Team Awesome Throws Down the Gauntlet

Last year in Indianapolis, a city known for its racing, Team Awesome (Mike Ruede, David Mitchell, Jess Lohse and Jorge Ruiz filling in for an injured Gary Weaver) took home the inaugural BCMC Tri-Tacular trophy.  This year the stakes are higher as BCMC heads down to New Orleans for its annual show and Tri-Tacular.  While the trikes will be the same, the course has changed.  The ‘Big Easy’ promises to offer a Big Battle for the racers and plenty comic relief for the spectators.  Last year saw a lot of ‘rubbing’ in the corners on the trikes with some conflict amongst racers and race officials.

“Our strategy was to put our sprinters out first and gain an early lead, we had enough athleticism down the stretch to hang on and win the whole thing.” Team Awesome member Jess Lohse said.  “This year, we have a new face and a secret weapon.  The other teams better step up their game.” 

Teams have been slow to register, but a quality field is expected come race day in New Orleans.  “I can’t help if the other competitors are intimidated by our performance last year. All I can do is show up and race to the best of my abilities and hope my teammates do the same.”  When asked if his team felt pressure to defend their title, Lohse said “I think there is a little pressure after last year, I’m sure a lot of other competitors took that race pretty hard and used the loss as motivation in the off season.  We have to watch out for that, nothing will be easy for us this year.”

The racing starts on Thursday at BCMC for qualifying races and finals slated for that afternoon.  Teams will be able to register up until race day.  Individuals who may not have a team are encouraged to register for the race and can be assigned to a team or recruit other racers on the show floor at BCMC. Go to www.bcmcshow.com to register your team or yourself!