Saling Runs Away in Cycle Points Race

The waiting following the race Wednesday night was more nerve-racking for Joe Saling than the race itself.

Just as the cyclists in the men’s 50-plus points race of the Masters World Cup were taking their cool-down lap, the lights at the Velodrome went out, leaving the judges who were counting points searching for flashlights, and ultimately delaying the announcement of the winner.

While he waited, Saling, of Bridgewater, N.J., computed his total and figured he should have enough for victory. In the 21-lap race, five points are awarded to the top rider, three to the second and one point to the third on every third lap. The points are doubled on the final lap.

Saling, with 30 points, defeated Dick Hulett of Los Angeles and Hector Monsalve of North Hollywood, who had 17 each. Hulett was awarded second place because he finished the final lap ahead of Monsalve.

This was Saling’s second World Cup victory; he won the 50-plus criterium Tuesday. Until this year when criterium and track was added, the road race in Austria was the only World Cup event.

Saling wasn’t sure he was going to compete Wednesday. He also had planned to race in today’s 50-plus pursuit at 9 a.m., and because he was tired from the criterium, he didn’t decide to race until hours before the event.

“I was between a rock and a hard place. I was very tired from (Tuesday), but wanted to race,” Saling said. “I’m glad I did. Now, maybe I’ll sleep in and not do the pursuit.”

Saling was here in July and took home three Masters National titles. Although this field includes foreign teams, Saling said the competition isn’t as strong as he expected.

“I think the nationals were more competitive,” Saling said. “When I won the national criterium, it was a field sprint. (Tuesday) we (he and John Auer) lapped the field. Although it was harder to ride, it was easier to win.”

Cycling continues through Saturday with track finals at the Velodrome Friday night and criterium finals in the parking lot at the west end of Fashion Valley Mall Saturday.