IF Racing's 19 year old phenom, Emerson Oronte finished 9th in the U23 National Road Race. He was in the breakaway for the entire 100 mile race in 100 degree heat of Bend, Oregon. Emerson was one of only 3 amateurs in the 12 man break which included a lot of Garmin and Livestrong Riders. Outnumbered and without a teammate he had to follow the attacks alone and eventually had to pull 3 of them, Guy East and Bjorn Selander (Trek-Livestrong), and last years champ Kirk Carlson(Garmin), and Bjorn Selander for the last 30 k. They then dumped their victim in the last three k to rob him of his rightfull 6th placing. Still, 9th is awesome and Emerson was so excited he zipped his jersey and crossed the finish line pumping his fist in the air.

He says he is coming back to take it all next year. He is only 19 and has 3 more chances for U23 glory. We are proud.