Blankenship pulled away from Jason Kingsbury of Omaha and Jeremy Reimer of McCook Lake, S.D., after joining them in the lead just seven miles into the 72-mile race. The trio worked together to gain a seven-minute advantage over the field along the course that circled Branched Oak Lake recreation area.

Kingsbury, by virtue of being the highest-placed Nebraska finisher, won the Category III division of the United States Cycling Federation event. Lincoln's Joe McWilliams, a teammate of Kingsbury's on Team Kaos, won the field sprint to earn the Pro I-II state champion honors.

Team Kaos riders Theresa Blume of Bellevue and Matt Farnham of Elkhorn also won state titles in the Women's I-II-III division and Juniors 13-15 categories, respectively.

Racing continues today in Lincoln with the Capital City Criterium at Haymarket Park. The feature event, the 75-minute Pro I-II race, begins at 2:45p.m.

Bicycle Racing Results

At Branched Oak Lake

Raymond, Neb.

Pro I-II

1, Jay Blankenship, Wichita, Kan., RCRC.

2, Joe McWilliams, Lincoln, Team Kaos.

3, Marco Vasquez, Omaha, Team Kaos.

Cat. III

1, Jeremy Reimer, McCook Lake, S.D., Lincoln Plating/Specialized.

2, Jason Kingsbury, Omaha, Team Kaos.

3, Jon Nelson, Sioux City, Iowa, Lincoln Plating/Specialized.