Aetna-Expo Rider David Hildebrand Wins At The Danbury Criterium!
Race Report
Sunday marked the Inaugural Danbury Audi-Race4Scholors Criterium in Downtown Danbury CT. The race is put on by WeelPassion.org, a not-for profit organization with a great goal… ”Strive to encourage adolescents from underrepresented groups to live healthier and fuller lives through a series of sustainable, student-led health initiatives, educational programs, cycling, and physical exercise.”
With Todd, Ben on vacation and Gary racing the Mt. Washington Hill Climb, David headed out to the race with his cheering squad and support crew – his wife Nicole and his young son Connor. The race takes place on a fast and technical 4 corner downtown course and includes a very fast “S” shaped section and slight uphill on the backside and transition to corners 3 and 4. The finish straight is long, slightly downhill and very fast. The course provided many great spectator locations to watch the race action and cheer!
The weather was great and this provided for a strong field on the starting line, including the Danbury Audi race team and the host club, Bethel Cycles who fielded a strong squad. The race was off with a quick start with various riders and teams trying to snap the cord to form a break. Ten minutes in, a small group of 7 racers including David and racers from the host team, Bethel Cycles, were able to get a small gap and ultimately build a substantial lead, eventually lapping the field. Once they lapped the field, the racing really took off as the racers in the break began attacking out of the now lapped field immediately to try and widen their advantage to the others. None of these attacks would stick. On the back side of the final bell lap of the course, David attacked just before corner 3 and built an immediate lead heading in the final corner (4) that would hold to the finish securing an exciting win and top spot on the podium for David representing the Aetna-Expo Race Team!
