The photo above was taken just before I headed out for my attempt and the lap before the sprint (below). This is one of the moments I've been waiting for and cannot retreat anymore!
I will never forget the help and mentoring I received from Louie Rivera, Pete Maharaj, Kevin Phillips, Gil Mangabat, Gibby Hatton, and Arland himself. Even Philippine Team track racer Apryl Eppinger and Malaysia’s Olympian and Champion Josiah Ng were aware of my crazy plan. My greatest confidants: Bill Stevenson, Martin Vickers, Alan Dudley, and Mark Neumann. I am so glad you were all there and thank you for the incentive! You know it’s my trophy that only a few will taste! (below) Finally crossing the finish line! I can't forget how painful it was from the start to the finish of my sprint!
The National Record to beat was 14.688 seconds @ 61.275 kph. It was set by Dave Brinton, an accomplished world class level cyclist. He set the new record last 9th of August 2013 in this same velodrome on an International Omnium during the Elite States Track National Championships. The permit of our event was approved a week before that. The previous record was 16.794 seconds held by Christian Reinke last August 2012 at South Carolina’s Rock Hill Velodrome. This was the record time I beat days earlier at 15.6 seconds with the help of Louie Rivera and Gil Mangabat during practice. Were were so happy of the outcome since I was just on training setup the whole time. All we had to do is to rehearse and experiment on the gearing.
Just to cut the story short, I was not able to beat the record. That last lap sprint felt like I was in slow motion and so painful that I knew I will cross the finish line with the slowest time I will ever know. To my amazement, it was still in my range at 15.6 seconds and I was happy with it. Did I just mention how painful it was?!
Special mention to the Meatheads of South Bay Wheelmen: Masters Track World Cup Cyclist Jim Kloss with the great support of wife Carol, Charles Watson, Steve Whitsitt, Dairo Moody, National Record Holder Kurt Sato, Tom Buescher, Melanie Peterson, and our former Coach Mark Whitehead (deceased). All heavily experienced from the annual National Track Masters Championship events held at different velodromes nationwide and SCNCA State Track Masters Championship events from all 3 velodromes in Southern California. I don’t think I’ll get to this level without this amazing group of old school trackies that I truly embrace.
Here's a really cool photo of the change of hands with Arland set to make history!
Now it's his turn...
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