Contact:
Joan Thomas
+1-678-999-7989
+1-404-771-5238
For Immediate Release
Baa Baa Blacksheep: Ilesic Takes Beaufort
Atlanta, Ga. (May 3, 2008) Despite being new to U.S. professional racing,
Black Sheep Cartel rider Aldo Ilesic took the next installment of the USA
CRITS Speed Week Series, by edging out U23 National Criterium Champion Keith
Norris (TOSHIBA-Santo) and Adam Myerson (TIME Pro Cycling) at the 4th
Annual Steadman Hawkins Cycling Classic in Spartanburg, SC., Friday night.
The young Slovenian told the Spartanburg Herald Journal that he was thrilled
with his first victory on American soil.
"This means a lot because I'm racing for the first time in America, and I've
already won. So this is great. I'd really like to come back."
Ilesic and his fellow countryman Vladimir Kerkez are new additions to the
Black Sheep Cartel squad, which is based out of Charlotte, NC.
The men's overall lead is still comfortably held by CRCA/Sakonnet Technology
rider Jake Keough who is 181 points ahead of 2007 Athens Twilight Criterium
champion Mark Hekman of the TOSHIBA-Santo squad which holds 1st place in the
team classification. Oscar Henao of Clinica Union sits in third with 938
points.
In the women's event, Tina Pic continues her outright domination of Speed Week
by adding another victory to her long stretch of career wins. This time it was
Erica Allar and Kelly Benjamin who fell 2nd and 3rd place respectively to the
Olympic hopeful.
With her win in Spartanburg, Pic's series lead over Cheerwine rival Kelly
Benjamin increased to 89 points. Rebecca Larson (Aaron's), the 2008 Athens
Twilight Criterium champion, is in third place with 1120 points.
The series now leaves South Carolina to head across the border for tonight's
Dilworth Criterium in Charlotte, North Carolina before wrapping up in the
Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs on Sunday.
Results Steadman Hawkins Cycling Classic
Pro Men
1. Aldo Ilesic (Slo) Black Sheep Cartel, 1.16.41.900
2. Keith Norris (US) TOSHIBA-Santo, +0.200
3. Adam Myerson (US) TIME Pro Cycling, +0.200
4. Juan Forero (Col) Colombian National Team, +0.400
5. Jeff Hopkins (US) Team Inferno Pro Cycling, +0.500
6. Mark Hekman (US) TOSHIBA-Santo, +0.700
7. Peter Dawson (US) Rock Racing, +0.800
8. Chad Burdzilauskas (US) Texas Roadhouse, +0.900
9. Justin Williams (US) Rock Racing, +3.400
10. David Guttenplan (US) TIME Pro Cycling, +05.900
Pro Women
1. Tina Pic (US), Colavita/Sutter Home, 1:00:33.500
2. Erica Allar (US), Aaron's Professional Women's, +0.200
3. Kelly Benjamin (US), Cheerwine, +0.200
4. Anna Lang (US), Aaron's Professional Women's, +0.400
5. Shontelle Gauthier (US), Colavita/Sutter Home, +0.700
6. Rebecca Larson (US), Aaron's Professional Women's, +0.800
7. Catherine Cheatley (NZ), Cheerwine, +0.900
8. Jenny Trew (US), Vanderkitten, +1.000
9. Tiffany Cromwell, (US), Colavita/Sutter Home, +1.000
10. Holli Steelman (US), Juice Plus, +1.200
USA CRITS Speed Week Overall Leader (Men)
1. Jake Keough (US), CRCA/Sakonnet Technology, 1137
2. Mark Hekman (US), TOSHIBA-Santo, 956
3. Oscar Henao (Col), Clinica Union, 938
4. David Guttenplan (US), TIME, 904
5. Rahsaan Bahati, Rock Racing, 5304. 891
6. Jeff Hopkins (Aus), Team Inferno, 876
6. Kyle Gritters (US), Health Net, 829
7. Mike Stoop (US), TIME, 829
8. Alex Candelario (US), Kelly Benefit Strategies, 794
9. Eric Boily (US), Myogenesis.com, 781
10. Maxim Vives (Can), Calyon Pro Cycling Team, 728
USA CRITS Speed Week Overall Leader (Women)
1. Tina Pic (US), Colavita/Sutter Home, 1237
2. Kelly Benjamin (US), Cheerwine, 1148
3. Rebecca Larson (US), Aaron's, 1120
4. Laura Van Gilder (US), Cheerwine, 1114
5. Anna Lang (US), Aaron's, 1102
6. Shontelle Gauthier (US), Colavita/Sutter Home, 1097
7. Tiffany Cromwell, (US), Colavita/Sutter Home, 1081
8. Catherine Cheatley (NZ), Cheerwine, 1015
9. Erica Allar (US), Vanderkitten, 986
10. Holli Steelman (US), Juice Plus, 970
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