Kona's Wicks and Velo Bella's Kerlin Top CCCX Series Opener

250 of Northern California's Cyclocross enthusiasts braved balmy summer like conditions competing in the Central Coast Cyclocross Series opener. When the dust settled it was Barry Wicks(Kona) and Sarah Kerlin(Velo Bella) taking top honors in very competitive Elite fields. After two very fast laps in the men's elite race, Wicks, Simon Vickers(HMS Rock Lobster), and Chris McGovern(Sonic Cycles Cross) established a break at the front. These three riders traded attacks until Wicks pulled out a allen tool, made a handle bar adjustment on the fly, and proceeded to pull a flyer on his breakaway duo of Vickers and McGovern. At the finish Wicks was clear by a slim 16 seconds over a hard charging Vickers who took 2nd on the day with a fine ride. McGovern suffered a last lap flat on the bumpy, technical course and was passed by National Masters champion Mark Noble(California) in the end. McGovern held on for 4th, while 2 time National Masters champion Justin Robinson(Cal Giant Inc./Specialized) rounded out the top five in this talented group of elite riders.

The Elite women's race saw a great run from a past Master's National champion Sarah Kerlin(Velo Bella), as she clawed her way through the fast female group and took a well disserved win. Kerlin had to chase down the HRS Rock Lobster duo of World Single Speed champion Stella Carey and Shelley Olds, as well as the Cal Giant Inc. duo of Masters National Champion Josie Beggs and Collegiate National Champion Melodie Metzgers. After 40 minutes of racing Kerlin won by a scant 11 seconds over Carey and 13 seconds over Olds. Metzgers and Beggs had to settle for 4th and 5th respectively 1'11" and 1'19" back.

Elite Men

1- Barry Wicks 10 laps @ 58:03
2- Simon Vickers @ :16
3- Mark Noble @ :34
4- Chris McGovern @ :51
5- Justin Robinson @ :1'23"

Elite Women

1- Sarah Kerlin 5 laps @ 39:58
2- Stella Carey
@ :11
3- Shelley Olds @ :13
4- Melodie Metzgers @ 1'11"
5 Josie Beggs @ 1'19"

Master Men 35+

1- Henry Krammer(Cal Giant Inc./Specialized)
2- Gannon Myall(Cal Giant Inc./Specialized)
3- Jessie Scatton(Bulls Eye/East)
4- Mark Howland( Black Market Racing)
5- Anastasio Flores Jr.(Cal Giant Inc)


Full report coming from Dusty Downs