Albers wins Tour of the Valley, Rosskopf still first

By John Bassetti

Vindicator sports staff

COLUMBIANA

Although team cycling is stressed and utmost in the sport, the individual aspect has intrigue, too.

Such was the case when Kirk Albers of Panther Racing won Saturday’s 75-mile road race as the second stage of the Tour of the Valley concluded.

When signing an autograph for a youngster after winning in 2:47.14 under a hot sun, the 41-year-old Albers added his race tag number: 2.

In the eyes of several hundred spectators watching the Pro Men 1-2 finish, Albers was anything but No. 2.

The Upper Arlington rider who edged out Matt Cooke (2:47.16) and Joey Rosskopf (2:47.25) by a few bike lengths picked up valuable bonus credit.

“I happened to be in right spot at right time for all the bonuses.” Albers said of the extra time awarded toward his total after two days.

Albers had hoped that Panther teammate Paul Martin would also garner some bonuses and move up (from his third-place finish in Friday’s time trial), but it didn’t happen.

“It worked out that I was able to get the bonuses when I could and play it into the finish pretty well. I’d glad we [Panther] could win.”

Martin ended seventh in the road race in 2:47.29, but stands fourth overall heading into today’s criterium.

Because Albers was 20th in Friday’s time trial, he jumped no higher than 16th overall.

Albers bonuses came during the final 10 circuits, not on the climbs during the gruelling 66-mile segment of the route for pros.

“I definitely didn’t have the legs to go with the stronger guys on the climb, but it was a pretty small group when we came into the circuits [center of Columbiana]. There was just enough of a hill or grade to break it up.”

Albers made his move with about 500 meters to go before Cooke quickly narrowed the gap in view of the crowd.

“I got a little gap and was able to hold it most of the way to the line. It was a tough finish for sure.”

It’s become a four-man event with Rosskopf and Cooke of Mountain Khakis and Alberts and Martin (Panther).

“We were definitely attacking each other as much as we could out on the road,” Albers said, “so we’ll see [today].”

The criterium begins today on Federal Plaza in downtown Youngstown at 9 a.m.

Cooke stressed that he and Rosskopf and Mountain Khakis teammates were in control of the race, especially after 66 miles.

“We weren’t worried at all. We, too, got some of the time bonuses, so that’s good. But we didn’t get the win, which is disappointing.”

Cooke let it be known that, despite a 2-3 finish on Saturday, Mountain Khakis kept its overall lead.

“All is well,” said the 30-year-old Boulder, Colo. resident. “It’s not over yet, but I feel confident.”

A pack of nearly 30 riders advanced the final 10 miles and stayed intact approaching the 10 circuit laps.

“We were together, then there was some attacking on the laps and that’s where we got away.”

Of heading into today’s last stage with Panther Racing’s Martin behind three Mountain Khakis riders, Albers said: “It’s not over until the last lap, so we’ll see what happens.”

Rosskopf leads all riders with a total fast time of 3:06.05, followed by Cooke’s 3:06.25. Mountain Khakis’ Oscar Clarke is next with 3:06.46 followed by Martin with 3:06.47.

Super Squadra’s Chad Haga is fifth (3:06.56), Tom Burke of Lathrup Industries/Giant Bicycles is sixth (3:07.02), Carbon Racing’s Matt Weeks is seventh in 3:07.05, Panther Trucking CEOs Andrew Clarke is eight in 3:07.09, independent rider Chris Gruber is ninth (3:07.14) and Cheyne Hoag ofKelly Benefit Strategies is 10th in 3:07.23.