Team Wisconsin’s elite squad took to the start of the 3-day La Crosse Fitness Festival Omnium with Nick Frye, Mark Norton and David Paquette. Ross White joined the trio on days 2 and 3.
The forecast promised wind and cold rain throughout the series but the weather gods took pity. Friday’s 2.5 mile uphill time trial provided the only inclement weather. The race of truth turned out to be truly cold with a light rain adding to the chill of the 35degree day but Paquette was able to find some warmth for the engine as he churched out a 10th fastest time.
Saturday’s criterium was all but eventful. All break attempts, early and late, were shut down quickly by attentive riders supporting their team leaders. The 60min race came down to a field sprint with Paquette again claiming the 10th position and Norton coming in 12th.
Paquette claimed victory in the omnium’s final road race with a solo finished (it’s all about the bike). A break of 3 got away early into the race. White and Frye kept tabs on the pace and any chase groups. Late in the race, Paquette joined a chase of 6. Inside 20K to go, the chase group caught the break and Paquette made his move with 10K to go. The effort proved fruitful. With the days win the team ended the series with Paquette at 5th on the leaders board.
In the women’s field Gale Hellpap had a great weekend taking 3rd overall in the women’s cat 4 along with 5th in the road race,2nd in the time trial, and 1st in the crit.
In the Cat 3 men’s field Mike Fioretti finished 7th in the crit and 6th in the road race.