Coast Guard LCDR George Ganoung 14th at America's Longest Cyclocross Race
17 Oct 2005

George Ganoung took a break from his road racing off season to race to a respectable 14th out of more than 120 starters at the Volkswagen Ironcross III in Carlise PA this weekend.

Touted as America's Longest Cyclocross race, the course featured over 6,500 feet of climbing as it undulated for 100k (62 miles) over dirt road, trail and pavement and challenged the riders with several "extreme" cyclocross style runups and barriers in and around Michaux State Forrest.

Ganoung made the lead group of 10 early in the race and stayed with the leaders through the first 20 miles until the group shattered going up the King of the Mountain climb. Still hanging on to the top 10, Ganoung rode solo and with groups of 2 and 3 riders until the 55 mile mark where he had a rear tire flat. After a quick change he was up and riding, only to flat again 3 miles later and having to finish out the race on the punctured tire fading to 14th overall.

Despite the bad luck late in the race, Ganoung was pleased with the result "Offroad riding is certainly not my strength and I didn't have any expectations other then to enjoy an off season, off road adventure. Most of the competitors at this event are mountain bikers or serious cyclocross racers and knowing the course and having good off road skills are critical for a good placing. One guy I rode with for awhile specializes in 24 hour off road races, he was barely getting warmed up 3 hours into it! It was a good change of pace to race with a different crowd in different conditions and I am happy I did as well as I did."

Full results and race report is posted here: http://www.cyclingnews.com/cross.php?id=cross/2005/oct05/ironcross05