By Michelle Stopper

It was a picture-perfect Memorial Day weekend for the M.A.S.S. Escape from Granogue endurance and cross-country races, hosted by Mid-Atlantic legend Marc Vettori. Skies were clear, humidity was low, and spirits were high for an exceptional race. Course conditions were fast and dry, much to the racers' delight.

visitPA.com showed en masse sporting new kits and capturing top spots in all categories entered. Rob Lichtenwalner, Mike Kuhn, and Mike Hebe started early in the endurance race. Hebe was forced to quit after a derailleur mishap. Rob and Mike kept pace for six laps, with Rob finishing 2nd, just behind Gerry Pflug of Speedgoat. Mike Kuhn finished strong in 5th place.

In the Men's Elite Open XC division, Wes Schempf and Ryan Leech put in blistering efforts to capture 2nd and 5th places, with Wes finishing 1:46—mere minutes behind national caliber pro Chris Eatough at 1:44.

In the Women's Elite Open XC division, Nancy Adams and Michelle Stopper represented for the ladies. Unfortunately, Nancy had to bow out due to an injury on the course. Michelle raced to a 1st-place finish, with Vicki Barclay in 2nd and Janelle Demeter in 3rd.

Follow the team next week at the M.A.S.S. Summer Sizzler race in Sewell, N.J. while Michelle travels to Perryville, Ohio for the second of the N.U.E. series, the Mohican 100.

Again, thanks to all our sponsors who make the ride more enjoyable:

• visitPA.com
• Cannondale Bicycles
• Northwave footwear
• Rudy Project helmets and glasses
• Suunto
• Ergon
• Psycho Lube

Please support our charity:

• The Blue Bluterfly Fund