Woman dies from injuries in WiSport race crash
A veteran bike racer and American Birkebeiner skier died early Wednesday morning from the injuries she suffered in crash during the Cleghorn Harvest Fest race, part of the WiSport citizen racing series, according to family members.
Cheryl Uelmen, 58, crashed in the early miles of the 21-mile race, near the intersection of Hillview and Chickadee roads in the town of Pleasant Valley, according to news accounts.
Dan Woll, 65, of River Falls, former superintendent in the St. Croix Central and Menomonie, was riding in the pack near Uelmen and told the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram that her bike turned sideways and she flipped over. WQOW also reported on the crash.
“I saw a sea of helmets in front of me and all of a sudden a sort of ripple in the pack,” Woll said. “The next thing she’s up and over. She didn’t separate from her bike. The entire bike cartwheeled.”
Uelmen suffered severe head injuries and survived until arrangements could be made to donate her organs.
There is a visitation scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday at the Lenmark Funeral Home on 1st Avenue in Eau Claire with a prayer service is at 6 p.m
A Prayer Service is also scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Monday (September 15) at Tower Ridge Ski Area (955S 82nd Ave. Eau Claire, Wis 54703). A celebration of life and memorial run/walk will follow. Everyone who attends is encouraged to wear casual and workout attire.
A Caring Bridge page was set up in Uelmen’s name.
Tom Held writes The Active Pursuit blog for silentsports.net.