Report by Chris Kelley

(Saturday, June 30, 2007 - Smithsburg, MD) Marni, Janelle and Chris rolled to the line with a field of about 25 other ladies to battle for the coveted Mid Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association’s (MABRA) Women’s Masters 40+ Championship. On the line is the coveted MABRA Championship Jersey, medals and cash. The 30+ ladies were invited to the race but would only be racing for medals and cash. This race was a 6 mile loop with “short but significant hills” and an off the loop up hill finish for a total of 25 mi.

After a neutral roll out, Marni shot out of the start gate like a mad women sending panic through the peloton. Taking the corners hard, shelling some of the field leaving Janelle and Chris tucked in and waiting for a counter attack. A local strong women ex -pro mounting biker took the initiative to attack. After a few more attacks, a break was formed on lap 2, a group of 5 including Janelle and Chris were on there way. The attacks didn’t stop in the break. It was painful for all. Janelle stayed steady with Chris on her wheel going for the final sprint. In the end, ex pro mountain biker got one last jump on the break with a gap that couldn’t be closed. In the end it was Chris 4th, Janelle, 5th and Marni 9th.