El Dorado Park has been a venue for Tuesday night racing {training} for over 30 years {founded in part by Pete Whitehead, Mark’s father}.  Bikeable Communities has recently taken on the task of promoting the yearly series [March through August and occasionally into September] and dedicated the last event for 2012 to the memory of Mark Whitehead.

The night was feverish with excitement at the prospect of racing in memory of Whitehead and winning jacked out straight up cash.

Mark Whitehead passed away in July 2011 at the age of 50. In the early years at El Dorado Mark was one of the notorious stars of the peloton and he lived to put the hurt to anyone and everyone. He was the consummate competitor.

Mark competed in the Men’s points race at the 1984 Summer Olympics and won ten National championship titles. [Wikipedia]

Mark Whitehead: February 14, 1961 – July 6, 2011

RIP: AnImAux oRiGiNaRio!