Bell & Casper Capture Minnesota CX Titles

GrandStay Hotels racer Jim Bell captured the Men's 45+ Minnesota State Cyclocross title in an impressive display of horse power. Over the course in Bassett Creek Park in Plymouth that left riders with nowhere to hide, Bell put convincing distance between himself and his season long rivals. The newly designed course was replete with a sand pit, the longest stair runup of the season, and long open stretches into the cold November wind. Made to order for a strongman like Bell.

Bell churning out the watts (Robbie Halvorson photo)

Bell on the famed and feared State stairs (R. Halvorson photo)

GrandStay Hotels' Daniel Casper took the 35+ State CX title and finished 6th overall. Teammate and race favorite Doug Swanson animated the race from the start but was on an off day and had to settle for 8th.

Casper playing in the sand (R. Halvorson photo)

Swanson wins Rum River with savvy and speed

November 2, 2008. GrandStay Hotels racer Doug Swanson ran his win streak to three with a closely contested sprint at the Rum River cyclocross race in Milaca, MN. The open, non-technical nature of the course meant that a highly select group of four stayed together through the entirety of the hour long race. A bit of veteran's savvy and an always potent finish put Swanson safely in front of up and comer's Pat Lemieux (Grand Performance) and David Hackworthy (Ridley Factory) and cycling vanguard Dewey Dickey (Flanders). Swanson's teammate Daniel Casper pulled off the 35+ win and a 7th overall finish.

Swanson and Coyle power GrandStay sweep at State RR

August 23, 2008. GrandStay Hotels racers Doug Swanson and Ray Coyle both captured Minnesota State Road Race titles for 2008, Swanson in the Cat 1/2 and Coyle in the Elite Masters/35+. Swanson and teammate Ian Stanford were part of a high powered 10-man break that dominated the day over the 85-mile course in Avon, MN. In addition to Swanson's sprint victory, Stanford came in 4th on the hilltop finish, while Matt Williams and Lance Beuning also managed to find the top 10 in 9th and 10th respectively. In the elite masters race, Ray Coyle also came out on top in a sprint finale.