Darel Christopher Jr sprints for the gold in the rain at the Georgia State games, Atlanta. Photo by David Thomas

ATLANTA, Georgia – Even the weather couldn’t stop Darel Christopher Jr. today as he out sprinted the very small but fast field to win the Georgia State Games criterum. The weather was nasty as a cold front came through and it rained all morning long, but that couldn’t stop the BVI. Competing in the 2nd race in as many days, Christopher survived pouring rains and cold temperatures to win the race in a photo finish. Christopher, who was shivering from the cooler than normal temperatures, said that he didn’t realize that it was the last lap until he saw the guy sprint off. “I thought that the man said 2 to go, so I was thinking that we had one more lap,” Darel stated. “I was cold but when I saw that they could not drop me on the straightaway on the backside I felt that I could win it. That junior was strong but I wasn’t worried.” DITC Coach, John Kelly again stated that he was impressed with how the cyclists rode today. “That kid is tough…I like that. He handled the wet course well and stayed upright…that’s the important thing.”

Olympia in the rain with the peleton. Photo by

In the women’s race, Olympia Fahie finished 6th. “I don’t like the cold and I was freezing,” Fahie stated. “They tried to drop me on the back stretch but I stayed with them…but it was cold…I couldn’t get warmed up and they got away from me.” “All Olympia needs is some long rides and we are going to do that, but she has everything else,” Coach Kelly stated. “Give her 2 weeks and she’ll be challenging the girls at the finish.” BVICF President again was very impressed with the cyclists. “Wow…it was great to be here to see that! Way to go Darel…just do get over confident….we still have a long way to go,” Thomas said. “I am so happy for our athletes. They have an opportunity of a lifetime. Coach Kelly has produced National Champions, World Champions, and Pro Cyclists…and he’s a really great guy. He has great things planned for them and they will benefit greatly.” “I kinda felt bad for Deane (Fonseca) because he wanted to ride too, but he has an ATP ranked Coach in Torry Hawkins, and 2 of his players are world ranked and Deane will be playing with them while here so he too has a great opportunity!!”

A happy Darel on the podium after winner the crit. Photo by David Thomas

BVI junior athletes Deane Fonseca, Olympia Fahie, and Darel Christopher Jr at the DITC, Atlanta. Photo by David Thomas.

© Copyright 2003 BVI Cycling Federation

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