Among the most consistent main makers in the UCI series, today was the day for Nic Long to summit mount podium. Like the ascent to any summit, skill, timing and a dash of fate all played a role. In the main, the crowd was at full roar, as Khalen Young and Joey Bradford challenged Nic for the lead (Nic’s grip is visible to the far right of frame on the lower photo). KY led the race through the first turn, and into the “Widowmaker” second turn. That’s where the “fate-playing-a-role” part comes in. Khalen went down hard in turn two, with Danny C out of the mix in the process. Nic skillfully negotiated the carnage, and lead Donny Robinson and Cristian Becerine on a white-lightning-style chase to the finish line. Congrats to Nic on his first win of the UCI series, and big props to him for going back to turn two after the race to see how Khalen was doing (shaken, definitely, but seemingly ok). A great example to the youngins on how being a pro is much more than going fast!

More to come from DeSoto after the Monday flight home. Meanwhile, check out the photos from the full weekend on our “sets” page.