Rally Cycling charged onto the East Coast for the final two races of season, September 16-17, and came away with two impressive victories. Jesse Anthony won the New Haven Grand Prix and National Criterium Champion Brad Huff took victory at the TD Bank Mayor's Cup Boston – the final race in US Cycling Pro Road Tour. The wins capped an almost perfect end of the season weekend for Rally Cycling. Anthony and Huffs’ East Coast victories were highlighted by the incredible ride on Friday by Tom Zirbel to break the American hour record in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
The New Haven Grand Prix saw Jesse Anthony and Ben Wolfe (Jelly Belly) break clear of the peloton and fight to the line together. In the finishing sprint, Anthony edged Wolfe by a tire width to take the win. Anthony’s teammate Eric Young won the bunch sprint for third to give Rally Cycling two spots on the podium. The win is Anthony’s fourth victory in just over a month, after winning two stages and the points competition at the Tour de Guadeloupe.
“It's really cool to get to race back east." said Beverly, MA native Anthony. “These races are always hard and fast, so it’s great to come away with wins in both events. When Ben (Wolfe) and I got off the front, we worked well together and drove it to the line. The last few hundred meters were a drag race and fortunately I was able to get my wheel across the line first. Everyone gave their best effort all weekend and our results show that.”
Jesse Anthony scored his fourth win in just over a month
The day after Anthony’s victory in New Haven, it was Huff’s turn to raise his hands in victory at the TD Bank Mayor’s Cup Boston. On the attack early for Rally Cycling was Curtis White, who held his advantage off the front for a good portion of the race with Anthony attempting to bridge several times to aid his teammate. White was eventually reeled in with just three laps remaining. As the peloton came back together, Huff attacked with everything he had and soloed to the line. Shane Kline would cross the line in third and give Rally Cycling two spots on the podium, two days in a row.
“At the finish I looked back and felt I had it sealed up,” said Huff. “I almost celebrated a little too early as Luke Keough (UnitedHealthcare) flew past me maybe one foot after the finish line, but a wins a win. An inch or a mile, we won and it was an amazing way to finish the season.”
Eric Young and Tom Soladay on the hunt for more trophies
After the Mayor’s Cup Boston, the team celebrated with some friendly competitions at the local bowling alley.
“Our hotel was next to a bowling alley and arcade so it was game on!” added Huff. “Eric Young crushed the car racing games and had enough tickets to get a super soaker water gun. Tom Soladay had the fastest bowling speed and he took down a giraffe and an elephant in the bonus rounds of ‘Big Buck Safari.’ I won the basketball shooting game.”
The team will now take a couple of weeks to recover before focusing on the 2017 season. Visit rallycycling.com throughout the month of October as we announce our 2017 roster.
New Haven Grand Prix
1. Jesse Anthony (Rally Cycling)
2. Ben Wolfe (Jelly Belly)
3. Eric Young (Rally Cycling)
TD Bank Mayor’s Cup Boston
1. Brad Huff (Rally Cycling)
2. Luke Keough (United Healthcare)
3. Shane Kline (Rally Cycling)
