| CrossFire Practice Series Race #2 Report ...click here for race results... |
| Report and literary license courtesy of Matt Joiner: This Sunday finally brought some real 'cross weather to the Mid-South as more than 35 racers lined up to compete at the Shelby Farms Amphitheater. Race #2 in the practice series started with temperatures in the low 40's with grey clouds across the sky and a cold wind out of the north, a far cry from the almost 80 degree temp.s last weekend. The B, C, and Women (2 this time!) race started at 9:00am on a course similar to last weekend but run in the opposite direction for a nice change of pace. The course featured more climbing per lap with less areas to rest to make sure everyone maximized their workouts in preparation for the races to come. Racers were also challenged by a twisting 4 barrier run-up that went into a tight 180 followed by another uphill 180 that left riders trying to figure out if it was faster to run the whole thing or ride it. The B race was once again dominated by Stephen Franklin (Hightailers), although Todd Mosely (BIke Lane) gave him a run for his money after recovering from a little illness last week. The C race ran concurrent with the B's and saw Darrin Mcbee (Bike Lane) take his first victory on what was arguably the best looking bike (a blue and white Orbea) out there. Bridgette Brown rode a strong race to take not only first in the womens race against new- comer Susan Williams, but also would have placed fourth in the C's. The A race was again an all Motorwerks/Bike Lane dominated affair as Russ Griffen led the race almost from the first lap. Peter Knoop and Boomer Leopold wore Thad Ferrel down and then each attacked to take second and third respectively while Thad rolled in at fourth. Bert Hull rode a strong solo race to take fifth. |