The Inland Construction Pro Mountain Bike Team kicked off the 2008 season this weekend in Greenville, NC.  Matt Rotroff traveled to join Lucas Livermon in his hometown for the second race in the Down East Series.  The 2:00 PM start time proved to be perfect for the Pro/Expert categories with the temperatures for the day reaching into the mid 60’s.  The race got off to a blistering start as Lucas took the early lead.  Matt was close behind after recovering from a skipping chain on the start line.  Lucas spent the first lap leading the race with Alex Ryan (Cannondale) on his wheel and Matt only seconds behind.  By the end of the first lap Lucas had pulled ahead with close to a 30 second lead over Travis Livermon (Cannondale) who had moved into 2nd place.  Unfortunately Lucas’ lead would soon come to an end as some drivetrain issues and punishment from the rough and rooty Greenville terrain would take its toll.  A little further back Matt was suffering the same fate.  Travis Livermon would eventually go on to win the race with teammate Alex Ryan taking 2nd.

It was not a flying start, but the team is showing promise.  The early race speed demonstrated by Matt and Lucas is a harbinger of the great potential of this young team.  The new season will no doubt bring many great results and even more fun and adventures for the Inland boys.

Charlie Pendry chose to start the season a little differently and spent the weekend in his hometown of Raleigh, NC racing for the NCSU Cycling Team in his final season of eligibility.  Pendry was a key instigator in both the road race and the criterium, and he helped place two teammates in the break each day.

Greg Robitaille gave Inland Construction a solid result in the Category 3/4 race.

Next week will see Inland Construction riders going to Greenville, SC for the Spring Training Series Races.  All three of Inland Construction’s pros will be in action at the opening race of the Southeast Regional Championship Series in Gainsville, FL on March 16.

Thank you, Inland Construction Partners:

Inland Construction Co.
Moran & Brooks Pediatric Dentistry
Larry Moray & Assoc. Orthodontics
Fuji Bicycles
DT Swiss
Storm Endurance Sports
Franks Cyclery
Magura
Hutchinson
Thomson
Oakley