By Rachel Galvin

Alfred Baureley

Local cyclist Alfred Baurley knows the importance of hard work. This 17-year-old high schooler from North Broward Prep moved from a novice Category 5 cyclist to a Category 3 status within eight weeks, allowing him to qualify for the USA Cycling Elite, U23 and Juniors Road National Championship, which was held June 22-26 in Augusta, GA.

Although this transformation seemed incredible, the seeds of the determination something like this would take were already set, evidenced by his cycling from Key West to Deerfield in one day last fall (Observer, Sept. 9, 2010). But still, the speed with which he so drastically improved was amazing due to the fact that it usually takes cyclists 2-3 years to make that sort of jump.

Baurely, a member of the Cool Beans Racing Team of Ft. Lauderdale, said, “My team has motivated me to become a better cyclist.”

“Alfred has exceeded all expectations in terms of progressing through the categories as a Junior cyclist,” said David Guttenplan, of Boca Raton, who has been coaching the teen since March. “This is unprecedented and speaks volumes about his potential as a cyclist. It is now a matter of keeping going forward to let his potential shine through.”

Baurley, also affiliated with the professional cycling promoter Z-Motion, has competed throughout Florida. He had a win in a 36-mile race in Homestead followed by other top finishes. Alfred currently ranks at the top of the chart within the Junior category in overall standing in the Bill Bone Pro Am Series.’ With his determination and skill, he has made a name for himself in our state in cycling. So nationals seemed a worthy challenge.

His hard work paid off and at the end of June, he went to Georgia to try his hardest in the national competition.  There, he competed successfully in the 30k individual time trial and earned a strong finish in the hard-fought 50k Downtown Augusta Criterium Race. Then, it was on to the real test, a 2 ½ hour 96k road race on hilly terrain. Held at Fort Gordon, a military reservation originally activated for infantry and armor training during World War II, the competition was steep.

The terrain and climate proved perhaps the most
worthy of opponents. Many dropped out, unable to handle the searing heat. Other cyclists crashed. In the end, out of 147 riders, only 85 crossed the finish line. For Baurley, it was the bicycle itself that gave him trouble. His front wheel hub broke loose in a 45 mph downhill chase. According to his mother, Carina Baurley, an on-site mechanic said the odds of that wheel staying attached were basically non-existent.

“I almost fainted when Alfred lifted the handle bar and fork right off the wheel, after the race,” she said, adding, “We gratefully accept that miracle over the national title!”

Baurley, undeterred, is already planning for the next race.