Tacchino Ciclocross: Schempf Beats Bahnson, Shogren Dominates, Others Win Beer and Sausage

by Jim McNeely

Leesburg, VA: Weston Schempf and Betsy Shogren turned in strong performances to win the Men’s and Women’s 1-2-3 classes at the Squadra Coppi Tacchino Ciclocross (i.e.: “Turkey Cyclocross”) on Sunday at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, Virginia.

The course was radically redesigned due to park construction projects, turning it from the non-technical “roadie course” of past years into a much faster course where high speeds and sharp turns into difficult power climbs posed a relentless challenge. Numerous riders underestimated the difficulty of the easy-looking turns, earning a generous coating of dirt as a punishment.

In the Women’s 1-2-3 race, Betsy Shogren (SOBE/Canondale) got off to a good start and never looked back. After giving up the first lap prime to Vanderkitten’s Patty Buerkle, Shogren took over the lead with Libby Sheldon (Tokyo Joe’s) in hot pursuit. Shogren looked smooth and comfortable as she cruised in 13 seconds ahead of Sheldon. Lauri Webber (Secret Henry’s Team) finished third, nearly a minute behind Shogren. Patty Buerkle finished fourth, and mountain biking stalwart Terry Spanogle (NCVC/Inova Health Systems) completed the podium. Shogren’s ride home to West Virginia was probably very pleasant, as her husband, Gunnar Shogren, took home the laurels in the Men’s 35+/45+ Cat 1-2-3 race, dominating it from start to finish.

The Men’s 1-2-3 race was a duel between an established MABRA powerhouse, Weston Schempf (C3-Sollay), and the young gun, 15 year-old Jeff Bahnson (Secret Henry’s Team / Van Dessel). The pair rode away from the pack early in the race and stayed together for the better part of an hour. At times it appear that Schempf was getting well away from Bahnson through the more technical sections, but Bahnson repeatedly reeled in Schempf. The rubber band did not snap until late in the race. Schempf took the win, Bahnson took second, and Stephen Cummings (Indiana Regional Medical Center) took third, narrowly edging out Sean Gallegher. Dave Weaver (Alan North American) rounded out the podium. As current Men’s 15-16 National Champion, Bahnson, was fighting for the win, reigning Men’s 55+ National Champion Fred Witwer was racing for ninth overall and first place in 55+ 1/2/3.

Over 200 racers competed in support classes at the event, perpetuating rivalries that are growing increasingly intense as the season goes, and enjoying the post-race scene. The weather was unexpectedly mild and sunny, permitting spectators to enjoy free barbecue, a DJ, and a lot of hotly contested races. Prizes for all classes were underwritten by Resource Dynamics Corporation, Conte’s Bikes of Arlington, FastSigns of Alexandria, Glaceau VitaminWater and SmartWater, BikeReg.com, Cyclocross Magazine, Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel, Sette Bello Restaurant, Faccia Luna Restaurant, Java Shack of Arlington, Hammer Nutrition, and Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville, VA. Squadra Coppi also provided Belgian beer primes for race leaders, and mid-pack sausage primes that spurred an exceptional amount of mid-race competition.

Full Results: