Annual cycling classic brings out pros, amateurs

By Nicole Morgan
The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK - It was 7:30 a.m. Sunday, and the first of about 300 cyclists pedaled off in a series of races through downtown in the seventh Conte's Cycling Classic, named for a Virginia Beach-based cycling shop.

As the racers got under way, the air damp from morning rain, people watching along Waterside Drive shivered in coats and gloves.

Fifteen-year-old Ian Marcuse of Richmond , one of the youngest competitors, pushed his way to first place in the junior category. He's been cycling about a year and trains six days a week - through city streets, up hills, with friends .

Other cyclists, professionals and amateurs ranging in age from 15 to 50 and older , competed in races lasting as long as 90 minutes. Reaching speeds of 40 mph, they navigated a loop, corners and a stretch of bumpy cobblestone.

Prizes ranged from trophies to $1,500 . G etting to the top is tougher than people might think, though.

A lot of superfit triathletes think cycling will be a breeze, said Susan

Pollock , a cyclist from Team TriPower , a local cycling club that organized the race.

Racers need agility and command of techniques that help them avoid spills . "When you're riding in a pack, you get bumped up against," Pollock said with a swing of her hips.

Through the race, teams often work together. The cyclist in front usually does most of the work, blocking the wind for teammates who are reserving strength to take the lead. Other times, teams try to wear each other out, sending a strong cycler to the front for others to catch. Again, another teammate reserves energy for a finish-line sprint.

Teams don't always bank on one athlete to win, Pollock said, but champions usually shine because of their team.

"You don't want to be out there by yourself," she said.