U.S.A. Cycling National Criterium Championships (Amateur)

Benjamin Sharp (Gomart Cycling) knew Gomart was going to win two weeks ago. Normally, a very quite, unassuming personality, Ben told one of his teammates who was thinking of going to Mt. Snow to race the Mountain Bike Nationals that he would miss out on being a part of the stars and stripes if he went. Ben made sure the guy wasn't disappointed.

Gomart came with a super strong, motivated squad. Lead by former pro Paul Martin, now in law school, the team had been racking up wins all year, 30 not counting the local track scene, including a couple of bigs ones at Superweek. It was clear from the gun that Gomart was not going to let any other team dictate the race with at least one rider in virtually every break. With Mike House, Wes Seigler, and Ryan O'Connor softening up the field in the early part of the race the critical move came when Sharp and Martin got away with about 15 laps to go. This forced a long hard chase by Mercy Fitness, one of the other strong teams. The chase was eventually successful, but Sharp immediately attacked again. Only Tim Larkin (Lombardi Sports) could follow. With Martin slowing the chase and the weather taking its toll (it rained virtually the entire race and crashes were rampant) Sharp and Larkin were able to build the lead by five second per lap. The wet roads again played a part in the finish. After sliding out once in the break Larkin was a little more tentative in the turns. Sharp put a gap on him coming into the last turn and had not trouble taking the sprint for the Championship. The field sprint was mayhem. When Lew McManus (US National Road Champion) slid out he took Jim Baldesare (Gomart Cycling) with him. Otherwise, two Gomart riders would have been on the podium.

Sharp was quick to point out that it was truly a team effort. That is the way the team has raced all year and it just happened to be his day.