The 2011 UPCROSS Series presented by Blackrocks Brewery of drew to a close this weekend with the U.P. State Cyclocross Championships at Marquette's Tourist Park. Once again, racers were spared the weather Michigan's Upper Peninsula is capable of doling out in mid-November. Instead, sunshine and (relatively) warm temperatures greeted competitors, the snow that had fallen earlier in the week long since melted.

Race director Colby Lash prepared a top-notch course for the event, the Death Spiral giving spectators ample opportunity to watch and heckle the racers up-close as they rode their way into and back out of the dizzying cyclocross vortex. The course, with plenty of dirt and pavement, was as fast as they come. Long sections of tight turns through the campground's trees gave technical riders a chance to make up ground on their powerhouse rivals, however. A pair of sand pits and a short, steep rise kept all of the riders on their toes.

As is custom, the U.P. Cyclocross Championships marked the final race of the 7-event series. With double points on the line, participation was essential for those hoping to hold onto their placings in the overall standings. Podium positions in several classes were separated by as few as one point prior to the race. With fame and fortune on the line, there was certain to be a fair share of bumping elbows and road rash before the day was over.

Racers traveled from far and wide for the championship event. Aaron Swanson, 2011 overall UPCROSS champion from Ashland, Wisconsin made his first visit to the U.P. this season and was immediately a favorite for the A race, particularly with the absence of Tyler Gauthier of Ishmpeming who had won every UPCROSS race he contested this season. Traveling all the way from North Carolina, Cara Applegate respresented an unknown in the women's A race. And, in the men's C race, Tony Talentino made the trek from Sault Saint Marie, Canada

In the men's C race, Tony Talentino - honorary Yooper for the day - claimed the U.P. Chamiponship title. Scott Roda and Nate Smith rounded out the top three.

Sarah Anderson took her second win of the season in the women's B race, holding off second place finisher Tara Laase McKinney and third place rider Amana Groscost

In the men's B race, which has seen some of the tightest racing of any category all season line, Andy Reed of Houghton took the win in his first-ever UPCROSS cx race. Andrew Rickauer, who has been racing strong all season, took second - the fear of being steamrolled by Matt Belic's fat bike providing extra motivation.

The women's A race was close as well, with Cooper and Nicole Alexander exchanging the lead numerous times. Behind them, Cara Applegate nipped at their heels and kept the pressure on at the front. In the end, Cooper was able to distance herself from Alexander for the win. Applegate held on for third in her first UPCROSS race.

Aaron Swanson of Ashland picked up where he left off last season. Working hard in the early laps, he put a few seconds into his greatest threats, Ryan Tervo, Colby Lash, Andy Stevens and Steve Kuhl - all determined to keep the Wisconsin standout at bay. His accelerations were too much for the quartet, however, and Swanson separated himself from the group and built a lead he would maintain to the finish. Behind him, the racing was close and physical. With less than 200m to go on the final lap, Tervo took an unfortunate spill and was passed by Stevens, Kuhl and Lash, knocking the series leader down to fifth on the day. Stevens and Kuhl held on for second and third place.

Claiming the overall UPCROSS series title in the men's A division was Ryan Tervo of Hancock. In the women's A divsion, top honors went to 2010 champion Nicole Alexander. In the men's B class, Matt Belic's consistently high finishes - which included three wins - were enough to earn him the overall title. Amanda Groscost claimed the honor in the women's B class. Andy Perry, who had a pair of wins during the season, rode off with the C class title.

That brings another UPCROSS season to an end. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered, organized, and raced this year. Also, a big thank you to our sponsors: Blackrocks Brewery of Marquette, The Bike Shop of Houghton, Down Wind Sports, Lakeshore Bike, Quickstop Bike Shop, and the Sports Rack. Thanks as well to KMK, Tom and Mary Mahaney, Range Mountain Bike Club, Blind Stoker, and the Red Jacket Cycling Team, for hosting and organizing events during the course of the season.

Best of luck to any UPCROSS racers competing at the U.S. National CX Championships in Madison in January. Check back after the races for a recap!

U.P. State Cycolcross Championship results
Photos
Visit the (new) UPCROSS Facebook page for more photos.

In thousands of years, after paleontologist and archaeologist have exhumed the remains of woolly mammoth and saber tooth tigers from the last tar pit and turn their heads to the Chocolay mud pits, how will they explain the bodies, clothed in macabre costumes, straddling curious, wheeled steeds of carbon, aluminum and steel pushed deep into what must have been endless pits of oozing mud? Will they be able to reconstruct the blood sport of cyclocross that took place at this site? Will our ancestors live on to tell the tale of cyclocross? Would they be believed? Perhaps this race report, though brief and cryptic - will live on to tell what transpired that fateful day in October 2011.

Once again, Choco-X race director Tom Mahaney laid out one of the most challenging courses of the season. In addition to the infamous, well-irrigated mud pit, the nearly fifty racers who competed were forced to navigate sand pits, a challenging off-camber turn with run-up and strong electromagnetic fields, logs, standard cx barriers, and hoards of heckling spectators.

In the men's C race, Tony Talentino prevailed, holding off a determined Scott Rodda, who already has two wins to his name this season. Third place went to Nathan Smith. Though he finished fourth, Andy Perry has a solid hold on the C title for the season.

Amanda Groscost took her second win of the season in the women's B race. Janet Koistenen, who has finished consistently near the top all year, claimed second; third place went to Tara Laase McKinney.

Matt Belic made it a hat trick in the hotly contested men's B race. Andrew Rickauer took second ahead of Jon Kangas. Jason Jilbert, who suffered a mechanical early on, fought hard to work his way up through the field and finished a strong fourth, keeping the dream of a spot on the podium in the overall competition alive. The battle betwee Jilbert and Kangas is sure to be tight in the U.P. Championships.

Nicole Alexander was able to fend off Cooper this week, turning the tables from their previous encounter. Christina Bennett, who has finished no worse than third this season, took the final spot on the podium in the women's A race.

In the men's A race, Tyler Gauthier continued his unbeaten streak. He set off on a mission on the first lap, and never looked back. In top form, he's set to leave a mark at next week's Iceman in Traverse City. Behind him, several close battles were waged. Ryan Tervo (UPCROSS presented by Blackrocks Brewery series leader) went back and forth with Colby Lash for the duration. Tervo prevailed, however. With his second place finish, Tervo maintains a narrow edge over Gauthier in the series standings. Anything can still happen at the U.P. State Championships scheduled for November 12 though. Behind the second and third place finishers, several riders raced for fourth. Evan Simula took the honor, ahead of Andy Stevens and Topher Chase. Further back, Dave Grant, who suffered a mechanical early in the race, and Chris Schmidt, who lost precious seconds with with dropped chain, continued their season-long battle. In a sprint finish, it was Grant who took the highly coveted eleventh place.

A big thank you to race hosts Tom and Mary Mahaney for another outstanding cycling event at the Cycling Haus.

Racing continues November 12 with the U.P. State Championships. The final race of the season carries double points and the likelihood of heavy snow. An end-of-the-season party will follow; stay tuned for details. Also stay posted for an updated version of the standings that will reflect points earned for the best five of the six already contested races.

Choco-X results
Photos by Dennis Loy
Visit the (new) UPCROSS Facebook page for more photos.

The Red Jacket Cycling Team of Houghton played host to the Keweenaw Cup for the fourth time this weekend, with over 50 racers testing their skill and stamina on a pair of gut-wrenching, brain-rattling and lung-searing courses over two days. In addition to the normal challenges one faces in 'cross, both races were held under gale force winds. Though the normally ubiquitous yellow caution tape was mostly absent as a result, barriers, a sand pit, run-up and plenty of flags left no doubt that cyclocross racing had returned to Copper Harbor. The race marked the fourth and fifth stops on the seven-race UPCROSS series presented by Blackrocks Brewery of Marquette.

Race number one of the two-race series – the Downtown Hoedown – was contested in Copper Harbor under the deafening roar of surf battering the ancient Lake Superior coastline. Under normal conditions, the dead-flat terrain would have been rocket fast. Largely exposed, however, the course forced riders to wage battle against the wind across a barren field. Under the watchful eyes of a pack of ravenous otters, racers made their way around a pond before eventually gaining shelter from the relentless gales at the edge of a forest. Then, coming off a stretch of pavement at full-speed, a double sand-pit with barrier broke the rhythm. Spectators in the pit zone were treated to a chicane and double barrier before competitors were jetisoned from the stadium area on a short stretch of singletrack with the wind at their backs.

In the first race of the day – men's C – Andy Perry was first to cross the line, making him the man to beat for overall points for the weekend. Mike Brokenshire of Troy, MI notched a second place finish and Red Jacket rider Bruce Pletka claimed third.

In the women's B race on Saturday, Melanie Watkins – competing in her first race as a Red Jacket – took the win. Amanda Groscost, who entered the weekend with a firm hold on the women's B class in the UPCROSS series, finished second with Tara Laase McKinney. hot on her heels.

Riding his snow bike, Matt Belic had a clear advantage in the sand pit, his ultra-wide tires able to float over the sand. Ian Marks of Houghton worked hard to maintain contact, but came up short and finished a strong second. Not far behind was Andrew Rickhauer, who ended the day in third place in the men's B division.

Nicole Alexander (Ace) took her third win of the season, outpacing Christina Bennett (Ace) and Amy Michaels (unattached) in the women's A contest. Alexander's first place finish further extended her already healthy lead in the overall UPCROSS standings, though the tenacious Bennett is never to be underestimated.

Forced to start in the second row for lack of a call-up, Tyler Gauthier of Culver's Racing wasted no time in moving through the ranks in the A race. As his competition struggled to keep their bikes upright, Gauthier sliced through wind, quickly establishing a sizable lead, only Tyler Jenema (Mafia) able to hold his wheel. Eventually, Jenema faded as well, falling back to join Ryan Tervo (Dorfblick / Flyer Cycles) of Houghton. The pair worked together to maintain their lead over the remainder of the fragmented field. Normally the stronger of the pair, the race was Jenema's to win. A botched remount on the final barrier was his undoing, however, and Tervo rode in for second behind Gauthier.

Sunday morning, race organizers were again greeted by a howling north wind off of Lake Superior that made the previous day's gales seem like a gentle breeze. With the wind, the Top of the World Smackdown at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge was certain to be a punishing affair. Making heavy use of paved golf cart paths and smooth fairways, racers would be able to fly with the wind and curse the gales in equal shares. A short run-up, prefaced by a muddy dip and barrier, forced riders to dismount just before turning into the wind for the final time on each lap.

Mike Rust of Rochester, MN edged Mike Brokenshire of Troy, MI for the win in the men's C division. The previous day's winner, Andy Perry hung on for third.

In the women's B race, Tara Laase McKinney took her first UPCROSS victory. Janet Koistenen and Deana Koscielny rounded out the top three.

Andrew Rickhauer returned to the top of the podium with a strong showing in the men's B contest. Matt Belic, his fat tires no match for the paved sections of the course, took second. In a tight race for third, Jon Kangas denied Jason Jilbert podium glory.

Suffering misfortune at the run-up, Nicole Alexander saw her lead disappear as she worked to remount her chain after crashing into a barrier midway through the women's A race. All is fair in love and cross though, and Christina Bennett carried on, holding on for the win. Alexander's second place put the pair in a tie for the overall Keweenaw Cup title. Melanie Watkins, motivated by her win in the women's B race on Saturday, moved up to the A class and finished a solid third.

In the men's A race, it was again Tyler Gauthier. Within the first lap, he had already left his mark on the field, leaving behind him a wake of shattered dreams and broken spirits. The only racers able to come close to matching his pace were Tyler Jenema and Trevor Olson. The former suffered flat midway through the race and retired from the contest; Olson, of Rochester, MN, rode strongly and finished second. Ryan Tervo, the only other rider not to have been lapped by Gauthier besides Olson, claimed third. Mac Brennan of Houghton, who entered the weekend at the top of the UPCROSS standings, took fourth. The Cinderella story in the A class was Brian Geshel of Marquette – currently unattached, but for how much longer – who took fifth, his best finish yet in only his first year of cx racing.

With a tie for the overall championship in the women's A class between Nicole Alexander and Christina Bennett, the pair agreed to the traditional one-legged tie-breaker race. Bennett got off to a strong start, only to come out of her pedal; Alexander rode on for her second overall title. Third place in the A class went to Amy Michaels.

Tyler Guathier, a pair of wins under his belt, was crowned men's champion in the A division. Ryan Tervo, a second and a third place on the weekend, took second. Surprising even himself, Colby Lash walked away with third place overall.

The race organizers would like to thank everyone for making the trek to Copper Harbor. It's a long way to travel, but they hope it was worth your while.

Complete 2011 Keweenaw Cup Results
Photos by Chris Schmidt
Photos by Adam Griffis
More photos to be found on Facebook

Though anyone not involved in cyclocross may be surprised at the warm and sunny October weather gracing the U.P. this fall, UPCROSS racers know that it's the norm rather than the exception. The five-year string of mostly warm and sunny October Sundays continued this weekend at Marquette’s River Park where the third stop of the 2011 UPCROSS series presented by Blackrocks was contested. Course architect Colby Lash designed an unforgiving circuit. Tight, off-camber chicanes left riders flummoxed lap after lap as they worked to determine whether running or riding was faster. A pair of sand traps forced rider to ask themselves the same question. As fatigue set in over the course of the race, however, the legs of many racers spoke up and demanded they be allowed to run the obstacles. Gone was a technical piece of rocky singletrack from previous editions of the race that often gave racers on mountain bikes an edge. With that absent, nearly all of the day's races would be decided on cyclocross bikes.

As reported recently in the Belgian press, enthusiastic American cyclcross fans could again be found along shadowy sections of U.S. cyclocross races, heckling and cheering racers with enthusiasm not seen even on the slopes of the Koppenberg. Hand-ups of dollar bills and cans of beer temped riders at nearly every bend. The roar of cowbells deafened. It was only with great fortitude that the UPCROSS racers were, for the most part, able to concentrate on subjecting their bodies to all the pain they could endure.

In the men's C race, Scott Rodda took his second win in as many races, edging out Nathan Smith and Andy Perry. Claiming her first win in three starts in the women's B race was Amanda Groscost. Newcomer Tara Laase Meki took second and a still-undetermined rider claimed third.

Matt Belic put the fat tires on his Pugsley snow bike to good use in the men's B contest. Floating over the sandy sections, racers on skinny-tired cx bikes were unable to keep pace. In one of the most hotly contest rivalries in the category, Jason Jilbert edged Jon Kangas for the second week a row for second place.

Nicole Alexander lost her hold on the top podium spot, dropping one to new-comer Cooper. Finishing with a solid lead over second-place Alexander, Cooper left no doubt that she will be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the season. Christina Bennet continued to ride strong and consistent, notching a third on the River Park course.

In the men's A race, Tyler Jenema made his first appearance of the UPCROSS season. Fresh off a victory in the Cat II/III class at the USGP of CX in Madison, Jemema cleaned up in Marquette. Houghton's Ryan Tervo made Jenema work for his win, however. Tervo finished second after being unable to match the breakneck pace set by Jenema with just a few laps remaining. Kyle Sarasin capitalized on Mac Brennan's misfortune in the final sand trap of the race. Brennan, winner of the Al Quaal event, was unable to clear the final section of sand. Sarasin snuck past and claimed third. Other notable finishes include an eighth by Topher Chase in his first UPCROSS race since 2009. Evan Simula rocked the singlespeed for ninth. And, in a tight race, Paul Johnston edged David Grant for the final top ten spot.

A big thank you to Colby Lash, Jesse Bell, KMK and everyone who helped set up and tear down the course!

Race action moves to the Keweenaw this coming weekend for the fourth annual Keweenaw Cup. Two days of cyclocross in Copper Harbor. For details, visit www.keweenawcup.com.

2011 River Park results
Photos by Chris Schmidt
Photos by Robert Emperley
More photos to be found on Facebook

Old Town Negaunee again played host to the third annual Iron Cross this weekend. Nearly fifty riders took to a course that wound through the hallowed grounds of a bygone mining era under weather conditions which, while perhaps not what one traditionally associates with cross, were not without their challenges: blinding sunshine and kaleidoscopic foliage left racers dazzled and disoriented as they wound their way up and down stairways to nowhere, around gravel-encrusted berms, through sand-laden curves and past hordes of well-wishers and heckling bystanders.

In the men's C race, it was UPRCOSS newcomer Scott Rodda who took the win. Last week's winner Andy Perry followed in second with Nathan Smith, another first timer, rounding out the podium. Top honors in the seven-woman B field went to Sarah Anderson. Second and third were awarded to Amanda Groscost and Janet Koistenen, respectively.

Continuing his winning streak in the men's B class was Andrew Rickhauer, who fought off a determined Jason Jilbert. Finishing not far behind was Jon Kangas. Matt Belic, riding a singlespeed snow bike, took a solid fourth.

Nicole Alexander continued her perfect season with another win in the women's A class. Alexander distanced herself form second-place finisher Christina Bennett early in the conteset and held on for the duration. Miriam Moeller, competing in her first A race, took third.

Warned that a fast first lap would mean extra laps did nothing to slow the action in the men's A event. At the gun, it was Tyler Gauthier who took control, pushing a pace no one was able to match and punishing the field with a brutal, eight-lap race. Gauthier was quickly out of sight of his nearest rivals, Tom Carpenter and Ryan Tervo. At every opportunity, the Culver's Racing rider pushed where he expected his competition to recover and soon built an insurmountable lead. Winner of UPCROSS race #1, Mac Brennan, suffered a poor start but wasted no time in working his way through the 25-man field towards the head of the race. In short order he joined fellow Keweenaw rider Ryan Tervo, and the pair worked together to reel in second-place rider Tom Carpenter. No sooner had they done so, did Carpenter suffer misfortune in the form of a flat tire. In the end, Brennan bested Tervo for second spot on the podium.

In the overall standings, Mac Brennan holds a solid lead in the A class, as does Nicole Alexander in the women's A division. With racers scoring the best six of seven races, however, it's still too early to make predictions about the the title, though the heavy hitters have made themselves known.

A big thank you to Jon Becker of Blindstoker Productions and the Range Mountain Bike Club for another great UPCROSS event.Thank you as well to UPCROSS presenting sponsor, Blackrocks Brewery of Marquette!

UPCROSS racing continues this weekend at the River Park BMX Track in Marquette. As usual, racing gets underway at 1pm with the men's C and women's B races.

2011 Iron Cross Results
Photos by Chris Schmidt
More photos to be found on Facebook

The men's A podium saw some new faces in this weekend's UPCROSS opener. Houghton-based Mac Brennan, riding for Panther, took the win ahead of Tom Carpetner of Marquette in his first UPCROSS race. Andy Stevens, also of Marquette, claimed third in the 16-man field.

On the women's side, Nicole Alexander picked up where she left off at the end of last season with the win in the A class. Christina Bennett and Andrea Pernsteiner took second and third, respectively.

In the men's B race, which saw 13 riders line up, Tim Shandonay took first. Houghton rider Brian Geschel rode off with second with Matt Belic hot on his tail.

There were a number of new faces in the women's B race as well, including Miriam Moeller, who claimed the win. Lindsay Bean was second across the line followed by 100-mile race warrior Sarah Anderson.

Only two riders contested the men's C race where it was Andy Perry over Paul Lagrou.

With a number of riders racing elsewhere this weekend, field size was down a bit in the men's A race - though the racing was as fast as ever. Some of those opting to skip the season opener where Colby Lash, Ryan Tervo and Tyler Jenema, who raced the USGP in Madison. Congratulations to Tyler Jenema on his win in the 2/3 race on Sunday (4th on Saturday). Congratulations as well to Tyler Gauthier on his 3rd place in the pro/elite class of one of the season's final WORS races.

Racing continues this weekend with Iron Cross in Old Town Negaunee. See everyone there!

The seven-race UPCROSS series kicks off this weekend at the Al Quaal trails in Ishpeming. Presented by Range Mountain Bike Club and Blindstoker Productions, the venue has traditionally featured a fine blend of grass, pavement, ski trail and singletrack. According to race organizer Jon Becker, this year's course will be wider, faster and even more fun than past editions.

Racing gets underway at 1 p.m. with the 30-minute women's B and men's C race. Next up are the A women and B men, who will also be riding for 30 minutes. The 45-minute men's A race is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

UPCROSS competition is sure to be tight this season, with numerous racers moving up a class. 2010 "B" class champion Jermey Pletka of Marquette is certain to shake things up in the "A" field. Several new faces are also expected in on the line in the "A" race, including 15 year-old Pete Karinen of Painesdale and stand-out roadie Mac Brennan, a Michigan Tech student hailing from East Jordan. On the women's side, defending champion Nicoloe Alexander will have her work cut out for her to fend of attacks from a strong field which is again expected to include fellow 2010 podium finishers Andrea Pernsteiner and Christina Bennett

Cyclocross racing kicked off in the U.P. Saturday (Sept. 17) at the innagural Sherman Cross race in Houghton. Racers were treated to a "true" cyclocross atmosphere. The course had a truly unique layout thanks to its location at Sherman Field, home of the football and soccer teams at Michigan Tech. Large segments of pavement and the steepest run-up in the Keweenaw were just a few of the features of the course.

A series of races were held, starting at 4 pm. Daniel Henderson posted the first win of the night in the junior boys race. He would take the ironman award after wins in the men's B, as well as competing in the men's A race. James Bialas won a sprint finish over Chris Schmidt in the singlespeed race. Schmidt took top honors in the master's division, however, outriding Red Jacket teammates Steve Hackney and Dave Watkins.

The men's A race was treated to an enthusiastic crowd supporting the top racers in the U..P as they battled under the lights in the season-opener. In the end, Tyler Gauthier edged out Tyler Jenema for the win. Up-and-comer Pete Karinen took the final spot on the podium and another local, Ryan Tervo, finished fourth. Mac Brennan rounded out the top-five.

The night could not conclude without a fun race. Racers did their best to make their way around the course on all manner of bikes from unicycles and tandems to tricycles and cruisers sporting horns.

With the early race date and unique atmosphere, Sherman Cross is destined to become a favorite among U.P. cx racers

Photos:
Chris Schmidt
Adam Griffis