Nature Valley Fixed Gear Classic

The much-anticipated Nature Valley Bike Festival began on June 6 and continued through Saturday with the Fixed Gear Classic track competition at the National Sports Center Velodrome in Blaine, MN.  European track stars Franco Marvulli, Leon von Bon and Patrick Kos showed up for the races on the 250 meter steeply-banked wooden track, along with domestic riders from all over the country.

Perennial women's endurance champ Cari Higgins of the powerful Exergy 2016 team brought along a squad of junior ladies that appear to represent a big part of the next generation of female American track cyclists.

                High school junior Kirsten Williams, winner of the women's 40 lap scratch race.

      Cari Higgins and 18 year old protege Tara McCormick line up for the start of a race.

McCormick and high school junior Nadia Latzgo wait their turn in the team sprint competition.

                         National sprint champion Dana Feiss won the women's sprint omnium.

                      Kate Wilson, USA Cycling Elite Track Nationals Competitor.