Dyess holds first ever Le Tour De Dyess

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The rising temperatures of the early morning didn't stop these motivated cyclists who competed in a 26 mile bike race known as Le Tour De Dyess.

The purpose of this event is to explore new routes here on Dyess and develop camaraderie and cohesion as a unit through cycling. 

More than 50 cyclists challenged themselves during the 26 mile course that started at the fitness center and weaved throughout the base. First and second place riders in each age group earned silver and gold medals.

The prizes were broken-up into four different age groups: males 15-30 and 31 and above, females 15-30 and 31 and above.

"I feel very accomplished that so many participated in this event," said Senior Airman Lillian Shaw, 7th Force Support Squadron, fitness specialist.

The first place overall-all winner was Maj. Graham Little, 7th Maintenance Operations Squadron, who completed the race in an hour and 6 minutes.

"I just love riding," said Little. "I have been a bicyclist for years now and ride around 100 miles per week."

Graham is currently training for the Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa , Hotter'N Hell and Conquer the Coast.

He will be competing in these upcoming events with the Air Force cycle team.

Names with an asterisk (*) indicate individuals who completed the race in first or second place for their age group. Below are the competitors:

*Senior Airman Nicholas Earhard (First place male 15-30)
*Staff Sgt. Christopher Shaw (Second place male 15-30)
*Maj. Graham Little (First place male 31 and over)
*Master Sgt. Brent Mathews (Second place male 31 and over)
*Senior Airman Sarah Garasz (First place female 15-30)
*Julie Dickerson (First place female 30 and over)
*Tania Sweeney (Second place female 30 and over)
Staff Sgt. Chris Ingram
Capt. Mike Heddinger
Tech Sgt. Lee Deaver
Lonnie Hinojosa
Staff Sgt. Victor Alcasas
Staff Sgt. Carl Newman
Capt. Perez Rigoberto
Amn. Zack Traversie
Capt. Lucas Brommer
Amn. Jae Choi
Chris Scott
Master Sgt. Marco Santos
Col. Todd McCready
Ron Cost
Senior Master Sgt. Lance Turner
Brandon Rogers
Joe Cychosz
Manuel Cortez
Lt. Col. Rick Ecket
Terry O'connell
Gary Pearce
Shane Williford
Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hackelton
Capt. Katie Damron
Melissa Austin
Deb Brooks
Chris Dawson
Maria Antocci