Local cycling team Triangle Velo earned a podium spot (top 3) in each of three recent state championship cycling events for elite level amateurs.

A strong team effort in each of three races resulted in Jon Speer placing 2nd in the North Carolina State Road Race for category 1/2 racers (top level of amateur racing), AJ Shipley took bronze for NC in the Masters (Age) 30+ road race, and Parker McConville (pictured) earned 2nd place in the NC criterium championship in category 1/2.

"Earning a place on the podium in each the state championship races is great recognition for the team's efforts all season," said AJ Shipley after this past weekend's championship road races near Salisbury, NC.

Throughout the season the team has consistently placed in the Top 10 each weekend of racing against large, competitive fields of professional and top amateur cyclists. Sunday's category 1/2 road race had nearly 100 starters. After an early breakaway (including Triangle Velo's AJ Shipley and Lucas Joppa) was caught by the field 30 miles into the 80 mile race, Triangle Velo tried again to form another breakaway group. A couple high speed attacks tried to split the field, and then Jon Speer countered a short solo move by Triangle Velo's Kris Stein to form the winning breakaway with three other racers.

In the Masters 30+ race AJ Shipley went clear from the field with one other racer after a small breakaway was already away for the lead. His breakaway stayed away the remained of the race to earn the 3rd place bronze for NC racers. The criterium championship took place in downtown Fayetteville, and Parker McConville was part of the winning breakaway that lapped the field on the 0.6 mile closed circuit course. Teammates David Jordan and Lucas Joppa helped Parker stay in position and maintain contact with the other racers on the lead lap. In a powerful and fast sprint finish Parker nipped Raleigh's Terry Huss for silver medal honors and 2nd place.

Triangle Velo will continue to race most weekends in 2009 through October. Look for Triangle Velo in future races and in the community where they work and ride. Team members are easy to find in their uniforms sponsored by Endurance Magazine, Sandhills Family Practice, Sandhills Orthodontics, Parcycles.com, Solomon Kobes, LCSW, Gu energy gels, Zym electrolyte drink tablets, DeFeet socks, and Storm Endurance Sports.

About Triangle Velo
Team Triangle Velo represents the finest in top level amateur sporting in North Carolina. This group of elite amateur cyclists competes successfully with the top cyclists throughout the Southeast and the nation. The team is composed of Triangle area residents who are professionals in their chosen careers and outstanding athletes working to benefit their local community.

The team is sponsored by Endurance Magazine, the premier resource for active lifestyles in the Carolinas. Focused on educating, inspiring, and motivating athletes of all levels and abilities, Endurance Magazine offers readers compelling and immediately useful editorial on a monthly basis. Triangle Velo also races to benefit the North Carolina Children's Promise, a statewide initiative to raise awareness of North Carolina Children's Hospital.