4/12 Derby Brief Report

Much the way "Tornado" Tom Boonen rode the fastest guys off his wheel at the conclusion of 2009 Paris-Roubaix, U23 Cannondale/Champion Team rider Travis Livermon (literally) rode away from a strong Derby Orange Grove field Sunday. Only Triangle Velo rider Keith Gerarden was able to give chase but in the end fell 30 seconds short. Livermon narrowly missed Green Jersey classification but claimed the 7th Sector Prime and more importantly, the coveted Bradshaw Quarry Cobble for the overall. The injury report was minimized to bruised egos, and mechanicals in la Trouee d' Buckhorn were few and far between. Full report and images to come.

The Forest of Buckhorn is hardly as intense as la Trouee d' Arenberg but enjoy below highlights from past Roubaix.

For Immediate Release:

Cycling News Flash: Derby O-Grové resolves 11th hour conflict with ASO/Paris-Roubaix to negotiate 11am start for this Easter Sunday 4/12.


Preview:
Rarely is there a clear favorite in a race of chance such as Derby Orange Grové and this Sunday should be no different.

Can Triangle Velo/Endurance dodge their `08 woes to deliver a fit Keith Gerarden the cobble-kiss for which he pines? Or will outsider Robert McConville repeat? Is it possible Chris Blake avoids late-lap punctures and shuffles the classification? Has last year's green jersey winner Lucas Joppa been training enough to launch a 9th lap escape? Will Derek Powers finally try his luck on mixed-media before he retires for good? What parity awaits? Time will tell on Sunday in the Southern part of Hell.

Double-secret reconnaissance in the Forest of Buckhorn (aka The Buckhornberg) suggests it will be business as usual on the 1,453 feet of #2 chunk-graveled Bianchi Strada; certain to illicit Pneumatic-Dramatics in the wheel zone.

Le Parcours:

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The terms are traditional:

• 10:30am Sign in/meet the press
• 11 am neutral lap start
  
• Open road. Own your risk.
  
• 10 laps, 4 mile circuit (260 ft gain/lap)
• Free laps with flats in 1-5 (closed 6-10). Manned Forest of Buckhorn wheelzone stocks tubes/pumps.
• $5 wagers will be distributed among the top three finishers.
• There will be no Easter Carnival conflict at the finish.
• email traceworks@gmail.com for more info
• **7th Lap Prime and Green Jersey awards are NOT recession-proof and thus not guaranteed.