Visiting cyclists experience Columbiana County in Tour of the Valley
Visiting cyclists experience the ups and downs of Columbiana County
By Jordan Cohen
Columbiana
Using such words as “rough, grueling and challenging” to describe the task ahead of them, 90 professional men and women cyclists took on the Third annual Tour of the Valley cycling course Saturday.
“It usually takes between four to five hours for the men to finish and around three or more for the women,” said Dan Quinlan, race co-director.
The professionals, 60 men and 30 women, pedaled through the village and then to what several said were surprisingly steep hills outside Columbiana in nearly 85 degree temperatures.
The men raced 93 miles, three times over a 31 mile loop consisting of two miles of steep climbs with grades of 8 to 10 percent.
The women’s course was 60 miles.
“I’m more of a sprinter, but this is for climbers and the hills are rough,” said Shawn Adams, 36, of Akron, a member of the Youngstown-based Carbon Racing team.
Gray Patton, 25, Pittsburgh, a member of Carbon’s women’s team, called the steep grades “a very nice climb,” but said success depends on strategy.
“You’ve got to save your strength for the critical parts like climbs, crosswinds or moves by strong riders,” said Patton, who finished second in last year’s road competition.
The professional race attracted riders from California, Georgia, Texas, Rhode Island and Canada, all of whom are licensed by the United States Cycling Federation.
One of the big names in the competition was Paul Martin of North Royalton, two-time National Elite Road Race champion.
In the time trials preceding the race, Martin finished first and his Panther Racing teammate Erik Hamilton finished third. But in Saturday’s race, Hamilton finished second and Martin wound up third, which the former champion said was fine with him.
“The goal is racing for the team to win whether it’s me or someone else on the team,” Martin said.
He added that many of the younger riders on the team are working to eventually qualify for the Tour de France, cycling’s most prestigious race.
“I’m actually one of the older guys on my team,” said the 38-year old Martin, “so I’m managing and coaching the younger ones and have the best of both worlds.”
Martin, who is an attorney and financial adviser when he is not on his bicycle, said he runs 40 to 50 races each year.
A passing freight train on South Main Street delayed the start of the men’s pro race. Racing officials warned riders that since the tracks were “live,” they would have to stop when warning lights flash. Referees said anyone trying to cross the tracks during flashing warnings would be immediately disqualified.
Officials said that if riders were forced to wait more than 30 seconds because of a train, their times would be recalculated to compensate for the delay.
Quinlan said there was one minor collision during the race leaving at least one rider with slight cuts.
Quinlan said he and his wife, Erin, started the Columbiana competition after traveling and competing in races in different states and noticing how well they were received in each locale.
“This is a great community and atmosphere for the race and I know it helps our area,” said Quinlan, a Salem resident.
One of the professional competitors was Sally Price, 40, of Cuyahoga Falls.
“It’s beautiful, the hills are nice and I like the challenge,” said Price, a previous state road race winner.
Price said she wasn’t concerned about the time it would take to finish. “I don’t have a timer, but I’m not the norm,” Price said.
Quinlan estimated the costs of holding the race at $35,000, most of which is funded by fees charged to the entrants and a group of sponsors. He said any additional money raised would be donated to local charities, which will be selected after the competition.
The professional competition was the highlight of a day-long series of races that included a short course for younger cyclists and a 44-mile run for older riders.