New Zealander wins pro bike race, which circled the American Airlines Center

by PegNews wire

TX Tough Grand Prix II (Sept. 17)

They say it's like NASCAR on two wheels. Photos by Elliott Munoz

(Click photo to see entire gallery)

Heath Blackgrove, from New Zealand, takes first place.

DALLAS — The stormy weather didn't keep Texas' only pro bike race from taking off. Almost 130 bikers raced around Victory Park in the TX Tough Grand Prix II on Sept. 17.

Called "NASCAR on two wheels," the nation's top cyclists reached speeds up to 50 miles per hour. (If you've ever biked anywhere, 50 mph is really fast.) Spectators enjoyed private watching events at Victory Tavern, The Boardroom, and the W Hotel. The event raises money exclusively for Children’s Medical Center.

The sport’s top riders were in attendance, such as: former Tour de France champion Floyd Landis; current US PRO National Criterium Champion John Murphy; and the top three leaders in the 2009 US CRIT Championship Series, including Mark Hekman, Jake Keough, and Tom Soladay.

But the winning cyclist wasn't on that roster; the cyclist who took home the trophy was Heath Blackgrove, of New Zealand.

Source: TX Tough Grand Prix