Aaron’s pro cyclist Shannon Hutchison scored the biggest win of her
career this past weekend at the Athens Twilight Criterium.
Athens Georgia hosts what is considered one of, if not the, most prestigious
cycling events in country…The Athens Twilight Criterium. This race draws
crowds of 30,000-45,000 spectators each year that line the downtown streets
of Athens for a truly party-like atmosphere. For a pro cyclist, especially
and criterium racer, it doesn’t get any bigger than this race. For Shannon,
Athens has been a career long goal that has eluded her. Shannon has previously
placed 2nd or 3rd on several occasions. This year Athens was the first major
goal of the season for Shannon. She spent countless hours during the cold winter
riding her bike and lifting weights thinking about a victory in Athens.
”This is only the biggest and fastest criterium in the Southeast. I
have gotten about every place there is except the big win. Last year was a
crazy finish with me bumping handlebars with Gina Grain and backing down. Tonight
was going to be my night. “ Said Hutchison in her post race report.
”
It started raining just before we were to roll on to the course. Many racers
have a hard time racing in the rain. When it rains they don't ride or they
turn around and go home. I have had many a training camp and sprint night
and NRC races in the rain. At one time I had come to the conclusion that
if you have to race in it then you can train in it. Well, when it started
raining I knew that I had an automatic advantage.”
”The rain finally stopped and Quark (team) let up a little. Things were
getting better. Girls started to come to the front that I hadn't seen in a
while.” Recalled Shannon. “We came up on the field. This was scary.
I was afraid that they would try to jump in with us and the crashes would begin.
I waited for someone to attack from our group. Quark went to the front and
started to pull again.”
With one lap to go, Shannon moved up in the group. “I was on the inside
and I looked around, waiting for the attack. I saw 2 Quark girls zooming up
the outside. I accelerated and as they got to the front I got on their wheels.
Into turn 3 and 4 they stayed steady and careful not to go to hard and crash
in the slippery turn. As we came out of turn 4 I made a split second decision
to go up the inside. I accelerated, shifted, went as hard as I could, mouth
open, praying that no one was going to come around. Everything was silent,
I had tunnel vision for the finish line ahead, please no one come around, go
harder, harder, faster, in my head I heard myself say just go Shannon!.......”
Shannon hit the line first with her arms in the air and the crowd went crazy
for the hometown girl from Atlanta!
”This is definitely the biggest and best win of my career! My parents
have been to many races. They have seen me work for others and come in last,
they have seen me crash out, it was awesome that they finally got to see me
at this fantastic moment!”
