Florida Gravel Grinder series #1 – Cary Forest – Bryceville, Fl

Perfect weather for the start of the ’23 series in North Florida as a cold front and overnight rains provided the racers with a packed course and cool temps to race in. SORBA Jax did an outstanding job once again with the course layout, marking and marshaling and Champion Cycling provided the prizes for the awardees, many thanks to both! There were two race days and two loops for the opening round with a Time Trial on Saturday that featured a super fast 7.25 mile circuit and Sunday the riders got to experience the full 17.5 mile loop with the infamous “sand” section of course included.

Saturday’s TT was won by Jeff Binford in the men’s overall and Nicole Blessing took the women’s top honors. Sunday the Sprint racers faced two laps and the marathon classes were scheduled for four laps.

Owen Shott walked away the top male marathon winner and the Fields Auto Group $50 fast lap, while Amy Talbot claimed the women’s marathon top spot on the podium. Next Sunday’s FLE race in Lake Mary is a make up race for the FGG series and round two will be 2-12-23 at Palm Bay.