The first annual Keweenaw Cup Cyclocross Race was held this past weekend in Copper Harbor and Houghton. Over fifty riders from across the Western UP competed in the two-day race series, the first of its kind ever held in the Copper Country.

Claiming the overall victory in the men's A race was Blu Tenbrink of Marquette, who triumphed on Sunday following a flat tire in Saturday's race and is certain to be a marked man in future cyclocross races. Jeff Junitti of Negaunee, who won on Saturday, saw his chances at victory dashed after a crash late in Sunday's race nearly eliminated him from competition but finished third on the day, second overall. Tyler Gauthier of Ishpeming had an outstanding pair of races, and took third place on the weekend. Amy Michaels of Marquette found herself once again at the top of the women's podium with a first and second over the course of the weekend. Andrea Pernsteiner's win on Sunday placed her securely in second place, and Atlantic Mine's very own Tammi Lehto rounded out the top three.

Typically 30 minutes to one hour in duration, cyclocross events are timed bicycle races held on short courses (1 – 1.5 miles) and include surfaces ranging from pavement and dirt roads to singletrack and grass. Obstacles such wooden barriers, logs, sand pits, and unrideable hills add to the challenge – and make mounting and dismounting an integral part of the race. Thanks to modern technology, racers in Houghton were treated to early season snow, despite temperatures in the mid 70s.

The Keweenaw Cup marked the fourth weekend of racing in this year’s UPCROSS Points Series, a 7-race series of cyclocross events organized by Marquette’s KMK Cycling Club. This series attracts racers each week from across the U.P. from late September through early November. More information on the UPCROSS Points Series at www.kmkcycling.com.

Overall results from the 2008 Keweenaw cup:

Youth
Sam Williams - Marquette

Women
1st Amy Michaels - Marquette (Independent)
2nd Andrea Pernsteiner - Marquette (KMK Cycling)
3rd Tammi Lehto - Atlantic Mine (Red Jacket - BlueSky Health Cycling)

A-Class - Men
1st Blu Tenbrink - Marquette (Chocolay Ace Hardware)
2nd Jeff Juntti - Negaunee (Chocolay Ace Hardware)
3rd Tyler Gauthier - Ishpeming (Sisu Cycles)

B-Class - Men
1st Caleb Wendel - Chassell (Red Jacket - BlueSky Health Cycling)
2nd John Gershenson - Chassell (Red Jacket - BlueSky Health Cycling)
3rd Chris Lehto - Atlantic Mine (Red Jacket - BlueSky Health Cycling)