pictures to come soon, hopefully…
Yesterday’s efforts were well put as I was able to score the W at the Arizona State CX Championship race. Here’s how the day played out.
Race day started off right with some video coverage of the ’98 Cyclocross Worlds along with buckwheat pancakes and maple syrup. By 8:45 Chloe and I were off to Gilbert (Phoenix) with super-fan Brian Meyer along for the day’s excitement. With weather in the 45-55 degree range, the overcast skies with on and then off rain showers completed the list of cyclocross prerequisites. It was going to be a good day on the bike. We arrived at Freestone Park with about an hour fifteen until Chloe’s start so I helped her get things going so she could warm up with plenty of time to toe the start line and get the pre-race instructions. We set her bike up right with some Maxxis Raze tires covering her Mavic SpeedCity 700c rims fitted to her Orbea Alma. A pseudo cyclocross bike had been created. With the strongest legs she crossed the line first to take the victory.
By now I had checked out the rain soaked course. There were some climbs that were really saturated and quite boggy. The run up was tough and the flat open section was broken up with a triple barrier section before entering the tightest part of the course – the switchback descent that dumped out just 50 yards from the line. It looked to be a tough course, but not so tough that the race would quickly splinter. I couldn’t have been more right.
The pace from the start was hot as we all sought the front end of the race. Ryan jumped the barrier and rode the run-up brushing past me. By the end of lap one there were probably nine or ten riders in the lead group and it didn’t get much smaller anytime soon. Kyle put in some hard digs, Scott would do the same and we were always chasing Ryan as he continued to jump the barrier and ride the run up. Eventually the pace took its toll and the race was down to six riders – myself, Ryan, JR, Scott, Kyle, and Cam. With six laps to go I came out of switchbacks with a bit of a gap so I put in a hard effort with hopes to really whittle down the front end of the race. I was feeling good and wanted to make the tactics less nervous in the second half of race. The move worked and it was only Scott and JR who were able to respond, with Ryan dangling just off the back. I would lead, but I didn’t want the two Schampa teammates to have any extra chance to recover. With Ryan so close I wanted to keep it at three riders instead of the four. I put in hard efforts where the course was most challenging and did less work where it was somewhat easier, but yet I did most of the pace making since they had the numbers advantage and were content to follow. The final three laps went on like this and I new that any of us could win on the day. On the final lap I made certain to exit the triple barriers first and really accelerate quickly back onto the bike. This let me sit up just a bit as they chased before I punched it again going into the corners. Once I entered the switchbacks first it was a done deal and I did all I could to keep the tires underneath me before dashing to the line. JR came in second and Scott third, both within five seconds. It took a full effort to win and it came down right down to the end. It was surely the most action packed and enjoyable cross race of the year. I really had a blast out there.
It was a perfect way to cap off the cyclocross season and what turned out to be an enjoyable fall/winter diversion. Maybe in ’08 I’ll travel to some of the bigger events, but if not, I’ll know that the AZCross series will keep me plenty entertained.
I’d like to thank BMC for the bike and incentive to commit to the cyclocross scene, Arizona Cyclist for helping me build up the bike just right and Jeremy and his crew for promoting such a great series and Championship event. Thanks to Brian for the feeds and camera work. And, also a thanks goes out to whoever stashed that dollar bill on top of the run up barrier for me with two laps to go. Keeping it Real,
-TJ
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