SECCC Championship at Auburn University

26 Apr 2006

Cumberland University Cycling's most exciting races took place this past weekend at Auburn University. This event served as conference championships and would determine who would win the overall individual men's "A" conference championship.

The criterium was held on the Auburn campus around Jordan-Hare stadium for a total of 70 minutes plus five laps. With such a wide open and fast course it was difficult for a group to breakaway, but Jason Chatham of Cumberland was able to break through.

A little more than half-way into the race Jason and two other riders were finally able to make a breakaway stick. Peter Fairbanks and Whitney Stanbrough of Cumberland controlled counter attacks as the three leaders increased their lead to an insurmountable gap . With four laps to go Jason and his breakaway partners lapped the field and went straight to the front once again. At this point Peter took over leading Jason through the pack and positioned him nicely for the sprint finish.

Coming into the final 300 meters Peter led out Jason as both riders destroyed the field in the sprint finish. With that lead out Jason WON the race and WON the overall conference title! It was an incredible way to top off the regular season, and despite being a lap down Peter finished a solid 4th place.

The final season rankings has Jason Chatham winning the overall men's "A" SECCC Conference Championship with Peter Fairbanks finishing 3rd. With their season long success Cumberland has qualified for the collegiate national championship races held at the University of Kansas during May 12-14.

The starting line at Saturday's road race.

Brent Bookwalter of Lees-McRae chatting with the
CU boys before the road race