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by Brian Hancock

The 2016 Snap Fitness Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross & 5k was one for the history books. As with other Midwest races on Saturday, September 10, the weather threw a wrench in many racers’ wheels as rain changed the conditions of the course throughout the day.

The kid's race was a big hit. photo: JB Hancock

The kid’s race was a big hit. photo: JB Hancock

In the Elite women’s race, Amanda Schaap (Speed Merchants), took to the front by the time the pack hit the Bike Law Michigan barriers and never looked back. Over the course of the 40-minute race, Schaap extended her first lap effort into a healthy lead, riding into her first Verge Sport winner’s jersey as well as the lead of the Michigan Bicycle Racing Association cyclocross series.

Amanda Schaap (Speed Merchants) raced hard during an absolute deluge of rain. photo: jb hancock

Amanda Schaap (Speed Merchants) raced hard during an absolute deluge of rain. photo: jb hancock

The rain came down in sheets throughout the women’s race, and the battles for the remaining podium spots were slippery and fierce. Behind Schaap, Valerie Hyrman (Hagerty Racing), Jenny Carmichael (Bike Law Cycling Club), Adrienne O’Day, and Claire Reeves (Speed Merchants) fought hard to stay upright and provided spectators with great racing action as they slotted in separated by only 33 seconds at the finish.

In the Elite men’s race, Jorden Wakeley (M22/Cannondale Factory Team) redeemed himself from his third place last year behind the Australian guests to take a commanding win at this year’s Snap Fitness Alma GP. Wakeley is well known for his strength in 100-mile endurance mountain bike races, and he rolled up to the line on his Cannondale F-Si mountain bike, which proved to be a great decision. As with many others in the Elite fields, Wakeley was able to ride the Ass Savers stairs throughout the day, but his sheer strength on the flats left others gasping the humid air.

Wakeley and Yankus over the Bike Law Michigan barriers. photo: Nick Forsman

Wakeley and Yankus over the Bike Law Michigan barriers. photo: Nick Forsman

Behind Wakeley, Dan Yankus (OAM NOW / Athletic Mentors) and Scotty Albaugh (The Bike and Tri Shop) battled throughout the race and managed to put time into Earl Hillaker, who earlier had taken the top box in the single speed race. After a blisteringly fast start, Chad Wells rounded out the podium in fifth.

Photo gallery below the results.

2016 Alma GP - Elite Women's Results

PlaceBibLastFirstTeamLicenseTimeGap
1150SchaapAmandaSpeed Merchants34204238:47
2154HyrmanValerieHagerty Racing43420239:501:03
3151CarmichaelJennyBike Law Cycling Club45435239:581:11
4152O'DayAdrienne25433040:031:16
5158ReevesClaireSpeed Merchants35006440:231:36
6153RobertsonErinWolverine Sports Club35968841:382:51
7160MackMelissa40234141:432:56
8156MelendezLauraOAM NOW/Athletic Mentors22597342:193:32
9157SeymourMelissaTeam O248679744:245:37
10161BrynickJosiity Hub Cyclery35686546:037:16

2016 Alma GP - Elite Men's Results

PlaceBibLastFirstTeamLicenseTimeGap
117WakeleyJorden3409161:01:55
21YankusDanielOAM NOW / Athletic Mentors1026941:02:2328
321AlbaughScottyThe Bike and Tri Shop2786751:02:4752
46HillakerEarl2904071:04:262:31
54WellsChad1945041:04:392:44
62SoltanDanielAnn Arbor Velo Club Inc.3946251:05:083:13
73McIntyreAdamCannondale-Michigan3594111:05:403:45
815ZandeeMattFreewheeler Bike Shop3852821:05:483:53
910CarverKyleAnn Arbor Velo Club Inc.3605201:05:493:54
1018LeachJohnBissell ABG Giant3378261:06:314:36
115SnyderCollinOAM NOW / Athletic Mentors2643961:08:366:41
128SimpsonJeffrey2658071:09:097:14
1313DURANDIANHagerty Cycling3157501:03:57s.t.
1416WrightBenWolverine Sports Club2409411:04:062:11
159RobertsonCameronWolverine Sports Club3867661:04:563:01
167ElliottHarveyAnn Arbor Velo Club Inc.3294701:05:423:47
1720YeungHinkel5126471:07:115:16
1814GoocherBrandonKinetic Fitness Coaching2523561:09:227:27
19302CookBenjaminRutgers University-New Brunswic4246181:01:48s.t.
2012NemecekSpencer4347121:01:49s.t.

2016 Alma GP Photo Gallery:

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The start of the Elite Men's field at the 2016 Alma GP photo: Nick Forsman

The start of the Elite Men’s field at the 2016 Alma GP photo: Nick Forsman

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