual Time Trial" also in New Jersey. The event was 10 miles long and despite
a front tire that was going flat for the entire race Lee clocked a flying time of 21:21
with an average speed of 28mph for 3rd Place.

 

Pacific Velo Grand Prix - Ontario, CA (August 28th)

Sakonnet's west coast manger Bob/Bruce Weyman showed he still has the stuff
by rocking the house at this 30+ event. Bob/Bruce started his effort by doing a solo
bridge to a breakaway of 10 men. In the closing laps he repeatedly tried to escape
the break yet was brought back. In the ensuing sprint Bob/Bruce finished a fine
5th Place on the day.

 

 

PA State Time Trial Championships - Harrisburg, PA (August 21st)

Sakonnet's Time Trial Ace Chris Kuhl road to a strong 8th Place at the Pennsylvania
State Time Trial. Hot weather and a rolling course were in store for the field today.
Chris' time of 46:17 gave him an average of 27 mph. Chris was the youngest rider
in the top 10 and thus is the unofficial U23 PA State Time Trial Champion as a result.