2012 Fixed Gear Classic

June 10th - Mineapollis

The fixed Gear Classic included an Omnium (5 events including; an elimination, a 60lap scratch race, a handicap race, a 80 laps points race, a 16laps tempo points race) and two non-omnium events (madison Kilo and 120laps madison).

The event is well runned and include some good riders including multiple world champion Franco Marvulli, Tour de France rider Leon Van Bon along with other international and american riders to make a field of 30+ for the endurance events.

The first event was the elimination, which I decided to sprint from the back with a 3rd place finish. The second of the night was a 60 laps scratch race in which Leon Van Bon attacked from the start. Mid race, the move was neutralized and its when I decided to launch an attack and lap the field solo in just under 8 laps to secured the win making sure no other riders lap the field.

Only 1pts behind on the GC, the race was still open with more events in the next two days. The second day did not go as well with my legs not feeling so good and the riders racing with the GC in mind. I finish 5 and 6 in the handicap and points race respectivel, still second overall but now with a bigger margin to close on Marvulli.

Also on the program was a madison kilo which me and my teammate finish second in under a minute. On the last day, I was definitely feeling better and I attacked in the Tempo with Marvulli following quick after. We exchanged pulls through the finish to finish equals on points in the end. That was the last event of the Omnium in which I finish 2nd, Marvulli 1st and Leon Van bon 3rd. For the Madison, I was paired with teamate Emile Abraham. We were riding strong but our exchanges were not always timmed so well for the sprints and we ended up second after the duo of Marvulli and Kovalcik. Next on the program is the Nature Valley Grand Prix which runs June 13-19th.

Thanks for reading.

Jean-Michel

Credits Photos: Erika Fulk