Central Iowa Cyclocross Series

By Don Mascka

The North Iowa Spin was well represented in the Central Iowa Cyclocross Series held this fall. The Series consists of 8 races held across central Iowa with points being awarded for overall Series standings. To be eligible for end of the season awards a rider must have participated in at least 6 of the 8 races. Evan Peterson and Don Maschka flew the flag for The Spin in the CX 4 category.

Evan Peterson of the North Iowa Spin came away with 40 points on the strength of a dominating performance in the final race of the Series by winning day 2 of Spooky Cross at Living History Farms. Peterson literally rode away from the field and was out of site a quarter of the way into the first lap. The field never saw him again. Evan used raw speed, superior bike handling skills, and daring descending skills to win the race by 1 minute and 40 seconds. It was an impressive display in his first race of the season and only his second ever cyclocross race. Don Maschka finished a solid 9th to give The Spin two riders in the top ten.

Maschka had a workman-like effort with 3 top ten finishes over 4 races to garner 27 points in the standings. In his cyclocross debut he finished a respectable 13 out of 39 in day 2 of Capital Cross. Don was able to get his first points of the season fighting through the mud and cow pies at Marshalltown's Cattle Cross with a 6th place finish. Maschka's best day came on a hard fought 6th out of 48 at day 1 of Spooky Cross. The course was littered with two separate mud pits, a creek crossing and a very difficult run up.

A special thanks to Scheel's and all of the sponsors for the Series. Each race was unique with great organization, volunteers, and beer drinking, cow bell clanging fans.

Other North Iowa Notes: Katie Fistler from Mason City was able to win the overall Series title for the Woman's CX 4. This certainly got some attention and Katie was able to get picked up by the elite Punk Rock Cycling Club. Ben Fistler was a presence throughout the cyclocross season. While not as lucrative as Alberto Contador's rumored contract with Astana, Ben is considering an off-season contract from the North Iowa Spin for next year among other offers.