BOULDER, CO - COS Racing showcased their competitive spirit and determination at the Superville Omnium, held amidst the smoky beauty of Boulder, Colorado, from 19th to 21st May 2023. The team's riders delivered solid performances across multiple events, securing notable finishes and highlighting their capabilities in a highly talented field.
The Superville Omnium, a three-day Bicycle Colorado extravaganza in the Boulder area towns of Superior and Louisville – hence ‘Superville’ - is known for its challenging courses and competition. It incorporates several previously separate events, including the Superior Time Trial, Superior Morgul Road Race, and the Louisville Crit.
COS Racing rider Lindsey Baumann, made her impressive 2023 debut, securing a remarkable 5th place overall finish despite only racing two of the series’ three events. Baumann's outstanding performance in the Omnium showcased her talent and determination as she navigated the demanding course with skill and precision. In the competitive Men's 50+ Category 4 Omnium, George York and J. Erik Hartel finished 16th and 18th overall against almost 60 riders who competed over three days. Their consistent efforts in a challenging field illustrated their ability to compete against top riders and maintain a strong presence throughout the event.
In the individual time trial, York and Hartel secured solid finishes. York claimed 10th place, while Hartel closely followed in 12th place, highlighting their proficiency in this challenging discipline. In the Women's Cat 4 time trial, Baumann's abilities were on full display as she raced to an impressive 2nd place finish.
The Louisville Criterium witnessed greater COS Racing representation, with riders taking on a technical one-mile course that featured a high-speed tight corner at the end of a fast descent. In the crash-free Master’s race, Hartel and York secured 7th and 12th places in a combined field of 23 riders. After the race, Hartel noted that despite coming into the final corner optimally positioned near the front, he and York were swamped by a franticly chasing rear of the peloton. The ensuing scrum and emergency braking in the final corner meant that Hartel and York had to drag race up the finishing ascent through a mass of fading riders. Though both recovered many positions lost, neither was pleased with the outcome.
Also in the criterium, Laith Abbas finished an impressive 16th from a large and talented field of over 40, including national-caliber Junior riders. Abbas' performance in this crash-marred event against such intense competition reflects his determination and potential for future success. Returning from injury, Ryan Arthur displayed his resilience and commitment in the Men's Category 5 criterium, securing a commendable 19th-place finish.
Finally, in the Superior Morgul Road Race, COS Racing's riders continued to excel. The Mogul Road Race is a challenging out-and-back route with multiple challenging climbs. Lauren McMurtry and Lindsey Baumann delivered strong performances, finishing 5th and 7th in the four-lap Women's Category 4 race, with McMurtry finishing strongly from a three-rider chase group. In the Men's Category 4 race, York and Hartel crossed the line in 8th and 9th place, respectively, from a highly competitive field of over 32 riders. Although racing strongly throughout, both missed the winning breakaway after an unexpected attack on Lap 3 split the field on the big climb while both were trapped on the inside. Despite vigorous attempts to bridge to the breakaway, Hartel and York eventually found themselves in no man’s land buffeted by heavy crosswinds; they settled for a team time trial to the finish.
Abbas achieved his best weekend result with an 11th-place finish in the Men's Category 4 race, while Arthur continued his comeback efforts, finishing 14th in the Men's Category 5 race.
COS Racing's presence and commendable finishes at the Superville Omnium exemplify their reputation as a competitive team. The performances of Lindsey Baumann, George York, J. Erik Hartel, Laith Abbas, Lauren McMurtry, and Ryan Arthur in various disciplines highlight their strengths and their collective potential.
