Wes Sovis and Emma Schwab shook up the WorldTour last night with a big Random Relay, taking the win and, for Wes at least, nabbing crucial points ahead of the VST TT.
It was a small turnout, but a strong and profound sense of bon homie saw a unique spectacle off the start line. A wink and a nod saw the group largely stay together over the opening salvo of climbs, helped in some small part by the previous night’s rain. The sands pits were much less annoying than usual, and nearly the entire group took the took onto the 10km in touch.
Just as the group hit the Power Section, Cody Sovis couldn’t help but ramp things up, slowly pulling the peloton apart. Both Schwabs, Jeff Galsterer and others slowly ceded ground, but the dogged duo of Todd Vigland and Drew Cummins latched on even as speeds ratcheted up to the low 20s. They were still in touch behind Cody, Jeff Owens, and Dan Ellis, only popping off on the slopes of the always cruel Boonenberg.
Owens took yet another win, while Cody and Dan slowed to a crawl, with each trying to get third and possibly improve their WorldTour points haul. Dan eventually rolled in second (the last downhill took a while), with Sovis third. However, it was Wes Sovis who played it smartest. After rolling with Reese Cummins early, Wes came up just a few seconds behind Craig Fortuna and ultimately paired with Emma Schwab as a result. For Emma, it’s a win to end her SOL season before heading off to school, and for Wes, it’s his biggest haul of points of the season just when it matters most. He moves into the top five and, crucially, will start next week’s Vasa Singletrack Time Trial behind Jeff Owens, Dan Ellis, and just ahead of Brad Pauly.
Next week is going to be a big week, with singletrack bragging rights for a full year and another chance at a fat stack of WorldTour points up for grabs. Riders will start in WorldTour order starting at 6pm, with riders without points asked to seed themselves at the chute. The course will be the VST without Strombolis, with kids sticking to the Kinglet Loop, so don’t leave them at home! One back at the lot, stick around to see the new Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association Cantina, grab food and beer, and stick around for the Taco Competition at 7:30. Champions from each club will fight to down ten tacos as fast as they can, with the $200 entry fee per club going straight to the trails!
Remember, August 15 is the VST TT! We’ll be at the Supply Road Trailhead!
Finally, due to turnout, timing, work, and other factors, we’re skipping the Vuelta this year and wrapping up the season on Thursday, August 22nd with the World Championships. We’re at the time of the season that we see fewer riders make it out, and so we’re going to shift gears to Iceman training (and planning) after Labor Day. Watch for Thursday rides that include Burg’n’Backs and a new time trial that you can ride anytime you want.
Full 2019 Speed of Light results are right here.
The current WorldTour standings are here. PLEASE make a note of the rider ahead of you and the rider behind you so you know where to line up next Thursday!