Andover phenom Austen Novis ’11 crossed the line third in the Boys “A” cycling race last Saturday in Grafton Notch, ME, highlighting a successful day of racing for the team. As the rain rolled into the mountains, a frigid Andover Cycling team anticipated the 1000-foot climb to the finish line of the race. “From the beginning of the race, I couldn’t feel my feet or my hands,” said Berol Dewdney ’09. Dewdney finished fifth in Girls A, following a second place finish by Hilary Rich ’09. The race took place just south of Sunday River ski area in Grafton Notch State Park. The cyclists wound their way through narrow mountain passes as they climbed up into the notch where the temperature was about forty degrees. In Boys A, the trio of Mike Discenza ’09, Andy Clay ’08 and C.J. Queenan ’09 finished 10th, 12th, and 14th respectively behind Novis. In Boys B, Matt Sternberg ’08 got tangled with an Exeter rider, but he was able to recover for an 8th place finish. This Wednesday at K.U.A., Rich proved to be the strongest female rider in the field. On a one-third mile track, Rich lapped the field, winning every sprint lap in the points race. Despite a collision in Boys “A”, Captain Andy Clay ’08 let the Andover cyclists by finishing seventh overall. C.J. Queenan ’09 and Mike Discenza ’09 finished right behind Clay at eighth and ninth overall. “The highlight today was watching Hilary [Rich] destroy Girls “A”. Andy Clay also showed some real grit by staying in the race after his crash,” said Head Coach Thayer Zaeder. The Andover cyclists next travel to Exeter, NH this Saturday for a time-trial. Historically, Andover has performed well at the Exeter venue.
