Josh Roeser (Crossniacs/Bicycle Fit Guru) took the coveted win in the elite men's race at the Red Barn Cyclocross Classic #7. Roeser broke away early in the race with teammate CJ Faulkner, and they quickly distanced themselves from the rest of the field. Faulkner finished 2nd, and Andrew Pierre (Angry Catfish) won the tight battle for 3rd place from Chris Fisher (Crossniacs) and Pat Lemieux (Specialized).

The elite women's race saw the return to the top by Linda Sone (Cyclesmart.com/Flanders). Sone opened the season with victory at the Hudson Double Cross Shootout, but has since had a series of "close, but no cigar" races. She dominated the race, riding progressively faster each lap, and finishing well in front of 2nd place Bianca Bergman (Texas Roadhouse), and 3rd place Jeanne Fleck (Velo Duluth). The local elite women's races have been some of the most exciting races this season. Great to see these ladies taking it to the next level!

The elite men's field included all of the local heavy hitters, minus an injured Adam Bergman (Specialized), and a resting Jordan Cullen (Clif Bar Development). Roeser took the hole shot, but it was teammate Fisher who quickly gained front position and pushed the pace. Faulkner suffered an early mechanical, dropping him all the way to last place. It took him over a lap to regain the front of the race, which included Fisher, Lemeiux, Pierre, Roeser, Jesse Rients (Kuhl/Bicycle Fit Guru), Brian Koeneman (Team Wheel and Sprocket), and Matt Allen (Behind Bars/LGR). By the 3rd lap, Faulkner and Roeser were alone on the front, with Lemieux chasing solo. As the lead duo pulled away, Lemieux was joined by Pierre, Fisher, and Rients. It was this battle for 3rd which quickly became the exciting part of the race, as each rider took turns attacking. After Roeser took the victory, it was Pierre, with his signature mustache bars, who gained the upper hand and won the battle for 3rd.

This event is famous for it's costume contest, and there are sure to be incrementing photos floating around the internet. We found Waldo, a Sandbagger, Spiderman, Superwoman, Muscle Man in a speedo, and top gun "Maverick". Oliver "Waffle Man" Vrambout was the only elite men's rider who had the courage to race in full costume, and what a clown he was. Go Oli!

Congratulations to all the category winners, and thanks to the Gopher Wheelmen, Erickson Brothers Tree Farm, and the host of other sponsors who made the 7th edition of the Red Barn Classic one to remember.

Complete race results can be viewed at www.endurancepromotions.com.

My vote for best costume - Jeremy Norton (Behind Bars/LGR). Yes he wore it during the race.