Chicago Cyclocross Cup #5 Report
By Imelda March
A sunny but extremely windy day greeted the riders in the Village of Bartlett, a northwest suburb of the City of Chicago. This is the second year that this race is held in this suburb. The race course was peppered with multiple twists, fast pavement, mud and four barriers. The single barrier greeted the riders moments after the gun. A 3-barrier combination was strategically placed within yards of the finish line coupled with a twisty section with an up hill combination that led the riders to a sharp left into the straight away leading into the finish line.
Elite Men
Scott McLaughlin (Sram Factory Team) added a second victory to his arsenal of successes in this year’s campaign. Not far behind in hot pursuit, the chasers exchange positions deep into the race. As laps wind down the mud settled with Wayne Simon (Verdigris Custom Homes) in second, Kevin Klug (Killjjoy) in third, Luca Lenzi (Pony Shop) in fourth and Christando Lombardo (Verdigris Custom Homes) rounding out the podium.
Elite Women
The nine women field started the race and missing were several powerhouses that decided to stay on “terra firma” rather than get blown away by the strong winds. Holly Klug (Killjoy) takes the hole shot and leads into the first barrier followed closely by June Upshaw (Verdigris Custom Homes) and the others. Immediately after the remount Klug (Killjoy) attempted to spin uphill going nowhere. She was victim of a bottom bracket mechanical. She was left behind with plenty of gas left in her tank. Upshaw (Verdigris Custom Homes) takes the lead and battles the high force winds to take the solo win. The podium was rounded out by Leah Sanda (Flatlandia) in second, Jessica Hill (Trails End Cycling) in third, Debbie Pielet (Albertos) in fourth and Beth Christiansen (XXX Racing AthletiCo) top off the top five.
Upcoming Events
Racing continues with the Chicago Cyclocross Cup Race #6 on Sunday, November 2 in St Charles, Illinois. Further information about the series can be found by visiting www.chicrosscup.com
