2012 San Dimas Stage Race, Stage 3 continued...

So, today I wrap up the 2012 San Dimas Stage Race with everything from the third stage not covered yesterday (if you missed it the stage 3 women's race had its own post):

Malcolm Hill may be a helluva strong racer but I don't think even he, winner of the yellow jersey in the Masters 55+ race, would attempt it during competition. His race was over when I arrived, and the 55+ers were taking a victory lap. There are some photos of them cruising the course, and podium shots here.

I only managed podium shots for the Cat 4 and Cat 5 racers, such as this one of Adams Avenue Bicycles team racer, Brandon Jones, Cat 4 winner of the 3rd stage Criterium. Slideshow of those podium shots is here.

In the Masters 35+ race, if you were not part of the Monster Media Racing machine it must have seemed, at times, as if you were completely surrounded by them as they worked to control things for their team, and coincidentally race leaders, Christopher McDonald and Chris Demarchi. Slideshow of the 35+ race is here.

Greg Leibert seems pretty satisfied with his victory in the Masters 45+ race. It is becoming habit for Leibert, as he visited the podiums' top step in 2010 as well. Slideshow of the race and more podium shots is here.

Velo Club La Grange rider Erick Sobey earned the right to celebrate by being first across the

finish line in the Cat 3 race. Slideshow of more, here.

That is some fancy racing machine she rolled out for the kids races.

More photos are here.

It is rare that the Cat 2 racers get a race of their own, usually being grouped with the Cat 1 and Pro racers. It is also rare that you see the wearer of the King of the Mountains Jersey winning a sprint, but that is exactly what Alex Darville did. Slideshow of more photos is here.

There is a lot of Kenda red protecting their man, Andy Jacques-Mayne at the front of the group in the mens professional/cat 1 race. They were rewarded with the overall victory. Slideshow here.

Finally, a little recognition for the organizers and volunteers, everyone from those who are visible -manning the barricades, roaming the course, sitting at tables - to those who are unseen, readying the course in the dark hours of the morning, or tearing it down when everyone else is long gone. The race does not go on without them. I talked for a little with a woman who, with her husband, were hosting one of the women's teams at their home for, I believe she said, the fifth year. It was something they looked forward to each year, and I am sure the teams and riders, many with minimal budgets, must be very appreciative of all the host families who open their homes, prepare their food, etc, during the course of the weekend. A slideshow of misc. photos can be found here.