Warm temperatures and sunshine greeted us for the 70 mile, 5 lap road race held in Winter Haven, FL this past Saturday. Lining up were Jeff Kopp, Ralph Teton, Clint Bridier, Karel Sumbal and James Sweeney. The announcer made it clear that the yellow line rule would be strictly enforced, which would make the race more difficult considering the category 3’s were added into the already large field…and the howling cross winds would also do their part.Several attempts to flee the field didn’t get far until lap two when James joined 5 other riders. The break consisted of a rider from ZMotion, John Durango from Santos, a rider from Atlantic Shores Velo, and one rider each from two other teams. After gaining one minute on the field the break looked promising, until the ZMotion rider started attacking the break with 35 miles to go. This happened several times, so the break lost cohesion and with a little of one lap to go it was “grupo compacto” with everyone together.
This would not last long as a group of riders broke clear on the last lap. As riders were dropped from the break only three remained: Ivan Franco from Santos, Calixto Bello from ZMotion, and Karel from Lindner Capital. The last mile was very tactical and Karel secured a podium spot with his second place finish to Ivan Franco. James was able to take 4th in the field sprint (7th overall) aided by Clint’s outstanding work to bring, and keep him near the front towards the closing meters of the race.
Chain of Lakes Cycling Classic Criterium
Karel entered the last stage of the Omnium in the top three, with a great chance to move up to the top step on the podium. The plan for Jeff, Clint, and James was to keep the field together unless Karel was in the break. This would give him a chance to win the weekend Omnium as well as take the lead in the Florida Cup series.
Sunday's course featured a tight eight turn true criterium course. From the gun the pace was fast as ZMotion tried to shred the field. James had a good start and kept an eye on the action up front while Karel saved himself the the last half of the race. As the race progressed Jeff and Clint took turns covering attacks and pulling back the ones which Lindner Capital didn't have representation. 
With many unsuccessful attempts to form a breakaway, it looked as though the race could come down to a mad dash for the line for the remaining survivors. But, with time counting down a ZMotion rider and a Santos rider established a good gap. Moments later, when another ZMotion rider and Ivan Fanco from Santos attacked, James followed them. As the two groups met there was some disorganization and soon everyone was back together. And as often happens, another group of riders moved clear and Karel made his move to follow. 
Once in the break most riders worked well together and soon they had 1/2 a lap up on the rest of the field. This eleven rider break would make it to the line to contest the win. Karel took second place even with some dangerous riding by other riders in the sprint. This was enough for him to secure the Omnium win overall and lift him into the lead of the Florida Cup.
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