From Tom Simpson: Checking the Pilarcitos website at www.pilarcitos.com the points standings show many categories still to be decided in the finale at what may be a soft, tacky Coyote Point. There's been a little rain from yesterday, supposedly a decent dump is expected tomorrow afternoon and friday, but the sun will be out when we build the course saturday. By the way, we should be ready for course pre-rides (minus course tape) by 2:00 pm on saturday for those of you ready for reconnaissance.
Sunday's finale has added points value for each race - not quite double points, more on the lines of an extra 85% increase in points value. What's that mean? To riders who have been scorching the series this year - John Elgart, Tom Fox, Cesar Chavez - they haven't lost yet and seem to be on the road to shut outs. But in most other hotly contested divisions - it's going to be close, possibly none closer than Men's B where Tony Coando will start with the leader's jersey, alongside his team mate Jeremy Kimmel. Both tied on points with the lead going to Coando who won the GG Park sprint for first over...Kimmel.
The Men's A's will see Justin Robinson defend his lead from the slathering pack of HRS-Rock Lobsters (who's bringing the melted butter?). Robinson has David Wyandt, Josh Snead, Aaron O'Dell, and Aaron Kereluk all within striking distance. But he also has an ace in the hole, just back from 10th at Portland USGP and the winner from GGPark, Andy Jacques-Maynes. The top 15 will be splitting a $2,500 prizelist, based on total quantity of rider entries and there are potentially 2 Juniors with a shot at the cash. Cody Kasier sits in 9th place overall and his Team Spine buddy, Jeremy Ferguson, is in 11th place.
In Men's "C" Scott Bryan, Chris Haeni and Josh Chauvet appear to be the contenders for the final round. The 35 "A" race is between leader Gannon Myall, with the Morgan Stanley duo of James Coats and Chris D'Aluisio ready for a good ride with Coats only 4 point shy of the lead. 45 "A" sees a duel betwwen Don Langley and Mark Abele with a mere 6 points their difference. 35 "B" leader Mark Fitzsimmons hasn;t finished worse than 4th all season - but neither has 2nd place Ken Gallardo and he wants the winners jersey as bad as anyone - this will be a great contest.
Women's "A"'s will see Northern California stars Sarah Kerlin and Sarah Maile battle for the title with Kerlin carrying a 4 point lead into sunday's finish. Tied for 3rd, however, are 3 equally dangerous rivals only 11 points out of first place - Josie Jacques-Maynes, Kathleen Hannon and Stella Carey. The top 10 will be splitting a $750 prizelist, based on total quantity of rider entries.
The Women's "B" title is a 2-rider contest between Sarah Piccolo and Christy Murphy, just 2 points separate them. Roaring Mouse has dominated the "C" Women's contest from the start with Dana Katz wearing the Maillot Noir on sunday and Marissa Axell, with 3 wins this season, ready to pounce.
Our U18 Juniors are also in a race to the final beach run - Jeremy Blalock leads Lars Mommer by a slim 4 points and in our newest category, U14, where we've had 15 different rider compete this season, Isaiah Rapko will carry the leaders jersey to the start line and see if he can hold off Spence Peterson, winner at Brisbane. And don;t forget - all of you who have entered all 5 rounds of the Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclcross series - stop by the merchandise tent and pick up your Pilarcitos "Perfect Attendance" award.
Tom Simpson
Pilarcitos Cyclesports
732 Fairfield Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
www.pilarcitos.com
info@pilarcitos.com
