Charlottesville, VA: The BikeReg.com MABRAcross Series took to the property surrounding the Frank IX and Sons silk factory in downtown Charlottesville Virginia today. The riders raved about the course- lots of fun but very difficult both technically and physically. The course included a sand pit as well as stairs constructed just for the race. The hot cider and fresh donuts from Carpe Donut were much appreciated in the cool morning hours, however the racing heated things up quickly.
The cat 4 men started off quickly as the BikeReg.com $100 first lap prime was up for grabs. The $100 went to Greg Faber (NCVC/Innova Health Systems) who was actually just warming up for the 3/4 race. Faber took an early lead and just walked away from the rest of the field. The other big field of the day was the Men’s 3/4 race where Alex Driscoll took the first lap prime but flatted and was unable to finish. The 3/4 men’s winner was Andrew Troy riding for the VCU collegiate team. Fred Wittwer, the 55+ national champion, crossed the line first in the combined Masters (35+/45+) 3/4 and Masters 55+ race. The first place in 35+(45+) 3/4 went to Chip Lortz from Kelley Benefits with Scott Paisley of Blue Wheel hot on his tail. Racing action continued with the Masters 1,2,3 race won by Gunnar Shogren (SOBE /Cannondale) although Randall Root (Evolution) put up a fight, finishing 2nd. Gunnar’s wife, Betsy Shogren (SOBE/Cannondale) kept the cash coming in for the Shogren family taking 1st in the women’s 1,2,3 race. The final race of the day saw Greg Wittwer (ALAN North America) ride away from the field. There was quite a battle for second with Jeff Buckles (ALAN North America) putting out a huge effort at the end to seal the deal for an ALAN 1-2.
The next stop for the BikeReg.com MABRAcross Series is the Tacchino Ciclicross in Leesburg Virginia on November 23.
