Race Report by Silke Wunderwald

Oh so close!, 2nd place Silke Wunderwald (rider to the right), Photo by Dave McElwaine/trailwatch.net

Several pre-race reports confirmed that the course was in terrific shape and the dirt sections which account for about 25% of the course were all reported to be mostly smooth and hard packed. Chilly temperatures greeted the racers on the line, but the forecast called for cool, dry and near perfect conditions.

Several domestic and Canadian teams as well as a number of strong individuals were represented, most notably elite cyclocrosser Maureen Bruno Roy (MM Racing) who was to be expected to tear it up on the dirt sections, team Nanoblurs-Gears who had several riders just coming off an early spring campaign in California including the Redlands Bicycle Classic, perennial Beth Miller (Anthem Sports Women Cycling), Canadian Jennifer Stephenson (Ultralink), and team NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental.

Team Kenda fielded a team of six and the pre-race plan was to set up 2009 third place finisher Anna McLoon for the win. Right from the beginning, Silke Wunderwald put in several attacks hoping to get some of the other teams to chase and to force a selection. Break-away attempts from other teams including one that contained a rider from NEBC and Ultralink were successfully brought back with convincing help from Melissa Ross and Catherine Walberg. Stiff crosswinds and disorganization in the lead pack slowed the pace enough that allowed dropped riders the opportunity to catch back on after each climb. Unfortunately, McLoon’s race was cut short about mid-way when she double flatted after hitting a pothole, and a further mechanical set her back too much to be able to make her way back to the main group.

A large group remained at the bottom of the last climb on Stage Road and a field sprint seemed likely at that point. However, Anna Barensfeld (Ladies First p/b Milton Cat) increased the pace and only Wunderwald could jump on her wheel. The pair started to work together once the road turned to pavement again and drove the pace to increase the lead to 26 seconds ahead of a chase group of five. An exciting finale saw Wunderwald and Barensfeld in a furious sprint to the finish where Barensfeld claimed the victory by a few scant inches ahead of runner-up Wunderwald.

Team Kenda successfully concluded this early season race with four riders finishing in the money: Catherine Walberg in 8th, Melissa Ross in 14th, and guest rider Rebecca Blatt nabbing the final spot in 20th.  (Cambridge, NY – Sat April 10, 2010)