(from left to right), Susan Jones (Greenville Women's Cycling), Catherine James (Team Kenda), GOLD Medal; Nicole Johnson (Team Kenda) Silver Medal

Race Report by Nicole Johnson

Team Kenda- Southeast raced The Pivotal Race Weekend in Charleston, SC. The team was represented by: Christy Keely, Catherine James, Jackie Blackwell, and Nicole Johnson. Addy Albershardt represented Kenda in the Women’s Cat 4 field.

On Saturday we raced the criterium in a beautiful neighborhood called Ion Village. The race was fast and active. Ex-Pro Rebecca Larson immediately got away from the group and the race was split by the chase. Christy and Nicole were able to jump across to the group bringing the lone rider back. Catherine and Jackie worked really hard to bridge across but remained in another chase group behind us. Christy and I had a plan to be the first two through the last corner resulting in a 2nd- Nicole Johnson and 4th-Christy Keely in the field sprint. Catherine James finished 14th and Jackie respectively came out with a mechanical.

On Sunday the South Carolina State Criterium Championships were held. I was the defending champion; as a result, we had to have a plan that would shake up the peloton. The race was very active with lots of attacks. With one lap to go I launched an attack to throw the field off. As I was caught with half a lap to go, Jackie Blackwell lined up the girls in a perfect lead out train resulting in Christy Keely clinching 2nd overall, Catherine James, GOLD and Nicole Johnson earning a Silver medal.

Addy Albershardt (Team Kenda) finished 3rd on Saturday and 4th on Sunday in the Women’s Cat 4 fields.

This weekend reflected great team work by Team Kenda. (Charleston, SC; Sat/Sun April 17/18)