June 2012

Saturday's 160k Menomonie Road Race opened with an assault of attacks which continued for the first half of the race. Finally after almost 100 kilometers of racing, the field was just too tired to continue shutting down the moves, and a group of eight riders escaped off the front including BISSELL's Jacques-Maynes. The group had representation from the top teams except riders from Kenda who were defending their leader and put the burden of the chase squarely on their shoulders. The gap eventually grew to two minutes and the leaders kept it to 1:45 by the time they entered several finishing circuits downtown. At that point, it was evident the break would stay away but would the time gap be enough to reshuffle the leader board? Alejandro Barrajo (Jamis) crossed for the win out of the lead group which finished 1:08 in front of the chasers. Riders from the day's breakaway did take over the GC including Ben Jacques-Maynes who moved into second overall. Ben is seventeen seconds out of the lead, but Sunday's Stillwater Criterium historically sees changes. BISSELL's Frank Pipp also put on the KOM jersey after taking points on the day's climbs.

With time bonuses available for two intermediate sprints and the finish, the 40-lap Uptown Criterium kept fans on the edge of their seats. Just four laps into Friday night's race, the first escapee slipped away and was able to stay out for four laps to capture 5 seconds at the first intermediate sprint. Immediately after the sprint, he fell back into the group and more attacks followed. Another group of four organized off the front with twenty six laps to go. The foursome built a maximum gap of twenty five seconds with fifteen laps remaining. Kenda policed the chase in protection of their race leader. With five laps to go, BISSELL came to the front and the break was closed down. On the final lap, the BISSELL train was in motion setting up Frank Pipp and Eric Young for the sprint. Pipp crossed for third and Young for fifth. With the six seconds he earned at the finish, Pipp moved into second place in the GC and is only two seconds out of first. Saturday's Menomonie Road Race is sure to be another exciting day.

The Nature Valley Grand Prix started Wednesday with a double header in St. Paul including a time trial in the morning and a criterium at night. The flat 12.4 kilometer time trial took place on drenched roads, but BISSELL got off to a great start having Frank Pipp and Ben Jacques-Maynes in the top ten.



As expected with the very close leader board, the time bonuses up for grabs in the evening's criterium were the decisive factor. Two intermediate sprints and the finish offered a maximum of twenty two seconds. The main field stayed intact as sprinters looked to eat up the bonuses, and BISSELL's Frank Pipp was on fire. Pipp got second at both intermediate sprint points earning him six seconds. As the race approached the final laps, BISSELL came to the front with Jelly Belly and Optum challenging their position. The race was on in the final lap and BISSELL's Eric Young crossed for fifth. With his six seconds gained in the intermediate sprints, Pipp climbed into third overall and is only five seconds down. Thursday's Canon Falls Road Race promises to be another aggressive day with riders looking to get in a break.

Wednesday kicks off the Nature Valley Grand Prix. The 5 day race which is a staple of American racing will see twenty seven teams racing with a maximum roster of six riders. BISSELL will be sending Frank Pipp, Chris Baldwin, Eric Young, Ben Jacques-Maynes, Andrew Dahlheim, and Andy Baker. The race starts with the opening St. Paul Time Trial and includes two road stages, and three criteriums. BISSELL is sending a group of strong sprinters including US National Crit Champion, Eric Young, to contest the six stages which historically end in sprint finishes. The final Stillwater Crit on Sunday promises to excite the crowds with a tough climb up Chilkoot Hill every lap.