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North Carolina Cyclocross Series #4
Burlington, NC, November 16, 2003
Teamwork of Fuji SE pays off with dividends in NC Cyclocross #4
By Line Dempsey of www.fastcoaching.com
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Just one week after Charlie Storm embarrassed a multitude of riders in Boone, the Fuji SE rider worked some tenacious team tactics with fellow partners, Daniel Doub and Charles Pendry. The trio set off some severe opening laps, effectively stringing out the remaining riders, in what would once again be an example of the Fuji SE dominance in the men's elite races in the North Carolina Cyclocross Series.
The group of three dwindled to two, as Doub and Storm's proficiency through the barriers became more evident as the event continued. Despite these skills, both riders had difficulties on the barriers on separate occasions. Unfortunately, Doub's trouble cost him the race with three to go, as an aggressive Storm took advantage of the misfortune. Charlie Storm cruised in for an easy finish, with Doub 30 seconds behind.
Andy Applegate of Carolina Cyclocross Association was able to latch on to a weakened Pendry, who dropped off the wheels of his teammates when he had difficulties in the technical sections of the course during the third lap. Applegate had just won the Master's 35 race, minutes before starting with the big boys in the Men's A race. Despite Pendry's obvious lack of skill through the barriers, he was able to open up a small gap on what had to be a drained Applegate. He productively used this opportunity to open up a sizeable distance on the 2002 Master's Silver Medallist, and eventually finished third, rounding out a clean sweep by the Fuji SE squad.
John Degele of Cycling Spoken Here, had the privilege of riding by himself for basically the whole race. The seasoned rider had no problem maintaining a pace that kept the likes of Michael Scholtz (DeFeet), Kevin Hall, and Colin Barry (Greensboro Velo Club) away from his 5th place finish. Those three riders had a heated battle going on until Scholtz attacked with three to go. Missing from that battle was, Rob Moran (Cycling Spoken Here), who was not present for the start.
In other races, Candice Blickem of Genesis Scuba, had difficulties early on, flatting on her new cross bike. Blickem had been tearing it up on a mountain bike, but once on the new machine, her speed was magnified. A painfully slow wheel exchange of up to almost two minutes did nothing to affect her victory of the Women's Elite Race.
Kona professional and local favourite, Ryan Trebon, was in attendance at today's races, taking a break from his demanding UCI schedule. I spoke with Ryan after the race, and he plans on spending this week in his home state and suiting up for the State Championships in Pinehurst next weekend.
Photography
Images by Line Dempsey
- Charlie Storm of Fuji SE wins his second race in a row.
- Michael Scholtz of DeFeet clearing the barriers
- Andy Applegate of Carolina Cyclocross Association wins the Master's 35 race
Results
Men's A 1 Charlie Storm (Fuji SE) 2 Daniel Doub (Fuji SE) 3 Charles Pendry (Fuji SE) 4 Andy Applegate (Kona/CCA) 5 John Degele (CSH) 6 Michael Scholtz (DeFeet) 7 Kevin Hall 8 Colin Barry (GVC) 9 Andrew Oishi (Duke) 10 Michael Ventola (Sandhills) 11 Daniel Corum (Easton/Clifbar) 12 Taylor Jones (CSH) 13 Tim Hopkins (ABRC) 14 Guy Spiher 15 Greg Becker (Easton/Kona/CCA
