Norfolk Classic a Whopping Success

The 2008 Norfolk Classic is in the books and will go down as a tremendous success. Weather conditions, trains, and a nasty crash couldn't keep the weekend from ending with a positive outcome. This year we had 70+ riders in the road race and nearly 90 in the criterium. 18 kids raced in the Kids Race as well.

See the complete story here at NebraskaCyclingnNews.com  Also see news story and video at KTIV and the Norfolk Classic photo gallery.

First, and most important, are heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who made this event possible. I will try to name them all but forgive me in advance if I miss anyone: The ENTIRE Stanton County Emergency Management Corp, Clint Bowland, Karen Spray, Liz Spray, Shawn Blair, Jim Downey, Dennis Smith, Sam Hake, Jan Hake, Kandy Downey, Nick Cleveland, Tim Powell, Mark Herzinger, Sarah Herzinger, Tricia "DOC" Faimon, Arlyn Loberg, Phyllis Cleveland, Todd Jochum, Duane Blair, Richard Hake, John Spray, and most importantly Dan Spray. I especially want to point out that Dan put most of this event together on his own with very little help, especially not from me. Also, hats off to Kevin Murray, Shawn Blair, Mark Brackenbury, Tricia Faimon and Nancy Stirek for stepping up (and off the bike) to help with the crash victim. The injured rider, Michael Miles, wished me to convey his appreciation for the care and concern he received.

Second, thank you to the sponsors especially Monster Energy, the Norfolk-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, US92 radio, Downtown Coffee Co., and Cleveland Bike and Sport. Thank you as well to Trevin and The Bike Way for the primes for this event.

Congratualations go out to all the Elkhorn Valley Cycling powered by Monster and EVCC/The Bike Way riders who competed with special note to several riders who did outstanding jobs in their events: Richard Hake, Nick Zeimet, Duane Blair, Jamie Bachmann, and Joe Savoie. Also, after the Classic Weekend results were added in, EVCC has two riders leading Rider of the Year categories: John Spray in Cat 4 and Duane Blair in Masters 35+. Way to go.

A special note: Nick Zeiment not only won both days of racing but gave Colton Barrett a tremendous run for his money in the criterium. This was quite a feat for Nick. Colton is 17, a Category 3 racer who is only a few points shy of  being a Cat 2, and is an Olympic hopeful in speedskating while NIck is still in his first year of racing. Great job Nick.

Again, thank you to the volunteers, sponsors, club members, and to all the racers who turned out to make this successful.