Lodewick Claims Victory in GP Ken Hushvod

Although the margin of victory wasn't quite as large he predicted, Jonas Lodewick did indeed live up to his pre-race boast that his victory in the GP Ken Hushvod was certain.  With an astonishingly fast time of 19:46, Lodewick bested the next closest finisher, Dario Fredericcio, by a scant 7 seconds.  Lodewick and Fredericcio were the only riders to break the 20 minute mark on a course that proved to be far faster than initially expected.  

In a post race interview, a visibly exhausted Lodewick was no less contrite than earlier in the week.  "This victory was expected.  In fact the entire race was a mere formality.  In these economic times perhaps PHRO should have just saved themselves them expenditure and just given me the trophy.  It would have saved everyone involved a lot of time.  I'd like to thank myself for winning, my amazing son and my beautiful wife who is my inspiration.  It is not easy being the wife of Jonas Lodewick."

Lodewick also went on to thank his father, sister, mailman, high school English professor, President Obama, the Good Humor Man, and seemingly anyone and everyone else.  In fact, Lodewick was still talking after all the press had given up and left, having mistaken the remaining cleaning crew for reporters.

His teammate and director, Dario Fredericcio was typically philosophical about his second place finish.  "Lodewick is obviously going very well at the moment so his victory is not surprising.  I has good sensations in my legs but my lack of intimate course knowledge was likely the difference in the times.  I was using this as training regardless so second place is more than satisfactory.  I am a calm pool of water."

Fredericcio's passing mention of course knowledge is why many are saying that Lodewick was lucky to get his victory.  Course marshalls reported that Fredericcio made an incorrect turn at the top of the Indian Rock climb and was forced to back track, costing him valuable seconds.  Had Fredericcio not missed the turn, some experts are saying that he would have bested Lodewick by 5-10 seconds.  Interestingly enough, neither riders mentioned a pre-race altercation that occurred with Fredericcio accosting Lodewick regarding his Whole Athlete contract and decision to race in the livery of his former team, Dewars Racing.  Resolution of this hot button topic looks as though it will be decided in the weeks to come in the Marin World Cup.  Not a few people have been left wondering if Fredericcio eased up to allow Lodewick to win in exchange for Lodewick's help in the upcoming Marin-Roubaix and San Raflaanderrs.

Rounding out the podium was race namesake Ken Hushvod who turned himself inside out with his effort.  "I am empty," said Hushvod when interviewed.  "The Indian Rock was too hard, PHRO should be sanctioned for abusing the riders in this way.  I was trying to get the other riders to protest but none of them had the courage."  Hushvod also mentioned that, while he was aiming for a podium in this event, that his main goal is San Raflaanderrs.  "I feel good about my performance and what it means for the next 2 weeks.  I will look for opportunities to attack in Marin-Roubaix.  After that, I am all for San Raflaanderrs.  The Hedgehog still has his quills!"

One thing is certain: next weeks Marin-Roubaix will be an event not to be missed!