Fosler takes 4th in inaugural event
ST. CHARLES, Ill. — Tour of America’s Dairyland (TOAD) organizers may have chosen a new state to hold their most recent event, but the change in scenery didn’t change the success KS Energy Services/Team Wisconsin’s leader had in the series’ races in 2012.
Bryan Fosler, held his strong form following the Wisconsin-based tour, June 21 to July 1, in which he finished second overall in the 2/3 category, to take fourth place in a bunch sprint after a fast final lap Sunday, July 29.
Gareth Reeves (EMC2/Elmhurst Masters) took the top step on the podium, followed by David Reyes (Bloomington Cycle Racing Team) and Sammy’s Bikes rider Christopher Curran.
The race, set in downtown St. Charles, started hot as teams worked to form an initial breakaway within a few laps. After at least two failed attempts, one of which was reigned in by KS rider Andrew Hellpap, a break of four riders finally stuck.
As the race wore on, riders from a variety of teams attempted to bridge to the breakaway, who’s lead never stretched more than 15 seconds. Several Team Wisconsin riders made solo attempts to bridge. First, it was Nick Frye’s time to give it a go, but his effort fell short. Frye also did a great deal of pace making in the opening stages of the race.
Next, Fosler came the closest to making the break, but became stuck alone in the gap between the break and the main field.
After returning to the security of the main pack, the KS squad recovered and began the work of pushing the pace in an undisciplined peloton to bring the break back with 10 laps to go.
Hellpap gave a hard pull to help bring the gap to less than 10 seconds, and the field continued to keep the pace high, yet disorganized.
With one lap remaining, the main field crossed the start-finish line with Fosler sitting fourth, and Hellpap fifth. The former was not to be denied.
Despite the chaos, the main pack had the gap coming down fast. Julio Jacobo, Team Wisconsin’s sprinter, sealed the deal, by bringing the break back while leading out Fosler into the final corner.
Then, it was time for Fosler to take control.
Holding his position skillfully, Fosler brought heat that rivaled the day’s near 90-degree temperatures, and stormed to the finish line to take fourth in the race as the breakaway was swallowed just before the line.
In addition to the zigzag finishing “straight,” the four-corner, first-time racecourse featured two crossings of the Fox River. Upon entering the second bridge across the waterway, racers faced an 80-degree, off-camber corner into a headwind before hitting the chicane containing the finish line.