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Estabrook Cyclocross Race
Mud-Bogged Milwaukee Cyclocross As the rain poured over Southern Wisconsin it was clear that the Estabrook Cyclocross Race would be memorable for those who dared the rain and mud. It definitely felt like a real Belgian-style cyclocross day was in the works and the course did not disappoint. Estabrook has a fairly flat course with a couple of sections of asphalt bike path, open grass fields with some twists and turns and one foray into the woods. The woods sections is most memorable for its short, steep run-up followed by a quick downhill and a quick turn back up and into the grassy park area. Both of the barrier sections are on flat grassy areas with one right by the main parking lot where the adoring crowds tend to gather. The rain turned the course into a muddy quagmire that tested the skills of all present. You could just see the smiles on the faces of the diehard crossers. Rain came down throughout the C Race and turned the hill run-up into a barely walkable challenge but strong rains at times during the race helped keep the mud from clogging up the bikes. However, the rest of the day rain was intermittent at best and bikes and bodies were quickly coated with mud. Luckily the mud on the run-up became more tacky and easier to climb. However, the trails after the run-up increased in slipperiness and were often being run by racers later in the day. Women's Races On the last lap Brittany tried to charge in front of Renee on the hill run-up so she could fly down the quickly deteriorating hill and corners and open up a gap before heading out into the open field. It was no secret that Brittany would be faster on her mountain bike in that section than Renee who was still getting the feel for her cross bike. However, Renee powered up the hill and jumped on her bike so she could control the pace through the technical terrain and use the advantage of her cross bike to stay in front through the fields and last set of barriers. Headed into the barriers Renee and Brittany were side by side but Renee was back on her bike about 1 second faster and used that slim advantage to sprint for the win. This was Renee's first win of the season and she claims that it was all because of the pure fun of riding a cross bike in the mud. "I was having so much fun drifting through those muddy corners that there was no way I was going to lose," says Renee. "Plus the guys at the bike shop told me not to come back if I didn't win one." In Women's A/B Race it was once again Faye Hartmann (Brazen Dropouts) surging to an early lead which she held onto throughout the mud clogged event. In a strong second place was local rider Patti Kaufmann (Hampshire Cycle Club) and braving the muddy course for third place was first-year cyclocross racer Juli Fiocca (Higher Gear). Men's Races (If you think this website has an unfair bias towards the women's races, well you are right it does. If you want to have more info about the men's race then email me and I will include it here). |
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