NEMRT's Derek Williams hammers to connect with the final breakaway. The regional road race like the previous week's regional criterium attracted a large, excellent quality field of racers. For the second year in a row the weather dampened spirits but not the racing. The early miles featured several minor but long climbs and the field used the early hills to warm-up. Henry was the first to encounter misfortune, when less than a mile into the race he popped a spoke and after a quick wheel change Henry bridge back to the peloton. An early break of 9 riders got away after a very high speed, downhill crash that featured several racers feeling the pavement. The race came back together in Ware when the course turned upward and the climbing started. At the 25 mile mark Bob Barrows, SACHS escape the pack on the "never ending", 4 mile climb to Pelham. Going it solo for the next 40 miles, Bob came back into view on the final climbs back up to Hartwick. An elite group of 5 riders separated on that final climb and flew toward the finish line. Derek Williams missing the original move had to hammer through the final corner and flew up a small rise to rejoin the group. Barrows' valiant effort fell 200 meters short when the chase group of 5 caught him. Shortly after Derek had rejoin the group, Reb Cole, winner of the Westfield RR and here from New York, made the final and definitive move to take the victory. Derek, tired from his chase, was the only one to answer the attack. At the line Derek got to within a bike length but could catch Cole. Steve Toplitz, holding Derek wheel, came around to claim 2^nd place. Henry raced well all day until leg cramps slowed his effort. Henry having just returning from a serious, leg injury, showed some his old form but came up just short of contesting for the regional medals. He was able to hold on to the bronze medal for Vermont District. Barry struggling with tired legs on the unforgiving course, came in off the back with old friend Clive Woakes, Comp Edge.

1. Reb Cole Crawford Bike

2. Steve Toplitz Comp. Edge

3. Derek Williams NEMRT

4. Bob Barrows, SACHS

3^rd Vermont Henry Wilmer, NEMRT

back Barry Boyce, NEMRT