After two seasons of incredible results, Team Cyclocrossworld.com announced this week that it has added West Coast rider Ben Jacques-Maynes for '06. Jacques-Maynes will join Lyne Bessette, Canadian National Champion and North America's top Elite female 'cross racer, to form a potent bi-coastal duo.
"I'm very excited to race 'cross again," says Bessette, who retired from her successful road racing career over the summer. "It's going to be a little different because I didn't race all summer but I will be giving my best."
Jacques-Maynes concluded his best-ever road racing season with a seventh place in September's USPRO Championships for the domestic KodakGallery.com-Sierra Nevada squad. With strong performances throughout the road season, Jacques-Maynes, 27, established himself as one of the most consistent and respected riders in North America. After missing most of the 2005 'cross season due to the birth of his son, the San Jose, Cal resident is looking to make a big splash in his cyclo-cross return.
"After such a long road season, I am looking forward to refocusing on cyclocross this winter," says Jacques-Maynes. "I find 'cross refreshing, and I think I can do a great season this year. I feel strong in the legs, and I have worked hard on my running to bring up my competitive level."
Stu Thorne, Team Director and Cyclocrossworld.com owner, will introduce his eponymous Thorne Cyclocross Frames for the 2006 season, with Jacques-Maynes and Bessette riding prototypes in early races and production models by U.S. Nationals. Thorne team bikes will also fly SRAM's Force component group.
