Prolific Midwest racer Duane Dickey (Mercy-Specialized) says he expects a two-year suspension and possibly a lifetime ban after refusing a drug test when the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency visited his home in Cokato, Minn.

Dickey was first suspended in 2002 for testing positive for phentermine, boldenone and nandrolone at the 2001 Tour of Guatemala. In the years that followed he endured medical calamity after calamity, as documented in this magazine story, including the removal of a brain tumor, removal of his colon and multiple surgeries to repair a twisted intestine.

He nonetheless returned to competitive cycling and in 2006 received a three-year therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for the drug regimen he now had to follow. He says he re-applied to start the 2009 season, but USADA never issued the exemption, instead demanding additional medical information.

This year he re-applied. “Once again they kept asking for more,” he says. “I didn’t understand this as nothing has changed with my health and it never will change, at least not for the better.”

In early April, his doctor’s office faxed the requested information to USADA.

USADA had not yet issued him his TUEs when it arrived Tuesday, May 11, for out-of-competition testing. Knowing he would test positive, Dewey says, he declined, and as a result he was told to sign a form acknowledging that he faced a two-year ban. “Maybe that was a bad choice, but it’s too late now.”

Dickey says this was the first time he has ever been asked to be tested in the United States.

Monday, less than a week after the visit, Dickey received e-mail saying his three-year TUEs had been approved.

“The whole thing just seems weird to me,” Dickey told me last week. “Why would they come after me like that? They knew I didn’t have my TUEs in place, yet they came anyway knowing I would either not take the test or test positive.”

In 2008 Dickey won both the P/1/2 and the 30+ at the prestigious Snake Alley Criterium. In what may have been the last race of his career, Dickey won the P/1/2/3 race at Sunday’s State Fair Criterium in Des Moines, Iowa. The week before he placed 3rd in the time trial and 5th overall in the 1/2’s at the Joe Martin Stage Race in Arkansas.

On May 1, Dickey raced the P/1/2 Circuit of Sauk in Wisconsin. A rider in the chase group tells me that after a long, devastating pull to start the last lap, Dickey said “Have a good race” to his fellow riders, turned around and returned to the start/finish area.

Former national criterium champion Rahsaan Bahati (OUCH-Bahati Foundation) will speak in Skokie on Monday, May 10, in conjunction with the upcoming USPRO National Championship and the Glencoe Grand Prix. Tickets are $100 and include dinner, with proceeds going to the non-profit Bahati Foundation.

Team Pegasus this week mourns the loss of its friend and teammate Sean Callahan, 27, who died Monday night.

Callahan lived in Chicago and had raced alleycats for several years. In 2009 he moved into sanctioned racing, both track and cyclocross. His most recent race was Saturday at Indian Lakes, where he finished 12th in the 4A’s, his best result.

He was a talented and well-known trick rider, both on fixed gears and inline skates.

Services have not been finalized but are expected to be held Wednesday in Springfield, Mo., and Saturday, Nov. 28, in Evansville, Ind.

Update: Here is Callahan’s Legacy guestbook.

Dave Fowkes passes along news that Roger DeLanghe, founder of the Quad Cities Criterium in 1965 and namesake of the prestigious Roger DeLanghe Trophy Race at the Northbrook Velodrome, passed away Wednesday afternoon.

The funeral will be Tuesday morning in SterlIng, Ill.

I will update this post as there are more details.

Update: Here is his death notice, including service details. His wife of 59 years, Irene, invites all cyclists to attend and to wear team jerseys or jackets.

Jessi Prinner (ABD) just learned that she’ll be representing the United States in August at the UCI Junior World Champsionships in Moscow, Russia. She’ll compete in both the road race and the time trial.

And today U.S. Paralympics named Greta Neimanas (XXX Racing-AthletiCo) to the national team that will compete at November’s UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Manchester, England. Neimanas, who lives and trains in Colorado, returns to Chicago this week to compete in Superweek.

John Olin, owner of Highland Park’s Higher Gear Bicycles, died unexpectedly Tuesday. He was 51 and the father of two teenage girls.

Mass will be celebrated Saturday Sunday. Memorial contributions can be made to the Olin Girls Educational Fund or to the National Kidney Foundation.

Update: The Chicago Tribune wrote an obituary, including touching comments from Jeff Miller, to whom Olin donated his kidney in 2002.

It’s that time of year again.

Rob Kelley (Bicycle Heaven) reports that a black truck buzzed and brake-checked his group and others as they rode Beith Road near Highway 47 in rural Kane County.

“I thought that Andy Kerr (Village CycleSport) was gone,” he says. “He in fact had gasoline splashed on him from the gas tank of the truck.  It seemed too crazy to be purposeful. Then I started getting calls on my cell from the groups behind us on the road.  The driver had gone after them as well.”

The same truck has harassed cyclists on this stretch before. They have a license plate, and the authorities are involved. If you have more information or can offer a statement, contact the Kane County Sheriff at (630) 232-8400, or contact Rob.

Alberto’s is once again hosting a series of clinics for women, both for recreational riders and for racers.

Racers will cover group riding, handling skills and cornering. The three-Wednesday series starts May 6 and costs $35. It’s a good opportunity to pick up some skills and confidence as well as to meet other women cyclists.

The popular Judson training ride, which has been convening at Plaza del Lago for the past year, will return to its original starting point of Greenleaf and Judson in Evanston. Saturday and Sunday rides roll at 7:30 a.m.

No links today, but some sober news instead: Thursday evening a cab struck Steven Vandeven (Team Get a Grip Cycles) as he rode south on La Salle Boulevard toward Goethe Street. He sustained major head injuries. Following extensive surgery, doctors induced a coma. He remains under sedation.

The long-term prognosis is undetermined. Those of us who have raced against Vandeven, however, know that he is a fighter and a finisher. If he has any say in the matter, the recovery will be nothing short of full.

As with all car-on-bike collisions, this one could have been much worse. Join me tomorrow in giving thanks for Steven, a class act and an ace cyclist, as well as thanks for one another and for the thousands of our rides that do not end in catastrophe.

Thomas Lynch pleaded guilty this morning to a Class A misdemeanor of attempted aggravated battery for the September 2007 paceline attack on St. Mary’s Road.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, a group of 17 riders -- myself among them -- was riding single-file close to 30 mph when Lynch veered into its path and braked, causing a large crash, then sped away. One victim was transported to the hospital for examination. Another would eventually have surgery for injuries suffered in the crash.

Lynch called 911 to claim that cyclists had kicked out his taillight after he had stopped to avoid hitting a squirrel. On the dispatcher’s recommendation, Lynch returned to the scene to turn himself in.

In February prosecutors charged Lynch with seven felonies, including felony hit-and-run. In the interest of a guaranteed conviction, however, we recently agreed to the compromised plea bargain.

While we feel felony convictions would have properly reflected the magnitude of the attack, we understand the unpredictability of the jury system. Misdemeanor in hand, felonies in bush, as it were. But we are pleased that the terms of the plea include extensive punishment and reparation. Among these terms:

• » Two years of probation, transferred to Florida, his home state;

• » Prohibition from driving on St. Mary’s or Everett Roads;

• » Court costs;

• » Letter of apology to the League of Illinois Bicyclists;

• » $3,500 donation to the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation (now the Active Transportation Alliance);

• » Anger-management evaluation and treatment.

I have no doubt that even when we ride single-file and within our rights our presence vexes many drivers on the North Shore. This was not the first time that a driver has maliciously braked in front of a paceline of mine. In August an Alberto’s ride was attacked, also on St. Mary’s Road, and a similar attack to ours occured in L.A. in July with much more dire consequences.

We hope publicity from this case will remind both drivers and cyclists of the need to share the road peacefully and responsibly.

We are thankful to all the cycling advocates who wrote on our behalf and offered other support. And we are extremely thankful to our Lake County prosecutors, Brett Henne and Lonnie Renda, for seeing this case through to its conclusion. Not every prosecutor would have taken our grievances seriously. They went the extra miles to see that felony charges were made, and then ensured that the ensuing plea held adequate punishment.

American Bicycle Racing is throwing a banquet on Saturday, Nov. 22, for its Illinois and Wisconsin riders. Awards will include Wisconsin-Illinois Riders of the Year and the Tour of Illinois and Wisconsin, plus track and time trial honorees. Reserving a spot early saves $3 off dinner at the Old Orchard Country Club in Mt. Prospect.

Trackies may be interested in the Northbrook Cycle Committee meeting this Thursday, the first meeting of the 2009 season. It’s scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Village Green Center, and a handful of people from the city are planning to attend to advance Chicago riders’ interests.

In other track news, we should note some strong performances at the track national championships earlier this month. Six riders from the Chicago area made the trip to Carson, Calif., with Jason Garner (Northbrook Cycle Club) taking 11th in the scratch final, Val Brostrom (Team Get a Grip Cycles) taking 8th in the keirin and Paralympian Greta Neimanas (XXX Racing-AthletiCo) placing 6th in the individual pursuit (3rd U23) and 18th in the 500m sprint (5th U23).

On the Route and other Trek stores are participating in Saturday’s Ride for Awareness to help beat breast cancer, with 10- and 25-mile options availabile leaving from the South Loop location. Registration costs $25, or one can make a straight donation instead.

The Illinois Cycling Association is offering an introductory officials clinic on Saturday, Nov. 15 Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Highland Park. That same weekend there will be a clinic for upgrading to Category B.

In other ICA news, Steve Hansen has been working hard to update race results and Illinois Cup standings, which are now complete except for the Tour of Oak Brook.

Somewhat related: No, I do not know when Chicago Criterium checks are being mailed out, other than what we learned in this post’s comments.

A group ride was attacked tonight on a stretch of north-suburban road popular with competitive and recreational cyclists.

Jason Schisler (Vision Quest) tells me that about 30 riders on the Tuesday night Alberto’s ride were on St. Mary’s Road north of Highway 60 when “a dark gray pick-up passed at a high rate of speed with the horn blaring and then seemingly deliberately veered into the group rotating at the front of the pack, taking down the first third of the group.”

The truck did not stop. Cyclists pursued but did not get close enough to take the model or license plate.

The truck struck Brendan George, owner of Alberto’s Cycles, who was at the front of the rotation, rotating clockwise, and those riders rotating behind him stacked up as a result. Schisler says he was in the gatekeeper’s slot and was the last to land on the pile. He estimates they had been going about 28 mph.

Injuries were limited to cuts, scrapes and a swollen wrist.  Lake County sheriff’s deputies were quick on the scene to take control, and no ambulance was needed.

Anyone with information should call the sheriff’s office at (847) 377-4000.

Another hit-and-run was reported in Barrington Hills on Sunday, Aug. 3. A gray pick-up towing a white horse trailer struck the leaders of a nine-rider group on Bateman Road near County Line Road, breaking bones. Witnesses are asked to contact Barrington Hills police Lt. Rich Semelsberger at (847) 551-3006.

Coincidentally, Tuesday night’s attack took place less than a mile up the road from where cyclists, myself included, say there were attacked in September. Prosecutors charged the driver in that incident, Thomas Lynch, with seven felonies. His trial is scheduled to start Monday, Aug. 25.

As Astana’s Johan Bruyneel celebrates another grand tour victory, it’s appropriate that I welcome the latest sponsor to CBR: Lincoln Square’s The Book Cellar, which on June 20 will host Bruyneel as he discusses his new book, “We Might as Well Win: On the Road to Success with the Mastermind Behind a Record-Setting Eight Tour de France Victories.” The reading starts at 7 p.m. at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave.

Bruyneel will also be speaking in Milwaukee on June 19 at Schwartz Bookshop, 2559 N. Downer Ave., right on the famous Downer Avenue course used during Superweek.

Marcus Moore of Yojimbo’s Garage, the city’s preeminent source for track and fixed-gear bikes, is starting a program to get city youth on the track. With some help from the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew, Track Cats will provide instruction and guidance to boys and girls who want to race track. The team will make its Northbrook debut Friday, June 13.

I think this is fabulous. Our juniors fields aren’t exactly overflowing, and Chicago has hundreds if not thousands of young athletes who could become great cyclists if given the right resources and opportunities.

Chicago high school students interested in the program should e-mail Marcus.

UPDATE: Marcus sends this addendum: “I must give props to Nicole Kemerer who was (and still is) a major driving force, as well as Brean Shea, Alex Wilson, Sarah Miller, Lindsay Jones, Chuck Cox, Charlie Short and a number of others who have been working on this for a couple months now.  We’ve had two practices and plan on having a couple/week in the city for easy access for kids and parents.

“Yojimbo’s Track Cats will soon be an official program of West Town Bikes meaning that we can take charitable contributions to help offset costs.

“We’re still looking for interested high schoolers and adults who want to contribute. Adults can contribute financially (of course), by expressing an interest in being a guest (or guest coach) at a training session, or by helping with carpooling to the track (or transporting bikes or loaning a van). There are other volunteer roles we hope to fill as well.”

I have a lot of tips for riders here, but what about for the other side of the registration desk? We’ve discussed this somewhat before, but what tips do you have for promoters? Here are 10 that have recently come my way, but feel free to add more in the comments.

Note: This is not an invitation to complain about promoters, all of whom are providing invaluable, thankless service for us at very little benefit for themselves.  Plus, I hate whining. Rather, I’m soliciting the little things that might not have occurred to promoters already buried with paperwork, permitting and other logistics.

1. Include the exact address of your event, not just directions. This gives people something to plug into their GPS devices or their favorite mapping tools.

2. Make the finish line clear. Don’t put it a yard away from the crosswalk. If there is a banner, make sure it hangs exactly over the line.

3. Give a discount for online registration, or reimburse the service fees. Pre-registering is in your interest, and any costs you incur can be made up for by the people who register but don’t race. It lets you hedge against bad weather, too.

4. Discount for multiple races. Many of us are disinclined to pay full price for a race outside of our target category, such as masters or open races where we know we’ll be overmatched. But we’ll pay half price, and half is better than nothing, and our second race adds nothing to your fixed costs.

5. Let us re-use race numbers for multiple categories. One less thing we have to worry about before races. And make registration close and easy to find.

6. Provide results as deep as possible. For a new racer, there is a difference between 40th and 60th place.

7. Make safety a priority. More marshals at urban crits, please. More signage and motor escorts on road races, please. Position and choose barriers that make us more safe, not less.

8. Announce prime prizes before the race. We can’t hear you over the bell.

9. Post results online quickly. Racers are vain and like to spend hours studying the results tables. The Wisconsin Cycling Association and its promoters are models in this regard. Results are prompt, including updates to its cup standings.

10. Have plenty of water -- free water -- and toilets near the start/finish area.

    
    

    What other suggestions do you have for our promoters?

Last week I was contacted by Marc O’Shea (Turin), an English teacher at Naperville Central High School. One of his classes has been immersing itself in legendary American cyclist Major Taylor. In addition to reading everything they get their hands on about him, they’ve learned about cycling and have even monitored their own cycling performance to get a feel for the racing experience. “The students are reading everything on Taylor and analyzing his motivation, perseverance and so on,” O’Shea says. “They’re studying his bike racing tactics and movement in and out of Chicago during his life.”

It gets cooler: The unit inspired the students to design and produce wristbands that they will sell to raise funds for World Bicycle Relief.  “They’re pumped,” O’Shea says. “They have become so appreciative of bike racing. The power of the bike in life on man and the lives of many in need has marveled them as they’ve read.”

Here’s where it gets really cool: When O’Shea learned that Taylor was a major influence on Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing), he invited Bahati to come speak to the class -- and he accepted. Next week the sprinter and former national champion will spend two days with O’Shea’s students, meeting with them in small groups to discuss Taylor, bike racing and minorities in sports.

Bahati, fresh off a win at the prestigious Athens Twilight Criterium, is bringing their studies to life, O’Shea says. “He is the bridge between the past and the present.”

Paying the bills to get Bahati here? None other than Rock Racing owner Michael Ball.

Say what you will about Ball and Rock Racing, I think we all can agree this is a pretty awesome gesture. I’m so impressed by the project that I’ve offered to publish an edited interview conducted by the students. They’re preparing their questions at this moment. Look for the results in the next week or two.

USA Cycling has named Larry Martin to replace Mike Hanley as our midwest regional coordinator.  He has worked with the Minnesota Cycling Federation for six years and is the director of the North Central Collegiate Conference Director.

I asked CBR’s Minneapolis bureau chief Tim Hayes (Grumpy’s/LGR) for his analysis: “He is a good guy,” he says. “He is probably the only guy that can fill the old coordinator’s shoes, and his shop is real nice. Big thumbs up from us.”

As you follow the action out at the Redlands Bicycle Classic this weekend, look for locals Kristen Meshberg (Flatlandia) and Devon Haskell (Team Get a Grip Cycles), who are guests of the Dolce Vita squad. Today Haskell finished 28th in the prologue time trial. She no doubt is spending the evening studying the results and admiring all the big names that appear below hers.

Last week the Daily Herald profiled Jessi Prinner (ABD), a promising junior from South Elgin. I expect that as a cyclist, Prinner is one of the hardest-working athletes at her school, and it’s excellent to see media take note.

Coincidentally, Haskell, Meshberg and Prinner finished 3-4-5 at Hillsboro Saturday.

Speaking of women and cycling, Alberto’s is hosting clinics for women starting Wednesday, May 7. The three-week series covers everything from basic shifting to pacelines and cornering.

Thomas Lynch this morning pleaded not guilty to the seven felony charges related to September’s paceline incident on St. Mary’s Road. The judge set a May 12 trial date.

The six counts of aggravated battery carry sentences of two to five years. The count of failure to stop after an accident causing injuries carries a sentence of one to three years. In addition, Lynch faces $25,000 in fines.

A cyclist was killed this morning after an SUV struck him during a street race.

Matt Manger-Lynch, 29, was at the front of a large group of riders competing in the Tour da Chicago, a popular alleycat series. The pack was heading southeast on Lincoln and attempted to cross Irving Park against a red light. An eastbound SUV entered from Irving Park and struck him. He died on the scene.

I do not know much about Matt, other than that he was married, and that his results had been impressing people.  He was not affiliated with a team, but he had recently acquired a license and was looking forward to sanctioned racing.

I have been in touch with riders who were both in the pack as well as some who happened to be on the sidewalk at the time. All are incredibly shaken.

Alleycats are normally outside my purview -- note that today’s race did not include checkpoints, so some would not consider it a true alleycat -- but I’ll continue to update this post as I learn more about the incident and about Matt.

7 p.m.: The coroner is giving media the name “Matt Mager,” but I’ve spoken to more witnesses and am confident that it was indeed Matt Lynch.

2/25 10 a.m.: Media and friends are reporting his full name as Matt Manger-Lynch.

2/26 8 a.m.: The Tribune has a story about the racing aspect of Sunday’s collision, including more information about Matt. “‘He was very excited about [the racing],’ said Elizabeth Lynch, Manger-Lynch’s wife. ‘It was organized fun, and he got to be a little competitive.’” (I’m not bothering to read the comments on the story. I can only imagine how full of ugly, gleeful callousness they are.)

Here is Matt’s obituary, along with his Legacy guestbook.  Visitation will be Thursday near Milwaukee. Memorials may be made to the YMCA Camp Manito-wish, Box 246, Boulder Junction, WI 54512; or to the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, 9 W. Hubbard St., Suite 402, Chicago, IL 60610-6545.

Finally, here are pictures a friend of Matt has posted to Flickr.

2/27 11 a.m.: The Tribune editorial board responds to the tragedy by staking a position of being pro-courtesy, anti-races without port-o-potties. 

A grand jury on Wednesday indicted Thomas Lynch on six counts of aggravated battery and one count of failure to stop after an accident causing injuries in connection with September’s paceline incident on St. Mary’s Road. These are felony charges, largely in relation to just two of the 17 victims, and the state’s attorney may add additional counts to reflect the full scope of the alleged attack. (Full disclosure: I was one of the 17 riders in the paceline.)

This is a major step toward trial. Lynch will be arraigned and enter a plea at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Lake County Courthouse.

A local promoter has asked me to quiz my readership about what qualities you’d look for at your ideal criterium. What are your dreams? What are your pet peeves? If money were no object, what would you have? Bigger purses? Smaller fees? Better marshaling? New categories? Jumbotrons, blimps and a twilight performance from the Rolling Stones?

I don’t want to set a precedent of doing other people’s market research, but I think all race organizers could benefit from this exercise. Plus, I know some of you to have strong opinions on such matters, so let’s see ‘em in the comments.

The Illinois Cycling Association is rolling out its new Web site, including a new dot-org domain. Not all features are operational yet, but ICA vice president Steve Hansen (North Branch) promises quicker results and more timely information.

XXX Racing-AthletiCo on Friday unveiled its 2008 uniform. In a bold departure from previous color schemes, the black kit will pay tribute to the two riders the team lost in 2008, Beth Kobeszka and Pieter Ombregt. (Ombregt, some may remember, was known for wearing a black jersey when he rode unattached prior to riding for XXX Racing-AthletiCo.) Overhauling a uniform is no small gesture, and the team hopes that the kit will highlight its efforts to improve safety in 2008 and be a stark reminder of why safety is so important.

(Note also that the team is overhauling its Web site for 2008. I secured the webmaster’s permission to give CBR readers an exclusive first look.)

Starting this weekend, Judson will embark from the Plaza del Lago parking lot because of construction on Sheridan Road in Wilmette. (Wilmette obviously heard my plea for a smoother surface.)

Like a good-old fashioned burlesque show, the new teams of 2008 are heating things up by revealing themselves ever so gradually. Among this week’s revelations:

• » The Chicago Cuttin’ Crew is open for business. The Crew is mostly composed of working messengers, many formerly of XXX Racing-AthletiCo. Having been beaten by them in many an alleycat and ‘cross race, I can confirm this: They’re fearless and wicked fast.

• » Beer remains many cyclists’ favorite instrument of carb loading. Thus let us welcome Half Acre Cycling, sponsored by Chicago’s Half Acre Beer Company. I recognize on its roster products of Killjoy, Team Pegasus and XXX Racing-AthletiCo. Look for them on the road, on the track and in the dirt in one of the more handsome kits we’ve seen.

• » Mark Swartzendruber announced on True Sport, as only the ‘Druber can, that Lucas Oil is taking over title sponsorship of the team formerly known as Delta Faucet. His squad has picked up a few elite masters riders, too.

Who will be next to drop the veil of secrecy and expose the delights underneath? Stay tuned!

In his CBR interview last month, Mike Ebert (ABD) alluded to some big changes for Athletes by Design. Today he delivered, and the changes are a much bigger deal than just a few new sponsors.

ABD is joining forces with Gear Grinder Cycling (formerly known as PCW) to form a combined pro development team, known as ABD-Gear Grinder, to race regionally and at select National Race Calendar events.

The arrangement is for 2008 only, but Ebert tells me “everyone at ABD and Gear Grinder has been looking much further down the road since we first started talking.” This includes potential partnerships on junior, off-road and multisport programs.

The teams will continue to operate separate teams -- ABD has more than 200 members, PCW 130 -- for riders Category 1 through 5.

Gear Grinder is a Wisconsin-based company that will be selling “cycling-inspired” casual clothing. (Its Web site is under construction.)

Ebert’s post also unveils the 2008 ABD-Gear Grinder roster, which retains ABD heavyweights Josh Carter and Jeff Schroetlin and adds from PCW the dynamic duo of Rob and Ryan White. You may know Rob best from an impressive win over Jonathan Clarke (Colavita) at Glencoe or from this famous shot from Downers Grove.

In other ABD news, the flier for its annual indoor time trial series is now available. 2008’s first race is only a month away.

(Full disclosure: ABD is a sponsor of Chicago Bike Racing.)

It somehow slipped past my radar, but tomorrow night is the Wisconsin & Illinois Bicycle Racing Association Banquet in Mt. Prospect. Awards include for Rider of the Year, the Tour of Illinois & Wisconsin and the
Mid America Time Trial Series. Dinner is included with the $22 admission.

Memo to top secret new teams yet to reveal themselves:

Hurry up and make your big debuts, will you? In a few weeks I’m going to get tired of checking your URLs every day.

OK thanks!

Photo by Ellen Wight

My Unattached Rider jersey, the finest use of Helvetica since Crate and Barrel, arrived this week and I couldn’t be happier. Carlos did a great job. My only disappointment is that there aren’t more people on the lakefront path to admire it.

UPDATE: The Unattached Rider kit made its competitive debut Saturday when Ryan Gingerich (Unattached) wore it at Campton Cross, where he finished an impressive 8th in the 4A’s (above).

In the original coverage of September’s alleged hit-and-run on St. Mary’s Road, I reported that the driver, Thomas Lynch, would have a court date of Oct. 29. In the meantime I’ve neglected to mention that that date has been postponed until early 2008. I’ll pass along more details as they develop. (I don’t yet have information about the status of upgraded charges.)

Thomas Francis Lynch is the name of the driver accused of attacking the group ride Saturday morning.

TUESDAY UPDATE: This afternoon I spoke with Chris McNally (MetCycling), one of Saturday’s victims, who has done a great job of getting information from the sheriff’s department and the state’s attorney’s office.

Lynch had a bond hearing Monday morning on various traffic misdemeanors. This week the deputies will file a report with the sheriff, who will in turn approve the report and pass it on to the state’s attorney. The sheriff cannot file felony charges himself, but based on the evidence and recommendations of the sheriff, the state’s attorney will determine which, if any, felony charges to proceed with.

The state’s attorney should have the report by Monday. At this point Lynch has a court date of Oct. 29, 2007, to face whatever upgraded charges have been filed by then.

The state’s attorney has wide discretion. It is crucial, therefore, that he is convinced that this incident is important enough to society that it warrants full prosecution. Furthermore, he needs to be convinced that all interested parties, especially Saturday’s victims, will attend as many hearings as possible and do whatever is requested to secure conviction. He needs to be assured that come Oct. 29 he can expect the annoying click-clack of dozens of bike shoes across the courtroom floor.

Here’s the contact information:

Michael J. Waller
Lake County State’s Attorney
18 N. County St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-3000

Here are the points I’ll be making in my letter:

• » This was not merely a hit-and-run. This was not a case of a driver making a mistake and fleeing in a panic. This was a driver behaving with malice in a way likely to cause injury or death—and then fleeing in a panic.

• » Lynch’s actions suggest anti-social tendencies. This is a man willing to use or threaten violence in order to express himself. It is in society’s best interest to see this behavior punished to the full extent of the law.

• » Publicity from this case can be an important step toward improving car/bike relations. The case can be an example for other drivers who might consider such actions, but it can also be an opportunity to remind cyclists of the need to ride responsibly and safely.

Finally, Alan Burns is the name of the deputy who responded to the attack. This would be a much different story if he had not taken it as seriously as he did. If you’d like to join me in expressing your thanks, write him at: Lake County Sheriff’s Department; 25. S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.; Waukegan, IL 60085. Flowers and chocolates would not be out of line.

A hit-and-run sent one rider to the hospital Saturday morning, but the episode closed with what appeared to be a happy ending.

Shortly after 9 a.m., I was among 15 17 cyclists heading north on St. Mary’s Road on an extension of the XXX Racing-AthletiCo team ride. After turning right off of Everett Road, we were going about 25 mph single-file on the solid white line of the shoulder. A white pick-up truck driven by Thomas Francis Lynch passed us, veered to the right and applied its brakes. There was no way to avoid a pileup, and as soon as one started, Lynch sped away.

The lead riders were able to ditch into the gravel. Riding fifth in line, Chris McNally (MetCycling) endoed and wound up beneath the truck, making contact with the rear wheel and slicing his shin open on the tailpipe. XXX Racing-AthletiCo president Bob Willems gashed his knee and would be transported to the hospital for precautionary neck and back X-Rays. Something or someone struck and broke the truck’s right taillight. Others sustained abrasions and cut knees.

It could have been much, much worse.

We were able to get his license plate -- “FES! 344!” we yelled so we would remember. “FES!  344!” -- and immediately called 911. Within minutes, Lake County sheriff’s deputies arrived to take statements. Paramedics followed to tend to the wounded.

As we were preparing to leave, 30 minutes after the attack, the driver returned to the scene to turn himself in. After speaking with the deputy for a few minutes, he was in cuffs and being escorted into a patrol car.

According to the deputy, Lynch claimed he had braked to avoid a squirrel. The deputy told us this was, in the professional parlance of law enforcement, “bullshit.”

Since he had turned himself in within two hours, it did not qualify as a hit-and-run. However, the deputy said he would push for reckless conduct, a felony. If nothing else, Lynch will face a raft of misdemeanors. (Ultimately the state’s attorney’s office will determine which charges will be filed.)

I’ll be following the case as closely as I can. This is not about just me, and it is not about just XXX Racing-AthletiCo. Road rage is a danger that could strike any of us, and St. Mary’s Road is a popular road for cyclists, triathletes and recreational riders. If an example is not made here, the message will be clear: Open season on cyclists.

Update: Here are more photos of the scene. Apologies for the lousy quality.

A few other notes:

• » Three cheers for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The deputies took the incident seriously and treated us with concern and respect.

• » Two drivers who witnessed the attack attempted to follow the truck, then returned to the scene to provide statements. The deputy said this buttressed our case immensely, as they were able to verify that we had been riding single-file and as far to the right as possible. Otherwise it would have been difficult to call for more serious charges. One more good reason for our group rides to stay no more than two abreast. Not only is it the law and not only does it ensure safety, but in a case like this, it can make the difference between an arrest and a verbal warning.

• » There is something incredibly satisfying in hearing handcuffs clasp shut on someone who has just apparently tried to kill you. Justice heals a great many wounds.

• » A few weeks ago I got into a lather over comments Steve Dahl made on his radio show. I knew that Dahl was kidding when he said how much he’d like to hit cyclists and “take their jerseys and keep them as pelts,” and that he likes to “get as close as I can to scare them,” but it didn’t take long to find out what can happen when a driver tries to “scare” cyclists. Dahl’s comments contribute to a climate where drivers feel such conduct is acceptable. (This is hardly the first time a vehicle has stopped short to startle a group ride.) Do North Shore cyclists need to do a better job of sharing the road? Yes, of course. Does this mean drivers should use their vehicles as weapons?  No, and how dare you, Steve Dahl, to even joke about it.

• » XXX Racing-AthletiCo has a tragic history with road rage. In 1999, messenger and team friend Tom McBride was run down and killed after an altercation on Chicago’s West Side. In a landmark case, the driver was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 45 years in jail. This was one wound, however, that no amount of justice could heal.

There will be a viewing this Sunday, Sept. 16, at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western, Chicago, beginning at 11:30 a.m. A prayer service will follow at 1:30 p.m.

In other sad news, I learned from Mike Ebert (ABD) that Gerry Turrubiartes, the cyclist killed by a train this weekend, was popular on area group rides. This Kane County Chronicle story notes that he had ties to the Bicycle Heaven shop and team in St. Charles. “He was the guy who would ride up to you after a hard-won race or sprint and would say ‘good job,’ and not just ride away and pout,” said John Dapkus (Turin).

Here is an obituary, which says he was a former member of Colavita, as well has his Legacy guestbook.

If anyone can tell us more about Gerry and his life, feel free to comment or e-mail.

7/15
2 p.m.: The Tuesday night St. Charles group ride rode by the crash site and laid flowers. Ara Oggoian (Bicycle Heaven) says there will be a memorial ride in the future. I’ll pass along details when I get them.

Pieter Ombregt (XXX Racing-AthletiCo) crashed hard racing at Matteson last night. Despite immediate first aid and more than two hours of surgery, Pieter passed away later in the evening at St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields.

It is a devastating loss for his family and the second tragedy to strike XXX Racing-AthletiCo this year.

This is my understanding of the crash, most of which comes from Michael Kelly (South Chicago Wheelmen), who was there: The 27-year-old Belgian was attacking into the wind out of Turn 4, one of many “frisky” attacks of his this night. After looking back to check his gap, he apparently strayed to the right, off the road, and struck industrial piping near the start/finish area. He was going about 30 mph. The force of the crash broke his carotid artery and caused massive bleeding. He never regained consciousness.

Witnesses speculate that he may have been blinded by the setting sun, which at that hour was in riders’ eyes on that section of the course.

This was his second season with XXX Racing-AthletiCo after racing with ABD in 2005. He was a frequent racer at Matteson, and when he visited his family in Belgium he would train and race there. (On Aug. 25 he placed 7th in the Parochianenkoers Hertsberghe.) At Superweek this year he won the Cedarburg 4/5’s and placed 2nd in Whitefish Bay.

He lived in Chicago with his fiancee. His family is en route from Belgium.

I will update this post as information develops. Friends and others are encouraged to share their thoughts and memories in the comments.

This isn’t supposed to happen, ever, and for it to happen twice in one city, to one team, my team, is confounding.

6 p.m.: The Daily Southtown has a story: “Accomplished cyclist crashes in Matteson race, dies.”

11 p.m.: I’ve started a photo gallery over at the XXX Racing-AthletiCo site.

9/13
9 a.m.: I wasn’t sure at first, but that is our Pieter behind pieterombregt.com. I had no idea he was such a talented photographer. His portraits are amazing. A photographer colleague of Pieter’s has a remembrance.

9:30 a.m.: Teammate Bob Willems also has a remembrance: “He brought his heart and guts to the start line of every race. People came to know Pieter by the character of his riding, and I think that’s the highest compliment for a cyclist.”

11 a.m.: The South Chicago Wheelmen have canceled the rest of the 2007 Matteson series, an understandable decision. The Daily Southtown story hints at this, but I expect there will be a difficult decision to be made, by both our friends at SCW and our generous hosts at Ace Hardware, about whether the races continue. I for one hope they do. I can’t think of anything in the Chicago area that contributes more to racer safety than these practice criteriums. We are better, safer riders because of them.

6 p.m. There will be a viewing this Sunday, Sept. 16, at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western, Chicago, beginning at 11:30 a.m. A prayer service will follow at 1:30 p.m.

9/14
8 a.m.: Here is Pieter’s obituary, and Legacy guestbook.

9 a.m.: CyclingNews has a brief item.

4 p.m.: A scholarship to honor Pieter has been established. To donate to the Pieter Ombregt Scholarship Fund, direct funds to:
Columbia College Chicago
Attn. Kim Clement
600 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605

His family will be notified of your contribution.

9/16
6 p.m.: It was standing room only at Pieter’s prayer service today. Many moving and beautiful things were said in tribute to Pieter. Of relevance to the cyclists reading this are the words from Pieter’s father: “When you are in the peloton and look around and do not see Pieter, do not be sad that he is not there. He is there. He’s just escaped. He is around the corner, and you must go faster to catch up to him.”

9/17
12 p.m.: Mark your calendars: On Thursday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. a reception will open an exhibition of Pieter’s photography at the City Gallery of Photography at 800 N. Michigan Ave. This is a prestigious location, and the exhibition will run through Feb. 3.

9/20
3 p.m.: The Columbia Chronicle has a story: “Tragic cycling accident claims life of Columbia photography student.”

And in Het Volk: “Onze zoon is vredig en gelukkig gestorven.”

All Things Considered is running a story tonight about what a great sport cycling is and how the 2007 Tour de France has been the most thrilling in years doping. Several local racers were interviewed on the lakefront path for possible use in the national broadcast. Hopefully the dumb parts will be edited out.

Things this interviewee might have said had he more time to gather his wits:

• » Surprised? Look, every trade has its cheats. Who on earth expects cycling to be any different? Accountants embezzle, salesmen lie, contractors cut corners, executives raid pensions. From a president who swindles an election to the guy who shakes the vending machine for a free Butterfinger, we’re a nation of cheats. Cheats in our world don’t get caught, they get promoted (or pardoned). So, no, of course I’m not surprised. Saddened, but not surprised.

• » Does it threaten “the sport”? The sport as it relates to us is doing just fine, thanks. Beginning categories are filled to capacity. Paths and training routes are crowded. Coaches and fitting services can charge an arm and a leg. The state of the sport is good and getting better.

• » Would it matter if the Tour were made easier? Not likely. Doping would still make the difference between winning and being pack fodder, and between being pack fodder and having a job at the bike shop. If the outfield walls were moved in a hundred feet, wouldn’t baseball players still be looking for every available edge?

Audio is available online here.