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Richmond Ciclismo Cyclocross Series #2
Bryan Park, Richmond, VA, January 19, 2003
By Stratton Delany
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A thick blanket of snow covered Richmond's Bryan Park cyclocross course, turning race #2 of the Richmond Ciclismo Cyclocross Series into a magnet for those racers who truly understand the spirit of cross. The challenging course, plus the winter conditions, combined with a strong field added up to a worthy end to the region's cross season.
The Men's A field contained riders like young cross phenom Greg Witwer, seasoned mountain bike racers Joe Fritch, and mid-Atlantic road legend Jon Wirsing. The surprise of the day came when pro road racer Jon Hamblen rolled up. Everyone knew that this would be a race worth watching.
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The first lap saw the pack stay together, but Hamblen was definitely in charge. Soon a mechanical took Wirsing out of contention, and the only rider who could stay close was Witwer. He kept Hamblen in his sights until he suffered a droped chain on lap three, and had to watch as the pro rolled away. After that the Cannondale/Wheelworks rider gave a clinic on proper cyclocross technique. Witwer held on for a strong second place, while Joe Fritch took third (on a mountain bike). Expect more epic efforts next year.
In the Junior race, Gonzalo Escobar once again showed that he is a rider to watch in the future. The Men's B race was won by Richmond Ciclismo rider Steve Selby with teammate JH Revere close behind. Dave Olds held off Dave Weifling for his second Masters win of the series, while Pam Zimmerman once again took the top spot in the women's race. Cary Quarles also repeated his victory in the Men's C race.
Photos
Images by Stratton Delany
- John Hamblin (Cannondale/Wheelworks) on his way to victory in the Men's A race
- Junior winner Gonzalo Escobar (Squadra Coppi) flies over the barriers
- Pam Zimmerman (JRVS) has the Women's race in the bag
- Joe Fritch (Trek) successfully bunnyhops the log barrier
- Second in the Men's A race, Greg Witwer (Extreme Sports), knows how to make the most of a cold day
- Masters 40+ winner Dave Olds (JRVS) shows that life gets better after 40
- Men's B winner Steve Selby (Richmond Ciclismo) takes a win for the organising club
Results
Men's A 1 John Hamblin (Cannondale/Wheelworks) 2 Greg Witwer (Extreme Sports) 3 Joe Fritch (Trek) 4 Rob Dinterman (VA Beach Velo) 5 Todd Helmick Men's B 1 Steve Selby (Richmond Ciclismo) 2 JH Revere (Richmond Ciclismo) 3 Matthew Shields Masters 40+ 1 Dave Olds (JRVS) 2 Dave Weifling (Richmond Ciclismo) 3 Phil Dawson Women 1 Pam Zimmerman (JRVS) 2 Susan Revere (Richmond Ciclismo) 3 Kristin Andrs Juniors 1 Gonzalo Escobar (Squadra Coppi) 2 Chris Dobroth 3 James Bosch (Squadra Coppi) Men's C 1 Cary Quarles (Cobblestone Bicycles) 2 Wes Gruver (Cobblestone Bicycles) 3 Jonathan Weaver
