Merry Christmas!

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Washington State CX Championships - Arlington

Story coming soon.

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S.C.X. #7 - FINALS/Evergreen Fairgrounds in Monroe

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.

S.C.X. #6/Steilacoom V2

 On Sunday, November 18th the Cycle U-PopCap cyclocross team once again ventured down to Lakewood in Pierce County to compete in round six of the Seattle Cyclocross Series with precious points on the line as the series winds down.
  The men started off very strong with Jason Jablonski breaking away with series threat, Rainer Leuschke of Blue Rooster.  At the halfway point through the race, Jablonski broke clear of Leuschke and rode clear all the way to the finish line for his 4th win of the season.  This gave Jablonski a more comfortable lead in the series as the finals loomed the following weekend.
  In the 45+ race, Sean Kelsey had a slim lead over Mafia Racing's Jeff Beltramini.  Within a lap, Kelsey and Beltramini pulled clear of the rest of the field and began to exted their lead, taking turns on the front.  While riding adjacent to the pit area, Kelsey's chain bounced off his chainring on a very bumpy section of the course, getting lodged beneath his chain guide.  Unfortunately, Kelsey had alread passed the pit exit, and even though Team Director, Chad Berg had his spare bike right there, next to Kelsey, by the USA cycling rules, he could not provide the bike or assistance.  Very frustrated yet remaining calm, Kelsey worked to free his chain, as Beltramini rode away solo for the win.  Kelsey eventually freed the chain and had to settle for 18th place nearly a full lap off of what was sure to be a winning ride.
  In the women's race, Melanie Lewis rode a strong race to finish in 2nd while teammate Kristy Kelsey came in shortly after in 4th.  The next race will be the finals at the Evergreen fairgrounds in Monroe where the Series champions will be awarded and the remaining podium positions will be sought after.



RESULTS:

Sean Kelsey  18th
Jason Jablonski  1st
Melanie Lewis  2nd
Kristy Kelsey  3rd

M.F.G. #6/FINALS - Woodland Park/Seattle

RESULTS:

Melanie Lewis  2nd
Kristy Kelsey  8th
Jason Jablonski  5th
Sean Kelsey  16th


  Melanie Lewis finished the M.F.G. Series in 2nd place overall!

S.C.X. #5/Enumclaw = WINS!

  On Sunday, November 4th, the team headed South to the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw, for round five of the Seattle Cyclocross Series.  The course has become a favorite to many riders with it's intimidating steep run-up, greasy off camber sections, mud, mud, and some more technical mud riding. 

Kelsey celebrating his commanding win.

Jablonski at the top of the run up, just after dropping his last challenger to win.

  Even though, teammate Chad Berg was not starting due to a minor back injury, and teammate Evan Renwick was still unable to race battling being sick, Jason Jablonski and Sean Kelsey picked up the slack from the start for the Cycle U-PopCap Mens squad.  In the 35+ category, Jablonski got the whole shot and within a couple of laps was out front with only Audi Cycling's Todd Davis to keep him company.  The pair worked together for most of the race until finally, Jablonski had had enough and shook Davis loose and pinned it.  Jablsonski won his 2nd race in as many weeks and took another step in retaining his lead in the Series.  In the 45+ field, Kelsey took to the front immediately as well, and pretty much dropped the entire field, continuing on buidling his gap every lap to include catching all but 3 riders that started over a full minute ahead in another category.  Kelsey killed 'em out there, and chalked up his second win at Enumclaw, following his win last year as well.  Nice work fellas!


Kelsey pins it to capitalize on Cutler's dropped chain.



Melanie Lewis rails another corner on her way to 5th place.

  In the Women's race, Kristy Kelsey and Melanie Lewis were licking their chops at getting a chance to race on a course that suited their abilities as two of the best technical riders in the Elite Women's field.  Their race spreaded out rather quickly with Kelsey settling in to 4th and Lewis sitting right behind in 5th.  With a couple of laps to go, the Cycle U-PopCap girls kicked it in, and started to chase down the front end of the race.  Kelsey was making ground on Cyclocrossracing.com's Jessica Cutler who appeared to be fading.  With half a lap to go, Kelsey caught up to Cutler just as Cutler dropped her chain after the set of Beer Garden barriers.  Kelsey knew this was her opportunity, but Cutler quickly fixed her chain and began chasing down Kelsey.  With merely a quarter of a mile left, Cutler went past Kelsey who had nothing left to answer with following such a vigorous chase.  Kelsey came in just after with a solid 4th place and Lewis was shortly behind in 5th.  Both teammates have been very consistant in their results this year which is paying off in series points as the last few big races remain on the schedule.
  RESULTS:

Jason Jablonski  - 1st
Sean Kelsey      - 1st
Kristy Kelsey    - 4th
Melanie Lewis   - 5th

  Next Sunday, the Cycle U-PopCap will head down to Seattle for the now iconic Woodland Park venue for the M.F.G. Finals, where they look to once again make their mark in the elite fields.

 

S.C.X. #4 - Sprinker Park @ Spanaway

Jablonski comes in for the win!

  On Sunday the 28th, the team headed way South to Spanaway for the 4th round of the S.C.X. Series at the Sprinker Park outdoor recreation facility.

  The Cycle U-PopCap men started things out with Jason Jablonski taking the big win today in a solo finish with enough time to celebrate a bit as he came through the finish!  Sean Kelsey was battling head to head the entire race with Mafia's Jeff Beltramini, eventually it would come down to a sprint.  As Kelsey tried to come around Beltramini as the they entered the short finishing straight, there just wasn't enough room to come around and Kelsey finished with the Silver.  Another fantastic ride for Sean as he continues to hold his lead for the overall in the Series.  Chad Berg, finished the race the best he could with a 13th for the day.



"Papa" Berg grinds up a short incline.

   In the women's race, Melanie Lewis and Kristy Kelsey took off in a strong women's feild once again.  The girls were riding well in the top five, when another rider made a poor move on remounting after the double barrier and short run up section, and took out Lewis to include breaking her front rim.  Kelsey took off solo to chase down 3rd, as Lewis had to run to the pits for a bike change.  Eventually Kelsey caught Moto Fish's Jenni Gaertner and with a lap to go, pulled clear to claim a well deserved 3rd place.  Due to the ill-timed mechanical suffered by Lewis following the error of one of the other competitors, Mel had to settle for 8th, dissapointed with what had transpired during the race.

Mel Lewis works over the sand moments before being taken out by another rider.

RESULTS:

Jason Jablonski - 1st
Sean Kelsey - 2nd
Chad Berg - 13th

Kristy Kelsey - 3rd
Melanie Lewis - 8th



Kelsey powering up smoothly.

  Next week the team will head to what may becoming the crown jewel of the SCX Series....Enumclaw!  This race is held at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw and includes a huge steep and wide run up, technical trails and descent, and lots of field mud and off-camber greasy sections which tend to favor the Cycle U-PopCap riders.  Last year, teammate Sean Kelsey earned a commanding win on this course, and we look forward to more success next weekend as well.

M.F.G. #5 - Marymoor Park

  On Saturday, the 27 the Cycle U-PopCap Cyclocross Team braved the rain and greasy mud conditions to take on Marymoor Park in the 5th round of the M.F.G. Series.

  RESULTS:

Sean Kelsey - 4th
Chad Berg - DNF (2 mechanicals)

Melanie Lewis - 3rd
Kristy Kelsey - 4th

M.F.G. #4 - Magnuson Park

RESULTS:

Jason Jablonski - 5th
Sean Kelsey - 21st
Chad Berg - 27th
Evan Renwick - 15th
Melanie Lewis - 5th
Kristy Kelsey - 6th

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Woolley Cross - Sedro Woolley, WA

I made my way today up to Sedro Woolley for the classic "Woolley Cross", part of the Cascade Cyclocross Series.  I always love this course, for the way it flows, great run ups, wet/spongy ground, and the fact that its on the property of the old Northern State Mental Institution, specifically - the said farm that was operated by the Institution back in the day.
  With much smaller crowds than an SCX or MFG race, the race has an old school feeling that can be summed up as "quality over quantity" specifically in the competition.  Within the first half lap I found myself racing alone as the three guys in front faded out of sight.  I ended up finishing up in 4th place having a fun race and enjoying the day in cold, and wet true Northwest 'Cross conditions.
  Now its time to clean up the bikes and prepare for tomorrows MFG race at Magnuson Park in Seattle.  Ya gotta love double duty.

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S.C.X. #3/Silver Lake - Everett, WA

  On Sunday, October 14th, the Northwest Cyclocross scene convirged on the shores of Silver Lake in South Everett.  The course is one of the most difficult on the Northwest circuit is its layed out on the sides of half of a large bowl of a hill side down the shores of the lake.  The course takes riders either up steep punchy climbs, down white knuckle technical decents, or along the fine thick beach sand along the water.  Love it, or hate it....its a brutal one.

  The Men got things off to a start for the Cycle U-PopCap team with Jason Jablsonki, Sean Kelsey, Chad Berg, and Evan Renwick.  Jablonski had another consistant ride and finished in 4th, with Kelsey having a fantastic ride yet again coming in 2nd place.  Berg had another rough day in the saddle, and had to settle for 20th, while Renwick suffered a couple of ill timely crashes and had to pull out of the race.


Sean Kelsey negotiates the sand

   The Women took off fast from the gun and made it through the sand section unscathed as the field began to spread out.  Kelsey quickly settled into 2nd place chasing down the leading woman, Redline's Kari Studley, and the two pulled farther from the chasers every lap.  Lewis was riding in the chase group behind conservatively so as not to assist in pulling other riders up to her teammate as well as not being on her "A" game, still coming off illness.  Eventually, Kelsey was unable to keep Studley in her sights, yet still scored a very vital 2nd place.  This moved her from fourth to second overall in the series.  Lewis came in 6th, and content with her ride knowing she was slowly getting healthier, and that the courses ahead will be more challenging for her and Kelsey's riding style.


Kristy Kelsey rolls through the cedars.



RESULTS:

Sean Kelsey - 2nd
Jason Jablonski - 4th
Chad Berg - 20th
Evan Renwick - DNF

Kristy Kelsey - 2nd
Melanie Lewis - 6th

  Next Saturday, Chad Berg will be the sole team rider heading up to Sedro Woolley for "Woolley Cross", and then the entire team will reconverge on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle for round #4 of the M.F.G. Series and Magnuson Park.

Jason Jablonski coming out of the barriers.

  


 

Star-Crossed/M.F.G. #3

 On Saturday, the Cycle U-PopCap Cyclo-cross team had the small luxury of sleeping in on the day of a race.  Star-Crossed starts the race in the afternoon, and various classes/fields race well into the dark hours of night under the lights of the Velodrome at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington.  With warm temperatures and an extremely dry course, dust....I mean dust, like the finest, nastiest, eye clouding, throat choking dust you could imagine.  Black flem, and dirt boogers for a few days to say the least!

  Melanie Lewis, and teammate Kristy Kelsey were forced to take the course under not the best of physical circumstances.  Lewis was in the middle of a cold, and definitely under the weather, and Kelsey was still bruised and banged up from a couple hard "body check" crashes in last weekends race in Arlington including one with a 3" steel pole to the shoulder, which ended her race.  This night would be a night of survival for overall points in the M.F.G. Series.  With a very strong field of Elite women traveling from several states to race in this classic, the Cycle U-PopCap girls were in for a battle.  Both girls had a decent start and Kelsey worked hard to stay with the first chase group, but began to fade a bit, still suffering from last weekends mishaps.  At the same time, Lewis began to find some sort of legs, that eventually her lungs just couldn't support.  Kelsey and Lewis raced much of the race together, helping to salvage what they could with Lewis coming in 12th, and Kelsey right behind in 13th.  Way to tough out a brutal night!



Mel Lewis grinds up the steep power climb on the back side.



Kristy Kelsey soars over the barriers with teammate Lewis in tow.

   The Elite Mens race started off with a "Bang" at 6:30pm, when approximately 30 meters after the start, several riders tangled up and went down hard onto the pavement!  Fortunately, Cycle U-PopCap's Evan Renwick, narrowly avoided the pile up and was off with the rest.  Within a couple of minutes the Master Men were off in the second wave to include Sean Kelsey, and Chad Berg.  Both got off to a good start and found themselves in the top ten after the first couple of turns and into the crowd of spectators.  After the first lap, Kelsey found himself in a chase group of nearly 10 riders, who where keeping the two breakaway guys in check.  Berg continued to fade back, finishing well off of the pace, but enjoying the night and the support of the crowd, and eventually was able to ride the final lap with teammate Evan Renwick.  Kelsey finished in 7th respecfully.



Sean Kelsey doing a little course re-con before the start.

     Next weekend, the Cycle U-PopCap team will be taking on the sandy beach and slopes of Silver Lake in Everett.  That course is nothing short of HARD!  It's either up, down, or sand!  Finally some courses that offer some technical challenges that the team excels at, and looks forward to.  So until then, enjoy the sun while it lasts, we are doing a rain dance!

MFG #3/Star-Crossed Results:

Melanie Lewis  - 12th
Kristy Kelsey   - 13th
Sean Kelsey     - 7th
Chad Berg        - 22nd
Evan Renwick   - 31st

S.C.X. #2/ Arlington

  On Sunday, September 30th, the Seattle Cyclocross Series visited the Arlington Airport for the second stop in the States biggest series.  The race was at the same venue as the 2011 Washington State Championships course, just off of 172nd Street in Smokey Point, at the South end of the runway.

Elite Men
Evan Renwick  15th

Master Men
Sean Kelsey   2nd
Jason Jablonski   3rd
Chad Berg

Elite Women
Melanie Lewis   5th
Kristy Kelsey   DNF


  This Saturday, the Cycle U-PopCap Cyclocross Team will head to Redmond for Star-Crossed, under the lights of the Marymoor Velodrome as the 3rd stop in the M.F.G. Series.

M.F.G. #2/Lk. Samammish

  The second round of the M.F.G. Series took to the shores of Lake Samammish in Issaquah. 

  Another pan flat course that included plenty of high speed grassy turns, a 50 meter sandy beach section, and the long paved start/finish straightaway, was what we had layed out for us.  The Cycle U-PopCap Women; Melanie Lewis, and Kristy Kelsey started their stacked women's field on the front row.  The race started fast and by the time the riders were on the second lap, Kristy was sitting on the tail end of the top five, with Lewis having difficulty outside of the top 10.  At the halfway point in the race, Lewis got her second wind, and found her legs.  Within a lap and a half, Lewis had passed at least six other girls and bridged up to teammate Kelsey, with some amazingly fast lap times.  Kelsey finished in 6th, with Lewis finishing in 5th! 

                                            Jablonski hovers over the sand on his way to the Win!

                                                  Evan Renwick "smooth" over the barriers.

Kristy Kelsey making her way up the steps off the beach.

  In the Elite Mens race, Cycle U-PopCap's Evan Renwick got a great start with an impressive hole shot to lead the men out through the first half lap.  Evan continued to battle on the fast course and looked "smooth" with his new hair plan in effect, to include no facial hair, freshly shaven legs, and taking some of his goldy locks off of his shoulders!  Evan finished in 17th place.
  In the Masters race, Jason Jablonski brought home a WIN!  The race started off with a blistering pace that saw the lead group established within the first half of the lap as a group was formed immediately after exiting the sand pit. 
   "I knew that with the race being some what flat, and more open sections then some of the other courses, it would be a tough race for anyone in our group to break away by themselves. So, I figured the best tactic was to be sure that I was always with the front pack. I road the front every once in a while, but whenever I tried to stretch the elastic, the group behind would bring me back. So, I just stayed in the top 3. On the last lap I made sure to punch it in the run section through the sand and get on the bike as quick as possible.  After that I saw there was a small gap and just tried to hold it.  I caught a pretty fast open/elite rider and he really tried to stay in front of me so that helped me push to the end, holding about a 5 to 10 second gap over second place. SUPER FUN RACE!
                                 - Jason Jablonski
 
  Sean Kelsey missed the decisive break, and held on in a chase group for a respectable 9th place.

MFG#2 Results

Melanie Lewis - 5th
Kristy Kelsey - 6th
Evan Renwick - 17th
Jason Jablonski - 1st
Sean Kelsey - 9th
Chad Berg - 19th

 

S.C.X. #1/Steilacoom

  Wow!  That's how one could some up the day for the Cycle U-PopCap Cyclo-cross Team at the opening round of the Seattle Cyclocross Series held at Fort Steilacoom Park in Pierce County.  Steilacoom is legendary in the Northwest 'cross scene, and love it or hate it....everyone can appreciate the historic venue.

  The Cycle U-PopCap Team came out swinging big when the Men lined up at 12:15.  Elite rider, Evan Renwick had a fantastic start, settling into the race when some dry loose corners took their tole and caused him to go down, slightly hurting his shoulder and making him chase back.  Evan, and Masters rider, Chad Berg eventually were able to ride out their last couple of laps together and kind of put things into survival mode, and live to fight another day.  However, Jason Jablonski was moving up in the 35+ field and was chasing Garrett Hietman who had a large lead over the field.  Jablonski nonetheless, had a fantastic race and finished in 2nd place, getting a little redemption on last weeks race.  Sean Kelsey, now racing in the 45+ category very quickly broke clear of the field with Todd Gallagher and went back and forth throughout the race.  On the last lap, Gallagher made a move on Kelsey as they descended the pavement road, Kelsey waited patiently on the wheel as they navigated the twisty turning grass section through the pits.  As they entered the barriers, less than 50 meters from the finish line, they were neck and neck.  Both riders quickly tried to get into their pedals as they remounted to begin the sprint.  Kelsey got the best of it, and crossed the line in first place!  Magnificent!
  The Cycle U-PopCap Women started off by putting their stamp on the race early on.  Kristy Kelsey, led Melanie Lewis through the first couple laps and both teammates began to pull clear of the majority of the field with only a Group Health, and Blue Rooster rider able to keep them in sight.  With two laps to go, the Group Health rider bridged up to the Kelsey and Lewis.  Kelsey faded slightly after putting in the heroic efforts, and now it was Lewis's turn trying to shake loose the Group Health rider.  Lewis put in a big push through the technical sections to try and pull clear, but was attacked on the back climb and got slightly gapped.  Lewis came in about 5 seconds off of the winning pace for a super 2nd place with teammate Kelsey finishing shortly thereafter in 3rd!  It was great to see the girls working to control the race on a course that really doesn't suit either one's particular style, yet still pull off great results.

SCX #1 results:

Sean Kelsey - 1st
Jason Jablonski - 2nd
Chad Berg - 15th
Evan Renwick - 23rd
Melanie Lewis - 2nd
Kristy Kelsey - 3rd

  Next week, the team travels to the shores of Lake Samammish in Issaquah for round #2 of the MFG series.

M.F.G. #1/Big Finn Hill-Juanita

  on Sunday the 9th, the Cycle U-PopCap Cyclo-cross team headed to Big Finn Hill Park in Juanita for the first race of the M.F.G. Series.
  The day began with Elite Women Kristy Kelsey, and Melanie Lewis lining up with a strong field for the start of a very fast and dry course with no run ups and one set of barriers.  The girls got off to a great start the first quarter of the race and made the front five.  Shortly after in the first lap, another rider took out Lewis in a turn causing her to go down.  To make matters worse, Kelsey piled up into Lewis while on the ground with nowhere else to go.  With both riders picking themselves back up and giving chase....the race was on.  Kristy Kelsey gave chase most of the race in 4th where she eventually finished and Melanie Lewis went back and forth with Blue Rooster's Karyn Abraham and eventually with a big pull on the last lap, Mel went clear of Abraham and was able to salvage a 5th place.
  In the Elite Men's race, Evan Renwick continued to show his good form and was able to keep the rubber side down, to finish in 11th with the Pro Men. 
  In the Masters Men's race, Cycle U-PopCap's Jason Jablonski made his team debut appearance.  Sean Kelsey looked to take the first steps in defending his 2011 M.F.G. Series Championship while Chad Berg intended on assisting his teammate in accomplishing the task.  With a great start, Berg got the hole shot with Kelsey following a couple spots back.  In the first lap, Jablonski went off the course, and into the bushes, ultimately ending his race day, and decided to pack it in, and refocus for next weekends race.  Berg quickly began going backwards in the pack, suffering from back discomfort, and was never able to recover, coming in 20th.  Kelsey however, continued to work in a group that was was chasing down the leaders and looked strong all day.  He was able to finish in 6th place in the stacked field, and appeared content with his ride.

MFG #1 Results:

Kristy Kelsey - 4th
Melanie Lewis - 5th
Evan Renwick - 11th
Sean Kelsey - 6th
Chad Berg - 20th
Jason Jablonski - DNF

  Next week, the team heads to holy grounds in Northwest 'cross lore....Steilacoom for the first round of the Seattle Cyclocross Series (S.C.X.).

The Labor Day 'Cross Classic

On Monday, September 3rd, the 2012/13 Cyclo-cross season got officially underway with the Labor Day 'Cross Classic held at Joint Base Lewis McChord, near Dupont. 
  The course was dry bumpy grass, loose dirty turns, and a large section in the woods full of twisty loose turns.  Kristy Kelsey started the season off right, after having her second child only months ago.  Kristy finished a great 2nd place behind Courtney McFadden of NW Cylcing/Bicycle Centers-Voler, with a comfortable margin clear of 3rd place for the silver.  Kristy looked smooth, fit, and fast out on the bike, and has started her season off right.
  In the Elite Men's race, Evan Renwick got off to a good start, but suffered a couple crashes in the loose corners, even suffering a good gouge on his hip in the process.  Nonetheless, Evan stormed on to finish in 5th place.  In the Masters race, Sean Kelsey and Chad Berg took off fast from the start with Berg getting the hole shot and both riders in the top three positions within the first couple of turns.  By the end of the first lap, Berg and Kelsey led a lead group of four that went clear from the rest of the field.  Halfway through the race, one of the other riders crashed which left Berg, Kelsey, and Mike DiCenso of Mafia Racing.  With Kelsey just taking a turn on the front, and Berg having just caught up to the duo, DiCenso attacked and neither Berg nor Kelsey were able to respond.  Kelsey faded a bit with Berg chasing on.  In the end Berg finished 10 seconds off of the win with a solid 2nd place and Kelsey coming in shortly after in 4th.
  Special supporters, Brian and Pamela Fiete (PopCap co-founders) were on hand to cheer on their team and cook up some brautwurst.  We always enjoy seeing the Fiete's come out to the races and hang out with the team.  Without PopCap Games we would have no way near the ability to put such a strong program together.
  So with a great first race, the Cycle U-PopCap Cyclo-cross team looks forward to next Sunday, round #1 of the M.F.G. Series that kicks off at Big Finn Hill Park in Juanita.  There, teammates Melanie Lewis, and Sean Kelsey look to defend their 2011 Series Titles.

LABOR DAY 'CROSS RESULTS:

Kristy Kelsey - 2nd
Evan Renwick - 5th
Chad Berg - 2nd
Sean Kelsey -4th

Kristi Berg takes the 2012/13 CX season off.

  Kristi Berg has announced that she will be taking the 2012/13 cyclo-cross season off. 

  After 18 years of racing at the Elite level in cycling to include; Down hill MTB, BMX, Cross Country MTB, Road, and of course Cyclo-cross, Berg has decided to take a year off from the sport.  This decision was difficult, but came with much thought and planning.  Past injuries and the stresses have played a role in her reaching this decision, but Kristi and Team Director, Chad Berg(husband) believe that this is a good call.
  Kristi has a huge list of race accomplishments that include;

NORBA National DH Win in Vermont
Multi time WA State Champion in DH
Multi time W.I.M. Series Champion in DH
NORBA National XC Win in Idaho
ABA BMX National Win in Washington
9X Seattle CX Series Winner(the most in S.C.X. history)
San Fransisco G.P. Participant (Washington's Women's "Dream Team")
2010 M.F.G. Cyclo-cross Champion
5th Place 2008 UCI Star-Crossed
2004 Winner of the 24hr U.S. National Championship Elite Womens Team

  For the 2012/13 Cyclo-cross season, Kristi will take on the role of Team Soigneur for the Cycle U-PopCap CX Team.  Kristi's experience and knowledge of preparation and support when it comes to the riders needs will go a long way in helping her team attain its goals both as a facilitator and more importantly as a mentor to her teammates.

  With only a couple of weeks left before the start of the 2012/13 cyclo-cross campaign, the team is anxiously making final preparations for another incredible season to compliment the teams "Freshman" year.  In the teams inaugural year fielding 5 riders, the team compiled 37 podium placings, 3 WA State medals, and 2 MFG Series Championships.
  This year we are once again looking for Series Championships in the S.C.X. Series, as well as defending the M.F.G. titles won by Mel Lewis, and Sean Kelsey.  The Washington State Championships are also high up on the goals list, and we would love to climb up one more step on the podium this season for Silver Medalists Sean Kelsey, and Kristi Berg. 
  The team will be holding a small training camp on Sept. 2 in Arlington, and heading to Fort Lewis/McChord the following day for the Labor Day CX Classic to officially kick off the season.