CJ Faulkner (Crossniacs) and Doug Swanson (GrandStay) battle in the closing laps.

A light chill in the air arrived just in time for Tuesday Night Cross #3. The course layout was more tight and technical this week compared to last, and conditions were very dry and dusty.

Mitch Nordahl of MNJRC won the Cat 4 Men for the 2nd week in a row. Josh Roeser and CJ Faulkner, both on Crossniacs, took advantage of the absence of Smithers and Rients. The pair made easy work of the Masters 35+, crossing the finish line together. Terra James (Sweet and Salty Cycling) made her TNC debut with a victory in the Women's field.

A good crowd of spectators gathered along the course at the double barriers during the races, and they were treated to an array of spectacular crashes. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured.

The Men 1/2/3 was a 3 way battle for most of the race between Swanson, Faulkner, and Roeser. Roeser slid out in a corner late in the race, and lost touch, while the other 2 remained locked in battle. Faulkner seemed to lead most of the late laps, but Swanson moved to the front in the final lap, and held CJ off, taking the sprint victory. Roeser hung on for 3rd.

During my warm-up, I was stopped by a lady who lives in the adjacent apartment complex. She said, in a friendly manner, "My neighbors and I have been watching you guys every Tuesday night, and we are wondering what in the world are you doing?" I explained the style of racing, and she went on to say she was glad to see us utlilize the park, and provide entertainment at the same time.

Doug Swanson took the top spot on the podium at this week's Tuesday Night Cross Cat 1/2/3 race. Last week's TNC winner, Jordan Cullen, was noticably absent, but there were plenty of fresh faces present, ready to turn the pedals in anger under the sunny skies.

The course layout was fast and relatively non-technical, leading to a large front group of 8 riders. These included Swanson, Adam Froemming, Brandon Krawczyk, CJ Faulkner, Jesse Rients, Ezra Taylor, Chris Smith, and Matt Peterson. Many different riders took turns on the front early in the race, with a few minor attacks that stretched the group, but didn't break anyone.

With 6 to go, Swanson put in a dig which was Ezra's undoing, put beyond his limit on his single speed. The rest of the group caught back up, only to watch him attack again with 4 to go, which blew the group apart. CJ was closest in the chase, then Smith and Froemming, then Rients.

Swanson's gap grew slowly, as CJ was joined by Rients and Froemming. With 1 lap to go, Swanson had a 20 second lead on the 3 chasers, with Smithers another 10 seconds back. Swanson missed his remount over the final barrier, but he had plenty of time in hand for an easy win. CJ put in a late dig on the chase group to take 2nd, with Rients just behind in 3rd.

Cat 1/2/3 Results:
1. Doug Swanson - GrandStay
2. CJ Faulkner - Crossniacs - 11 secs back
3. Jesse Rients - Kuhl/Bicycle Fit Guru - same time
4. Adam Froemming - MBRC/Flanders - 20 secs back
5. Chris Smith - HUP United - 39 secs back
6. Matt Peterson - Balance - 1:08 back
7. Brandon Krawczyk - GrandStay - 1:23 back

Pizza Luce is becoming the hot spot for post race libation.

The kick-off of the MN Cross Season happened this week at Tuesday Night Cross, promoted by MCT, and sponsored by Freewheel Bike. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, given the intermittent drizzle, making for a slippery, grassy course. As was the case last year, Kevin Lennon and his crew managed to put together a fun course to please both riders and spectators.

The Masters 35+ race was a hard fought battle between Jesse Rients and Josh Roeser, with Roeser taking the win.

The Men 1/2/3 event quickly became a 4-way battle between Doug Swanson, Adam Froemming, Rients, and Jordan Cullen. Young Cullen struggled early, sliding out in a couple corners, forced to chase back up to the front. Once he found his rhythm, Cullen attacked the front group, and only Swanson could follow. Cullen stayed on the gas, slowly pulling away from Swanson, who was soon caught by the other 2. Cullen stayed away for an easy win, with Froemming gaining the upper hand late in the race to finish 2nd. Swanson took the final podium spot in 3rd.

Be sure to come join in the action next week at this urban venue. They really have a great thing going!

The 2011 Lazer Sport Cyclocross Super Series will include 4 premier events, and have a series cash prize list of $1400 for the Cat 1/2 Men and Women. Series details can be found here: http://www.mcf.net/index.php/competitions/laser-sport-cx-super-series

The 2011 Cyclocross Rider of the Year (CRY) Series will include 8 premier events. Series details can be found here: http://www.mcf.net/index.php/competitions/cyclocross-rider-of-the-year