On Sunday, November 25th, the team headed to the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe for the final installment of the Seattle Cyclocross Series. The Cycle U-PopCap cyclocross team had several members in good position for the overall titles, but the final race was worth double points...and anything could happen.
In the Elite Men's race, Evan Renwick was finally back after missing a few races from illness. Renwick went on to finish in 17th place. In the 35+ Master's race Jason Jablonski looked good to win the Overall Series title barring disaster, and Chad Berg was making his first race appearance in three weeks, still recovering from a back injury. Jablonski pulled clear of his biggest threat for the overall, and began to battle with Shimano's Ronnie Schmeer. The two took turns at the front all the way through the final lap, with Schmeer eeking out Jablonski for the win in a sprint. However, Jablonski was the big success story as he became the 2012 S.C.X. Masters 35+ Champion!
In the Masters 45+ race, Cycle U-PopCap's Sean Kelsey and Mafia's Jeff Beltramini were in a near tie for the overall series title. Whoever one the battle between the two, would be awarded with the series championship. Midway through the race, Beltramini put in a huge effort to pull clear of Kelsey by nearly 10 seconds. Kelsey maintained his composure and continued to let Beltramini dangle out front alone and tire as Kelsey kept the gap in check. With two laps to go, Kelsey reeled him in and went around him and began to pull clear. Kelsey finished alone winning his 3rd race of the year and the became the 2012 S.C.X. Masters 45+ Champion.
 |
| Kristy Kelsey focused. |
 |
| Jason Jablonski attempts to pull clear of Ronnie Schmeer. |
 |
| Sean Kelsey heading to another win. |
 |
| Berg trying to make up time after two bike changes and a bloody knee. |
In the Elite Women's race, a chance for the overall title was nearly unattainable, but the remaining podium spots were still up for grabs. Team riders Melanie Lewis, and Kristy Kelsey got things started off good with the hot pace set by Courtney McFadden and Carrie Studley. Lewis took her chances early and gave chase hoping to put a gap between her and the others, while Kelsey was forced to battle it out with a couple of other chasers. Kelsey eventually pulled clear to sit firmly in 4th while just ahead, Lewis held her own staying focused to finish on 3rd place for the day. Their work was awarded with Kelsey finishing 2nd overall and her teammate Lewis next on the podium step in 3rd.
 |
Evan Renwick back on track.
|
 |
| Melanie Lewis pushing hard in the drops. |
The Cycle U-PopCap Cyclocross Team is extremely proud of the accomplishments made by the riders with two overall championships and four out of six riders finishing in the top three overall results. Next weekend, the team will come North to the Arlington Airport for the Washington State Championships to an all new venue/course as they look to hopefully take away some State medals.
No comments:
Post a Comment