BikeThrow.com

 Send to Friend

Over the past few years, the Masters 35+ competition in Minnesota has been heating up. So much so, several local teams have put together formidable rosters, primarily focused on this category for older racers with plenty of fight still left in their legs.

2007 was no exception, with the likes of Scott Flanders and Mike Anderson joining the group for a few races. Below is a list of race winners from the past season.

A new team in 2007, which appears to have their sights set on winning races in the Masters 35+ in 2008 is GS Circo Azzurro. Comprised of several former Birchwood team members, the 2007 squad included Brent Binkowski, Mark Verhulst, Mark Dykes, Todd King. Rumored to join them in 2008 are Pete Maxwell, Mike Phillips, John Redmond, Peter Morey, Dave Bucholz, and Alex Dobbertin.

GrandStay looks to sport the same roster in 2007, including John Bagley, Jim Bell, Ray Coyle, Charlie Jacobs, and Steve Cragle. With Brian Koeneman and Dan Casper crossing over from the Cat1/2’s occasionally, and Bagley back from injury, they will be strong as ever.

Loon State Cyclists also looks to sport a similar roster to 2007, including Paul Rennert, Greg Goblirsh, John Baker, Chad Macy, Jim Cullen, Ron Trebesch, and Don Schmeichel. New addition Paul Rennert showed great form at the end of last season, including finishing 2nd in the State Road Race.

CVCC/Spring Street Sports had a noticeable impact in 2007 in the Masters ranks. Led by Mike Johnson, the small squad includes Bryan Joas, Gregg Tischler, and Dan Borgenheimer.

SPBRC/Grand Performance will be back with their strongest finisher, Mark Mlinar. Their roster includes Charlie Townsend, Vincent Bernet, Dan Casebeer, Eric Piche, Steve Green, James Parker, Mike Tocko, Mark Kowaliw, and Dave Dow. Pete Hanna also turns 35 in 2008 and it will be interesting to see if he crosses over occasionally.

MBRC/Flanders will also be strong, especially when Scott Flanders and Mike Anderson opt to race Masters. Their roster is sure to include Bruce MacGibbon, Mike Dietzamn, John Holler, Rod Raymond, and Michael Duerr.

Silver Cycling should be strong in 2008 with the likes of Jay “Hollywood” Henderson, Matt Muyers, Jason Snider, Andy Powell, Chris Flood, Al Thomas, and Matt Stein.

Tonka Cycles riders have primarily moved into Masters 50+, but Christopher Johnston certainly deserves to be mentioned.

With the departure of many strong riders from Birchwood, it is unclear who will be sporting their colors in 2008. Team Urthel had disbanded, forcing Chris Smith, Scott Robertson, Mike Pederson, Todd Schmidt, and others to change teams. Nature Valley and Gopher Wheelmen were all but non-existent in the master ranks in 2007.

With only a short 12 weeks left in the off-season, riders are surely ramping up their training, and counting calories in preparation for a competitive 2008 racing scene.