Jesse Lalonde and Jenna Zander won the final race of the Wisconsin Off Road Series on Sunday.

In its eighth year, the Sunday’s Wigwam MTB Challenge in Sheboygan has become the traditional season finale for WORS. With a large cash purse provided by WORS and local organizers Wigwam Mills, the Sheboygan race draws regional and national stars to line up against series regulars.

The singletrack at Evergreen Park in Sheboygan is generously equipped with steep power climbs and gnarled roots, many of which were slippery and wet by the time the elite field took to the trails. The course also boasts a rocky creek crossing that cost Lalonde the victory and a $1500 payout last year when he flatted on the stone bottom while in the lead.

However, the greatest obstacle for many riders is the Equalizer, a steep dirt climb. Any rider still in the saddle at the top of the hill collects a crisp $5 bill from the race organizer, as well as shouts of encouragement from spectators. The Equalizer has proven pivotal in many close contests at Sheboygan as it stands less than a mile from the finish line.

Going into Sunday's race, Lalonde (GF29-BKB-T6) was undefeated for the season, an unprecedented achievement in the highly competitive series. He and Cole House (Slingshot Bikes) broke away early in the first lap and rode together until near the end of the race.

Jenna Zander on the Sheboygan slickrock.

Photo: Extreme Photography

Throughout the season, Lalonde has ridden a custom Gary Fisher 
Superfly singlespeed with a rigid fork, and while House rode to the top of the Equalizer during each of the first four laps, Lalonde dismounted and ran.

With less than a mile of fast open terrain between the hill and the finish, many wondered whether Lalonde, even running a gear ratio of 36:16, could hold off House for the win if the two remained together atop the final ascent. However, in the final lap Lalonde hit the climb with a gap on House and maintained his lead for the win, finishing in 1:52:06, 22 seconds ahead of ahead of House. Third place went to Jeff Hall (Salsa-PowerBar) at 2:34.

In the women's race, Jenna Zander (Sobe-Cannondale) dominated, finishing in 1:41:55, more than five minutes ahead of series leader Abigail Strigel (Polska-FDL). Holly Liske (Hayes Disc Brakes) took third at 10:38.

For complete race results, see www.wors.org.