After taking a year off, the Rock Lititz Bike Race and Block Party was even bigger and better for 2015. Riders from at least nine states, the District of Columbia, and the Dominican Republic lined up to race throughout the day. Riders of all levels raced the 0.8 mile four corner crit in downtown Lititz, PA, and even the kids were able to get into the action with races for various age groups. Music, food trucks, and beer kept the crowd entertained and by time the Pro/1/2 Men’s race started, the crowds were the largest they had been all day, with people standing three deep to cheer on their favorite riders
Lititz is a small town of a little over 9,000 people, and was named the “Coolest Small Town” in America by Budget Travel in 2013. Founded in 1756, it was the first community in Pennsylvania to establish a historic district. Lititz has successfully blended it’s historic roots while attracting modern businesses, including race sponsors Tait Towers, Clair Global, and Atomic Design.
The Pro men’s field saw John Minturn (CRCA/The Weather Channel/Giant Cycles) and Craig Nichols (Team Alliance Environmental) eventually succeed at creating a break off the front of the field. In time, they were joined by Guillaume Nelessen (Van Dessel Factory Team) and Michael Chauner (Atomic Energy Squad). In the closing laps, Chauner was able to leave the rest of his break away companions behind, and charged off to victory. Nelessen finished in second, with Minturn and Nichols following behind. In the bunch sprint, it was Kyle Wamsley (Team Skyline) who crossed the line in fifth.
