Contact:
Joan Thomas
+1-678-999-7989
+1-404-771-5238
For Immediate Release
Ilesic Does Dilworth Double
Atlanta, Ga. (May 4, 2008) Slovenian rider Aldo Ilesic put out a massive
amount of power as he cruised through the last few hundred meters of the
Dilworth Criterium presented by South Park Cycles in Charlotte, North
Carolina. Ilesic easily won his second USA CRITS Speed Week event by
tactically hunting the right wheels in the Dilworth finale
When asked, after he'd crossed the crossed the finish line, to estimate his
power output, Ilesic told well-known race commentator Chad Andrews that he
typically puts out an estimated 1700-1800 watts during a final sprint. Wattage
is how most competitive professional cyclists normally measure their efforts
on the bicycle. Those numbers indicate that the young rider from the Black
Sheep Cartel is still quite fresh after the hotly contested events that make
up Speed Week 2008.
The race itself was controlled throughout by the TOSHIBA-Santo squad, who were
hoping to bring their criterium specialist Mark Hekman closer to the top of
the overall classification. The cash prizes being continually doled out from
the stage meant the pace would be high around the exhilarating course through
Dilworth's Latta Park. The course featured an uphill finish, followed by a
sweeping downhill into a technical corner, and then a drag race back to the
line.
During the final lap, TOSHIBA-Santo looked as though they had a lock on the
victory and established a textbook perfect leadout train for one of their
sprinters. But the remainder of the field fought hard to hitch a free ride on
that train and Ilesic timed his final move flawlessly.
Going into the final event, May 4th's inaugural Sandy Springs Cycling
Challenge, CRCA/Sakonnet Technology rider Jake Keough still maintains a
181-point lead over Hekman, with Clinica Union's Oscar Henao in third place.
Results - Dilworth Criterium presented by
South Park Cycles
Pro Men
1. Aldo Llesic (Slo), Black Sheep Cartel, 1:16:56.700
2. Juan Forero (Col), Colombian National Team +0.300
3. Mark Hekman (US), TOSHIBA-Santo, +0.400
4. Jeff Hopkins (Aus), Team Inferno, +0.900
5. Chris Scott (US), Locos, +1.100
6. Jake Keough (US), CRCA/Sakonnet Technology, +1.300
7. David Guttenplan (US), TIME Pro Cycling, +1.400
8. Christian Helmig (US), Metro Volkswagen, +1.400
9. Eric Boily (US), Myogenesis.com, +1.700
Men's Overall Standings
1. Jake Keough (US), CRCA/Sakonnet Technology,1137 pts
2. Mark Hekman (US), TOSHIBA-Santo, 956 pts
3. Oscar Henao (Col), Clinica Union, 938 pts
4. David Guttenplan (US), TIME, 904 pts
5. Rahsaan Bahati (US), Rock Racing, 891 pts
6. Jeff Hopkins (Aus), Team Inferno, 876 pts
7. Kyle Gritters (US), HealthNet, 829 pts
8. Mike Stoop, TIME, 829 pts
9. Alex Candelario, Kelly Benefit Strategies, 794 pts
10. Eric Boily, Myogenesis.com, 781 pts
Dilworth - Pro Men
Pro Men Lap Leader
Pro Men Team Standings
Pro Men Totals
About USA CRITS
USA CRITS National Criterium Series has been developed to feature a brand of cycling unique to the United States, the criterium. Criteriums are historically run on short laps through city streets. They offer spectators the opportunity to watch Olympians, world and national champions up-close as they ride at top speed. This has made the criterium format the most spectator-friendly form of cycling entertainment. Events on the USA CRITS series have the ideals that have made criterium racing an American legacy: Challenging courses that showcase arts and entertainment districts; a large and energized base of spectators; broad community support; and strong marketing opportunities for sponsors. For more information visit www.usacrits.com