While the region's top dogs were eating dust down in Kentucky, those that hung around here got a good taste of some Wisconsin mud during today's cyclocross race held in Milwaukee's Kletsch Park. Temps hung in the low to mid 60's and a light rain fell on and off throughout the morning bringing up just enough mud to enhance your 'crossing experience. Turnout was average, one would guess, for a rainy Saturday, and while you could hear the horns and cowbells all around the course, the top of 'the climb' was probably the choice spectating spot. This was especially true if you were from the host Team Pegasus, because you got to cheer for your riders, decked out in pink trim, twice every lap.
Wearing the pink of Team Pegasus was a sure fire way to bring out the best of the spectators as Pegasus rider Katy Steudel found out as she appeared to be the crowd favorite lap after lap. She was even seen blowing kisses to her loyal fans! You may recall that Steudel was the winner of last year's Halloween costume contest over on Peloton-Pix. Perhaps she is working on another winning costume this year? Time will tell.
The top of the climb was also a prime spot for watching some phenominal suffering as well as here we see the men's Cat. 3 winner Scott Vogelmann power up the hill for his second victory of the season.
In the Masters 45+, once again it was Greg Ferguson putting the hurt on the rest of the crew as he powered on to his third victory in a row in this division. He was pushed today, however, by Mark McGeen of Team Mack who had been on the podium the last three races but is still looking for that elusive win.
The largest field of the day was the men's Cat. 4 which topped out at 39 starters. First across the line was Tim Racette who comes from a land down under (Illinois) but rides for Team Wisconsin / MC2. Successfully staying away from a long line of chasers, this was Racette's first 'cross win of the season, added to his numerous podiums on the MTB circuit this year.
The women's Pro 1/2 race was once again won by Abby Strigel, today decked out today in her Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival jersey. Leading from start to finish, today's win was her 3rd 'cross victory this season and 12th win for the year so far.
As mentioned earlier, most of the regional heavy hitters were racing in Kentucky today, but nobody said we couldn't have a great race without them. The men's Pro 1/2 race started off, as usual, with a BANG! Today coming from Planet Bike's James LaLonde who lit the afterburners early, probably planning on putting this one in his pocket right away, then cruising to an easy victory. Madison's David Staab had other plans in mind though, as he reeled in LaLonde over the course of several laps, and turned this a real drag race. The pair traded pulls and it really looked like it could be any one's race as both looked strong going up the big climb.
With three laps to go, however, LaLonde put in a dig that Staab couldn't answer, and he rode away for about a 45 second win on the line.
RESULTS
The Wisconsin Cyclocross series continues tomorrow at the Cam-Rock trails near Cambridge. Peloton Star will resume cyclocross coverage next Saturday at Washington Park for the annual Halloween Cross put on by Team Trocadero. See you there!
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Once again the Washington Park Cyclocross, presented by Team Trocadero, did not disappoint! No, there weren't any flaming barriers this year (rats), but the racing was hot and the costumes even hotter. In addition to two sets of regular barriers, two small 'coffins' are set up as a small obstacle (these used to be set on fire). They are quite hop-able if you've practiced that in training, if not, watch out!
In the Pro Men's race, Brain Matter went pull for pull, or probably more accurately - attack for attack with Marco LaLonde the entire event. From time to time it looked like either might have been riding away from the other, but it really came down to a 100 meter sprint from the last corner to the finish line with LaLonde besting Matter by just a wheel. Sort of a mountain bike specialist vs cross/mtb/roadie. Also back on home soil was Kenda Pro Cycling's Chad Hartley, fresh back from Korea and the Tour of the DMZ.
