Race kicks off cycling series

Cyclocross, the first event of the Little 500 Fall Cycling series, took riders over bales of hay, up and down stadium stairs and around parts of Bill Armstrong stadium Saturday. Cyclocross is an event aimed at raising awareness about Little 500. Riders risk injury for a chance to win a $250 scholarship. The two male teams are required to switch riders after every lap and are penalized if they don't complete an obstacle correctly.\nThe women's race, which featured six teams, ultimately saw the Roadrunners win with ease. The Roadrunners team of seniors Jenn Wangerin and Katie Zeller cruised to the finish line in 24 minutes and 19 seconds, more than a minute ahead of their closest competition.\n"I figured I would do well," Wangerin said. "I'm pretty fit and I have good bike-handling skills."\nThe Roadrunners have won each of the past two women's Little 500s, with Wangerin leading the team.\nSecond place went to junior Katy Mancini and senior Analisa Dziedziejko of Phi Mu sorority, which finished with a time of 25:36. \nThe men's race went off without a hitch and saw a close finish. Seniors John Grant and Michael Rubin of Gafombi finished in a quick 23:54; however, their time was only good enough for second place. Sophomores Brad Davies and Craig Luekens of Dodds House finished 20 seconds faster to win the event.\n"We just wanted to win the race," Luekens said. "We've only been practicing for a week but we still thought we could win."\nFinishing in third place with a time of 24 minutes and 34 seconds were junior Nick Pejeau and senior Jason Smith of the Cutters.\nSeniors Jeff Wright and Jason Mount of Sigma Pi didn't fare as well. Coming around the last turn of the first lap, Wright's chain came off. Wright and Mount had to find a new bike to finish the race.\n"We just decided to have fun and try to finish the race. I thought we were done and then I saw Jason sprinting towards me with a bike," Wright said.\nThe next event in the Little 500 Fall Cycling series is the Individual Time Trials Oct. 9 at the IU Fieldhouse.