November 7, 2008 – Sunny skies greeted the 163 Cross riders on Sunday morning. That, combined with dry firm ground, built expectations for high speeds. This would come true. We saw a few riders from Quebec register and take the opportunity to race more Cross as their season came to an end last week with their provincials.

Race 1

The first Race saw a former National Road Champion, Czeslaw Lukaszewicz (Velo Select), toe the line in the Master B category to challenge current Series leader Jon Gee (Euro-sport/The Foodery). Jon and Czeslaw rode away from the pack and rode together for most of the race. On the last lap Czeslaw pushed on the downhill and broke away from Jon to win the race and the MB Category by 16 second over John, and 2:48 over third place Chris Olsen (The Cyclery). Chris narrowly edged out Team mate Paul O’Blenes by 2 secs.

In the Master C category, Greg Christie (Ride With Rendall) had a comfortable lead of over team mates Peter Schuck (1min:58sec) and Allan Cameron (3 min: 30 sec). The Mater D Series leader Carroll Roy (X-Cycle) continued his winning his way posting a four minute win over Michael Coney (Ottawa Bicycle Club).

The Women’s category continues to have excellent participation, with 19 riders this week. Sophie Matte (EMD Sorono Stevens) took first place and along with Sara Domina (Independent) both were able to keep pace with the lead men and finish on the leaders lap.

Miguel Lukaszewicz (Velo Select) following in his Dad’s cycling shoes, finished 1st in the U 13 Male category. Mile Betteridge (Ottawa Bicycle Club) finished first in the U15 male category, while Bailin Xie had a great ride taking first in the U15 Female category, and Lois Betteridge (Ottawa Bicycle Club) took the U13 Female.

Race 2

In a warm up for next week’s UCI race, Osmond Bakker (EMD Sorono/Stevens) pushed the pace for the Elite Men’s race. Only teammate Warren MacDonald was able to keep up with Osmond for the first few laps. However, eventually Osmond pulled away and won by 49 secs. Third place went to Matthew Hewitt (Independent) a former rider out of Kingston riding this year in Montreal.

The Elite Women only had 3 competitors and Tricia Spooner (EMD Sorono/Stevens) cruised unchallenged to a 5 min plus lead over Anna O’Brien (Tall Tree Cycles).

Evan McNeely (J&J Cycles) showed his strength again revenging his loss last week by placing 1 min 20 sec ahead of Michael Miller (Ride With Rendall), and taking first place in the Junior Men Category. Connor O’Brien (Ride With Rendall) rode well in third place, but could not catch Michael.