Four Locals Compete in Cyclocross World Championships

A local, four-man cycling team sponsored by St. Luke's Hospital competed at the UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 12-15.

The Lamprey Systems Cycling team was made up of Marten Beels, of Salisbury Township; Steve Olenchock, of Lower Saucon Township and Gregory Ahnert and Chris Garges, of Upper Saucon Township.

Garges, who participated in a major cyclocross event at Lower Saucon's town hall in the fall, is the township's zoning officer.

Lamprey Systems is a Bethlehem-based parcel audit firm.

The Lamprey Systems Cycling team was founded in 2006 "to promote local amateur cyclists in road, mountain, adventure and cyclocross events," according to a news release.

"In 2010 the club team expanded to 21 members, including top-ranked amateurs who have already produced many podium finishes. The team roster includes riders from (USA Cycling) Category 2 through Category 5, as well as (USA Triathlon) All American athletes," the release said.

The Louisville competition was held at Eva Bandman Park along the Ohio River, and featured riders from around the world competing in women's and men's masters categories based on five-year age increments.

The Lamprey Systems team hoped "to cap off a successful 2011 cyclocross season with strong finishes against a competitive field of riders," the press release stated.