PELLA—A smaller and more focused squad will represent the Pella Bike Racing team for the 2009 season.

While there may be fewer riders for the 2009 racing season, the goals have been set high. Lee Current and Todd Toom are looking forward to racing in the category 4 races as well as giving the masters racers a run for their money.

Rick Gritters will continue to compete in HPV races with his stable of recumbent bicycles. Gritters returns to racing after spending much of the 2008 season riding across the United States to raise money in the fight against poverty.

Jumping up to the category 3 races for 2009 is Jacob Oyen. Oyen has a diverse schedule of events throughout the midwest planned.

Dave Vander Horst looks to tackle the cyclocross scene. His passion for racing doesn’t end there though. Vander Horst is planning a much anticipated cyclocross race on the shores of Lake Red Rock.

Renewed support
The Iowa Orthopaedic Center continues their commitment as the title sponsor of the Pella team. Digital Solutions Inc. and Iowa Bike and Fitness have also committed to the team’s 2009 campaign. All of the racers thank these gracious sponsors for their support.

A new race
The team is making plans to host the Dirty Wooden Shoe cyclocross race on the shores of Lake Red Rock on October 3. The cyclocross race will offer a new challenge racers young and old. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

The 2009 roster includes the following racers:
Lee Current
Rick Gritters
Jacob Oyen
Todd Toom
Dave Vander horst

IOWA CITY—Kyle Fleener placed fourth at the muddy and challenging Jingle Cross Rock race on Saturday.

Cool temperatures greeted Fleener as he lined up in the second row of a 70-plus rider field. Once the gun went off, Fleener wasted no time in getting to the front of the field. A crash 150 meters into the race also helped to separate the field.

The challenging Mt. Krumpit helped to further seperate the field and allowed Fleener to showcase his climbing strength. The 150-meter run-up provided spectators a chance to see riders suffer and challenge their bike carrying skills. After completing six laps Fleener came to the line in fourth place.

Fleener plans to wrap up his season at the Illinois state cyclocross championships on the shores of Lake Michigan next weekend.

Members of the Pella Bike Racing team have been training all winter long to get ready for a rigorous 2008 season. Every Thursday night for the past three months, the team has met in Rick Gritter’s shop to do some training together.

The team will be opening the season at the Kent Park Classic, a 24-mile circuit race northwest of Iowa City, on March 30.