In a record turnout, 160+ riders showed up Saturday to participate in the first of the 2009 West Virginia Road Race Series. What initially looked to be a decent local race when checking the preregistered racers on Bikereg, ended up being a heavily contested race for all fields.

How it unfolded:

The Women’s race brought racers from as far away as Charlottesville, VA. Pittsburgh was well represented in all fields, especially the women. However, local Betsy Shogren (Cannondale Factory Racing) took the win ahead of Pittsburgh’s Patty Buerkle (Zaveta Cycling). The field was apparently shredded as the women came in in small groups or solo thereafter.

The category 4/5 men had an early escapee, when Pittsburgh’s Rob Lochner (Iron City Bikes) slipped away early to go solo for 20+ miles. When the field brought him back, he attacked again in the finishing rollers to slip away for the solo win. Youngster Sam Morrison (Ag3r) took the field sprint for 2nd place. Look for both of them to be racing with the big boys soon.

Masters Men 40+ saw local strongman Gerry Pflug ride away for a strong solo win. Second place was also solo, and the field had a group sprint for the remaining spots.

1/2/3 Men saw their race strategies drastically change when Jeremiah Bishop showed up. A strong field let an early break roll away which eventually became only two racers. The first two hills sorted the pack into groups, and made most racers question their winter training programs. Bishop worked his way through the riders off the front to come home for the win. Riders trickled solo and in small groups following that.

Next in the WVRR series.
WVRR#2
April 25th, 2009
New Martinsville WV

Related posts:

1. Lots of Mingo Photos. West Virginia RR #1.
2. Mingo Creek Spring Road Race Series

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