Clif Bar's "Tussle for the Buckle"

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The Clif Bar Cyclocross Sumo Suit Challenge, the brainchild of Clif Bar's Dylan Seguin, was held last Thursday, with Gavin Chilcott ending the night a deserving winner. Hosted by Clif Bar ahead of the USGP of Cyclocross final round as a means of gathering members of the cycling community in Northern California, there was a silent auction benefiting the Fast Freddie Foundation, plus pizza and beer and of course the sumo event. Riders donned sumo suits and 'tussled for the buckle', wrestling for the grand prize of a specially-made belt buckle.

Among those participating in the event were Gary Erickson, Freddie Rodriguez, Mark McCormack, Mike Sayers, Laura Charameda, Jesse Anthony and Troy Wells, plus the finalists Todd Wells and Gavin Chilcott. Emcee for the evening Richard Fries, commented that, "In terms of fun, it was off the charts. There's something between Halloween, Christmas and pagan rituals that makes humanity want to put on costumes. Something comes undone in us all at this time of year, so it's right in with cyclocross. You could never get a bunch of road weenies to do this in May or June. And I'm glad the event has 'Cyclocross' in the title."

When asked about strategy, buckle winner Chilcott quipped, "It pays to be short." When pressed further, Chilcott admitted, "Laura (Charameda) said she was going home with the winner and that was very motivating."

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Paul McKenzie

• Round 1 Sumos Laura & Suzette getting ready for the big take down
• Sumo Laura Charameda still standing before that mean Sumo Mike Sawyers took the win in round two.
• The winning look scared the competition straight to the mat.

New sumo champion Gavin Chillcott displaying the belt buckle medal of honor. If only he could find a belt that would fit that fine figure.

An interview with Wendy Simms, November 25, 2005