July 25th is the date of Stage 20 at the 2009 Tour de France - 106 miles with 5 categorized climbs covering over 22,000 vertical feet, and finishing atop Mount Ventoux. It will be epic in every sense of the word, with the GC almost certainly to be decided. Whoever wins that day deserves it.
That's an irresistible property of some races - that whoever wins deserves it. Don't give me that "a win is a win" crap and argue that first across the line proves merit by itself. When 50 are in contention with 1km to go, the winner's good fortune, and someone else's mistake, almost certainly play a part. What I mean is that some races mean more to have won simply by the parcours - Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Flanders, Giro di Lombardia. Domestically consider The Tour of the Battenkill and the pro race at the Clarendon Cup (formerly the CSC Invitational). Closer to home are the Giro di Coppi, Page Valley Road Race, Poolesville. Wins there carry with them the tacit understanding that the victors were the strongest that day. For many of us, a win in our categories at Coppi and co. would be as career defining as Hincapie finally conquering Paris-Roubaix.
This year, on July 25th - the very same day as the epic Ventoux stage at le Tour - bows the region's next epic race - the Altarum Lost River Classic p/b GamJams. You've heard of it and you'll here more of it in the coming weeks. This event will define the seasons for each of the winners of its 7 categories: Men Pro 1/2/3, Women 1/2/3, Men 35+, Men 50+, Men 3, Men 4 and Men 5.
If you're a recreational racer content with sitting in the pocket in flat office park crits with gentle corners until the last lap or so when you push your way through and sprint for 29th, the Lost River Classic probably isn't for you.
But if you're serious about this sport and want to make your mark, July 25th is your chance. Pre-Reg via Pre-Reg.com here. It's time to get your Epic on.
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