Barry Roubaix – Women’s Race Report

March 23rd, 2014 by Roxane Kippen, USA Triathlon Certified Coach

Barry Roubaix has quickly become the largest gravel road race in America and it is held right here in West Michigan every March. Conditions over the past few years have ranged from 50 degrees and dry, to 19 degrees and icy. The 2014 race, held this past weekend, was somewhere in between at 33 degrees with some mud.

In 2012, Amy Stauffer and Marie Dershem won the Overall Women’s podium spots in the 62 Mile and 36 Mile races, respectively. In 2013, Marie returned to the podium for the 36 Mile overall and placed 1st in her age division. In 2014, Roxane Kippen secured 3rd place Overall Woman for the 24 Mile race and 1st place in her age division.

BRX Podium

Below is a photo from the start of the Women’s 24 Mile race with Roxane Kippen, 2014 OAM NOW/Athletic Mentors rider, and Amy Colby, Athletic Mentors coached athlete, (both in orange) leading out the mass start of 135 ladies.

BRX 2014 Start

As part of this year’s race, there was also a KOM (King of the Mountain) challenge. A specific climb on the course was designated in Strava as a segment where riders could record their ascent and try to be the fastest climber for that designated segment. Prizes were awarded for the top 3 men and women in each race distance. Roxane Kippen narrowly missed the top prize for the half mile climb by one second.

BRX KOM