Deep fields descend on Arlington for CSC Invitational

By VeloNews Interactive

Sunday’s eighth annual CSC Invitational will unleash a host of national and international cycling champions upon the streets of Arlington, Virginia.

Part of USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar, and the second event in the American Criterium Championship Series, the race will pit men and women against a five-turn, 1km circuit.

The 50km women’s race is shaping up as a battle among former winners, with 2004 victor Gina Grain (Victory Brewing) facing 2003 champ Laura Van Gilder (Quark) and two-time winner Ina Teutenberg (T-Mobile). A pair of runners-up also will take the start – Shannon Hutchison (Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings), second last year, and former national champ and Olympian Nicole Freedman (Ford-Basis), who finished second in 2000.

“I haven’t been back here since 2003,” said Teutenberg, former German Olympian and three-time junior world champion. “There is always something to make this a hard, hard race. That year it was the wind! Forty-mile-per-hour gusts! This year, I think the depth of the field will keep the pace very high.”

In the 100km men’s race, defending champ Lars Michaelsen (CSC) will be joined by teammate and Olympic medalist Bobby Julich. The two face a strong field that includes another former winner – 2002 champion Vassili Davidenko (Navigators Insurance) – backed by his Olympic-medal-winning teammate, Marty Nothstein. “We just spent five months over on the Continent getting hammered, elbowed, kicked and beaten, all while dealing with their weather,” said team dector Ed Beamon. “We are not coming back home to the States to have some European-based pro team beat us on our home soil! Look out, Lars!”

Also lining up will be two-time runner-up Gord Fraser (Health Net-Maxxis), the reigning Canadian road champion; Dave McCook (Jelly Belly-PoolGel), who won here in 2000; and Colavita Olive Oil-Sutter Home’s Mark McCormack and J.J. Haedo.

Amateur racing begins at 8 a.m. on Sunday, followed by the pro women’s race shortly after 10 a.m. The CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield Kids’ race (free to all children 9 and under) begins at 11:35 a.m., followed at noon by the pro men’s race.

For additional information, please visit www.arlingtonsports.org.

FILED UNDER: Road