Matt Pacocha and Lisa Strong turn on the heat as a cold snap blankets the Front Range for Boulder CX Series event #2.

Race report and images by Shawn Lortie

(October 11, 2009) Broomfield CO.—CX racers in Colorado finally got what many have been hoping for, for quite some time: classic cyclocross conditions. Two or three inches of snow dropped on the Boulder area a few days before the race, so things looked good for the weekend. Although much of the snow at the race venue had melted, the cold temperatures kept lots of moisture on the ground, making for slippery cornering on both grass and pavement.

The course at Interlocken Park is well known for its massive amounts of grass. This year did not disappoint, with the icy grass quickly turning to a damp, spongy, energy-sucking expanse of green. The course made great use of the terrain, with some fast sections of pavement leading into wet grassy turns that had racers struggling to keep the rubber side down. A tight turn into the first set of barriers sent racers up and around a u-turn and then directly back down into another u-turn that led to a two part sand pit.

After that, racers rolled onto a stretch of pavement that took them to the backside of the course where another set of barriers lay in the middle of a long straightaway. From there the course climbed a series of switchbacks on the grass, hit another fast section of pavement, and then dropped into a great section of fast turns that took racers back to the start finish area.

In the Women’s Open class Lisa Strong took the win, with Megan Taylor in second and Karen Hogan in third. The racing was tight for a few laps but soon broke up as the women had to make their way through the back of the Men’s 45+ class and deal with the tricky course conditions.

In the Men’s Open class some forty plus riders braved the cold and put on a great show for the many spectators. Matt Pacocha took off from the start like a cannonball and led the sprint across the field and into the first set of barriers and sand. The pack stayed tight going into the back side of the course, but by the time the racers came around for the second lap, Pacocha was out in front with a ten second gap. Chasing him was a group of ten or so including among others, Daniel Summerhill, Pete Weber, Brandon Dwight, Jake Wells, and Colby Pearce.

Pacocha rode like a man possessed as he continued to put the pressure on at the front, until the chase group started to shatter. Throughout the race many battles were won and lost in the top fifteen spots, but the battle for fourth was down to the wire, with Pete Weber out sprinting Daniel Summerhill to take it. Once again we are treated to another day of top notch CX racing here in Colorado, and thanks again to race announcer Brian Hludzinski and his crew for all their hard work in putting on another great event. For complete results, please visit American Cycling Association

For additional photos, please visit Shawn Lortie Photography

The Men's Open class sprinting for the hole shot with Pococha leading the charge.


The Men's Open class hits the sand on the first lap.


Brandon Dwight holds off an attacker.


Pacocha off the front and on the beach.


Pete Weber in his usual position; head down, tounge out, and hammering near the front.


Men's Open goes up and around before entering the sand pit.


A Team Hudz rider negotiating lapped riders.


Jake Wells with his sights set on Pacocha up ahead.


One Lap to Go!


Kimberly Nuffer out of the saddle and chasing in the Women's Open class.


A Blue Sky Velo racer eyes the corner ahead.


A Women's Open racer dropping back into the start finish area.


Rebecca Much eventually finished 5th in the Women's Open.