If homefield advantage plays a part in cycling, both 25-year-old David Fleischhauer and 33-year-old Jennifer Triplett are the face of the argument.
For Fleischhauer and Triplett, it wasn't their first time navigating the streets of Bellingham. Both Western Washington University graduates, Fleischhauer in 2008 and Triplett in 2000, the pair made a return trip to the town of their alma mater to claim first place in their respective men's and women's category 1 and 2 divisions of the 2011 Bellingham Criterium, part of the Washington State Masters & Senior Criterium Championships.
"It was sweet euphoria," said Triplett after winning the 45-minut- long women's race. "I got goose bumps when I finished. It's nice to come back here and win."
Fleischhauer, who was racing for bike team Harriet Sports Performance based out of Seattle, echoed Triplett's sentiments
"It always feels great to win, and this is my first win of the year," Fleischhauer said. "The roads were new on the course, and Bellingham is my favorite place to be in the world."
For 10 hours Sunday, a total of 300 participants competing in 14 different races whizzed around a one-mile road bike loop in downtown Bellingham. Starting at the csection of Lottie Street and Grand Avenue, cyclists sped up to 30 mph around Grand Avenue to Girard Street, North Commerical Street, Flora Street then back down Grand Avenue.
Record-setting cyclist Stewart Bowmer organized the event with title sponsor Fanatik Bike Co. The event included races for all age groups and experience levels. In the cycling world, categories 4-5 are for novices, while categories 1 and 2 are for professional level racers.
Adding to the excitement of the criterium were primes that were handed out to the race leader at various points of the race. For winning certain laps, cyclists were awarded cash prizes and other merchandise.
"Sprinting for prizes is one thing that makes the criterium so unique to other races," Bowmer said. "It's been a great turnout this year, the most we've ever had."
Triplett, who races for Hagen Berman Cycling Team, credited her success to the tremendous amount of racing she has done of late. On Saturday she was in San Jose, Calif., where she competed in two races. In fact, she said the Bellingham Criterium was her ninth race in two weeks.
Disregarding any possible fatigue and her seventh-place slot heading into the last lap, Triplett was still able to sneak her way across the finish line before Seattle racer Tricia Bailey, who was trailing her close.
"My partner Beth (Lyndon-Griffith) helped me out on the last lap," Triplett said. "I got up to third wheel going into the last turn and just powered my way to the finish."
While Triplett had to outrace only 13 other competitors to win, Fleischhauer claimed first place in a much larger 50-man field.
"I was actually 15 guys or so back going into the last lap, but on this track you can pass 20-25 people in a half lap," Fleischhauer said. "I was a little worried about getting pinched, but it worked out. We have a small team, so we had to play off other riders. Last time on this track (two years ago) we won, so I think we have a good strategy."
Bowmer said the races went well and were very safe, as they experienced only four crashes. But while Bowmer was pleased with how the 2011 Bellingham Criterium turned out, he said he hopes for more in the future.
"It's great to have so many come out," Bowmer said. "Hopefully in the future we can get a race closer to central downtown Bellingham."
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