Race Coverage

Race Calendar

Midwest Practices

Bikes

'Cross across the country

Crosser Blogs

Cyclocross 101

Email List

MadCross
Nordic

Home

Cam-Rock Cyclocross Race
October 3, 2004

Photos (taken by David Bell):
C Men
C Women and Juniors
B Men and 40+ Men
30+ Men and A Men
A/B Women
Video

A beautiful fall day with high temps reaching 50 degrees and plenty of sunshine greeted riders at the Cam-Rock Cyclocross race sponsored by the Brazen Dropouts and Midwest Masters.  Over 130 racers turned out to race at this popular venue.

First time racers were heard to gasp "that was painful" and "that was fun" at the finish line and really those two statements capture what cyclocross is all about.  Once again new racers were in abundance and the Juniors field was record setting including four junior girls.  No longer is series mainstay Marcie Weiss (Team Mack) left to compete against only boys.  If you know a local girl who likes to bike encourage her to join the fun.

The other races throughout the day were just as competitive.  In the B Men's race a pack of 5 formed with local racers such as Jerry Long (Chainsmokers) and Mark Harms (Brazen Dropouts).  Jerry got the hole shot on lap one and lead the field into the barriers and through the mulch section.  The groups stayed together for much of the race and Mark made a last lap move.  However, in the end Jeff Melcher (Pedal Moraine) made the move that lasted with Jerry making the move for second place.  Mark hung on for fifth on his mountain bike.

In the 30+ race there were 12 guys on the line including series regulars Marty Netzel and Brian Conant.  The field also included three Brazen Dropouts including Scott Topel, Paul Roltgen and John Ericsson.  There was also one Stoton Velo Club racer, Travis Goodlund.   The 30+ (top 5) were on a 6:30 lap pace, which was as fast as the A Men which made from some painful racing for everyone.  Marty Netzel took the win with Brazen Dropput Paul Roltgen finished in second place.  Scott Topel of the Brazen Dropouts suffered a flat and had to run a 1/4 lap to the pits to get a new bike.  He hung on to finish in tenth.

Rumor is that John Ericsson will be promoting all courses as 1/4 mile loop courses with two 6-pack barriers so he can get a top 3.  At Cam-Rock he finished eighth which is pretty good for someone coming back from illness.  Personally I think that shorter courses with more barriers sounds like a great plan and will support JP in those efforts.

The A/B Women's race had a fast field with six starters.  Rebecca Cleveland (Team Bike Hub) took the lead from the start and never slowed down.  Her finesse over the log barrier ensured that no one could catch her as she put her mountain bike skills to use riding the log.  Patti Kaufmann (Team Wisconsin) kept the pressure on and finished a strong second with Samantha Kaplan (Capitol Velo Club) finishing in a close third place.   

Results

Got issues? Want more photos of you?
Contact the webgal!