By Evan Schmitt

Cold, crisp skies greeted riders at race number six of the Seattle Cyclocross series. Sprinker Recreation Center outside of Tacoma hosted the race under the watchful eye of Mount Rainier. Last year’s race had snow flurries but no clouds were visible in the sky this year.

In the men’s race, an elite group of three rode away on the first lap and would eventually decide the race on their own. In the group was Logan Owen (Redline), Steve Fisher (Revel Consulting/Rad Racing) and Zach McDonald (Rapha-Focus). The three spent the first few laps extending their lead and casually chatting. At about two laps to go, the fireworks began and Fisher was the first rider to fall off the pace. With one lap to go, McDonald made his decisive move and produced a 5 second gap on Owen that he would hold unto the finish line. John Christian Flack (Olympia Orthopedic) would come in fourth and Morgan Schmitt (Cyclocrossracing.com) would round out the podium in fifth.

In the women’s race, Cucina Fresca’s Jessica Cutler took the win ahead of Natasha Hernday (Mafia) and Marsa Daniel (Team Group Health). Lea Stralka (Second Ascent) and Beth Lyndon-Griffith (Recycled Cycles) were fourth and fifth respectively.

Next Sunday, the 27th, concludes the Seattle series at the fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington. Double points will be on the line to reward riders who have stuck with their racing this far into the season.