On Saturday, March 6th, Jason Halloran, Derek Wilford, Dave Steiner, and Jason Blodgett raced at the Tour of Knox County in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Jason, Dave, and Derek raced in the 1/2/3 race, while Jason raced in the Junior race. The course ran 10 laps over a 4.5 mile circuit that contained several rollers and one significant climb. The course, as it turned out, shaped the race.
On lap 1, Steiner and Josh Halvax (Carbon Racing) bridged to a solo
rider from the Steel City team. Brian Batke (Carbon Racing) later
bridged to the break, and eventually rode away from them (Batke ended
up winning the race solo by over three minutes). Steiner and his
breakaway mates were then caught by the charging field, and Team Spin
spent the next several laps covering dangerous looking moves once it
was apparent that Batke was not coming back.
With about four laps to go, Halloran threw down an impressive attack on
the hill, but was caught later in the lap. One lap later, the
Caterpiller team from Pittsburgh charged to the base of the hill to set
up an attack that ultimately disposed of Steiner (who was found on the
side of the road nursing a terrific leg cramp) and Wilford. The now
whittled group of 8 or so riders continued on until a solo effort from
Stephen Schott (RGF) ensured the group was now racing for third place.
Halloran hung in until the final hill and ended up fifth
overall after being overtaken during the sprint for third.
Jason Blodgett made a stunning debut as a junior racer for Spin/RR
Donnelley. In his first race of the year, Jason Blodgett finished as
the first junior, and second overall in the Category 5 race. Jason
pushed the pace hard to make sure his race was one of attrition. As the
race headed into its last lap, only three riders remained in the lead
group. Jason pushed hard on the last lap, dropped another ride, and
rode strong enough to finish second. Great racing Jason!!