DER takes the Fight to Vermont

Labor Day signifies two things; the unofficial end of summer and the end to 4 great days of racing at the Green Mountain Stage Race.  The 2015 edition of the GRMS had deep and talented fields, brutally steep mountain roads and oppresive heat.  In typically fashion the DER boys put up a fierce fight day-in and day-out, highlighted with 2 trips to the podium in the Cat 3 event.  Not satisfied with making the break on the Day 4 Crit, Zev Myerowitz attacked with 1 lap to go so he could enjoy the glory of crossing the line by himself.

Zev pumping his fist with joy on day 4

On the day 2 circuit race John Boucher clawed his way over Duxbury Gap 4x so he could contest the final finish.  Anyone that has tried to go toe-to-toe with John for a local town-line sprint knows it is a tough ask, and the other GMSR riders felt that same pain. John had the motor firing on all cylinders at the finish and was just a few bike lengths off the top step, a great results for this up and coming sprint man. 

John finishing 3rd, a few lengths off the win

John enjoying his glory on Day 2

John ripping the bottom corner on the Day 4 Crit, with the field strung out behind

Eliot Pitney took up arms against the Cat 2 field.  A strong performance on the Day 1 TT resulted in a 6th place finish.  He also hung tough on the Queen Stage with the mountain goats and finished 12th on the day, moving himself into the top 10 in GC.  A fast day at the front of the pack in the Burlington Crit didn't net any time bonuses, but every time Eliot hit the front the pack's legs were begging for relief  (A huge change from last year when Eliot was hanging on to the back of the pack on for dear life).  Great effort Eliot!

Eliot clawing his way up the final pitch of App Gap.  Look how steep that is!!!

The Masters squad of DS Hank Pfiefle, Joe Lynch and Troy Barry were hit by the injury bug on Day 2 when Troy was forced to pull out of the race.  Hank and Joe continued to grind out the miles in the 40+ event during the day, and impart wisdom and knowledge to the youth of DER at night.  Their wealth of racing knowledge was always appreciated when breaking bread together at night.

Joe Lynch ripping a crit corner in Burlington

Joe, Eliot and Hank after conquering the Queen Stage and App Gap

One racer that could have used a few additional pearls of wisdom was Cat 4 racer Gary Dugas.  Gary overcooked a corner coming down Middlebury Gap and had a spectacular crash as a result (he has the shredded kit to prove it).  Without any major damage to bike or body, Gary's teammates quickly turned from bike racerts to ER nurses and acquired all the necessary items to give him a saline bath and dress the wounds. Gary will be back in action in no time, watch for him this upcoming CX season, he should be shredding the fields in no time!

Tired of cooking, the boys hit the town on Sunday night and enjoyed some Mad Taco in Waitsfield

Thanks for following along with our racing adventures.  For more instant up to the minute doings of all things DER, you can find us on both instagram and twitter @racingdowneast

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Until next year.....