Clash at the Camp & Novice Series Updates
Sullivan IL----As the I74 Mountain Bike Series breaks past the mid season point things are as tight as ever. Race number 5 "Clash at the Camp" saw things get scrambled up a bit. Though this was the first time it was part of the Series, it was the 5th Annual endeavor. It was a fast course providing unique conditions allowing some racers to excel, and others to falter. No one complained about the timing system being an iPhone, or bottles of water for $1 when the entry fee was just $25 and included membership in their club, and a nice T-Shirt. Those who earned a place got a pretty unique medal.
This was the fastest and flattest course we have ever had in the series. The top racers in the field averaged 13 miles per hour over the 2 lap course covering a little more than 9 miles. The race started fast with a strong pack of 5 riders for the first mile before separating. Dry conditions made one particualr sharp turn to the right tough for many riders, due to front wheels sliding out. Dru_B from FORC received his first number one finish of the year. This was not do to lack of competition as he beat the current points leader, Keith Sheldon also of FORC. Keith finished this race in third place and maintained his strong points lead in the series. Dru_B's strong finish and Eric Perry's average performance(5th overall) paired with Erick Muellers less than average finish(10th) moved Dru_B into second place in overall series points standings.
Eric Perry was unable to hold off a non-series contender when the race came out of the wood from a long climb to end with .5 miles of grassy double track. Eric's inability to finish strong kept him from creating a second place series points tie with Dru_B.
Eric Perry was only able to hold his place in the top three due to Erick Muellers lackluster performance. It has created a situation where the top three points contenders are all from FORC.
Keith Sheldon 764
Andy Gustafson 735
Eric Perry 731
Eric Mueller 724
Bob Swinehart 624
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