Baystate Cyclocross - Verge NECCS #7 - C2

Sterling Massachusetts, USA, November 29, 2008

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Race 1 - November 29: Elite women

Bruno-Roy wins convincingly, Wellons takes leader's jersey

By Dave McElwaine in Sterling, Massachusetts

Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing) is elated
Photo ©: Dave McElwaine

Maureen Bruno Roy (MM Racing) put it in cruise control and easily pulled away from her competitors on a typical November day in New England. Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) looked especially strong on the flat sections of the course and rolled to second place alone. Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental) rode one of her strongest races of the year to take third. Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs/RGM Watches) was fourth while Annis' team-mate Cris Rothfuss finished fifth.

Race conditions changed all day, starting with frozen ground followed by muddy patches as melting took place and finally drier conditions for the elite races. Bruno-Roy was facing a flat, power course, with very little mud, and few natural obstacles that required running. Bruno-Roy, known as a mud racer and a swift runner generally does not have her best races when facing these conditions. But today she immediately rode away from many more powerful riders and was never put under any pressure.

With just two races to go in the Verge New England Championship Series, Wellons donned the leader's jersey. "It is something I have been thinking about for years," said Wellons.

With some of the top racers heading to the Grand Prix race in Portland next weekend, Wellons is now the odds-on favourite to win the series. Bruno-Roy will be one of the women headed to Portland, a race she skipped last season.

Wellons is part of the Northeast Bicycle Club's (NEBC) Elite Women's team on the road. Along with Annis and Rothfuss, that put three women with NEBC roots in the top five today.

The Verge New England Championship Series concludes next weekend in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net

Karolina, who works for Verge, was enjoying the races.
Anna Milkowski (Vello Bella) heading to the starting line.
Most women wore leg warmers but Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs/RGM) did not.
Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing) is hoping to get her new glasses muddy.
The elite women's start.
Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycle Loft/ Devonshire Dental) briefly leads the race.
Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing) leading the race at the first run-up.
Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) chasing Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing).
Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs/RGM) on the run-up in third place.
The NEBC women Sally Annis and Cris Rothfuss on a muddy run-up.
Anna Milkowski (Vello Bella) pushing her bike up the run-up.
Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) running with her bike.
Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs/RGM) racing in third place.
Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) eyeing a very tricky downhill.
Amy Wallace (Richard Sachs/RGM) rounding a 180 degree turn.
Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing) time trialing off the front of the race.
Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) descending while trying to protect second place.
Anna Milkowski (Vello Bella) lifting her bike over the horse jump.
Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycle Loft/ Devonshire Dental) moving up to third place.
Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing) flying over the barriers one last time.
Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing) is elated with her victory.
Podium (L-R): Rebecca Wellons (Ridley), Maureen Bruno-Roy (MM Racing) and Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycle Loft/ Devonshire Dental).
Rebecca Wellons (Ridley) puts on the Verge leader's jersey for the first time.

Results

1 Maureen Bruno Roy (MM Racing P/B Seven Cycles)                 40.43
2 Rebecca Wellons (Ridley Factory Team)                           1.02
3 Sally Annis (NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental)                 1.37
4 Amy Wallace (RGM Watches - Richard Sachs - Boathouse Inc)       1.53
5 Cris Rothfuss (NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental)               1.59
6 Anna Milkowski (Vello Bella-Kona)                               3.28
7 Karen Potter (Zanconato)                                        3.37
8 Crystal Anthony                                                 3.53
9 Andrea Smith (Minuteman Road Club)                              4.17
10 Mackenzie Dickey (Verge Sport Test Pilot)                      5.23
11 Linnea Koons (International Bicycle/Global)                    5.24
12 Kathy Sarvary (Mid State Cycling)                              5.42
13 Callie Mcdowell (Boston University / Scantily Plaid)           5.50
14 Rebecca Blatt (Team Kenda Tire)                                8.00
15 Stephanie White (Vello Bella-Kona)                             8.22