Intermountain Cup #2: Hurricane, Utah

Written by: Shannon Boffeli
Photos by: Ryan Keating

Another cold and snowy weekend in Salt Lake City led to a bigger than usual turn out for some spring racing in Hurricane, Utah. Temperatures in the 60s greeted racers hoping to unleash the speed stored in their legs after a long winter.

Alex Grant leads Burke Swindlehurst over the slick rock

The Pro fields have been bigger than ever this season and faster some would say. The Hurricane racecourse features a brutal mix of slick rock, flowy singletrack, and power-sapping flats. Despite the dry and dusty conditions the trail held up admirably and produced some fast-paced racing.

The men started in a cloud of dust and dirt. CFR racer Alex Grant had to back off the pace just to see the trail in front of him. Burke Swindlehurst (Team Give), winner of Intermountain Cup #1, got pinched at the start and also fell back in the group of 21 riders.

It didn’t take long for both Grant and Swindlehurst to work their way through the pack and take their designated spots at the front.

The leaders were accompanied by nationally-ranked riders Drew Edsall (Yeti), Trevor Downing (Mafia Racing), and Trevor Simper. For the first of four laps these five rode together. On the opening climb of lap two, Grant made an acceleration. His climbing was enough to dislodge Downing, Edsall, and Simper who ran into mechanical difficulties soon after.

Burke Swindlehurst leads Drew Edsall and Trevor Simper at the end of lap one

From this point on it was a two-person affair. Grant and Swindlehurst battling each other for the top spot on the podium. Swindlehurst started the fireworks with multiple small attacks designed to weaken Grant’s legs and establish a small gap but the Cannondale rider answered.

With just one lap to go Swindlehurst opened the smallest of gaps - just 15 seconds over his challenger. Then his talents as a time trialist kicked in. The Team Give racer put his head down and pushed the pace throughout the final lap finally taking the win by just 19 seconds.

Downing held on for third place followed by Edsall. Kuhl/Specialized rider Thomas Bender turned in a strong effort just passing Chris Holley before the line to take fifth.

Start of the women's race. Lynda Wallenfels (far right) seems to already know she is headed for a win

The women’s race featured a talented group of Utah’s top female mountain bikers. From the start it was 41 year-old Lynda Wallenfels (LW Coaching) charging to the lead. Wallenfels, an ultra-endurance specialist, was determined to start fast and it showed. She quickly went to the front and never looked back. Despite to fast group Wallenfels was able to get clear just after the start.

Left to chase the leader was Mafia racer Kathy Sherwin, Sarah Kaufmann (Roaring Mouse), KC Holley (Gary Fisher 29er Crew), and Jen Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fasteners).

Sherwin and Kaufmann stayed close and took turns challenging each other. Ultimately it would be Sherwin moving clear with Kaufmann not far behind.

The battle for fourth was tight with Hanks and Holley riding wheel to wheel until the end of the second lap when Holley pulled away on the flat leading to the finish. Holley crossed the line just 38 seconds clear of fifth-placed Jen Hanks.

Sarah Kaufmann chases Kathy Sherwin

KC Holley keeps her gap on chaser Jen Hanks

Brian Tolbert grinds it out in the desert of Hurricane

Shannon Boffeli crests a slick rock climb

Results

Pro Men

1, Burke Swindlehurst (Team Give) 1.52.55.
2, Alex Grant (Cannondale Factory Racing) 1.53.16
3, Trevor Downing (Mafia Racing) 1.54.58
4, Drew Edsall (Yeti) 1.55.56
5, Thomas Bender (Kunl/Specialized) 1.57.30
6, Chris Holley (Gary Fisher 29er Crew) 1.57.40
7, Trevor Simper 1.59.08
8, Reed Wycoff (Contender)
9, Jake Pantone (Biker Edge)
10, Greggy Gibson (Racer’s Cycle Service)
11, Daniel Nelson (Racer’s Cycle Service)
12, Brian Tolbert (Kuhl/Specialized)
13, Shannon Boffeli (iRide Adventures/MTBRaceNews.com)
14, Taylor Foss (Kuhl/Specialized)
15, Brent Pontius
16, Charlie Gibson (Felt)
17, Ryan Krusemark (Kuhl/Specialized)
18, Brent Steinberg
19, Mitchell Petersen (Giant)

Pro Women

1, Lynda Wallenfels (LW Coaching) 1.39.48
2, Kathy Sherwin (Mafia Racing) 1.41.55
3, Sarah Kaufmann (Roaring Mouse) 1.44.42
4, KC Holley (Gary Fisher 29er Crew) 1.47.08
5, Jen Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) 1.47.46
6, Nicole Wangsgard (Rooster’s) 1.49.42
7, Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) 1.52.51
8, Jennelle Kremer (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) 1.59.21

Results, Report, and Photos -- Intermountain Cup #1: St. George, Utah

Once again the threatening early forecast for this weekend’s race failed to materialize. Fortunately, some of the most exciting racing in Utah Intermountain Cup history blew in just as predicted.

Men's podium Alex Grant, Burke Swindelhurst, Bart Gillespie, and Chris Holley (left to right) 4th place Rob Squire not pictured

Large fields were the norm for all categories with the Pro men boasting an impressive field 33 strong. The Pro women put 8 of the fastest women in Utah on the start line.

The women’s event started with a burst from top-ranked national rider Kathy Sherwin (Mafia Racing). In normal fashion Sherwin powered to the front and pulled the group along the opening road and toward the first technical climb of the day.
Once into the technical climbing, Lynda Wallenfels (LW Coaching) took a shot at the lead.Once out front the 24-Hour Singlespeed National Champion used her finely tuned handling skills to open up some breathing room on the group.

Sherwin stayed strong in second place with KC Holley (Gary Fisher 29er Crew), Sarah Kaufmann (Titus/Roaring Mouse), and Jen Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fastners) battling behind.

Throughout the 6-mile rock-strewn course, Wallenfels continued to put time between her and her nearest challengers. On her final lap the LW Coaching rider could be heard encouraging the other racers on the course as she passed at one point making her way past several of the Pro men who started minutes in front.

By the finish Wallenfels was 5 minutes clear of the field with Sherwin crossing the line comfortably in second. Third place went to KC Holley who used technical climbing skills to hold off Kaufmann who stayed close by powering through the open sections of the trail. At the finish the two riders were separated by less than 30 seconds. Jen Hanks crossed the line in fifth less than a minute behind Kaufmann.

Sarah Kaufmann, Kathy Sherwin, Lynda Wallenfels, KC Holley, and Jen Hanks (left to right)

The men’s event may have been a coming of age of sorts for Pro MTB racing in Utah. After years of slowly growing fields and deeper talent this weekend’s race was the pinnacle of that progress. Thirty-three of the state’s top riders took the start with names like Alex Grant (Cannondale), Bart Gillespie (Cannondale), Rob Squire (Jamis), Jason Sager (Jamis), Adam Snyder (Jamis), Burke Swindelhurst (Team Give), and Chris Holley (Gary Fisher 29er Crew), all vying for the top spot.

From the start it looked to be a show down between the Jamis and Cannondale teams. Adam Snyder led into the opening singletrack with his teammates Sager and Rob Squire close behind. Grant and Gillespie from Cannondale were still in the mix and quickly took the lead establishing themselves at the front of the pack.

Grant and Gillespie worked at the front getting clear by 20 seconds. On the second lap Snyder fell victim to mechanical while Squire and Swindlehurst stayed close to the leaders.

By the third lap of four, Swindelhurst had bridged to the leaders and launched an attack on the final section of doubletrack climb on the lap. Grant and Gillespie closed back down on the new race leader in the technical descent ending the third lap.
Again on the flat doubletrack Swindelhurst attacked again. This time the Cannondale duo couldn’t respond. Swindelhurst had too much speed in his legs and he held his gap through the final lap crossing the line 20 seconds ahead of Grant.

Gillespie took third just 15 seconds behind his teammate. 19 year-old wunderkid Rob Squire picked up right where he left off last season. Squire rode a strong race taking fourth just 38 seconds behind the veteran Gillespie.

Gary Fisher rider Chris Holley proved once again that you don’t have to have a great start to finish on the podium. After the opening road section Holley was toward the end of the 30-plus rider field. He battled throughout the race slowly making his way all the way to fifth by the finish.

Race Notes

The large turn out and fast course led to tremendous frustration among the racers as over 200 riders were battling on course at the same time. “It was really frustrating” commented Cannondale rider Alex Grant, “ we spent most of the race off the side of the course trying to pass people.” Indeed, many of the racers were disappointed with the conditions on course saying they were either passing lapped traffic or being passed all throughout the race.

Results

Pro Men

1, Burke Swindelhurst (Team Give) 1.43.46
2, Alex Grant (Cannondale) 1.44.06
3, Bart Gillespie (Cannondale) 1.44.21
4, Rob Squire (Jamis) 1.44.59
5, Chris Holley (Gray Fisher 29er Crew) 1.45.59
6, Jason Sager (Jamis)
7, Tom Bender (Kuhl/Specialized)
8, Scott Allen (Canyon Cycles)
9, Jake Pantone (Edge)
10, Rich Abbott (Rveolution/Peak Fasteners)
11, Kevin Day (Kuhl/Specialized)
12, Brent Steinberg (Gary Fisher 29er Crew)
13, Mitchell Peterson (Cannondale)
14, Dylan Cirulis
15, Geoff Montague
16, Danny Van Wagner
17, Zac Ramras (Ski Utah)
18, Dan Nelson (Racers Cycle Service)
19, Matt Ohran (Cannondale)
20, Shannon Boffeli (i Ride Adventures/MTB Race News.com)
21, Keegan Swenson (Cole Sport)
22, Brent Pontius
23, Taylor Foss
24, Brandon Firth
25, Ryan Krusemark
26, Tanner Cottle
27, Reed Wycoff
DNF Brian Tolbert
DNF Adam Snyder

Pro Women

1, Lynda Wallenfels (LW Coaching) 1.25.35
2, Kathy Sherwin (Mafia Cycles) 1.30.17
3, KC Holley (Gary Fisher 29er Crew) 1.34.14
4, Sarah Kaufmann (Titus/ Roaring Mouse) 1.34.38
5, Jen Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) 1.35.27
6, Joey Lythgoe (Kuhl/Specialized)
7, Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners)

Utah Cyclocross Series #11: Ogden, Utah

The true “cyclocross weather” many Utahns had been waiting for finally struck. As snow fell Saturday morning riders bundled up for the coldest day racing of this year’s Utah cyclocross season.

The slick conditions claimed many riders

With series promoter Matt Ohran out-of-town for the final race the course for the final race of the season was set by his Monavie-Cannondale.com teammates Alex Grant and Bart Gillespie. Despite including a healthy dose of flats and pavement the weather conditions coupled with a loose, rocky section made this race one for the mountain biking crowd.

The women’s event saw the return of Kathy Sherwin (Velo Bella) to the racing season after a season filled with personal tragedy. Sherwin would be challenged by Sarah Kaufmann (Roaring Mouse) and Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) who would be looking to cement her second consecutive Utah Cyclocross series championship.

At the start the snow was falling gently at Fort Buenaventura. Kaufmann, racing in shorts, was’nt chilled by the snowy conditions as she quickly squirted off the front of the pack opening up an early lead.

Erika Powers took up the chase in second position followed by Chantel Olsen (PCIM), Jennie Wade (Church of the Big Ring), Jen Hanks (Revolution/ Peak Fasteners), and Sherwin, who was off to a slow start.

Kathy Sherwin makes her way toward the front

The conditions continued to worsen throughout the race with more snow falling making the course more and more slippery. Sherwin seemed to be struggling the most on the opening lap, after multiple crashes, she remained in fourth position with Kaufmann pulling away.

Sherwin’s willingness to push the pace quickly started to pay off as she became more comfortable with the course the Velo Bella rider began making her way through the field.

Sherwin started by overtaking Olsen followed shortly thereafter by Powers but Kaufmann wouldn’t go down so easily. A talented professional mountain biker, Kaufmann had been out front the entire event using her finely-tuned bike handling skills to amass a substantial lead.

Sarah Kaufmann had another strong cyclocross race

Kaufmann did her best to push the pace up front knowing that Sherwin was looming behind. Still leading at the beginning of the last lap Kaufmann gave everything to hold off the charging Velo Bella rider.

Sherwin was not going to be satisfied with anything less than a win as she powered up to and past the leader. Sherwin led into the final set of barriers, which set her up for a clear run for the finish line.

Kaufmann crossed the line just seconds later finishing off the closest women’s race of the Utah cross season. Erika Powers took the third spot and her second Utah series championship. Olsen crossed the line in fourth with a big gap over fifth-placed Stephanie Skoryenko (University of Utah).

The men started with their usual fury as Gillespie and Grant occupied the lead group joined by Jason Sager (Jamis), Eric Rasmussen (Specialized), and Ali Goulet (Chuch of the Big Ring).

Goulet, who leads the US Gran Prix of Cross series, wasted no time mixing things up at the front. While Goulet focuses on cyclocross, he is an accomplished mountain bike racer and it showed by flawlessly negotiating his way around the snow-packed course. Goulet consistently put pressure on the field with his fast pace and smooth riding through the technical sections.

Ali Goulet was not afraid of the snowy conditions

Gillespie stayed close in the first half of the race but Goulet gapped him around the halfway mark and never looked back.

While Gillespie had a firm grasp on second Jason Sager and Grant challenged each other for the third spot. Sager, who was racing a cross bike for the first time this season - he usually races a converted mountain bike, rode most of the race in third before fading late in the race. Having won the singlespeed race earlier that day, Sager began to run out of energy as the laps wound down. Finally, a crash on the final lap let Grant take the position.

Jason Sager runs the barriers

In the end Goulet crossed the line first. Followed by Gillespie, Grant, and Sager. Reed Wycoff (Contender), also a talented bike handler, took the final podium spot in fifth.

Bryan Gillespie rides one of the technical sections of Saturday's course

Results

1, Kathy Sherwin
2, Sarah Kaufmann
3, Erika Powers
4, Chantel Olsen
5, Stephanie Skoryenko
6, Jen Hanks
7, Heather Edwards
8, Jennie Wade
9, Kelsi Bingham
10, Christy Clay
11, Jessice Morris
12, Laura Patten

Men

1, Ali Goulet
2, Bart Gillespie
3, Alex Grant
4, Jason Sager
5, Reed Wycoff

Utah Cyclocross #10: Draper Equestrian Center, Draper, Utah

As the 2009 Utah Cyclocross series begin to wind down the racing action continues to ramp up. Each week has provided exciting dynamics for the racers and spectators to enjoy. The penultimate of the 2009 season in the series was one of this year’s best.

Wren and Gillespie marked each other throughout the race

All the big names toed the start line for the elite men’s event including Bart Gillespie (Monavie-Cannondale.com), Ali Goulet (Church of the Big Ring), Eric Rasmussen (Specialized), and newcomer, professional road racer, Tyler Wren (Boo Bicycles).
Off the start Tanner Cottle (Specialized) led the group up the long opening paved climb before he was overtaken by the big guns Goulet, Wren, Gillespie, Rasmussen, and Reed Wycoff (Contender).
The second selection of the day came shortly after as Goulet, Wren, and Gillespie gapped the other leaders. Once off the front these three quickly opened an insurmountable gap.

The leaders weren’t content to simply sit on the front as attacks began almost immediately. Most of the animation was coming from the road racer Wren who pushed the pace on the climbs. On lap three a big acceleration from Wren gapped his compatriots but Gillespie marked him by the top of the pavement with Goulet in tow.

That was the beginning of the end for Goulet however as he was gapped again on the next climb. This time he was unable to bridge the gap.

Ali Goulet cranks through some singletrack

With two in the lead group each man took turns pushing the pace and putting in small accelerations to test each other’s fitness. The two leaders stayed together for the next five laps leaving everything to be decided on the final trip up the pavement climb.

Wren had been hammering the climb all day and it was clear Gillespie would have his hands full in the final sprint. As the leaders approached the finish line Wren was indeed ahead clearly giving it his all. Gillespie stayed close through the steepest part of the climb and once the road began to flatten out and the finish banner was in clear sight Gillespie burst from Wren’s wheel rocketing past the Boo Bicycles rider with an astounding turn of speed.

Bart Gillespie has won many races but this weekend’s will be one of the most memorable. The cagey veteran displayed the power and tactical prowess, which has helped make him the most successful bike racer in Utah history.

Wren crossed the line with a well-deserved second place. Goulet stayed strong for third place followed by the persistent Eric Rasmussen who rode by himself all day long. Connor O’Leary showed good late-season form taking fifth.

Connor O'Leary navigates an icy descent

The women’s event would see Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) fighting off challengers Jen Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fasteners), Sarah Kaufmann (Roaring Mouse), Stephanie Skoryenko (University of Utah), and Chantel Olsen (PCIM).

Erika Powers was off to the races for another win

Powers took the early lead wasting no time in gapping her competitors. Kaufmann, an endurance mountain bike specialist, started slower but limited the gap to Powers on the opening lap.

On the second of four laps for the women, Powers once again punched it on the paved climb and dislodged Kaufmann for good. Now Kaufmann started to feel the heat from Stephanie Skoryenko who was giving everything on the climb to close on the second placed rider.

Stephanie Skoryenko grinds out a short climb

Skoryenko spent the first two laps battling with Jen Hanks but Hanks couldn’t match her speed on the paved climb. Skoryenko would gain precious seconds on Kaufmann each ascent of the climb but Kaufmann’s smooth riding and power in the singletrack sections were too much for Skoryenko to match.

In the end it was Powers taking another dominant win over Sarah Kaufmann in second and Stephanie Skoryenko in third. Jen Hanks held on for fourth place followed by Chantel Olsen who rode a consistent race in fifth place.

Jennie Wade on her way to a good seventh place finish

Click Here to view our entire photo gallery from today's race

Tyler Wren and Bart Gillespie waged an epic battle in Draper,Utah

Sarah Kaufmann digs for speed on the run up

Results:

Elite Women

1, Erika Powers

2, Sarah Kaufmann

3, Stephanie Skoryenko

4, Jen Hanks

5, Chantel Olsen

6, Allison Vrem

7, Jennie Wade

8, Kelsi Bingham

Elite Men

1, Bart Gillespie

2, Tyler Wren

3, Ali Goulet

4, Eric Rasmussen

5, Connor O'Leary

Utah Cyclocross #9: Wheeler Farm, Salt Lake City, UT

Click here to view photos from Utah Cyclocross #9

Jen Hanks runs through the barriers with Heather Edwards behind

Just one day after the crowning the new Utah State Champions, Utah’s crossers were back at it again. This time on the more technical Wheeler Farm course.

Early in the day small patches of snow clung to the edges of the course and as the temperature rose during the women’s event the snow began to melt turning a dry track slippery and even more challenging.

Erika Powers (Revoluton/Peak Fasteners) took the lead off the start .Dayna Deuter (Church of the Big Ring) was determined to retake the top spot after just missing out on a State Championship yesterday. She jumped into the lead group with Powers as did Chantel Olsen (PCIM) who has been consistently challenging the leaders in this year’s Utah Cyclocross series.

Chantel Olsen and Dayna Deuter attack the barriers

The lead group was short-lived. Just before the end of the first lap Deuter had moved into the lead but crashed on a tight, slick, downhill corner. Erika cruised past and once out front, she never looked back. She quickly built a lead of 20 seconds.
Deuter recovered but not in time to catch a charging Erika Powers. She was left defending second place from Chantel Olsen who stuck close to the Church of the Big Ring rider.

Behind the lead trio Jen Hanks was once again making up for a slow start working her way past Laura Patten (Ski Utah), and Heather Edwards to put herself in the fourth spot.

Powers built on her lead finally crossing the line with a large lead. Deuter took her her second runner-up in two days as Olsen held on for third just in front of Jen Hanks who needed a last lap surge to detach Heather Edwards.

Alex Grant leads Ali Goulet and Bart Gillespie through the singletrack

By the time the men’s race started most of the muddy spots had dried leaving the course fast and tacky. And once again the State Champion, this time Ali Goulet (Church of the Big Ring), was looking to prove himself with a repeat win.

At first it seemed Goulet would have a much harder time as both Bart Gilllespie and Alex Grant, both of team Monavie-Cannondale.com accompanied him in the lead group.

Goulet had his hands full in the opening laps as Gillespie and Grant took turns attacking him unable to drop the State Champion and after three laps Goulet had had enough.

Ali Goulet on his way to another win

Goulet launched a wicked attack sending him clear of the Monavie duo who were unable to reel the leader back. From that point on it was a solo race with Goulet, Grant, Gillespie, and Eric Rasmussen (Specialized) fighting the wind and course on their own.
Goulet kept pouring it on at the front and in impressive fashion turned in his fastest lap time on the penultimate lap. He finally crossed the line well ahead of his challengers taking his second win of the weekend. Grant finished second with Gillespie behind and Mitchell Petersen (Monavie-Cannondale.com) taking fifth.

Race Notes:



RMCC rider Alison Vrem has been turning in strong races every weekend. After moving up to the A class early in the ’09 season, Vrem has gotten strong with every race finishing 6th in today’s event.

Results

Men
1, Ali Goulet
2, Alex Grant
3, Bart Gillespie
4, Eric Rasmussen
5, Mitchel Petersen

Women
1, Erika Powers
2, Dayna Deuter
3, Chantel Olsen
4, Jen Hanks
5, Heather Edwards
6, Alison Vrem
7, Laura Patten
8, Stephanie Falls
9, Rachel Cieslewicz
10, Meaghan Cunningham
11, Heather Gilbert

Photos from Utah Cyclocross #8: Heber Fairgrounds, Heber, Utah

Click here to view our entire photo gallery from today's Utah State Championship race

Erika Powers leads Dayna Deuter through a corner

The vibe before today’s race was noticeably more tense than any other race this season. With the State Championship title on the line all riders were eying a chance to put their names in the record books.

The usual temperate Utah weather held out for the women’s event but things changed quickly as the wind picked up and winter snow storm blew through the men’s race., dropping the temperature another 10 degrees.
As the women rode from the line at 11am it was clear this would be a different race than we have seen this season. The Heber racecourse is wide and open. Add in a stiff head wind on the flats and it was clear fans would be rewarded with some close racing action.

Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) took the lead off the line but Dayna Deuter (Church of the big ring), Sarah Kaufmann (Roaring Mouse), and Chantel Olsen (PCIM) tucked in behind her. The four leaders opened up an early gap as confusion and a crash by Stephanie Skoryenko (Univerity of Utah) slowed the chasers.

Once free from the challengers the group took turns at the front while looking for the slightest advantage over their counterparts.

As the laps wore on Deuter and Powers started to take control. After chasing back on several times Kaufmann and Olsen finally dropped off the lead group. With just two laps left, Powers started to pull away. She looked to be on her way to a state championship just when she crashed on a tight turn transitioning from the pavement to gravel.
With Powers down Deuter charged into the lead. The Church of the Big Ring rider put in a tremendous effort and at the start of the bell lap it was now Deuter who had a 10 second lead over second placed Powers.

Powers was not about to give the race away yet. Giving it everything she had Powers, somehow bridged the gap to the leader and wasted no time overtaking the leader.

Once back in the lead, Powers gave Deuter no chance of contesting the sprint. She kept the pace high and crossed the line with a healthy gap and a State Championship title to go with it.

Deuter took second place ahead of Sarah Kaufmann, Chantel Olsen, and Jen Hanks who worked her way through the pack after a hectic start.

2008 State Champion Eric Rasmussen leads Bart Gillespie and Ali Goulet into the run up

The men’s race promised to be equally exciting with the cold and snowfall adding to the fun.

The headwinds held the group together on the first lap but Ali Goulet (Church of the Big Ring), Reed Wycoff (Contneder), Bart Gillespie (Monavie-Cannondale.com), and Eric Rasmussen (Specialized) created the first split of the race.

Reed Wycoff was the first victim of the leaders furious pace. Wycoff has a strong start but lacks the staying power of Goulet, Gillespie, and Rasmussen. After shedding Wycoff the pace up front slowed briefly. As the leaders got comfortable Alex Grant (Monavie-Cannondale.com) used the opportunity to bridge the gap. Grant displayed the strength that carried him to second place at last week’s La Ruta De Los Conquistadors stage race in Costa Rica.

For a moment it looked like Monavie would have two riders in the front group but the experience of Rasmussen and Goulet would not let that happen. Just as Grant finally closed the gap Goulet and Rasmussen launched a strong acceleration detaching Grant as quickly as he had jumped the gap to the leaders.

Once again the lead group was at three. The speed at the front stayed high with each looking comfortable. It was clear all three would be together until the finish and Goulet seemed to know exactly what to do.

Goulet takes the lead and the State Champion title

At the start of the final lap Goulet went to the front and picked up the pace. While he couldn’t quite shake Rasmussen or Gillespie they desperately clung to a half bike length gap. All throughout the final lap Goulet did just enough to insure that no one could come around him. Once they entered the final straight Goulet wound up his sprint gapping Rasmussen and giving him no chance to come around him at the line.

Rasmussen came in for second place followed closely by Gillespie for third. Alex Grant took the fourth spot, holding off Bryce Young.

Results

Women

1, Erika Powers
2, Dayna Deuter
3, Sarah Kaufmann
4, Chantel Olsen
5, Jen Hanks
6, Tanya Swensen
7, Allison Vrem
8, Jennie Wade
9, Laura Patten
10, Stephanie Falls

Men

1, Ali Goulet
2, Eric Rasmussen
3, Bart Gillespie
4, Alex Grant
5, Bryce Young

Report, Photos, and Results from Utah Cyclocross #7: Weber Fairgrounds

Writing and Photos by: Shannon Boffeli

On another beautiful fall day riders were treated to a fantastic race at the Weber State Fairgrounds. Compared to last weekend’s racecourse, the Weber course offers up fast-paced, wide-open racing that encourages close competition. Every event today featured some of the tightest races of the 2009 Utah cyclocross season.

Reed Wycoff leads Alex Grant over the barriers

The women’s race got off to a fast start with Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners), taking the early lead with Dayna Deuter (Church of the Big Ring), Jen Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fasteners), Chantel Olsen (PCIM), and Stephanie Skoryenko (University of Utah) in tow.

Erika Powers on the front with Dayna Deuter just behind

On the flats Skoryenko moved into the lead heading into the twisting section of the circuit until her crash on one of the barriers sprung Deuter off the front.

Hanks led the chase giving everything to bridge the gap to the leader. Despite Hanks’ best efforts Deuter maintained her advantage while the effort chasing took a toll on Hanks dropping her from 2nd into 5th.

Now it was Powers’ turn to try and bridge up to Deuter. Quickly Powers started eating into the leader’s advantage. But a barrier brought Powers’ chase to an end as her chain fell off after crossing a barrier. The mishap allowed Skoryenko and Olsen to once again join the chase group. Hanks continued to dangle just seconds off the back.

Stephanie Skoryenko launches attack against Erika Powers and Chantel Olsen

As the laps wound down it was clear no one was going to bring Deuter back. Her smooth dismounts and sheer power were too much for the rest of the contenders. Skoryenko was the first of the chasers to drop off just before an ill-timed flat tire dropped her back in the field. Powers' continual accelerations finally unhitched Chantel Olsen from her back wheel allowing her to cross the line in second. Olsen hung on for 3rd place with Hanks crossing the line in 4th. Skoryenko held off a strong challenge from Tanya Swenson (Cole Sport) to take the final podium spot.

The field charges out at the start of the men's A race

For the men, all the top challengers were once again accounted for. Ali Goulet (Church of the Big Ring) and Bart Gillespie (Monavie-Cannondale.com) were the heavy favorites but Eric Rasmussen (Specialized) excels on the flatter courses and Alex Grant (Monavie-Cannondale.com) would be looking to capitalize on his good condition. Idaho rider Sam Krieg would be looking to have another top performance on the same course he won the Utah State Cyclocross Championship race on in 2008.

Goulet took the hole shot but couldn’t pull clear of Gillespie, Grant, Krieg, Rasmussen, and Reed Wycoff (Contender). Gillespie established an early lead and it looked like he was going to solo to another win. But he was quickly caught by the chase group who were down to four after shedding Wycoff.

Bart Gillespie jumps one of the barriers as Eric Rasmussen runs beside him

Once together the group stayed tight for several laps until Gillespie was once again off the front. It seemed no one could maintain his pace as he sped over the open terrain and jumped all four barriers on course. Behind the leader the group now began to fall apart. Goulet was first to go after several crashes and a mechanical dropped him off the pace. Next came Sam Krieg who also suffered a mechanical forcing him to change bikes.

The confusion behind allowed Rasmussen to begin pulling away from Grant who was riding one of his cleanest cross races of the season, keeping his bike upright and avoiding any flat tires.

In the end it was Gillespie once again taking the win followed by Rasmussen and Grant. Sam Krieg recovered for a fourth place finish followed by Reed Wycoff who rebounded for a podium finish.

Click here to view our entire photo gallery from today's race

Results

Men's A

1, Bart Gillespie
2, Eric Rasmussen
3, Alex Grant
4, Sam Krieg
5, Reed Wycoff
6, Ali Goulet
7, Bryce Young
8, Connor O'Leary
9, Taylor Foss
10, Chris McKay

Women's A

1, Dayna Deuter
2, Erika Powers
3, Chantel Olsen
4, Jen Hanks
5, Stephanie Skoryenko
6, Tanya Swenson
7, Kelsey Bingham
8, Karen Appleby-Krieg
9, Meg Plank
10, Jennie Wade
11, Rachel Cieslewicz
12, Mary Foss
13, Jessica Morris
14, Alison Vrem

Utah Cyclocross #6: Wheeler Park, Salt Lake City, Utah- Results, Report, and Photos

Writing and photos by Shannon Boffeli

The weather in Utah just keeps getting better. Riders were treated to temperatures in the 70s and blue skies, which saw everyone riding in their shorts and short-sleeves. The time change meant it was an hour later by the race start which meant even warmer temperatures and the racers responded with some heated racing action.

Gillespie and Goulet were back at it again today

In the women's event, Church of the Big Ring rider Dayna Deuter was looking to rebound from yesterday's costly crash. Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) was looking to build on her first win of the season yesterday. Kris Walker (Church of the Big Ring) was also on hand after missing the Halloween race.

Kris Walker pushing the pace

When the gun fired it was Powers taking the lead followed by Deuter and Kris Walker. Walker used her fresh legs to take the lead on the first lap. Followed closely by Powers and Deuter who held a 10 second gap over Jen Hanks (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) and Chantel Olsen (PCIM).

Erika Powers keeps getting faster

Walker moved clear while Powers chased looking for help from Deuter. Dayna however was not about to help chase her teammate. Once the Revolution rider realized Deuter would be no help she cut her loose in pursuit of the leader. Dayna rode safely in third place with Olsen and Hanks consumed with the battle between each other.

With two laps to go Powers kept the heat on Walker. On the final circuit Powers had all but reeled in the race leader hanging just seconds off Walker's wheel. In the end Walker had enough left to hold off her challenger crossing the line just in front of Erika Powers. Third went to Dayna Deuter.

Chantel Olsen has another good race

That left Olsen and Hanks to duel for the fourth spot. Hanks pushed the pace in the singletrack while Olsen closed it up in the straights and with less than a half-mile to go the two riders were locked together. Hanks pushed the pace in the final part of the course intent to hit the final straight ahead of Olsen. Her plan worked perfectly as she gapped the PCIM rider before the line. With Olsen taking the five spot.

The men lined up with all the top contenders once again accounted for. Bart Gillespie (Monavie-Cannondale.com) and Ali Goulet (Church of the Big Ring) were both looking for a win after yesterday's explosive sprint finish.

From the start it was Goulet and Gillespie at the front joined by Alex Grant (Monavie-Cannnondale.com), Sean Mitchell, Tom Bender (Kuhl/Scott), and the always enigmatic Jason Sager (Jamis). After the first lap Gillespie, Sager, and Goulet broke free and the trio checked out from the rest of the field. At the halfway point the three riders held a huge lead over the rest and it was clear the winner would be coming from this group.

Rasmussen on the chase

Behind the leaders Alex Grant was proving, once again, the he is perhaps the most unlucky cross racer in Utah as a flat tire dropped him deep into the field. Rasmussen took over the fourth spot with Bender finding himself in fifth after trying a new tactic and starting toward the front of the race.

Grant may be unlucky but that doesn't stop him from being in great racing shape. After trading out his flat front wheel he was back on the hunt making quick work of Bender before attacking Rasmussen once again taking over the number four spot in the race.

The leaders were too far ahead, even for Grant. They held a lead more fitting for a mountain bike race than cyclocross.

Jason Sager getting it done on his mountain bike

Up front, Goulet and Gillespie did most of the work as Sager, riding a converted mountain bike, seemed pressured on the road sections. In an interesting turn, it was the Monavie rider jumping the barriers today with Goulet choosing to run. Goulet's strong technique prevented him from losing time while on his feet.

Bart Gillespie clearing the barriers

On the final lap the scene was set for yet another dramatic sprint finish. With less than a mile left Goulet and Gillespie gapped the mountain bike riding Sager with just a short section of singletrack left to race. Goulet held the lead but Gillespie managed to sneak past in the final push toward the finish. Once up front Gillespie unleashed a stunning sprint toward the line. It was clear he wanted to win this one. The Monavie rider made certain Goulet had no chance of catching him today.

Sager crossed the line shortly after with an impressive third place followed by Grant and Rasmussen to round out the top-5.
Reed Wycoff (Contender) recovered from a slow start overtaking Thomas Bender late in the race finishing sixth with Bender just behind.

Check back next week for the next race in the Utah Cyclocross Series coming at you from the Weber State Fairgrounds.

Race Notes

Dayna Deuter minus her Easton rear wheel

Dayna Deuter's crash at the start of yesterday's race was costly in more ways than one. Not only did she have to make her way from dead last place but her Easton carbon rear wheel was destroyed in the wreck.

Results

Men's A

1, Bart Gillespie
2, Ali Goulet
3, Jason Sager
4, Alex Grant
5, Eric Rasmussen
6, Reed Wycoff
7, Thomas Bender
8, Sean Mitchell

Women's A

1, Kris Walker
2, Erika Powers
3, Dayna Deuter
4, Jen Hanks
5, Chantel Olsen
6, Heather Edwards
7, Laura Patten
8, Christy Clay
9, Jennie Wade
10, Alison Vrem
11, Jessica Morris
12, Meaghan Cunningham

Type rest of the post here

Photos from Utah Cyclocross #6: Wheeler Park, Salt Lake City, Utah

Click here to check out 150 photos from today's race in our photo gallery

Utah Cyclocross #5: Wheeler Park, Salt Lake City, Utah- Results, Report, and Photos

Photos and writing by: Shannon Boffeli

Click Here to check out all the photos from today's cross race

Ali Goulet edges Bart Gillespie for the men's A win

Once again Utah cyclocross riders were treated to fantastic racing conditions while most of the west struggled to dig out from several feet of snow. So much snow in fact several Utah racers were prevented from traveling to the Boulder Cross event due to the closure of Interstate-80 because of 4-foot snow drifts.

With sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s no one was complaining about missing the Boulder race.

Erika Powers pushes the envelope on her way to the win

The women were the first to kick things off. And things got off to a very rough start. After a slightly confusing start Dayna Deuter (Church of the Big Ring) crossed up wheels with another rider and hit the deck taking at least one other racer with her. As the dust flew behind the leaders, Erika Powers (Revolution/Peak Fasteners) led the field into the opening singletrack section followed by her teammate Jen Hanks (aka Bat Girl), Tanya Swenson (Cole Sport), Laura Patten (Ski Utah), and Chantel Olsen. The Revolution duo hooked up in the first lap but soon after Powers got a gap and kept building on it with each lap.

Jen Hanks dressed as Bat Girl and took third place on the day

Powers rode cleanly on the tight and twisting singletrack course using her skills as a mountain biker to keep the pace high while powering through the flat open sections. Behind the leader, Hanks did her best to hold off a fast group of chasers behind. Swenson,Patten, and Olsen worked together briefly until Swenson broke free and bridged the gap to second place. Despite riding a mountain bike Swenson closed it up on the open road sections eventually passing Hanks with just two laps to go.

Meanwhile, Deuter was left to pick up the pieces from her wreck. After being in last place, she quickly moved through the pack picking off riders one at a time. The Church of the Big Ring rider made her way all the way up to 5th by second to last lap and even a second crash couldn't stop her from moving into the fourth spot.

Tanya Swenson finishes the run up

At the finish line it was Powers with a hefty lead followed by Swenson with Hanks just behind. Deuter moved herself up fourth by the finish with Laura Patten taking fifth.

The men were all back together this weekend with Ali Goulet (Church of the Big Ring) returning from his trip back east. He would be matching up against Monavie-Cannondale.com teammates Alex Grant and Bart Gillespie, both sporting Halloween costumes, Eric Rasmussen (Specialized) was also on hand.

From the start, it was Reed Wycoff (Contender) taking the lead. But once again, Wycoff did not have the power to keep Gillespie, Grant, Rasmussen, and Goulet from charging to the front. Once at the front a hard-fought battle ensued with each rider trying to break the others. Goulet continually gapped the other riders by jumping the one set of barriers on course while the others ran.

Bart Gillespie runs better than most babies

Alex Grant took several flyers off the front forcing the others to chase back on but it was never enough to get him clear of the high-powered bunch. On the last lap, Goulet once again jumped his way into the lead and this time he finally unhitched Grant from the end of the train. That left Gillespie and Rasmussen to contend for the win but his increased pace on the last lap broke Rasmussen.

Goulet and Gillespie wound it up in the final half mile with Goulet taking the lead heading into the finish. As the rounded the final turn the short finishing straight left no time for Gillespie to come around leaving Goulet with a well-deserved win. Rasmussen took third followed by Grant and Thomas Bender (Kuhl/Scott) who followed his now well-known habit of starting slow and chasing his way to the front.

Race Notes

Imported beer. Fancy...

In true Halloween fashion many riders raced in full costume, which included a Beer Bottle, Tigger, Bat Girl and Robyn, Naughty Nurse, Spiderman, Skunk, Bumble Bee, and the Incredible Hulk to name a few. Race promoters gave away a Cannondale cyclocross frame to the rider with the best costume

Pile up at the start of the women's A race

Results

Men A
1, Ali Goulet
2, Bart Gillespie
3, Eric Rasmussen
4, Alex Grant
5, Thomas Bender
6, Reed Wycoff
7, Sean Mitchell

Women A

1, Erika Powers
2, Tanya Swenson
3, Jen Hanks
4, Dayna Deuter
5, Laura Patten
6, Chantel Olsen
7, Alison Vrem
8, Heather Edwards
9, Kelsey Bingham
10, Stephanie Skoreyko
11, Jennie Wade
12, Christy Clay
13, Meaghan Cunningham
14, Mary Foss
15, Meg Plank
16, Carolyn Holliday