Pre-race talk had my expectations high for what to expect when cyclists hit Natchez streets Sunday.

Even with expectations as high as what Silver Street must have looked like on the sixth and final lap, I was still amazed, awestruck, impressed and definitely entertained.

The 2000 United States Cycling Federation Elite Men’s National Championship was one of the most well-run, efficient and entertaining sports events this city has seen in a long time.

Many of the cyclists participated in the U.S. Olympic Trials in Jackson Saturday, just to get ready for Sunday’s race.

&uot;I pulled out after about 80 miles,&uot; said winner Steve Cate. &uot;I knew I didn’t have 120 miles (distance of Natchez race) left in me. I pulled out before it got too hard.&uot;

Cate did not go over the course before the race.

&uot;I’ve been racing long enough on the circuit that I&160;really don’t need to go over the course,&uot; he said. &uot;I go by the odometer.&uot;

Spectators knew the course well enough to crowd along Silver Street and the finish line.

And even with temperatures hovering near 90 and heavy humidity there were few better places to be Sunday afternoon than downtown Natchez.

When the cyclists arrived in town after 90 miles around Kingston, the sight was breathtaking as a parade of multi-colored riders headed for Natchez Under-the-Hill.

Cyclists took the first trek up the steep slope pretty good, but the sixth climb was separating the men from the boys.

The amazing part was the fact that the pack stayed pretty much together through almost every climb.

The race started with 165 cyclists and 79 actually finished.

Some were pulled because the race was for all purposes over. Only one cyclist had to be treated, and that was mainly for cramps.

But exhaustion was evident in others.

Herring Gas team rider Kenny Bellau of New Orleans, who is always considered a favorite for the Natchez Bicycle Classic, was unable to finish but stayed with the pack throughout most of the race. Bellau said before the race he wasn’t in the best shape, but was counting on experience and being familiar with the course.

&uot;It was tough,&uot;&160;Bellau said. &uot;For not having ridden a lot, I surprised myself.&uot;

Bellau said he learned a lesson from this race.

&uot;I can’t eat ice cream, watch CNN while sitting on the sofa and be competitive,&uot; he said.

Herring Gas team member Chris Alexander of New Orleans was 56th in the race.

&uot;I felt like I had a good time (4:27:11),&uot; Alexander said. &uot;I got to finish with the lead group. We have the (Louisiana) state championship race next week, so I think this got us ready for that.&uot;

Cate, who will certainly get some feelers from pro teams, is content to stay with Mercy Cycling and finish up his education at Oklahoma City Community College.

&uot;Being a pro doesn’t mean a lot, it’s just a license to me,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m happy where I am. There’s very little stress. But in this sport you have to be motivated. Winning this race really motivates me.&uot;

It certainly had to motivate cycling fans around the Miss-Lou as well.

But don’t worry, the Natchez Bicycle Classic is only a month away.

Joey Martin is sports editor of The Democrat. He can be reached by calling 446-5172 ext. 232 or at joey.martin@natchezdemocrat.com.

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