Broznowski Rides Like a Pro in Masters Race

Days filled with cycling and job hunting are over for Tom Broznowski.

This week he will re-enter the work force after spending five years racing for Schwinn on the professional cycling circuit. Broznowski, of San Diego, retired from the pro circuit at the end of last year and recently was hired by Landis and Gyr Powers in Mira Mesa as a mechanical engineer.

“I’ve had a very flexible schedule,” Broznowski said. “It’s going to be a challenge to work full time and also train.”

Fortunately for Broznowski, his starting date wasn’t a week earlier. Competing against some of the world’s top amateur cyclists in the Masters World Cup men’s 30-32 criterium Saturday, Broznowski not only won the race but clearly dominated the field.

On the 10th lap of the 60-lap (31 miles) race, Broznowski broke away from the field and after four laps had increased to a 15-second lead over the competition.

Broznowski maintained his lead for 20 laps before being caught by Phil Buhl and defending national champion Evan Teske. Paul Pearson of Allentown, Pa. then joined the threesome.

With 30 laps remaining, the field caught the group and Broznowski dropped back. It didn’t appear likely Broznowski could regain his lead.

“I had to recover, since I made such a big effort by going off by myself,” Broznowski said. “It was a bike handlers’ course, and my years of cycling paid off. I’m really comfortable with sharp turns and leaning into the turns. It was a good course for me.”

Broznowski and Pearson soon lapped the field, and on the final sprint Broznowski won. The race for third place was less decisive, with a close sprint by Mark Thomas of Laguna Beach, who took third, Tony Vincente and Teske.

“I was concerned about him because I’ve raced him and knew he’d be strong,” Broznowski said. “The sprint went my way. With one lap to go, I pulled to the side and made him come around me. He had to lead and I could then watch him. It was a short sprint.”

Before his professional career, Broznowski was a member of the 1980 and 1984 Olympic road race teams. In July, Broznowski won the road race and the points race at the Masters Nationals, which was his first competition since regaining his amateur status.

Juliana Nowlan of La Mesa collected her fourth World Cup jersey by winning the 21-mile race in the 25-34 division. Alicia DeCampos of San Diego and Debbie Durand of Chula Vista, a teammate of Nowlan, placed third and fourth.