By Al Potter
Busch Winter Combin-o-Cross Series
DATE: November 5, 1997
The following news flashed across the wires.
In a move that surprised the racing community, Yawn Uhlrich's team Telecom/Flyers chose to enter him at the 11th hour in the inaugural Busch Winter Combin-o-Cross Series. Yawn quickly demonstrated his amazing abilities by staging a convincing win at the season opener held in the remote Methow valley of Northern Washington. Yawn took an early lead during the first run-up in front of an enthusiastic crowd of locals. Many bounded back and forth and twitched their tails as Yawn pulled away from the local favorite "Bubba".
Yawn was expected to use the series as relaxation after a grueling Tour De France and to get in some base fitness for the 98 road campaign. No one expected Yawn to establish dominance in this new sport so quickly. Indeed the first time Yawn had shouldered a combine was the morning of the race, when he was able to locate a loaner after his brand new custom pink and gold Team Telecom/Flyers 'bine was stolen on the way to the race.
"Barney was supposed to ride it to the race for me and he never made it, so we think he stole it because he is still so jealous",Yawn said before the race.
"It was a real light one that I could easily shoulder - now I have to race on a heavier one. But they tell me the heavier ones hold up better on the rougher courses, so who knows? We will have to wait and see."
Yawn continued to gain time on the field until he was severely delayed late in the race when officials assessed a "poaching" penalty for accidentally mowing down several spectators.
"It was a steep, twisting descent and I came around a corner too wide. I shouted but they just stood there staring. I caught them with the header and it caused me to crash. I ended up delaying the whole field, it was so embarrassing. I now know what it feels like. It is not so funny when it happens to you",Yawn lamented after the race. Still, Yawn managed to hold off a late charging field for the win.
Many will question the team's wisdom because of concerns that Yawn will gain too much weight due to the unavoidable development of upper body musculature needed for Combin-o-Cross. But Yawn is unconcerned,
"Greg Lemond cross country skied in the winter and it is almost the same thing. He went on to win another Tour, so I am confident also."
 Yawn tries out his loaner 'bine |
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