The Tour of America’s Dairyland is one of the country’s top cycling events bringing in not just the best cyclists from the state of Wisconsin but from around the U.S. KS-Energy Services Team Wisconsin Cycling is proud to have a special connection to one of the races: the East Troy Classic.
Dennis Klumb is president and CEO of KS Energy Services and his passion for cycling has fueled not just the success of Team Wisconsin, but the success of the sport in the state. His efforts have put one of the premier races in the state in his local community.
Team Wisconsin talked to Klumb about this year’s East Troy Classic and its impact on the community.
TW – What does it mean to you to have a great race in your community of East Troy?
DK – We feel very fortunate to be one of only nine communities to be awarded a criterium race. It has been fun introducing this style of racing to our community. Most people are only aware of the Tour de France and assumed our race would be similar to that. They did not understand the excitement of criterium racing and it has been fun seeing people getting into it and learning the team concept of bike racing.
TW – You had great weather, live music, food and good racing, how did you feel about this year’s event?
DK- I think our community has really begun to embrace the race and support it. I know how hard the East Troy Chamber of Commerce works each year to help publicize the race and draw more spectators each year as they try to make this a first class event for everyone involved. I thought the addition of the “slowest bike race” was a hit and it was great to see a number of those racers show up in costume to add to the fun. Overall I was very pleased with how the event went.
TW- Thoughts on ToAD and its impact on the Wisconsin cycling community?
DK – What the entire ToAD leadership team has done in creating this event is amazing. It is a first class event that has brought big time bike racing to our state. From their ability to set up and tear down the course, starting races on time and having two of the best commentators in cycling entertaining and educating the crowds on racing is awesome. We are very lucky to have passionate cyclists like Bill Koch, Tom Schueller, Paul Weaver and Bill Ochowicz creating such a fun environment for racers and spectators alike in Wisconsin.
TW – Anything else you like to add?
DK – I cannot say enough about our team and their commitment to this race. They know this race is important to me and our family and that it takes a number of volunteers to successfully make this race a success. A large number of KS Energy – MOSH Team Wisconsin members took the time to volunteer and help out on race day. I am very grateful for this and want to thank Kevin Kronschnabl of our Team who gave up his day of racing to oversee and organize all of the volunteers.