Redlands scenicYesterday the VMG/Felt U23 guys really earned their keep and showed they are more than ready to bump elbows with the pros. DS Chann McRae gave them all tough jobs today and they stepped up to the plate and performed like seasoned vets.

By just putting on a Slipstream jersey, we are expected to play a big part in a race like Redlands. So the breakaway of five riders started increasing their lead, even as the race leader’s team gave it their best effort to hold them even, we had to take action. Within seconds of getting the orders from Chann, Walker, Kirk, and Danny were on the front and drove the pace up.

The renewed chase got other teams up there too. Finally the gap started to fall. Going into the last lap, we tried to make the most out of the small hill to snap the peloton. I hit out from the bottom with Peter attacking next, and then Tom, but despite our efforts, the peloton regrouped on the downhill before the finish. Unfortunately, the break held on to enough of their early advantage to stay away.

Peter and Tom are still within striking distance for the overall. With Tom a former winner of the Sunset Loop Road Race, we’re waiting for Sunday’s stage anxiously. Today we showed we’re good on the climbs and Sunday’s course will give us a chance to capitalize on that.

First we have the downtown Redlands crit this afternoon. It’s always a hard fought race, and might be a candidate for the “World 120-degree Cornering Championships.”

Slipstream stage 2 results
1. Santiago Botero 3:18′15″

23. Peter Stetina +1′46″
25. Tom Danielson +1′46″
78. Blake Caldwell +3′14″
106. Danny Summerhill +5′39″
119. Kirk Carlsen +8′18″
131. Walker Savidge +11′44″

Slipstream GC after stage 2
1. Santiago Botero 3:28′20″

12. Peter Stetina +1′50″
17. Tom Danielson +1′53″
62. Blake Caldwell +3′36″
99. Danny Summerhill +6′23″
118. Kirk Carlsen +9′01″
131. Walker Savidge +12′29″