Iron Hill MASS Race #4

Newark, DE

May 31, 2009

By Wes Schempf

The VisitPA.com team brought a strong group of competitors to the 4th round of the ’09 MASS series at Iron Hill Park in beautiful Newark, DE. Representing the team for the elite men were Ray Adams, Mike Yozell, and Wes Schempf; and for the elite women Nancy Adams was the standard bearer. With plenty of rain the night before, the short but very technical course was prepared to dish out some punishment to the elite racers. With the endurance, beginner and sport classes already having raced, the course dried out and created some ideal conditions for the later categories.

Competition was fierce from the horn, with the 3 VisitPA.com riders quickly to the front along with a smattering of other top locals. After a mile Wes Schempf, Mike Yozell and Harlan Price (independent fabrications) pushed the pace and gapped the rest of the field. At the end of the first lap, Price, who had competed in the Mohican 100 the day before, crept off the front and was never to be seen again. Schempf gave chase, but couldn’t close down the steadily increasing gap and finished 2nd. New daddy, Yozell, rode a fantastic race and despite losing several spots to a mechanical managed to use his downhill skills to ride his way back into 3rd. Team Director Ray Adams put together a solid performance to round out the podium with a 5th place.

Nancy Adams rode to a 7th place finish among a strong Elite women’s field.

Stay tuned for more action as the team continues to crush it at:

• Stoopid 50
• VisitPA.com Stage Race and Festival Weekend