A hectic 10 days of travel and racing culminated
with Gary Painter earning his third successive Stars and Stripes as National TT
Champion for 55+. Two weeks earlier, Gary flew to Slovenia to take a run at the
World Championships. Unfortunately, his bike didn't get there with him. So, on
top of the 6 hour time difference, Gary had to contend with being without his
bike for three days and getting it only two days before the race. Still, he
managed to make a good run and earned a Bronze medal. Most riders would be
thrilled with a podium placing at Worlds, but Gary was disappointed and vowed
to travel to Denmark in 2015 to get to the top step. One major hitch is that to
return in 2015, he would need to travel back the Ogden Utah, now an 8 hour
difference from Slovenia and repeat as national champion in less than a week. He
left Slovenia on Saturday morning and arrived 36 hour later in Utah, again,
without a bike. The bike showed up two days before the race. Despite the
complications, the time differences, the altitude and the travel, Gary was able
to defend his title and earn a third consecutive National Championship. Importantly,
it also earned him the right to return to the World Championships in 2015.
Congratulations Gary!
PCG Coach: Steve McGregor
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