Locals shine in Speedwagon race

POLSON — Local cyclists again proved they belong with the elite in the state of Montana, this time on their home turf.

Polson’s Matt Seeley finished second with a time of 2 hours, 27 minutes and 48 seconds in the race he organizes, the 50-mile Speedwagon Classic. Ali Bronsdon, also of Polson, took the women’s title in 2:53:40.

Bozeman’s John Curry won the race with his time of 2:26:24, becoming the Speedwagon’s seventh different winner is as many years.

Curry and Seeley were joined on the men’s podium by Missoula’s Elliot Bassett, who finished in 2:29:09.

Bronsdon held off Emily Kipp, of Missoula, by three seconds for her victory. Lisa Curry, of Bozeman, finished third, and Jenni Brown, of Polson, took fourth.

The course began at Wayne and Kim Sicz’ house in Valley View and started off heading toward Pablo Reservoir where it wound along the canal access road back to Reservoir Road. It then continued back into the Valley View area before making its way down to Buffalo Bridge, across the river, and up into Irvine Flats. It proceeded to wind through Irvine Flats and nearly 1,000 feet of elevation up the “REO”, which stands for rather endless ordeal.

Speedwagon Classic Results

50-mile bike race

Saturday, April 5

WOMEN

1. Ali Bronsdon, 2:53:40, 2. Emily Kipp, 2:53:43, 3. Lisa Curry, 2:58:22, 4. Jenni Brown, 3:38:30, 5. Julie Zickovich, 3:40:15, 6. Katie Rogotzke, 3:43:33, 7. Sarah Castle, 3:48:55.

MEN

1. John Curry, 2:26:24, 2. Matt Seeley, 2:27:48, 3. Elliot Bassett, 2:29:09, 4. Frank Gonzalez, 2:31:04, 5. Scott Herzig, 2:36:05, 6. Dan Vasichek, 2:39:19, 7. Josh Tack, 2:39:19, 8. Jesse Doll, 2:39:34, 9. Josh Martell, 2:47:05, 10. Grant Kier, 2:47:32, 11. Pat Lake, 2:48:20, 12. Chuck Dumke, 2:48:43, 13. Mitch Young, 2:50:22, 14. Alex Lussier, 2:51:20, 15. Ken Cornelius, 2:52:38, 16. Dave Lake, 2:54:07, 17. Nate Lovallo, 2:57:30, 18. Rick Finley, 2:58:09, 19. Cory Nelson, 2:59:46, 20. Matthew Thomsen, 3:00:18, 21. John Azzopardi, 3:22:30, 22. Erik Horn, 3:47:02.