Osan maintainer participates in cycling camp, race

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  A senior weapons system coordinator with the 51st Maintenance Operations Squadron participated in the U.S. Military Cycling Team Camp and 2012 Race for Humanity in Lutz, Fla. Feb. 6 - 12, 2012.

Staff Sgt. Bradley Williams finished 37th out of 81 competitors in the 51-mile road race held Feb. 11, 2012, and finished 1st place for the category 4 race held the following day.

"Coming from a triathlon background I have a lot to learn in the cycling world, so being surrounded by some of the top cyclists in the country gave me the opportunity to learn a lot," Williams said.

The U.S. Military Cycling Team, which primarily serves active duty members from all branches, also hosts reserve, guard and retired service members. During the week-long camp, participants received briefings that covered a variety of subjects including nutrition, race tactics, sponsor introductions and product orientation.

Throughout the five-day camp and two-day race Williams cycled approximately 450 miles.

Training for Williams' 2012 competition schedule began in early December 2011 with a rigid 12 - 15 hour a week workout routine. He rides with the Osan cycling group three to four times a week, and he also trains with a local trainer.

"After only brief interaction with Staff Sgt. Williams, I knew right away his positive attitude and dedication would be a great addition to the U.S. Military Cycling program," said Master Sgt. Andrew Chocha, Air Force Global Strike Command B-2 Armament Systems manager.

Williams is currently creating a competition schedule for 2012. Throughout his endurance career Williams has competed in more than 70 marathons, triathlons and IRONMAN competitions combined.

Williams competed in roughly 20 competitions just in the last year including the 2011 Ford IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, which he hopes to compete in again for 2012 as an official military representative, he said.

"The hard part about planning a race schedule is that the mission always comes first," Williams said. "We know, the mission changes day to day and week to week, so being flexible is key."

Williams' goal now is to support his Korean team and finish in a top spot during the 2012 Tour de Korea, an 800-mile endurance cycling competition throughout the Republic of Korea in April.

The U.S. Military Cycling Team is a non-profit privately funded organization not affiliated with the Department of Defense. The purpose of the team is to identify and prepare service members for national and international cycling competitions.