Portland Velo Club

2001 Results

Supercup #3 Baltimore, MD December 16th, 2001
With over 5000 spectators watching, this was the event to be at! Sunny cool weather had dried up the course sufficiently to have only a few "peanut butter" sections. With a new course design that included some sections of the Nationals course from the day before, this was going to be fun. The Combined Junior and Master Field was huge at 150+ riders. The start was crazy and I got caught behind a crash after the first hill. This put me back far in the pack. I felt good though and worked my way back up the field. Then my back wheel hit a barrier, causing my bike to lung over my head and me following it, until it hit the ground. With my arm caught in the bike and me on the ground, it took a bit to get up. After gaining my composure, I jumped on, only to realize a dropped chain and bent a brake lever. after readjusting everything as best I could, I started my long work back up the pack. It took great effort, but I made it back up to I think 45th from almost the back of everyone. Oh well. A good race, though a few mistakes. Submitted by Paul Weiss

US National Cyclocross Championships Baltimore, MD December 14-15, 2001
A rainy day and warm weather great a large crowd in the Patterson Park fields in Baltimore, MD. A long drive down (10 hours), was finished and we were ready to race. Since many folks drove and flew in from all over the country, the fields were huge. With a course design by the now famous Tom Stevens, all was set for an epic race. With extreme mud conditions, and puddles all over, a classic was at hand. The Masters 35+ field was large and the start was crazy. The likes of Gunner Shogrun and Scott Wade and Chris Delusio blasted off the front, while I followed about half way down in the pack. Corners were technical, off camber hill and sharp turns made for some of the hardest technical riding I have done all season. I worked my way up the field and finished in a good finish of 27th. Better than my pacing of 35th last year. On Sat, fellow Mainers John Grenier did the Master 40+ race and finished an amazing 12th! Mark Donahue raced in the B race and Tom Stevens also in the Masters and Rob Freschette in the B race also raced. .Submitted by Paul Weiss

NEBC Cyclocross Merrimack NH, December 9, 2001
A snow storm greeted racers with 6 inches of wet stuff. Sunny conditions eventually prevailed and made the course a sloppy mess with 2 sand pits that were killer. The course was on the side of a hill and made, for some long climbs that were very grading. PVC racer Chris Cyr braved the cold and mud and snow for a fine 12th place in the Men's B race. He did an amazing job of working his way up from almost last position. I finished 25th in the huge Masters field. It was fun trying to negotiate the off camber hill with 6 inches of mud. Getting ready for Nationals next weekend.

UNH "Live Free and Ride" Cyclocross Durham NH, December 2, 2001
Another mild day, 3 PVCer's raced in this new race. New Cyclocross converts: Charles Goldman finished 3rd in the C race and Shawn Corbett finished 5th. I think I finished 8th in the B race. I will post pics this week,.Paul Weiss

"Boston Cross", Verge Cyclocross #5, Wayland, MA December 1, 2001
71 degree in December! Wow what a race in the hot weather! Another great race for this #5 in the Verge New England series. The hot weather did not deter a huge crowd and large fields in many races. Chris Cyr despite several mechanicals in the men's B race finished a respectable 27th. I did the Masters 35+ race and finished 21st. Great to see local Maine riders dominating the races (Mark Donahue 3rd in B race and Allen Starrett in 5th)!, Paul Weiss

Another great race by those folks down in CT. The course was set up differently then the race that they had in October. It included a very long run-up that nearly killed me after 6 laps. It was great to have a cheering section of Weiss fans (My brother Kevin and my nephews Robert and Sam and Niece Mary, also good to have Lucia for water support). I finished with the same folks that I have been racing with every week. Made 16th place. Lots of fun. 3 more races, then Nationals in Baltimore....Paul Weiss

     1. The You won't see me again First lap Cookie Jar Sprint $25.00 -------------Chris Karam
     2. The Oh My God I'm a Fat Shit, Prouts neck sprint $25.00--------------------Tim Corcoran
     3. The I've cut Back My Mileage to 300miles, Fire Hydrant Sprint $50.00------Jeff ? (white Trek 5200)
     4. The Second Bowl of Ice Cream, Inn By the Sea Sprint $25.00---------------Graydon Stevens
     5. The Professional Wheel Suckers Union, Cookie Jar Sprint $50.00------------Chris Brown?

West Hill/Putney CYCLOCROSS November 11, 2001 Putney, VT
This was the "normal" Putney course, only this year there was no rain or mud to speak of. This made for some fast racing on this classic New England Cross course. New for this year was a dirt burm at the bottom of the killer downhill. This made everyone have "big air" for the spectators waiting to see blood. Matt Sveteck did not disappoint with a jump and crash and broken handle bar into the dirt. He then asked the crowd "if there was any blood? we said "no", so he ran the rest of the lap with a broken bike and finished the course after exchanging in the pit. A real sick hard core Cyclocross rider! I had a good race and had fun in the cornfield hurdles and also got some air off the burn. Finished 15th.
Paul Weiss

Frank N Horst CYCLOCROSS November 10, 2001 Keene, NH
Charles Goldman races the Men's C race with a 10 minute warm up period due to a long drive from Portland. Even with this late start he still did a great race and finished strong. I raced in the Men's Master 35+ race and finished in top 15. This course is a unique one with a "Lemand" style start and a truly sick descent off a small cliff into a narrow trail and a dismount up a loose dirt burm. Paul Weiss

CATAMOUNT CYCLOCROSS November 4, 2001 Williston, Vermont
Masters 35+, 5th Mike Hoover - Portland Velo Club - 47:20
Mens C: 5th Charles Goldman - Portland Velo Club - 33:38

Wolf Neck Woods race, Freeport, Maine Nov. 3, 2001

Mike Claus, George Bennington, Dwayne Clement and Mike Loughlin took up the cause for Chris Karem Saturday. We kept the pace up the entire race to keep the dynamic duo of Thad LaValle and Mark Donahue from playing any breakaway games. Tim Corcoran was out on his own a couple of times but GBS reeled him in. Loughlin and Clement both flatted, leaving Chris w/o any lead out men. Chris took a flyer at about 500 yards and got a good gap on the field with an uphill grade. Unfortunately there was a downhill grade before the flat finish and Donahue put on a charge and pulled LaValle with him. They nipped Chis at the line. One more leadout man would of been nice, or tell GBS to stop feeding Donahue those donuts and he won't take those downhill sprints.

1. Mark Donahue SMCC 2. Thad Lavalee CCB 3. Chris Karam PVC Thanks Fred Robie for running this race!

-- Mike Claus

Camden Cyclocross Race, Camden, ME, Oct 28, 2001
After a long drive from UMASS, stopping overnight in Portland we made it to the Camden. Great to see a few PVC riders also racing. In the C race, Mt bike stars and new crossers: Shawn Corbet and Charles Goldman used their skills to do an excellent race and finish in a top placing Racing in the B race was PVC's Chris Karum who took second, Mike Hoover, Joel Hinshaw also did an excellent race. Tim Corcoran and I did the grueling A race (I just got lapped on the last lap by an amazing Mike Vose). Tim, on his Mt bike, showed that he can take some fast turns around the lodge.......haha. The course wound around the base of the Camden snow bowl and included 3 sets of hurdles and one long run-up in a rocky glen. Off camber turns and gravel sections made for some difficult turns. Great course for all that showed! Paul Weiss

Amherst International UCI Cyclocross Race, UMASS Amherst, MA, Oct 27, 2001
This was kind of an interesting course considering the new UCI rules on Cyclocross for this year. Located in the usual wind swept orchard hill part of the campus of UMASS things were set for a real big event. Making this a UCI race and the Northeastern regional qualifier and also a Verge series race made all the big names in Cyclocross come out. All the big names were there including several international stars and all the top US women and men. The course had only 2 hurdle sets that Mt bike stars like Jon Sundt was bunny hopping every lap. This made for a very fast course and kind of long also, extending all the way down the orchard to the side of the local student dormitory.
My race was interesting, a huge field started and I worked my way up the field until I finally reached John Grenier (MCC), we rode together for the rest of the race and battled it out for placing. I placed 25th. A fun but tiring event as usual. There were no other PVC riders. Paul Weiss

Wicked Maine Cyclocross Race, Gray Maine, Oct 21, 2001
Wow what a race! An amazing event and first for PVC. To put on a race of this caliber is fantastic for the club. Race directors and promoters: Derek Hilton, Art Davis, Andy Whalen, Jeff Herreck and Paul Weiss, put a lot of time and effort into making this happen (All day Sat and Sunday until dark) and thanks to many volunteers, it did. Special thanks to the helpers like: students at Gray HS, club members Peter Levesque, and Becky Dean, Mike Hoover and Chris Karum, also special thanks to Jon Kibbler and his staff of volunteers, and to Marianne Stover and others (did I miss anyone?). Without the great help this could not have worked. Everything I heard from racers was that this course, which was laid out by Andy Whalen was a Supercup/National level course. Really, it was that good. Turnout was not as good as we would have liked, but we that was due to a date conflict with another Delaware race. Next year could be a much bigger event!
Racing results are listed here. Look at all the PVC racers, including 2 new PVC state champions!

ECV Cyclocross, Gloucester, MA Oct. 14, 2001
Another day, another great race! Everyone turned out for this new UCI world cup points event. Day #2 had the same list of favorites and also mostly the same outcome. The men's A race was increadible, since Tim Johnson put in a performance that amazed the crowd. Only losing to Vervecken by a few seconds.
Racing for PVC was Jason Pettinhgill and Chris Cyr who both put in an excellent perormance. I had a repeat of the previous day but sore legs and a larger field put my place back in the 30th or so. Paul Weiss

Supercup #1, Gloucester, MA Oct. 13th 2001,
Another amazing race this year on this shorline course around Stage Fort Park. This was this years biggest race, with Erwin Vervecken the Belgium World National Champion racing against the best US riders to the likes of: national champion Tim Johnson, former national champs Mark and Frank McKormack, Mark Gullickson, Dale Knapp, also national stars like Jon Sundt and other top New England stars. The Womens field saw the Amazing Anne Grande flying out from Seattle WA to match wits against local New Englander Carmen D'Aluisio and new to cross but top road star Lyne Bessette, who won.
Racing for PVC was Chris Cyr who finished excellent in the Men's B race, and Mike Hoover, also in the Men's B race. I raced in the Masters 35+ field and finished 20th I think. Paul Weiss

Winding Trails Cyclocross Farmington, CT Oct. 7th, 2001
Wow, this was a sandpit of a course. There were 2 turns that were in the complete pit of sand. It was almost like racing in Belgium (or that is what I have heard). My race was a lot of fun except almost running over a guy that fell ahead of me, then me biffing it into a fast barrier....oops. I got to work in the dismount. Else all was fun and I got to beat the second place junior.....an awesome rider named Kevin. Man he is going to be good in a few. THey had a combined master asn Junior field so I got to have fun with young and old! The A race was awesome, not 1 not 2 but 3 McKormacks lay waste to a hard riding field that included some excellent tallent....Myerson et al. Get ready for next weekend...Paul Weiss

BCA Cyclocross Race Pittsfield, MA Oct. 6th, 2001
Well, as the only Maine guy....it was fun! I have done this race several years now and I love it! Racing is awesome and this year was no different. The course had a few new sections to make things interesting. My race (Masters) was fun in the rain. Mud on some nice uphills made for some hard climbs. It also bogged down the flatter areas and mad the choice of tires a debate with no end. I finished a respectable 14th. Great to watch the other races. I took lots of photos. Paul Weiss

DownEast Cyclocross, Lost Valley Ski area, Auburn, ME Sept 30th 2001
Submitted by Paul Weiss
This 1st Verge New England Series race was a great event. With a course designed by Tom Stevens, it had a lot of crazy off camber turns and very steep runnups! Competing for PVC was: Juniors 14-15 Morgan Mcleod (1st!), In Masters 35+ race Andy Whelan (11th), Art Davis (10th) and Paul Weiss (12th), Men's C race: Sean Steady (2nd!), Mens B race Jason Pettingill, Mike Hoover, Chris Cyr, Cris Karum (on his new cross bike).

NCC Cyclocross, Cummington, MA September 24th, 2001
Submitted by Paul Weiss
The first race of the New England Schedule was awesome. Warm weather made for some great conditions at this opener on the Cummington Fair grounds. The course was similar to last year with 2 crazy hills on the upper field and the usual tight curves of the lower fairgrounds snaking through and around several buildings and cow manure. New this year was a UCI legal hurdles. At 16 inches, these were pretty hard to straddle. It took a lot to muster these tall one. Just to say, no one was bunny hopping the set of 3! This was a wake up call to remember how hard Cyclocross is, my heart rate was at 95% for the whole race....ouch. I did the Master's race and faired well (I will have to see posted results). Other Mainers that raced were: Derek Hilton, Mark Donahue and Tom Stevens.

Wayne Elliot Memorial/Haverhill Cycling Classic September 9, 2001
Gene Landry 4th! Masters 40+ Graydon Stevens also raced with in this race.

Green Mountain Stage Race, VT 8/31/01-9/3/01
Eight PVC riders made this an epic and new event for PVC. This new stage race took the place of the now defunct Killington stage race. The race included a Prolog Hill climb up Bolton Valley ski area road Friday, a 47+ mile circuit race in Moretown on Sat, the infamous Mad River Road Race (including the killer Middlebury gap and Appalachian gap climbs), and finally the Burlington Criterium on Monday.
Competing the for PVC was Neil Fitch, Andy Whelan and Paul Weiss in the Master 30+ race, Dave Harrell raced in the Men's Cat 3 race, and Peter Levesque, Mike Hoover, Mike Clause and Ray Kushe raced in the Men's 4-5 race (32+ age).
You can check out results on the GMBC web page, but needless to say, PVC all finished this grueling event (no crashes) and was psyched when Ray Kuche finished 2nd in the General Classification for his event! I will post pictures.
The event was a fun weekend, special thanks to Tom Papp for hosting part of the PVC team at his house all weekend!

Maine State Road Racing Championship Scarborough, ME 8/26/01
Women's Cat 4, Rhonda Morin 4th, 2nd for (Maine State Champion)
Men's Cat 3, Chris Karum 3rd^st overall 1^st (Maine State Champion), Dave Harrell 12th 3rd for (Maine State Champion)
Men's Cat 4, Gregory Hutchinson 15th, George Benington 35th, Mike Hoover 46th
Men's Cat 5, Dwayne Clement 10th, Michael Loughlin 11th, Geoffrey Johnson 18th, Richard Levesque 44th, Mark Landry 52nd
Men's Master 35+, Graydon Stevens 2nd overall, Paul Weiss 17th, 3rd for (Maine State Champion), Neil Fitch 22nd, Brian Linscott 24th, Andrew Whelan 31st, Gene Landry 37th
Men's Master 45+, Graydon Stevens 7th, 2nd for (Maine State Champion), Eddie Quinn 12th, 2nd for (Maine State Champion), Bill Holden 13th
Men's Master 55+, 65+ Jim Shafer 6th overall, 1st or 2nd? for (Maine State Champion)

Maine State Criterium Championship Saco, ME 8/25/01

PVC racing:
Women's Cat 4 Rhonda Morin 13^th overall 3^rd for Maine State Championship
Pro 1,2 Bob Baiguy
Men's Cat 3, Chris Karum 1^st overall 1^st(Maine State Champion), Dave Harrell, Graydon Stevens 38th
Men's Cat 4-5 Walker League-Pike 35th, Peter Levesque, Mark Landry, Greg Hutchinson, Charles Goldman
Men's Cat 5 Charles Goldman 20^th,
Master's 35+ Tim Corocoran 14^th2^nd for Maine State Championship, Bob Baiguy 30^th, Paul Weiss 37th, Andy Whelan , Neil Fitch 42nd, Gene Landry 48th, Graydon Stevens 45th , Brian Linscott.
Master 45+ Graydon Stevens 1^st (Maine State Champion) 2^nd overall, Bill Holden 18^th overall
Master 55+ Jim Shafer (Maine State Champion)
Junior 10-14 Morgan Macleod 4th overall, 2^nd for (Maine State Champion)
Junior 15-16 Geoff Johnson (Maine State Champion)

Yes, Graydon Stevens raced in 3 races Saturday and won the State Championship!
Did I miss anyone???????

Mt Washington Hill Climb, NH 8/25/01
These were the daring sick few that attacked Mt Washington for PVC:

STUART ABRAMson @ 1:10:08.
BILL BLACK.@ DNF
RONALD COLAVOLPE @ 1:10:50
MICHAEL CLAUS @ 1:14:25
DWAYNE CLEMENT @ 1:27:16
MICHAEL LOUGHLIN @ 1:27:19

Concord NH, Criterium 8/11/01
I have not hear full details but I know several PVC riders raced here including Peter Levesque raced in men's 5 race, and Chris Karam (32nd place in Mens 3 race!), Mike Hoover 26th Gregory Hutchinson 29th in men's 4 race! Gene Landry 7th in 40+ Masters race. Anyone else race???

Central NH RR 8/12/01
DAVID HARRELL 14th in men's 3 race! Peter Levesque 26th men's 5 race!, Geoffrey Johnson 10th in men's junior 15-16! Stuart Abramson 6th and Andy Whelan 28th, Neil Fitch 30th, Gene Landry 34th all in men's 35+ master race! Jim Shafer 10th in Master 55+ race!

21st Yarmouth Clam Festival Bike Race Yarmouth, ME 7/22/01:

Another great race, another great year. PVC had a great turnout for both the volunteers and those that raced. Thanks again for all that made this a great race. Racing for PVC in the women's race was Rhonda Morin. Rhonda did a great race and worked with a strong womens field for the whole race and finished with the pack.

Racing in the men's field was Bill Black, Jason Pettingill, Gene Landry, Andy Whelen, Bob Biaguy, Neil Fitch, Matt Norton, Paul Weiss, Graydon Stevens, Brian Linscott, Ron Colvope, Dave Harrell, Dave Brink and Chris Karum. PVC raced well in the Men's race, Neil, Brian and Paul were involved in a small altercation, that caused a little road rash and minor injuries. The main problem was getting dished out the back after the crash and trying to catch up at 29 MPH....ouch.

Spurwink Time Trial (Wed. nights) June + July.

Tour of the Hilltowns Windsor, MA 7/14/01:

PVC launches a hairy assault on this, now major New England Raod Race. Grayson Steven with a final leadout from from Bill Black wins the Master's 45+ race!!!!!! Eddy Quinn crucial in the same race caught by a broken spoke.....otherwise it would have been 1-2-3 wins! Dave Harrell makes top 20 in the main field of the 3 race, Andy Whelen also raced in this field. Mike Clause, Ray Kushe crunched the 4 field until Mike has a flat and Ray helps him out on the stranded roads of the Berkshires. Did anyone else race?

SMCC Training Series (Thursday nights) May-June 2001.
Congrats to all PVC riders that raced in the Scarborough training series. PVC had an awesome success. The Blue and Yellow jerseys were the team to watch. We all defended the leads that were gained all season of A race winner Chris Karum and B race winner Sean Steady. PVC also podiumed with Chris Linscott taking second in the A race! Since there were double point up for grabs, last night came down to the wire with no one assured of winning. A huge team effort went into securing these podium places in both the A race and B race. Great to see everyone riding like a team and sacrificing so that we had such great success! Chris was awarded a brand new Lemond Cyclocross Bicycle*** (now we will have to see him race cross) and Sean with a nice festina watch! Many other PVC riders were in the top 10 placed spot. Including Neil Fitch, Bob Baiguy. Also we must congratulate B race female superstar Betsy Perry for racing and pushing the mostly men's field! Let's do this again next season! PS If you get a chance thank, Jamie and anyone who helped to put on such a well run series.
***Chris was also awarded a $300.00 Gift certificate from Cyclemania............thanks guys! Paul Weiss

Fitchburg Stage Race, Fitchburg MA 6/27-29/01

I did Fitchburg...And survived!!! Finished 28th out of 41 in the four day stage race in Fitchburg, MA. Total time of 4:23:32 which included a crash. My best day was the mountain stage on the third day. I finished 13th out of 43 and pushed a 23 gear! Had I had a 25+ I suspect it would've been an even greater day! But I made the most out of what I had. I felt great that day. The climbs were hard, but nothing I hadn't done before (NH for example...). We had a very very steep climb to the summit of a mountain in the last 2 miles to the finish. It was hot and there was some passing out happening...But not me. I was pumped! I was reminded once again.... climbing rocks!! The second day was going well in the circuit race until I was in a crash. Some riders in front of me were very squirrelly, and sure enough, someone leaned too far and about 5 of us went down. I finished the race with the pro women, but only after I played EMT with the crash victims. As it turned out, one woman cracked her vertebrae. It was ugly. I had the good fortune of landing on another rider, so I walked away with bruises and some sore muscles. My time trial basically sucked, so I have to work on that part. And I got dropped from the peleton in the crit, but managed to hang with the chase group for a respectable finish. It's all I had left anyway. If you want to know more, go to: http://www.longsjo.com/results01.html and look under Women 4 Clam Festival is gonna seem like a cake walk now! One sad note: Jeff Fisher from Rainbow Bikes crashed in the mountain stage and broke his collar bone. Apparently a rider crashed near him, and took Jeff down. Jeff landed on his head and shoulder. Cracked his helmet pretty bad. So it's a damn good thing he had that on!! He's bummed. He's out for awhile now. I don't have any photos yet, but once developed, I'll scan and send them. <><><><><><><><><><><>Rhonda Morin
**Rumor also has it that Greg Hutchinson also raced.

Great Falls Criterium, Auburn ME 6/18/01
A whole day of racing started with the men's 4 race. Starting the line up was PVC Mike Laughlin, George Bennington, Mark Landry, Dwayne Clement (13th), Greg Hutchinson (11th) and new PVC racer, Chris Green. Racing in Men's 45+ was Bill Black. Racing in Men's 35+ Brian Linscott. Racing in the Men's 3 race Paul Weiss, Jason Pettingill (5th), and Matt Norton (10th Place) In the Men's 1-2-3 race Jason Pettingill (again), and Kris Karum. See the photo section for pics.

Kennebunk Road Race, Kennebunk ME 5/28/01
Submitted by: 'Brian "alias "Critman-coming out of retirement"

Good showing for the PVC guys, Chris Karum sprinted for the win after I worked my big butt off to chase down a few breakaway minded saps from other teams, another PVC finished 4th (Mike Clauss?) as I suffered into the 5th spot. Two other PVC guys did some nice work on the ride and finished somewhere close behind me.

SouthWest Harbor Road Race, Acadia, ME 5/27/01
Submitted by: 'Brian "alias "Critman-coming out of retirement"

On Sunday Chris Karum and I were the only PVC guys to brave the pouring rain and eastern winds at Southwest Harbor. Tried a variety of things to get away to no avail. With 2 miles left a few got away and the pack once again sat in silence. My impatience didn't help my finish as I forged on to pick up the 2 victory minded Camden boys. Took the pack through town and stretched it out to get out the scrubs for the sprint as Chris was in a decent position for the V. Things didn't pan out for the PVC two but a good showing by Chris (3rd?) . I coasted up the slope for 10th or so. Top 3 prizes so I didn't kill myself for 5th or 6th

Sunapee Road Race Sunapee, NH 5/19/01
Submitted by Mike Clauss

Saturday, May 19th turned out sunny and warm for central New Hampshire. We were away from the flatlands of the coast to see what kind of damage we put on the locals and boys from Mass with some nice rollers and a power hill finish. The Cat 4 race started out at a fair pace with the pack using the first 23 mile loop as a warm up. The Boston Road Club then started sending riders off the front, not too far, but they kept the pace fast enough to discourage a major break and to tire us out a bit. George Benington & I sat in the pack for the whole race. We ended up caught in a stall zone on the last big hill 8 miles from the finish. Almost like the pack came to a halt at the top of the hill. A bit of work was needed to avoid a large split at this point but no real damage was done as a 4 man break was reeled in just before the finishing hill. As we came into the rotary a cone came flying into the pack from someone taking an inside line. I saw it rolling but had no room on either side. I lifted my front wheel and held on tight as I rolled over the cone and caught some air. Came down and went on riding, somewhat lucky not to be road kill. The pack started to fall apart on the steep section of start of the finish climb. At a false flat halfway up there seemed to be 30 riders 3 deep looking at each other trying to figure who was going to go. The left side lurched forward and I followed that line. Broke clear to the right and finally found some room to sprint. Ended up with 6th place and a long ride home. We'll look for better tactics next year.

In the 35+ race Neil broke things open on the aforementioned climb with 8 miles to go. With Graydon and Gene covering him in the pack only one rider managed to bridge up. Neil had to suffer a wheel sucker in order to keep the break alive and settled for 2nd when the wheel sucker found enough energy to sprint by on the last climb.

Sterling Road Race Waltham, MA 5/11/01

Graydon Stevens raced with the best. The 35+ field filled up but Graydon had gotten in early enough to cause the old timers some pain. Graydon finished in the top15 after reeling in 3 breaks. His group was ahead of the main field by the finish.

Bath Criterium Bath ME 5/6/01
Womens race: Rhonda Morin takes 3rd!, Mens 3,4 race: Chris Karam 3rd and Graydon Stevens 4th, Men's Cat 5 race Michael Loughlin 10th

Palmer Road Race, Palmer MA 4/28/01
Submitted by Mike Clause

PVC showed up for the longest distance race so far this year at Palmer, Massachusetts. Cat 4/5 race went off easy as the 9 am start dictated using the first lap as a warm up. The pace picked up on the second lap and no serious breaks went away. At the start of lap 3 yours truly went off the front, starting the attacks. Counters came as soon as I was reeled in. I tried again when the field came together but was caught halfway up a fair sized rollers. At that point two went off the front. Between myself and a few others, we tried to jump and bridge across to no avail. It wasn't until 100 yards from the finish that the pack caught the sole survivor of the break. Chris Cyr rode in around 10th in a great mass of riders swarming the whole road. Chris saw a hole and pushed through for a good finish.

Road War IV, (Criterium) Brunswick ME 4/22/01
The warmest day of the year to date turned out to after a cold rainy morning. Maine racing started for the season with PVC dominating the day. The flat 1 mile loop was a great way for PVC to show it's dominance in sprinting and pack tactics.
In the end of the A race, PVC showed with all top 5 places going to PVC. Top 5 results in order were: Chris Linscott 1st, Bob Biagay 2nd, Gene Landry 3rd, Jason Pettingil 4th and Chris Karum 5th. the top 4 lapped the field and we all lined up Chris Karum for a a fast finish. This group was helped by Neil Fitch, Mike Claus, Chris Cyr, Ron Covelope, Tim Corcoran, Brian Linscott, Rick Bodwell and Paul Weiss.
A strong showing was also found in the B race, 3 PVC riders defended against a very large number of SMCC riders. Mike Laughlin, Peter Levesque and new PVC member _______.

While the club was out hammering sprints on the Saturday ride I was off to Connecticut for the Eastford Road Race.

Benefit of the noon start was 60egrees and sunny allowed for shorts and short sleeve jersey attire, with a

few southern New England folks donning arm warmers for some reason. Fields

filled up in pre-registration and quite a crowd was turned away at sign in

desk. We had about half a dozen Mainers in the 4/5 field with a 4 riders

from Gorham Bike & Ski making the trip. Racing started off fairly sedate

with no one challenging the rollers on lap one. Break attempts were made

and reeled in in laps 2 and 3 as any time more than two were off the front

the pack would pick up the pace. Backside of the 9 mile circuit had a curvy

descent with much sand on the road. Breaks here were discouraged after

downhill speedsters crashed on the turns. The pack saw the danger and

slowed considerably through this section as it appeared that no one wanted

to waste a new bike for a few seconds advantage. The pace picked up about 3

miles from the finish and we all came together at the bottom of the

finishing hill. I was in a well placed 4th spot at the top of a steep

grade, but then I fell asleep as the road flattened and was swarmed by the

pack. As the pitch steepened for the finish I fought my way close to the

front but ran out of gas with about 50 meters to go. Could not whip a 52 -

17 gear around for a good uphill finishing sprint. Issac St. Martin (NH

Cycling Club), who was second in the KOM at Killington last year rode a

great race and saved a kick for the end and easily took the win.

Submitted by Mike Claus

Marblehead Road Race, Marblehead MA, 4/1/01
Submitted by Mike Claus
The official April Fools Day 2001 Road Race took place in Marblehead, Massachusetts this year. Yours truly fooled himself into thinking he was ready to race. Courses is a relatively flat 2.2 mile circuit that we went around 7 times in the "B" race for Cat 4/5. The booties, winter mittens and thermal tights were off and we were all ready to race under cloudy 33 degree skies. Love that wind off the water in Marblehead. Early moves by several clubs, including Gorham Bike and Ski, were reeled in without too much trouble. On lap 4 I was near the front when I noticed a rider winding up to make a move and I grabbed his wheel. He easily pulled us away from the bunch and we had a good gap. Unfortunately I was toasted. On my second pull he had to push me to the front and soon after I said "no mas" and sat up. He managed to stay off the front until the last lap. A last km attack by Josh from GBS was then foiled and it was a sprint for the finish. I headed back to the car and turned the heater on for a defrost.