Spectators agreed that Sunday afternoon’s kids race marked one of the highlights of the Natchez Bicycle Classic 2000.

With helmets strapped tight and knuckles gripping the handlebars, the competitors in the kid’s races were intent upon one thing – crossing the finish line – and all offered advice for the would-be bicycle racer.

The races began with the youngest of the young going first, sub-divided into girls and boys. Being true Southerners, the women went first.

The three smallest competitors, Wesley Callaway, Margaret Carey and Cena Mullins pushed hard to make it the 50 feet or so they had to pedal out their distance. In the end Callaway came out on top

Prior to the race Callaway had assured her backers, &uot;My Daddy’s going to help me win.&uot;

Carey, a close second, assured her public that she had &uot;practiced-ed.&uot;

As the small-fry boy’s division began their heat, Josh Callaway gave it all he had so as not to be outdone by his sister, and came in first. &uot;Well, I’ve been running beside the bikes to get this ready,&uot; he said of his abilities.

Andrew Moroney, 5, had the secret to coming in second in the 4-6 year old division. &uot;I’ve been working out and chopping down trees with my Dad – and I run about 1 or 2 miles everyday,&uot; he said.

Thomas Carey’s &uot;I won the whole race,&uot; summed up this 4-year-old’s thoughts. &uot;I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich,&uot; he said. &uot;And tomatoes and cucumbers.&uot;

As the ages of the winners went up, though, the price of winning seemed to as well. After coming in first place in the 7-9 year olds, Chas Moroney admits that &uot;Giving it everything I’ve got&uot; took him over the top.

In the end, 12 year old Rory Wagoner of Vidalia, La., won the 10-12 year olds. &uot;Don’t stop pedaling!&uot; was his advice.

Karen Brent, a self-proclaimed trendsetter from Kirby, and friend Kate Koske sat in the shade and watched the excitement.

&uot;The dids’ race was excellent, I just wish that there were more kids involved,&uot; Brent said.