USFE Mountain Bike Series continues – Ramstein bikers take 1st in men’s open and senior classes

Airman 1st Class Edward Drescher - Kaiserslautern American


***image1***Two bikers from Ramstein took first in their respective classes at a U.S. Forces in Europe Mountain Bike Series race in Schopp, Germany on Sunday.

Thomas Essick, who normally rides on a German road cycling circuit, left the competition in his dust and took first in the men’s open field (ages 18-29) and first overall on a very tough course.

“The course was really hard; you were either going up or down and there wasn’t a lot of places to rest,” said Essick, who finished first in the open civilian category in last years mountain biking series.

Essick faced some formidable competition as well. Racing against him were two members the Armed Forces Road Cycling team, the best cycling team the military has to offer.

Ramstein’s Trent Hornus, who is on the Armed Forces team, took first in the men’s senior field (ages 30-39) with a time of 78 minutes and 5 seconds.
Michael Gallagher, an Army civilian from Heidelberg, was the second member from the Armed Forces team racing in the event.

He was also racing in the men’s open field and finished a little over four minutes behind Essick to claim second place.

“Whenever your going against Mike (Gallagher) and Trent (Hornus) you know your in for a good run,” said Essick.

Here are the top three finishers from each field:
Men’s Open
1. Thomas Essick, 2. Mike Gallagher, 3. Kelly Lauderbaugh
Men’s Senior
1. Trent Hornus, 2. Kyle Odom, 3. Dave Hammerschmidt
Men’s Master
1. David Hines, 2. John Orsingher, 3. Steven Brady
Women’s Open
1. Lauren Hill, 2. Kat Freasier, 3. Daniela Panait
Boys (ages 14-15)
1. Ryan McGiboney, 2. Sean Ohlendorf.