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North Carolina Cyclocross Series #1
Winston Salem, NC, October 24, 2004
Storm Begins, will the East ever recover?
By Line Dempsey/www.fastcoaching.com
Got Carbon?
I think there might be a good reason why Thompson is one of the sponsors for the North Carolina Cyclocross Series and Winter cup... their equipment just doesn't break. Today, not one, not two, but three (and I think there was a fourth) sheared or stripped their carbon seat posts in an event that turned out over 130 competitors for the start of the 2004 North Carolina Cyclocross Series.
Overcast skies, but comfortable weather greeted riders from around the state, with events covering Masters, Juniors, Women's A & B, and Men's A, B, and C. The highlight of the day came in the last heat, with the Men's A challenge. During this race, two racers broke seat posts, one electing to finish the ride, san post, while the other abandoned. Things got to an early start as John Degele (Cycling Spoken Here) took off on the attack, opening a commanding lead on last year's series winner, Charlie Storm (Back To Dirt). Despite flu-like symptoms, Charlie only waited a short time before reeling in Degele and formally saluted the field goodbye. Storm, who won two NORBA Marathon mountain bike events this year, as well as the silver medal, once again proved prowess on the NC Circuit easily winning.
The story of note was the charge by Jason Morgan (ABRC) and the calamities that befell Andy Applegate (Easton/Kona). Morgan, who was absent from cross racing last year, came out to prove his worth, and maintained a good standing throughout the race, only to be caught by the ever-present Applegate. Applegate, who is the current runner-up for the National Master's Title, broke several spokes on the opening lap. Surging from dead last, he was able to pick off each individual rider, finishing only behind Storm and Degele. Derek Powers of Doughnut Boy Racing finished out the top five.
In the Women's A race, a virtual sweep was perpetuated by the Easton / Kona women, who took the top four spots. Mandy Lozano won the race, followed by teammates, Cara McCauley, Danielle Staskal, and Lauren Trull. Anne Bolyeu (Diet Cheerwine) finished the top five. Absent from the race today was last year's series winner, Candice Blickem (Genesis Scuba) who is recovering from a cold. Look for an interview with the pro racer in the coming weeks on www.fastcoaching.com.
In the Master's events, Edward Dickenson took the win with Rob Moran (Back to Dirt) finishing second and Marcus Jones (Sandhills Cycling) rounding out the podium. Carolina Master's Racers took the top three spots of the Masters 45 plus field, with Randy Shields and Kerry Shields taking the top two spots, and Andy Ammon finishing third.
In the Men's B race, Lloyd Jones (ABRC) moved one race closer to moving up to the A ranks, with a COMMANDING win over a field of 26 racers. Lloyd, a resident of Asheville, has been training a bunch this summer on a single-speed and it has paid off with an excellent showing today. Brain Segal (Virginia Tech) and Charles Von Isenburg (Mock Orange Bikes) took the remaining podium spots.
Cathy Beck (GVC) won the Women's B race. Beck, who finished the 2004 Winter Series with 4 straight victories may be looking to move up in the future. Janet Truby (ABRC) who had a busy road season, finished in second place, with Hope Ann Sayder (Paul's Racing) placing third.
Thirty-five racers started the Men's C race, with 5 DeFeet Racers finishing in the top 10. Madison Siegrist (Hearts) took the win, with Donovan Carroll (Boone) and Brad Smythe (DeFeet) finishing closely behind. Smythe was coming off of a 4th place finish yesterday in Johnson City where his teammate Dwight Wyatt had taken the win. Chris Young, Sean Kurdys, Dwight Wyatt, and Mark Scholtz (all of DeFeet) finished 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, respectively.
Finally, in junior news, Alex Ryan and Andrew Harrison, both of Just Fresh / ClifBar took the top two spots, while Cody Hawkins finished with the bronze medal.
Look for a double packed weekend of racing as the series continues in Salisbury at a new venue on Saturday, and then Cary for the Halloween Sunday race. Hope to see you all there!
