2013 President’s Cup cyclocross race in Peterborough, Ont.
by Matt Stetson
At 10:30 a.m. Sunday, a gunshot echoed through the grounds of the Elmhirst Resort starting the Peterborough Cycling Club’s annual President’s Cup cyclocross race.
Twelve years ago, the PCC’s president Dave Swales started the race at his farm and gave it its name. The venue has since relocated to Elmhirst Resort, its large grounds offering a great backdrop for an exciting race.
Despite “feeling like a sack of potatoes,” former PCC president/top women’s finisher Cathy Eggenberger, the President’s Cup is always an event she and other club members look forward to. Weather is always a factor in cyclocross season, and this year was no different. With a lot of singletrack sections on the course, and plenty of high-speed grassy corners, riders went down.
This year, the race saw two dozen entrants, higher numbers than the first few years the race was held. Five years ago the Club was filled mostly with keen road riders; only a handful were excited at the prospect of riding on wet grass in late November on a day it was sure to rain. Since then, the PCC has developed a good cyclocross community, focusing on having fun and extending the riding season. With the help of skill clinics and weekly races people became excited for Sunday mornings in the fall.
Sean Kelly ended up taking home the 2013 President’s Cup after a hard fought battle for first with Greg Bishop, who ultimately earned third. It was Brian De Leenheer who took second place after a late surge through the muddy conditions. Honourable mention to fourth place finisher/former President’s Cup champion/course designer Zack Wheeler.
Men’s Top-Three
- Sean Kelly
- Brian De Leenheer
- Greg Bishop
Women’s Top-Three
- Kathy Eggenberger
- Sarah Trotter
- Tanya Macneil
Matt Stetson is with Wild Rock Outfitters, a sponsor of the Peterborough Cycling Club.
