November 12, 2006; Jamesburg, NJ, USA: Unpredictable weather greeted racers today for an exciting race in the central New Jersey town of Jamesburg --round five of the 2006 Verge MAC powered by Hammer Nutrition. A new venue greeted the Mid-Atlantic racers and as per usual, the Highland Park Hermes/Rutgers Cycling crew delivered with a great ribbon of course splicing its way throughout the varying park terrain and features. Conditions were slick and considerably slow in comparison to the prior day�s event. Warmer temperatures lingered throughout most of the day, finally yielding as a steady rain swept in for the featured race of the event.
In the Elite Master's event at noon, Freddy Fu�s Joseph Ruggery, from the Pittsburgh area, took another strong victory, finding the conditions and competition to his liking.
In the penultimate event of the day, for Elite International Women, Maureen Bruno-Roy of Independent Fabrications took control in the early going. As the course conditions deteriorated with steadier rains moving in, Bruno-Roy increased her lead, securing the win at the front. MAC Series leader Deidre �Grasshopper� Winfield of Velo Bella/Kona rode to a convincing second place, leaving little doubt from the prior days win as to her strength and tenacity.
Leading into the Elite Men�s race, conditions grew increasingly sloppy -- with rains intensifying and no sign of letting up. It was looking to be a certified slug fest, with top riders from around the World chasing the UCI points and money up for grabs. Off the front early, and not to be caught, was Matt White of the flying FiordiFrutta Cycling Team. Riding solidly and smoothly off the front, clearly an advantage given the conditions and weather, White soloed to a convincing victory, leaving a host of professional and elite racers in his wake. It was a great day for organic jelly as FiordiFrutta took three of the top four spots. Only Chris Horner of Specialized prevented a podium rout by the Flying FiordiFrutta boys. Horner, in probably his best cyclocross race ever, rode strong and smooth to a runner-up position ahead of Jamey Driscoll, the top finishing espoir rider, and Michael Cody in what many riders considered the first �true� cyclocross event of the year in the entire Mid Atlantic region. One �B� rider summed up the feelings of many after the race, �The course was awesome. Conditions were finally �cross�.�
For complete results, see www.BikeReg.com. The Verge MAC Cyclocross Series powered by Hammer Nutrition returns next weekend, November 18 and 19,for two USAC-sanctioned races in New Hope Pennsylvania.
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