November 20, 2007 – Well, where is the real Cyclo-cross weather this year? Sunday proved to be sunny and dry. So that makes it eight for eight race days this year of nice sunny days with no rain or snow! Can this go on for two more races? The race at Mooney’s Bay was a long course with almost everything a cross rider would want except stairs, and hopefully a good warm up for those heading to the provincials next week.

The first race of the day was run under very cool but sunny conditions, with the ground nicely frozen. The strong riders like the long “straightaways” on the course, but the steep hill climb often saw positions changed. A strong group of 4 riders composed of Greg Christie (MC – Ride With Rendall), Andy Leger (MB — J&J Cycles), Jim Laird (MC — TI Cycles) and Paul O’Blenes (MB — The Cyclery) took and held the lead and held on until the end of the race. As the race consisted of only 3 laps riders had to adjust their strategy to deal with so few laps. By the third and last lap, the pack of 4 were still together and it was a sprint up hill to the finish with Andy crossing the line a whisker from Jim, while Greg and Paul followed. Kathy Lewis (TI Cycle) led the Women’s B race from the start and crossed the line over a minute and a half ahead of Jen Adams (Ottawa BC) the second place woman. Michael Miller (Ride With Miller) rode a strong consistent race placing 1st Jr Men and 14th overall and 3 places ahead of the 2nd place Jr Man, Matteo Dal-Cin (Euro-sports.ca/The Foodery). The MD race had a different complexion with the series leader Gary Romkey (Ride With Rendall) out with an injury, Without Gary, Carroll Roy (X-Cycles from Quebec) moved from perennial second place finishing to ride to first today. Yohan Patry (U15 — Espoir Laval) kept a steady pace and finished 1st in his category and 27th overall ahead of most older riders. Connor O’Brien (Ride With Rendall) was the U17 winner, and Derek Gee (Ottawa BC) took the U13.

Greg Reain (Ride With Rendall) back from a strong weekend in Toronto, rode away from the field right from the start to cross the line over a minute ahead of Aaron Fillion (Ottawa Bicycle Club) who took second place. Osmond Bakker (The Cyclery) had bad luck at the start and had to repair a broken chain and fell deep into the pack. Still Osmond rode like a man possessed and climbed all the way to third place. In the Women’s A race, Jennifer Stephenson (Express copy) was on her own with over a 5 minute lead on second place Julie Marceau (Marinoni). Paul Skafel (The Cyclery) continued his winning form that he has found in the last few weeks and place first MA and 7th overall, and 6 second ahead of teammate John Fee.

Go to www.cyclocross.org for results.