Unlike the sunny East Coast and Colorado, Seattle (and the Pacific Northwest in general) hosted the remnants of a typhoon this weekend. The storm didn’t deliver the predicted winds, but it did bring plenty of rain creating classic cyclocross conditions at Seattle’s Magnuson Park. The mostly flat course featured several sections that were beset by thick mud, slowing most riders on the traditionally fast course at the fourth stop of the 2016 MFG Series.
A great shot of the Elite Men at the front of the pack at Magnuson Park. © Geoffrey Crofoot
The Women’s race was animated by Monument Wheel Works Tricia Fleischer, Gina Estep (Group Health), and NWCX Project’s Shannon Mallory. The trio quickly distanced themselves from the rest of the women’s field with Estep and Fleischer trading leads.
Who says running in the slippery mud can’t be fun? © Geoffrey Crofoot
Mallory would lose the pace at times, but always managed to catch back on. The tactical race was decided with two laps to go as the women came down the small off-camber descent. Estep got caught up in tape and had to put her foot down. Fleischer took advantage of the small gap and put the hammer down escaping her competitors, crossing the line first with thirty seconds in hand.
Recycled Cycles Rory Jack would finish the day in third. © Geoffrey Crofoot
In the Men’s race, several riders tried to fill the void left by a missing U.S. Open of Cyclocross-racing Steven Ettinger and Fernando Riveros. Recycled Cycle’s Rory Jack and Kona’s Spenser Paxson were the early instigators. Steve Fisher (McGovern Cycles – FSA CX) bided his time, before moving to the front and blowing the race apart with the hope of getting past the mechanicals that held him back at the Katie Blincoe Prestige. Fisher dominated, acing the course’s muddy sections and gaining time on the long gravel climb along the back of the course. Paxson fought hard to keep Fisher close, finishing a mere three seconds down on the charging Fisher. Rory Jack would hang on to finish third.
The Junior and Women’s Beginner races received “The Treatment” this week, with the winners taking home pink MFG bags filled with race swag. Lara Rogers took top honors in the Women’s Beginner category. Walker Busken took the Junior Boys 2001/2002 category, Trey Trefry won Jr. Boys 2003/2004, and Joe Spranger was tops in the Jr Boys 2005/2007 category. In the Junior Girls category Juliann Vander Haegen won the 2001/2002; Callah M Robinson took the 2003/2004; Ryan Connolly the 2005/2006 and Tomas McIntosh won the Junior 2008/2009 category.
In two weeks, MFG Cyclocross will return to LeMay Museum where riders will battle with two run steep run ups and technical descents. Last year’s race was battered by high winds, rain and mud. We can hope for some good ‘cross conditions again this year.
photo credit: Geoffrey Crofoot (www.crofootphoto.com)
