CX Continued...

To add on to Claus' blog... We had a great turnout this weekend at Montrose.  It was great to see Claus out for his first 'cross race (in the snow!).  I think he was the only one out there riding with toe clips which does not make getting on and off your bike easy.  Yet he still came in 3rd in his race - way to go Claus!  

Jeremy was out for only his second race.  I think we have him hooked (although once you try cross, it is hard not to be hooked).  Unlike his first race, he went out nice and steady and then passed people the whole race.  Aspen and I were watching the race from a slippery corner... it was a fun place to watch because half the people wiped out or nearly wiped out on the corner, but Jeremy was one of the few riders to discover the outside/less slippery line... he's a smart one!!

Another 'cross newbie this season is Liam.  His bike looks more and more like a 'cross bike every race!  Despite the fact that he has been carrying around the heaviest bike all season, he's been crushing the competition.  After winning a 4b race handily this season he's moved to 4as and is consistently placing in the top of the field.  Next year we may get him on a 'cross bike... the competition better watch out!

We also had a host of veterans show up this week.  In the 30+ race, Patrick started the day off for the UCVC crew in his first of two races (thats a lot of hill runups in one day!).  Then Joel, Tim, and Thomas gave a stong showing for UCVC in the 40+ race... despite a couple wipeouts (its hard not to wipe out in the conditions we had on sunday) everyone finished the race with smiles!

Aspen probably gave the most exciting showing of the day.  He lead the race from the start, but had several strong competitors close on his heels.  With a couple laps to go he was in the lead, then out of the lead, then back in the lead, then out of the lead (with only half a lap to go), and then he came around for a big finish and won with quite a large gap behind him!  I think I might have done more running watching his race than in my actual race :)

I too had a good day and owe a huge thanks to the UCVC cheering section that came out to watch.  Carly and Ben were out to see their second 'cross race ever (I think they really want to ride... next year we'll get them on bikes).  Jason braved the cold to see his first 'cross race and got a workout by watching Aspen's race with me.  And Jon, our veteran fan, was out all day not only cheering, but also being a huge help between races.  All in all... a great UCVC showing.

Overall, it was a fun course and fun conditions.  Chicago Cross Cup does great work to bring 'cross racing to our area.  A big thanks from the UCVC for putting on a great series.  

(Pictures from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemann/sets/72157603420350389 and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeneyesmilw/sets/72157603415846926))