HOOD RIVER — The first day of the Oregon Road Race Championships took place Saturday in the Upper Valley.
The cycling race, which attracted more than 240 riders, was the first of two to take place in Hood River County.
“Things went really well today,” said race director Chad Sperry. “I think we did a good job of taking care of the racers and respecting the locals and others on the road.”
Doug Ollerenshaw of the Bike Gallery/Trek team took top honors, winning the Rehearsal Race for the 1-2 Men’s category. Marjon Marik of Prime Alliance won the top women’s race, as a total of 13 state champions were crowned on Saturday.
Hood River riders fared well in two fields, with Gorge “wunderkid” Luke Pennington finishing seventh in the 1-2 Men’s division.
Summer resident Barry Wicks was sixth, while area physician Travis Hunt finished 15th.
In the 4-5 Men’s category, Matt Botti just edged Dan Melkonian for fourth, with Tre Hendricks coming in 10th and Mike Jones 15th.
The New York City Sub Shop and Hood River Bagel Company provided lunches and refreshments for the race staff, and organizers thanked them for their involvement.
Disco Velo is the primary host of the event, which is co-sponsored by Discover Bicycles, Big Gym and Columbia River Bank.
The races will continue Sunday beginning at 8:30 a.m., and will likely be completed by 1 p.m.
For more information on the Oregon Road Race, please contact Jeff Lorenzen at 354-2272.
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