Euro 'Cross Camp VII

Time flies

Published:

January 4, 2010, 21:18,

Updated:

January 4, 2010, 21:48

By:

Joshua Lehmann

Campers take home valuable lessons

It is hard to believe that 17 days have passed since I arrived in Belgium; the time has flown by so fast. I have learned so much more than I anticipated and covered more subjects than I thought we would. The experience has definitely exceeded my expectations. With all of that, what can I take away from Belgium?

Adaptability is a crucial aspect of racing. Having flights that were delayed, baggage and bikes that didn't arrive with me, wheels that traveled to India and missing the first two races all have the ability to be frustrating. Making the best use of my time, focusing on my goals and enjoying what I could helped pass the time and helped make the best out of a compromised situation.

Even though I did not have my bikes, I found a few solutions by riding the cruiser bikes at the team house, jogging on the roads and did plenty of stretching. This allowed me to keep my fitness for the upcoming races. I understand the value of adaptability in a race, but this trip has made it perfectly clear how I need to adapt to everything else to improve my racing.

To know the purpose for the day is essential. If the day was meant for rest, then rest it is. If the day was meant for racing, then racing it is. To be focused and single-minded is always difficult with so many distractions, especially when the distractions are fun.

Geoff Proctor said in one of the team meetings, "You are doing a great job of being united, but you [the group] should make sure that you do what is best for yourself. Even if that means riding inside rather than ride outside. Just make sure that you are doing what is best for you." It is imperative to focus on the goals in order to achieve them.

How to find success in a less than stellar performance is invaluable. A couple of the races did not go according to the plan. Either I had trouble warming up, had no legs or had mechanical issues. While they were not ideal, each one had a lesson to take away to improve the next race. Whether learning how to play full contact 'cross (politely) or figuring out how to get the best results without the normal power in the engine. There was definitely a lesson in each race.

Enjoying the experience is a tremendous reward. I am not sure which I enjoyed more, being able to chat with Jamie Driscoll and Jeremy Powers or racing at a World Cup in the Team USA skinsuit. Being able to just shoot the breeze with the Cannondale/Cylocrossworld.com boys was pretty cool. Then again, toeing the line in the USA skinsuit was AWESOME. I am almost certain that the skinsuit added at least 50 watts to my start.

The whole experience will not soon be forgotten, and I think it is very important that everyone know how well the Team USA Crew takes care of the riders. Everyone did a superb job - Geoff for offering needed advice, Fox for always encouraging us, Els for the delicious food (especially my birthday cake), Brecht for the constantly squaring away my bikes and the other mechanics and soigneurs for putting our experience at the top of their TO DO list. I offer a sincere thank you to all of the people, in Belgium and the States, who have made this Camp possible and a tremendous success.

As I leave Belgium, I am more motivated than ever to train smarter, race harder and enjoy the experience as it comes.

Joshua Lehmann

A life-changing experience

Published:

January 3, 2010, 20:55,

Updated:

January 3, 2010, 21:08

By:

Joshua Berry

Joshua Berry's fondest memories of Belgium

Ten races in 16 days and I find myself lying in my bunk bed with my feet up watching Lady Gaga. Other than thinking about how crazy this music video is, I have to figure out how this camp has been for my growth as a cyclist. Simply put, this has completely changed my life.

There was not an instance of divine intervention but I have been fully influenced by this time in Belgium. I raced 10 races in Belgium, of course I was changed. I will admit that I felt like I completely had my ass handed to me in all of the races and it would be enough to have some racers quit because they feel like they will never be as fast as the likes of Sven Nys or Tom Meeusen. This may have hurt the spirits for some, but these races have simply been the kindling of the fire I need.

I have just finished my season and in the best way possible I am not relieved with the end but ready to prepare for the next one. Also, I decided that Ryan Weaver is the Sven Nys of Portland. Sorry, you don't get that if you are not from Portland.

Some great moments of my trip were Zach [McDonald] not washing his helmet and keeping his helmet as muddy as possible, Danny [Summerhill] taping an iPhone to his bars so he can watch Cross Tube, the treacherous descent in Zolder, the severe lack of ladies in Belgium, the juniors and their antics, the Bear and Fox's verbal arguments, Travis Livermon flipping over a barrier into a frozen lake, the countless hours of putting my legs up, the live TV coverage of 'cross racing and the 18 hours spent watching Gossip Girl.

The camp was anything but uneventful and I am glad I was chosen to be a part of this experience. Tim and Sue Butler, thanks for feeding me and riding with me on the coldest day. Cody, thanks for making me fast. River City and cycle path, thanks for keeping me well equipped for the 'cross season. Paul, none of this would be real without you. Thanks. Geoff, Ells, Noel, Fox, camp would not work without you. Thank you.

Balancing school, racing and a trip to Antwerp

Published:

January 2, 2010, 21:26,

Updated:

January 2, 2010, 21:56

By:

Cycling News

Chris Wallace multi-tasks in Belgium

My time here in Belgium has gone by very quickly and I am already headed back to the States on Sunday. I arrived here last Monday night/Tuesday morning and was unlucky like most of the other riders and had a long travel day with many delays. Luckily, I received all of my luggage.

My time in Belgium ever since then has been filled with much racing and riding with the added task of trying to fit some school work in. I was expecting to take all of my finals early but my school administrators told me that was not going to happen so I was forced to lug all of my books here to Belgium, something I have been doing traveling around the US all season. Surprisingly, however, calculus and chemistry are good ways to make the down time here go by.

This past Wednesday, however, I had a break from all of the racing and school work and I took the train up to Antwerp to meet with the director of Navigators Insurance’s office in Antwerp, Jan Dela Ruelle. Navigators has been my main sponsor for the current cyclo-cross season. Upon my arrival, Jan took me to the Navigators office to show me around and meet some of the employees there. After about 30 minutes of talking about cyclo-cross we headed to the city center for lunch.

When we arrived at the city center I was amazed at all of the buildings and structures all over. After some walking around on the cobbled streets we headed to a small restaurant and I ended up having one of the best meals of pasta and cheese I can remember having. Next, Jan showed me more of the city and showered me with gifts of chocolate and the Belgian specialty, Speculoos. Shortly afterwards I got back on the train to Izegem, but it was a great afternoon.

As the season is just about a month from being over I would like thank my sponsors for everything they have done for me this year. First, Navigators Insurance for enabling me to make everything I have done this year possible and for great support throughout the year, the KCCX group for their continued support at races and managing a great team, Verge Clothing, Scott Bicycles, Easton Wheels, SRAM, Challenge Tires, Giro, and TRP Brakes for supplying their great products they make, my parents and family for helping me succeed in races and the support they provide me on and off the bike, and finally God for everything that has happened to me.

Until next time,
Chris Wallace

It's all about the warming van

Published:

December 31, 2009, 18:08,

Updated:

December 31, 2009, 18:49

By:

Brian Matter

Euro 'Cross Campers fend off winter's nip with some help

The warming van is where it all goes down, and it is an integral part of cyclo-cross culture here in Belgium. Things start bright and early with the warming van when the mechanics jam pack as many bikes, wheels, trainers, and other equipment into the back of the van.

When the warming vans arrives at the race it is a mad dash to find the perfect parking spot. Usually we strategically park three vans together, and then in between the vans the mechanics set up. Tents with trainers, tents with food and tea, and tents with workstands and tools from our headquarters for the day.

Then the real action begins. The mechanics have prepped the warming van with a propane heater and a light connected to a generator. Then the riders arrive. There are three very small wooden benches in the van. One is nearer to the heater and on cold days, it's the spot to get. The pros usually show up to the warming van three hours before their race. We unwrap the tin foiled ham & cheese and have our pre-race meal.

Just about the same time Danny Summerhill comes rolling in after his race. The mood is instantly set. If Summerhill races fast, then the atmosphere is good. If Summerhill has a bad day, then it gets pretty grim until Troy Wells cranks some Beastie Boys on the iPhone. If Summerhill's hands are frozen, Wells will politely do an interview for him.

It gets hectic when the rest of the Under 23s arrive, and there are seven to 10 of us in a van all trying to change at the same time. Some guys are covered in freezing mud, a warning is shouted that the pants are coming down, and next thing you know someone's bare ass is in your face. The U23s get rushed out, a little silence, you try not to step your clean socks in wet mud, and the ceiling drips like a tropical rain forest from the condensation. Your clothes get wet, you hit your head, and someone spills your warm coffee. Some practical jokes are played, and then we head out for a lap or two.

After two laps, it's back to the van. Upon arrival we reflect on the course, the appropriate clothing for the race and the sensations in the legs. More practical jokes and then Fox and Els bring us some more tea or coffee and rub the legs and feet down with some warming cream. The smell is in the air. Race time is approaching. We start to pin on the numbers and put on racing suits.

Forty-five minutes before the race Geoff Proctor arrives with "Proctors Words of Wisdom" before he heads to the pits. Five minutes of pure motivational speech. This guy does a better job than Matt Foley. Forty minutes to go and we are suited up and headed for the trainers. The superfans are there in the thousands waiting to see who walks out of the van. Shouts of Ryan Trebon, Todd Wells, and Johnson, but this time around it's only Matter, Troy Wells, and Justin Lindine. We sign some autographs, and it makes them happy. Then its off to the races.

After the race, we are instantly back in the van. The heat has been off for an hour. The generators are packed. It's dark and cold. We beg for the heater to be turned on. The matches are soaked wet. We borrow a lighter from a smoking superfan. A little heat. The pain sets in. Fox yells, "let's go". We change. Throw our dirty clothes back in the race bag, and exit. The mechanics load the warming van with the mud soaked equipment as the riders are whisked away in another van through the raucous crowd.

Brian Matter
Team Gear Grinder

Roundabout routes to snowy Belgium

Published:

December 21, 2009, 22:00,

Updated:

December 31, 2009, 18:45

By:

Cycling News

by Danny Summerhill

I am not gonna lie, trying to think of a clever way to begin a blog entry sucks... So I hope you will do alright going with out!

Camp so far has been pretty interesting. I don't think in the 5 or 6 years that I have attended Geoff Proctor's Christmas camp have I ever seen so much snow. In fact, there is so much snow here that the amount of distress it has caused on the people of Belgium is almost comical! Adding a few inches of snow to a country that only sees it once in a blue moon has created all kinds of havoc.

My trip started out like most people here with delays galore and many hours spent staring at the ceilings of airports that we shouldn't be at in the first place. Personally, I thought circling Brussels airport for a couple hours only to have to be redirected to Amsterdam where we had to wait for another couple of hours on the runway then fly back to Belgium was painful, but that's nothing compared to the numerous other stories of campers here, who endured many more hours doing similar things only to get here and not even have their bikes arrive.

Getting through and learning from situations like this, ladies and gentlemen, is what makes "Euro Cross Camp" the character-building experience that it is!

On a more positive note, I was very pleased that my first race over here went as well as it did. Most definitely the coldest race I have done this season, but 3rd place and best U23 was a fun way to start this trip.

With that said, none of this would have been able to happen without a few very important people and organizations. First of all, I can't say thank you enough to everyone at USA Cycling for giving me the stepping stones through the years to help me reach this level in my cycling career.

My first trip to this house in Belgium was when I was 16 and I've been many times since, both for the road season and the 'cross season and I can't say enough about how much Noel and Geoff have helped me grow as a rider and person through the past several years. This camp wouldn't be in its 7th year if it wasn't for Geoff Proctor and his incredible passion and drive to pass on his knowledge and passion for cyclocross to myself and all of the others.

It's early days, but watch out for some more great results from the campers here over the Christmas holidays!

Thanks for your support,

Danny Summerhill

Twitter: @DannySummerhill

A Home away from Home

Published:

December 25, 2009, 18:58,

Updated:

December 31, 2009, 18:45

By:

Cycling News

by David Kessler

It has been a week since I said goodbye to America and boarded the plane en route to Belgium to stay at the United States National Team House for the second time. I am back again under the guidance of Geoff Proctor, who I came with back in August for road racing. Only this time, I am here to battle it out against some of the world's best, Junior cyclo-cross racers.

I think the biggest difference from the road season, other than the fact that I have already been here and that I am racing in entirely different conditions (snow/mud and a temperature fluctuating around thirty five degrees F), is that this time, I feel like it wasn't just something I really wanted to do; it was definitely something that I needed to do, to get back on track, after a hard few weeks back home.

The biggest thing that I have seen has been a very good camaraderie amongst us American racers and the people who make it possible for us to be here. Whether it be toughing out the ice and snow, like I have the past couple days with Jerome Townsend and Lil' Steve Fisher; crowding the whole work room area spinning away on the trainers and rollers; or just sitting around for hours - there is lots of downtime - at the TV listening to everyone's opinion on the current music video being watched (preferably Lady Gaga); we have all come to shatter that whole "anti-social vibe" that Troy described in the last blog entry. And, if anyone hadn't, Christmas Eve at the House forced them to.

It was a great night which was celebrated by all of us riders, Els and her two daughters Charlyn and Naomi; a whole bunch more of the US House regulars like Super Mario, or last night, Santa Mario; and Geoff and his family. Hors d'oeuvres like chicken wings and a selection of cheeses started off the night, followed by a nice dinner, consisting of turkey, peas, pears, cranberries, deep-fried potatoes, and rice.

For dessert, Els got two types of delicious cakes, and for me, the rest of the evening was filled with chatting with everyone, dancing in the kitchen with Mario's wife (Naomi wouldn't dance with me ?), watching Super Mario perform one of his magic tricks, attempting to play a civil game of Scrabble, and finishing the night keepin' it real watching Da Ali G Show wivz no uvva den mee main matez, da phresest blokez in da house, Phat Matt Spinks and Homeyskool Lehmann.

At this point, I can't express how nice it is to be around a group of such fine, diverse, fun and hard-working individuals, who can all relate and are here to do one thing: to engage in the sport of cyclo-cross.

On another note, after speaking of the celebrations at the house on Christmas Eve, I can't help but personally thank Noel and Els and everyone at the house in Izegem, for everything they do to make this a nice home for me and other young, American bike racers. This house is definitely a HUGE improvement over the "flop-housing" that cyclists like Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie had to endure before the US House was set up.

I would also like to thank Geoff Proctor for another amazing trip and all the enthusiasm/knowledge you've brought as my chaperone for my first two times in Europe. Also, thank you Ben Turner, who has given so much to me on the CLIF BAR Development Team. Also, thanks Mom and Dad for everything you've ever done for me and for all of your support; without you guys, I most certainly wouldn't be here.

Thanks for reading, and I guess I should leave you with some motivation words of wisdom or something… I'd say you have to just keep things fun and don't get stressed out. Also, enjoy the moments you share with people. "Do ya thang man" (Icecube) regardless of what people are "lookin' at," and get good rest.

No doubt.