What a night.  Round 6.  Over and out.  We threw the competitor a little curveball.  NIBU friend and support Darren N. donated the use of his ultra high tech training device.  A RealAxiom powered trainer set up grueling challenge for each of the riders.  Each had to ride up a virtual mountain for 350 meters.  A 12% grade mountain that just wouldn't end.

Jon G. powering out the big wattage.

The first rider up was Ruben, who set the tone.  It was a tone of pain and work.  Jon H. set the fast time at 39 seconds.  Only to be topped by co-worker Jim M.  Big papa Jim ticked over the old steel frame to get a 2 second lead on Jon.  But it was second to last rider Eric F. who was able to knock off Jim, by only one second - earning him the bye in the first round.

Watch Eric win the Qualifying round by one second.

A very interesting situation was set up with the results of qualifying.  Eric placed first, Jim qualified second, and Jon was seeded third.  Well.  Eric gets the bye, Jim races Jon G. and Jon H. gets RUBEN in round one!  Interesting.  The two most consistent riders.  The two riders who have been in the finals more than anyone else.  Ruben winning the last three races, leading the point series, and Jon in second - only one point back.  

Round One Super Race

That race had to be the best race we all have seen since Ruben pulled his foot out of the toe strap, but was still able to win.  This was an amazing show of speed and guts.  It ended up so close - no one wanted to call it.  Our officials calling the shots, came up with Jon winning by less than 10 meters.  When checking out the max kph output.  Jon H. put up a 101.3 kph.  Did you get that?  101.3 kph.  The fastest speed ever seen at the Derby.  And trust us.  We have tried to get that fast.  Ruben's top speed was over 97.  One of the highest speeds also.  Amazing.

So, this night was going to be the breaker for Ruben.  Out in the first round.  The Derby was about to get a first time winner, and Jon was going to take over the point lead.

The rounds went down like clockwork.  Each rider putting in the best they had.  The feel good moment of the night was Mike C. getting back up in the saddle.  Mike broke his Collarbone riding with Seth B. on an icy gravel rode.  We were so happy to have the man back in the house!  We love ay Mike.

The semis were Eric vs Seth, and Jon H. vs Jim M.  Eric and Seth made a boring event of their semi by playing around, and coasting until the last 100 meters, and sprinting to a tie - Seth was promoted into the final.  With much joy on his face.  The MetalCraft rematch between Jon and Jim had the big men punching their way to finish.  Jon took the win, and moved into the finals against Seth.

The intermission between the semis and the finals was the contest of the Weaver Twins.  The Weaver brothers got up, and gave each other a workout.  Each riding their hardest to earn bragging rights at home.  The ride was a little much for he older Weaver, as we deposited some workout juice on the ground outsize on the plaza.  Ruben has a pic on his Facebook - but it is rather nasty.  If you want to see it.  Search for yourself.  This is a family blog.

Final race went down the the last 30 meters.  Jon just had a little too much gas in the tank as he just nipped Seth at the line - giving him his first finals victory of the season - and sole grip on the series point totals.

Click here to watch our ultraly high technological super video of the finals.

Now - we are uploading videos to YouTube from the race, so please subscribe to our channel.  Go to YouTube, and type in NIBikeUnderground in the search field.

You will get a link to a Derby race.  To the lower right, you will see our channel "NIBikeUndergound".  click on it, and then his SUBSCRIBE.  That way you can come back to see all the great films.  Our buddy Darren shot some great video, and has been uploading like a mad man.  

Now, on to the last race of the Derby.  Our Champion of the Universe Contest will be held at Lorado's on March 27th.  The Championship racing will start at 6:00pm.  The final point series will be decided.  We have a HED wheel for the victor, as well as great prizes from Bennetts, Waynes, Splash, and Lakeside.  A series champion and a Universe Champion will be named.  Plan for a double elimination event.  Bring your legs!

After the racing, stick around for Techno Night.  Our favorite DJs will be spinning some loud beats, and expanding your musical horizons (Yes, I understand that what you will be hearing probably wont technically be "Techno" but it is a term that the non-electronica listening public will understand).

Now for the point totals.

Jon H. - 42 Points

Ruben W. - 34

Seth B. - 20

Ben F. - 19

Jon G. - 16

Eric F. - 14

Ken N. 13

Derek G. - 11

Katie F. - 9

Mike C. - 9

David N. - 8

Andrew S. - 4

Jim M. - 3

Joe K. - 3

Amy F. - 2

The Other Mike C. - 2

Nick Q. - 1

Jon W. - 1

Clark P. - 1

Craig P. -1

Joan V. - 1

Jon V. - 1

Curt K. - 1

Andy J. - 1