Elgin Criterium 2012

Rob Curtis, locally known for his custom wheels is also reaching for a new title: Awesome Race Revivalist. Last summer, Chicago-area cyclists faced the potential loss of an awesome race at Fox River Grove after some hiccups with the previous promoter until Rob and his team managed to pull it together in the 11th hour. This year, the Elgin Criterium was revived and wrapped into a two day omnium alongside the race on the hill in Fox River Grove by Rob and his PSIMET Racing team alongside Rhythm Racing. The course is an otherwise mundane 4 turn course with the exception of a down (and up) hill, off-camber, chicane in turn 4. The turn requires technical skill and just a little bit of guts. The weather was great all weekend and from all reports the day went off without a hitch.

There were a lot of great efforts and results but of all of them, this should probably be noted: Not sure if you’ve heard of these guys before, but Enzo’s-PSIMET had a good day. The morning started with Enzo’s Bob & Brian Karlow and John Whipple sweeping the 35+ podium with Christian Zauner and Wayne Simon sharing the podium with ScarletFire’s David Stone in 45+ (35+ and 45+ race held at the same time). Not content to be outgunned by their master’s teammates, Enzo’s 1/2 squad pulled off the same feat at the end of the day with Ryan Freund, Nick Ramirez and Tim Speciale taking 1st 2nd and 3rd respectably.

It’s also a good time to look at those beginner-level men. No, it’s not a typo, the Cat 5 and Cat 5B podium is identical. And yes, that is Sven Stoltz and Audrius Dauderis winning again and yes, that is David Ross not far behind. Dauderis has won 5 of his first 8 races, and finished 3rd in the other 3. Ross has finished 2nd in all but two of his first 8 races while Stoltz has won 3 of the 4 races he’s started. Keep an eye on these guys.

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Race Reports

• Jon Villena
• Mark Swartzendruber
• Wayne Simon
• Tim Speciale
• Bicycle Heaven