2011 POINT SERIES
September 25, 2011
Al Quaal
Ishpeming
October 2, 2011
Iron Cross, Neganuee
Negaunee
October 9, 2011
River Park BMX Track
Marquette
October 15, 2011
Keweenaw Cup: Day 1
Downtown Hoedown
Copper Harbor
October 16, 2011
Keweenaw Cup: Day 2
Top of the World Smackdown
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge,
Copper Harbor
Oct. 29, 2011
Choco-X
Harvey / Marquette
November 12, 2011
U.P. Cyclocross Championships
Tourist Park, Marquette
Race start times*
Women B, Men C: 1 p.m.
Women A, Men B: 1:45 p.m.
Men A: 2:30 p.m.
* The first race of day 2 of the Keweenaw Cup (Oct. 16) will start at 11 a.m.; subsequent times to be adjusted accordingly.
Ryan Tervo, Nicole Alexander Crowned Champions of the 2011 UPCROSS Series Presented by Blackrocks Brewery
November 14, 2011
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.
The Death Spiral, as viewed from a glaxay far, far away.
Sarah Anderson, winner of the women's B race, navigating a sand trap.
Second place finisher in the men's A race, Andy Stevens, warming up.
Cara Applegate navigating the descent to the river bed.
UPCROSS Series trophies by Andrew Hanson.
 
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