by: Todd Nutter
The finale for the Subaru-sponsored Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS) took place this weekend in Sheboygan, WI. Rain or shine, Cole House and Abby Strigel came to grab the last two pieces of gold for the year.
The Wigwam MTB Challenge in Sheboygan has now served as the finale of the 12 event WORS Series for more than 10 years. Event organizers planned major course changes, including running many trails backwards from previous years to add an element of surprise. They got a little more surprise than expected. Rain had been on the radar all weekend and racers were prepared for the worst. The pre-ride was cancelled to preserve the trails for race day, and several sections had to be cut from the race. These included the Equalizer, a seemingly vertical climb that challenges even the top pros and has long been spectator and competitor favorite. Despite the rain and course changes, spectators braved the woods to cheer for their favorite athletes. The single track had become so muddy and wet from the rain and previous Cat 2 and 3 races that the Cat 1 events were a matter of survival. Spectators cheered not only for the fastest person, but also the one who could stay upright the longest.
As the men took to the start line for the BelGioioso Elite series, Cole House (Competitive Cyclist/616) showed the field that he meant business. House had a legacy to defend, having won this event in 2011 and 2009, and he was not going to let a little mud and rain slow him down. Off the start line, he took the lead and grabbed the hole shot sprint prime. The field did not catch him, but battled against the mud and against each other. Mark Lalonde (Lalonde Bros. / Twin Six) came out to one last WORS race for the season and ended up with a 2nd place medal. Lalonde, a seasoned cyclocross racer and former All American runner, tends to do very well in bad conditions. Nathan Guerra (Vision/Wheel & Sprocket) claimed the 3rd step on the podium after a grueling effort. Going over the bars early on, he fought his way back into the top three. Even amongst the agony and the cold shivers, these guys all had smiles on their faces as they recounted the race.
Abby Strigel (Honey Stinger / Bontrager / Pat’s Gym) also took the title for her second year in a row at the Wigwam MTB Challenge. Strigel used the shortened course length to her advantage stating “for me shorter races are better. So knowing that it was short, I just went as hard as I could.” She could not be caught, but there was a definite battle for the next three positions. Amber Markey (Magnus) put up a strong fight in the tough conditions. With strong climbing skills, Markey led Lisa Krayer (Adventure 212/Specialized) and Cooper Dendel (Culver’s Racing) at first. As the muddy, technical course took its toll, Krayer was able to get around Markey for a second place finish. Cooper Dendel and Amber Markey worked hard until the end, when the 20 year old Dendel passed to claim 3rd before the finish.
As the traditional WORS series finale, Sheboygan is a special event for competitors and their families to spend one last day racing and cheering for each other. For many, this was the most fun they’ve had all year. To celebrate their 21st season racing in Wisconsin, and the WORS Year of the Junior in 2012, WORS will hold their annual series banquet, raffle, and awards ceremony this Saturday, October 20th in Steven’s Point Wisconsin. First place finishers in all WORS Junior classes will be awarded a special Mt. Borah WORS Junior Champion jersey. Thanks to the Wisconsin-based Trek Bicycle, one lucky Junior Series Overall Finisher will win a certificate for the winner’s choice of a 2013 Trek X-Caliber or Trek Cali SL
The finale for the Subaru-sponsored Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS) took place this weekend in Sheboygan, WI. Rain or shine, Cole House and Abby Strigel came to grab the last two pieces of gold for the year.
The Wigwam MTB Challenge in Sheboygan has now served as the finale of the 12 event WORS Series for more than 10 years. Event organizers planned major course changes, including running many trails backwards from previous years to add an element of surprise. They got a little more surprise than expected. Rain had been on the radar all weekend and racers were prepared for the worst. The pre-ride was cancelled to preserve the trails for race day, and several sections had to be cut from the race. These included the Equalizer, a seemingly vertical climb that challenges even the top pros and has long been spectator and competitor favorite. Despite the rain and course changes, spectators braved the woods to cheer for their favorite athletes. The single track had become so muddy and wet from the rain and previous Cat 2 and 3 races that the Cat 1 events were a matter of survival. Spectators cheered not only for the fastest person, but also the one who could stay upright the longest.
As the men took to the start line for the BelGioioso Elite series, Cole House (Competitive Cyclist/616) showed the field that he meant business. House had a legacy to defend, having won this event in 2011 and 2009, and he was not going to let a little mud and rain slow him down. Off the start line, he took the lead and grabbed the hole shot sprint prime. The field did not catch him, but battled against the mud and against each other. Mark Lalonde (Lalonde Bros. / Twin Six) came out to one last WORS race for the season and ended up with a 2nd place medal. Lalonde, a seasoned cyclocross racer and former All American runner, tends to do very well in bad conditions. Nathan Guerra (Vision/Wheel & Sprocket) claimed the 3rd step on the podium after a grueling effort. Going over the bars early on, he fought his way back into the top three. Even amongst the agony and the cold shivers, these guys all had smiles on their faces as they recounted the race.
Abby Strigel (Honey Stinger / Bontrager / Pat’s Gym) also took the title for her second year in a row at the Wigwam MTB Challenge. Strigel used the shortened course length to her advantage stating “for me shorter races are better. So knowing that it was short, I just went as hard as I could.” She could not be caught, but there was a definite battle for the next three positions. Amber Markey (Magnus) put up a strong fight in the tough conditions. With strong climbing skills, Markey led Lisa Krayer (Adventure 212/Specialized) and Cooper Dendel (Culver’s Racing) at first. As the muddy, technical course took its toll, Krayer was able to get around Markey for a second place finish. Cooper Dendel and Amber Markey worked hard until the end, when the 20 year old Dendel passed to claim 3rd before the finish.
As the traditional WORS series finale, Sheboygan is a special event for competitors and their families to spend one last day racing and cheering for each other. For many, this was the most fun they’ve had all year. To celebrate their 21st season racing in Wisconsin, and the WORS Year of the Junior in 2012, WORS will hold their annual series banquet, raffle, and awards ceremony this Saturday, October 20th in Steven’s Point Wisconsin. First place finishers in all WORS Junior classes will be awarded a special Mt. Borah WORS Junior Champion jersey. Thanks to the Wisconsin-based Trek Bicycle, one lucky Junior Series Overall Finisher will win a certificate for the winner’s choice of a 2013 Trek X-Caliber or Trek Cali SL
Elite (Pro & Cat 1) Females
Overall Age Group Bib # Name City, State Age Time Time Back Team
1 1 F 4-99 501 Abby Strigel Madison WI 29 1:29:10.4 0:00.0 Honey Stringer/Bontager/Pat's
2 2 F 4-99 503 Lisa Krayer North Freedom WI 37 1:35:42.2 6:31.7 Adventure 212/Specialized
3 1 F 4-29 604 Cooper Dendel Marquette MI 21 1:36:26.4 7:15.9 Culvers
4 2 F 4-29 515 Amber Markey Madison WI 25 1:37:45.4 8:34.9 Magnus
5 1 F 30-39 508 Michelle Peariso Amherst WI 36 1:45:53.3 16:42.8 Adventure212/Specialized
6 2 F 30-39 514 Denise Coppock Green Bay WI 38 1:51:37.5 22:27.0 Titletown Flyers
7 3 F 30-39 510 Jennifer Whitedog La Crosse WI 33 1:55:14.9 26:04.4 BikesLTD/ScenicConcepts
8 4 F 30-39 509 April Dombrowski Oshkosh WI 39 2:12:36.2 43:25.7 Team Pedal Moraine
NR F 30-39 505 Sarah Agena-Wright Stevens Point WI 34 Twin Six
Elite (Pro & Cat 1) Males
Overall Age Group Bib # Name City, State Age Time Time Back Team
1 1 M 4-99 355 Cole House Oneida WI 24 1:44:40.4 0:00.0 Competitive cyclist / 616 fabr
2 2 M 4-99 65 Mark Lalonde Madison WI 30 1:47:36.4 2:56.0 Lalonde Bros-Twin Six
3 3 M 4-99 3 Nathan Guerra Oconomowoc WI 31 1:48:49.0 4:08.6 Vision/Wheel & Sprocket
4 4 M 4-99 6 Darrin Braun Butler WI 27 1:49:56.6 5:16.2 Adventure 212/Specialized
5 5 M 4-99 4 Mike Phillips Chicago IL 35 1:50:29.3 5:48.9 Adventure212/Specialized
6 6 M 4-99 7 Tyler Gauthier Ishpeming MI 29 1:50:48.8 6:08.4 Culvers p/b Meyer Family Visio
7 7 M 4-99 31 Justin Piontek Fitchburg WI 24 1:51:58.6 7:18.2 The Bike Hub/Specialized
8 8 M 4-99 25 Chris Peariso Amherst WI 38 1:53:11.3 8:30.9 Adventure212/Specialized
9 1 M 35-44 83 Trevor Olson Rochester MN 39 1:55:42.0 11:01.6 Muddy Cup
10 2 M 35-44 100 Ray Nelson Woodstock IL 42 1:57:06.6 12:26.2 Treadhead Cycling
11 3 M 35-44 28 Ryan Krayer North Freedom WI 40 1:57:38.9 12:58.5 Adventure212/Specialized
12 9 M 4-99 356 Greg Krieger Cedarburg WI 20 1:58:09.5 13:29.1 Eriksen Cycles
13 1 M 4-23 38 Joseph Maloney Madison WI 22 2:01:44.4 17:04.0 KS Energy Services/Team Wiscon
14 1 M 24-34 20 Tyler Jenema Marquette MI 26 2:02:26.5 17:46.1 Kuhl Racing tain
15 2 M 24-34 42 Brian Heifner Middleton WI 32 2:03:01.8 18:21.4 Magnus
16 3 M 24-34 354 Nikolai Anikin Duluth MN 32 2:03:10.4 18:30.0 conti
17 10 M 4-99 30 Scott Cole Stevens Point WI 48 2:03:13.7 18:33.3 Adventure 212/Specialized
18 4 M 24-34 21 Nicholas Holzem Weston WI 30 2:05:54.0 21:13.6 Sprocketz
19 5 M 24-34 77 Carlos Haeckel Waukesha WI 29 2:06:45.6 22:05.2 Alterra Coffee/W85
20 1 M 45-99 23 John Shull Libertyville IL 50 2:08:47.1 24:06.7 EXPO
21 6 M 24-34 29 Dan Schaefer Adell WI 30 2:14:32.6 29:52.2 Team Fond du Lac Cyclery
22 2 M 4-23 34 Myles Beach Larsen WI 18 2:14:45.6 30:05.2 Adventure 212/Specialized
23 7 M 24-34 67 Michael Humpal Libertyville IL 30 2:16:39.7 31:59.3 Specialized
24 2 M 45-99 43 John Wypiszinski Kaukauna WI 46 2:17:32.0 32:51.6 Titletown Flyers
25 4 M 35-44 48 Bill Nigh West Bend WI 43 2:23:19.0 38:38.6 Team Pedal Moraine
26 5 M 35-44 58 Tim Scanley Milwaukee WI 36 2:28:54.1 44:13.7 Alterra Coffee
27 3 M 4-23 47 Michael Dutczak Crete IL 19 2:33:57.7 49:17.3 South Chicago Wheelman
NR M 24-34 32 Luke Batchelor-Clark Madison WI 33 Magnus
DNF M 35-44 26 Mark Cole Stevens Point WI 44 Adventure212/Specialized
NR M 35-44 50 Jerrod Collier Lindenhurst IL 43 Muddy Cup Racing
DNF M 35-44 76 Bryan Frazier Cottage Grove WI 36 Baraboo Sharks
NR M 24-34 45 Matt Gehling Madison WI 27 Team Wisconsin/KS Energy
DNF M 24-34 46 Jason Gosse Eau Claire WI 33 Team WORS
DNF M 35-44 60 Gabriel Ion Spring Grove IL 39 Treadhead Cycling
NR M 45-99 17 Jeff Melcher West Bend WI 45 Team Pedal Moraine
NR M 4-23 357 Justin Michels Neenah WI 21 Gear'n Up
NR M 45-99 99 Jw Miller Madison WI 47 /
NR M 35-44 51 Steve Schafer Barrington IL 42
NR M 4-23 40 Cameron Schave Fond du Lac WI 19 Eriksen cycles
NR M 4-99 1 Tristan Schouten Plymouth WI 30 Rolf Prima / Giant
NR M 35-44 14 Karl Tillman La Crosse WI 38 Team 360 / LAX Velo Updated on May 11, 2013, 10:04am
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