75 Degrees + Sunny = Cyclocross Racing???

Apparently in September in Wisconsin it does! The 2004 Wisconsin Cycling Association Cyclocross Series kicked off Sunday at Lapham Peak State Park, located in Delafield, WI. With clear skies and temperatures in the mid 70’s, the day seemed more suitable for a trip to the beach instead of a cyclocross race. “If we could have only had weather like this during Superweek!” exclaimed Mike Mercer of the hosting CZ Velo Cycling Team.

Although the sunny skies were more than welcome, the weather was not to be the only hot topic of the day, as racing began hot and heavy from day’s first drop of the flag. The course consisted of four barrier sections, the first being within 300 meters of the starting line, forcing riders to attack from the gun. Riders got to sample high-speed dismounts, short run ups, as well as a grueling 15 second uphill sprint near the end of each lap. With races averaging 6-7 laps, that’s a lot of times off the bike!

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I think racing both road and mountain bikes helped,” claimed CZ Velo’s Shelley Reifschlager, Women’s C Champion, and recipient of the coveted Wheel & Sprocket Gift Card. “It was a tough race, but fun, I’ll definitely be out there again!” she went on to say. Racing on a mountain bike, Reifschlager proves that ‘cross is fun for everybody, not just those with the cash to drop on a mutated road bike with knobby tires.

Men’s B Winner Kurt Refsnider, of the UW Cycling Team, wasn’t sure which racing category to pick, as Sunday was his first every ‘cross race! “I guess if I did C’s it would have been more of a time-trial!” stated the winner as he discussed his decision with fellow racers. “You should have done C’s!” came from a dissenting member of the peanut gallery.

All in all the day went off without a hitch. Closing out with Jacob Stechmann, Team Subway Express out of Minnesota, bunny-hopping his way to victory in the Men’s A race. The “Sandwich Artist” probably won’t interfere with second-place Andrew Hargarten’s drive for the championship, though, as Stechmann will spend most of the 2004 ‘cross season chasing valuable UCI points around the country.

CZ Velo would like to thank it’s sponsors, Aurora Sports Medicine Institute, Level Valley Creamery, and Wheel & Sprocket, and especially all of the racers and spectators who attended the 2004 installment of WCA ‘Cross #1. The team looks forward to seeing everybody next year! Lastly, if anybody lost anything valuable at the race, please contact Chris Setter, as something may have been found… bigwheels_c@yahoo.com.

Race Results