Triple Crankset: Grandview USA

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Grandview USA

Don't permit the title of this post to cloud your judgement, as the racing this past weekend in Grandview, OH vastly outweighed the movie of a similar title in viewing ability. In fact, except for the appearance of an in-her-prime Jamie Lee Curtis, the movie was barely palatable.

The Tour de Grandview, on the other hand, was a glorious mixture of Americana and space aged technology, of community and cycling culture, of hardened veterans and ambitious newbies.

Are You Experienced? A Case of Double Vision
The lead up to the Men's and Women's Professional races on both Saturday and Sunday featured some outstanding races. But unless you can truly appreciate the racing nuances and effort given by those in the lower categories, the reason anyone watches cycling, and sport in general, is to see those at highest level compete.

The field contained many of the big names from the Midwest but it wasn't replete of some of the country's top professionals, although it may have only been a smattering of them competing last weekend.

Saturday's Women's Cat 1/2/3 race was won by Shannon Hutchison-Krupat (Aaron's Cycling Team). Although she was the lone representative from her team this year, the 37 year old relied on her experience to navigate the field. An orchestra teacher in Atlanta, GA, by day, Shannon is considered one of the country's top sprinters. Her sprinting ability, on display over the weekend as she won both field sprints, was matched only by her infectious smile and personality.

On Sunday, no one could match the irrepresible force of MacKenzie Woodring (Team Priority Health). She was dominant from the gun, leading an early break before soloing to victory.

But perhaps the most intriguing rider in the Women's field was 16 year old Samantha Schneider (Mesa Cycling) from West Allis, WI. A star already on the track, Samantha placed 2nd and 4th over the weekend.

Shannon taking the two-up on Saturday

Saturday's Women's Podium

MacKenzie Celebrates
(Photos: Granny's 30)

In the Men's division, it was all Texas Roadhouse as they swept the top three places in Saturday's race, and placed 1st and 3rd on Sunday.

The victor in both races was 38 year old Kirk Albers (Texas Roadhouse). After 11 attempts to win at Grandview, Albers won both races in a similar fashion, soloing to victory. On Saturday, he stayed away in the final 10-15 laps, while on Sunday he bided his time before launching a decisive attack in the final 3 laps.

The Upper Arlington, OH resident has particpated in numerous prestigious events, such as the Tour de Georgia, Tour of California and the U.S. Pro Championships, over his professional career and recently helped start up the Ohio Cycling Association in January.