BHCX #3

The cyclocross action was heating up at Ralph Cole Arboretum today even as the temps were dipping into the mid teens. After the straightaway at the gun, a surge of about 8 riders hit the deep sand pits together including Jon Eppen, Casey Skyburg, John Nelson, Chad Carpenter, James Stone, Corey Whalen, Todd Schoenburner and Jim Meyer. As the group passed though the barriers Eppen and Carpenter were able to establish a gap on the rest of the group. A 3 man chase group containing James Stone, Jon Nelson and Casey Skyburg formed. At one point Carpenter and Eppen had 1:30 on the chase but the chasers were able to cut it back slightly as the race progressed.

During the 3rd lap Carpenter bobbled after the barriers, unable to clip back into his pedal. Eppen put 40 yards on him but was eventually reeled back in. Eppen launched a series of short punchy attacks but Carpenter was able to stick onto his wheel. Eppen was content to set the pace as the pair came into the last straightway. Carpenter took the sprint by less than a wheel.

Back in the chase Stone shot off the front of his group at least twice but was unable to maintain his 100 ft gaps and was brought back. It was gruppo compacto as the trio started their sprint and Skyburg took it for the final podium spot.

Tomorrow's course is the same but run in reverse and starts at 10 am.