Last Sunday, May 31, at the WORS Crystal Lake Classic, 2008 WORS Overall Series leader Jesse Lalonde (Gary Fisher 29r/T6/BKB; #1, above left) again sprinted to the finish line, this time with 2004 Triple Crown winner and 2009 USA Cyclocross World Cup Team member Brian Matter (Gear Grinder; #124, above right). After a grueling 33-mile race, the two finished nearly 5 minutes ahead of the rest of the Belgioioso Pro / Cat 1 field. While Lalonde set the pace on a rigid singlespeed for much of the race, Matter was first to cross the line.
"Crystal Lake has some of the best technical mountain biking in the midwest”, said Matter. “It was great to do battle with Jesse right to the finish line."
Ted Haines of Fond Du Lac (Fond du Lac Cyclery; 2:16:22) finished third. Mark Lalonde (Planet Bike/GT/T6), who won WORS Iola Bump & Jump on May 17 and rode with the two leaders through most of the race, recovered from a flat to secure 5th place.
Abigail Strigel of Madison, WI (Mafia Racing / Pabst / Felt; 1:34:22) put the hurt on the Belgioioso Pro / Cat 1 women’s field, smoothly powering to a 5-minute gap on the rest of the field (1:45:48). Second and third place went to Holly Liske of Madison (Hayes Disc Brakes; 1:50:38) and Andrea Matter of Sheboygan (Gear Grinder; 1:54:08).
For complete results, see wors.org. Team WORS Cat 1-3 race report is here. The next race of the 2009 Wisconsin Off Road Series will be held on June 7 in Wausau, WI at the Trek Big Ring Classic.
