Ball Watch in Tampa and Pinellas Park

The team raced through the streets of downtown Tampa last week in what was a historical event considering it was the first time bicycles had ever been raced over those hallowed cobblestones. The venue was picturesque and spectator friendly, surrounding Battery Park and the many vendors harbored throughout. The racing was intense do to a unique format whereby racers had to qualify in earlier races to compete in the twilight main event. The racing in the qualifiers was the fastest of the year but Ball Watch managed to put Vance James, Kurt Phillips,Mike Hall,Bradley Jefferson, and Jamie Knight in the finals. After 15 minutes of racing the field of 90 was whittled down to just 30. All the Ball racers made that initial cut. Then, with about 10 laps to go, Kurt Phillips attacked solo and went for the victory. Unfortunately, he was reeled in with just two laps to go, but Vance James was in perfect position to pick up where Kurt left off and eventually finished second--a great result for the team! Jamie Knight and Bradley Jefferson both finished in the top fifteen. Not bad out of 90 riders who started the race!
The next day we raced in Pinellas Park. The entire team of Chris Bishop, Kevin Parker, Kurt Phillips, Vance James and Bradley Jefferson rode extremely well throughout the masters race. In the end, Vance James finished second, Kevin Parker 7th and Kurt Phillips 13th.