AUBURN - In the world of competitive cycling, the narrowest of margins, minutes and seconds, separate the pros from the amateurs.
Reid Silverman / The Citizen
Riders from men's category 3 sprint down East Lake Road to the finish line, completing the 42 miles of course B during the Owasco Stage Race on Sunday.
"It all comes down to ability," said Owasco Stage Race Director Dean Furnia. "In the time trials for example, pros came in in 33 minutes, amateurs closer to 36. That's just three minutes, but that is a whole mile ahead. So the only difference is a little more ability."
Over 375 riders of all categories came from across the U.S. and Canada to be a part of this race, and the amateurs were well represented.
The quick growth of the race - last year there were 175 riders - has been aided by the Internet.
"I heard about this on the Internet," said Chris Viskup of Boulder, Colo. "It is a good race, a nice scenic ride."
Even with the quick access of the Internet, nothing beats word of mouth.
"One of my teammates did this last year," said Jason Parkin of New York City. "So he recommended this. I'm happy we're here. I was really looking forward to the ride today. It's a nice mix, a really well put-together race."
Many racers were making their second appearance this year after their good experiences with the race.
Sue Bingham of Syracuse rode for the second consecutive year with her team, Mission in Motion, in the women's 3-4 category.
"There are nine or 10 of us here," Bingham said. "It's all really good. The road course is scenic and beautiful. And they added the time trial this year. Adding another stage is a big undertaking. But it gives you your money's worth. It's a full weekend of good competition."
Bingham's thoughts on the time trial were echoed by many riders who were very impressed with the caliber of the race and how smoothly the race was run.
"The time trial was very interesting, good to have," Parkin, who secured the 23rd spot in the time trial said. "It is run well and a bit more technical. It was a little closer in our field. No one time stands out, but it was fun for the most part."
The race also drew a number of first-timers from all over the country.
Tucker Sawin, a Seattle native, came out for his first race this year in the men's category 4-5, earning a spot in the top 20 during Saturday's East Lake Time trial.
"Racing is something I've always wanted to do," Sawin said. "It is a very challenging course and the competition feels faster than I expected. They are all very fast."
The amateur class also pulled in a number of collegiate racers from the area.
Riders like Grant Meyer, a student and cycling team member at Cornell, said that the competition was comparable to the best collegiate cyclists.
"There are a lot of good riders," Meyer said. "The 4-5 category is about as competitive as the top class of college racers, so there are a lot of good riders."
Amateur riders are certainly no less competitive than the pros, but for younger riders like Chelsea Reynolds of Endicott, there is something nice about the pace of amateur racing.
"My mom and I go to a race every weekend," Reynolds said. "Stage races are more exciting over a couple of days and this one is nice because it's close to home. I didn't do as good as I hoped, but I caught up to the rest of team and we all finished together."
Furnia said that for him, the race was a success.
"Most of the racers were totally happy," Furnia said. "Everybody said they were very happy. We aren't the best, we aren't the worst, but I think we are closer to the best."
This would not have been possible without the cooperation and understanding of the people of the community.
"We've gone through some growing pains," Furnia said. "I don't think people were used to the volume of riders. The first time you see it, it can be a little shocking. The police were a great help and as people get used to it, it's going to get better for us and for the community."
With this year's race only just behind him, Furnia said that he already has plans to make improvements for next year.
"Next year we are going to be bigger and better," Furnia said. "We want to get on the national race calendar. That could make this the biggest cycling event in New York outside of New York City. I think that is very significant and will make it better for Auburn."
Over 375 riders of all categories came from across the U.S. and Canada to be a part of this race, and the amateurs were well represented.
The quick growth of the race - last year there were 175 riders - has been aided by the Internet.
"I heard about this on the Internet," said Chris Viskup of Boulder, Colo. "It is a good race, a nice scenic ride."
Even with the quick access of the Internet, nothing beats word of mouth.
"One of my teammates did this last year," said Jason Parkin of New York City. "So he recommended this. I'm happy we're here. I was really looking forward to the ride today. It's a nice mix, a really well put-together race."
Many racers were making their second appearance this year after their good experiences with the race.
Sue Bingham of Syracuse rode for the second consecutive year with her team, Mission in Motion, in the women's 3-4 category.
"There are nine or 10 of us here," Bingham said. "It's all really good. The road course is scenic and beautiful. And they added the time trial this year. Adding another stage is a big undertaking. But it gives you your money's worth. It's a full weekend of good competition."
Bingham's thoughts on the time trial were echoed by many riders who were very impressed with the caliber of the race and how smoothly the race was run.
"The time trial was very interesting, good to have," Parkin, who secured the 23rd spot in the time trial said. "It is run well and a bit more technical. It was a little closer in our field. No one time stands out, but it was fun for the most part."
The race also drew a number of first-timers from all over the country.
Tucker Sawin, a Seattle native, came out for his first race this year in the men's category 4-5, earning a spot in the top 20 during Saturday's East Lake Time trial.
"Racing is something I've always wanted to do," Sawin said. "It is a very challenging course and the competition feels faster than I expected. They are all very fast."
The amateur class also pulled in a number of collegiate racers from the area.
Riders like Grant Meyer, a student and cycling team member at Cornell, said that the competition was comparable to the best collegiate cyclists.
"There are a lot of good riders," Meyer said. "The 4-5 category is about as competitive as the top class of college racers, so there are a lot of good riders."
Amateur riders are certainly no less competitive than the pros, but for younger riders like Chelsea Reynolds of Endicott, there is something nice about the pace of amateur racing.
"My mom and I go to a race every weekend," Reynolds said. "Stage races are more exciting over a couple of days and this one is nice because it's close to home. I didn't do as good as I hoped, but I caught up to the rest of team and we all finished together."
Furnia said that for him, the race was a success.
"Most of the racers were totally happy," Furnia said. "Everybody said they were very happy. We aren't the best, we aren't the worst, but I think we are closer to the best."
This would not have been possible without the cooperation and understanding of the people of the community.
"We've gone through some growing pains," Furnia said. "I don't think people were used to the volume of riders. The first time you see it, it can be a little shocking. The police were a great help and as people get used to it, it's going to get better for us and for the community."
With this year's race only just behind him, Furnia said that he already has plans to make improvements for next year.
"Next year we are going to be bigger and better," Furnia said. "We want to get on the national race calendar. That could make this the biggest cycling event in New York outside of New York City. I think that is very significant and will make it better for Auburn."
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