WI State Championship Race

This weekend Team BH got together once again to test the legs out at the WI state road race championships held in Spring Prairie, WI before we head out to one of our biggest races of the year, Nature Valley Grand Prix (which starts this Weds and runs a brutal 5day, 6stages course through Sunday!).

The day started quite cool and grey with thunderstorms threatening and Devon let us all know on our race radios that no arm warmers or knee warmers might not have been a great idea after all ;) as we started our neutral roll out up the "big climb." The course of the day was quite nice, rolling hills with one big kicker, a 200m steep surge that definetely makes you feel the burn and is also the final obstacle before the finish which is about 200meters after the top.

Our starting group was impressive, about 30 women with some strong Kenda, ISCorp, and MadCity Velo riders we knew it'd be tough! We stayed together as a group til the first time up the hill when the selection was made. We were quite pleased with the shake-up as the break of 8 held 3 BH riders! However, with Kristin Wentworth of Kenda, Rachel and Kaitie from ISCorp, Heidi from XXX, and a lone MN rider as well as lots of riders chasing we had no room to relax.
Kristin and Devon threw multiple attacks and Madeleine watched for attacks and covered wheels as the race continued to be fast. We worked well as a team, setting up some great attacks to tire out the other riders and helping keep the pace high. After five times up the hill we prepared ourselves for the finish. Kristen threw out a blistering attack as we came into the climb, Devon hopped on Kristin W. and Rachel's wheel and we all started the last brutal slog up the climb. Devon was flying and was able to come around Kristen to take the WIN!
All in all, a great day for Team BH USA-two podiums (for the WIN and the state championship) and just always a good time to be racing our beautiful BH bikes together!And thanks again (and again and again!) to The Bike Shop, Glen Elyn for Christmas in June! We got beautiful new Sidi shoes, petals, cleats, and socks!!! We are SO lucky to be sponsored by such a generous and top-notch shop! Stop by or check them out online!

AND...look for our Nature Valley reports! Kristen headed out today to make the drive with her family and Molly who will be our "jack of all trades" (thanks Molly!) for the weekend, Devon, Anne, and I all head out tomorrow morning. Wish us luck!