Sprint Finish at the Big Ring Ring Classic (aka the Anatomy of a Sprint?)

In the men's Pro/Cat 1 race of WORS #3, the Trek Big Ring Classic at 9 MIle Forest in Wausau, this herd of race leaders came through together lap after lap. It was a sweltering day and there was no mercy.





When it came to the end, they had still managed to stay together, which meant the long straightaway before the finish was going to become a dragstrip for the top men battling for the win.














#1 is Brian Matter (Gear Grinder), #4 is Darrin Braun (Adventure 212/Specialized), and #144 is Mark LaLonde (Gary Fisher 29er).

I just missed getting a pic of first place Abby Strigel (Trek Stores of Madison) as she crossed the finish line as the first Pro/Cat 1 woman. You can see her atop the podium below. More pics here once I have a chance to get a little sleep!

Pro/Cat 1 Women's podium.

Pro/Cat 1 Men's podium. Shots of the entire podium are online.