Michigan Racing Weekend Recap – May 30th / 31st

Racing for this past weekend really hit complete opposite ends of the spectrum,
but both were EXTREMELY CHALLENGING events. Saturday was the 1st Annual West
Branch Classic Road race in West Branch, MI. Sunday was the MBRA “Talent Pool”
2000 meter Time Trial at the Bloomer Park Velodrome in Rochester.

Both these races were new additions to the race calendar, but are EXACTLY the
kinds of events Michigan racers need to become stronger, faster and better
racers. Both made the participants dig deep to overcome their respective
obstacles. There was no sitting in or hiding, you either had it or you didn’t.

SATURDAY – MAY 30th

In only its first year the West Branch Classic Road Race drew in over 200 hardy
racers. The 22 mile course was the sort of profile racers have been SCREAMING
for in Michigan. Beautiful pavement, high speed descents and rollers,
challenging uphill sections and a finish line climb that was a MONSTER!

We should have a contest to name that climb. I humbly submit “Death of a
Lumberjack”. Submit yours through the website or post up on Facebook or the MCG
bb.

As stated, the course featured a 1.3 mile climb that took racers to the finish
line in leg-searing AGONY! While Bissell Pro Cycling Team member Tim Farnham
put in a great ride to win the Men’s Pro I/II race, my vote for ride of the day
goes to working stiff Alan Antonuk, who pacelined with Tim for 3 of the 22 mile
laps to build a HUGE EIGHT MINUTE lead over the chasers. YEA, EIGHT MINUTES!
We’re talking an incredible performance from a guy who started racing on the
road in 2008 as a Cat 4!!! Great job Alan. Here’s his numbers for the day:

272.5 TSS @ 0.869 IF
NPwr 298
24.3 avg speed
3hr39min

In the Women 1/2/3 Sarah McGuire put in a great ride to win over Mackenzie
Woodring, giving Priority Health a 1-2.

In the Cat 3’s Mac “the BEAST” Brennan won what will be his LAST race as a cat 3
in an impressive solo move and has now joined the ranks of the Cat 2’s!
Congrats Mac.

Bay Tennis & Fitness/Boyne Mtn team member Will Baker took over for team captain
Tom Behan, who flatted, and posted another team “W” in the Men Category 4 field.

In the Masters 45+/35+ field Team Hagerty continued its winning ways with Daniel
Hofstra conquering the climb.

Race notes:


Team Hagerty showed up with TWO RV’s! Where do these guys get these toys?


Griffin Beverage Company gets 2-thumbs up as race sponsor. They provided the
sound system, Pro I/II lead vehicle and post race refreshments. These guys were
AWESOME!


The City of West Branch was an ENORMOUS supporter of this race. They really
embraced the event and helped the promoters with all aspects, especially the
traffic control. The City and Ogemaw Sheriff provided excellent course
marshalling. Thank you West Branch!!! If you want to get up there and start
training for 2010, do so and stay in West Branch, you’ll love riding in the
area.

Lastly, a BIG thanks to Karey Collins and Neal Schubel and the MPI-Mainstreet
Cyclery team. Neal and Karey are two long-time Michigan racers who loved riding
in the area and wanted to share the challenging climbs and scenic beauty with
the Michigan peloton. They really put on a superb event for first time
promoters. This race has all the elements to grow into a monument of Michigan
racing. Expect a lottery system for registration within 2-3 years! J

You can find more information on the race, the promoters and the sponsors at:

http://www.westbranchclassic.com/

Check out the results here:

http://www.mbra.org/Results/2009/2009_WestBranch.pdf

SUNDAY – MAY 31st

The “Talent Pool” 2000 meter Time Trial was the first track event to be included
as part of the Michigan Challenge and racers rose to the challenge. Of course
the Wolverine Sports Club were there enmasse in what is the backyard, but the
competition was fierce from others who showed up to race.

Personally, I took the track crew up on their offer to give personal instruction
to any racer who wanted in the 2 hours before racing started. I had never ridden
a fixed gear bike, let alone a 44 degree banking of this 200 meter track. The
crew set me up with a loaner bike, got me on the track and gave me some quick
coaching. While I’m not any superstar, I do have some experience and it took me
about five minutes to get the hang of it and push it into the banking. I
immediately saw exactly what they meant when saying the track can really improve
your racing skills. On a fixed gear you’re forced to spin and ride smoothly,
limiting wasted effort. In the tight confines of the track, bike handling is
paramount. I heartily encourage everyone to get out there for at least a day to
give it a try, juniors and U23 racers especially.

More info is at:

http://www.velodromeatbloomerpark.com/

While warming up I stayed at the very top of the banking watching in amazement
as track regulars Cruise Bogedin, Cody Brown, Brendan Benson and David Williams
toasted the boards with some hot laps down on the black line. These guys were
FLYING!!! It was impressive to watch for certain.

As I sat there putting my bike together I watched veteran racer Fred Anderson
effortlessly turning lap after lap, riding at the top of the banking. I asked
Fred where he got his experience and he just shrugged and said, “here and
there”. I guess if you’ve been racing for 30 years, you don’t need any more
experience! Also mesmerizing to watch were these young kids who showed up.
Seriously, these little guys just sauntered in, went to the bike trailers, took
out some of the 40cm bikes and then just hit the track in their baggy basketball
shorts and t-shirts. They were at the top of the banking, plunging down into
the corners, riding pacelines, slicing and dicing, everything. These kids were
like 10 years old and were zooming around the velodrome like pros. I think had
just seen the future Mark Cavendish there!

With regards to the racing, David Williams showed why he has a stars and stripes
jersey from the National Collegiate Track Championships hanging in his closet
and set a new track record of 2:26.92 for the 2000 meters. Super effort
David!!!

A HUGE thanks goes to the track crew of Bruce, Ed and Gene, as well as the
officials, Cullen Watkins and John Sammut, as well as the Wolverine Sports Club
for providing volunteers. You all made this a SUPER event.

Next track event to be part of the Michigan Challenge will be the 4km and 3km
TT’s for Men/Women on August 7th.

We’re still tabulating the official results for addition to the Michigan
Challenge database, in the meantime check out the unofficial results here:

http://www.midwestcyclinggroup.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1929

Upcoming races:

Wednesday, June 3rd – Grattan Raceway series:
http://mwsport.com/2009_Grattan_RS.pdf

Thursday, June 4th – Waterford Hills “Thursday Night Worlds”:
http://www.mbra.org/Flyers/2009/2009_ThursNiteFlyer.pdf

Sunday, June 7th – Duck Lake 40km Time Trial – this is a first year event
promoted by the West Michigan Coast Riders. Expect to see this event as a
possible state championship course. Get out there and give yourself a test run
in advance of the State TT on June 21st. More info:
http://www.wmcoastriders.org/dan-cihak-memorial-duck-lake/


I’d like to close reminding everyone that what may certainly be the BIGGEST
racing weekend in Michigan in 2009 is fast approaching – “Le Tour de Mont
Pleasant” racing weekend. Downtown criterium in charming, Victorian Mt Pleasant
on Saturday and a challenging Flandrian inspired road race on the rural roads of
Isabella County on Sunday. A total prize list of $15,000!!!

REGISTER TODAY!!!

http://www.tourdemontpleasant.com/


Now…… “GET OUT AND RACE!”
http://www.mbra.org/


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