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Clifton-Moore
sends message
to Category II field with amazing late burst
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By BOB CONSIDINE
Bridgewater Courier News, May 30, 2006
SOMERVILLE -- The winner of the thrilling John Chiselko Category II
race Monday at the Tour of Somerville happens to work as a bike
messenger in Philadelphia.
But that doesn't mean Jon Clifton-Moore finds it easier to deliver the
goods when he competes in cycling.
In fact, he would argue his profession works against his passion.
"You're on your bike so much, you don't get to recover," said Moore,
who won his first Tour of Somerville event in 43 minutes, 12 seconds,
"so you kind of have to plan your work and hope you're off the week
prior (to an event) so you can recover and get ready to race."
Clifton-Moore was ready for the Tour of Somerville, but you never would
have known it from watching the final minutes of the 20-mile race.
The final five laps featured five different leaders -- and he wasn't
one of them.
Finally, in a burst of late speed in the final straightaway,
Clifton-Moore put a little space between himself and the dense pack of
cyclists in one of closest finishes of the day. He crossed the finish
line just ahead of Kevin Molloy (New York City) and Jake Hollenbach
(Burlington, Vt.).
Adding satisfaction to the day, Clifton-Moore was a soloist in a race
featuring several teams. He also finished third in the same race last
year, just behind the second-place Molloy.
When it was over, he called it the best win of his career.
"Being kind of a flat specialist, I just let them run the game," said
Clifton-Moore, 39. "There are only a few guys who really, really want
to win the race, and you kind of know them after so many years. You
just watch them, and they have players who run with them.
"If I run my game, which is sit in, I just jump once and -- most likely
-- with the size and the one jump, I'm good to go. It's a guessing
game. ... I hope I get mine just like everybody else. Whoever wins,
that's the great racer for the day."
Originally, it was Hollenbach who jumped first in the last lap, sitting
back before passing about 30 cyclists and grabbing a quick lead.
"I was a little bit excited, seeing the finish line with all the great
fans," said Hollenbach, who rides for CCB/Volkswagen. "I jumped and
then he (Clifton-Moore) came by me on my left faster than I could
match."
Clifton-Moore, who won $2,000 for the victory, said he sympathizes with
any cyclists who push the pace too soon. He's had his own battles with
restraint, considering he's only winning this late in his cycling
career.
"That's one thing, that as I get older, is making me a better racer,"
he said. "Each year I get a little bit more patient and not so anxious
and not so hyped up.
"Patience is the key. The only time you don't need patience is the last
30 meters. The last 30 meters it's all or nothing. Either you're going
for it or you're not. You come out too soon and see what happens.
Luckily today I had the most patience and the best execution to get the
job done. Most times it doesn't work."
Speaking of work, Clifton-Moore realizes most people think he would be
great at his occupation based on the talents he shows in his hobby.
But when asked if he was the best bike messenger in the world, he had a
surprising answer.
"No, I'm the worst," he said. "Because I'm really focusing on bike
skills and not getting the job done. I lose my mind and I want to enjoy
the ride. But you have to go to one stop and the next stop and it's
work. I'd rather be on my BMX bike and enjoy the day."
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