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Ohio Valley Cyclo-cross Series #5
Milford, Ohio, November 24, 2002
Arrowhead Farm in Milford, Ohio was host to the 5th race in the Ohio Valley Cyclocross Series. With 1 race remaining in the series (December 7, QCW/Wright Bros. CX, Loveland, Ohio) this string of races is attracting quite a following.
An 1820's farmhouse was the backdrop for this challenging, fast, short course. Lap times ranged from 4.5 (Juniors) to 2.5 minutes (A's). The B's race represented the largest field of the day and the action began from the gun with Scott Stanford, Cycle Sport, taking the early lead. The field strung out behind on the long, slightly uphill "field" section while Scott maintained his lead. Eventually John Vankat (Miami University Cycling) and Charlie Miller (Bio Wheels) bridged up to Stanford who paid the toll for his early effort as Vankat and Miller left him behind. Miller, local mountain and cross expert, usually races with the A's but had to get to an appointment shortly after the B race. He graciously worked with Vankat until the final stretch, when he let him go ahead for the win. Who knows what would have happened if there was a sprint! Maybe it is time for Vankat to try the A's?
The C race saw Michael Lowry, Boston Cross racer in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, easily take the victory. He later related that "back East" he is a solid C, but here in the Midwest he probably should have raced the B's. I guess we have a ways to go here in Ohio!
Sheila Senft, Morris Trucking, emerged victorious over Sally Harmon, Miami University, to take the top spot and a handmade coffee mug provided to the winner of each category by the Milford Pottery, which is located on the grounds of the farm.
Wesley Parker, Ambrose Dobrozsi, and Chris Hiller waged war in the Junior race and finished in that order. Ambrose also gave the promoter some tips on music selection for the PA system.
The A race got underway at noon with a small, but talented field. Junior National Champion Mike House (GoMart), Al Senft (Montgomery Cyclery), Mitch Graham (Bio Wheels) and pre-race favorite Phil Noble (Airborne) had all been studying the course. A short, steep hill after a fast downhill presented the riders with a choice - ride or run. The decision was made for you if you hit the bottom more than 3 back in the field. With that in the minds of these upper-category athletes, the pace at the start was furious with Noble going to the front. Not to be left behind, Senft (Montgomery) and Graham (Bio Wheels) followed close behind leaving the field in their wake to scramble for position. The spectators lining the short course were treated to a complete demonstration of cross skills as Noble smoothly negotiated each barrier, corner, hill and field to take the victory. Graham was second followed by Senft, John Minturn (CES Schellers), and Chad Irey (Bio Wheels). What happened to the young and talented Mike House you ask? He was seen spectating courseside, and when asked what happened he reported a "crash" and said, "I don't like sucking."
Photography
Images by John Gatch
- Phil Noble A Grade winner
- John Vankat was the victor in B Grade
- The A Grade podium - Mitch Graham (Bio Wheels), Phil Noble (Airborne) & Al Senft (Montgomery Cycles)
- Mitch Graham chasing Phil Noble
- And the crowd goes wild
- Mike House before the start. The Junior National champ DNFed after a crash.
- John Reidel (Indepent Fabrication) leads B Grade
- Al Senft on the way to third place
Results
A Men 1 Phil Noble (Airborne) 2 Mitch Graham (Bio Wheels) 3 Al Senft (Montgomery Cycles) 4 John Minturn (CES Schillars) 5 Chad Irey (Bio Wheels) 6 Jerry Witham 7 Kurt Buddendeck (KHS) DNF Mike House (Go Mart) DNF Andrew Frey B Men 1 John Vankat (Miami University) 2 Charlie Miller (Bio Wheels) 3 Scott Stanford (Cycle Sport) 4 Bob Combs (Bio Wheels) 5 Luke Stifler (Team Louisville) 6 Joe Bellante (Bio Wheels) 7 Tom Minturn (Miami University) 8 Chip Ellison (Wright Bros) 9 TR Hill (Team Louisville) 10 Harry Wicks (Bio Wheels) 11 John Reidel (Indepent Fabrication) 12 Garry Blair (Team Bicycle Stop) 13 Doug Hamilton 14 Doug Dobrozsi (Wright Bros) 15 Roger Bowersock (Airborne) 16 John Adams (Resers) 17 Ryan Lindsay (Wright Bros) 18 Scott Lyle (Wright Bros) 19 Mike Otting (Wright Bros) 20 David Nissen (Wright Bros) 21 Donal Pugh (Resers) 22 Benjamin Showman (Wright Bros) 23 Richard Arnoldy (Miami Valley) DNF Jim Roegge (Team Dayton) DNF Scott Spees (Airborne) C Men 1 Michael Lowry (Boston Cross) 2 Colin Hurley (Nature Outfitters) 3 Alan Mullins (Bluegrass Cycling Club) 4 Larry Parker 5 Roger Davis Junior 1 Wesley Parker 2 Ambrose Dobrozsi 3 Chris Hiller Women 1 Sheila Senft (Morris Trucking) 2 Sally Harmon (Miami University)
