Hitting the Ground Running

This season, we're excited to welcome two new riders to the team: Ken Benesh and Kate Powlison. While Kate will wait until the fall to put on the pink kit, Ken started things off on the right foot with a win in the Cat 3 race at the Koppenberg circuit.

This year, Koppenberg was especially 'cross rider-friendly, with lots of loose gravel, aggressive racing and a nicely eroded, steep climb to split up the group. With three riders in the 3s—Ken, Spencer and Josh—the Evol team had several cards to play, and smart tactics helped seal the deal.

With the six-lap race halfway done, Ken and Josh went away on the gradual paved rollers before the start/finish. After a bit of confusion caused by some lapped groups and riders, Ken ended up off the front with one of the young guns from Boulder Juniors. As they extended their lead, Josh and Spencer patrolled the front of the group to prevent an organized chase.

Although he never held a lead much larger than about 10 seconds, Ken kept ticking away the laps, lost his breakaway partner on the final circuit and finished solo for the win. Evol's "Killa Threes" (Josh, Spencer and Ken) agreed that road racing is way more fun with teammates, so look out, we may be coming soon to a race near you!

Oh, and by the way, our other new teammate, Kate won the Pro-1-2 women's event. Sure, she was riding for her summer road squad, but it seems like she'll have plenty of fitness when fall 'cross season comes around.