Team Vance takes 1st, 2nd in Tour de Trykes

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Isabel Crump
  • 71st FTW Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Two Vance Cycling Team members took first and second place in the Twilight Criterium in the Tour de Trykes in Enid, Oklahoma, Aug. 16.

2nd Lt. Matt Bell, a student pilot in the 3rd Flying Trianing Squadron, took first place in the Men's Category Five Criterium race, and 2nd Lt. Patrick Fausel, also a student pilot, took second.

In addition to winning first place in this race, Bell took third place in this same race last year and took second in the Category Five Firehill Criterium in Edmond, Oklahoma, a few months ago.

Despite the fact that he fell twice, had two flat tires to contend with, and had never ridden through rain and hail, Bell won the race just ahead of his nearest competitor and teammate.

"I had about a 30-second lead on the pack until I took my first fall right after it started raining," Bell said. "I got back on and fell again two turns later. I definitely had the wrong tires on, and it was my first time racing in rain.

"I still barely had the lead after the second fall, but the pack quickly caught me when I pulled over to switch out for my second set of wheels that had better rain tires on them," he said. "Once I was back on my bike, I was about a lap behind, but in a similar position to when I pulled off. I wasn't totally sure of my position at that point, but I continued to race as if I was still in it, taking it much easier around the turns on the soaked road. Due to the tire swap and the wreck, however, the officials granted me a free lap, which was the only way I was able to maintain my position in the race."

The riders raced around the closed-circuit track, shaped like a figure eight, at speeds reaching 30 mph for 30 minutes.

Bell and Fausel are both part of the Vance Cycling Team, which welcomes local riders of all skill levels.

"We are trying to make the club open to whoever wants to join," said Lt. Col. Maher, the 71st Student Squadron commander and a cycling team member. "We are focused on Vance, but want to open the club to the community as well."

The team also makes an effort to make new riders feel welcome, said Capt. Trevor Sleight, Vance Cycling Team president. They are always interested in adding to the group.

Anyone interested in joining the Vance Cycling Team can contact Sleight at vancecycling@gmail.com or call (580) 213-5424.