DBCRT Showdown Smackdown Goes Down
In 2008 the Masters Race Teams were growing and a friendly rivalry developed between the “younger” 35+ squad and the “older” 45+ squad. After some heated smack talk about who was faster, who was tougher, and who had more hair, a showdown was planned by Fred “Walker Texas Ranger” Schnaars to settle the bragging rights. Every January since, the Race Team has had a friendly intra-squad competition.
- Michael Claudio (front) and John Steggall gap the field at the DBCRT 5th Annual Showdown Smackdown. (Photo courtesy of Mark Adkinson)
This year was no different, except rather than racing in 40 degree fog, the race was held midday with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60s. On Saturday, January 14th, more than 40 masters, women, and junior race team members lined up for a 4-lap race around an 11-mile route in south Davis. Sprint points were awarded at an intermediate sprints on each lap as well as the final sprint along Old Davis Road.
- Alexander Freund leads the field into the turn in pursuit of Claudio and Steggall. (Photo courtesy of Mark Adkinson)
Straight from the gun, a break developed with Michael Claudio of the 35+ squad attacking the group and oldster Shawn Miller covering. The duo stayed away to the first sprint with Claudio taking the sprint. On the second lap senior racer John Steggall and Doug Rowland got away. As their gap grew, Claudio bridged and Rowland drifted back to the peloton. Steggall used his years of experience and guile to beat the younger and quicker Claudio for the second intermediate sprint. With little desire to chase from either squad, Steggall and Claudio extended their gap and alternated taking one-two at the third and fourth intermediate sprints.
- Michael Claudio (left) and John Steggall (right) brandish their DBC pajamas after finishing first and second. (Photo courtesy of Kristen Hill)
Meanwhile, Junior Alexander Freund launched after the fourth sprint and again Shawn Miller covered gapping the rest of the field leading in to the final sprint. At the finish it was the younger fresher legs of Claudio out distancing world-renowned calves of Steggall. The race for third place also went to younger legs with Freund taking Miller at the line. In the end, this year’s Showdown along with the bragging rights went to the young guns of the 35+ squad.
Many thanks go to Kristen Hill for organizing the event and providing recovery drinks and commemorative T-shirts for the riders. Thanks also to Mark and Paula Atkinson (photographer and driver); Lloyd Leighton and son (SAG); Alan Rowland (moto ref); and corner marshals Sue and Annie Darst, Craig Dinger, Suzanne Freund, and Glen Mounkes.
- The DBCRT after the big Showdown. (Photo courtesy of Mark Adkinson)
