Another spectacular road/crit race in downtown Basking Ridge
p9 SportsGroup | May 28, 2008
The third annual Ricola Grand Prix in Basking Ridge New Jersey has just been completed and the results are in - Dominique Rollin for Toyota United took the top step of the podium, while a Team A & F/Inferno rider Jeff Hopkins placed second and Martin Gilbert from Kelly/Medifast slotted into third at the line.
The 40 lap event saw great sunny weather and a huge field line up for the start of the unique - rolling, fast, sweeping 8-turn 1.1 mile course. The pack started up N. Finley Avenue into turn one and from then out the pace was furious - until about halfway when the main field began to slow just a bit and allowing the stragglers to catch back up. By a third of the way in you could see the faces of the leaders showing just a hint of strain as the fast, sweeping course with two slight uphill portions begin to take its toll.
About 120+ riders left the start line and by mid race the pack was whittled down about fifty percent. By three fourths through, there were only 25 or so riders contending for the front, and by the bell lap...it was down to the team Toyota and Inferno riders thrashing it out in the last 50 yards to the finish line - with Toyota getting the win by just a wheel or two.
See photos here:
http://www.p9group.8m.com/photo2.html