In its short three year history, this race has become somewhat of a classic and has become increasingly known as the hardest course on the circuit. Fortunately, a bunch of friends and family of the Bergs were on hand to cheer on the team as they would need the encouragement on the brutal course.
At 12:15, the elite men lined up to include Cycle U - PopCap's newest addition, Evan Renwick. The next wave included Masters riders Sean Kelsey and Chad Berg. Kelsey got an incredible start as they hit the 100 meter sand section, 8 seconds into the race, and came out of the section in the lead with a 15 meter gap. Kelsey continued stomping on the pedals leading a good portion of the race. Hagens Berman rider, Rich McClung was tearing through the field and eventually caught up to Kelsey and passed him in the closing lap. During the second lap, Berg came into the pits stating the air pressure needed to be increased in both wheels. As he quickly dropped that bike off with team meachanic Justin, Maren immediately handed up the other bike with perfect fluidity, and Berg never missed a step as he left the pits. Kelsey came in for a super 2nd place which now places him in 2nd overall in both the SCX, and the MFG Series'. Back behind, Berg came in with 10th, and Renwick came in 15th in his first race as a Cycle U - PopCap rider.
Our Elite women's squad lined up next and when the whistle blew, the girls B-lined it for the sandy beach. By the time they cleared the sand, Kristi Berg was in the lead and Melanie Lewis was in 3rd as they entered the woods. As the race settled out, both Cycle U - PopCap riders found themselves working together towards 2nd place with Courtenay McFadden moving up from behind. Both Lewis and Berg were overtaken on the last two laps and Lewis had to settle for 3rd followed closely by Berg for 4th. The real good news is two other racers that were ahead of them in the overall points, finished off their pace. This helped to move move Lewis into 4th overall and Berg into 5th overall.
Next weekend, Masters rider, Chad Berg will be headed up on a solo excursion, to Sedro Woolley for "Woolley Cross" on Saturday. This race is a favorite among courses for Berg and he aims to do well. This course is always a slogfest of mud witch caters to Bergs riding style....a mudder.
The following day (Sunday), the entire team will be headed to round #4 of the MFG series at Marymoor park in Redmond. Another course that will probably be effected by the rains forecasted later in the week.
Let's hope so.
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