Wakeley is firmly at the front, but there are battles aplenty throughout the classifications.
It’s Bastille Day, it’s Stage Two, and there’s a rather garish polka dot jersey on the line…this is Speed of Light. In the lead in nearly every classification, race leader Jorden Wakeley may need to pick his spots as riders’ turn their attentions to the KOM Competition. There will be double points on the Vasa CC Climb, with Wakeley’s likely rivals being Ryan Kennedy and Jeff Owens, the two riders closest to him on GC. KEEN’s Kyle Macdermaid has vowed to make a run at the polka dot jersey as well, and tonight will be make or break for him in that classification.
One of the most interesting races will be for white. The Best Old Rider classification is always exciting and its currently a matter of just 15 seconds between leader Rob Goepfrich and Steve Lagerquist. Both riders will likely call on teammates to help them out tonight, with Lagerquist looking to Wes Sovis and Jon Throop both close to Lagerquist and hoping to lend a hand.
It’s that very team spirit that’s kept Einstein Racing-Short’s Brewing in the hunt in the Team Competition, though it’s M22 in the lead thanks to Wakeley and Chad Jordan. KEEN, ERSB and Hagerty are all vying for second at this point, with all three teams really needing something special to close ground on the leaders.
After some extreme heat in the past few days, there’s a good chance for fast times after some rain overnight. That’ll bode well for women’s GC leader and freshly minted women’s road race state champion Susan Vigland, who has a nice lead going into stage two.
For the miniSOL, Logan Keely’s yellow jersey is looking secure after nearly breaking the 20 minute barrier. The notable absence of Norte! last week opened the way for a rampage for his Hagerty team, although the Orange Armada is slated to return in a big way and make a run at the green and polka dot jerseys. Watch for strong rides from Zack Gerlando, who bore the hope of Norte on Stage One, showing the poise to take on the best.
Stage Two leaves Ec at 6.30pm or the Bunker Hill Parking Lot at 6.45pm.