bhilden@druhi.UUCP (HildenbrandBE) (11/14/85)
It looks like the endurance cyclists took it in the shorts again as 11 time Coors Classic veteran Tom Prehn was first across the line in the second annual Spenco 500. Prehn's time for the 515 miles was 24 hours 25 minutes. In a close sprint for second, England's Keith Lambert prevailed over last year's winner, Steve Speaks. Dudley Haydon rounded out the top four. This year's race drew over 300 participants in a number of categories. RAAM winners and participants, most notably Lon Haldeman, Michael Secrest, Pete Penseyres and Michael Shermer were in attendence, fueling the battle between the endurance cyclists(AKA sleep deprivationists) and bike racers. Unfortunately for the "enduro" crowd they are now 0 for 2 in 1985. The outcome of the race was somewhat tainted in this reporters opinion. It seems that all categories start at the same time and that the relay category, in which riders can swithch at any time, set the pace for the entire race. Ultimately, when Prehn made his move at the 250 mile mark, he was acompanied and undoubtedly aided by several of these teams. Us true bike racers would probably not call this a real bike race for the above reason. The weather for the event was less than ideal as rain hampered the cyclists for much of the race. Bruce Hildenbrand ihnp4!druhi!bhilden