Hamblen Wins BRC Hopkinton Cyclocross, MA ,Oct 4th

Saturday saw a great new race course in Massachusetts at the Hopkinton State Park, promoted by the folks of the Boston Road Club. The course used a steep grass covered dam for ride/run-ups which was difficult enough to break up the field early in the race. From the start, Fiordifrutta/ Wheelworks riders Josh Anthony and Jon Hamblen hit the front. Josh led quickly through the first several turns putting his brother and rival Jesse Anthony (Hot Tubes) into difficulty and setting up Hamblen for a pull on the front over the paved section and up the two dam steep hills. Josh and Hamblen easily stayed in the front group for the first two laps, and created a small gap over the chasers led by Matt Svatek (Sportsbook) and Justin Spinelli (Navigators).

The third time over the pavement Jon and Jesse had a small gap over the chasers due to Hamblen's speed and Jesse's skills at holding high speeds though the grassy turns. Over the next couple of laps Hamblen put the hammer down on the long straights while Jesse took the lead in the twisty areas. Hamblen and Jesse rode up the first dam section every lap and ran the second dam section at full tilt, gaining them a few seconds each lap. The duo quickly built up a solid lead over chasers Jonathan Bruno (ECV), and Tyler Johnson (Richard Sachs), who were closely followed by a group containing Hult, Svatek, and Josh. Jesse and Jon worked very well together, so long as Hamblen didn't lead through the tricky turns and almost crash them both.

With about four laps to go Jon started to put more pressure on the pedals, accelerating out of the turns, and riding very quickly on the straights and dam hill, to create a gap on Jesse. Hamblen put in a big effort over the three remaining laps to open the gap and secure the win. Josh Anthony finished 10th and showed that he has the skills for cross and will soon be contending for race wins, as soon as his fitness comes around.

Peck 2nd at Central Park Cyclocross Race, Schenectady, NY, Oct 5th

Sunday's race was on a fast dry course where the front group took advantage of some low barriers and was able to ride the entire course without dismounting. After a fast start, the front group came down to Chris Peck vs. two Northampton Cycling Club teammates, Matt White and Alec Donahue. The NCC riders took turns attacking Peck with White making time on the bunny hopping sections of the course. But the final lap came down to a dual between Donahue and Peck, with White just thirty seconds back. Donahue tried to dive to the inside of Peck in one of the final corners, but the gap was not big enough and both riders crashed to the ground. As they slowly got up and straightened their handlebars, White was able to get by for the win, followed by Peck and then Donahue.