July 26, 2007 - In today’s 60 mile circuit race around Hollidaysburgh, Pennsylvania, Mike Friedman took home an exciting win from a 7 man breakaway that finished a minute and a half in front of a hard chasing field.

From the first corner the racing was aggressive with numerous attacks highlighting the first lap of the 3 lap circuit race. On that first lap, Mark Walters from Kodak Gallery opened up a minute solo gap that Mike bridged to with a few additional riders. By the time Mike closed the gap, there was only 30 seconds separating the break from the field. But the breakaway worked flawlessly together over the fast and hilly Pennsylvania countryside. By the time the 7 man break began it’s final lap with 20 miles to go, the split had grown to 4 minutes and 30 seconds. With only Health Net chasing to defend Nathan O’Neil’s lead, it was literally seven on seven for the final lap and there was no way Mike was going to get caught.

Mike was definitely the strongest rider in the break and kept the group motivated to work together and stay away. With 5 kilometers to go, the attacks started on the final KOM climb. Mike followed every attack with ease and then settled in to third position for the sprint. Mike easily took the slight uphill sprint for the win, marking a fantastic comeback from an early season pulmonary embolism that had him sidelined for close to 6 months.

Tomorrow’s stage is another circuit race in Martinsburg, followed by a 100 mile road race over Blue Knob state park. The race ends on Sunday with a downtown criterium. With a strong opening time trial performance and Mike’s performance today, the team is currently leading in team GC and intends on keeping it to the finish.