photos by David Halterman

Sunday lived up to its name last weekend, mopping up the damp roads with sunny warmth and giving hundreds of energy-laden cyclists a release after a dissappointing cancellation of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Although unable to accommodate all 2,500 cyclists left out in the cold Saturday, Sundays Criterium brought hundreds onto the eight-turn closed course from sun up to sundown for a race through the spectator filled streets of downtown Durango.

In what was arguably the most photographed turn on the course, at 10th Street and Main, a racer focuses while making a charge for the finish line in the final turn of the Mens 35-39 Class race. Riders tally another lap in a hotly contended Pro Mens race. Durangos Chris Wherry eventually edged out Todd Wells at the finish. Early bird spectators take in the action as a group of racers gather at the start line on Sunday morning. A competitor in the Pro Womens Division begins her skinny-tire lean into a turn during the 45-minute race. Super Baby gets his nourishment before his ill-fated ride in the Cruiser Crit, which unfortunately ended in a trip to the ER and a broken ankle. Riders jockey for position during the first turn of the race.