Christine Tejada Leppanen (Chicago, IL) racing in the women’s single speed category. © SnowyMountain Photography
by Kelly Clarke
(Chicago, IL) – The third stop of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup (CCC) series, Dan Ryan Woods hosted by Beverly Bike*VeePak, had participants raving about new course features: expanded single track sections, a stair run up and more capitalizing on the park’s natural features to create a fast and technical course. Lou Kuhn, owner of series sponsor The Pony Shop, appreciated that the race had “more single track than most courses.” The race kept several features from previous years, including three half barriers that allowed many to show off their bunny hopping skills.
Sven Baumann (Wolverine Sports Club) came over from Michigan to give David Reyes (Heritage Race Club) a run for his money in the Men’s Elite race. It was a close race, but the out of towner, Baumann, was able to gain a lead in the end. Michael Dutczak (South Chicago Wheelmen) was almost able to bridge back up to the leaders, and in doing so secured the final podium spot.
Sven Baumann (Lake Orion, MI) bunny hops a barrier in front of the crape tent on his way to victory in the Men’s 1/2/3 race.
After the race, Baumann boasted on twitter as @CxSven: ‘Nice to take another win today at the @chicrosscup. Plus it means I was the fastest srammie here! @sramracing #cx1’. Both he and Reyes raced on SRAM’s new Force CX1 groupset.
Road season must finally be over, because the Schneider sisters from team TIBCO/To the Top lined up for the Elite Women’s race. Kelli Richter (PSIMET Racing) did not let the top step go easy. The top six finished less than a minute apart. Samantha Schneider (TIBCO/To the Top) crossed the line first and looked back to see Richter grab second place, with Skylar Schneider (TIBCO/To the Top) right behind her.
Michael Dutczak (Crete, IL) leads David Reyes (Chicago, IL) up the stairs in the battle for second place (Reyes finished 2nd, Dutczak 3rd)
Beverly Bike*VeePak stepped up to make a great weekend this year with course improvements and a few fun races the day before on Saturday, including a trail run and a long jump contest with the half barriers.
The CCC moves on to Carpenter Park in Carpentersville, IL next weekend.
For more information: chicrosscup.com
