An outstanding weekend for local racers makes the Iceman Cometh a huge success.
This year more than ever, Michigan racers went into the Iceman with high ambitions for the biggest one day race in the United States. Packed with talent even against two of the toughest fields ever thrown together in the state, riders from around the Mitten rallied to their best weekend ever. Here’s a brief look at the top Michigan finishers and some outstanding Michigan rides in the Pro classes.
On the Men’s side, Mike Anderson and Jorden Wakeley renewed their year-long rivalry in style, with a reigning national champion and 3 time Iceman champion in the crossfire. Even as Sam Schultz made the decisive move, towing along Brian Matter and Geoff Kabush, Mike Anderson had enough hold on to fourth place. Matter, though originally from Michigan and now carrying a Wisconsin license, was always the local hero in past years in the absence of more local contenders. But now, with the likes of Anderson and Wakeley, Michigan has a whole host of serious threats even against seasoned professionals from around the country.
1 Sam Schultz 316 Missoula MT Subaru - Trek 1:37:43
2 Geoff Kabush 347 Courtenay BC Scott 3 Rox Racing 1:37:44
3 Brian Matter 299 Sheboygan WI Gear Grinder 1:37:45
4 Michael Anderson 242 Alpena MI 1:37:48
5 Ben Sonntag 319 Durango CO 1:37:50
6 Derek Zandstra 346 Trenton ONT Scott 3 Rox Racing 1:37:56
7 Jorden Wakeley 334 Grayling MI Einstein Racing 1:38:03
8 Cole House 345 Oneida WI 616 Fabrication 1:38:24
9 Troy Wells 336 Durango CO Team Clif Bar 1:38:52
10 Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski 282 Boulder CO Subaru - Trek 1:40:01
19 Tyler Gauthier 273 Ishpeming MI Culvers Racing P/b M 1:41:03
20 Brad Cole 350 Lansing MI Niner 1:41:11
23 Alex Vanias 331 Leroy MI Bissell Pro Cycling 1:43:06
24 Christian Tanguy 326 Rochester MI Team Cf 1:43:27
26 Scott Hoffner 280 Milford MI Hometown Racing 1:43:58
27 Chris Fisher 269 Maple City MI Einstein Racing 1:44:06
30 John Cowan 260 Petoskey MI 1:44:26
31 Ray Nelson 356 Woodstock IL Tread Head Cycling 1:44:38
33 Nathaniel Williams 338 East Grand Rap MI 1:45:08
34 Justin Piontek 308 Wabeno WI 1:45:15
35 Matt Craig 261 Pinckney MI 1:45:16
36 Dan Korienek 290 Grandville MI Leadout Racing 1:45:25
38 John Risk 314 Birmingham MI Wolverine Sports Clu 1:46:05
39 Derek Graham 275 Cedar MI Bissell-Abg-Nuvo/ind 1:46:28
40 Ronald Catlin 257 Ray Township MI Rbs Cycling 1:46:52
41 Mac Brennan 253 East Jordan MI Bissell Pro Cycling 1:47:05
42 Shawn Davison 263 Grand Rapids MI Farm Team Racing 1:47:14
43 Donald Cumming 262 Waterford MI Wolverine Sports Clu 1:47:27
44 Greg Kuhn 293 Sterling Heigh MI Rbs Cycling 1:47:46
47 Daniel Klein 354 Berkley MI Lathrup Industries/g 1:48:34
48 Ryan Kennedy 289 Traverse City MI 1:48:38
49 Jason Buccellato 254 Lake Orion MI Klm/coldstone 1:49:54
51 Aaron McCready 300 Novi MI Cycle To Fitness Rac 1:50:00
The Women’s race was also a huge step in the right direction. Just one year after teammate Johanna Schmidt vaulted to an astounding 6th place, Mackenzie Woodring continued her dream season by taking 4th place in one of the best women’s fields ever assembled in Iceman history. Riding in the elite lead group of Heather Irmiger, Emily Batty and Georgia Gould for the whole race before missing out on the podium by less than a second. The reigning state road race champion and recent Peak2Peak winner was joined in the top ten by Michiganders Kati Krikke and Johanna Schmidt, with Lauri Brockmiller just missing out in 11th. Woodring’s 4th place is a great way to cap a season already well worth remembering.
With thoughts already drifting toward 2013, it’ll be an interesting transition for local fans moving from hoping for a top ten to wanting a victory. With Georgia Gould already saying she’ll be back and TREK’s commitment to the race, 2013 will have a powerful line-up, perhaps even stronger in a non-Olympic year. Look for the return of Jeremiah Bishop, who was off doing La Ruta this weekend, and possibly Todd Wells as well.
1 Georgia Gould Ft. Collins CO LUNA PRO TEAM 1:53:12
2 Emily Batty Brooklin ON SUBARU - TREK 1:55:03
3 Heather Irmiger Boulder CO SUBARU - TREK 1:55:09
4 Mackenzie Woodring Belmont MI U.S. NATIONAL PARALY 1:55:09
5 Chloe Woodruff Tucson AZ CRANKBROTHER RACE CL 1:58:15
6 Erica Tingey Salt Lake City UT ROCKY MOUNTAIN/ KUHL 1:58:18
7 Cooper Dendel Marquette MI 2:02:41
8 Abby Strigel Madison WI SUBARU TREK TEAM 2:03:14
9 Kathryn Krikke Rockford MI 2:04:39
10 Johanna Schmidt Traverse City MI EINSTEIN 2:07:53
11 Lauri Brockmiller Traverse City MI 2:08:13
12 Christy Keely Greenville SC TEAM KENDA 2:08:26
14 Amy Stauffer Lowell MI PH 2:08:48
15 Amanda Ryan Farmington Hil MI EINSTEIN RACING 2:08:54
16 Susan Vigland Traverse City MI 2:10:15
17 Erin Vicary Walled Lake MI QUIRING CYCLES 2:11:04
20 Bonnie Van Volkinburg Ada MI FARM TEAM RACING/ 61 2:14:09
22 Amanda Schaap Jenison MI TEAM KENDA PLB GEANG 2:17:32