Wisconsin Wins Border Battle

Undefeated Wisconsin best Minnesota in Annual Border Battle Guerra and Eppen win Elite contests

Written by: Claire Cannon

For the fourth year running, Wisconsin won the annual Wisconsin-Minnesota Border Battle at White Tail Ridge in River Falls, Wisconsin. Sometimes billed as "The World’s Politest Border Battle”, the rivalry between the two Upper Midwestern states was settled for another year on Sunday. In 2010, Minnesota came within a single point of victory, but the spread in 2011 was over 17 points as Wisconsin defended the traveling trophy.

In the men's Elite contest, Nathan Guerra (Wheel and Sprocket / Vision) took and early lead, chased by teammates Mike Phillips and Darrin Braun (Adventure 212 / Specialized), Ben Koenig (RMC / Red Eye Brewery) and Brian Eppen (Mercy-Specialized).  Guerra held his advantage to the end, taking his first WORS victory of the season.  WORS defending Champion Tristan Schouten and fellow Sheboygan racer Brian Matter were not in attendance.

In the women's race, Kim Eppen (Mercy-Specialized) of Iowa City, IA led the contest ahead of Minnesota racers Rebecca Sauber (LCR) and Diana McFadden (Trek Co-op / Ski Hut).  Eppen now has a commanding lead in the 2011 WORS Overall contest while defending Champion Abby Strigel of Madison, WI was again not in attendance.

The next event is the Reforestation Ramble located outside Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Best times in the amateur categories were:

Cat. 2 - Dave Bender of Belvidere, IL

Cat. 2 Male - Justin Keough of St. Paul, MN

Cat. 2 Females - Maria Statz of Plover, WI

Cat. 3 Male - James Kauth of St. Paul, MN

Cat. 3 Females - Rachel Drake of South Milwaukee, WI