Planet CX

by Jamie Mack

While most of us are focused on the impending season, with some of us already realizing what the off-season has done to us, non-’cross events have been shifted out of our collective focus. But for many of the stars that we follow, including some of the top Americans, there is one more race to deal with before the bliss of ’cross begins. This weekend are the final races of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Mont Sant-Anne, Quebec, Canada. Cyclocross Magazine, as a warm-up to the craziness that is about to begin, scoured the start lists of the Elite races to see who was toeing the line.

In the Junior men’s race, Skyler Trujillo was flying both the American flag and the ’cross flag as he competed in cross country race. Given his recent top 10 at the Windham World Cup, he was well-positioned to do both proud. Trujillo ended up in 30th, while his countryman Seth Kemp took 18th. Michiel van der Heijden (Netherlands) took the title in dramatic fashion, soloing off the front of the field.

Scanning through the start list for the Elite men’s cross country, the first name ’cross fans are likely to notice is Todd Wells. Ranked 13th in the UCI rankings going into the Championships, Wells’ results this season have given him a good starting position in the competitive pack, but he’ll be looking to move up fast once the gun goes off. Starting a few spaces down the list is Canadian Geoff Kabush, a popular site in any ’cross course. Looking further down the list and other American ’cross personalities Carl Decker, Adam Craig and Michael Broderick are there, taking the start a couple of rows behind the elder Wells brother. Further down the list, as a sign that the ’cross racers we all root for may not have been focusing much on mountain biking this summer, Sven Nys will be starting mid-pack, having only worked up to 63rd in the UCI rankings. There’s no doubt that he’ll be fighting through the pack to move up.

In the Elite women’s race, Willow Koerber, though not a ’crosser, deserves a mention as the top American racer and one of the top 5 in the world this year. But ’cross fans don’t have to get out of the top 10 to see some familiar names. Mary McConneloug, followed closely by Georgia Gould, are probably the best hopes for a crossover medal from the ’cross racers in the crowd. American fan favorite Katie Compton is on the list, starting back in mid-pack. With Compton and Nys starting at almost the same place in their respective races, it will be interesting to see which can do the better job of getting through traffic. Searching the rest of the women’s names, there are a few more from the ’cross crowd, including Katerina Nash racing for the Czech Republic and Heather Irmiger flying the Stars and Stripes.

Through all of the races there are established ’cross stars, and stars that we’ll all be talking about for years to come. As one of the last weekends before cylocross racing gets underway for many of us, keeping up with these championships is a good excuse for a few extra hours of relaxation before the madness begins.

Related stories:

1. Euro ‘Cross Stars Racing Through the Off-Season
2. ’Cross Stars Fine Tune Fitness at Windham World Cup
3. Kabush Wins Bromont MTB World Cup, Compton Sixth, Wants Worlds

For the past three years, the Rad Racing Gran Prix has joined StarCrossed to create a full weekend of some of the best racing the West Coast has to offer. Those of you who have raced the Gran Prix in the past will either be ecstatic or bummed to hear that the venue for this year’s course has changed, so gone is the quad-busting “Knapp Time run-up.” I checked in with Jim Brown, director of Rad Racing, to see what we can look forward to in the new course.

[See also: Our exclusive content on StarCrossed]

Tell me a bit about the new course. Why did you choose it, over the Lakewood course?

We changed venues for a few reasons. One of the biggest things was that we wanted to make it easier for racers to compete in both events [StarCrossed and Rad Racing]. There’s no easy way to get to Lakewood [the location of the previous course]; it’s at least an hour to get there. Our venue this year is about seven or eight miles away from StarCrossed, close to the highway and in easy access to the airport, so it will make it much easier for riders to participate. It’s a little higher-exposure venue, too, which is great for our sponsors, and it has a good infrastructure for set up and spectating. Before, you really had to hike to get to a good spot to watch the race, so this course is much more spectator-friendly. Also, there’s a hospital right across the street, just in case.

The course is 2.95km long. We’re going to run the amateur categories in the morning and see how the times are. If we need to, we have some variations to add time to the course for the UCI categories. Speaking of that, another big change is that all the amateur races are non-USAC races, so we have the ability to do what we want to do with the course… it gives us some flexibility to play with.

Knapp Time [an ultra-long, steep run-up] was a pretty famous feature of the old course. What unique aspects of the new course do you think will have people talking?

The primary course feature is a pretty substantial section of sand, right on the beach of Lake Sammamish. We’re going to split this portion up, the riders will come down onto the beach, then up a flight of stairs, roll on the grass for a bit and then come back into the sand. It’s going to be challenging, a lot of people will have to run it, and by the time the pros come through it will be pretty torn up. There will also be a beer garden right on the beach, for spectators to catch the best part of the action.

It’s going to be a lot of wide-open racing, lots of grass, lots of turns. We crafted a cool course, lots of cambers, lots of trees. All around we’re trying to make it a little better for the racers and for the spectators.

Any big names you expect to see?

We’ll be a little bit heavier on the mountain bike background this year because of the conflict with US Pro Nationals. We’re losing Powers and Johnson, but Trebon and Kabush will be there duking it out, as will (2008 Swiss National Champion) Christian Huele and (British National Cyclocross Champion) Helen Wyman. It will be a little different vibe than in the past, but will definitely still be a solid field. Francis Mourey will be coming from France, as well. And, of course, all the other big names that will be at StarCrossed will be with at the GP as well.

How about locals, who should we look for to give a surprise performance?

In the UCI Elite race, Nick Weighall (Cal Giant), former U23 and National Champion in U23s, is a scrapper and he will be going for it. Steve Fisher (Rad Racing) is a former Junior World Championship team member making great strides as a U23 and Elite rider; Eric Emsky (Blue Bicycles) is another former Rad Racer and Junior Worlds team member; Ryan Iddings (Redline) is yet another Rad Racing alumni, and former Collegiate National Champion; Kari Studley (Redline) is the current Singlespeed World Champion; and Christie Berg (Cycle U) is a strong contender. All of these riders should be putting on a good show.

How has it been working together with StarCrossed?

This is our third year working with StarCrossed, and our relationship with (promoters) Terry and Zac has only gotten better and better. Between the three of us, we’re pretty connected within the industry, so we’ve been able to pull in a lot of sponsorship and recognition.

Tell me a bit about your sponsors.

We were pretty excited to get Hammer Nutrition involved. They’ve been plugging it pretty hard on the regional side – they’re gonna be a pretty big presence here, and a lot of riders are excited. I ran into Brian Frank [head honcho of Hammer Nutrition] at a 24hr race in Spokane, and we started talking. By the end of the conversation, we had a sponsor and his 14 year-old son had signed onto Rad Racing!

We’re getting a lot of support from the bike industry, as well. TRP Brakes, Challenge Tires… they’ve jumped in pretty hard, sponsoring both races. Redline is stepping in on our event pretty big, too. All proceeds from our race, and from Thursday’s premier of Brian Vernor’s The Cyclocross Meeting movie, go back into supporting Rad Racing.

Tell me a bit about what Rad Racing is involved in this year. how are your Juniors doing?

We do all aspects of racing, so we’ve been very busy. Our most decorated rider ever, Benny Swedberg, graduates from the Junior ranks this year after winning three national titles on the track (seven National Championships in his Junior career: two in ’cross, five in track). He will be working at our race to help set the course, coaching younger riders, and then later on in the season he will probably stick his nose in some ’cross races.

That’s the thing about ’cross. ’Cross brings everybody together, brings the whole team together. Everybody’s pretty stoked. We’re pretty strong in the 15-16s this year. Steve Fisher is coming back for us as a U23.

We got a number of Juniors lining up to throw down. Look for Andrea Casebolt to be on the podium this year at Nationals in the Junior 15/16 girls; she will be sharpening her game racing locally with the Cat 1/2’s (she’s in the ninth grade).

We wanted our juniors to be able to interact with Elite riders, get to watch them race. It’s super cool to have our kids shake hands with guys like Ryan Trebon and Jonathan Page, and to get a chance to learn from them.

We’ve had kids head to the Euro Cross Camp in Belgium every year, so it’s good to be able to make it a little more cost-effective for the guys with the proceeds we get from the GP.

Related stories:

1. Rad Racing Northwest presents the 2008 Rad Racing GP Cyclocross Race
2. Rad Racing GP Post-Race Party to Support Rad Racing’s Youth Programs
3. Old Rivalries Renewed in Washington: Previewing StarCrossed and Rad Racing

If you happened to focus on Levi Leipheimer’s feet during the Tour de France, you may have noticed a logo that seemed, at first, out of place. Leipheimer also raced Giro’s top off-road shoes, the Code, to victory in the recent Leadville 100 race. Giro, well-known for its line of brain buckets, has expanded into the sunglasses market over the last couple of years, and the company is now taking aim at cycling shoes. Thanks to the Giro’s relationship with Easton – both fall under the Easton-Bell Sports umbrella – there’s plenty of EC90- or EC70-branded carbon composites on display in the soles.

There are three road models and two MTB (and cyclocross) models on offer, as well as a women’s model for each discipline. Giro has also developed a line of footbeds, dubbed Giro SuperNatural footbeds, which come with the top shoe models and are also available for purchase separately to use in other brand shoes. The SuperNatural footbeds come with a variety of different inserts which help consumers dial in the proper arch support for their feet. According to Giro, “The Giro SuperNatural Fit System combines a cycling-specific footbed with a simple adjustable arch support system that allows riders to custom-tune their fit right out of the box, without any tools or hassles. And because our footbeds are cycling-specific, they enhance fit and feel by helping to anchor the rider’s heel in the shoe and keep the foot as close to the pedal as possible.”

The Code, which tops the off-road lineup, features a Teijin lightweight microfiber upper built atop an EC90 carbon sole for maximum stiffness. The SuperNatural Fit Kit footbeds are included, as are steel toe spikes. This model weighs 355 grams per shoe in a size 42 and runs $279.

The Gauge and Sica (the women’s equivalent) substitute lugged EC70 soles for a balance of stiffness, comfort and money savings; the microfiber upper doesn’t have a trademarked name attached to it; and the insoles are more traditional, without all of the customizability of the SuperNaturals. While there are threaded to accept toe spikes, they’re not included. But, they also shave a little weight off of the top model Codes – down to 345 grams per shoe for the Gauge in a size 42 (305g for the Sica, size 39). Price is $199.

The shoes won’t be available to the public until January 2011, but we’ll be putting them through the paces on the ’cross courses and will have product reviews before they launch.

Photo Gallery:

Related stories:

1. Shoe Week Day 6: 2010 Specialized S-Works MTB Shoe Review
2. Shoe Week Is Here! Day 1: Specialized and Shimano Reviews
3. Shoe Week Day 5: A Winter Shoe Roundup

The Champions System MAC Series announced a new sponsorship and prize package in conjunction with Revolution Wheelworks today. Revolution will provide three complete wheelsets with a combined retail value of $2,680 to the season champions of three of MAC’s amateur classes.

The Category 2/3/4 Men, affectionately known as the “Killer Bs,” will be competing for Revolution’s brand new flagship tubular carbon fiber cyclocross wheelset, the Rev-33X. Not even due to be released to the public until October, the new 33X weighs in at 1,200 grams and features a 23mm wide rim. Not to be outdone, the season champion in the category 3/4 Women (i.e. “B Women”) division will take home a Revolution Rev-50X wheelset worth $960. And the top Cat 4 male in MAC this year will be riding on a new set of Revolution Rev-25X alloy tubular wheels next season.

The Champion System MAC Series is an 11-race series in 2010. The series will cover five states, stretching from Baltimore in the old Confederacy, to the Hamptons in eastern New York. Each racer’s top 10 results will count toward the overall season championship in 16 classes. Nine of the 11 races will see UCI points on the line for the Elite Men and Women, with the race on November 20th in Long Island being one of only eight UCI-C1 events in America this year.

The Champion System MAC kicks off on September 11th with the UCI C2 Nittany Lion Cross at the world famous velodrome of the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. The following week will see two days of racing in Baltimore with the hugely popular UCI C2 Charm City Cyclocross Weekend. The series returns to Pennsylvania on September 26th for the Whirlybird Cyclocross at the historic Bryn Athyn College, before wrapping up the first half of its season at the always awesome Granogue Cross, which has been expanded to two days for the first time. More information on the races of the MAC series can be found at BikeReg.com. A full schedule can be found at www.midatlanticcross.com.

Revolution Wheelworks is based just outside of Philadelphia in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.  In only a few years, their high-tech yet no-nonsense wheels have garnered accolades around the country and were ridden to the MAC Elite Men’s championship last year by Valentin Scherz of Switzerland.

Related stories:

1. MAC Announces Equal Payout for Top Women
2. New Product Spotlight: Revolution Rev-50X Wheels
3. MAC Opens UCI ’Cross Season in One Month with New Title Sponsor

It’s that time of year. Time to get out your collective research from the past few years and put it to good use. That’s right, it’s time for Cyclocross Magazine Fantasy Cyclocross! Think you know better than anyone else in the world how to pick a team of professional cyclocross racers? Now is your chance to prove it! Check out the Cyclocross Magazine Fantasy Cyclocross page to submit your team and see if you’re the best cyclocross manager in the world. The rules from the game are the same as always, but if you need a refresher, check them out here. The league will be updated every Monday, so watch closely, it could just be you who emerges on top.

Related stories:

1. Fantasy Cyclocross League Launched!
2. Fantasy Update: World Cup Scores Puts Canadian In Lead
3. Euro & Fantasy Update: Niels Albert Out for Several Weeks

Masters racer Lee Waldman is fumbling his way through technique tune-ups and working on keeping his chin up as the cyclocross season looms. Along the way, he’s found new inspiration. If you missed Lee’s previous column, where he compares middle school life to ’cross races and learns some lessons along the way, go back and check it out. Also, Lee touches on something we’ll explore in greater depth in Issue 10 (coming soon!) – sports psychology and cyclocross.

by Lee Waldman

It’s less than four weeks until my first cyclocross of the new season. If you’re anything like I am, the summer’s been spent in an idyllic world of easy wins. Hey, we can dream, can’t we? Your legs never hurt – much – and you race using nothing but nose breathing. Each and every transition is smooth as butter, and it never takes more than three steps to remount. The pedals are exactly where you expect them to be each time, easily found without a second glance.

If it were only that easy. I’ve had some pretty ugly training sessions in the last few weeks, sessions where it seems I can’t get out of my own way: my remounts are rough enough to bottom out the tires, my feet slip off of the pedals when I dismount, shouldering the bike looks more like trying to lift a 50-pound sack of flour than a 16-pound carbon bike. In other words, there are days when I truly suck. Makes mental preparation a real challenge.

Here’s how I spend the weeks before the first race. First, I go through all sorts of gyrations attempting to convince myself that, “Yes, I did work hard enough this summer. No, I don’t need to lose any more weight. Yes, the training program will work and, no, I don’t need to add in another session of intervals each week.” That’s what I do first, because no matter how hard I work in the “off-season,” I will always struggle to believe in myself – to believe that I deserve what I’ve worked so hard for, that I’ve done it right. Even with a coach who has set me up perfectly for the season, the self-doubt still creeps in. Because of coach Ben Turner I’m better, but that monkey still lurks in the shadows, waiting to jump on my back every time I come back from a ride that I label as “not good.”

I was struggling with this very problem on my way home from a training session last week. It was one of those rides I was describing. Every dismount was an adventure, and I held my breath each time I vaulted back onto the bike. And they were vaults, not the smooth stepping-over-the-top-tube remounts we see the pros do so effortlessly.

As I usually do, I was listening to NPR on my iPod and trying to spin some of the lactic acid out of the legs. So, I’m about half-way home when a story comes on about memory – specifically memory loss in the elderly. It was interesting, but I was tired and only partially listening. The story was about a woman who was losing her memories (not her memory) as she grew into her 90s. She shared a comment that her mother had made. What life is really all about, her mother said, is how we choose to spend our time on earth. How we choose to spend our time on Earth. Wow! Now I was listening and thinking.

Hearing that dredged up a memory of my own, from a forgotten part of my life. In my younger days, I taught skiing. One particular morning, all of the instructors who weren’t teaching went out to clinic with our Norwegian supervisor, Agnar Fjordholm. Cool name, huh? Standing at the top of a pretty steep run, before he pushed off, he looked at all of us gathered in a circle to receive bits of advice, the kind that would immediately transform our skiing. He said, “Ski this run like it’s the last one you’ll ever ski,” and then took off. I’ll never forget that.

’Cross is coming. We’ve all trained hard over the summer, and we’ve put a lot of ourselves into preparing to do our best. We’ve done the physical work. The difference now between winning, whatever that means, and losing is attitude. My promise to myself this year is that I’ll race this season one race at a time. I’ll enjoy every one of them no matter the result. I’ll lay it all on the line every time, living in that one beautiful moment when my body, my bike and my mind are all in sync, working towards one goal. I’ll race as if it’s the last one that I’ll ever have the opportunity to race. And then I’ll get ready for the next one.

Enough. Go ride your bike!

Related stories:

1. Using a Coach and Enjoying the Ride – A Column by Lee Waldman
2. Motivated through Life’s Twists and Turns – A Column by Lee Waldman
3. Lessons Learned – A Column by Lee Waldman

The organizers of Cyclocross Nationals in Bend, Oregon, have released a course map for the championship races, as well as preliminary info about the preceding time trial races to determine start orders for age-based events. For the second consecutive year, the championship course is located on the grounds of the Deschutes Brewery, adjacent to the Old Mill District, but it has been lengthened to help prevent lapped riders from becoming an issue. Returning will be the staircase run-up, set of barriers and off-camber sections, but the addition of a fly-over will allow pedestrians to easily access the vendor area, beer garden and team car parking lots – without needing to cross the course.

The time trials will take place approximately 24 hours before each age-based championship race to determine seeding. Similar to last year’s championship, the top eight from the previous year will receive a call-up to the front row, as will any national champions who have aged up. The rest will be filled in based on time trial results, followed by those who opt out of competing in the TT.

“There’s not going to be anything super technically demanding, we don’t want flat tires or mechanical issues,” race director Brad Ross said of the time trial course. “But it will be physically demanding, with a couple of good long climbs and a good run-up section.”

The time trial will take place at NorthWest Crossing, on the north side of Summit High School. Anxious to get a peak of the course? It’s in the same location as the WebCyclery Thrilla CX Series, running every Thursday for the month of September.

You’ll find a comprehensive profile of the time trial and the upcoming Nationals, as well as interviews with Brad Ross and USAC’s managing director of national events Micah Rice in the just-mailed-out Issue 10, hitting the newsstands soon!

Similar to last year’s extravaganza, the 2010 Nationals promises to offer non-stop action both on and off the course, as worthy events are already springing up to lure you out of your pre-race cocoon and around town.

Preliminary Calendar for 2010 Nationals in Bend:

Wednesday December 8th

• 8am-4pm – Time Trial races in NorthWest Crossing to decide starting positions
• 2pm-5pm – Singlespeed Men and Womens National Championship races

Thursday December 9th

• 8am-4pm – Time Trial races in NorthWest Crossing to decide starting positions.
• 8am-5pm – USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship races
• 6pm-10pm – Cross Culture Bike Art Festival
• 7pm-9pm – Crossing Barriers masters women’s social gathering

Friday December 10th

• 8am-4pm – Time Trials in NorthWest Crossing to decide starting positions
• 8am – 5pm – USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship races
• 6pm-10pm – Cross Culture Bike Art Festival
• 7pm-9:30pm – Cyclocross film and music at the Tower Theater

Saturday December 11th

• 8am-4pm – Time Trials in NorthWest Crossing to decide starting positions
• 8am – 5pm – USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship races
• 6pm-10pm – Cross Culture Bike Art Festival
• 6pm-8:30pm – World premier of Brian Vernors new cyclocross film and live music at the Tower Theater
• 9pm-Late – Cross Nat’s Blowout Bash at Deschutes Brewery Warehouse
• 9:30pm – Clydesdale Cyclocross Championships of the Universe at the Deschutes Brewery Warehouse

Sunday December 12th

• 8am – 4pm – USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship races

Related stories:

1. Not Yet Registered for Bend? – Late Fee Looming for Nationals Registration
2. USA Cycling Announces 2010/2011 National Cyclocross Calendar
3. Ontario Releases 2010 Cyclocross Calendar

For the first time in history, the UCI cyclocross season will begin in the United States. The Nittany Lion Cross kicks-off both the UCI and Champion System MAC season on September 11th, at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania. Domestic and amateur competitors will have two opportunities to race on the weekend as the PACX season starts the following day with the Concrete Crater Cross, named for the world famous concrete velodrome at the heart of the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. In fact, the velodrome will be in action during Saturday’s Nittany Lion Cross for the MABRA Track Championships, giving spectators (and participants) the unique opportunity to walk back and forth between two completely different cycling disciplines.

One nice thing about holding a cyclocross race on the grounds of a stadium facility dedicated to bike racing is that the venue understands the needs of cyclists. With that in mind, the track’s permanent beer and wine concession will be open both days. Also open will be the Breakaway Café concession stand next to the beer stand which, as far as anyone can determine, is the only fully organic, full-service sports venue concession stand in the world. In addition to beer, wine and organic food, the facility also hosts athletic locker rooms and showers.

Aside from the infrastructure, racers will also be treated to a technical track that makes full use of the property’s elevation changes. In an experiment, the Nittany Lion Cross will change-up the usual MAC schedule a little bit by running the Elite Masters and Elite Junior race immediately after the UCI Men and Women instead of immediately before. The change does not affect the concrete Crater Cross because the lower-key PACX incorporates the Elite Masters into the Elite Men’s race for their races.  Registration and additional information for both the Nittany Lion UCI Cross (Champion System MAC) and the Concrete Crater PACX Cross is available at BikeReg.com.

Related stories:

1. Nittany Lion and Charm City Ready to Kick Off East Coast UCI Racing
2. Big Makeover For MAC’s 2010 Cyclocross Schedule – UPDATED
3. Hood River Double Cross to Kick-Start Oregon Cyclocross Season

Issue 10 is going to feature an article I wrote about running one or two front chainrings - and it will now be in FULL COLOR and sold at major retailers across the country.

If you're already a subscriber, issue 10 will be shipping shortly.

This morning I held a private cyclo-cross lesson for John. John is a definite inspiration… Read his blog post about his experience and be sure to click around his website to learn more about him and his goals.

Thanks John for coming out this morning. I was really impressed with how quickly you picked up the skills of dismounting and mounting. Good luck in the upcoming Army Run and your first marathon in October.

In this week’s adventure, Psychlo Mom confronts the sheer volume of foodstuffs two young ’crossers can put away. Her answer? Good humor and “Naked Banana Bread.” Did you miss Psychlo Mom’s debut article on “The Calm Before the Storm and a Recipe for Kick-Some-Ass Oatmeal Cookies?” Go check it out.

by Psychlo Mom

Yikes, I’m freakin’ out. Another cyclocross mom told me these Elite riders eat about 6,000 calories a day. 6,000!  Mm-hmm, Okee-dokie. So, here’s my reality…I think my family eats that many calories cumulatively. That includes my cat. Let’s be honest – I don’t know what that much food looks like in a day, or where you store it all. I’m talking just plain old where do you actually put that much food in your kitchen? When I first heard that number, I nodded like, yeah, of course. Then I got home and realized that I haven’t a clue what 6,000 calories x 2 riders/day might actually look like. My next thought was, was she messing with me?  Was that a joke and I missed it entirely or was she actually serious? I guess I’m about to find out.

Here’s one tiny glitch: I don’t believe in prepared foods. I’m not wacky, like you have to step on your own peanuts and churn your own butter, but I don’t do Chef Boyardee or Jolly Green Giant or anything that goes in a microwave and stinks like…like prepared food. I have a microwave. In the basement. I’m a little snobby about that, too. So whatever this mega-food parade is that I’ll be floating in, it has to be real. And two teenaged starrrrrving cyclocross boys have to be able to throw some of it together without my being involved. And they have to put it away when they’re finished fixing it or they’ll see Psychlo Mom transform into something way scarier than anything they’ve ever encountered on a bike.

School (as in work, for me) doesn’t start until next week, so I can still think about all the yummy foods I’m going to prepare, and they can eat them whenever or wherever  they want. Except on my couch, or upstairs, or basically anywhere besides the kitchen table, the sink or the porch. But still, that four-digit number is plaguing me. I did buy some cashews; they’re fattening, right? But does this mean these guys open the bag and polish off the whole thing in one sitting? If so, we’re switching to peanuts.

Here’s a beautiful little secret: My cx son has no idea I’m writing this. Really. Zippo. In part, it’s because you’re all probably all a little cross-eyed (“Dude, whattaya mean you don’t wanna hear about my ’cross riding business? It’s more interesting than…than…anything anyone else is thinking about. Duhhhhh!”) Whatever. But here’s a snippet of our conversation tonight as we were driving home from the Wawa (that’s pronounced 7-11 in other parts of the country) to buy ingredients I didn’t even use in this banana bread:

Me: Julz, do you think the other mom was messing with me when she said that thing about 6,000 calories?
Julz: Chyeah. Are you kidding me? Duh.

OK, Psychlo Mom, calm down. Breathe. This morning my yoga teacher said, “The essence of yoga is being exactly where you are and doing exactly what you are doing in this moment.” She looks like she consumes about 6,000 calories a month.

So, guess where I am right now? Of course I’m in my kitchen, nimwit! I’m baking! Cuz , God forbid my boys eat Tasty Cakes, right? (Something tells me the tenor of this article is gonna shift real soon. Next month: “Twenty Creative Tricks with Twinkies!” ) I’m making banana bread from scratch. Actually, I’m tweaking the Moosewood Cookbook recipe and grinding oatmeal for part of the flour because I think it’s better for you and it will fill you up longer because your body has to work a little harder to digest ground oatmeal. This is how my son interprets that: blahblahblahblahblah.

The rest of the car chat was Julz complaining that everything doesn’t have to be “whole grain organic shit.” Here’s where the yoga really kicks in: he’s still alive. I explained that he is free to purchase and eat whatever he wants on his own time and his own dime, but I am not going to suddenly buy stock in Wonder Bread. Yet.

If the banana bread is nice, you’ll see a recipe for it here. What the heck, there’s giant chocolate chips and toasted nuts mixed in—how bad could it be?!  The house is starting to smell all yummalicious. That’s always a good sign. I’ll let you know how it goes.

[Later, that same day...] Otay…that was not better than a Krimpet (you guys who know Tasty Cakes know how high that bar is). I’m not serving up that round of banana bread on race day. Of course, if Julz and Anthony don’t finish off the dry loaf, I’ll freak out about how they’re wasting perfectly good food. They can smear Nutella all over it, but I’m going back to the kitchen for another attempt at a recipe that makes your eyes roll back in your head. Back soonish with that.

Honestly, the best banana bread I ever made or ate is the Nakedest Banana Bread Ever. We’re talking rotten, old bananas, butter, sugar, a little flour, maybe. This is good; you’ll like it. If the boys on the Cyfac team are riding fast next weekend, it’s ‘cuz this bread is a rush. Try it and fly!

NAKED BANANA BREAD RECIPE:

1 ¼ cup flour
1 cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup butter (softened at room temperature)
3-4 very very ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs, well beaten
½ cup of pecan pieces

1.        Preheat oven to 350. Sift dry ingredients together.
2.       Add butter by hand…mash it up until the mixture is crumbly.
3.       Add bananas and quickly add eggs.  Do not overmix!  The mixture should be lumpy.
4.       Pour into a greased 9”x 5” loaf pan.  Sprinkle nuts over the top.
5.       Bake 45 minutes, or until a chopstick comes out clean.

Related stories:

1. Introducing Psychlo Mom – The Calm Before the Storm and a Recipe for Kick-Some-Ass Oatmeal Cookies
2. Never Trust Pre-reg Lists – A Column by Ryan Kelly
3. Post-Season Ruminations – A Column by Lee Waldman

by Josh Liberles

New Englanders have the opportunity to kick off this cyclocross season in grand style with Nor’easter ’Cross at Loon Mountain, New Hampshire. The UCI-sanctioned race itself sounds like a winner, but that’s a small part of what’s on offer. Try this on for size: 13 badass bands, free camping with admission, pro bouldering competitions, climbing clinics and even a free fun trail run. The EMS Outdoor Festival, a celebration of Sport, Music and Conservation, runs September 24th through 26th, with the cyclocross race smack dab in the middle both temporally, on Saturday, the 25th, and physically, as the course wends its way right through the middle of the festival’s base camp and main stage.

We at Cyclocross Magazine are huge fans of integrating races into larger events. Not only does it mean more fans at that single event, but once new folks get a gander at the glory that is ’cross, it also inevitably draws more interest and participation towards the sport. Plus – no offense – it gives us all the chance to hang out with people other than just bike racers once in a while and, in this case, to get our groove on.

I talked to course designer and cyclocross stalwart Adam Myerson, who also runs the Cycle-Smart International race in Northampton, MA., and event promoter Pete Ward to get the inside scoop of what to expect from the event.

UPDATE: The Elite women’s prize list will get a hefty bump, with the top 15 women receiving payout equal to the top 15 men. The goal is to increase women’s participation and to help support the top talent.

Adam, you typically do everything from race logistics to course design to promotion. It must be a relief to be able to focus on just putting on a good race? Tell us how that has been so far (or how you anticipate that process to be). What can we expect from the course?

Adam: I’m using the same crew as I do for Northampton [Cycle-Smart International], so that certainly makes things easier. They all are very good at their jobs at this point, and I really just have to direct and do a lot of the up front work. The fact that I’ve been hired as a subcontractor here, rather than owning the event, has some pros and cons, but so far, mostly pros. The financial pressure of searching for sponsorship is removed, and that’s never been my strength. It does allow me to focus on the course, logistics and catering to my customers, AKA: the racers. What’s different is that I have to balance those needs with the needs of the event as a whole, and really change my perspective on what a ’cross race can be. Pete has a very big vision, and there are a lot of considerations. Learning about what I need to do to make his event successful overall has been a new challenge for me.

The course, being that it’s in the basin of a ski area, is very difficult. It’s shaped like a half-pipe, more or less, with steep climbs at either end, separated by fast, flat sections in the middle. All of the course winds its way through the festival, so there will be literally thousands of spectators on the course. One end even winds around the concert’s main stage. The race is going to be unique in every way.

From the prelim schedule that I’ve seen, it looks like the Elites are midday, with the two Masters racers categories coming at the end. Why did you structure it like that?

Adam: This isn’t a normal ’cross in that it’s part of a bigger entertainment package, and we have multiple events to work around. We needed the feature ’cross events finished before the finals of the climbing competition, and before the headlining bands took the stage. It’s been great, actually, to have some freedom to structure the day in a non-traditional way.

As an outdoorsy-oriented, multi-day event, I assume there will be plenty of camping opportunities for racers?

Pete: Camping is available to festival ticket holders and one a first come, first served basis, which means it’s moving fast. You can get festival tickets when you register at Bikereg.com, and there’s a $20 discount for athletes and friends of athletes. We really appreciate the willingness of Adam and the greater ’cross community to join us, and we wanted to extend that offer as a small token of our appreciation to the athletes for being part of the show.

That said, don’t panic if you miss the boat or don’t care to hang out and see the Main Stage. We’re right in the middle of the White Mountain National Forest, so camping and hotels are everywhere.

The event is September 25th, really right as ’cross season is heating up in New England. What other nearby races can participants hit, if they still have energy after racing, then rocking out Saturday night?

Adam: With the Mayor’s Cup Criterium in Boston on Sunday, and Suckerbrook ’Cross in NH, I think we’re going to see a lot of riders making a big weekend out of it. The best approach is to get a hotel in Lincoln, stick around to watch the show once the race is over, and then head to NH or Boston Sunday morning.

I know there are a bunch of bands as well as other non-cycling activities on tap at the EMS Outdoor Festival. Can you give me a run-down of what to expect?

Pete: Yeah, The Nor’easter’s got a lot going on. Staying on the Sport side of things first, the rock climbing pro tour, the Unified Bouldering Championships are having the 2010 tour championships at The Nor’easter, and that will attract the best climbers from around North America and even worldwide so that will be cool. My roots are in climbing and our company, NE2C Productions has worked hard to build that sport, hopefully with the same dedication that Adam has for ’cross. You can learn more about the UBC Pro tour at www.boulderingcomps.com

There’s also a costume contest “Fun Run,” outdoor climbing and conservation clinics, a big sponsor village, camping and of course on the main stage, music galore.

Any of your personal fave bands taking the stage (I know Adam mentioned “Chick-chick-chick” – I confess to having no idea who that is) or big names we should look out for?

Adam: It’s true; I’m a big fan and was pretty excited when Pete landed them as one of the headliners.

Pete: Man, I like em all…. I guess that’s the issue with booking your own festival! If I had to pick a few out: Obviously having The Gaslight Anthem is great, but on the lesser-known side of things, if you like to get your soul-groove on, I’d say watch out for Eli “Paperboy” Reed and the True Loves. Another band I’m really psyched about is The Constellations. They’ve got a great funk vibe and were recently called out by iTunes and Paste magazine for being “the next big thing.” But, man, we’re lucky most of the bands at The Nor’easter have new albums out in 2010, and they all rock. Heaviest on my playlist lately has been The Walkmen who just got rave reviews from NPR. If you’re interested in the sound of any of these guys, there’s a music player on the festival website, www.noreaster.ems.com, and you can check the music out there. There are 13 bands across two days – not a bad deal for $55, if you don’t mind me saying so.

Will you do anything to lure the climbers or music spectators onto the course to give cyclocross a whirl?

Adam: Since this is our first run through, I’ve been mostly focused on putting on a good show for both my racers and the potential spectators. I think there is almost limitless possibilities to bring ’cross to new people with the event, so perhaps once we see what’s possible, we’ll start to look at more development opportunities like that. This year, I just want to run a solid race.

Any of the NE superstars committed to making the race? Adam, you gonna go out on a limb and predict an early season “W” from your own event?

Adam: Even if I wasn’t the organizer, I would have very little chance of winning this race. It’s way too hard for me, I predict. I will definitely take the start line, though, because I think it’s the best way to know how your race rides from your customer’s perspective. If I know how it feels to race it, I can keep tweaking the course in the future. We’ll release a start list as we get closer to race day.

Who are the main sponsors and what are they bringing to the event?

Pete: We are lucky to have many, many great partners for the Nor’easter. Of course, SmartWool, High Gear and Eastern Mountain Sports are specifically supporting cyclocross at The Nor’easter, so  participants: please let them know what you think about the event if you see them at the race.

For more info: www.noreasterems.com

Related stories:

1. Middle Cross Fall Bike Fest Brings Cyclocross to Boulder Middle Schools
2. Cincinnati UCI3 Festival Offers Lodging Deals, Meals and Bike Washing
3. Valmont City Park Bike Fest, Cyclocross Race and Groundbreaking Ceremony

Some exciting things happening lately…. Originally I was traveling to Aigle, Switzerland on Oct. 14 to race at the World Cup on Oct. 17. Now I’m not doing this….

Instead I’m traveling to Aigle, Switzerland on Oct. 2… To attend a 15 day cyclo-cross training camp taught by the legendary Erwin Vervecken! This is a camp run by the UCI – so I’m confident that it will be well run and a really good use of my training time. We’ll be staying in Aigle, training daily, staying together and prepping for the World Cup on the 17th. I’m pretty excited to be able to attend this training camp. At first I wasn’t sure if I should go, but such opportunities don’t come along every week. Seize the day!

My dad is still coming to the races – change is that instead of meeting him in Frankfurt, I’ll meet him in Aigle. So luckily everything works out quite easily. I have to say that I received outstanding customer service from Air Canada getting my flight changed. Also big shout out to Simon Burney for me in navigating some bureaucratic hoops for me – I owe you Simon!

Had a great day of training yesterday. Met up with Karl and Conor to do some ‘cross skill work out at Karl’s place. He has built a pretty cool ‘cross training course that has some challenging terrain. We all had fun tackling the sand, run-up, steep descent, and testing our limits. Just what I needed since I’m in a rest week right now… (Steve, I took it easy and made sure not to go into the red zone.) I took some photos of Karl’s course so you can see what is possible with a bit of hardwork and creativity:

Fast descent or steep climb – look out for the ruts!

The course after the descent/before the steep climb:

The really steep descent or quick run-up (other side of the dirt hill):

Part of the sand track:

Many thanks to the Hoppner’s for their hospitality – we kind of took over their house last night with our training, endless chatter and then enjoying the fine meal. Thanks again – it was a great night.

Today is looking a good training day as well. I’m kicking things off with a cyclo-cross practice session with John – he is new to cyclo-cross, so I’m sure we’ll have fun learning the basics. Then I’m off on my road bike for recovery ride. I received some wise words from my coach yesterday and they deserve to be shared with you:

“Just a gentle reminder to make sure you take your recovery days as seriously as your rest days!”

Zdeněk Štybar is showing great form as the cyclocross season nears. Yesterday the reigning cyclocross world champion won the 1.3km prologue, with the rest of his Telenet-Fidea teammates all crammed into the top 11. Tom Meeusen was three seconds back in the hilly effort, good enough for second place. Robert Gavenda was fifth, Petr Dlask sixth, Rob Peeters 10th and Bart Wellens 11th.

As Štybar told the Gazet van Antwerpen, “I barely had time to warm up, because I did not make the plane on Tuesday and had only a few hours before my start in Slovakia.”

Despite snagging fourth in the group gallop finish of the ensuing Stage 1, Štybar lost his jersey by one second to Alexander Porsev due to time bonuses at the line. Štybar commented that he wasn’t terribly concerned interested in mounting an overall GC defense, and that the purpose of his participation in the stage race was merely as preparation for the cyclocross season. Štybar was initially scored as finishing third, which would have kept him in the jersey, but after reviewing, the judges ended up placing him fourth.

According to his Telenet-Fidea team, Styby will kick off his cyclocross season with two races in his home country, the Czech Republic, with a contest in Stribo on September 25th followed by a race in Louny on the 28th. His first trip to Belgium for a race will be for the GvA trophy event in Namur.

Related stories:

1. Wellens, Stybar Show Good Summer Form in Tour of Czech Republic
2. Kevin Pauwels Takes Stage Win, Misses GC at Tour de Serbia
3. Rumors Over Stybar’s New Team Put to Rest

After the cyclo-cross practice session on Monday evening, the group asked me to send them an email with the key “tips and tricks” for each thing we practiced. I thought this information might be of use to you as well….

So, here are my tips and tricks to think about and focus on when working on cyclo-cross skills. Hopefully these will be useful to you. If you have some of your own tips and tricks – lets read them – post up in the comments so others can learn from you.

Dismounts:
- think hip – turn your hip – this will help your left foot unclip easily and provide momentum when picking up the bike
- big step – take a big step with your right foot – this will propel you forward and get your feet moving quickly
- stay relaxed – take whatever speed you feel comfortable with into the barrier or obstacle

Mounts:
- sneak a peak – look for that pedal – take a quick glance down to find out where the right pedal is
- drive the leg down – really think about getting that right foot to the pedal as fast and as powerfully as possible
- spring don’t jump – use your left leg as spring to get you up and onto your saddle – but don’t jump – this will cause you to miss the saddle or worse!

Turns:
- move around – move your body around on your saddle – squish yourself forward to the nose of the saddle and push your bum back – find what works for you
- look ahead – always anticipate what is coming around the corner – eyes up looking around the bend – the bike follows the eyes
- stay loose – keep your hands loose – your shoulders relaxed – remember to breathe – and smile!

KINGS CX TO HOST ROUND 2 OF PUR RIDE WITH KIDS SERIES

Sponsored by Pur Water Filters

The Kings CX Weekend on September 18th and 19th is the kick-off weekend for the influential Zipp OVCX Cyclocross Tour. This year, the race in Deerfield Township in suburban Cincinnati will also be part of a new grassroots ride series called the “PUR (pronounced “pure”) Ride With Kids Series,” sponsored by PUR Water Filters. Designed as the gentlest possible introduction to competitive cycling for children and their parents, the PUR Ride with Kids is not an actual race, but an opportunity for adults to ride with their kids on a safe, closed race course. According to Corey Green, the lead promoter of the Kings CX Weekend, “This is a series sponsored by PUR Water Filters to encourage kids to ride with their parents or an adult on a real race course and get an idea for what real racing involves.”

The PUR Ride With Kids event at Kings CX on Sunday, September 19th, in conjunction with the Pro-Am Zipp OVCX Tour, will be the second event of a four-“race” series. The first was at the PUR Tour road race earlier this summer. The final two rides will take place in conjunction with the three-day Cincinnati UCI3 International Cyclocross Festival. The third ride will take place at the Java Johnny’s/Lionhearts International UCI cyclocross in Middletown Ohio on October 9th, and the final ride will take place the next day as part of the grand finale of the UCI3 International Festival at Harbin Park in Fairfield, Ohio. All riders in the PUR Ride With Kids Series will have their own race numbers.

There is another connection between the Kings CX Weekend and the Java Johnny’s/Lionhearts International, other than that both are part of the Zipp OVCX Cyclocross Tour and hosting PUR Ride With Kids events. Proceeds from the Kings CX Weekend will benefit the Lionhearts Junior Cycling Team, the namesake team of the Java Johnny’s race.  Lionhearts is a team of children between the ages of nine and 13 dedicated to cyclocross. Each child on the team, which has doubled in size since last year, typically participates in more than 10 races per year.

In concept, the PUR Ride With Kids events are similar to “Kids Run the Bases” day at Major League ballparks or race car ride nights at local Saturday night stock car tracks. In all three cases, children can be inspired by having the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence. Doug Dobrozsi, who is a major part of Junior cycling in southern Ohio as well as the promoter of the Java Johnny’s/Lionhearts International, explained some of the motivation behind the creation of the PUR Ride With Kids Series. “What’s true, especially in modern suburbs, is that kids just don’t have a safe and fun place to ride.  By giving them the race course for a little while, we’re giving them a small chance. A second point is that it really takes a friendly adult to help a kid go ride. The adults literally ‘give the gift of cycling’ to kids. Just about every Junior who races had such a person. The PUR Ride With Kids series is designed to encourage that a little.”

With Junior-specific teams, kid- and-parent friendly introductions to the sport, multiple opportunities to race and a new permanent cyclocross facility in Covington, Kentucky, that literally overlooks downtown Cincinnati, the future of cyclocross and other cycling disciplines looks set to continue its torrid growth in the Midwest.

Related stories:

1. Vancouver Island’s Series Final Boasts Free Racing for Kids and Beginners
2. Zipp Re-ups as Title Sponsor of OVCX Series
3. 3-Day Cincinnati ‘Cross Festival Announced

by Sasha Magee

As I hit the steep rocky drop-off for the fourth time today, I (for the first time) successfully resist the urge to try to set up my pedals to clear the granite bits embedded in the narrow trail. Instead, I prepare for pedal strike as my back wheel skips from rock to rock. I can’t set my pedals up because I’m doing something kind of dumb – I’m riding a mountain bike race* on a fixed-gear cyclocross bike.

I’ve been riding my ’cross bike fixed a fair amount this summer, but only for casual road rides and training. In fact, it’s only been in the last couple months that I’ve gotten up the nerve to ride fixed offroad at all. In that time, though, I’ve gotten comfortable with the concept, which means getting used to only occasional traction in back and a whole lot of pedal strike.

I’m not going to claim that riding fixed ’cross means anything as metaphysical as becoming “one with the trail,” or that I can say anything about it that includes the word “zen.” Instead, I think you end up with a tolerance for all sorts of stuff that can freak out less foolhardy riders. Pedal strike? No problem. I’ve left Candy prints on rocks and roots all over San Francisco (and despite the criticism they sometimes get, those pedals have held up remarkably well to my abuse). Dubious rear traction? Sure. Adding one more variable (am I pedaling? How fast?) makes it remarkably more difficult to stick the back tire, particularly on the loose rocky downhills that permeate the Bay Area’s wilder spots.

*It may not be fair to call this a “mountain bike race.” It’s an underground, unsanctioned, casual race in one of San Francisco’s less-trafficked parks. It’s not exactly NORBA standards of seriousness here, either. To successfully complete the race you must ride five laps and complete two challenges, one of which involves shooting a slingshot at a cutout of a dinosaur while drinking a margarita. Still, the trails are narrow and rocky, and they demand some pretty sharp bike handling. When the leaders lap me, I note they’re all riding mountain bikes. And not slowly, either.

If singlespeed cyclocross is, as one Cyclocross Magazine forum member described it, “a cult within a cult within a cult,” fixed-gear cyclocross would further subdivide that into one more cult. That’s not really surprising. Unlike with a regular singlespeed – where in a B field, I, at least, compete nearly as well on a single as on a geared bike) in technical terrain – fixed gear racing’s almost always slower. Dismounts are particularly difficult. You need to align your dismounts to the pedal angle pretty carefully – no coasting into the barriers here! It’s not impossible, and I’ve seen people do it pretty successfully, but it’s certainly still marginal indeed.

When proper racing season starts, will I ride fixed? Probably not. When my competitive juices really get going, I don’t think I’ll be willing to give up as much advantage as I’d be conceding. It’s also all too likely I’d screw up a dismount and end up plowing into a barrier or clipping a pedal on a road turn. That’d be dangerous to me, but also to other racers. Still, though, if you see me on the trails in one of San Francisco’s parks as the summer ends, you’ll likely see me spinning madly downhill, hoping to keep my rear tire on the dirt and my pedals out of it.

I charge in to the finish somewhere in the bottom half of the pack, spinning madly as I grab a finishing card. It’s not one of my better finishes. People I beat normally have already grabbed a cup and are lining up at the keg. As we spend the next hour grilling and sipping, I try to resist the temptation to explain my performance away by calling attention to my lack of freewheel. I’m mostly successful, although I do occasionally feel compelled to mention it. After the awards I head home, empty handed, dirty and bruised, but satisfied that I achieved something very few other people would be silly enough to try. Which is as good a description of cyclocross as any, isn’t it?

Related stories:

1. Custom Cyclocross Clothing Guide: Nalini Custom Cycling Apparel (Parts I & II)
2. Top Women Drawn to Ohio with Equal Pay
3. Equal Pay in Cyclocross – One Young Man’s Opinion

Ordered some decals for the Raleigh project, had some coming from Thailand, they arrived, were the wrong type. So now waiting for the right type to arrive.

The good news is that the wrong versions I can use on another Raleigh project.

Patience is tough.

Plus Financial Incentives for Amateur Women

The Champion System MAC Cyclocross Series has announced a radical increase of the Women’s prizes at every event of this year’s 11-race series. Effective immediately, starting with the UCI Nittany Lion Cross in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania, on September 11, every race in the Champion System MAC Series will pay equal prize money to the top three Elite women as to the top three Elite men. Series director Mike Hebe also announced cash incentives for amateur women racing in the Category 3/4 division. “As a series, I feel that we definitely respect the effort that the Elite Women put forth,” said Hebe. “Any way that we can help to offset a disparity in prize money is a good thing. We’re thrilled to be able to make this work not just for one or two days at any given venue, but throughout the season for all 11 races of our series,” he added.

“This is an experiment for 2010 that we hope can springboard equal pay and bigger women’s fields into the future.”

According to the official statement, the Elite Women’s division at Champions System MAC races must now pay at least $494 for the win at the Series’ nine UCI-sanctioned races (nearly double the UCI standard). At MAC’s two domestic USAC-sanctioned races, the previously announced women’s top prize of $250 will remain, but will now be supplemented by complete parity with the men’s purse through all 13 paying positions. The prize money increase is the result of a recent collaboration between MAC series leadership and members of the Mid-Atlantic racing community.

As part of the same announcement, Hebe also revealed that “gambler’s” primes have been added to the Amateur women’s races at every stop of this year’s Champion System MAC Series. “This prime will award $25 to the first 45+ Woman AND $25 to the first Cat 3/4 Woman to hit the bell lap,” explained Hebe. “This prime is not to award a race winner. It is to entice someone to make a decision about racing. Beginner classes need to hone their tactical skills and this can do that. If there is a group, this is a great chance to attack, or counter the person who went for the prime.”

Hebe also announced a one-time incentive of $50 to the highest-ranking Category 3 Woman who “races up” and enters the Elite race at the second non-UCI race of the season at Fair Hill, Maryland. The course at Fair Hill is located just west of the University of Delaware, the alma mater of a certain Katie Compton, who rode extensively at Fair Hill and was MAC’s first women’s champion. “Fair Hill is late enough in the season that, hopefully, this will entice someone to challenge herself and use that race for experience and their Cat 3/4 drop race,” said Hebe, referring to the best-10-of-11 scoring system used by the Champion System MAC Series this year.

The addition of these prizes marks an exciting update to MAC’s history of both depth and breadth in women’s races. In addition to Compton and Georgia Gould, who both won MAC championships early in their careers, last year’s series champion Laura van Gilder, who intends to defend her title, and runner-up Maureen Bruno Roy both went on to represent the United States at the 2010 Cyclocross World Championships. For more information on Champion System MAC Series races, see BikeReg.com.

Related stories:

1. Top Women Drawn to Ohio with Equal Pay
2. One Promoter’s Perspective on Equal Pay for Women
3. MAC Final, Everything Old is New Again – UPDATED – Equal Payouts, Race to Benefit Trips for Kids

Lake Cycling announced their role as “Supporting Sponsor” of the CrossVegas cyclocross event, one of the premier UCI events on the domestic calendar providing spectators and competitors alike with an exhilarating experience.

Lake has a long history of supporting US cyclocross events and athletes. Chris Dimmick of Lake stated, “We believe this event truly represents the finest of what the US cyclocross scene has to offer – show-stopping theatrics and a great international field of today’s best athletes. We’re thrilled to be involved and show our support.”

Chris and other representatives from Lake and Veltec Sports, Inc. will be on-site at the Lake Expo booth to exhibit the newest, most technologically advanced line of shoes available in today’s competitive market. With features like the first-ever usage of Boa lacing system in a cycling shoe and Outlast® temperature regulating technology, Lake has led the industry in innovation and design for over 25 years.

The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 with the Wheelers & Dealers race, followed by Elite Women at 7:50 p.m. and Elite Men at 9:00 p.m. Among the Elite Men will be Lake’s own Jeremy Powers, a long time sponsored rider of Lake and member of the Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com racing team. Fans are encouraged to stop by the Lake booth for a meet & greet with Jeremy.

Related stories:

1. CrossVegas Announces Women’s Prize Boost
2. Clement Returns to Cyclocross With Clincher Tire and Cross Vegas Sponsorship
3. Registration for CrossVegas Opens August 1st

We made it to St Anne. We left at 8:30am and arrived at the condo at 8pm. That's almost 12 hours of travel door to door. It is much longer then driving but pretty relaxing too to fly.

The course here uses most of the same trails as in the past but goes different directions on them. They have built the coolest bridges I have ever ridden over in a race. They are usually squared off edges with no transitions, just 2 ramps up on a table type of design. These bridges have sweet transitions and they are more like something you would see in a skate park. Rad! All course bridges should be built like that.

The course is also completely dry and where there is usually mud even if it isn't rainy there is 5 inches of dust/sand. I'm going to ride the 29er Epic because this course is rough when it's wet so when it's dry it's really rough.

I didn't drop at all in the UCI ranking after last weekend so I'm number 13 and should start number 12 since the little Footlicker is racing U23. That will be my best ever start position for Worlds and due in large part to the good race I had at Worlds last year finishing 8.

The Dart and I played some golf after training yesterday and it was a blast. He is really good for never playing since the last time he swung a club was in Durango before we went to the Olympics in 08. No course records but I did play with some real "wooden" woods that are smaller then the irons of today.

Claire has been making her famous lunches all week and my knee is almost completely healed from the Leadville crash so I can get massage on my stomach with out wincing. The Dart and I are doing the Team Relay tomorrow so we're going to do some more course recon and pin it out there for a bit today. The last time I rode the team relay for the US was in 2001 when Worlds were in Vail and it was my first season back from the Corporate/School world. It's an honor to take part in the relay and I hope I can do a good time for the team.

I might hit the pool today for a a few minutes to get ready for my South Beach trip a week from Friday, there is always something to train for.

Big thanks to Ken Bell for the copy of "Chasing Legends". Ken made "Off Road to Athens" with Gripped Films I believe and it was the coolest XC movie I've ever seen. The CL movie is about the HTC team at the Tour in 2009. It is also an awesome film I would suggest it to anyone that loves cycling.

That's all from St Anne. Did I mention the condos here now have A/C(new for me for this year) and the temperatures have been in the 90s and humid, strange for this time of year in St Anne. Everyone's grass is brown and none of the lakes have any water in them either.

I wonder what Winstons' doing right now......

While we may just be ramping up our season in the northern hemisphere, Down Under the action is already full gas. This past weekend two of the skinniest racers from the past two rounds of Dirty Deeds Cyclocross Series in Melbourne ventured north to see how their Australian brethren to the north run ’cross races.

by Nick Cee

Professor Blakey and I convinced a slightly-willing friend to drive us to our way-too-early Saturday morning flight north to Sydney. We spent settling in and enjoying the wonderful warm Sydney sunshine by the beach. The next day we were picked up by a very helpful e-friend. Kits packed, bikes were loaded and the trip down to Wollongong (~2hrs south of Sydney) was underway.

It should be pointed out that for the past three to four months, it’s been very little but mud tires and controlled power out of corners down in Melbourne. Right from the word go, I suspected that I wasn’t going to need my WTB Crosswolfs up north. It was hovering around the high teens/low twenties (Celsius) and it had been a week or more since it rained.

Upon arriving at the venue, we were immediately impressed with the club’s use of available space. Like Dirty Deeds race #1, these guys had used all kinds of nooks and crannies around their velodrome, but in a very interesting way. We were quickly identified as “visitors” and heartily greeted. Everything short of the red carpet was rolled out to us and our “pit crew.”

We quickly had our tires changed over ([cross nerd digression]Vittoria XG up front, my street tire in the back, in a gamble based on the dry course [/cross nerd digression]) and bikes set up thanks to our wonderful pit crew, then rolled out to check the course. The course featured a gravel start that quickly went to grass, a short, sharp uphill pitch around a tree and then back around past the start and over a double set of barriers, a tight u-turn into some trees and over a sand mound/pit. Then it was hrough a series of tight s-bends and then out over a longer, shallower sand pit, around a corner, and a slight uphill to a triple set of ankle-high barriers. From there it was back onto gravel then off down a quick piece of off-camber, root-covered singletrack that seemed to always spit me into a tree if I exited too quickly. Next it was on the gas along a gravel path to a log barrier, a quick u-turn section and back over the log. You then hauled out and back along the edge of the velodrome before hopping an oversized sewerage pipe, back along a gravel path before dropping into the velodrome and across the center (and some thick grass) before climbing up the wall and riding along the top edge around a good third of the track. What came next was probably my favorite part of the course, as the organizer had you turn 90-degrees and drop straight down the wall into the infield, turn right and then immediately hop a barrier. Blow you turn on that corner and you were spat straight into  the barrier. Riders then rode back around and across the velodrome, up the wall again and around some final gravel before crossing the start/finish. Check the photos for more visual evidence. Another thing that is very much worth noting is that the organizers had mown the race lines out of the grass, but there was a good meter or more of “rough” inside the tape in lots of places. This meant that if you overcooked corners, you had twice the effort to power back up as you went around. Riding smart lines was key.

We managed to convince the organizers that, although we had flown up for the race, we actually weren’t that good and it was safe to put us in Division 2. As we lined up at the start with only one practice lap done – all that talking to new friends and prep/kitting up had killed any real warmup plans we had – I looked around and saw a lot of smiles and felt the normal butterflies in my stomach.

Then with little more than a “GO!” we were off… I had a decent start and found myself in third-ish place heading into the first set of barriers. A good transition and I was nipping at the heels of first, then I decided to make the same mistake as I had in my practice lap and missed a turn around a tree. Before I knew it, I was doubling back to get back on course and at the tail end of the field. Now, all the ’cross reading I’ve done repeats the same mantra in this situation: “Don’t stress, settle down quickly, focus on riding YOUR race, and let others make their mistakes.” So I hunkered down and focused on riding cleanly and smart and one-by-one picked off the racers in front of me.

I’m still new at all of this and am not afraid to admit that I’m a regular visitor to the “pain cave” during races, so I’m not sure which lap it was that I ended up hearing that I’d climbed back to a podium place. I do know that I was already aware that I should’ve learned bunnyhops before the race, as all the MTBers were hopping a few of the barriers and making up precious ground on me. This was good as it really kept me on my toes and made me focus on the areas I knew I could use my bike and gears to my advantage, notably the velodrome and gravel path.

I then got locked into a pretty good battle with this teenager on a MTB behind me. He was definitely quicker on the singletrack/sand and was charging at the bunny-hoppable barriers, while I was giving everything I had at the gravel and velodrome sections to maintain a gap. It was about then I discovered that i could hit the drop-down turn on the track quite hot and skid-drift my rear wheel around the turn off of the track, washing speed off at the same time before the barrier. I guess all that time sliding around in the mud had paid off.

A little bobble on two remounts, then too much time in the rough through the grass turns, and I found myself with not only the pesky teenager slipping by me, but also fourth place, who had been hot on our wheels. The difference between defending a position and chasing feels like night and day and now I was staring at two back wheels.

I threw almost everything I had at the kid, trying to use my skinny-tired advantages while not blowing up, and snuck inside him on a sharp turn a lap or so later, then hit it hard to try and build a gap. Unfortunately while I focused on getting around the Junior MTBer, the guy who had previously been in fourth (on a flat-bar ’cross bike) built enough of a cushion that I could see him, but never quite get close enough to realistically launch an attack.

About this time I heard the MC announce the bell lap for the leader, and I realized the end was near. I put my head down and focused on using every lesson I’d learned on the course to build on my gap back to my challenger – upshift for the tight s-bends/hit the sand mound fast and loose/relax through the singletrack/power down on the gravel/shift up for the velodrome climb and then two shifts and punch it around the track banking.

The next thing I knew I was turning onto the last gravel/grass section. A quick jersey zipup and I crossed the line punching the air in third. High-fives from my support crew, then I took my traditional laydown on he ground as I was completely spent. I’m always useless for about five minutes after I cross the line as I try to regain the ability to speak.

My cohort Blakey was through in seventh a few minutes later, a great effort given he realized that he was overgeared a couple of laps in and had to fight an increasingly difficult gear through thick grass on his singlespeed as the race wore on.

Whilst thanking the organisers and swapping stories, it became apparent that there was no MC for the Div#1 race, and having noticed my verbosity, I was asked to take over the mic. Summoning up my “inner Brendan” – who is a Dirty Deeds co-organizer and MC of dubious humour, but exceptional stamina – I accepted, and the racers were soon off and powering around the course.

A great battle for the podium spots soon developed between several local riders and the winner of an earlier ICC ’cross race, who had now swapped his fat-tired ride for a sweet Yeti CX. Not being familiar with the riders, I decided to nickname most of the field and soon Harry Potter, Biscuit, Singlespeeder, Timbat, Johnny Cash, Sweet Pinarello, Bumblebee and the Frenchman were being cheered on by the crowd.

A couple of crashes, some mid-race antics (beer handups! sandwich ordering!), pain faces and a brilliant battle for first and second, and the Div#1 guys were done. Matt “Harry” Potter came through with two laps to go and took the victory from the until-then-clear leader, local Graeme “Biscuit” Arnott, with organizer Tim “Timbat’ Bateman in a solid third.

A quick trip to the podium to receive my winnings and thank the organizers and we were packing up and heading north with very tired legs, but the huge smiles on our faces that ’cross racing brings. It was awesome to see how other clubs put courses together and to meet some very friendly fellow ’cross junkies.

I learned some new tricks both for course design and also for racing, and made some new friends as well as a little money.

Wollongong CX Photo Gallery:

Related stories:

1. Johnson and Powers Head North for the Toronto International Cyclocross
2. Convert Cross: Southern California / Nevada Cyclocross Championships
3. Dog Gone Cross! – Southern California Prestige Series

So much discussion about 'cross versus road fit. You can read a pretty lively discussion on this VeloNews article, which, I'll have to agree with Adam is pretty non-informative and potentially misleading to folks coming in to cross.

I'm not going to tell you how to get fit. You should absolutely see a professional to ensure you do not completely screw yourself up, yet the differences between your cross and road set ups should be demonstrable and designed to help you flow with the bike on a CROSS course (e.g., you're not a hill climb on pavement). For me, that means a seat height that is slightly lower and more forward than my road bike and bar position (specifically the hoods) higher for better control.  The combo of the seat position (lower/forward) and the hoods gets my body in a position that feels like it has me in a nimble position to get around the bike, yet sort of naturally enforces my elbows to be properly bent and back comfortable yet 'driving forward' to ensure I am getting power to the pedals consistently for 60 minutes (there is no coasting in baseball...er, ah cross).

Anyways, while studying tapes last night, I saw this awesome example of positional dispariy between De Clercq, Nijs and Vervecken...three World Champions. You'll seen Sven looking very cross-classic...e.g. positionally high, Vervecken impossibly low....e.g., 'Euro Low' (seat way down and back lurched forward and finally De Clercq who is somewhere in between but with a road influence for sure.

Anyways, ensure you get a REAL fit this season to ratchet up your game!

Monday night was a special night. I drove to Chelsea, Quebec for a cyclo-cross practice session with a group of pretty cool people. The plan for the session was to focus on the basics, keep things relaxed, and in the end have fun doing it. Speaking for myself, it was a great evening of riding, learning, discussing, and simply being outside enjoying the night.

This is the second such cyclo-cross practice session I’ve done and I’m thoroughly enjoying them. It is a great feeling to be able to give back to the community. There is nothing I like better than helping others and showing them that yes, you can learn to ride that tricky corner or get comfortable in the squishy sand. I know what it was like when I was learning – at times floundering around trying to figure things out. So it is just a super feeling to be able to help others who are going through the same things.

We discovered some fantastic trails for a good session of follow the leader and then it was back to the slow heavy grass for some skill work. Dismounts and mounts, breaking these techniques down to a slow speed and gradually increasing the speed, eventually adding in the barrier. Then it was time for turning and more turning.

At the end of the session everyone had rosy cheeks and I could see the improvements in each person. What a great feeling. Thanks for coming out to the cyclo-cross practice session. Looking forward to next week when we tackle some sand, do a bit of running, and uphill dismounts.

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again – it is the cyclo-cross community that makes this sport so darn awesome!

Cyclocross Magazine has just learned of a new powerhouse team which will bring together six-time American national champ and multiple-time World Cup winner Katie Compton with three-time world champion Hanka Kupfernagel of Germany and young up-and-coming Dutchwoman Tessa van Nieuwpoort. Kupfernagel finished second at Worlds the past two seasons, while Compton took the silver in 2007 and the bronze in 2009. Kupfernagel has also won the overall World Cup title twice, in 2006/2007 and 2008/2009.  As teammates, their one-two punch could prove dominant during the 2010/2011 World Cup season.

Van Nieuwpoort will be the team’s wild card – a knee injury took the 18 year-old rider out for the majority of the season, but she has shown good form on the road this past year.  She did snag an eighth place in the Elite field in Harderwijk, the Netherlands, in September, 2009, before injury derailed her season.

Both Compton, who rode for Planet Bike last year, and Kupfernagel were aboard Stevens bikes last year. Now the company has upped their support to become title sponsor for the new squad. Check out our look at the new 2011 Stevens cyclocross lineup.

Stay tune to cxmagazine.com for more info as it becomes available!

Related stories:

1. World Cup News Flash: Nys and Compton Injured, Kupfernagel to Start
2. 2009 European National Championships Roundup Day 1 – Kupfernagel, Van den Brand and Stybar Take Jerseys
3. Sneak Peak at the Colors of the 2011 Stevens Cyclocross Line

CrossVegas Announces Preliminary Field

CrossVegas organizer Brook Watts sounded like a Las Vegas odds maker as he described the field that he has managed to bring together for the September 22nd race. “The winners of the CrossVegas titles are going to come from the best field ever assembled in America. Whether you break it out by national champions attending, where we’ve got eight nations covered, or if you look at the international rankings where we’ve got three of the top 10 riders in both the Elite Men and Elite Women categories. If you look at it from another level, you’ve got the returning champions from the previous editions of CrossVegas. And then to really top it off you’ve got a dozen “wild card” contenders, and any one of those riders could draw an ace on race day!”

Talk about a great problem to have as a race organizer. For the first time in America a gathering of national champions from eight nations that includes:

Elite Men National Champs:
Tim Johnson (Cannondale – Cyclocrossworld.com) – USA
Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) – Canada
Marco Fontana (Cannondale Factory Racing) – Italy
Francis Mourey (Francaise des Jeux) – France
Geert Wellens (Champion System) – Belgium (Elite Category)
Joachim Parbo (KCH Leopard Cycles) – Denmark
Zoltan Tisza (Tecnofilm Bentonexpressz 2000) – Hungary

Elite Women National Champs:
Katie Compton (Planet Bike) – USA
Katerina Nash (Team LUNA Chix) – Czech Republic

In addition to the national champions, the Elite Men’s field will be stacked with riders from the top 20 U.C.I. ranking. Riders like fifth-ranked Gerben de Knegt of Holland (Rabobank Continental Team), Frenchman Francis Mourey (Francaise des Jeux) at seventh, Christian Heule of Switzerland (Rendementhypo Cycling Team) ranked ninth and American Jonathan Page (Planet Bike) ranked 18th.

The Elite Women’s field will include fifth place Katie Compton of the U.S. (Planet Bike), seventh place Katerina Nash of Czech Republic (Team LUNA Chix) and 16th place Amy Dombroski of the U.S. (Team LUNA Chix).

Returning are 2009 CrossVegas champions Jamey Driscoll of the U.S. (Cannondale – Cyclocrossworld.com) and Katie Compton (Planet Bike) who also won in 2008. Ryan Trebon (KONA), winner of CrossVegas 2007 and 2008 will be returning. Trebon and Compton are CrossVegas’ only two-time winners.

Stressing that this preliminary list was sure to grow as the countdown to September 22nd proceeds, Watts said, “Don’t under estimate the other great riders who will be coming to CrossVegas,” and began listing Americans Jeremy Powers (Cannondale – Cyclocrossworld.com), Adam Craig (Rabobank-Giant), Georgia Gould (Team LUNA Chix), and Meredith Miller (Cal Giant-Specialized). Tim Van Nuffel of Belgium (Vangoethem-Prorace), Martin Grujan of Switzerland (Cannondale Factory Racing), CrossVegas 2009 Silver medalist Chris Jones (Rapha-FOCUS) and Davide Frattini from Italy (HUDZ- Subaru) will also be in attendance. “I’ve probably missed a half-dozen top guys and gals that are capable of turning CrossVegas upside down.”

Watts concluded by saying, “CrossVegas is fortunate to have an abundance of talented riders who want to start their season in front of the largest crowd in American ’cross racing. The real winners are sure to be the spectators.”

More information available at www.crossvegas.com.

Related stories:

1. Schlamm Returns to Sponsor CrossVegas 2010
2. Katie Compton Returning to CrossVegas to Defend Title
3. Countdown to CrossVegas – One Week To Go

MSG is starting early this year at a beautiful new venue, Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens in Unicoi, TN. The course will be demanding, considering it’s the first race of the year, but when does a ’cross race not hurt? There will be lots of fun after the race on Saturday too, so stick around. This year, for the first time, we actually have a cash title sponsor, The Town of Unicoi, TN  – the “Gateway to Cycling Adventure”

With four different venues and dates, each race has become a knob in the 35c MSG tubie! This has given us a unique opportunity to offer day sponsorships for each race. As a result, along with our title sponsor, we offer a series cash prize total just over $6,000.00. We’ve added more coinage to the Pro Men and Women’s fields, and for the first time, we’ll be paying the Masters 35+ category! The overall has seen a modest increase over previous years as well. All other categories will still be receiving great prizes from our awesome merchandise sponsors, many of whom are sponsoring for the first time. We will also be giving away frame sets, complete bikes and a ’cross wheelset!

MSG is also honored to play host to the the first full SECCC Cyclo-cross race season by adding collegiate races to three of our races. Collegiate riders can count on having their own races, which won’t knock them out of racing their USAC category later in the day. We’ll also be assisting King College with their Collegiate race on October 31st and ETSU’s race on December 5th (both will have USAC Categories). We really enjoy young riders and want to perpetuate cyclocross into the future by helping SECCC include cyclocross as part of the collegiate cycling calender.

MSG will also be conducting our first  training race on Labor Day at Winged Deer in JC. We really need your support to build up frames for the MSG Juniors Cyclo-cross Team.

Help make September 18th and 19th the biggest ’cross race in the history of TNCX, and season 7 the best ever! BIG PRIZES, BIG VENUES, BIG TIRES AND BIG FUN!

For more info go to www.msgcross.com

Related stories:

1. Mud, Sweat and Gears Opening Weekend Breaks Tennessee Attendance Records
2. Mud, Sweat and Gears Wraps Up Final Series Races of 2009
3. Tennessee Bicycle Racing Association Ready to Kick Off Second Season

by Josh Liberles

This year’s Kruger’s Kermesse Farm Crit, held on Sauvie Island in Portland, Oregon, was not quite a cyclocross race, since there were no barriers or running sections, but it was closer to ’cross than anything else. And while the first full-on cyclocross race may still be two weeks out – at the two day, three event Cross-Over Stage Race in Eugene – today’s event was the perfect segue between high speed road competitions and riding hard on dirt, or from fat tire forays to skinny-rubber slides through corners. The 1.5-mile laps flew by in well under five minutes per round.

The Elite men and women were on the course at the same time, with staggered starts (with the Singlespeeders and Men 35+ A racers racing concurrently as well).

Elite Men: Dust in the Wind

Although he’s only ever competed in two cyclocross races, hadn’t pre-ridden the course and didn’t know the specifics of the terrain, former Euro road pro Aaron Olson (Foundation Roots) made his race plan evident from the gun in the men’s race: Go hard as hell, leave everyone else in the dust – literally.

Olson countered an early move off the front by Davy Yeater (River City Bicycles), and only Molly Cameron (Portland Bicycle Studio) was able to follow. Behind was a dust storm that rivaled the worst Paris-Roubaix edition, with huge clouds completely obscuring the course and riders forced to guess at terrain and ride on feel – and faith.

Cameron and Olson quickly built up a lead on the chasers, but by the third lap Olson was forced out of the race with a mechanical. Cameron committed to the task at hand and put her recent “monster training block” to good use, stomping on the uphills and flat sections into the wind, recovering on the long descent and staying smooth throughout. She stayed away to claim the win.

“I’m kind of surprised I won; when I was warming up, I told my teammates, ‘I feel horrible, I don’t even know if I want to start,’” continued Cameron. “I’ve been training really hard, and this caps off a big block of intensity.”

Behind, 2009 Cross Crusade series winner Sean Babcock (Team S&M) and Ian Brown (River City Bicycles) were laying down the power, both to try to bring Cameron back and to test one another. It wasn’t until the last lap that Babcock was able to exert enough pressure and dislodge Brown. They finished second and third, respectively.

“I could pedal every single corner, and I think that was key. I had two guys chasing me the whole race, and their gap was always at 15-20 seconds,” said Cameron. “I know that both Babcock and Ian are real motors, and they were working together to catch me. I was making a point of hitting the 50′ of elevation in every lap as hard as I could at that point, and I’d catch my breath for a couple of seconds.”

Further back, the next chase group eventually whittled itself down to Shannon Skerritt (Trek 29er), Benjamin Kubas (Therapeutic Associates Cycling/GENR8), your humble author (Josh Liberles, Corsa Concepts), and John Leonard (Rapha). After waging a dirty, dusty battle, we finished in that order.

“After working all weekend at a sale at the Bike Gallery, where I’m a manager, and being on antibiotics all month from a sinus infection and ruptured ear drum, I did about as well as I could’ve hoped to do,” said Skerritt.

“’Cross will be my focus again this year, as it has been for the last 10. The shop gets slow, and I can fake it for an hour without doing too much training. We just had our first baby six months ago, so I’ll do the USGPs here in Portland and the NACT StarCrossed / Rad Racing weekend in the 35+ races, and I’ll race Elites locally,” said Skerritt. “I’m really looking ahead to Nationals, where I’ll be in the 40-44 group, and further down the road to Masters Worlds in Louisville.”

[NOTE: See our feature on Molly Cameron in Issue 8 of the print magazine.]

Elite Women: Brubaker Draws First Blood

Although the Masters women fields had decent numbers, the Elite women’s race had a surprisingly low turnout for the state that has set the bar for huge women’s participation. But the trio of riders who did take the start rode fast and furious, and proved to be evenly matched. Tina Brubaker (Vanilla) traded jabs with teammates Amy Campbell and Brigette Brown (River City Bicycles) before attrition would gradually trim the lead group down to one.

“I knew that Amy’s been riding really well and killing it in recent crits, and Brigette Brown has been training specifically for ’cross this year, so I knew it’d be a good power train we’d have going,” said Brubaker. “We all stayed together, and were just railing the downhill section through the grass – and they’re super-skilled riders.”

Lapped traffic initially dislodged Brown from the others and she was unable to close the gap. Racers from other fields played a factor later in the race, too. As an Elite male racer passed the duo, Campbell jumped aboard and almost shed Brubaker before she was finally able to recover and make the junction. “Especially when there’s only three of us, that’s part of the game,” said Brubaker. “We’ll take nice pulls when we can get them.”

Brubaker and Campbell continued to test one another and to pour on the speed, until a mechanical on the course’s  deep-dust ride-up section on the backside forced Campbell off the bike for a repair. “I snapped my front derailleur, which was fine since I was in the big ring,” Brubaker said nonchalantly about turning over her 48 front chain ring. “When Amy mechanicaled, I soft-pedaled until I saw her get off her bike, then knew I couldn’t wait and punched it. I held it for the final three laps, and won the war of attrition.” Campbell was able to hold onto second, with Brown in third.

Dave Roth Photo Gallery:

Photos Courtesy Oregon Cycling Action:

Photo Gallery:

Related stories:

1. Alaphilippe, Meeusen Take Juniors, U23 in Zolder – Updated: Photo Galleries, Full Results
2. What Pressure? Zdenek Stybar Dominates Worlds in Tabor – UPDATED: Photo Galleries, Rider Reactions, Full Results
3. Nys Sprints Ahead Again in Superprestige Zonhoven – UPDATED: Photo Galleries, Full Results, Report

I won't go into great detail about the Stony Creek XC race this weekend because it wasn't a big priority for me and 4th place was a nice surprise. Missing almost the whole previous month off the bike with health issues I've finally turned the corner on my health & had the oppurtunity to put in a nice solid block of training these last 3 weeks. So Stony capped a big week of training just before I finally dust off the 'cross bike for a second time this year to start some focused training and try and get ready for the first race weekend. I'll tell everyone right now that I'm not really expecting much at the begining of the 'cross season much like Stony. This is going to be a work in progress so we'll just sit back and see where the form takes me...I hope things can come good by the end of October, but thank goodness the State Championships & Nationals are in December!

Ryan Trebon and Barry Wick have a new weapon in their race kits. While shooting the latest and greatest at the Crankworx festival in Whistler, Cyclocross Magazine contributor Joe Sales was able to catch a glimpse of the new all-carbon Kona Major Jake. The new photos provide a closer look at the updated ride that we profiled earlier this summer.

by Jamie Mack

In the world of ’cross bikes, 17 pounds is a respectable weight that many manufacturers claim for their average size frames. With a new ’cross frame revealed during the Sea Otter festival earlier this year, Kona has met that benchmark with the bikes built for two of the tallest riders in ’cross, Ryan Trebon and Barry Wicks. Typically found on custom 62+cm frames, the Twin Towers of Kona ride some of the biggest, and perhaps heaviest, frames in the Elite field. But their new 2011 Kona Jakes are taking things to a lower level, in weight anyway, and giving the Kona duo a leg up on the competition. Cyclocross Magazine was able to check in with Barry Wicks and get the inside story on the new rides.

Kona was given a simple mission by their star riders – make a bike that was lighter, stiffer and faster than one of the most respected frames on the circuit. And don’t dare sacrifice the ride quality and durability that the scandium Major Jakes have shown over the past few years. And do it all in a 63cm frame. Nothing like a little pressure from the daunting pair of Elite ’cross riders to bring sweat to the brow of a few engineers and builders.

According to Wicks, there was no problem. “I don’t know how they did it, but they were able to produce a bike for us that met all our specific targets.” Wicks tried to clarify the expectations the riders had passed to the development team, saying, “from the perspective of a racer, we are always trying to make our bikes lighter, stiffer and faster. The scandium Major Jake frames that we have been riding for the last few seasons have been awesome, but we wanted to see if we could push it a little bit further.”

Kona pushed things more than a little bit. For this year’s team bikes, Kona dove straight in and came up with the all-carbon Kona Jake. But the development team didn’t stop with a simple change of materials, they used the flexibility of the design aspects and construction characteristics unique to carbon to incorporate other features that ’cross racers would appreciate.

Stiffness was a chief concern expressed by Wicks and Trebon in working with the development team on the new frame. Wicks confirmed this, saying, “The biggest worry Ryan and I had when moving to a carbon frame was maintaining stiffness. We are both pretty big guys who put out a lot of power, so just enlarging some off-the-shelf carbon frame was not an option.” Key areas of the frame, such as the bottom bracket junction, show the attention that was paid to maintaining the stiffness needed for the frame to be raced at the highest level. Recent photos show that the front end incorporates additional material at the seat tube/head tube junction to increase stiffness.

The incorporation of a BB30 bottom bracket shell was a fairly simple step, but again Kona went further. The hexagonal down tube is almost as wide as the bottom bracket shell, providing a stable platform for putting power to the pedals. Chainstays are box-section pieces that emerge from a joint, again nearly as wide as the bottom bracket shell. Looking at the junction of all this carbon, the stiffness is evident, but so is the ’cross-specific design. The chainstays flare out at the wheel to allow for generous mud clearance. The seatstays are a similarly stout affair, with the wishbone design beginning with a stout tube emerging from the seat junction and flaring at the wheel to allow for mud clearing.

The other tubes of the frame also show the effective use of carbon with a nod to the off-road destiny of the Jake. The tapered head tube allows for greater stiffness in the hectic starts of a ’cross race while also aiding steering and helping to eliminate brake chatter. The flattened top tube makes it a little more comfortable to portage through the run sections common on cyclocross courses. Internal cable routing is used for the derailleur and rear brake cables to help ensure that the conditions this bike is likely to see won’t slow it down.

The one area that Kona was content to leave intact from previous models was the geometry. This allows the geometry that has been refined by nearly 10 years of Elite rider input to remain, meaning that riders used to the handling of previous models will feel right at home on the new carbon frame. Wicks was particularly happy with this aspect of the development, saying, “The ride is awesome. We stuck with the same tried and true Kona ’cross geometries that we have been refining, so the bike is very familiar to us and handles well.”

Development of a carbon frame for cyclocross is a balance of maintaining stiffness while taking advantage of carbon’s ability to dampen small vibrations. The vibration dampening is often overlooked in ’cross because of the overly rough terrain, but most of us will take any little piece of comfort we can get during the 45 to 60 minutes of pain and torture of a race.

The prototype that Wicks has spent a good deal of time on this spring and summer isn’t built up with the snazzy, race-only specs that he enjoys during the year. He’s been using a mix of more durable, if heavier, components and clincher wheels. And that’s the bike that comes in at that magic number of 17 pounds. Wicks is happy with the weight of the bike and for the upcoming season expects that “once I have full race spec on the bike, it will be close to 16lbs.” That’s pretty light on anyone’s scale, and it’s even more impressive for a 63cm bike.

While some details remain unconfirmed, including finishes and build specs, it seems that both Wicks and Trebon are aching to be racing aboard the new rides this fall. Wicks summed up his feelings about the new team bikes in the way only he can, saying, “Essentially, we took the already awesome Scandium Major Jake, sprinkled a little magic fairy dust on top and came out with a bike that is 30% more awesome.”

Photo Galleries

Related stories:

1. Pro Bike Profile – Helen Wyman’s Kona Major Jake
2. Pro Bike Profile: Jonathan Page’s Blue Norcross Carbon
3. Two Days in a Row: Powers and Johnson Topple the Twin Towers in Kentucky, Compton Beats the Canucks

Now that you know what frames I'll be riding, you can spot me easily at the races!
I am so excited!
THANKS ZANNATA!!!!

Being brought to failure and the repeating stresses we put on our bodies and minds the way we do is humbling. Yet we repeat these antics for we are driven. We are driven to do the best we can and not simply roll over and succumb.

So it was this weekend and the many weekend prior. Out with my training partners for the early part of this season prepping for cross. Webber, Hackworthy, Dubba, Overton, Robson, Spalding, Bortz and more. Team mates and suffer-mates all these last few months getting in the good and hard miles. 5-6lbs of body fluid lost on these rides as we traverse unbelievable Aspen-lined singletrack at 9,000 feet, climb 10% grades and just…suffer. Training in a way that keeps the smiles affixed, even as the kilojoules mount up.

I have to look at November and December. I have to look  farther down the road. I have to remember the day I hit terra firma this summer and my forced rest that ensued. I have to listen to my mentors and truly hear them when they say “something has finally stopped you and will force you to push the high end out to where it needs to be…” This is not 2003 and picking off races is not possible with the pool of sharks we swim in on any given weekend here in CO. Fit now is suicide, so feeling generally bad is good on these rides. Not bad as in overtrained-bad, but that feeling when you are under significant load and your body instinctively knows the sharpened point of the pencil hasn't been ground in yet yet you can feel it in the distance. Leg speed is slower, the chain is still felt, yet you are happy.

I have my sport back in its compartment. Back under control. Leveraged to balance the rest of the seats on my three-sided teeter.  This important leg keeps me alive, feeling inspired, that I can push as hard as ever.

The season is here.

Game on.

by Jamie Mack

Many of the top ’cross racers that we’ll soon be rooting for on courses around the country spent this past weekend on a small ski mountain in upstate New York. The World Cup stopped at Windham Mountain for the sixth round of cross country competition. With this being the first time in five years for a World Cup in America, and almost 20 years since the East Coast hosted one, the best of the best of American racers came out to see how they stacked up. The mountain bikers were seeing the end of their season, as this was the final World Cup, but the ’crossers in the crowd were out to see how the fitness was coming along as their season is about to begin.

The racing got underway with the young ‘uns hitting the slopes. From the ’cross persepctive there was a shining light in the USA colors. Skyler Trujillo, a Euro ’Cross Camp alumni, fought into the top 10 with a ninth place finish. Trujillo seems to be in a good place at the moment, time will tell if he can hold that form into ’cross season.

American Willow Koerber had been moving toward the lead in the World Cup coming into Windham, but an off day saw her finish in sixth which gave the day’s winner Catharine Pendrel the overall title. For the ’cross fans in the crowd there was a lot to look at as several of the top American elite women ’cross racers were in attendance. The highlight was Georgia Gould, who is flying coming into ’cross season, finished third on the day. Katie Compton was in the top 20, finishing 15th and her fans are likely hoping that this trip bodes well considering the issues that kept her out of Worlds competition last season.

The men weren’t as well represented from the ’cross perspective. The Wells brothers were in attendance, with the elder Todd taking the highest place for a ’cross racer in 24th. Todd reported having a poor start, followed by a flat tire. By the time he got rolling again, he’d dropped back to 75th and had to claw back through as many riders as possible.

Sam Schultz plans to race more cyclocross events this season, so we’ll include his 22nd in our wrap-up. And sometimes ’cross racers Adam Craig and Carl Decker were in attendance as well, rounding out their seasons as they look forward to a much needed break. Geoff Kabush had a mechanical and pulled out after a lengthy stop in the pits. As Kabush summed it up on Twitter, “It was going pretty solid today until I had to start running. Running doesn’t work so well at a bike race. Went for a road ride instead.”

Elite Women Results

1	Catharine Pendrel (Can) Luna Pro Team
2	Marie-Helene Premont (Can) Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain
3	Georgia Gould (USA) Luna Pro Team
4	Blaza Klemencic (Slo) Felt Oetztal X-Bionic Team
5	Elisabeth Osl (Aut) Central Pro Team
9	Mary McConneloug (USA)
11	Heather Irmiger (USA) Subaru-Gary Fisher
14	Katherine Compton (USA)
18	Eva Lechner (Ita) Colnago Arreghini Sudtirol
26	Katerina Nash (Cze) Luna Pro Team
46	Kelli Emmett (USA) Giant Factory Team

Elite Men Results

1	Jaroslav Kulhavy (Cze) Rubena-Birell-Specialized Cycling Team
2	Nino Schurter (Swi) Scott-Swisspower Mtb-Racing
3	Florian Vogel (Swi) Scott-Swisspower Mtb-Racing
4	Christoph Sauser (Swi) Specialized Factory Racing
5	Lukas Flückiger (Swi) Trek World Racing
22	Sam Schultz (USA) Subaru-Trek
24	Todd Wells (USA) Specialized Factory Racing
42	Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (USA) Subaru-Trek
43	Adam Craig (USA) Rabobank-Giant Offroad Team
47	Michael Broderick (USA)
53	Carl Decker (USA) Giant Factory Team
54	Spencer Paxson (USA) Team S&M
58	Troy Wells (USA)

Related stories:

1. MTB World Cup #4 ’Crosser Roundup
2. ’Cross Stars Shine at Teva Mountain Games
3. Nys, Compton, Gould Among ’Crossers At MTB World Cup #3

Who’s going to madison and who needs to figure out driving and I wonder if I can even get in still….

FPA

My boys up in Steamboat Springs, Glen Light and Jon Cariveau of Moots, are helping us all get our cross on as early as can be in the beautiful and scenic resort town itself.

Reports from local hardman like the Michael "The Aussie who should have been the Belgian Tornado because I simply own the gutter on you" Robson say the course will be hard yet fun. 

Glen sent me one spy photo. Video forthcoming:

Just in case you're in the neighborhood and want to cheer for me - or meet up after the race for a spot of Jenever, here's where I'll definitely be over the winter.  There are a few more events that are still up in the air.

Cyclo-Cross Schedule

26/09/10 Neerpelt


03/10/10 Namen

09/10/10 Sint Niklaas

26/10/10 Woerden NED

31/10/10 Zonhoven

01/11/10 Koppenbergcross Oudenaarde

06/11/10 Middelkerke

11/11/10 Niel

21/11/10 Asper-Gavere

27/11/10 Koksijde WORLD CUP

18/12/10 Antwerpen

19/12/10 Kalmthout WORLD CUP

21/12/10 Surhuisterveen NED

26/12/10 Heusden –Zolder WORLD CUP

29/12/10 Loenhout

01/01/11 Pétange LUX

02/01/11 Tervuren

15/01/11 Huijbergen NED

23/01/11 Hoogerheide NED WORLD CUP

05/02/11 Lille

13/02/11 Heerlen NED

19/02/11 Valkenburg aan de Geul

20/02/11 Oostmalle

Regular columnist Lee Waldman watches hole shot battles unfold in corridors of the middle school where he teaches, continues his own quiet, steady progress and gets ready for another cyclocross season. In case you missed Lee’s previous column about “The Most Important Thing” go back and check it out.

by Lee Waldman

The great thing about racing my bike is that there’s always another race – and another opportunity to be confronted by my strengths and weaknesses. There’s always another opportunity to take those lessons learned on the bike into the rest of my life. The beauty of sport is that it’s a much safer place to learn those life lessons. The risks are minimal and the gains so valuable. I think what I’ve learned over the years is that I need to be more attentive.

It’s beginning to look a lot like cyclocross! Not really, just wishful thinking. The season is just around the corner, but it’s hard to tell by the weather. My ’cross ride last night was in 90-degree-plus heat. The reality is that the first few ’cross races will be brutally hot here on the Colorado Front Range, although I did need to wear arm warmers the last couple of days for early morning riding. Leaves aren’t turning yet, but there’s that distinctive autumn feel. Do you find it interesting that the smell of death tends to get our blood flowing and raises our heart rates? Just another way to highlight how truly demented we cyclocrossers are.

After a completely unstructured summer (except for my training schedule) I’m back at work teaching middle school. The shock will persist for a couple of weeks until I readjust to the controlled chaos of a middle school. That in itself closely resembles the start of a ’cross race: at the signal, students pour out of classrooms, into hallways jostling each other for the “hole shot” to the bathroom, the locker, the next classroom. The strongest and most aggressive survive. In many ways what we do and who we are on the ’cross course mirrors who we are in our “real lives.” I wonder what the lessons are that we can learn from that.

The first thing that happens in every race is that the entire field sprints to be first onto the hard parts of the course. Wanting to be the alpha dog and make it through the first technical part in front, to distance themselves from the rest of the pack, there’s no lack of grunting, pushing, swearing and general pandemonium. The same thing happens in school, and I’m sure it happens in many workplaces. Things may not get physical, but I’ll wager that there is that same “friendly” competition that takes place to establish the pecking order. I suspect that it’s human nature; although some of us are more hard-wired for it than others.

In middle school you have those students who, for whatever the reason, want to stand out from the crowd. They are the aggressive ones and that behavior works for some. They are the loud ones, the ones you HEAR FIRST when they walk into class, the ones you see forging a path through the hallways and the lunchroom. They make sure that they are noticed. You see the same thing in ’cross. There are those riders who bang elbows to move up one place, who cut you off in corners, run you into the tape. Basically they survive by relying on the intimidation factor. My solution: wait until the right time, then drop them like bad habits after they’ve exhausted themselves fighting needless battles.

For others the key is quiet, careful, steady forward progress. The step-by-step process works for them. I notice the aggressive ones first but I look for the quiet ones, the ones who will slowly but steadily make their way through to finally shine in front. If you’ve watched Sven Nys ride, he rarely gets the hole shot, but by mid-way through the race there he is, relying on strong technique, strength, experience and fitness to take him to where he wants to be.

My favorite students are the Nys types, reminding me of myself. Steadily and consistently showing me who they are and what they can do, they may not be the loudest or the most outgoing, but they are the ones who are the steadiest. I think I like them because that’s the way I am in my racing and in life. My friend Bill reminds me constantly to “be a warrior” and I try, truly. It’s simply not in my constitution. Not that I’m not highly competitive – I am. But I tend to ease into it as a race progresses. Same in my life. I’m a quiet observer. Once I know the rules, understand the lay of the land, then the fierce competitor in me kicks in. Can you relate?

I wish I could talk about the genetic gift I’ve been given that makes racing cyclocross easy for me. It would be even nicer to be able to write a “hole shot for dummies” column on just how to make it through the start and be first onto the course. But I can’t. That isn’t me. I’m the teacher, rider, student who takes everything in waiting, sometimes a bit too long, to make my move and stamp my mark on the situation.

I’ve tried to change myself both in my work life and as a rider. It just doesn’t work. I’ve come to the realization that I am who I am. I’m hard-wired to be the plodder, the teacher and the rider who reaches goals by simple dedication and hard work. It used to bother me, but it doesn’t any more. Does the single-mindedness lead to success or does the success result in more of that single-minded focus? Does it really matter? It seems as if I’m talking, one more time, of the connection, the metaphorical connection between what we do on the ’cross bikes and what we do in real life. The longer I ride, the more I’m convinced that sport teaches us about life. I’m a better person because of what I’ve learned about myself as an athlete. Sometimes I forget and have to learn the lessons over again. Enough rambling. ’Cross is coming. Go ride your bike!

Related stories:

1. A 50-mile MTB Race Reteaches Old Lessons – A Column by Lee Waldman
2. Borders − a Column by Lee Waldman
3. Using a Coach and Enjoying the Ride – A Column by Lee Waldman

Another W.C. in the books. It was a mixed bag for me back in Windham. I felt good on course but didn't have much luck. A poor start, flat tire on the first descent that turned into a run to the techzone. Running in any MTB race sucks but if you have to run in a WC that isn't because of mud it's going to be a long day.

Got a new wheel and was off again, in 75th place. Made it back up to 24th by the end which isn't a good result on it's own but given the day wasn't too bad. I felt strong all day and actually passed people on the last lap instead of cracking and getting passed which is my usual MO. I was hoping for a big result but there's still one race left to go for it.

The team did pretty well with Susi landing on the podium in 4th and the Dart flatting out of the lead group at the end. I think it could have been an awesome day for everyone if we had a little bit of luck.

The course was in perfect condition, the weather was beautiful and it was great to have the support of the family there. I rode the Epic 29er and I was gaining so much time on the downhill. That bike is amazing.

I got to debut my new Stars and Stripes kit as well this weekend. I can't think of a better venue to premiere it then at the first ever World Cup finals less then 1 hour away from where I grew up in NY.

As racing goes, you're only as good as your last race so I'm hoping for a good one this weekend. We're on our way up to Quebec right now and it will be the first time I've ever flown from Albany to Quebec. It's going to take as long as driving but I not going to complain because the drive up to Quebec is my least favorite ever.

The Schmooz and I are sitting at the Buck waiting for Claire and Burry to finish checking in. Sundays are nice days to travel since the volume seems light and the staff pretty friendly. I know I'm going to jinx myself but I haven't paid a bike fee since Sea Otter this year.

Happy Birthday to the Schultz Man and I have to say his new Incognito haircut by Doug looks good.

I wonder what Meg and the family are doing today.....

These days I’m just surrounded with good vibes. I’m just really loving the energy that is coming from the cyclo-cross community – both here in Ottawa and further afield. Each year the anticipation for the cyclo-cross season comes on stronger with seasoned racers starting their ‘cross season prep earlier and with more new riders crossing over to this great game of ours. Really, can’t beat this for a feeling of positivity and energy.

I think I’m still riding a high from the awesome training session with the fast boys on Wednesday night and the Thursday morning cyclo-cross practice session. Just two great experiences on my bike. Hanging out with friends, pushing our bodies and minds and having fun while doing it. Awesome.

Next Monday I’m holding another cyclo-cross practice session and I’m really looking forward to it. Admittedly I’m new at showing people ‘cross technique but I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I think it really helps to learn from someone like me who is not a “natural” at this sport. I’ve done the infamous remount “double-hop”, I’ve banged my elbow while shouldering the bike more times than I can count, I have blown and still do blow pedals, etc. Anyway, all this to say – can’t wait for Monday night. We’ve got a good group together and a great location. Fun times.

So the big news this week…. My new clothing came in. Yay! Massive thank-you to Champion Systems Canada for delivering the order so quickly and for making such fine clothes. Many thanks to KingsBridge for the clothing! I wore the new shorts and jersey yesterday – I think I was pushing an extra 50 watts just thanks to wearing the new kit! I know that what you want are photos… Well, here you go – winter vest, thermoshield jacket, base layer, stadium jacket, skinsuit:

Winter Vest:

Thermoshield Jacket:


Base Layer:

Stadium Jacket:

Skinsuit:

So there you have it – an example of the new Ottawa Cross kit for the 2010 – 2011 cyclo-cross season. Can’t wait to pull on the skinsuit and line-up on the start line for 40 minutes of fast and exciting racing!

...

by Dan Seaton

Jonathan Page, coming off two bumpy seasons, full of ups and downs, is headed into the 2010-11 cyclocross season looking as relaxed and confident as he has been in years. This year Page has lent his expertise and name to a line of ’cross bikes produced by sponsor Blue, is working with a coach for the first time in his career, and showed excellent form during a month of racing in the US this summer, including a podium finish at the Exeter Criterium in his home state of New Hampshire.

For Page, all things seem to be converging on St. Wendel, the small town in southwest Germany that will host the 2011 Cyclocross World Championships and may host the birth of his third child as well. Cyclocross Magazine caught up with the Belgium-based rider, who talked about Trans-Atlantic travel, parenthood, and his prospects in a full season of racing in Europe.

Cyclocross Magazine: Before we get to ’cross, let’s talk a little about how things are going right now. You had some very good results in New England earlier this summer. Are you happy with your form right now?

Jonathan Page: Yes. I’m in good condition. I felt like I raced pretty well for a lone rider in the peloton in New England this summer. I was solid, and that’s just fine.

CXM: How about your training coming into the season? How’s that going? Are you doing anything differently than before?

JP: My training has been going very well. I’m very happy with my trainer. It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to train specifically, with a program made just for me, for a whole year. That’s what it’s been now: one whole year. So I am very optimistic.

CXM: Can you tell us a little about who you’re working with and how he’s changed your program this year?

JP: I’m working with Todd Herriott of Herriott Sports Performance. He’s been a friend of mine for a long time, since my days on the Colavita road team. He has basically forced me to see the value in working with technology. Before Todd, “tech” to me was wearing a heart rate monitor – sometimes. Todd is very hands on: very attentive, very personal – but not too pushy in a way that makes me push back. He’s one of only three people in all of my years of cycling who could properly coach me.

CXM: Are you going to do any racing in the US this ’cross season?

JP: I will only be racing at Seattle’s StarCrossed weekend, Vegas and the Madison USGP weekend. After that, I’m going to stay put in Europe as I’ve been lucky enough to receive series contracts for the Super Prestige, GVA and now the Fidea Series. I’ll also be doing all the World Cups. It’s a great opportunity to see what I can do without all the travel of years past.

CXM: That means you’re going to skip Nationals? How come?

JP: Basically, it’s like this: I won Nationals, at one point, three years in a row. It did nothing – financially or otherwise – for me, other than that I had a cool-looking jersey and bragging rights.

In those three years, I didn’t have to sacrifice as much to go to Nationals because I did not yet have a real career in Europe. I wasn’t making a lot, if any, start money, and I certainly wasn’t offered series contracts yet. So I was able to come over a few weeks in advance of the Nationals and give it a real go.

In 2005, going for my fourth Nationals in a row, I contracted some kind of poisoning and had to spend the night before Nationals in the hospital. I did my best, but only managed second. On top of that, I got even sicker, couldn’t fly back in the days after Nationals, and lost my GVA series contracts for the next years. That sucked. That was the start of real sacrifice for me to get to Nationals.

CXM: So the travel is a problem, but I guess it also means you have to pass up the European races that happen before and after Nationals because of the differences between ’cross calendars on the two continents.

JP: Yes. Each year after [2005], I’ve given up series contracts, given up individual race start money over here and then paid lots of money to get to Nationals where, if I won, I really wouldn’t gain anything from it, but when I lost, I felt like I had lost out on all the things I had given up to be there.

I know my own body, and I don’t handle the travel well, so I need time. I want to give myself a real shot over here [in Europe]. I have contracts in every major series this year, and that’s something that has taken me years of hard work to get. I can’t afford – financially or career-wise – to give that up for a shot at being National Champion, which, historically, hasn’t helped me a whole lot in my career. I’d have better use of making a podium or two in the Christmas series or the World Cups immediately following Nationals.

CXM: We heard that your wife, Cori, is going to have a baby at the end of January, around the same time as Worlds. How is this going to affect your racing and training plans?

JP: Well, other than making sure I have a phone with me at all times starting in January, it won’t affect my training. It won’t affect my racing either. We’ve already been to St. Wendel to look at the hospital where the baby could possibly be born during the Worlds period. Although it’s taken a bit of extra planning, it makes me more focused and excited!

I’m already psyched for January. I’m lucky that I have a flexible wife, not worried about delivering our baby in a foreign land. Otherwise, it would affect my racing I’m sure because – although some think I’m crazy – my wife and kids and new baby come before any and every race, including Worlds. But now, I will have the best of both worlds!

CXM: You are definitely a little unusual among European racers for the way you set your priorities: family before everything else. But we’ve heard that some of the other racers here in Europe have followed your lead, bringing their families to the races more often and maybe taking a more active role with their kids than they might have in the past. Do you think there’s there any truth to that?

JP: I definitely have seen in the last year or two more than just Cori and our kids at the races, sometimes even at the start and finish line. Before a year or two ago, I don’t remember that ever happening. So, maybe?

CXM: I can imagine some people might argue that the sacrifices you have to make for your family could hurt your racing career. What would you say to that?

JP: I’ve got my priorities, they’ve got theirs. There will always be people who don’t like my ways. But I could never be truly happy if I put my career, racing, money before my family.

I’ve learned not to let [the critics] bother me. Instead, they fuel me. I concentrate on all the great support I have. There are really good people out there in this sport. I don’t let the couple of rotten apples spoil my pie.

CXM: Let’s talk a little more about racing. Can you tell us some of your big goals this season? Any races you are particularly looking forward to or hoping to do well in?

JP: I’d like to start the season well in the USA, free from bad luck. Since I’m lucky enough to have gotten series contracts for all the major races over here, I’d like to focus on those and try to do well, very well, in the ones that I feel I have the best chance in and then hope that with a couple of great results in each, the overall in each of those series will end up with a high placing for me. I’d like to be invited back to these series next season. Then, of course, I’ll focus on World Cups and the biggest goal will, of course, be Worlds.

CXM: You had some of your best results of last season just before and just after Worlds, but you had terrible luck in Tabor even though you clearly had great form there. What is it going to take to bring everything – good form and good luck – together this year? Are you doing anything special to try to make that happen?

JP: I did have terrible luck last year in Tabor, but I also let the luck crack me, plain and simple. I can’t do that again. I could have recovered to at least a decent result, even with all the bad luck but, instead, I cracked.

This year I have a plan and a secret weapon. I have to make it happen. I haven’t stopped thinking about Worlds in Tabor yet, and I won’t forget it.

Related stories:

1. Countdown to Nationals: An Interview with Jonathan Page
2. Chat with Jonathan Page this Sunday
3. Jonathan Page Raring to Go in 2009

Please help me win by voting for me!! Thanks ever so much!!
Click HERE for the link.
I am on page 5. you can skip the other categories, just vote for me then fill in the last bit of info for the survey.
Thanks again!

My Article on Marianne Vos is now online at CX Magazine: http://www.cxmagazine.com/marianne-vos-focus-olympic-track-2012#more-13381

Its' title is: Marianne Vos to Focus on Olympic Track 2012


As for me, my first cross race is 26 September. Photos of the new frame to be posted shortly as well as more regular updates now that the season is here!

The course is up for MSG #1,2 at the Farmhouse Gallery in Unicoi, TN 9/18-9/19!

Last year, the UCI3 ’cross festival in Cincinnati offered a jaw-dropping $10,000 in prize money just for the women alone. This year, they’re doing it again as  October’s Cincinnati UCI3 Cyclocross Festival will feature the largest weekend prize purse for women cyclocross racers anywhere in the world, matching last year’s unprecedented $10,000 cash purse. It’s part of a massive total prize list that totals nearly $30,000 for the annual three-day race weekend October 8-11.

To get an idea of the scope of the prize money, consider that the winner of the Women’s UCI Elite race on the event’s third and final day will win $2,351, which translates to 61% more money than the total UCI-mandated minimum purse for the entire women’s field that many major races pay. All three races of the UCI3 Festival will pay prize money according to the formula devised by current U.S. Mountain Bike XC Women’s Champion Georgia Gould, where the top three women’s finishers are paid according to the UCI men’s minimum standard.

In addition to the $10,000 cash prize money designated toward the Elite Women, a further $14,000 cash is on tap for the Elite Men, who will be competing in two UCI C2 events, as well as one of only eight hugely important UCI C1 events to be held in America this year. With only his five best C2 and six best C1 scores counting toward a male rider’s ranking, results in the limited number of C1 races will play a huge role in determining starting positions for other races throughout the year, including the National Championships. This is especially true since C1 races essentially pay twice as many points as C2 races.

Beyond the Elite races, another $2,550 in cash prizes at the Cincinnati UCI3 Festival has been designated toward the domestic USAC-sanctioned Masters and Junior classes. Thousands of dollars in additional merchandise prizes will also be awarded to the amateur classes over the course of the weekend.

The UCI3 Festival, now in its third year as the world’s only three-day cyclocross festival, takes place at three venues in the immediate vicinity of Cincinnati, Ohio, from October 8 through October 10. Registration is currently running at 100% above last year’s record pace. More information about the Cincinnati UCI3 Cyclocross Festival can be found at CxFestival.com.

Related stories:

1. Ohio UCI3 Cyclocross Festival Boasts $10k in Women’s Money, Compton Clinic
2. WWW & T: Wells, Wicks, Winfield and Trebon Confirm for Cincinnati UCI3 Cyclocross Festival
3. City Awards Government Grant to Cincinnati Cyclocross Festival

by Christine Vardaros

If you stop following cyclocross after US Nationals, you may miss the few appearances of Netherlander Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) and her famously rainbow-striped jersey.

Although she had just come off an abbreviated cyclocross season to include the World and European Championship titles, a silver at Dutch Nationals, and 10 total wins out of 16 contested (including three World Cups), keeping her from showing up to the early season races is her finely-tuned juggling of multiple cycling disciplines. She may be three-time cyclocross world champion, but her two World titles on the road, her one on the track as well as her Olympic gold are surely proof that the juggling pays off.

With Track Olympics coming up in 2012, don’t expect to see Vos until the end of December – a full three months later than the start of her competitors. And a mere one month after ther is her last race of the cyclocross season: the World Championships in Sankt Wendel, Germany. Vos explains, “These winter track races are important to qualify for the Olympics. There are two new disciplines on the schedule which I will try to go for, the Omnium and the Team Pursuit.” In true Vos modesty, she adds, “First I have to figure out the best way for me to train for these disciplines. Then I have to fight for a spot on the National Team.”

As her current road season indicates, she is on target to achieve her goals on the track. So far, her successes on the road include a National Time Trial title, a silver in the National Road Race, and two stage wins at the Giro (as well as three days in pink as well as the points and best young rider jersey awards). She currently tops the UCI road rankings and is the World Cup leader. Her two objectives for the end of road season are to keep her World Cup lead and win her last road race – the World Championships in Melbourne, Australia.

As for her plans following the World Championships, Vos says, “For the first time in a few years I’ll take a longer rest. I hope to stay in Australia for some weeks to see the country. In November I’ll start with my track training and preparation for the races.”

Fully aware of the consequences of her decisions, Vos keeps her ambitions in check. “With only one month of ’cross racing it’s not possible to go for any ranking. I want to be good in every race I do, but my focus will be on Worlds.”

As for juggling burnout – a real enemy, especially for the younger racers – Vos’ solution exemplifies a maturity well past her 23 years of age. “During my season, I don’t refuse myself of doing things outside of cycling. Of course, I watch myself, but I go out sometimes when I want to and have fun with friends.” While we may not see much of her in the ’cross season this year, her level-headedness at least assures us that the chances are high for her to continue with racing – and her successful ways – for many years to come!

Related stories:

1. World Champ Marianne Vos Dominating Road Season
2. Marianne Vos takes Dutch National TT Title
3. Marianne Vos Enjoys Third Day in Pink

Are you ready for ’cross? We sure are, and one of the things we love most about the lead-up into the season are the fantastic videos that begin to surface. Like the one following the jump, which is getting us pumped for the USGP of Cyclocross. Look for some big name interviews, a couple of bobbles and a whole lot of that beautiful mud!

U.S. gran prix of cyclocross from Jim Fryer/BrakeThrough Media on Vimeo.

Related stories:

1. Cross Crusade Video Diary #4 – Hillsboro
2. USGP Registration Set to Open Tomorrow
3. Past Blast Video & A Look Ahead: Mercer Cup USGP

Rapha in conjunction with Ridley Scott Associates releases their third collaborative short film in a three-part series today. Each film airs online for one day only.

The last two weeks brought us artistic interpretations on the careers of Johan Museeuw and Sean Kelly. Today the focus shifts to Italian steel framebuilding icon Dario Pegoretti. The unconventional portrait, directed by Ben Ingham, offers a look into the workshop – and mind – of one of cycling’s living legends. Maybe you need to be a bike dork to appreciate the flick, but apparently we fit that bill, and do. Take a coffee break and check it out here on the Rapha website

Related stories:

1. Rapha and Ridley Scott Productions Launch New Bike-Themed Fridays Film Series
2. World Premier of “The Cyclocross Meeting” Film
3. “The Cyclocross Meeting” Takes Manhattan, Bicycle Film Festival

Hello, Fan!

by Josh Liberles

What began in 2002 as an exploratory “What if?” conversation between Terry Buchanan, who ran the Broadmark (now Hagens-Berman) road team, and Jonny Sundt, one of his riders at the time, has turned into one of the West Coast’s top cyclocross attractions. September 18th will mark the third year that StarCrossed will be the kickoff race for the North American Cyclocross Trophy Series (NACT).

The nighttime ’cross race got rolling in the fall of ’02 and has grown steadily since then to become a highlight of the early season. Several European-based pros have made the trip to Seattle for StarCrossed over the years, and every men’s US national cyclocross champ since 2000 has participated in the event. Buchanan says the fact that neither Tim Johnson (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com) nor Ryan Trebon (Kona-FSA) have ever won the race points to the quality and depth of the fields.

For 2010 StarCrossed will continue its international trend, and will boast four national champion jerseys among the racers: Francis Mourey (France, Française Des Jeux), Katie Compton (USA, Planet Bike), Geoff Kabush (Canada, Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) and Katerina Nash (Czech Republic, Luna).

The men’s side will also feature defending StarCrossed champ and five-time Swiss national champion Christian Heule, Jonathan Page (Planet Bike, second 2007 Cyclocross World Championships), Trebon (2009 US Gran Pix of Cyclocross winner and two-time US Cyclocross Champion) and Adam Craig (Rabobank-Giant, two-time US MTB Olympian).

The women’s race will have additional firepower provided by Sue Bulter (Hudz-Subaru, 2008 StarCrossed winner), Natasha Elliott (Garneau Club-Chaussure Ogilvy, defending NACT Champion) and Wendy Simms (Kona, former Canadian cyclocross champion and StarCrossed winner), who is just back to racing after time off to have a baby.

We tracked down StarCrossed promoter Terry Buchanan to get the inside scoop on the upcoming event.

CXM: Why the decision to have the race at the Marymoor Velodrome? How has the race grown over the years?

Buchanan: Marymoor is the perfect facility. Since it’s a big, 400m track, there are enough lights such that it spills over the venue and outside the velodrome, allowing us to incorporate more terrain. Physically, because of the velodrome setup, within the fenced portion spectators can see 65 percent of the race from one spot, or 50 percent from within the beer garden.

In terms of growth, that first year we only had six weeks of planning. There wasn’t an NRC (National Road Calendar) criterium or a big stage race in the immediate area – we had Mt Hood and Cascade in Oregon, and Gas Town GP in British Columbia, but nothing here. The Rad Racing GP got started down in Tacoma around the same time, and interest in the event would ebb and flow depending on whether or not the race was in the USGP series any given year.

We put on a good show that first time, had podium girls and other things that most races weren’t doing at the time. We went UCI the second year, and have been UCI for the past four years, and we started working with Rad Racing to put together a weekend that has continued to grow.

CXM: How are you able to charge money and get spectators to come? Tell me more about the course and any interesting or unique features.

Buchanan: For one thing, people are used to coming to the velodrome and paying to watch; here, they’re getting really good value. For $5, they’re going to get a much better show than the latest Tom Cruise movie, which will run you $10-15. With that revenue, we can put out start money to the racers, which means we can attract top international talent.

In terms of the course, the velodrome isn’t dug-in – the earth is bermed to the corners. That makes for lots of off-camber, funky stuff where you give folks enough rope to hang themselves, and it’s great for run-ups!

We have a big, paved pad for the starts, great off-cambers, a staircase run-up, and a double plank right at the beer garden.

CXM: Are you making any changes to barriers based on new UCI rules?

Buchanan: We’re keeping the heights traditional at 40cm, because that’s what we have, but we’re spacing them a little further apart to encourage the hopping. They’ll be spaced at 5m instead of 4m – guys who can hop, will.

CXM: Any local Seattle or Washington standouts we should be watching for this year?

Buchanan: Stephen Fisher (Rad Racing) might be ready for a breakthrough – he’s super-tenacious. (National Junior 15-16 champ) Logan Owen (Redline) is a super talent, but because he’s 16 and a Cat2, he technically can’t race at StarCrossed since we’re UCI. We’re starting up the “Free Logan” campaign.

Nick Weighall (Cal Giant Berries) is another one to watch as he transitions into the Elite category.

CXM: Think it’ll be like many of last year’s big events, with another Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com / Kona showdown?

Buchanan: No! For one thing, US Pro Road Nationals are that weekend so, for contractual reasons, I don’t think any of the Cannondale guys will be able to race. But we also have a really good European and MTB contingent slated to be here, and they’ll all be battling at the front. Geoff Kabush has raced here three or four times, for example – he’s never won it and really wants to. Ryan Trebon and Adam Craig will be here, and several other MTB’ers have expressed interest.

CXM: So the Rad Racing GP, #2 in the NACT series and on Sept. 19th, the day after StarCrossed, is right down the street now? Tell me about the “Four Days of ‘Cross.”

Buchanan: I worked with the Starbucks Race team to put together a charity fundraising event at that venue on Lake Sammamish in Issaquah, Washington, last year. It’s a great course, spectator-friendly, and just seven miles down the road from StarCrossed. [Rad Racing GP promoter] Jim Brown moved there for this year – so we’ll have completely fresh venues each day, and they’re both great and totally different. Rad Racing GP will be on the beach, lakeside, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt Baker.

The two races make up the second half of the “Four Days.” Thursday night we’re going to have the Seattle premier of Brian Vernor’s The Cyclocross Meeting movie, and Friday we’ll have a free cyclocross skills clinic with Jonathan Page on the StarCrossed course at Marymoor velodrome.

CXM: Thanks Terry, look forward to being there!

Stay tuned to the Cyclocross Magazine website for an exclusive feature on the Rad Racing GP and an interview with promoter Jim Brown.

More, Straight from StarCrossed:
Beyond the Shimano Elite Women’s and Men’s races at 7PM and 8PM respectively StarCrossed festivities will include amateur races starting at 2PM; Stanley’s Built for Life™ Road Tour; generous spectator door prizes supported by Raleigh; the Raleigh Single Speed race (automatic qualifier for Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships) and the Deschutes Beer Garden. The beer garden will begin serving at 3PM from Woody, Deschutes Brewery’s mobile bar on wheels. Race fans will also be treated to the Nuun Hydration double-barrier course feature and the TRP Brake Zone Run-up.

StarCrossed sponsors include Stanley, Raleigh, Shimano, Nuun Hydration, TRP Brakes, Cascade Bicycle Studio, Clif Bar, De La Paz Coffee, NOS Energy Drinks and The Sports Med Clinic. For more information, visit the StarCrossed and NACT websites.

Related stories:

1. NACT to Kick Off with Ninth Edition of StarCrossed
2. Katie Compton Interview – Cyclocross Magazine’s Exclusive Interview
3. Jonathan Page Interview – Cyclocross Magazine’s Exclusive Interview

Kick your early season into high gear in Seattle with “Four Perfect Days of Cyclocross.” For more about the upcoming StarCrossed event, check out our exclusive feature on the race and interview with race promoter Terry Buchanan. And stay tuned to the Cyclocross Magazine website for a full profile of the Rad Racing GP and an interview with promoter Jim Brown.

Rad Racing NW, Lake Washington Velo and Low Pressure Promotions, LLC, announces their cooperation on “Four Perfect ’Cross Days” in the Seattle metro area from September 16th to 19th.

This four-day festival of cyclocross events includes:

September 16 – The Seattle Premier of “The Cyclocross Meeting”

September 17 – HSP Cross Clinic featuring Jonathan Page

September 18 – StarCrossed p/b Stanley – A Brand of PMI

September 19 – Rad Racing GP p/b Hammer Nutrition

Brian Vernor’s (Pure Sweet Hell) new film, The Cyclocross Meeting, is about the currently exploding US cyclocross scene and the emerging Japanese cyclocross scene. The Cyclocross Meeting follows Barry Wicks and Adam McGrath to top US races in New Jersey and Oregon, and then to Japan, where they compete with seven-time Japanese National Champion Keiichi Tsujiura, and the up-and-coming talent Yu Takenouchi. The film screening is presented by Yakima, Chris King, Giro and Nuun. The September 16th showing will be at the Seattle Musical Theater located at the Magnuson Park Community Center in Seattle. Tickets will be available online via Brown Paper Tickets.

On September 17th Herriott Sports Performance in conjunction with Lake Washington Velo and RAD Racing NW presents a FREE cyclocross clinic featuring HSP athlete Jonathan Page, 2007 Cyclocross Worlds Silver Medalist. This clinic is a unique opportunity to take instruction from one of the most accomplished cyclocross racers in American history. Jonathan will preview the StarCrossed course with the riders in attendance and go over the nuances of the race start and the barrier section, as well as give his personal insight on the other sections of the course. Clinic starts at 5:30pm at the Marymoor Velodrome in King County’s Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA.

Finally, the weekend of racing arrives with the rounds one and two of the North American Cyclocross Trophy (NACT) on September 18th and 19th at StarCrossed and the Rad Racing GP.

First presented in 2002, StarCrossed was the nation’s first twilight cyclocross race. Now it is the much-anticipated season opener to the US cyclocross season, kicking-off each year in style under the lights of the Marymoor Velodrome on a fast and spectator-friendly course surrounded by a festive atmosphere. StarCrossed features great racing, DJ spun tunes, a packed Deschutes Brewery beer garden, racing under the lights and generous door prizes. Racing for the Elite Women starts at 7:00pm and 8:00pm for the Elite Men at King County’s Marymoor Park.

2010 will be the ninth year for the Rad Racing GP, he longest running UCI cyclocross race in the state of Washington. The event moves to the shores of Lake Sammamish for 2010, bringing a fabulous course featuring high speed balanced by a brutal beach section on the shores of Lake Sammamish with views of the Cascade Mountains. The famous 80-meter thigh-busting “Knapp-time Run-up” from past editions of the Rad Racing GP will be replaced by an equally long beach section that will challenge riders as they gamble on whether to ride it or run it. Riders either really love it or they hate it, but regardless they will be stirred on by frantic race fans in the beach side Deschutes Beer Garden. Racing for the Elite Women starts at 3:00pm and 4:0 pm for the Elite Men at Lake Sammamish State Park.

For more information visit the Four Perfect Cross Days.

Related stories:

1. New Seattle Cyclocross Series Announced, Portland-Seattle Grail Battle Returns
2. Rad Racing Northwest presents the 2008 Rad Racing GP Cyclocross Race
3. Jonathan Page and Alison Dunlap to Lead Free ‘Cross Clinic

It is official, it is full on cyclo-cross time in these parts. We don’t have any races here in Ottawa yet, but it seems that everyone has got cyclo-cross on the brain. So, it is time. Cyclo-cross time!

Had a great training session with the fast boys last night. The four of us hit up my favorite training grounds for some hot laps, some even hotter laps, some skill work in the sand, and then some super hot laps. It was a great time. We all practiced a few key techniques. Marc helped me out with my remount – I’m not sprinting into my remount which is causing me to loose momentum (uber-critical when facing a steep/sharp uphill). Then it was full-on attack and recover mode – each of the guys would take turns attacking while I held on for dear life. I can tell you I’ve never gone so fast on my ‘cross bike or had so much fun! To cool down we worked on the dismounts and mounts. Great night of riding, good conversation, some laughs, some stories – all in all a great way to spend a Wednesday evening.

Marc and I closed off the night with a stop at the Heart and Crown for young Luc’s going away party. It was a long day, but definitely worth it. Can’t beat an evening of riding the ‘cross bike, some good food and then hanging out with some cool people.

Today I held my first cyclo-cross practice session. Well, I had a blast. It was so much fun to start my day with some cyclo-cross skill work. Andrew and Kim came out and we had an action packed 90 minutes. Warmed up with some follow the leader which resulted in some time spent working on sand riding. Then it was time to get down to basics when we worked on our dismounts and mounts. Andrew and Kim asked some excellent questions about these crucial cyclo-cross techniques. To round out the session, I showed them how I set up my flags to practice turning, bike control, and flow. The time flew by – I think we all could have stayed out all morning just riding, practicing, asking questions, and having fun. Thanks Andrew and Kim for coming out and making the first session a success.

I will be holding another cyclo-cross practice session next week on Thursday morning. If you’re interested or want to find out more about the sessions, drop me an email.

As for the rest of the training day? Well since I just had two big double days in a row, today is all about recovery. I’m going to hop out on my road bike for an easy spin to loosen up my legs. Let me tell you I was feeling the full on ache last night while trying to keep up to the fast boys!

I’m so stoked for the cyclo-cross season to start. There is nothing quite like the feeling of the body coming around and of everything just clicking. Fitness is really good. Bikes are awesome. My brain is screwed on straight and is in a perfectly confident place. Now I just want to race! See you at Trexlertown!

(If you’re looking for some racing this Sunday – check out the Ride with Rendall Team Time Trial. This is an awesome event. The riding is fast and hard and the event is well-organized with everyone still smiling by the end of the day.)

Podium Bonus Increases Payout to Top Women

CrossVegas organizer Brook Watts announced today a boost to the prize list for the top three spots in the Elite Women’s race. Terming it a “podium bonus,” the top three finishers will receive $500 added to the UCI-mandated prize list. While still lower than the Men’s prize list, the top three spots for the Elite Women will now pay  $766, $687 and $643, respectively.

“Would I prefer to be announcing 100 percent equality in women’s and men’s prizes? Absolutely, I would. However, despite our current economic climate, I’m pleased to be able to move the bar up a notch in recognition of the equal effort put in by the Elite women’s field at CrossVegas,” Watts stated.

“There has been a lot of chatter in the online world in the last few days about the CrossVegas prize list. What doesn’t get publicized is the work that goes on behind the scenes by me and other interested parties trying to raise the necessary funds to make fundamental changes like this, not only for CrossVegas but other cyclocross races as well.”

Watts called attention to his success at getting the NACT series prize lists equal for both men and women. “Changes like the NACT purse and the CrossVegas podium bonus have been in the works for some time, so it makes some of the recent criticisms frustrating,” said Watts.

Addressing a disparity in prizes that exists in all disciplines of cycling, Watts called upon the leaders of road and MTB cycling, in addition to cyclocross, to look at the issue as a group to develop a solution. “It seems like ’cross has been singled out for an issue that cuts across all cycling and in fact all sports.”

CrossVegas is the biggest cyclocross race in America and takes place Wednesday, September 22, in Las Vegas during the Interbike tradeshow. Watts promises an announcement of confirmed riders in the next few days, including a few European surprises. Complete information is available at www.crossvegas.com.

Related stories:

1. Double Down Prize to Reward Consistency at CrossVegas and USA CRITS Finals
2. CrossVegas Details Released – Industry Race Added
3. Jonathan Page’s Planet Bike Cup to feature equal prize money for women and men

The trip back to N.Y. was flawless today. I slept great even though I had to get up at 5 am and leave at 5:10 to get to the airport for my 6:20 am flight. Everything was on time and I slept through 2 of the 3 flights and got upgraded the whole way. Had time to snag a Que Bueno breakfast burrito in DIA and made it into Albany 10 minutes. All my bags showed up and I got a ride with Gully to the venue from the airport so Benno didn't have to come get me. He seems to be bored though so I think he was looking forward to coming to get me. 

It's really cool right now for this time of year in N.Y., only 70 degrees today. The air is so thick right now it's almost like it's raining with out the rain. The place we're staying is pretty nice and I even have my own room for the weekend since no rooms have 2 beds but they all have living rooms and kitchens. 

The Dart got his new 29er Stumpjumper 2011 and the bike is super light. We have some new tires we're testing out but they might be too narrow for this course. They are super light though and his size "M" bike with the 1.8 tires is crazy light, almost like a road bike. 

I have been so hungry lately it seems like as soon as I finish eating I'm hungry again. No amount of hard boiled eggs seems to satisfy my appetite. One thing that does fill the belly is one of those amazing cup cakes from The Carrot place next to ZIA. Calling it a cupcake doesn't do it justice though, it's more like a piece of cake art. They are so good and I can't wait for cyclocross season so I can start trying all the flavors. 

It's great to be back with the team (sans Lene who is sitting out this one because she's just starting to get healthy). Even Bobby is here and every time the team gets together, no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other it's like we never left. It's awesome. 

No one of the "S" team has ridden the course yet because it's been so rainy. It sounds like not much has changed since last year though from hearing what people said that have rode it. One thing that will be different is we start in the middle of downtown. That means we race on a road for about 1K up to the ski resort before hitting the course. That's good news for people starting at the back but bad news for those of us starting towards the front. It will be like a road race fight for position the whole way up but at least it's a pretty straight shot. 

I don't know what to do with myself with my own room and all this space. I wonder what Winston and Meg are doing right now......

’Cross season is upon us and the MAC Series is getting things started. Following closely on the heels of Nittany Cross, the first UCI cyclocross race in the world this season, is Charm City Cross. Both Charm City, along with Granogue, have gone all-in this year as both expand to full weekends of racing. As races and series begin across the country, Cyclocross Magazine will be providing coverage across the country, and the world, all season long.  Let’s get it started.

The Charm City Cross UCI weekend is September 18 and 19. Over 1,200 racers are expected to toe the line at this early season classic. Charm City Cross, promoted by C3: Athletes Serving Athletes has become one of the highlights of the Mid-Atlantic season as it annually acts as a crossroads of the region, bringing together the best from the southern part of the area to race against those from the north. The second and third races of the Mid-Atlantic Cyclocross (MAC) Cup, one of the nation’s most competitive and deep series, Charm City Cross will attract the best and brightest of the East Coast.

Race Director Kris Auer commented, “The race has been growing organically for five years now. Our vision was to always be a two-day event, and 2010 was the year to make that happen.” Course designer Chris “Sven” Nystrom, renowned for his flowing and technical courses, is excited at the challenge of designing two unique courses for the weekend’s races. “This is going to be a wonderful weekend, and we expect that true ’crossers will love the courses. We are stoked for the new technical features we are working in for day two,” Nystrom added.

The Elite fields will draw some of the country’s top riders, including 2009 MAC Series Champions Valentin Scherz and C3: Athletes Serving Athletes’ own Laura van Gilder. Scherz and van Gilder will look to build the defense of their MAC Cup titles, as well as solid foundations for return tickets to the World Championships.

Charm City Cross offers racing for all levels from first time ’crossers to the afternoon’s UCI-sanctioned races. The event will highlight the best of Baltimore as Heavy Seas Brewery will be on hand, and the afternoon’s Little Belgian kid’s races offer something fun for the wee ones.

Charm City Cross is sponsored by Twenty 20 Cycling Company, Blue Competition Cycles, Specialized, Cole Wheels, Connex chains, Heavy Seas Brewery, Hostetter Agency, Osprey Packs, Tifosi, Challenge and Mad Alchemy.

More information can be found at twenty20cyclingcompany.com and bikereg.com.

Related stories:

1. Nittany Lion and Charm City Ready to Kick Off East Coast UCI Racing
2. Charm City Cyclocross: MAC Dominated by Black
3. Charm City Cyclocross: From Free Clinic to UCI C2

Any good websites on the dates for the Spring Classic races in 2011? Will be there from 4/19-4/26.

Anyone out there have any viewing tips?

Two double days in a row… Doesn’t get much better. Both days with time spent on the road bike and the ‘cross bike. Perfect combination of training.

Tuesday was an excellent day of training and racing. I kicked the day off with a skill session in my local park. I focused on dismounts/mounts, turning, and some start intervals. The usual stuff. This year I’m teaching myself a new way of dismounting… I used to always pre-unclip the left foot as I came into a barrier or obstacle. Now I’m only unclipping the left foot at the last moment before dismounting. This method is considered by some to be rather “risky”. Well, I also thought it was a bit risky until last week when Marc showed me how to do it and then we put it into practice in the woods. I’ve learned that it is much faster and when done correctly, there is no risk involved. So I’ve been spending a lot of time breaking down this dismount technique and working on getting the basics of it correct so when I do it at speed, I won’t have any issues.

Second part of Tuesday’s training day was spent at the Tuesday night training criterium. Again, another fast night at the local training race. All the usual suspects were out with a few new faces in the crowd to mix things up. I was having a great ride until my chain started to act up. All of a sudden the chain started hopping and skipping all over the cassette. This made for some rather erratic pedaling and riding. I stopped to look at it – couldn’t see a problem so decided to jump back in…. Well, as soon as I applied pressure to the pedals, the chain jumped from the big ring to the small ring and was chattering all over the cassette. Sigh…. Thanks to Shaun and Vince, I discovered that I had a “kink” in my chain and it was a bit twisted… Bummer but at least the chain didn’t break during the race. All in all, it was a great night of training/racing. I hit some good numbers and I did feel comfortable in the pack. Nice to see this form at this point in the season. Extra bonus of the night was catching up with my pal Sheri Jay.

Today is another day of doubling-up. Doing things in reverse today, starting with a road ride in the morning and a ‘cross ride in the evening. Today was all about 1 minute efforts on the road bike. Yeesh, never has a minute felt so long and so painful! Ah well, money in the bank for the upcoming cyclo-cross season. Looking forward to getting out on my new cyclo-cross bike again tonight. I have to say, I’m really liking the way the new Stevens Carbon Team feels. It corners really nicely. There are some smooth finishing touches on it like the flattened out top tube that allows the bike to rest on my shoulder nicely. And the paint job is slick – I love that yellow! Tonight Karl, Conor, and Marc and I will hit up the trails for some fast riding. Nothing like a night of chasing the fast guys through the woods, sand, and trees!

Yep, some pretty good days around these parts. Cyclo-cross season is right around the corner with my first race on Sept. 11 in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania. Can’t wait. My new cyclo-cross clothing will be arriving any day now. Looking forward to showing off the red, white, and black Ottawa Cross kit again this year. Many thanks to Champion Systems Canada for the excellent support this year.

If you find yourself wondering about cyclo-cross training, why not join me and a few others on Thursday morning for some ‘cross practice? The 90 minute session will focus on the basics of cyclo-cross with dismount/mounts, uphill shouldering, follow the leader, and a few other drills. Good time with a relaxed tone guaranteed. Email me for details.

If you’ve read the previous post  you’ll notice we are starting early this year at a beautiful new venue, Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens. The course will be demanding, considering it’s the first race of the year, but when does a cross race not hurt? There will be lots of fun after the race on Saturday too, so stick around. This year, for the first time, we actually have a cash title sponsor, The Town of Unicoi, TN. You’ll notice the tag line on the race flyer says “Gateway to Cycling Adventure” and that could not be more true. There are a multitude of rides in the Unicoi area, both road and mountain. Probably some of the best riding on the planet is in the Unicoi area. Plus, the town has big plans for the future of cycling in their community, and this cross race weekend is only the beginning.

You may be wondering, why all the separate race dates and fliers?, simple answer, we’ve grown beyond what a training series permit at USAC will allow. With four different venues and dates, each race has become a cog in the 35 c MSG tubie! This has given us a unique opportunity to offer day sponsorships for each race. As a result, the series cash prize total is just over $6000.00. We’ve added more coinage to the Pro Men and Women’s fields, and for the first time, we’ll be paying the Masters 35+ category! The overall has seen a modest increase over previous years as well. All other categories will still be receiving great prizes from our awesome merch sponsors, many of which are sponsoring for the first time. We will also be giving away frame sets, complete bikes and a cross wheelset! keep checking back for the details.

We are also honored to play host to the the first full SECCC Cyclo-cross race season by adding collegiate races to the October 30th race and the December 4th race. collegiate riders can count on having their own races, which won’t knock them out of racing their USAC cat later in the day. We’ll also be assisting King College with their Collegiate race on October 31st and ETSU’s race on December 5th (both will have USAC Categories). We really enjoy young riders and want to perpetuate cyclo-cross into the future by helping SECCC include cyclo-cross as part of the collegiate cycling calender.

Keep checking back as more race flyers will be posted as they are permitted. Also, look for the course maps to go up, a lot of the old favorites will be back, plus a few new ones thrown in the midst. Don’t forget the training race on Labor Day at Winged Deer in JC. We really need your support to build up frames for the MSG Juniors Cyclo-cross Team. Help make September 18th and 19th the biggest cross race in the history of TNCX and season 7 the best ever! BIG PRIZES, BIG VENUES, BIG TIRES AND BIG FUN!

Wow, I can't believe the start of the cyclocross season is just around the corner. With everything that's been going on with me I haven't had much time to really think about 'cross much beyond registering for the UCI3 day in Ohio a month or so back and then setting up a hotel for the Louisville USGP. So this morning I decided to roll my butt out of bed early and headed out for my first practice session. I'll say that I'm looking forward to some of these new rules in 'cross, mostly I hope Robert moves the barriers apart a bit so we'll be able to bunny hop them this year.

So with the though of cyclocross and the feel of fall in the air, this weekend I'm going to set aside some time to start re-gluing a few pair of tires that didn't make it through the year like I had wished. There is also some unfinished business I need to take care of on the mtb that I didn't get to take care of this season. So I have added a couple races sprinkled through 'cross season that will lead me up to Iceman. First up will be the race out at Stony this weekend that I'll be doing if I make it through the rest of my miles by weeks end.

Speaking of training. There is a new STXC (short track) series up at Lake Orion High School on Wednesday evenings with the first event starting on September 8th. Races start @ 6:05 with the "A" group racing 35minutes. There's even 50% payback to top 3 in each class (a,b,c) and a $10 entry fee. This race is sponsored by the GAP program at the high school and proceeds will benefit the Michigan Interscholastic Cycling Association (MICA) which we're trying to grow.
The course will be short, fast and flowing. I rode it on my 'cross bike and except for one 15 second section of single track which is non technical the 'cross bike should be a bit faster then the MTB.
If your gearing up for 'cross or the Iceman, it'll be the perfect training tool for mid-week workout. This is the type of racing most PRO's do during the week to prep for their weekend events. More information can be found here.... , search Facebook or just drop me a line under the comments section and I'll get back with you.