Terrapin Twilight – Athens GA
Are you looking for a road trip to watch a bike race? You and your pals should make the annual drive down I-85 to one of the greatest crit races in the world – The Terrapin Twilight in Athens Georgia. This is the flagship race of the national USA CRITS Championship Series. Charlotte has a bigger payout and two-way street action but Athens draws the biggest crowd. The Twilight race is also the kickoff to Speed Week, the South Carolina/Georgia series.
The 9:30pm start time for the men’s race suggests that this is not a family affair. And the course is smack in the middle of Athen’s urban bar scene – like a crit should be. The sidewalks between the bars and race barriers are always packed with University of Georgia students, locals and tons of racing fans.
This year the crowd seemed to take turns keeping the energy super high along the barriers for all 120 laps (40 for the women and 80 for the men). The teams converted that energy into great racing action. The national series contenders and the regional pros showed the 30-year-old event, its proper respect. Breaks were reeled in, primes were contested, pelotons were strung-out and both final field sprints were won by less than a wheel.
Series leader, Erica Allar, won the women’s race. She told Carolina Cycling News, “Everybody’s dream is to win Athens Twilight.” “It’s one of the most exciting venues, great spectators, great support. Awesome! Just awesome!”
Luke Keough won the men’s race for his hard working Carolina based team (Team Mountain Khakis-SmartStop). The win put Keough on the series podium in 3rd place.
For full photo galleries please visithttp://weldon.smugmug.com/Racing/12-04-Athens-Twilight
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