What A Way To Get Started

Joseph Schmalz of Team X Cycling probably didn't figure his toughest competitor Friday would be some barrier tape and a plastic stake.

But that's exactly what the Lawrence, Kan., resident was wrestling with just moments into the Junior Men 17-18 race. Schmalz veered off course, which wrapped the tape and stake around his bike.

He immediately dismounted, but removing the tape and stake from between his frame and wheels was not an easy task. A minute later, he was back on his bike, but already hundreds of meters behind the field.