The group enjoyed a flowy start to the ride, making good time as they snaked towards the first sprint point, an uphill slog up 202 in Lincoln Park.
Sam Findlater drew first blood in the Clover Lane Sprint, Micheal Gisler 2nd, William Christman 3rd.
Gisler flipped the script and overpowered Findlater in the screaming fast uphill/downhill Mountain Lakes sprint to even the score. After a hard leadout, Gisler jumped, then Findlater. They roared down the climb in that order, Christman clinging to 3rd.
This set up the final duel to Kinnelon High School. In the finishing section, both riders attacked the other several times. Terrain was unrelenting, rolling and undulating to the finish.
“I gapped him on the final roller,” Gisler said. “I like the finale — several rollers, someone will crack. You are not going to find a better finish to any group ride. This finish is perfect.”
Behind Gisler and Findlater, a fierce battle ensued for 3rd. Christman attacked on the first roller, getting a huge gap, only to see it closed down by Czernik and Coronel.
“I faded,” Christman said, “but it was excellent training.”
Christman tried his hand, was caught, and was strong enough to outkick his companions at the finish to claim the 10 GC points — he currently sits 3rd overall.
The Elite Endurance Tour is free and awesome and open to all riders; riders can start at any stage.
Tuesday, 6/22/16, is Stage 2, wheels down at 6:15pm from Riverdale NJ.
Please email Coach@EliteEndurance.com for parking and directions.