Road America Inline 20k and 13k

By: All Community Events, Inc

The 2nd annual Road America Inline 20k and 13k rolled out on dry asphalt after raining on and off all day. 80 skaters started and the lead pack remained about 30 strong until an attack on the second and third hill of the first lap formed a lead pack of about 8. After the last climb of the first hill Mike Anderson Hammered weeding out any weakness that still remained. The fatigued legs were allowed a chance to rest for the hills the second lap would bring on the descents. Again fans camping out along the course for the motorcycle races delightfully cheered and waved as the skaters past through many portions of the course. There were no hard surges on the second lap. The tempo was hard on the climbs and games of cat and mouse were played out on the flatter sections as each skater tried to force the other into the first position. As the race rolled on a skater seemed to crack on every climb until on the third lap it was down to only Bont’s Mike Anderson, Mad City Roller’s Matt Robinson, Adam’s Inline Matt Meyer and Tom Peterson, and Team Rainbo/TUSA carbon frame’s Peter Starykowicz. After pulling away in a full tuck at the bottom of the first descent Anderson assumed his familiar time trial position and put in a very strong burst of speed that at one point opened a gap near 20 meters. Starykowicz feeling the pressure of the race nearing an end chased with arms swinging. This was probably one of most tense moments of the race as the Anderson was making a very respectable effort but after about 45 seconds Starykowicz had brought the pack as well as himself into the Anderson’s Slip stream. This put Tom Peterson out of the picture and then there were 4. Starykowicz kept the pace up on the first hill and at the top the skaters looked at eachother waiting for the other guy to take the lead. This shadow boxing continued on for the rest of the down hill allowing Peterson after a valiant effort to latch on the back before the 8th climb of the day. Meyer leading the way was saddening put on the defensive as Starykowicz jumps out of the pack and surged forward. The pack immediately reacting and the attack being abandoned but still starykowicz setting the pace. At the top of the hill the pace slowed to around 9 mph as they weaved from side to side. Anderson sitting in the second position played a very smart game keeping Starykowicz in front. Last year’s winner Matt Robinson was sitting in the best position with two of the stronger skaters of the day in front of him. Meyer and Peterson sat in behind. The pack wove back and fourth as they approached the bottom of the hill. Then in an instant the dynamic of the race changed as with a few powerful steps Starykowicz opened up a few yards. Robinson quickly jumped out and lead the chase as the others followed. On the mid section of the steep slope Robinson made his move sprinting even with Starykowicz. With Anderson, Meyer, and Peterson out of the picture the two front runners raced mono y mono. Starykowicz sensing Robinson’s presence shifted gears again and opened up a gap of about 10 meters which he held for the remainder of sprint. Another awesome race at the Nations most Dynamic Inline Racing Course. A special Thanks to Bont, JMTS, Starzwood Homes, Web Printing Plus, PyroApparel, and Adam’s Inline.

20k Mens Result
1. Peter Starykowicz
2. Matt Robinson
3. Mike Anedrson

20k Women’s Results
1. Rebecca George
2. Kara Peterson
3. Lizzy Loeb