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Michigan Cyclocross Series Final

Lower Huron Metro Park Belleville, Michigan, Sunday December 7, 2003

Card finally wins State title, series' winners awarded

By Jer Walker

On the coldest day of the 2003 Michigan Cyclocross Series, new State Champions were crowned. Although the temperature was just below freezing, the recent round of warm and wet weather took its toll. The course saw major revisions on the eve of the event due to the wet conditions, but long time Tailwind course designers were able to put the promoter at ease with what they out together. The course ended up featuring a little bit of everything, a paved start and finish, small sections of technical turns, long sections of false soggy power, two run ups, two track, and even a sand pit. With something for everyone, it would favor the well rounded 'crosser.

Elite Women

When the Elite women took to the course, the temperature was still cold enough to allow the ground to remain firm. This would lead to a fast race that was action packed. Series leader Anne Schwartz (Flying Rhinos Cycling Club) saw her first challenge in the form of 17 year old Rebecca Much (XXX Racing-Athletico). The two managed to stay together for the first lap, but after that, it was all Much. With the overall title wrapped up, Schwartz didn't have to worry about letting points slip away as Much stomped her way to victory with a 24 second lead. Schwartz would be crowned Michigan State Champion however since Much came from Illinois. With the overall title and the State Championship, Schwartz capped off a successful season and will look to defend in 2004.

Elite Men

Illness struck Michigan's defending champion Jeff Weinert (Tailwind.net/Cane Creek). Jeff had come down with pneumonia and was forced to sit out. The Men began the battle for supremacy at 1:15 PM. By now, the sun had come out and the temperature rose just enough to make what was once a fast track a bit tricky as the top coat glazed over and would continue to get muddier as the hour went on. Mike Wissink (Wheels In Motion) won the start and Jon Card (Tailwind.net/Cane Creek) quickly jumped on his wheel and was followed by teammate Jer Walker.

The pack stayed together until they reached the first section of grass and technical turns. Card accelerated taking Walker with him and the two quickly gapped the field. Walker sat on Card's wheel until about three-quarters of the way through the lap when Card accelerated again. Walker lost contact, but made efforts to bridge. Just as he was about to regain, he bobbled while remounting and Card turned the race into a personal time trial. Walker would never see Card again as all efforts to rejoin were futile.

Meanwhile, a vicious chase group of three had formed behind containing Wissink, Rob Foshag (Revolution), and Nate Griffith (Ford/Giant Bikes). The group looked to be making ground on Walker setting up an interesting battle for second. At around the 30 minute mark, Walker was able to extend his lead over the chasers by cleanly riding a tough technical pitch that the others had to run. With a lap to go, Walker looked to have second place wrapped up when disaster struck. Coming off a bumpy high speed grass section, his chain jumped off the big ring and wedged itself between the crank arm and chainring.

Too far from the pit, Walker was forced off the bike to deal with the problem, which turned out to be bigger than he realized. The chase group caught and passed Walker and by the time he was able to get going again, it was too late to mount any chase. Coming into the final straight, the trio was still together. The sprint was on with Foshag jumping first. Griffith answered and came around to take the line and second place (first U23 finisher). Foshag was third and Wissink was fourth. Walker held on after taking a change to take fifth place. With the win, Card was the new State Champion, ending Weinert's three year run. The win also sealed the overall title capping a terrific season for the Tailwind/Cane Creek team.

Results

Elite Men 
 
1 Jon Card (Tailwind.Net/Canecrk)        57.42
2 Nathan Griffith (Ford/Giant Bikes)      2.04
3 Robert Foshag (Revolution/Giant)        2.07
4 Michael Wissink (Wheels In Motion)      2.09
5 Jer Walker (Tailwind.Net/Canecrk)       4.29
6 Anthony Bruley (Suburban/Wolverine)     5.26
7 Eric Jellum (Youthcycling.Com)          5.50
8 Tim Difalco                            12.56
9 Steven Geerligs (Essex Brass)          14.19
 
Elite Women
 
1 Rebecca Much (XXX Racing-Athletico)    41.43
2 Anne Schwartz (Frcc)                    0.24
3 Anne Grofvert (Riverfront Cycling)      4.04
4 Renee Schroeder (Maple Leaf Riders)     6.45
5 Liz Gentner (Wolverine Sports Clb)     15.57

Local results 2003

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