For a change from the usual Masters racing of years past, Greg, Stephen, Bernie, Ryan H., Frank, Ron, David, and Ryan M. all signed up for the Cat 4 race. This represents the largest representation that Lamprey has had in a single field at Battenkill. Jeff H. and Marten entered the Cat 3 race.

Extra thanks to Amy, Becca, Celia, Jen, Maria, and Sabina for getting to all the feedzones, with their children, and simultaneously picking out Lamprey riders spreadout through the course, and getting us bottles. That is no small accomplishment.

The weather couldn’t have been better, the organization was excellent, and the course as challenging as ever. First off was Marten and Jeff in the Cat 3 yellow, unfortunately luck is indiscriminating and a flat took out Jeff about half way through the race. The front wheel truck was right there with him, but because it had no Campagnolo wheels, he had to wait for the second truck, which took another 10 minutes to arrive. At least he has some excellent early season fitness that he’ll be able to carry over into his future events. Marten hung with the leaders through Meetinghouse Rd, but finished with the second group in a small sprint for 10th place, the final remaining cash spot, but ended up out of the money in 16th.

Next to come in were Greg, Steve, Bernie, and Ryan H., battling a group in a sprint for the line, with Greg taking it to the line in a tight finish. They finished 24th, 26th, 28th, and 30th out of a large group with over 100 starters. Frank followed just a few seconds back, then Ron and David came through the finish together. They had managed to find each other on the course, and finished the race working together. The very next place went to Ryan M., just a few seconds behind that duo.

After the race, we enjoyed a beautiful and relaxing family weekend, exchanging Battenkill stories by the pool, and ending the day at our favorite pizza place, Harvest and Hearth. A great way to end the day with some beers, delicious pizza (is the mushroom pizza better with red sauce, or without???), and plenty more stories. We’ll certainly be back next year.

Thanks to KSJ Photos and Jim Wilson for the photos.

The Cycle Craft MTB TT was held in Kittatiny Valley State Park, NJ. For more information about the event, see Team Bulldog.

On the second to last lap, while riding through the sandpit, Greg’s rear derailleur exploded, and he was forced to run.

After running to the pits, he was able to continue on a SRAM neutral support bike, but the running cost a lot of time.  For results, see CXMagazine.

We’re already planning our return, and will be back next year with more experience.

Marten staged on the back row, and focused on riding a clean race.  Although the course had been widened in places, many sections were still covered in frozen ruts.  Fortunately, he suffered no mechanical issues, and finished in 18th place.  See the cyclocross magazine coverage here.

Jeremy added another podium to his season, finishing 3rd in a large field of 60+ riders.  Roland finished in the top 20, David was in the front half of the field, with Bob and George not far behind.

Jen rode an excellent race, using her new cross skills and road power to finish 4th in a very strong field.  Jeff finished 10th in the Masters field as well.

Marten managed a good start, and hung on to a 4th place finish on a fast course.

Check out the First Endurance website here, and a wealth of nutrition information here.