ELKHART—Jacob Oyen led the Eddy Merckx category at the fourth edition of the Elkhart Time Trial Series with a time of 18:02.

Oyen rode his fastest time trial of the year, with an eight second improvement, on a night when conditions were near perfect. Averaging a blistering 24.8 mph for the 12 kilometer course, he was 1:21 faster than his closest competitor.

There is now an 11 point difference in the Eddy Merckx category between Oyen and the season-long leader, Jerome Rewerts (all9yards.com). The final edition of the race series in September should prove to be exciting as the two racers go head-to-head for the top spot in the category.

The race team is making their final preperations for the State Criterium Championships in Pella on Aug. 23. The race will mark the end of the Iowa road racing calendar.