Tour de Trykes

(Second from right) 2nd Lt. Matt Bell, a student pilot in the 3rd Flying Training Squadron, rounds a corner during the 2013 Twilight Criterium race in the Tour de Trykes. Seven Team Vance members plan to race in several 2014 Tour events. Members interested in cheering on Bell and other Airmen can find them in the red, white and blue uniforms worn by all Vance Cycling Team members. The races are Aug. 16. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy photo)

Vance Cycling Team to ride in Tour de Trykes

Published Aug. 13, 2014
By 2nd Lt. Isabel Crump
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Seven members of the Vance Cycling Team plan to compete in the Tour de Trykes and Twilight Criterium in Enid, Oklahoma, Aug. 16.

Lt. Col. Mike Drost, Lt. Col. Will Maher, Capt. Trevor Sleight, 1st Lt. Dave Zitelli, Chris Sussmann and Randy Hutchcraft are scheduled to ride in the morning tour that starts at 8 a.m. at the David Allen Memorial Ballpark.

2nd Lts. Matt Bell and Patrick Fausel plan to compete in the evening criterium race at 5 p.m. in downtown Enid.

During the evening race, riders race around a closed-circuit track for a short period of time at high speeds. The track is a figure eight shape between Randolph and Maine Streets.

"This is a very exciting event and a great spectator sport," said Capt. Trevor Sleight, the Bioenvironmental Engineering Element chief. "It's like short track speed skating on a cycle."

Members interested in cheering on Team Vance cyclers can find the course and parking maps here. All Team Vance riders will wear red, white and blue uniforms.

In addition to the race, there will be a bike-themed art show featuring local artists and vintage bikes on display.