July 05, 2009
Hainsworth back on top with his win at the July 4th Joe Matava criterium while Hone breaks collarbone.
Burien, WA - On a warm sunny day in Seattle, the Lenovo team had one plan. To win the July 4th crit. With Mike Hainsworth showing some strong sprinting form at Seward Park we knew we could driop him off in the right place to win the race.
Early in the 55 minute race, small breaks went up the road but nothing was able to stick. With about 20 minutes to go, Mike Hone attacked and was soon followed by Todd Herriott. The two formed a break up the road with about 100m on the pack. Hone turned to see who was chasing and as he looked forward unfortunately over lapped Herriott's wheel and crashed heavily to the ground. He was eventually taken to the ER with a broken collarbone.
The race continued and the Lenovo guys job were to keep the pace high at the end of the race. Eric Schuman, Brian Hall, Brent Davis, Dakin Bell and Doug Davis all took strong pulls at the front. Finally on the last lap, the HSP team had taken over control but the teams plan was to drill it up the final long straight and drop Hainsworth into the final corner at the fromt. Travis Venable blew the field away in style and took over the lead with two corners to go. Travis timed it perfect to give Hainsworth the perfect launching point and he took the sprint before the last corner and was able to hold off the entire field to win.
It was a great team win and now we have our sprinter back, the Lewnovo team can look to more wins over the next two months for the remainder of the season.
