12 with no drops…

Montrose Harbor, Chicago, Il.
Monday December 05, 2011
by: John Gatto

As I stood on the start line, my thousand yard stare went beyond the first turn. It went all the way to the finish line because today was the Illinois State Championship race. The one day event to decide who gets the jersey and the last race of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup. Final instructions were given, the 30 second warning was called, all was quiet. All I could hear was my breathing and my heartbeat. I gave one more ratchet back for more leverage, then the silence was broken by the tweet of the officials whistle. In forty five minutes it would be decided. The race became a blur, the course began to flow, the spectators were more ravenous as the race went on. I made a move to get to the front and was able to make it stick. I pushed hard through the final few laps and crossed the line first into the waiting arms of my wife and close friends... Thanks to everyone for making the series one to remember. First on the day, second in the series overall, Metal to the end... photo by Ali Engin