Today was the Queen stage. The single loop, which was a nationals course at some point, is 63 miles with 5 KOM’s.

The race started slow. Literally the exact opposite of yesterday, no attacks, no jumps. I rolled off the front early, just to see what would happen and it went. Two guys bridged up and I had my companions for the day.

I was actually joined by Pittsburgher Steve Schott, who rides for RGF solutions developmental team. We rolled steadily for 3 hours, only accelerating at the KOMs and the Green Jersey sprints.

The 3 of us blew up on the last KOM, which was 3 miles from the finish. Steve fell off the pace, and I sat on the other guy. The guy I was left with is was the teammate of the current yellow jersey. Steve bridge back up and attacked quickly on the finishing climb. It was a good move. This forced the other guy to chase, or he was going to give away the yellow jersey. (or so he thought, but steve was not a threat). I out sprinted them both for the win and probably the jersey (results are posted in the morning).

The race has been awesome and well put on, despite its turnout. In years past there have been 100-120 people. It is currently less than half of this now.

I have to try and defend a jersey tomorrow against a really really strong dude.

Related posts:

1. Tour of Ohio Diary. Days 1 and 2.
2. Stage Race in Eastern Ohio. July 10 – 12.
3. Tour of the Valley Registration Sale Saturday

Tags: cummings | diary | ohio | report | stage race | steevo

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