O’FALLON, MO – The Pella bike racing team took two members and headed south for the Tour de Winghaven on Sunday. Situated in the western suburbs of St. Louis, the course consisted of two roundabouts and a few short climbs that provided some exciting racing.

A combined 3/4 field greeted Doug Klahsen and Jacob Oyen early Sunday afternoon. With almost 125 riders in the peloton, the race proved to be one of the largest the racers will see this year. With the temperature well into the 90s, hydration played a key role in the race. The high winds gusting down the finishing stretch helped to keep the peloton together for most of the race.

Klahsen rode smart by staying in the group and avoiding trouble. In doing so, he finished just behind the peloton in 66th. The heat affected Oyen severely and he was dropped out of the peloton with three laps to go. He continued on to finish as the last rider on the lead lap in 73rd.

The racers head east next weekend to Davenport for the Hummer Hammer Criterium.