Sat, 16 Oct 1999      

     I was only at the 1st couple of events today, and unfortunately I forgot to write down the results, but here is a quick report from the Juniors/Master 35+ event. Justin Thompson (Trek/VW) is back in town from PA for the weekend, specifically to race in today's New England Point Series event and tomorrow's SuperCup. Justin is showing no signs of letting up, in fact he seems to get stronger each race! Today, Paul Curley (35+/GearWorks) raced in the Jr/35+ categorty again, but this time the race at the front was real! A strong Master from Los Gatos, CA came to race at the SuperCup, and he gave Justin, Paul and Josh Anthony (Jr/Essex County Velo) a real run for the money.

     The race course on the coast in Gloucester was wide open, grassy, but still very technical with lots of tight chicanes, two hard ride/run-ups, lots of hurdles (JD took out his tape measure and verified they were under the 40cm UCI limit - but DAMN they were high!) and a _very_ bumpy_ surface, plus some washed-out dirt roads thrown in for good measure. And the view of the rocky shoreline and ocean were beautiful!

     Most of the Juniors who missed last week's excellent race in Wayland (while taking their SAT college prep tests) were racing today - while some of the younger Jrs missed today while taking their PSATs (my older son included). So the field was strong and ready for racing! TJ Valis (NECSA), Craig Lipka (Northampton CC), Josh's kid brother, Jesse Anthony (Essex County Velo), Ian Stuart (Hot Tubes), Shaun Milne (Essex County Velo), plus Justin & Josh. The Masters also had a strong field, but other than Paul, and some guys further back in the field I know, I can't remember their names - sorry guys.

     TJ set the pace at the start, driving hard up the opening climb on asphalt. The course then serpentined down the backside of the course with chicanes and hurdles sprinkled about, followed by a rutted dirt road along the cliff-line. When they came back into view the pack was stretched thin, but mostly still together, with TJ, Josh, Craig & Justin all clustered near the front and Paul close behind. Up the run-up, around the gazebo and down & up the next run-up and then down the dirt descent on the front side of the course. By the time they came through the finish area, the first split was in - but dig it! 14 year old Jesse Anthony made the first split! Once more around and the 2nd split had happened, with a group of about 15 Juniors and Masters still together.

      One more lap, and then the crucial split was in, with Paul C, Los Gatos, Justin T, and Josh A. still driving hard. By this point, Ian S. pulled out after crashing on the dirt road at a hurdle and tweaking his stem and fork. Craig, TJ, Shaun came next and they were mixed in with a few Masters but they were all beginning to split up and race solo. Jesse stayed tight with Eric Marro (35+/B.O.B.) for the rest of the race, and had a real exciting time going head to head with such a strong Master rider.

      But, man! that fromt group of four put in a whale of a show. First one would attack and get a gap, then someone would bridge and counter, then regroup - on and on it went as each rider tested themselves and their compatriots in the field. Paul were faster on the ride/run-ups as he was usually able to remount, and ride the short distance between hurdle sets to gain a precious few seconds. Justin or Los Gatos would attack on the paved climb after the start area - forcing Josh and Paul to respond.

     With 2 laps remaining, Justin attacked on the paved climb and opened a small gap. As they crested the road and headed toward the grassy descent, Paul bridged across and yelled at Justin, "GO! GO! Keep going!" When Justin gets live instruction from the man who brought cyclocross to New England almost 15 (?) years ago, he listens! Justin turned on the gas as he and Paul opened the gap back to Josh and Los Gatos. The gap grew just a bit over those last two laps, and by the finish it was probably less than 15 seconds. At the finish, Justin sprinted against Paul Curley and won - but I have to wonder if Paul might have eased a bit at the line to give credit and respect to the boy who opened the gap. Next was a mad sprint with Los Gatos and Josh finishing in that order. Then 2 or 3 Masters (sorry again that I forgot their names), and then came Craig Lipka, with the Jr 3rd place looking neatly wrapped up. But Craig forgot that unfortunate finish of Daniel Ponotni at CX Worlds a few years ago! Craig looked back at TJ who was still more than 50m back and thought he had it. Craig sat up less than 25m from the finish and stretched his sore back. Meanwhile TJ had found his second wind somewhere in that last lap and was quickly closing in - once he hit tarmac, the afterburners went full bore! By the time Craig looked again and saw TJ spinting, it was too late! TJ took Jrs 3rd; Craig took Jrs 4th; Shaun Milne Jrs 5th; and 14 year old Jesse Anthony took 6th place!!!