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  Home Page » Sports » College » FLC Earns Key Starts

FLC earns key starts

Riders Ishay, Ratcliff qualify for Nationals by competing

Herald Staff Report The Skyhawks had one mission Sunday: start.

After Saturday's events were canceled because of heavy snow in Colorado Springs, two Fort Lewis College cycling riders got the divine intervention they needed to compete for a spot in FLC's national championship lineup.

"The roads were clear and dry and beautiful today," FLC head coach Matt Shriver said.

As per regulations, all riders competing in Nationals must have started at least three races at two different venues.

Skyhawk racers Rotem Ishay and Alister Ratcliff were stuck at two, so participation in the Front Range Cycling Classic at Air Force Academy was a must.

Ishay, who missed much of the season defending his national mountain biking championship in Israel, took fourth close behind teammate Jesse DeKrey, who was nipped at the line by a Colorado State rider after a 200-meter uphill sprint finish to place second.

"They did really well," Shriver said. "The course was similar to our home race course, just a little wider and more wide open."

For Ratcliff, the merit badge was bittersweet.

The Skyhawk rider was out in front, away from the pack, when his detour around a motorist on a left-hand turn led to his disqualification and a missed chance at victory.

"We were a little upset," Shriver said.

Shriver noted that the team has an exceptionally deep lineup this year, but while Ratcliff and Ishay aren't guaranteed a spot, they did what they needed to do on Sunday.

"With results like these, they have a good chance," Shriver said.

"We go by results and how well they contribute to the club."

Shriver expects to make his final decisions Tuesday.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com