Platinum performs well in local US Cup Series event

US Cup No. 5 Santa Ynez Classic 4/30/12

The US Cup headed to the Santa Ynez Valley for stop number five on the seven race series. The weather was perfect in the high 80’s, which became quite warm on the later part of the race. The course consisted of a 11 mile lap with about 1600′ of climbing per lap. The Cat 1 and Cat 2 racers took on two laps. The race took off from the start into a long singletrack which eventually hit the “wall”. The “wall” is a steep singletrack climb with multiple switchbacks which put the riders on the rivet. Once over the climb, the riders descended on loose singletrack that ran throughout the rolling hillsides. The course was exposed to the sun and the climbs were relentless. This year was a nice change from last years raining, mud soaked conditions.

The Platinum Performance Team brought out all its dirt riders to represent the “home town” race. The team had some great performances. “Mr consistent” Jon Miller took home the win once again in the Cat 1 60-64 class. Dean Swank rode strong for another win in the Cat 1 55-59 class. Road racer, Derek Johnson showed his dirt skills with a win the the Cat 2 Clydesdale division. Platinum had a handful of 2nd place finishes… Todd Booth was nipped at the line for the win in the Cat 1 40-44 class. Dan Benson had one of his best races of the season with a 2nd place finish in the Cat 1 19-24. John Biron pulled off a great time but still fell short of “legendary” rider Johnny Omara in the Cat 1 50-54. Nick Berkeley had a great race with a 2nd place finish in the Cat 2 19-24 division. Rounding out the top three were Greg Turner pulling off a solid race in the Cat 1 45-49 class.

Bobby Langin Sr making a strong showing with a 3rd place finish in the Cat 1 50-54 race. Jeff stern keeps getting stronger each week with a 3rd place finish in the Cat 2 25-29 division.

STANDINGS UPDATE

After race number five of the seven race US Cup Series which incorporates the California State Series competition the Platinum Performance Cycling Team has the largest number of division leaders for any one team.

With eight Platinum riders leading their respective age and category’s the team is witnessing it’s best season to date. Dan Benson (Cat 1 19-24), Todd Booth (Cat 1 40-44 Champion wrapped up), John Biron (Cat 1 50-54), Dean Swank (Cat 1 55-59), Jon Miller ( Cat 1 60-64) Nick Berkeley (Cat 2 19-24), Jeff Stern ( Cat 2 25-29) and “Danger” Dave Culbertson (Cat 2 50-54) are heading into the last two races with a lead. Team Platinum also has riders knocking on the door of the top step with Adam Poytress (Cat 1 30-34) and Greg Turner (Cat 1 45-49) currently in 2nd place. Chester Gillmore (Cat 1 25-29) and Roger Moore (Cat 1 40-44) are currently holding on to the bronze position. Steve Silva (Cat 1 50-54), Mark Luke (Cat 2 50-54) and Terry Dahl (Cat 1 70+) are in the fourth position battling for the bronze medal.

The team was heading into the Santa Ynez Classic with a one point difference behind team Rock N Road. The team did their part and beat all the team’s in the points race at Santa Ynez. With my calculation Team Platinum Performance should be in the lead by 24 points, but a weird turn of events happened. The event coordinator, team Big Bear has added extra points for various races throughout the season for team Rock N Road. I have since petitioned this.

Currently, Team Platinum Performance is trailing Team Rock N Road by 2 points. The team has been battling superbly with leading the point tally for the last three races. Great job team! The next race in San Diego will be a big test for the Platinum team with such a long distance to travel and the race being in the Rock N Road’s backyard.