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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 21, 2003
USA Cycling racers are prepared to begin their annual chase in the Florida Points Series.
The local cyclists who came out on top of last season's FPS rankings were:
Brett Thompson, of Pinellas Park; Robin Kavan, Tampa; Chris Magazino, St.Petersburg; Chad Shifferl, Pinellas Park; Steven Carder, Safety Harbor; John Weber, Tarpon Springs; Earl Henry, Pinellas Park; Sherri and David Stedje, Lutz; and Mark McGarry, Jim Zimmer and Rick Fidanzato, St.Petersburg.
GRAND PRIX: FPS points may be earned in the Florida Cycling Grand Prix, scheduled for Saturday-Sunday in Gainesville.
The Gainesville Sports Organizing Committee will play host to the event that benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Gainesville.
There will be racing for all licensed USA Cycling competitors, including Pro 1-2 Men; Category 3, 4 and 5 Men; Masters 30-plus, 40-plus and 50-plus Men; Category 1-3 Women; Category 4 Women; Juniors 15-18; Juniors 10-14; and special collegiate categories for men and women.
Double points will be awarded in all divisions, calculated on overall placings for the weekend.
Call Mike Gann, (352) 377-4550 or (352) 338-9300 for information.
BATTLE OF BRILLIANCE: Tim Molyneaux of Atlantic Shores Velo and Kiefer Village Jewels in Dade City will play host to the March 1-2 event in Dade City.
Ellen Kast of Team American Classic organized the well-received Sunday criterium the past two seasons, and now it has grown to include The Saturday Night Special at 5:30 in downtown Zephyrhills.
There will be thousands in cash prizes, competitive early-season racing and large fields.
Many Pasco County residents will be treated to their first exposure to live cycling Saturday. The 7 p.m. Miss & Out and the 8 p.m. Pro 1-3 are expected to draw many spectators.
Racers may save on their entry fees by bringing Toys For Tots donations.
The host hotel is the Best Western in Zephyrhills, (813) 782-5527. Forrace information, call David Hevia, (352) 567-2378; or go online to www.dadecitychamber.org.
RAZORBACK: Mountain bike racer Josh Seldman (Trek/RideMyBikes/Atlanta) did the unthinkable in the 12 Hours Of Razorback off-road endurance event Feb.8.
Seldman sped away from Olympic mountain biker Tinker Juarez (Siemens Mobile/Cannondale) on the 10-mile wooded loop near Ocala, handing the superstar second place.
Even after he was beaten, Juarez, 41, of Downey, Calif., cheered on all the lapped riders and spoke graciously of the south's improving fat-tire competitors.
Finishing after the top cyclists, most bikers said it was a challenge to strap on lights and try to pedal through the hours of darkness on the trails.
"We wanted to have fun, camping and riding in the woods with our Head Triplighting systems," Susie Marston said.
Marston (Specialized/Chainwheel Drive), of Largo, is among the state's expert women in the sport. Marsten's top Stop Staring team consisted of masters world champion Shelly Allen and Dawn Cicanese and Connie Kurash.
The other local squads competing from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. were Shoulda Gone Surfin, Gearlink.com, Broken Spoke, Racer's Edge, Action Wheelsports, Trailsports and Dent Wizard.
Many fans were surprised to see champion triathlete Danny Nolan leading the successful Dent Wizard team. He was joined by top area skinny-tire roadies Greg Sironen, Craig Moll and Paul Kavan.
SPRING CHALLENGE: Mountain bike racers will head to the Specialized Spring Challenge on March 2 in Gainesville.
Cyclists and their families will not be allowed to camp overnight, but the numerous hotels near the University of Florida will become race headquarters.
The event will be at Haile's Trails, west of the UF campus. Take I-75 to Exit 76. Proceed west on SR 26 for 8 miles, making a right on NW 202. Go 3 miles, turning left on NW 46th Avenue.
Gate admission is $5 per cyclist for Saturday practice riding and $3 on race day.
For information, call David and Terry Berger, (352) 873-9279.
LEMOND VISIT: American cyclist and three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond will visit the Trek Bicycle Store Of Lakeland on March 8-9.
"Greg will appear to sign autographs, pose for photos and shake hands with fans," Team Trek/LeMond's Don Griffith said.
Copies of Greg LeMond's Complete Book of Cycling will be available.
In 1990, Sports Illustrated named LeMond Sportsman Of The Year and one of the most influential athletes of the past 40 years.
For information on LeMond's visit, call (863) 858-2000.