FAYETTEVILLE - Eric Haynes’ day started off bad and got worse.
Haynes, a member of the Boston Mountain Cyclists Racing Team, showed up with only few minutes to spare before the start of the men’s category 1 amateur division road race Friday at the Joe Martin Stage Race and found himself at the back of the pack as racers pulled out and got in line to race 105 miles in about 4 ½ hours.
Haynes, who started the day 13th overall in his division following Thursday’s time trial, drifted back in the pack to 47th after a disappointing finish Friday.
“I had some communications problems with my wife and just didn’t get out in time to get here,” Haynes said. “‘Then I started running pretty good and we were right there with the lead pack about Mount Gaylor, coming back up the mountain, and my hamstring started cramping so bad I had to get off the bike and walk for a little bit.
“I don’t usually have those problems. I don’t know. It was just one of those things.”
Haynes, who is originally from Conway, lives in Springfield, Mo., and trains with the other Ozark Mountain Cyclists as much as possible.
“It was a bad day, but there is still a lot of racing left,” Haynes said. “Last year I made up time on Saturday to fourth overall and finished third overall after the criterium, so I am still working toward that.”
Haynes and teammate Gerald Drummond of Springdale are among a handful of racers with local connections who are taking on some of the elite racers from across the country and internationally. The Ozark Mountain Cyclists, sponsored by Wal-Mart, compete in the highest amateur division, which is just a cut below the pros.
“This is one of the top races in the country, and it’s awesome for us to have it here in our backyard,” Drummond said. “We train over these roads so it gives us a little edge, but we are going up against some amazing competition.”
Drummond, 20, said he was in his first year of road racing after spending about four years racing mountain bikes.
“Road racing is little different for sure, but it seems likeI have a knack for it,” Drummond said. “You’re going to be spending a lot of time alone on your bike training and in competition and you have to be able to focus and concentrate.”
Drummond was assigned the role of “support rider” Friday in an effort to help Haynes maximize his run.
“If someone tries a breakaway, I have to go out and chase him down so Eric can keep his pace,” Drummond said. “I enjoy that role. It’s all about teamwork and making sure we get the best time for the team.”
When Haynes had to drop back, Drummond gave it his best push and moved up to 39th overall.
“I was there with the lead pack running with some great riders,” Drummond said. “This is my first time to run in the Joe Matin in this category, and I’m just going to give it my best shot.”
Sports, Pages 29 on 04/26/2014