No one could catch Adam Myerson (Team SmartStop/Mountain Khakis) last night. Myerson sprinted to victory in the Men’s race. © Russ Campbell
by Cindy Brennan
The Holy Week of Cyclocross is New England has arrived! Last night, the third annual Midnight Ride of Cyclocross ushered in the the biggest week of racing in United States. Sponsors Thompson Wealth Management, ENGVT and Keep It Tight worked with race promoter Gary David to organize a stellar evening of racing under the lights in Lancaster, MA. The course was lightning fast, but featured plenty of twists and turns through challenging terrain, making this race a fittingly exciting kick-off for Holy Week.
Before the races began, Helen Wyman (Kona Factory Racing) held a two-day cyclocross clinic, inviting racers to learn from the amazing 7-time British National Cyclocross Champion and European Cyclocross Champion. Wyman loves visiting New England for several weeks every year, and always makes sure to time her visit so as not to miss Holy Week. You’ll find her taking on New England’s best at the Gran Prix of Gloucester this weekend and in Providence the following weekend.
Helen Wyman (Kona Factory Racing) crosses the line to win the Women’s race. © Russ Campbell
Mo Bruno Roy (Bob’s Red Mill p/b Seven Cycles) graced MRCX with a cameo appearance in the first race of the day, riding her Seven Cycles singlespeed with style to a win in the women’s division, placing fifth overall. Local singlespeed hero Mike Rowell (Bikeway Source/Bell Lap Racing) took the men’s win.
The sun set and the lights turned on for the headlining acts of the Midnight Ride of Cyclocross! Wyman won some new fans among her competition as she joked around with amateur racers excited to be able to line up for a race with the world-class pro in the Women’s open race. It was no surprise that Wyman shone on the course, riding to a smooth victory above Kate Northcott (Beam Team Racing) and Chris Birch (JAM Fund/NCC/Vittoria).
In the Men’s race, a lead group of five set a blistering pace from the start. Adam Myerson (Team SmartStop/Mountain Khakis), Justin Lindine (Redline/NBX), Jerome Townsend (BikeReg.com/Joe’s Garage), Michael Van Den Ham (Cycle-Smart, and Peter Goguen (Race CF) tore up the course, the race culminating in a sprint to the line. Myerson took the win, with Townsend second and Lindine third.
Adam St. Germain (ENGVT) could be spotted on the course all evening long: he is the sponsor of (and participant in) the King of the Apples Triple Crown competition, challenging a brave few to triple up at MRCX. Those who earn the lowest cumulative race time among the three races take home an apple-themed trophy and a bag of apples. St. Germain claimed the prize in his own challenge, and your very tired author claimed the women’s crown.
Check out DirtWire.tv for highlights and interviews from the race!
Next up will be the Gran Prix of Gloucester, September 28 and Sunday, September 29. The Night Weasels Cometh hits Wednesday, October 2 at Ski Ward in Shrewsbury. The Providence Cyclocross Festival has expanded to three days of racing, with races all weekend starting Friday, October 4 until Sunday, Oct. 6.
