The 2005 Tour of Kansas City lived up to its reputation as one of the top cycling events in the region, pulling top notch racers from several states. Day one finished in a deluge, pitting cyclists against torrential rains as well as one another.
Day One – The Cliff Drive Classic
Riding in the Rain
The Slimenundgrossen news team spent much of Saturday hanging out at the KCOI hospitality tent after two-thirds of the staff finished early morning races (actually one DNF due to puncture and one death march). However, Boulevard Brewery’s fine beverages soothed any sore egos and fueled spirited cheering. The observation point on the gooseneck hill while sipping Pale Ales provided the best seat in the house for the first day of racing.
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Brief Results: Megan Long worked over the women’s 1,2,3 field.
Beth McGilley topped the podium for the women’s 3/4’s.
Christian Griffen rode from the front for the entire race to take the Junior men’s event.
Brian Jensen crashed in the first lap but came back to solo off the front to capture the men’s elite event.
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Brief Results: Megan Long worked over the women’s 1,2,3 field.
Beth McGilley topped the podium for the women’s 3/4’s.
Christian Griffen rode from the front for the entire race to take the Junior men’s event.
Brian Jensen crashed in the first lap but came back to solo off the front to capture the men’s elite event.
Early races such as the Masters men endured multiple punctures due to debris washed onto the course by early rains. Late events were soaked with heavy downpours.
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Tour of Kansas City – Day Two
The Overland Park Grand Prix Criterium
Tour of Kansas City – Day Two
The Overland Park Grand Prix Criterium
The 43rd Tour of Kansas City ended with dry pavement on a fast criterium course in downtown Overland Park. Slightly larger fields than previous years and a healthy increase in spectators on both days had organizers and athletes smiling. Weddings and kid’s races kept the the event festive. The "Headstrong for Jake" folks were present to encourage safe riding and helmet use for youngsters. Mainstream news coverage on three local televison stations as well as the Kansas City Star reinforced that interest in cycling by the general public is on the rise. Brian Jensen’s combined first and second place {mosimage}finishes gave him the overall Elite title, while Sister and Brother duo Kelly Benjamin and Tim Fisher won their respective races. {mosimage}
Cliff Drive results.
Overland Park results.
Cliff Drive results.
Overland Park results.