Krueger, Fosler nab podium spots.
Success in the Tour of America’s Dairyland (TOAD) was a major goal for KS Energy Services/Team Wisconsin since the outset of the 2012 season.
Mission accomplished.
The team put two riders on the podium of their racing classes in the 11-day tour, June 21 to July 1, held throughout southern and eastern Wisconsin.
Bryan Fosler, one of the team’s leaders on the category 2 squad took second in the Category 2/3 race, while Al Krueger, a new addition to KS in 2012, took second place in the Master’s 3/4 field.
Despite missing four stages, due to professional obligations, Fosler was able to place his stamp on the tour with strong initial results. He started the week off with four top-10 finishes, which included two podium spots.
His fine form stuck with him until he returned to action June 29, in Fond du Lac to nab a seventh-place finish. He followed his return to action with a third- and second-place finish, respectively.
Fosler ended the week 21 points down on Andrew Buntz (Bikes To You/World Of Bikes). Michael Giem of Ronin Racing took third on the tour.
Krueger came a little closer to nabbing the top step on the final Masters 3/4 35-year-old-and-older podium in Madison, missing out by just four points after racing all 10 available stages. The first stage of the tour was open only to professional riders.
Krueger was the model of consistency finishing outside the top 10 only twice, but not by much, finishing 11th in two stages. He placed in the top-5 in seven stages, including a few on the podium.
Krueger finished just behind Brian Leatherman (Brazen Dropouts), while Patrick Robb (Wolverine Sports Club) rounded out the top three.
This season was a renaissance for Krueger, who took a few years away from racing, spending time with his family in the Milwaukee area, and growing his career.
KS Energy Services had riders representing the team in nearly every racing category from 4/5 to numerous masters fields; in total, dozens of riders flew the red of Team Wisconsin.
The team now shifts its focus on the season to a few remaining USA Cycling sanctioned events in Illinois and Missouri and Wisconsin Off Road Series mountain bike races, before a transition to the cycelocross season. The latter kicks off in September.