A raging snowstorm on the eve of the 2nd annual Keweenaw Cup couldn't stop several dozen cyclocross racers and fans from making the journey to Copper Harbor for two days of racing. Of course, it is equally possible that the inclement weather was a draw to the lost souls of the cycling underworld who were eager to experience more than the usual amount of pain and suffering that can be packed into a 30- or 45-minute cyclocross race.

The Keweenaw Cup opened on Saturday at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge with the Top of the World Smackdown, the fourth of seven races in the UPCROSS points series. Though snow-covered in the morning, slightly warmer temperatures and flashes of sunshine managed to transform what snow remained to water, making for the muddiest course the UPCROSS series has seen in years. A thin layer of topsoil on some of the oldest rock in the world and stands of mature white pine that somehow manage to survive on it made for a course that would have left any UCI official shaking his head. Tight turns, water hazards, mud pits, rocks and roots that tested handling skills and rattled bones and headsets: cyclocross racing Keweenaw style.

In the women's race, Nicole Alexander took an early lead, only to see it whittled away by series leader Andrea Pernsteiner, who took over midway through the race and held on to the end. Christina Bennett rallied for third, outpacing last year's overall Keweenaw Cup champion Amy Michaels. In the B race, Colby Lash started fast and held the pace for his first win of the year. Tim Kostner, who recently relocated to the Keweenaw and is in talks with the Red Jackets for the 2010 season, placed a solid second, just ahead of Red Jacket Steve Webber, who was back on the podium for the second time in as may weeks. Nevin Bronell claimed the final podium spot. Tyler Jenema was in top form again in the A race, setting a blazing pace from the gun. It was clear from the first lap that the rest of the field was racing for second. The battle was hot, with both Jesse Bell and Jeff Juntti hoping break the tie for second in the UPCROSS series in their favor. In the end, it was Bell ahead of Juntti. Ashland rider Paul Belknap returned to the U.P. for his second UPCROSS race and claimed 4th.

Following the Top of the World Smackdown, racers, family and friends headed to the lodge for a benefit pasta dinner to help raise funds for the Copper Harbor Trails Club -- the benefactor for all proceeds from the Cup. Music provided by Andy Langlois and The Black Flies kept racers up well past their bed time.

Sunday, the action moved to Copper Harbor for the Downtown Hoedown. Slightly warmer temperatures and sometimes sunny skies greeted the racers. A flat and fast course with two sets of barriers, a sharp, off-camber corner and double sand trap tested dismounting and mounting skills. The aroma of hotdogs on the grill led more than one racer astray. Judging by the results, hotdog handups do little to enhance performance.

The women's race was a near rerun of Saturday's event. The only difference being that Pernsteiner set a pace no one could match right from the start. Alexander again placed second and Bennett third. In the B race, Colby Lash had another fine performance, capturing his second race of the weekend. Garrett LaForce improved on his fifth place finish on Saturday with a second place finish. Nevin Bronnell was able to hold off a pair of Red Jackets, Caleb Wendel and James Bialas, for third. In the A race, Tyler Jenema lapped half of the strong field on his way to victory. Second and third again went to Bell and Juntti, respectively. Ben LaForce had his best finish (4th) of the cx season.

Overall champions in the Keweenaw Cup were Andrea Pernsteiner (Women), Colby Lash (B) and Tyler Jenema. Pernsteiner and Jenema have a free ticket to next year's race, all they need to do is cash in on their grand prize: a tattoo of the Keweenaw Cup logo. All Keweenaw Cup champions also took home belt buckles hand crafted by local artist Jamie Bourgo, who also made custom chainstay guards for other podium finishers.

As the UPCROSS season enters the home stretch, the top positions are starting to firm up. But, this being cyclocross, nothing is over until it's over. Andrea Pernsteiner has a solid ten-point lead over Nicole Alexander. Just six points separate Amy Michaels and Christina Bennett in the race for third. In the B class, Colby Lash appears to be unstoppable with a 29-point advantage over Red Jacket rider Steve Webber, who leads Nevin Bronnell by just two points. Tyler Jenema's lead appears safe in the A class. The battle for second will be contested until the very end. Jesse Bell was able to put six points into Jeff Juntti at the Keweenaw Cup, but Juntti will be ready to battle when the pair meet again.

Results are now online for both days of the Keweenaw Cup as well as overall series standings. Check out the results page for details.

UPCROSS head to Chocolay this weekend for the annual Choco-Cross event, hosted by Tom Mahaney and the Chocolay Ace Cycling Team.