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Across the pond: Euro 'cross camp IV diary
Fresh from US Cyclocross Nationals, sixteen American riders were selected for the Euro 'Cross Camp IV from December 23, 2006, to January 3, 2007, in Belgium. US national 'cross coach Geoff Proctor started the program in 2003 and runs the camps during his winter vacation from his job teaching high school in Montana. This is the fourth year that top US riders will be given this opportunity to gain valuable 'cross racing experience in Europe and to prepare for the world championships in late January.
Riders were selected for this year's camp based on their performances in the 2006 USGP of cyclo-cross and US nationals. Coach Proctor and his riders will take turns contributing diary entries.
Belgium, January 4, 2007
Erik Tonkin's fan club
By Troy Wells
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Tonkin is the man in St. Niklaas. For the third year in a row, he had a supporters crew that could rival Sven Nys. On the way to the start line today, I asked Tonkin if he had seen his fans yet, and he replied that he’d only seen a couple.
Coming around a corner on the second lap it became apparent that Tonkin’s fans were out in force. All I could hear was "Go Erik " and "We love you Erik". After the race the supporters came over with a banner that had "Love Erik" written on it. They all had "kodac" to have their "photo" taken with the king himself.
Tonkin attracted his support crew four years ago because he was the only rider that smiled when they cheered for him and he had a beard. But don’t worry, Tonkin said that he told his fans that they had to adopt me after he hangs up his skinsuit and hairy legs.
Before the race, Tonkin and I were talking about how different the courses are in Europe compared to the States. On the six minute lap today it had more sand, mud, and off camber sections than we face in the entire cross season in America. Today the only thing that saved the bikes was being able to ride in the lake in order to clean out the drivetrain.
I also witnessed a baby Nys out doing laps around the running track on his custom Colnago with Shimano carbon wheels with world champion edition Dugasts. I think the little guy put in more miles than his dad today. Next year he will be taking part in the niewelingen (juniors >16) 'crosses.
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Todd Wells
- Erik Tonkin's fan club with a sign that says Eric Rules
Images by Joe Sales
- Troy Wells gets another Javelin 'cross bike dirty at St Niklaas.
- Wells runs through the pits at St Niklaas.
- TIAA-CREF rider Troy Wells working hard at St Niklaas.
- Troy Wells (TIAA-CREF) gets encouragement from Noel Dejonckheere at St Niklaas.
- The Erik Tonkin Fan Club at St Nicklas.
- Troy Wells (TIAA-CREF) racing at Wachtebeke Belgium.
- Troy Wells at Wachtebeke.
- Wells gets a fresh bike from National Team Coach Geoff Proctor at the Hofstade World Cup.
- Wells exits the pits at Diegem.
- Wells enters the stadium at Diegem.
- In the deep sand at Hofstade.
