83 cyclists race to kick off 20th season at WPAFB

There were 83 cyclists – some from as far away as Fort Wayne, Indiana – who converged on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Area A Tennis Club parking lot late in the afternoon of April 10 for the first Blue Streak Time Trial of the 2018 season.

Some were unhappy with the 41-degree, cloudy conditions before the race, but most broke a sweat, and no complaints were heard after the race.

Josh Bozue finished the 10-mile course first overall in 21:47 for a 27.5 mph average.

The fastest woman was Janelle Tellez of Team Ghisallo, who finished in 24:55 for a 24.1 mph average.

This Blue Streak was special for Col. David Kretz, inspector general for Air Force Materiel Command, and his son Ben. Kretz has been a regular Blue Streak participant during the previous three years while serving as the 88th Mission Support Group commander for the 88th Air Base Wing, but this Blue Streak was the first for his son.

Kretz started third and Ben started fourth. Ben soon passed his father on his way to a 24:28 finish for a 24.4 mph average. Kretz finished in 27:11 for a 22.1 mph average.

The next Blue Streak Time Trial will take place May 8. Participating riders will gather in the Area A Tennis Club parking lot with their bicycles and helmets between 5 and 5:30 p.m.

Participants are asked to register and obtain numbers at the table set up in the parking lot by 5:30 p.m. Helmets are required. Bicyclists will be released at 30-second intervals to ride the 10-mile course starting at 6 p.m.

Blue Streak Time Trials will continue the second Tuesday of each month through October. These Tuesdays will include June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9.

Those without base access must pre-register at least 10 days before each Blue Streak Time Trial by going to the Speedy Feet website at http://www.speedy-feet.com/race-entry.php?id=1472.

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