Benchmark

ment Pro Women’s Criterium. For four-time winner, Van Gilder, it was the fifth time she earned a podium finish.

The spirited Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium ended with a twoman breakaway with Matthew Randolph (Shirk’s Racing) out-sprinting Marcello Cesario (CS Velo) to take first place. Finishing 3rd ahead of the main field was Thomas Rotherham (Malaga Pushbike).

Thrills and laughter mixed freely during the very popular Tolsdorf Trike Challenge as 14 five-person teams faced off against each another in a round-robin series of heats on over-sized tricycles. In the end, Kelly’s Sports took the win for the second year in a row.

Although bike racing garnered most of the focus, visitors found plenty of other activities to enjoy. With it’s wide variety of inflatables and games, the Kids’ Zone was a magnet for the children, while the Community Festival attracted visitors with its potpourri of vendors of all descriptions showing off all the latest must-have items and services, food and information booths. Those looking for local, hand-crafted beer were not disappointed as Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant opened a one-dayonly beer garden.

By 10:30 P.M. it was over, awards handed out, and the streets began to empty. Suddenly the Lincoln University football team marched in cadence to join other volunteers to begin the long process of taking down and cleaning up.

“It was a great day in West Chester. Thanks to the Borough, the members of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, our sponsors, the 200-plus volunteers including the Lincoln University Football Team and the West Chester Cycling Club, as well as the thousands of folks who came out for a good time,” commented Mark Yoder.

The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic was presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. Sincere thanks goes to our volunteers, without whom this event couldn’t happen. Special appreciation goes to the sponsors, partner organizations and businesses, the variety of services and departments of the Borough of West Chester and the local law enforcement, fire and EMS. For more information on the day’s events, go to w w w.GreaterWestChester.com.