Killington Stage Race - Day 2

The Queen Stage of the Killington Stage Race (KSR) is behind the Downeast Racing Team.  It was a day for the mountain goats, like Fast Fred Thomas and Grand Master Hank Pfeifle. The Queen Stage featured 3 major climbs for the mere mortals competing in the Category 3 and Master 50+ field; the 2.3 mile ascent of Rt 4 (Strava segment Rt 4 climb), the 6 mile ascent of North Road (Strava segment - North Road) and the grueling climb of Bear Mountain (Strava segment - KSR finishing climb).  The Pro 1/2 race added an additional 20 mile loop that ascended North Road a second time to further challenge the racers.

The DER boys in the Pro 1/2 field worked to keep the GC hopes of Fred Thomas intact and brought him to the head of affairs at the key moment in the race when the first major selection was made.  With the Pro 1/2 field whittled down from 120 to ~50 guys on the second pass over the North Road climb, Fred was set up to make his assault on Bear Mountain. Fred finished 29th, just a few minutes back of the stage winner, an impressive feat of strength and determination among elite competition.

Hank Pfeifle was the only DER representative in the Masters 50+ race and took matters into his own hands and drove the pace over North Road shedding many of his compatriots.  With the field whittled down to less than 10 racers, Hank found himself in prime position for a great finish, and finish great he did.  Hank finished 7th on the day and is the GC leader for those in the field that are over 60! Great work Hank. When you see Hank rolling around Maine in his shiny new General Classification Leaders jersey, give him some kudos!

Joe Lynch was bitten by the bad luck bug for the second day in a row when he flatted early on in the Category 3 race. Joe thumbed a ride back to the team base camp and was most recently seen riding up and down Bear Mountain taking out his frustration on the bike (with a new rear wheel!).  Eliot Pitney managed to stay with climbers over North Road and hit the base of Bear Mountain with a group of ~30 racers.  It was a grind to the finish where he finished 16th, just a few minutes off the pace.  Eliot will be looking to improve his standing tomorrow with a strong TT effort.

It is great to see other Maine cyclists tackling the challenges of the Killington Stage Race.  Momentum-Baracuda's Eric Follen dominated the Master's 40+ field, putting over a minute into his closest rival on the Bear Mountain climb.  For his efforts, Eric also stood atop the highest step at the awards ceremony this evening.  Great work Eric!

KSR will conclude tomorrow with an 11 mile time trial.  The race of truth will give DER a chance to show their strength.  Check back tomorrow to see how we finish out the weekend.