2010 Wisconsin State 'Cross Champs

Kevin Berger

It seems like just yesterday that the Wisco 'Cross season started at the new western town themed venue near Eagle, but now, here we are with it all behind us once again. There were no big surprises during Sunday's Wisconsin State Cyclocross Championships in Hales Corners, presented by Rainbow Jersey Bicycles. The top names brought their race legs and the fans brought their party makers to make for an excellent day of racing. You can review the full results over on the USAC site, so this will just be a quick recap of the top two races.

Sam Schneider

On the womens side, it was once again Sam Schneider (Tibco) setting the course ablaze with a solid performance leading the rest to the finish line and becoming the 2010 State Cyclocross Champion.  Holly Klug (Pony Shop), from Illinois, was hot on her heels right after the start looking like she was ready to give it a go, but unfortunately she suffered a mechanical just past the pits on the second lap, and was forced to run about a mile and a half to get her backup machine. Despite this hardship, she pressed on and finished eighth. Second and third on the day were also from out of state, namely a couple of the handful of riders that drove up from Iowa City - Kim Eppen and Brittany Mcconnell. It was good to see some showing from the Hawkeye State, and we will certainly be returning the favor next week during the annual pilgrimage to Jingle Cross! Rounding out the top five was Abby Strigel, riding today for Team Pegasus, and the ever present force of Alyssa Severn (Magnus).

Pro 1/2 starting field

Before the Men's Pro 1/2 championship began, fans were talking among themselves  speculating on who might be the champion today. It was known that Brian Matter and Marko LaLonde were both out of state, handing some whoop-ass to the boys over in North Carolina, so who would be the top bet for today's race? Would it be Steve Scholzen? Tim Pacholski? David Staab? Where's Tristan? Is he here? I think that's his wife and kid over there, isn't it?  Is that his bike?  After sitting in for a lap, we finally see him at the front for the first time, going over the barriers in the lead on lap two. Once at the front, there was no looking back and he put in a strong surge and gained big time over the rest of the riders with speeds that were visibly faster than everyone else up the gradual climb on the back side of the course . Alderfer Bergen's Isaac Neff did close down the gap to about 30 seconds at the finish, but this year, it is Tristan Schouten (CyclocrossRacing.Com) who is your 2010 Wisconsin State Cyclocross Champion! Congratulations on two in a row!

Tristan Schouten leads Isaac Neff and David Staab

Tristan Schouten, 2010 WI State Cyclocross Champion
 

Next up in the schedule is Iowa City's Jingle Cross, an awesome race that should be circled on every rider's calendar, followed by the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships at Montrose Harbor in Chicago, on December 5th. See you there!