Cross like weather arrived in Chicagoland with an early morning frost and temperatures rising to 50 degrees Fahrenheit late in the day.  Over 170 cross racers competed in the sun-filled day at Sunrise Park in Bartlett, Illinois.

The new course unveiled by ABD (Athletes by Design) featured open grass fields, run-ups, multiple sections of pavement and two wooded sections. The run up was challenging because it forced the racers to ride through a narrow section then immediately turn right to power up a small hill. With enough momentum from the small climb a racer could zip down the hill, turn left to the start/finish then back again through the technical course. 

Women Cat 1/2/3 

Can anyone stop Devon Haskell (Team Get A Grip Cycles)? That is the question the women in the peloton could be asking themselves. June Upshaw (Verdigris Custom Homes) attempted to mix things up with vigor. In the end, Devon put on the “after burners” and arrived in the front once again followed by June Upshaw (Verdigris Custom Homes) in second and Holly Klug (Killjoy) in third.

Women Cat 4

 Lindsay Jones increased her overall series lead with a second win in a row followed by Heidi Sarna (Mission Bay) in second and Nicole Borem (HammerHead) in third. 

Men Pro. 1, 2 

Spectators witnessed excitement build halfway through the Men Pro/1/2 race in which Luca Lenzi (Vision Quest) raced to victory in a sprint over Alistair Sponsel (Colavita Racing) with Brian Conant (Pony Shop) arriving third.

Juniors 

In the junior race, Michael Truison (Pony Shop) took the win. John Tomlinson (XXX Racing AthletiCo) rode from the front for the majority of the race, however, Michael made his move immediately after the last run up and finished ahead. 

Men Category 3 

Brian Dougherty (Verdigris Custom Homes) attacked several times, however, neither Jason Knauff (Team Clif Bar) nor John Firak (Active Endeavors) could respond to the attacks and Dougherty was victorious. 

Master’s 30+

Things are heating up in this category because Verdigris Custom Homes brought out some guns ready to take the field on. Verdigris Custom Homes scored four of the top six positions with Tim Boundy (Verdigris Custom Homes) solidifying his lead.  Christando Lombardo (Verdigris Custom Homes) placed 2nd and Chris Henning (Northbrook) placed third.

Racing continues Saturday, November 3 with round four of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup in Campton Park.  The race will be held in the Village of St Charles.  The series will end with race #6 on Sunday, December 9 with the Illinois State Cyclocross Championship.