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Midwest Riders to Watch at 2007 Cyclocross Nationals

Elite Women's Race:
Kristin Wentworth - Kristin will be making her first trip to cross nationals but she's no stranger to big races as she races on Team Kenda Tire at many of the biggest road races in the country.  In addition, she is the reigning Wisconsin Elite Women's State Champion.

Samantha Schneider - Sam has had many great results on the road this year including a strong finish at the US Criterium Championship.  Samantha took the hard fought win at the Estabrook Cyclocross and at Angell Park so looks ready to rise to the challenge in Kansas City.

Other Wisconsin riders include 2 time master's national champion, Patti Kaufmann, as well as Jen Greenberg.

A number of Illinois' finest riders will also be lining up for the Elite women's race including:
Holly Klug (Killjoy)
Devon Haskell (Team Get a Grip Cycles)
Debbie Dust (Team Kenda Tire)

Elite Men's Race:
Tristan Schouten (Planet Bike) - Tristan's season continues to improve after a summer filled with health problems.  However, this Fall Tristan has made a great showing including winning the UCI Dam Cross race in California.  Tristan's experience on the US Worlds Cyclocross Team last year should provide him with just the experience he needs to get a high finish in Kansas City.

Mark Lalonde (Bob Brown Cycles/BKB) - Mark will be racing both the elite race and the singlespeed race in Kansas City.  Mark has quickly become a fixture on the Wisconsin cyclocross scene and took the win at Washington Park.  He also has hit up some of the bigger regional races including Ohio's UCI races.

Brooks Leedahl (Team Brown Bear) - Brooks is in his first season and will be trying to make an impression in Kansas City.  With no UCI points he will be another Wisconsin rider looking to work his way through the crowd.

A number of Illinois riders will also be lining up for the Elite Men's race including:
Chris Strout (MetLife/Pony Shop)
Brian Conant (Pony Shop)
Alistair Sponsel (Colavita)
Kevin Klug (Killjoy)
Ben Popper (Killjoy)

Collegiate Race:
Elicia Hildebrand (UW Madison) - Elicia is the Midwest Cycling Conference cyclocross champion and was selected to win the Badger Cross Collegiate scholarship.  Although Elicia is new to cyclocross she moved from Cat 4 up to the Elite women's race in one season.  David Greenblatt (UW Madison) - David also was selected for the Badger Cross scholarship in recognition of his ability to juggle graduate school, family obligations and racing.  David is an experienced cross racer who also raced in Providence in '05 and will use his experience to his advantage.  Other collegiate riders include UW Milwaukee's Tony Wagner, UW La Crosse's Joe Horvath and Illinois' Devon Haskell.

Master's Men:
30-34
Jim Holmes (Chainsmokers) - Jim has focused on running this summer and fall but he's back on the cross bike and with his skills and experience one can always count on him for a strong ride at the big races.

35-39
David Greenblatt (Brazen Dropouts) - In addition to the collegiate race David will also be representing for the BDs in the Master's Race.  Illinois rider Chris Strout (MetLife/Pony shop) will be taking part in this race along with Kevin Klug (Killjoy) and Scott McLaughlin (Sram).

40-44, 45-40
Wisconsin will be fielding a strong contingent of racers  in the 40-44 includeingDavid Bell (Chainsmokers), Greg Ferguson (Mad City Velo) and Paul Roltgen (Brazen Dropouts).  In addition regular WCA riders from Illinois like Jon Suyko (RVO/Kegels) and Chris Dimmick (Team Turin) will be contesting this race.  In the 45-49 Paul Warlowksi (Beans and Barley) will be representing for the WCA racers and his form looks to be ready for Nationals with his win in the 45+ race at Viking Cross.

50-54, 55-59
In the 505-54 Bob Downs (Planet Bike) has an improved start position this year and with the results he's been getting this season is one of the top contenders in this age bracket.  Bob will be joined in this race by Glen Jones (Brazen Dropouts) who will be attending his first cyclocross nationals and has been showing excellent form in the WCA races this season.  In the 55-59 another Brazen Dropout, Tom Palmer, will be flying the team colors.

Master's Women:
35-39, 45-49
Renee Callaway (Capitol Velo Club) will be making her third appearance at cyclocross nationals and hopes to make this one her best.  Holly Klug (Killjoy) will also be looking for a strong finish in this race to cap off a strong cyclocross season.  Diane Ostenso (Planet Bike) will be there to vye for the title in her age group as well.  Amy Dykema will be taking on the master's women race in Kansas City.  Two time national champion Patti Kaufmann will be back racing again this year.

Juniors
Wisconsin will be fielding a strong group of juniors at this year's cyclocross nationals.  Sarah Huang (Hayes) will be back to defend her national championship title.  Sam Huang (Kenosha Velosport) will also be at the race this year.  Baraboo Sharks racers Michael James and Thomson Remo will be in the 15-16 year old race.  Their teammate Chris Hurst will be taking on the 17-18 year old race.  Katie Antonneau (IS Corp) will be leading the charge in the 15-16 year old girls with teammate Ashley James, Regent Cycling's Anna Young  and Mesa Cycle's Samantha Schneider in the 17-18 year old race.

Singlespeed
Mark Lalonde will be racing both the elites and the Singlespeed race and he will be joined by fellow BKBer John "djonny" McNeil.