Richmond Cyclocross Cup
presented by Festina Watches
Report and Results for November 7, 1999
Virginia

Thanks to Gary Morgan

Race #2 in the series was blessed with beautiful weather and a stellar field. The day’s action started with a combined Men’s B, Masters, Women and Juniors race. Some familiar faces were on the line, as race 1 winner Eric Rhodes and the DC crew prepared for battle. Series newcomer Andrew Deitrich from Whole Wheel Velo took charge of the race on lap one and left everyone else to sort out the minor placings. A chase group of Rhodes, Aaron Lee, Scott Gochenour, Mark Miklosovich worked hard, but Dietrich consistently put time into the group lap after lap. Andrew won with a safe margin of 1:24, with Eric Rhodes separating from the chasers late in the race and solidifying his series lead with a 2nd place. Scott Gochenour returns to last year’s cross form with 3rd place, with Aaron Lee continuing a fine cross season in 4th, nipping Simeon Green at the line by a knobby.

Mary Reynolds, Ultimate Edge/WTB, took control of the series with her second win. Beth Mason continues to improve in her first cross season, with another second place.

The Master’s series was turned upside down, as no racers have scored in both races. Richard Pence took an easy win, ahead of Powell Blankenship and Tony Vermillera. Pence sits atop the standings, tied with Race 1 winner Tom Synder. The Masters will have a real battle for the Festina Watch in the final two races.

The junior race saw a role reversal, as Greg Wittwer took the win ahead of James Naukervis, race 1 winner. These two young men are also tied in the series with a win and a second each. Something has to give in the last two races

In the Senior A race, a field of National and International talent attacked the barriers and run-ups and gave the crowd a great show. Wes Seigler, fresh off his second year in Holland's Top Comp., lead out a stellar field of Jon Hamblen of Navigators, Eric Saunders straight from France and Vendee-U Pays de la Lorie, and Hugh Wallace-BBC, currently second in the Super Cup Espoirs category.

The lead group of Seigler, Hamblen, Saunders, Wallace, Andy Rhodes of AIX, and Jake Helmboldt of HDK settled the podium placings in the early stages of the race. Rhodes and Eric Saunders experienced some problems during the mid-point, leaving Seigler and Hamblen to battle for the win. Wallace, off the lead group, struggled to stay in contact, as did Helmboldt and the rest. Wes and Jon came through with two laps to go, with a big lead and the battle was set to begin. Jon played to his strengths by attacking on the road climb, but Wes powered through the grass and floated over the triples to win by about 4 seconds. Hugh Wallace came back strong in the closing stages to 3rd at 18 seconds. Rounding out the podium was Eric Sauders in 4th, after a couple of mechanicals, and Andy Rhoades in 5th.

The next race in the Richmond Cyclocross Cup is the Virginia/D42 Championships on Saturday December 4, 1999, at Forest Hill Park.

Check out www.paxvelo.com or www.truesport.com for details and photos of today’s race.

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