With one State Championship race under their belt, the women’s A field had yet another one to look forward to this past Thursday night. The presence of a couple new (not to mention strong) racers had the women on their toes, not knowing what to expect other than an incredibly fast race for the gold.
The women’s B field had a 30-lap points race, 12-lap tempo, and Keirin to look forward to in a night that showcased both sprinters, and endurance riders alike.
Beth “Treasure” Franklin jumped into the night of racing head first with a 6th place finish in the 12-lap tempo race, a 2nd place finish in her Keirin heat, and sprinted her way to a 6th place finish in the Keirin Final.
The women’s B field started off their night by warming up their vocal chords in singing Happy Birthday to the youngest Koochella member, Renee “Dark Horse”Hoppe on her 23rd birthday.
Once the B field races got underway, June “Tiny Terror” Osaki stole the show, sprinting her way to a 3rd place finish in the 10-lap scratch race, 1st place in the Miss n’ Out, and 2nd place in the State Championship 24-lap Points Race. She shared the podium with the Hub’s Kristin Dare and local rider Briana Johnson.
Meanwhile in Oregon, Rachel “Lazer” Zaidman didn’t even miss a week of racing despite moving across the country, taking the Alpenrose Velodrome by storm. We miss our Lazer already and are in the process of planning a “Koochella Take Over” next season. Portlandia, we’re coming for you.
