Russell Stevenson (Voler Custom CX), left, leads Steve Fisher (Raleigh – HIFI) in the men’s elite race. © Robert Grunau
by Robert Grunau
SEATTLE, Wa. – Jessica Cutler (Bikesport NW/Jamis) returned from several weeks of racing to the Pacific Northwest to take a dominant win in the fourth race of the MFG Cyclocross series held at Seattle’s Magnuson Park.
Cutler took the holeshot, before attacking and getting away on the first lap. Current series leader Andi Zolton (JL Velo Ambassadors) gave her all during a difficult solo chase. Despite a crash, Zolton managed to hold on for second place with some space between her and third place rider Sarah Barkley (Wattie Ink).
Jessica Cutler (Bikesport NW/Jamis) celebrates her victory at MFG Cyclocross. © Robert Grunau
The men’s race saw a large selection form on the first lap, with a group of twelve lead by Russell Stevenson (Voler Custom CX) in his Master’s World Champion colors and Steve Fisher (Raleigh – HIFI) and containing a geared Craig Etheridge (Raleigh – Clement).
In the waning laps the group of twelve was whittled down to four who managed to get a small gap on a draft heavy course that featured several long straightaways, requiring cagey road tactics. Fisher and Stevenson were the best at keeping themselves off the front and leaving a little dry powder for a sprint finish, and the duo were rewarded with fresh legs for a three up sprint featuring Fisher, Stevenson and Kona’s Spencer Paxon. Fisher came out on top.
The penultimate race of the MFG Series moves to the sight of September’s Starcrossed, Redmond’s Marymoor Park on October 27 for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance / Starbucks GP.
