MACC President wins Gold Medal in Georgia Games Masters Road Race

Welcome to the Justus channel coverage of the 2007 Georgia Games Masters road Race. This is Phil Diggett and my partner Paul Derwin. The organizers have combined the Georgia Masters 35 year old and 45 races. This will lead to a very hard and interesting race.

45 miles to go, the start:
Phil: The pace car, motorcycles, and helicopters are all taking off to start the most anticipated race in years. The power in this field is overwhelming. I see Phil "the Godfather" Bonfiglio, (three-time state champion), Dan "National Champion" Coy, (National Time Trail Champion), Ted "The Man" Manley, (more career wins than anyone in the state), "Master G" from the MACC team (wins at the top of Cheaha and Raccoon Mountains), Steve "White Gold" Garrett (Georgia Cup Race winner), "Little Jim" Lambing, Walter "365" Stark, and strong representation from powerhouse teams AxA, Aarons, and Samuel Adams.

Paul: The only person missing is "Big Jim". There are no tears shed amongst the competitors regarding his absence!

Phil: You're right about that Paul; "Big Jim" is a massive fellow indeed.

30 miles:
Phil: There's a gap at the turn-around. Walter "365", an AxA rider and "Master G" have been gapped by the field. One moment of inattention and they will suffer like dogs because of it. Stark is on the rivet closing the gap.

28 miles:
Paul: No attacks of substance. The field is all together. Looks like it will be a bunch sprint at the end.

25 miles:
Phil: Not so quick Paul, the "Godfather" has begun to turn his pedals in anger. He is leaving a path of broken legs in his wake.

Phil: This race is exploding. The natural selection is occurring right in front of our eyes. The Heads of state have jumped across to the break.

Paul: "Master G" and "White Gold" have missed the break. They are stuck in a peloton that's pedaling like they have glass cranks.

Phil: "Master G" will have none of that. He has attacked!!! He's all over his machine.

Paul: But if he doesn't catch the break by the turn around at the top of the Col de Fulton, the wind will blow his medal hopes away like a balloon in the month of March. There will be no podium for this Master.

Phil: A rider has packed his suitcase of courage, bought a ticket on the break-out express, and leapt out of the pack in pursuit. Paul: That's "White Gold Garrett"! Dancing on his pedals, jumping across to the wheel of "Master G".

Phil: My goodness me. "Master G" appears to be in a spot of bother.

Paul: Only 100 meters from catching the break he's on the horn calling "bridge to the engine room, more power please". "White Gold" is taking the fore. Together they have bridged to what they hope is the winning break.

22 miles:
Paul: Roy's evil twin Brother and TL have opened a gap on the rest of the break.

Phil: All seven escapees are working together absolutely drilling it. Hot in pursuit of the two birds that flew the coop.

15 miles:
Phil: The chasing group is making made absolutely and utterly NO progress.

Paul: The two leaders are in the 35 and over category. Four of the seven riders in the chasing break are in the 45 category and will have their own strategy. This is the pinnacle of tactical cycling!

Phil: And Dan "National Champ" Coy has started the inevitable game of cat and mouse. Dare I say, "Dan is playing it Coy".

Phil: The "Man" Manley and the AxA boys are keeping the elastic stretched tight.

Paul: Very tight indeed. 14 miles.

Phil: The course is lined with fans from all over the state. They have been camping out for days to get a good spot on the course to see the biggest race of the year. My goodness me, up against the barricades, there's Rod "Deep Freeze" Scriven with Lee "Showers of Power ". These pillars of the cycling community are watching these boys ride their hearts out.

550 Meters:
Paul: This is unbelievable indeed. Team AxA and "White Gold" have started the sprint from beyond 500 meters! They're taking the race by the scruff of the neck and are shaking it out. Phil: But have they burst out of the chute too soon? They have been riding at an average speed in the mid 20's for 45 miles. These are tired legs indeed.

450 meters:
Phil: "Master G" has taken off in pursuit and he is not looking back. He's riding down the finishing straight like a Gran Prix motorcar.

Paul: Look at his face, what's it saying?

Phil: It's saying I can't believe I'm passing these boys in front of me. My Goodness me. "Master G" has won the Gold. He'll sleep with that medal tonight.