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Jonathan Page doubles at the Jonathan Page Planet Bike Cup in Wisconsin
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Saturday and Sunday's Jonathan Page Planet Bike Cup elite men's race had a stacked field with Jonathan Page (Planet Bike), Todd Wells (GT), Bjorn Selander (Ridley), Troy Wells (Clif Bar) and on Sunday Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com-Cannondale) in Wisconsin for the race. Add to this three Swiss riders, a Canadian and riders from throughout the US and the racing action was relentless on both days.
On Saturday the elite men’s race turned into a one-man show after Todd Wells (GT) had to make two stops in the pit and chase back from deep in the field after a rolled tire. Jonathan Baker (Vitamin Cottage) was chasing Page but after slicing open his ankle he was forced out of the
race.
The race behind Page between Michael Mueller (Planet Bike), Selander and Troy Wells was action filled as each launched attacks. In the end Mueller's attack on the last climb was decisive and he took 2nd with Selander third and Troy Wells fourth . Todd Wells fought back throughout the race working his way through the large field to grab fifth place.
The elite women’s field was filled with most of the Midwest’s top cyclocross racers but Canadian Natasha Elliott (EMD Serono/Stevens) was carving the turns and accelerating up the climbs and rode away solo for the victory. Sarah Kerlin (HRS/Rock Lobster) finished second. Illinois’ Devon Haskell (Pony Shop) was the top Midwestern finisher but 17-18 National Champion Anna Young (Planet Bike) was just seconds behind. Kathy Sherwin (Velo Bella-Kona) rounded out the top five.
Sunday: Page v. Johnson v. Wells
On Sunday Page, and the Wells brothers were joined by Tim Johnson and the four quickly got off the front of the field with Swiss rider Michael Mueller (Planet Bike) chasing on his own. Page made several visits to the pits to swap bikes but made his way back to the group each time.
However, when Johnson was forced to go into the pits Page and Todd Wells got a gap and the race turned into a two-man show. The crowd, filled with local Planet Bike and GT employees as well as fans from throughout the Midwest, went crazy as Page and Wells matched each over the barriers and up the run-up and through the twisty grass chicanes.
With one lap to go it was any man's race as they headed up the last hill to the finishing straight. However, in the end Page had just that little bit more and took his second win of the weekend. Troy Wells was able to hang on for third place with Michael Mueller close behind with a hard charging Bjorn Selander in fifth.
In the elite women's race Natasha Elliott (EMD Serono/Stevens) once again dominated the race and took an early lead that no one could challenge. Just behind her though Sarah Kerlin (HRS/Rock Lobster) was locked in a duel with junior national champion Anna Young (Planet Bike).
Going into the last lap Young was on Kerlin's wheel and made a pass on the run-up. However, the experienced Kerlin bided her time and on the climb to the finish surged ahead to hold on to second place with Young just behind in third. Devon Haskell (Pony Shop) and Kathy Sherwin (Vello Bella-Kona) rounded out the podium.
