Hosted at Lake Cunningham park in San Jose, CA the SupCat is the grand finale of the Norcal.CX cyclocross calendar. This event is quickly becoming one of the marquee events for the bay area because of its prime location in the southbay and the ideal course format that combines supremely technical features with a flat out power course that rewards only the most well rounded racers.
And the race on January 17th was no different. Having just returned from USAC Cyclocross Nationals many of the elite riders were on their top form and eager to gain that little bit of extra credit in the California race scene. Most notably Tobin Ortenblad, having just been selected for the U23 worlds team, was present and absolutely demolishing the men’s A field. Posting the fastest laps of the day at a blistering 7:40 pace (an entire minute faster than the previously fastest race of the day).
In the end the Men’s race was really a battle for podium spots. Tobin scorched the field with enough fire that when all was said and done Muprhy Mack (the Norcal.cx race organizer, and head in charge of Super Pro Racing) tempted the fresh winner with a $100 challenge.
“Post a 7:21 lap and the money is yours.”
Tobin, not one to give up on the chance of a fresh Benjamin, took the bait and completely turned himself inside out only to come across the line 3 seconds short of winning the bonus.
Also present was Caro Gomez Vilafane, a local favorite, who sprinted off the start and lead the race from tape to tape. Her blistering pace was more than enough in the Women’s A race to handily best women twice her elder. It’s no question that these young riders have a bright future ahead of them.
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