The opening events from the Cherry-Roubaix are done and dusted. Here’s a brief look at the Prologue and Criterium.

Armed only with a camera phone and a brave heart, Yours Truly snapped as many pictures as possible before said phone died. There were a number of outstanding performances worth mentioning, including Melissa Ryba’s (Hagerty Cycling) saddle trouble, Garrett Zueger’s brilliant win in the Junior’s race, John Leach’s (Einstein Racing) amazing CAT 3 Prologue win and a gusty ride by nearly everyone in a tactical and aggressive Master’s 55+ race.

The ride of the day has to go to Mackenzie Woodring from Einstein Racing. A favorite heading in, Woodring stamped her name on the event with a solo victory of over a minute, riding over half the race alone and walking away from some of the best riders in the state. After the group reeled in a few riders just off the front, Woodring’s teammate Zoe Reeves put in a dig. She gained about six seconds and held off the group for a lap and a half before being yanked back in by the combined efforts of the ever-diligent Lauri Brockmiller and Bridgit Widring of Hagerty Cycling. With Reeves back in the group, the tempo slowed as the group looked for someone to take command. Woodring make her move shortly after, obliging. One rider went with her, but never got within five seconds as Big Mac turned the cranks with the power of some Amazonian queen. With her lead ballooning, Hagerty organized again to chase but lost steam as no other squads pitched in. A short dig by Johanna Schmidt (Einstein Racing)  further threw off the peloton, and Mackenzie Woodring spent the rest of the race planning an elaborate, 80s inspired dance routine with which to celebrate her win whilst crossing the line.

Woodring’s big show makes her the out and out favorite tomorrow, and she’ll rely on her team to control the climbing talents of Susan Vigland, Amy Stauffer and all the rest. Good luck, all!