ELKHART — The Iowa road racing season is finally underway after many early season weather delays. Mother Nature cooperated long enough for the racers to head up to the five-race Elkhart time trial series for the first test of the season.

Averaging 26.10 mph, Rick Gritters put down a time of 17:10 over the mostly flat course.  Although he was the only person in the recumbent class, his time was good enough to place him sixth fastest for the night. Gritters also put out a call to open the class up to anything that is pedal powered. His call was answered by the race organizers and he looks forward to new challengers.

Lee Current has built a solid foundation for the start of his season with a time of 19:05. Current’s time placed him fifth in the Eddy Merckx category which restricts riders to using non-aerodynamic equipment.

The racers have a short break before heading up to Dubuque for the Eagle Point Criterium this weekend. Mother Nature will continue to harass the riders with the forecast calling for rain. The adverse conditions look to make the race interesting for the riders and exciting for the spectators.