This past Friday was round 2 of The Friday Night Fights criterium series. The word had obviously gotten around that this was a great race and attendance doubled from the first round’s event in July.

The main race of the night was the Pro 1/2/3 field. Race promoter Bruce Humpries, listening to the racers, moved the finish line further up the finishing stretch to the Wachovia bank parking lot which meant a longer sprint for the win.  As the road has a slight gradient the rider coming second or third around the final corner would have the advantage.

With daylight running out, the Pro 1/2/3 category took to the start line at the immediate conclusion of the masters race. With a robust field and plenty of primes the action was sure to be fast and furious.

The Subaru-Fisher team showed they are one of the squads to watch. Subaru-Fisher rider Nick Fishbein launched the first serious attack from the pack to grab a prime. Perhaps realizing that was the move of the night he was joined by Isaac Enderline (Atlantic Velo-Virginia). The two worked together but the pack was not going to let them escape so early.

The next body blow to the peloton came from Demaine Cycling’s Julian Cabra and Adan Escabar. Both put in major punches to try and shake things up, but again, the peloton brought the two riders back. With the heat on, the group split with the front selection containing some of the major hitters and the chase group desperately trying to pull themselves back into contention.

On the penultimate lap, Chris Harkey put in a move to grab the $75 gamblers prime, and that move sealed the deal. Obviously winning the masters race just prior to the pro 1/2/3 event was only a warm-up for Chris as he kept the motor rolling to take his second win of the night. Marc Williams (Catup.com-Palmetto Velo) was second, with early breakaway rider Nick Fishbein third.

RESULTS Pro 1/2/3

Chris Harkey (Subaru-Fisher)
Marc Williams (Catup.com-Palmetto Velo)
Nick Fishbein (Subaru-Fisher)
Isaac Enderline (Atlantic Velo-Virginia)
Julian Cabra (Demaine Cycling)
Adam Britton (Team Ville)
Richard Bailey (Team Ville)
Peter Kay (Team Globalbike)
Simon Bennet
Adan Escobar (Demaine Cycling)

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