Virginia State Champ CX

Thanks to Tripower for another great race. I was especially excited about the coupons to Skinny Dip they gave away to participants, although maybe this is why I had trouble on the hill...

The new VA womens 1,2,3 state champion is Deidre Winfield. She got a gap early and it grew throughout the race. The rest of the race was similarly spread out, and after 3 laps the race was decided. Julie K (Fruit 66) took second, and Jen P (FF) came in third. About as exciting to watch as a time trial, but the very talented Deidre did put on a good show of how fast women's cx can be. (photo by Alyssa Beda, please note the pain in my face at the top of this hill)

The category 4 women's race was where the real action was Sunday. It was close the entire time with three women fighting it out until the very end. Avanell (TWR) and Valarie N. (OBX) battled for the lead throughout the race with Meaghann M. (Tripower) close behind during most of the half hour race. The brutal grassy hills wore people out and on the last lap Meaghann came from behind to take the win in the sprint. Valarie placed second and Avanell placed 3rd. (photo by BJ Samuel, Ava gaining ground through the only set of barriers in the race)

We are so proud of Ava and look forward to hear her report from Charlottesville in the last VA cross race of the season this coming Saturday.

Bennett's Creek CX

60's and sunny. A great start to the day and it only got better. The course was fun and the company excellent. The Suffolk CX race had a good turn out, with 20 or so women in the cat 4 race ready to get their feet muddy.

Category 1,2,3 Women

In the cat 1,2,3 race the top 2 women, Jen P. (FF) and Sally M. (Tripower) got their gaps in the first lap and held it to the end. 3rd place was more of a struggle and changed several times throughout the 45 minute race. I (Emily) had a pretty slow first lap and struggled to close the gaps for the rest of the race. The other women pulled away through the woods, tight turns, and mud while I pushed hard in the grass to catch back up. This went on back and forth for a few laps until it finally seemed like I was close enough to re

ally catch up. With a few laps to go I got into the 3rd place and held it. Very close behind were Liz S (Tripower) in 4th, and Leslie (TWR) in 5th.

Category 4 Women

The start of the category 4 women's race was pretty crowded, with everyone trying to get to the front before the woods and turns. TWR's Ava got to the mud in about 10th and went outside and around, taking a great line and pushing up to the front through the barriers & run up. Ava showed off her skills through the woods and tight turns, and kept the push through the long road and grass straights. Ava quickly caught up to the 1,2,3 race that started a few minutes ahead. 2nd and 3rd also caught the back of the

1,2,3 race, Brittany M (FF) & Valarie N. (OBX).

Thanks as always to the promoters for such a great race. We are happy to support you! (photo of Ava from Tami Cole's album)