Local cyclists jazzed by Tour

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Bob Grover of Medford, riding for Etna Brewing Co./DeSalvo Custom Cycles, tucks in as he wins the B race of the Southern Oregon Champion Thursdays time trial in 8:24.00.Andy Atkinson

Thursday night road cyclists challenged themselves to a time-trial event last week, the second of three in the season-long Southern Oregon Champion Thursdays race series at Champion Raceway in White City.

The race was held on the same day as a time trail in the Tour de France, which motivated some of the racers to brave the 100-degree heat.

“That's what brought me here today,” said Joe Davis of Medford. “I want to say I rode a time trial with the pros, even though they're halfway around the world.”

Dave Rietz of Ashland, riding for Etna Brewing Co./DeSalvo Custom Cycles, turned in the fastest time of 7:30 after circling the raceway drag strip two and a half times.

The series continues every Thursday evening with criterium races, with the final time trial Sept. 10.

For more info on the series and race results, visit the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association Web site: http://app.obra.org/events/13679/results.

Reach freelance writer/photographer Andy Atkinson at andya@roguephoto.net

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