Yesterday was a great day of racing in the capitol city of Helena. Byron and the Great Divide Cycling Team put on a good event. I appreciated the $15 entry. It would be nice to make that the standard rate. The course was fast. Lots of straightaways and hard surfaces. Also, it was unseasonably warm.
The men's race started off by everyone stringing out into a long line. There was a big headwind, and everyone was looking for a wheel. Leading the group out was Frank, Jamul, Scott Herzig, and John C. As we hit the more technical sections I looked ahead and saw Frank just flying! Soon, I came up on John C, who unfortunately had an early mechanical. On the second lap Bill Martin powered by me in the headwind section, and resumed his usual business of passing everyone. Soon, I was in the back. I tried to ride with Alex L for awhile, but I couldn't hang on. In the end Frank rode to a well deserved victory, his first in the Montana Cup. Second was Scott, who had a great race (it must have been the Kiss socks). Third was Bill Martin who continues his amazing cross season. Rounding out the podium was Brad Morgan and John Curry. Brad Morgan seems to be getting better every week. He has all the power in the world, maybe it was just a matter of getting used to the cross bike. The Montana Cup series has gotten even tighter with Frank G and Bill Martin in a tie for first with 104 each. Curry is still in the hunt with 96. The winner will come from those three. I noticed on the results that Frank and Bill's racing age is both over 40. I don't know if those are right or not, but if they are.....these dudes need to go to nationals!!! Montana Cross would kill the 40-45 category. I wish montancyclocross.com had some cash, because I would send them! You guys are killing it.
The women's race was a showdown between series leader Michelle, and Lisa Curry. Lisa came out on top with a nice victory. That puts her 24 points behind Michelle in the Montana Cup series. Michelle just needs to show up in Missoula, to claim her crown. I'm looking forward to the ladies match-up of Gaskill (1 win), Lisa (3 wins), and Michelle (1 win). Who will be the state champ???
The men's B was won by Phil Hess. He is tough to beat. All that single speeding has made him tough to beat on the cross bike. Kyle Shannon continued his great season finishing second and widening his lead in the Montana Cup. Congrats to Kyle on the Series Victory, he deserves it. Craig Pozega rounded out the top 3 for a Great Divide 1 and 3.
Master's men was again dominated by Steve Mueller. I tried to ride with Steve for a little bit. The guy is just a great rider. Technically sound, and lots of power. Steve is to far behind John W. for the series title, but he'll be gunning for the state championship in Missoula. Speaking of John he continued his consistent racing with 2nd, 3rd was Walt Chauner, and 4th was David Schoening my Ridley teammate.
Here's a run down of victories leading up to the State Championship:
Butte: Curry
Bozeman: Sam Krieg
Bozeman: Sam Krieg
Missoula: Muhlfeld
Missoula: Curry
Whitefish: Doug Dale
Kalispell: Doug Dale
Helena: Frank G
Missoua State Championship: ?????
Best Ride: Frank Gonzalez/Lisa Curry
Most Aggressive: Brad Morgan
Hanging Tough: John Curry
