The Waverly Cyclocross Crit

What a night of racing and a great way to warm up for the Cross on the Rock series. Only in Cumberland can you race through a bar. I'm pretty sure there were more spectators yelling and cheering than there were racers pushing themselves for glory.

Building on last years successes the format this year was a longer lap and for three categories running three shorter races with less racers on the course at one time. This made it much easier to keep track of who was in the lead, as well as allowing the riders a chance to watch and cheer when not racing. Another improvement this year was a ramp to take the edge off the side walks. I'm not sure the exact number of flats this year but I'm certain it was much less than the 300 tires eaten last year.

In the intermediate race MIVA was well represented with Big Ring Billy fighting hard for a first place finish after narrowly missing the hole shot on the first lap. Mark and Gary also placed well just outside of the top ten. Also out there in his first serious cross race was Mike McCarney honing his skills and keeping it rubber side down.

In the expert race Matt Hornland looked to be set for an easy win until he succumbed to a flat tire. From there on out it was a tight battle between Justin Mark and Parker Bloom. Justin took the lead near the middle of the race after Parker stopped to adjust his bike after the barriers. Parker managed to fight his way back up and past Justin for the win.

Rounding out the top three was Nick Kupiak, riding in his grandpas onesie, legs fully recovered after almost beating Craig Richey (shep said) at last weeks opening cross race on the mainland.