BISSELL continued its winning ways at Fisk Knob, with Alex Vanias taking another win for the outfit.
BISSELL’s string of success continued with an impressive showing at Fisk Knob. The annual time trial that kicks off a lot of racers’ season came in cold conditions, but the event was yet again a big success. For a lot of riders, it the first opportunity to get out and truly test the legs, especially after a lingering winter and uncooperative spring have knocked off training miles.
Vanias led the way for BISSELL, predicted as a massive favorite in the event as one of the most successful time trial racers in the state’s history. The team was looking to pile on, of course, with Jordan Diekama and Dan Lam providing more than capable legs in hopes of a podium sweep.
The Women’s Elite race was a bit of a formality, with Einstein Racing’s Zoe Reeves the only woman willing to brave the cold on the day. With other big events on the horizon, many racers chose to put in training miles, but Reeves had no problem taking a solid win early in the season for the team. In like mind was teammate Mackenzie Woodring, who piled Jody Beard onto their tandem to take the win in that category. The Einstein women also took a win in the Junior’s category with Claire Reeves.
Vanias lived up to expectations, posting a 33:39, good enough for a thirty second win over James Minnema. Minnema successfully broke up the BISSELL podium, twelve seconds ahead of Dan Lam in third place. Diekema was good enough for fourth, a further eleven seconds back. It was a rough day for Einstein Racing’s Chris Fisher and John Leach, with Fisher riding a busted seat and Leach still building fitness ahead of the West Michigan Stage Race mid-May.
Freewheeler’s Matt Acker nipped Hagerty’s Jake Ellis in the Men’s Cat 3, putting in another great effort and breaking up a string of Hagerty wins in the process. Hagerty had wins behind Melissa Ryba (Cat 3), Steve Andreise (Master’s 45-49), Craig Webb (Master’s 50-55), with Susan Donnelly second in the Master’s race as well.
As you might recall from the race recap, the Rapid Wheelmen battled amongst themselves in the Fixed Gear class. Dennis Hamel took top honors on the day, and with daughter Katie taking a solid sixth place in her debut for New Holland Brewery Cycling Team.