MURRAY, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College cycling team helped itself to an early lead in its quest for a Midwest Conference Championship with a first-place effort in the season opener at Murray State University. The Blue Raiders competed in both road and criterium races.

The Blue Raiders had a pair of racers finish in the top 10 of the men's "A" road race as Clayton Omer took fifth place and Kip Spaude finished seventh. Filip Capala in 12th place, Danny Estevez in 14th and Chris Bogedin and Stefon Swecker finishing 16th and 19th, respectively followed closely behind the lead pack.

Ashley James was edged from the women's title, taking second place in the women's "A" road race. Brooke Crum finished eighth, while Kelsey Markham beat six riders in 13th place.

Lindsey Wilson dominated the top 10 of the men's "B" race, with Michael Palevo taking second, Bryan Underwood and Scott Hoffner finishing seventh and eighth, respectively and Matt Dooley rounding out the group in 10th place. Allie Dragoo finished sixth in the women's combined "B and C" road race.

The Blue Raiders were strong in the men's "A" criterium race as well, placing five cyclists in the top 10. Leading the way with podium spots were Alder Martz in second place and Danny Estevez taking third.

Crum impressed in the women's "A" crit with a third-place finish, while James took sixth and Markham finished 14th.

Underwood took top honors in the men's "B" crit race with Dooley following in fifth place.

Click here for a story about the event on Velonews.com, The Journal of Competitive Cycling.