Middletown Criterium July 4,1992 Masters 45+
Fourth of July fireworks in Connecticut, NEMRT's dynamic criterium duo pop a firecracker and fire a "bullet" on a unseasonably cold and rainy day in July. When the voice of New England cycling, Dick Ring, said 3,2,1 go NEMRT attacked. Barry set a pace up the hill the first time that strung the field out from the line. Zephyr's Jimmy Fraser took the opportunity to make a few more slow starters hurt. The pace remained quick with several all out attacks early. The first preme featured a strong effort by NEMRT's Steve Jean. "I looked back on the hill and had small gap" said Steve "so I kept going, no one seemed to care." But as the line got close Clive Woakes, Worc. RC, burst past Steve for the preme. In true NEMRT fashion Barry went the front and attacked after the preme. Barry said "At the top of the hill I had a gap and saw Steve hurting and thought 'he just went for that preme', this might not be the time to go. Steve said thank you after the race." It proved a wise move to wait. The next preme came quickly at 10 to go. Barry set up for the sprint behind Clarence Ballard, Westchester CC, and Jimmy Fraser and after a momentary hesitation Barry was left to watch the preme finish. But half way up the hill Barry got creative and tried to get Jimmy to ride through the preme and breakaway. Unable or unwilling, Jimmy declined to go. Barry looking back saw a large gap and kept going alone. Only one rider could respond, national champion Francis Mertans, Zephyr. "When I saw Francis I knew why Jimmy didn't come with the attack. It was a great feeling to know that the strength of the pack was blocking for you." With the chase pack neutralized Barry and Francis rolled past almost the entire field. When the bell sounded for the final lap Barry stepped it up a notch through he entire last lap and cruised in for the win. "The 'bullet' was tired that last lap but I could taste the win." A furious fight remained for the field sprint. Steve coming into great form positioned himself well behind Clarence Ballard and when as expected Jimmy Fraser exploded Clarence and Steve were able to answer. Through the final corner Steve sat third as they went past Jimmy. "I looked over to see a streaking Luigi del Buono zip past me with another CCCC rider in tow. I couldn't quite get them quick enough." At the line the photo showed Luigi, CCCC rider, Clarence, and Steve. Since the 55+ race was in the same pack as the 45+ Barry and Francis were both winners.