Brett Clare Powers Break Away to Victory: “Love ya Dad!”

Murietta, CA.  Brett Clare works hard, trains hard, and plays hard.  But when it comes to cancer survivors, he's understandably got a soft spot.

“I’m dedicating this win to my Dad,” Brett beamed, moments after winning the Tour of Murietta Criterium. “I know it sounds cliché but I wish my Dad could’ve been here to see it.”

Brett races for Breakaway from Cancer, the masters bicycling team co-sponsored by the Pacific Meso Center, a non-profit dedicated to converting fatal asbestos-caused lung cancer into a chronic and survivable diseases.  Breakaway from Cancer is an initiative of the biotech giant Amgen, Inc., which applauds PMC's clinical interest in immunotherapy. Three members of the BFC team have lost their Dads to asbestos cancer.

Brett’s Dad, Gene Otto Clare, a former US Marine and journeyman ironworker , passed away from asbestos lung cancer in 1995. “Dad died almost 17 years ago to the day,” said Brett, who speaks of his Dad as if he was still very much alive. “He took care of himself. He was an Eagle Scout. He played football. Enjoyed sports of all kinds. If it wasn't for working around asbestos for 30 years, he’d be alive today.”

This is Brett’s first year on the BfC team. “When the team offered me a spot,” said Brett, “I jumped on it. I’ve seen what cancer can do to even the strongest among us. I’ve always wanted to be part of the solution to this cruel disease.  Racing bikes has been fun, but I’ve never had an emotional connection to a sponsor like I have for Breakaway from Cancer and the Pacific Meso Center. I believe in what they do and it helps motivate me to go a little bit harder.”

Going hard is Brett’s trademark.  In the criterium, after his teammate and former Olympian Thurlow Rogers shattered the 100 man field after setting a blistering pace, Brett attacked with two other adversaries. The threesome stayed away despite a relentless chase by the field.

“Some days you just know you’ve got that little something special,” said Brett. “My legs felt strong, my lungs were relaxed, and I had this sort of zen tranquility as I approached the final turn at warp speed.  I felt lucky. Lucky to have the chance to race for cancer survivors… and my Dad...and win."

Luck, skill, dedication and teamwork all came together for Breakaway from Cancer, as the team dominated the three day stage race. Thurlow Rogers won the overall, while Brett took second, and teammate Steve Strickler scratched and clawed himself to  fourth place.  Well done Gents!

Roger Worthington

3/12/2012