U.S. MARATHON NATIONAL CHAMPS
Breckenridge, COusacycling.org
On a solemn day, more than 800 off-road racers met to compete for one among a dozen stars and stripes jerseys at the 50-mile marathon distance at Firecracker 50. Jeremiah Bishop, Harrisonburg, VA, was the national champion in Olympic-style cross country last year. He completed the marathon in just four hours. Sari Anderson (Glenwood Springs) won the women’s pro/open category. She was a relative newcomer in the mountain biking scene and beat a packed field of women.
Many riders were forced to withdraw from the race, including some prerace favorites. The story of the day was the multitude of flats and mechanicals that crisscrossed the dry, rocky course. On the first 25-mile lap, Evan Plews (Salem), rose to the front with a talented group of riders. Plews, who had been riding conservatively in front throughout the contest, was caught by Bishop on the final steep descent. Plews, who rode the flat for the final kilometers, was passed by Mike McCalla (Santa Fe), NM, who took the second place in a true race-of-attrition.
Bishop explained that I broke my chain twice, and ripped three spokes. I was sure I would be competing for a podium position. I thought that I was sprinting for third place with Evan at the end. They jumped on me at finish and I didn’t realize I had won. It was quite a surprise!
A four-pack made up of some of the nation’s most skilled off-road riders led the women’s pro race. Monique Sawicki (Maliani (HI),) took off to lead Jenny Smith, Gretchen Reeves, Edwards, CO, and Sari Anderson, who rode together for most of the first lap. Anderson, an experienced adventure racer was able get around Reeves to sneak off on a steep climb. She never looked back. Anderson was the first woman to cross that line.
Anderson said that this is amazing. Anderson said that there was a lot of competition and it was really exciting to beat them. This race was mainly for me to get some mileage after having a baby. It’s not my idea.
It hasn’t yet sink in. I didn’t think I would become the national champion.
Ten national championships were also awarded to other categories. All racers competed in the steep 25-mile laps. Braden Kappius (Littleton CO) won the stars-and stripes by more than ten minutes in the men’s 19-29 division. Jane Rynbrandt, Colorado Springs, CO, took the title for the women’s age group. Zachary Vestal (Boulder CO) won in just four hours, while Jill Sorensen, Breckenridge, CO, earned the 30-39 women’s national title in under five minutes. Joel Mischke (Basalt) was awarded the stars-and stripes in the men’s 35-39 age group, while Karen Hogan (Louisville) took home the national title for women 40-49. The national champions of the day were Russell Asleson (Colorado Springs), Jane Finsterwald, Basalt, CO, and Leon Fetzer, Breckenridge, CO.
2008 U.S.MARATHON NATIONAL CHAMPS RESULT
Mens Pro/Open
1. Jeremiah BishopTrek-VW 2. Michael McCallaScottUSA 3. Evan PlewsScottUSA-CSC 4. Dave WiensTopeak Ergon Kelly MagelkyTrek – VW 6. Travis Brown 7. Mark SanturbaneCA Giant Berry Greg KrauseEllsworth-Primal 9. Josh BezecnyTrek-VW 10. Colby PearceSlipstream-Chipotle WOMEN
1. Sari Anderson 2. Gretchen ReevesTokyo Joes 3. Jennifer GersbachDales Pale Ale-Spot 4. Jenny SmithTrek – VW 5. Rebecca RuschSpecialized Red Bull 6. Eszter Horanyi 7. Jennifer TilleyKona-Velo Bella 8. Amanda RileyKenda-Titus-Hayes 9. Caitlyn TuelTrek – VW-Rocky Mtn Becca BlaySoBe-Cannondale 19-29
1. Braden KappiusTokyo Joes 2. Kalan BeiselProCycling-CTS 3. Paul Gorboldpedal power WOMEN 19-19
1. Jane RynbrandtTough girl-contessa 2. Kate ChapmanMafia Tiffanie BealGoLite 30-34
1. Zachary VestalTrek – VW 2. Cameron BrennemanSho-Air/RocknRoad 3. Cody WaiteEPC Multisport WOMEN 30-39
1. Jill SorensenTokyo Joes 2. Ambre LevyDolce Diavolo 3. Catherine ChateckiComotion Sport-Yeti 35 – 39
1. Joel MischkeBasalt Bike&Ski 2. Ross DelaplaneGMSV Gilbert DamonRockShox 40-50
1. Mike HorganChipotle – Tius 2. Thane WrightHammer – Voodoo 3. Cam Kirkpatrick WOMEN 40-49
1. Karen HoganChipotle-Titus 2. Anne Gonzales 3. Melissa Trainer 50-59
1. Russell AslesonProCycling Rob WestermannSpin Cycle Todd HennemanJans WOMEN 50+
1. Jane FinsterwaldChipotle-Titus 60+
1. Leon Fetzer
