BikeReg Super Series: Kuliecza and Thomas Reign at Rainy and Muddy Tacchino Cyclocross

by Scott Thompson

The rolling hills of Middleburg, VA, which are better known for horse jumping, were host to a different kind of racing on Sunday. The Tacchino Cyclocross, event number five in the BikeReg Super Series, was held at its new venue at the Salamander Resort & Spa.

The race drew local World Tour road pro, Joe Dombroski of Cannondale Drapac, as well as other Virginia pros Julie Kuliecza (Hagens/Berman Supermint) and Justin Mauch (24-Hours Herbalife). The pros were joined by several local Juniors shining in the Elite races, highlighting the positive growth of Mid-Atlantic cyclocross.

The weather forecast called for heavy rain all day with dropping temperatures. Race director Scott Thompson of host club Squadra Coppi said his team designed the course in the warm dry weather Saturday with an eye to features that would be very different once wet. And the course did not disappoint.

The rain came in earnest for the Elite Women’s race at noon, making conditions slick. Road pro Julie Kuliecza was the obvious favorite, but a strong field of local challengers would not make it easy. Notably, local junior Katherine Sarkisov (Rock Creek Velo), only 14 years old but with national results, kept Kuliecza honest, taking second place just 8 seconds back. Local Elite Women Britt Mason (Bike Lane) and Simona Vincenciova (Bikenetic) rounded out the podium.

Julie Koliecza en route to winning the Women’s Elite race. photo: Dominion Cycling Photography

In the Elite Men’s race held in driving rain and gusty winds, Dombroski quickly demonstrated he was not there for a casual ride, driving off the front after half a lap, with series leader Mattison Brady (District Velocity Racing p/b Bicycle Pro Shop) and Joe Thomas (District Hardware Cycling Collective) leading the pursuit. But a seemingly innocuous lap two slide-out left Dombroski standing still, trying to fix twisted handlebars and shifters. Thomas, Brady, and Ryan Knight (C3-Twenty20) took advantage of the opportunity while Dombroski was in the pit.

Things were kept interesting as a group of local juniors rode their way into the race. Ultimately, 20-year old Thomas, who focuses on mountain bike racing, was able to establish and hold an almost one minute gap on Brady. Close on their heels, local junior Gentry Jefferson (Structural Elements/Miller School of Albemarle) put in a big final lap effort to close the gap to third, but Ryan Knight held off the hard closing Jefferson, while 14-year old Andrew Nelson (NCVC) held off a charging Justin Mauch to round out the top 5.

In other races during the day, the Mid-Atlantic’s national talent shined with current national champion Fred Wittwer (SEAVS/Haymarket) winning the Masters 60+, David Howell (Prince William Elite) winning the Masters 50+, Jared Nieters (SEAVS/Haymarket) winning the Masters 40+ and Paula Smith (River City Women’s Racing) winning the Women’s Masters 45+ races.

A rainy and muddy Tacchino Cyclocross bicycle race held on the grounds of Salamander Resort in Middleburg Virginia. Master Men’s field starts their race and heads up the main drive at the resort. photo: Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Tacchino Cyclocross is promoted by local racing teams Squadra Coppi and VeloWorks Spokes Etc. It was sponsored by Old Bust Head Brewery, District Taco, FreshBikes and Well Oiled Wine. The race also collected donations for the local food bank, Seven Loaves.

The next race in the BikeReg Super Series is National Capital Velo Club’s Sander CX on November 5th.

Women's Results - 2017 Tacchino Cyclocross

Men's Results - 2017 Tacchino Cyclocross