The 2016 collegiate road season wrapped up in Massachusetts
with the ECCC Championships race. With
double the points on the line, Penn State riders Monica Volk and Jess Bunchek
trekked up to the Northeast for Saturday’s road race.
The relentless elevation change pushed riders to their
limit, and divided the women’s A peloton across the course. The course took riders off paved roads, onto
steep gravel climbing segments, which made traction difficult. Determined to defend her yellow and green
jerseys, Monica raced hard, dropping the peloton on a challenging ascent, and
crossing the line solo with a six minute lead.
Likewise, Jess gained ground on her competitors during the climb, and
finished 12th.
As a result of her domination of the 2016 ECCC road season,
Monica will race at the USAC Collegiate Nationals on May 13-15. Congratulations to her and to all riders for
another stellar road season! Out of 46 schools in the ECCC conference, Penn State placed 7th overall.
