April 19, 1998, Lost Creek
Johnstown Classic
(Second of two races in the Lost Creek Stage Race)
[Results]

The Lost Creek Stage Race was completed Sunday, April 19, with the Johnstown Classic. The weather brought a steady rain in balmy temperatures and a smaller field of riders then Saturday's first stage. The race was shortened to two 17 mile loops down from an initially scheduled three lap, 51 mile race.

Josh Smith drying off after a win at the Johnstown Classic

It did not take long for the riders to spread out a bit in the less than ideal conditions. After just over an hour and a half of racing, Josh Smith came across the line for a solo first place finish. The battle for second was a duel between brothers Nathan and Tomas Samples with a close sprint to the line. In the end, Nathan edged Tomas by a wheel to take second place for the day.

By virtue of the fact that Nathan and Tomas Samples were the only Cat 1-4 riders to compete in both events of the Lost Creek Stage Race, they were rewarded with first and second place money, respectively, for their weekend's efforts. However, we must give Tim Willis credit for a nice showing with a 4th place finish in Sunday's race after an impressive 1st place overall finish at the Valley Falls Challenge mountain bike race the day before.

In the Cat 5 and Citizen race, David Hyde, Chuck Bartley and Randal McClung finished one, two, three, respectively. Since their finishing order was the same as Saturday's first stage, they took home similar medals for the overall Lost Creek Stage Race.