Some of the top bicyclists in the world are making the trek to
the Bay Area to compete in the first Morgan Hill Grand Prix
criterium on Sunday. And, a few of the top racers already live
here. In addition to top road racing teams such as Webcor Builders
and Sierra Nevada, along with international Specialized stars like
Liam Killeen and Sid Taberlay, more than a dozen local Specialized
employees are planning to compete in the event. The top racing
teams are expected to dominate the Men
’s Pro 1-2 event at noon, and Killeen and Taberlay – the British
and Australian cross-country (mountain biking) champions,
respectively – will also shine while using the local criterium as a
training ground. But don’t be surprised if the locals make a splash
in their own events.
Some of the top bicyclists in the world are making the trek to the Bay Area to compete in the first Morgan Hill Grand Prix criterium on Sunday. And, a few of the top racers already live here.
In addition to top road racing teams such as Webcor Builders and Sierra Nevada, along with international Specialized stars like Liam Killeen and Sid Taberlay, more than a dozen local Specialized employees are planning to compete in the event.
The top racing teams are expected to dominate the Men’s Pro 1-2 event at noon, and Killeen and Taberlay – the British and Australian cross-country (mountain biking) champions, respectively – will also shine while using the local criterium as a training ground.
But don’t be surprised if the locals make a splash in their own events.
Suddenly presented with the opportunity to compete in a race on a unique course in their own backyard, Specialized employees of every specialty and skill level are flocking to ride in the criterium.
Top Specialized racers include Joe Cahoon, Chance Regina and Sam Pickman, who will all compete in the Men’s Category 3 race beginning at 10am.
And, then there’s Sondra Williamson, the lone female from Specialized to compete and a top-notch cross-country racer who will compete in the Women’s Category 3-4 event.
Williamson said being able to race where she lives is a major treat after having to travel all over California to compete in cross-country events.
“It’s great because it’s less than a mile from where I live,” Williamson said.
Veterans like Don Langley, Erick Marcheschi and Sean McLaughlin are planning on riding in the Masters 35-plus races, with Langley competing in the Category 1-3 race and Marcheschi and McLaughlin in the Category 4 competition.
And, there’s more. Riders like Kyle Chubbuck, Dave Kendall, Arthur Espos, Anthony Sinyard, and Scott Sisto are all planning on racing in various events on Sunday.
Finally, former racers David and Lauren Smith, both Specialized employees, said their daughter Helen is still deciding whether to compete in the Kids Races.
According to Marcheschi, a Specialized global marketing rep, Killeen and Taberlay – who both race for Specialized and were both 2004 Olympians – are visiting the local event as a precursor to the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey next weekend. In fact, Marcheschi said local organizers are hoping many top national and international cyclists will use the MH event as a warm-up for the larger and more established Sea Otter event this year and in the future.
“There will be some heavy hitters in town,” Marcheschi said. “We’re going to draw a pretty good group of pros.”
Should Morgan Hill hold major sporting events like the Grand Prix downtown? Should the Grand Prix come back next year? Call Green Phone at 1-800-687-0836
