Commerce Bank Triple Crown

Let the excitement begin. The Triple Crown of Cycling consists of the big three classics that the US has to offer; among them, the Lehigh Valley Classic, the Reading Classic, and the Philidelphia International Championship. (Note: Although the team expects to have the budget of Rock Racing within the next few weeks, it still plans to keep its current Team Edition Honda van and its numerous rooftop racks)

Allentown Criterium jump starts the Triple Crown of Cycling

Allentown, PA - June 3, 2008
The PA Lightning raced the Allentown Criterium early yesterday morning. After a brief 20 minute warmup, the guys were ready to go... sort of.

The race began fast as our very own Ben Showman lit up the first lap with a strong attack. "I thought there might be half a chance of an eary breakaway succeeding if someone came along with me," he says as he cleans his bike in his Starbucks barista smock.

Chris Ruhl next began to cover moves along with Mike Chauner. "It was hard and I was doing more work than I had the legs for." The race split wide open as Battley Harley rider Dave Fuentes and another rider counter attacked Showman's latest attack building the lead to 33 seconds at its max. Ben promptly broke his seatpost from putting out too many watts into a pothole filled turn and was forced to abandon.

The hard fought battle to bring the breakaway back took its toll on the field, finishing 35 of 86 starters. In the end, 10 seconds seperated the breakaway and the charging field. Shattered riders were getting shelled left and right, and off the back, OTB. The heat and the whiplash effect were to blame for such a hard days racing.

The PA Lightning struck within the money despite the quick finishing speed.

As the Pro Cycling Tour essentially owns the PA Lightning, there were inevitably certain perks after the race including but not limited to exclusive VIP access and an all you can eat buffet.