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Wisconsin State Cyclocross Championships
Sun Prairie's Angell Park Speedway, November 16, 2003
Travis Brown Dominates at Wisconsin State Championships
Damp and Dreary weather did not put a damper on racers and spectators at this year's Wisconsin State Cyclocross Championships, hosted by the Brazen Dropouts Cycle Club and Cronometro Bicycles. The event was held Sunday, 11/16 for the first at Sun Prairie's Angell Park Speedway; which proved to be a terrific venue for Cyclocross. Racers found the course fun, yet challenging; especially considering the damp and slippery conditions. It included a 1/3 mile clay oval racetrack, off-camber sections, a leg burning climb, fast descents, gravel roads, open grassy fields and woods.
One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of Trek Bikes Pro Racer, Travis Brown, of Boulder, Colorado. Travis has been racing professionally since the mid 90's, was the US National Mountain Bike Champion in 1999, and recently has been tearing it up on the US Cyclocross Scene. Travis won both the Masters Men's 30+ and Men's A (Elite) events, while most of us 'mortals' only raced one category.
Travis Brown aside, there was plenty of top quality racing throughout the day in all categories. Racers from throughout the Midwest were in attendance, but only Wisconsin racers could earn Wisconsin State Champion Titles.
A new kind of racing overtakes Angell Park Speedway
By Kyle Fingerson
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Racers were greeted at Angell Park Speedway by a course of transitions - from grass, to asphalt, to gravel, to around rusted out buses. This course had everything a cyclocross racer could hope for including a trip around the speedway on every lap and a hill run-up with two barriers at the bottom. Although some racers were hoping for snow, the day was nice and foggy with a bit of moisture in the morning to make the dirt race track sticky. In other words, it was just right to set the tone for a day of furious racing and hotly contested state championships.
A Race
Once again Travis Brown (Trek) took off with the lead group of Earendel Fingerson, Tristan Schouten (PCW), Brian Matter (Hayes) and Andrew Hargarten (Hampshire). The pack stayed together until Andrew flatted and fell back in the placings after getting a wheel change. Travis surged ahead several times but each time Earnendel, Tristan and Brian would chase back. In the barrier section, Earendel hit his bike against one of the barriers which slowed him and the other chasers just slightly. That was all Travis needed to leap off the front again and take the lead all the way to the end. That left the three riders to fight it out for the final placings. On the last lap, Brian slipped back a little and Earendel and Tristan fought it out in the final sprint on the speedway. In the end Earendel had just enough to beat Tristan at the line and took the State Championship.
Women's A/B Race
Faye Hartmann (Brazen Dropout) took off fast with Rebecca Much (XXX-Athletico) and they pulled away from the other women. However, Faye skidded out when making one of the hairpin turn. By the time she remounted, Rebecca had taken off and was not to be seen for the rest of the race. Ali Dwyer, Patti Kaufmann (Hampshire) and Julie Fiocca (Higher Gear) caught Faye just as she got going again. However, Faye took off again from the group to try and make up the ground she lost to Rebecca. Ali, Patti, and Julie rode together with each taking turns at the front and the three lining the trail on the run-up. However, eventually Ali put in a big effort and dropped the other women. Unfortunately, it didn't last and Julie and Ali came into the speedway locked together with Patti not far behind. Julie took the sprint for third place. Rebecca took her second win of the season but Faye was the Wisconsin Champion and Patti the Women's 35+ Champion.
B Men's Race
Megan Monroe (Lemond), the Under 23 Women's National Champion, showed up to race as hard as possible and she choose the B Race to do it. Megan went out hard with the lead pack and proceeded to make them nervous as she matched their every move. Many of us were hoping she would win the race and become the B Men's State Champ. She didn't do that but she did finish in a strong sixth place. Alan Factory Team rider Bjorn Selander did take the win and the state championship in a tightly contested race. Derek Laab (Alan Factory Team) and Jeff Melcher (Team Pedal Moraine) rounded out second and third. A little bit farther back, Stephen Balsey (Brazen Dropouts), Andrew Gardner (Brazen Dropouts) and Dave Bell (Chainsmokers) battled it out. Dave took the early lead in that group but Stephen eventually worked his way passed. On the final lap Dave dug deep to try and keep Andrew at bay. However, Andrew picked up the pace on the speedway and snuck by Dave before the finish.
40+ Men's Race
The 40+ and 50+ titles were also on the line as well and those guys sure are fast no matter what category they are racing. Charles Townsend (Bianchi) took the win but he is from Minnesota so the 40+ state title went to Dag Selander (Alan Factory Team). (That last name is starting to sound familiar). The 50+ title went to Bob Hayssen but Tom Palmer was breathing down his neck and ensured that it was not an easy victory.
30+ Men's Race
Travis Brown (Trek) decided to use this race as his warm-up and hung with the lead group of four for most of the race before surged ahead to take the race. However, the real race was taking place between the top four racers of the season, Gene Tolli (CZ Velo), Steve Gayner (Team Wisconsin), Brian Conant (North Branch) and Marty Netzel (Gear'n Up). The whole race saw those four ride as a pack. Into the speedway, Gene Tolli made a move off the front and took the sprint by a half bike length and retained his state championship for another year. Scott Topel (Brazen Dropouts) was working hard in a group that included Mike Beatty (Chainsmokers) and some Alan Factory Riders. Scott was able to ride hard and get seventh place. While Mike surged a few laps into the race but was only able to maintain ninth place in the end. John Ericsson (Brazen Dropouts) had a strong start but an early race flat kept him out of the top positions. He was a crowd favorite, however, with his Elvis glasses and sideburns firmly in place throughout the race. Sneaking in right in front of John in eleventh place was "the other Travis", Travis Goodland (Stoton Cycles).
C Men's Race
In the C Men's Race there were a number of possible contenders all with past wins and dreams of championship jerseys. However, it came down to a battle between Madison residents Jerry Long and Andrew Angeli (UW-Madison). However, although Jerry worked to stay with Andrew as long as possible today was Andrew's day and he chalked up the win. Bill Night (Team Pedal Moraine) came in third to round out the podium.
C Women's Race
In the C Women's Race it was a three-way duel from the beginning. Brittany Nigh (Team Pedal Moraine) went hard from the start and took the early lead. Renee Callaway (Mad FORCs) worked to limit the damage while Kari Myli never let off the pressure. By the end of lap one Brittany had a slight advantage over the chasers and the gap continued to grow until she had about 15 seconds on Renee. However, slowly Renee started to chase Brittany down and with two and a half laps to go Renee surged on the hill run-up and passed Brittany at the top. Then Renee dug deep and gave it everything she had as she headed back into the speedway for what she thought would be one lap to go. However, it was actually two laps to go. Renee put her head down and put all the power into the pedals that she had left. Slowly she opened up a bigger gap as Brittany and Kari eyed each other dueled for second and third. Brittany used her experience through the barriers to stay in front of Kari but Kari surged forward on the open sections. At the finish Renee crossed the line with a margin of 35 seconds. Kari tried to surge around Brittany for second place but in a show of strength Brittany held on to take second.
Junior Race
A bigger than normal field was on hand to contest the Junior Race. Marci Weiss (Team Mack) handily won the Junior Girl's State Championship and it was well deserved as her skills have been honed through a season of determined effort. On the Boy's side, Alan Factory Team racer, Bjorn Selander, took a commanding lead with his teammate Derek Laab with Bjorn taking the win and title. Scott Hempel (CZ Velo) finished off a strong season in third place and took the silver medal in the state championship. Jordan Myers took the fourth place spot with a strong effort especially considering his height in relationship to the barriers.
Wrap-up
Thanks to John and all the Brazen Dropouts who made this such a fabulous race. All the hard work paid off as the racers and spectators all had a great venue for the racing action. Thanks also go out to all the sponsors who make this possible. Congratulations to all the racers who turned out throughout the season and made the racing happen. See you next year.
Photography
Images by Renee Callaway
- The chase group on the steep incline.
- Eventual second place getter and Wisconsin state champ Earendel Fingerson leads the chase.
- Earendel Fingerson takes a nice line through a corner.
- Fingerson runs the barriers.
- The first chase group.
- The chase group enters the gravel section.
- Paul Ellis (Bianchi/Grand Performance) rounds the corner.
- You can feel the sense of urgency as the riders sprint up the hill.
- Travis Brown (Trek) deftly negotiates his way around the trees.
- A small gap was all Travis Brown (Trek) needed to take the lead all the way to the end.
- Travis Brown (Trek) stamps his authority on the pedals.
- With both arms raised, Travis Brown (Trek) crosses the line triumphant.
Results
Men A 1 Travis Brown (Trek) 2 Earendel Fingerson (State Champion) 3 Tristan Schouten (PCW) (Silver medal) 4 Brian Matter (Racine/Hayes) (Bronze medal) 5 Paul Ellis (Bianchi/Grand Performance) 6 James Holmes (Mercy/Cannondale) 7 Zach Fiocca (Higher Gear) 8 Craig Buechel (Hampshire) 9 Finn Ryan (Brazen Dropouts) 10 Andrew Hargarten (Hampshire) 11 Harry Anderson (Ski Hut) 12 Dirk Rettig (Trek) 13 Chris Strout (2CC/Pony Shop) 14 Rami Aburomien 15 Ben Lund (Endeavour) 16 Michael Grinney (Brazen Dropouts) 17 Bob Kozick (Great Dane Velo Club) 18 Lowell Kellogg (Nova IS Corp) Men B 1 Bjorn Selander (Alan Factory Team) (State Champion) 2 Derek Laab (Alan Factory Team) 3 Jeff Melcher (Pedal Moraine) (Silver medal) 4 Mark Harms (Brazen Dropouts) (Bronze medal) 5 Jason Holt (Birchwood/GIS) 6 Megan Monroe (LeMond Cycling) 7 Matt Miller (UW-Whitewater) 8 Ian Dewar (Trek Travel) 9 Robert Springer (Racine/Hayes Brakes) 10 Mark Harris (Northbrook) 11 Adrian Redd (XXX Athletico) 12 Erich Gross (Mid State Velo) 13 Chris Setter (CZ Velo) 14 Stephen Balsey (Brazen Dropouts) 15 Erik Olson 16 Andrew Gardner (Brazen Dropouts) 17 David Bell (Chain Smokers) 18 Mike Ruby Men C 1 Andrew Angeli (UW-Madison) (State Champion) 2 Jerry Long (Silver Medal) 3 Bill Nigh (Pedal Moraine) (Bronze Medal) 4 Heath Fossen 5 Matt Lohrentz 6 Jack Hirt 7 Uwe Kronholm 8 Ryan Larson 9 Peter Tampa (XXX Athletico) 10 Andry Mertlik (Chain Smokers) 11 William Huntsberger (Dice) 12 William O'Connell 13 Rich Arndt 14 Scott Janssen 15 Don Freitag 16 Phil Curran 17 Jason Svaldi 18 Joe Grentens 19 Eric Waldron (Endeavour) 20 Bruce Grell (Dice) 21 Joel Santodomingo 22 Joe Doyle (XXX Athletico) 23 Steven Fulton 24 Daniel Powell 25 Matthew Block 26 Stephan Wadle (Dice) 27 Robert Davies 30+ 1 Travis Brown (Trek) 2 Gene Tolli (CZ Velo) (State Champion) 3 Steve Gayner (Team Wisconsin) (Silver medal) 4 Brian Conant (North Branch) 5 Marty Netzel (Gearin' Up) (Bronze medal) 6 Jason McDonald (Alan Factory Team) 7 Scott Topel (Brazen Dropouts) 8 Paul Schoening (Alan Factory Team) 9 Michael Beatty (Chainsmokers) 10 Bruce Breitrick (Trail Head Bike) 11 Travis Goodlund (Stoton Cycle) 12 John Ericsson (Brazen Dropouts) 13 Eaon Langenegger (Gearlink) 14 Paul Thoreson (Alan Factory Team) 15 Ken Haines (Cannondale Midwest) 16 Paul Roltgen (Brazen Dropouts) 17 Lowell Kellogg (Nova IS Corp) 40+ 1 Charles Townsend (Bianchi/Grand Performance) 2 Jeff Sympson (Kegels) 3 John Handlogten 4 Dag Selander (Factory Team) (40+ State Champion) 5 Brian Smith (Precision Plus) (Silver medal) 6 Dan Guilfoil 7 Franco Panveno (Alberto's Sport) 8 Keith Gilkey (Atkins) (Bronze medal) 9 Dave McCollum 10 Geoff Fenelon 11 Bob Hayssen (50+ State Champion) 12 Tom Palmer 13 Tom Maiono 14 Mitch Hyra (Hampshire) 15 Ken Jones (Pedros) 16 Tim Fortner (XXX Athletico) 17 Michael Mellig (GDI) A-B Women 1 Rebecca Much (XXX-Athletico) 2 Faye Hartmann (Brazen Dropouts) (A/B State Champion 3 Juli Fiocca (Higher Gear) 4 Alison Dwyer (Silver medal 5 Patti Kaufmann (Hampshire WI) (35+ State Champion) C Women 1 Renee Callaway (Mad Forc) (State Champion) 2 Brittany Nigh (Team Pedal Moraine) (Silver medal) 3 Kari Myli (WI) Juniors 1 Bjorn Selander (Alan Factory Team) (Boys State Champion) 2 Derek Laab (Alan Factory Team) 3 Scott Hempel (CZ Velo) (Boys Silver medal) 4 Marcie Weiss (Team Mack) (Girls State Champion) 5 Jordan Myers
