The Elite race, might be MIKE the WIZ Wissink, if your takin in by all the blog banter and promo from his agents, seems he has the title sewn up before Robert even says bang. THE WIZ(he hasn't paid his dues at the alter of cross national hardship yet to be a reverend of painolgy in our books) comes into cross the with more rest in his legs than the entire field, that can be good and bad. although he has been spotted at more road races than MTB events this year, if you cant beat em join em . Mikes tough and over due for more than 1 win per season NEVER. NEVER count Jeff the LIL Pony Weinert, his form may not be here until later this season, but thats ok..a guy who wins a National Title, places 10 more than once.and has more state titles than anyone not to mention loves cross as much as this guy is not gonna lay down and hand it over without a fight. I think alotta people under estimate the power of big race experience that a few of these guys have and no one other than Jon Card or the former Miscener Jer Walker has more outta town hard cross racing ass kicking in their legs than the Pony. Jon the ACE Card HMM he seems to be the man of all, I guess when your that good there always out to get you in one way shape or form, Form yea he knows how to get it. Ditto, if he shows up he aint racin to place watch for this guy to get stronger as the season get goin. Suffering is his strong point, and style is a close second. OH yea he too has won the state title more than once. How about his teammate Robert Foshag? If he can have cross season like his road season he might surprise a few, check the results, year after year they have been getting better, (some have dis credited his Munson win as a given, well who hasn't ridden off the front last year? Cards been the only one, any other winners were drugged to the line in similar fashion win is a good win He seems to follow the same game as Card get stronger to go longer. The Underdog Sari, new team, new head of steam, will his former Rhinos still cheer him on? They had a huge influence on his great ride at last years state race as he ate through the feeble field like pac man..but we think he needs alittle more time to simmer. he 's getting better but He has been hittin the road scince March and we all know how long a season that can be. Treks Jay Moncel all around good guy and the fastest rep in the state..this is a growing year for him. funny no has mentioned Rich NO LONGER a Master Stark he's good for a podium spot, and if he can keep his physch all season, maybe a shot at a state medal. SPOILERS. SIMONSTER IF he comes out to a Tailwind event HE will win one. WATCH! barring any bike failures he is due! and the wild rumor is Paul Martin is looking for cross title to go with his 2 road titles he snagged this year, after a brief break The Texas Roadhouse strongman is rumored to be possibly making more than one appearance in MI. If this pans out the cross scene could get dose of what the roadscene got over labor day.and than theres those that are wild. Don Cameron, will he? or wont he? race the elite all season.That is the question. time and time again that's been the plan but he has showed that it hasn't been the case. Were not counting it entirely as he is a seasoned guy. Rumors. in the form of many stauch seasoned Road/MTB guys lookin to throw there hat into the ring for the first few events, and what about the KILLER B's coming.. who's comin up? who knows there gonna be motivated, but 1hr isnt 45 minutes. safe Bet would be Andy Brown Eric Meuhl, Joel Budacki, and few other select souls.
Womens Elite MS STEELE will clobber them No offense to Anne LEGGS Shwartz. or any other woman that goes to the line. But MS Steele is hungry and young. she will win uncontested, She has kept quiet all season waiting to come back and claim some wins.
The B field, if Brian Hancock doesnt take the title. He needs to rethink his place in Michigan cross. with guys coming up or moving out B is open! wild cards, The GIANT KILLER or Rapheal the Mutant, roadie, versus the mountain bike, these two are the future if they can keep rollin. Don't forget you always have some new guys to worry about.
Masters35+ and up! Depends..If Flyin Frierichs stays or goes, if he stays he is gonna tough to beat. SALTY OL SEAMON he's good for the battle, State champion Eric Fernando hides all season but when cross comes around. always shows his teeth. he should he has been on the michigan cross circuit years.MARK WOLIEC the grandad of michigan cross, if he can hold form he is sure bet for good overall. and then theres Dave Mullins, who? yes Dave Mullins if he can leave the camel back at home, he may tear it up, not to mention he's a comedian on wheels!
the Little guys, well there not that little anymore this marks the 4th year of this epic battle,will anyone interrupt the Foretran/ Goocher domination?
The Venues:
UCI Springfield Oaks: all power no tech, if its muddy the hurt locker will be takin alot of riders in, besides its like 2 races in one, the out of towners and the locals, who will be the first Mi finisher?Stoney Creek : another Power course, if its dry its Fast, if you had to use the whole beach like at the 2005 State Championship running would the big seperation.
Lower Huron: Home of 2003 state championship nice course, pavement, dirt two track, a big run up and some techie corners. maybe the best venue on the calender..maybe..
Veterans park: not a bad venue and not the best, plan on sustained climbs soft ground very little pavement. Its safe bet this double header will break a few or push a few into great fitness. ..grif, cross races dont need climbs that you have to settle in.
Munson Park: site of the 2004 state championship, zero pavement and one big sled hill. although not the toughest course out there but its at a time of the year when we see who is goin to make the long run. grif dont abuse the hill.
Bloomer: good ol Bloomer it takes lickin and keeps on kickin. many complain about it, but its still a sweet venue and it holds a special place in TmS's cold heart, it was the site of the, 2002 UCI race. you always remember your first cross experience.
Waterford: has everything and the fierce wind to boot., plan for a tough day in the saddle here.
the personality's: we got em some race, some don't.Dave "croscrazy" Massey he needs to play this one up, find a crazy ass suit like a Bunny or Tinker Bell and maybe a chin dong and make a RAP about Reverend Run and Dc..no seriously, will he race or just call em? We miss him on the course, few look as factory as this guy, if doesnt , he sure can call a cross race. Joe L our man in the field! he can do double like No one business.MS Steele she can blog, ride, party and do it all looking hot. The Ace, the beads, those shades. and now controversy. Jeff from Kinetics. he needs to done the Devil custom just once.
There you have no predictions, who can predict the future? just the facts. Keep it clean, no hitting below the belt and keep the nasty comments to yourself. Momma always said if you dont have anything good to say dont say it. That is unless its true.
