2003 Phoenix Technologies Cat's Hill Criterium
By Sammarye Lewis
Warm sunshine and a warm reception from local cycling fans greeted the 2003 Cat's Hill Criterium, presented by Phoenix Technologies and The Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club. From Juniors to Amateurs to Pros, the unforgiving 23% grade of Cat's Hill challenged and intimidated over 300 registered racers. This short section of Nicholson Avenue was lined with spectators, generously equipped with Phoenix Technologies cowbells, loudly cheering and (shh - don't tell the Officials) sometimes giving a helping push to racers who missed a shift on the Cat's Hill.
The mile long race route was ringed with yard parties, keggers and smoking bar-b-ques, as residents got into the spirit of one of the oldest grass-roots cycling races in the US. Fans strolled the short block below Cat's Hill, buying pizza, drooling over a tempting convertible on display from B&B Saab, and lining up to buy Dylan Casey Day Commemorative 2003 Cat's Hill tee shirts. Dylan graciously spent time in the tee shirt booth, meeting fans and friends, while signing his name with a flourish and a smile.
Mayor Sandy Decker of the Town of Los Gatos presented an awesome Mayoral Commendation to Dylan Casey, and LGBRC President Barry Gordon presented Dylan with an honorary LGBRC team kit. Then Dylan joined Race Announcer Christopher Campbell to comment on the Men's Pro/1/2 final race, and to present the Winner's Trophy for that final event of the day.
This late afternoon race was hotly contested, with Steve Larson of Webcor and Trent Klasna of Saturn setting a blistering pace in the lead. For over an hour and a half, the chasing Peloton flew up the Cat's Hill at high speed, making it look surprisingly easy. In the last few laps, the inevitable lactic acid in the legs began to dominate, and the Big Hurt began.
The suffering clearly showed on the sweaty faces of the riders. Fatigue mixed with determination was the mode of the day. In a last minute, crowd-pleasing finish, Jonas Carney of Prime Alliance swept to the front to take first place, with Trent Klasna of Saturn thundering right on his wheel. Jeff Angermann of Webcor found some extra in his legs and flew by in third position.
Dylan Casey presented the 2003 Cat's Hill Winner's Trophy to a triumphant Jonas Carney of Prime Alliance. Trent Klasna, mellow and smiling, promised to come back next year and capture that top spot on the Podium. And Webcor? No doubt that this competitive team will be back next year. Yes, the 30th Annual Cat's Hill Criterium will be alive and well and promises to be more exciting than ever next year.
As many local cycling races fall by the wayside, unfortunate victims of a lagging economy, the Annual Cat's Hill Criterium is not just surviving, but thriving and growing with strong support from the Town of Los Gatos and from many enthusiastic sponsors such as Phoenix Technologies. Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club President Barry Gordon predicts a bigger and better 30th Annual Cat's Hill next year, suggesting the possibilities of strong sponsor support and the prospect of prize money that may capture the attention of even more Professional Cycling teams.
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