news/press release

Emile Abraham Wins Pro 1-2 Race & Sarah Caravella Finishes First in Women’s Race at Hyde Park Blast

Cycling Criterium Draws International Competition

(Cincinnati, OH) June 29, 2009 – The 8^th Annual Hyde Park Blast tripled the field in its professional cycling race this year.  Riders from teams around the globe participated in the race and cyclists from ten different states rode in the most competitive bicycle race to hit Cincinnati in over ten years with large crowds drawn to the action.

More than 300 cyclists traveled to Hyde Park Square from as far as South America and Canada to test their abilities against the tough Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana competition.  Riders from ten different states in the U.S. turned out in hopes of being awarded a portion of the purse that was given to the winners in each category.  Gathered around the railings, the crowd could be seen anxiously awaiting the end of the race where they would see which of their favorite racers would cross the finish line at speeds nearing 40 mph.

Six separate races were led by the Duke Energy and Turner Construction hybrid pace cars.  Two heats of junior races were the first to take place, starting with the 10-12/13-14 year old combined heat and ending with the junior 15-18 year old heat.  Then categories 4, 5 for the men battled it out on the track followed by the women’s category and men’s category 3.  In the women’s race, Richmond, VA cyclist Sarah Caravella swept the field.    

The Men’s PRO Category 1, 2 racers took the stage for a lengthy 75 minute race under the lights.  AeroCat cyclists Emile Abraham, from Trinidad and Tobago, finished first and Juan Pablo Dotti, the National Champion of Argentina, came in second.  Race officials commented that the pro 1/2 race was one of the fastest they have seen with an average speed of 30mph.

Top finishers in each category are as follows:

Juniors 10-12 – Category 5

1. Ian McShane, RED ZONE Cycling
2. Cate McShane, RED ZONE Cycling
3. Haley Gavin, RED ZONE Cycling

Juniors 13-14 – Category 5

1. Cooper Simon, RED ZONE Cycling
2. Nick Dietrich, RED ZONE Cycling
3. Nolan McQueen, RED ZONE Cycling

Juniors 15-18 – Categories 3, 2

1. John Freter, Pro Chain Cycling/Team Turner
2. Neal Forbes, Pro Chain Cycling/Team Turner
3. Graham Dewart, Alderfer Bergen Cycling

Category 4 - 5

1. Jason Monk, Main Street Velo
2. David Steward, 7 Hills Racing
3. Shannon Smith, Darkhorse Racing

Category 3

1. Chris Durand, Huntington Bank
2. Dan Greene, Iron City Bikes
3. Neal Forbes, Pro Chain Cycling/ Team Turner

Women’s Category 1-4

1. Sarah Caravella, Alan North America Racing
2. Briana Kovac, Alderfer Bergen
3. Christy Blakely, BMW-Bianchi

Men’s Category 1-2

1. Emile Abraham, AeroCat Cycling Team
2. Juan Pablo Dotti, AeroCat Cycling Team
3. Kirk Albers, Texas Roadhouse Cycling Team

Special thanks and recognition goes out to all of the cyclists who participated in the 8^th Annual Hyde Park Blast celebration.  Without their enthusiasm and desire to compete, the event would not have been the same.

The Blast also hosted a morning run/walk, as well as an elite running race that were both held on a challenging four mile course.  In the evening, after the cycling races were concluded, fans and participants enjoyed music by the Rusty Griswold’s for the Blast block party.

Proceeds from the event will be given to the four benefitting charities:  Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; The Wellness Center; CancerFree Kids and Give Back Cincinnati.

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