Powers, Dombrowski hold National Calendar lead
Jeremy Powers (Cyclocrossworld.com/Cannondale) and Amy Dombrowski (Velo Bella-Kona held onto their lead in the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Calendar standings after the Granogue and Wissahickon races this weekend. Powers took the win in Sunday's race in Wissahickon after taking second to Ryan Trebon on Saturday. He now leads Trebon by 23 points.
Dombrowski was not present in the east coast events, which were won by Deidre Winfield and Laura Van Gilder - neither one of whom threatened to take the lead.
USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Calendar standings after 17 events:
USGP Derby City Cup renews sponsor
Organizers of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross, (USGP) have announced that Louisville-based Papa John's has renewed as title sponsor of this weekend's opening round, the Derby City Cup, in Louisville, Kentucky.
The USGP Papa John's Derby City Cup will be held at Champions Park on a course designed by USGP Executive Director Bruce Fina and local 'cross guru Bob Bobrow. The course is comprised of fast straights, technical turns, sand, several run-ups, and a flyover.
The second stop of the series will be the Mercer Cup presented by Knapp's Cyclery in West Windsor, NJ on November 15-16. The series will then return to Portland, Oregon for the fifth consecutive year for the Portland Cup presented by Stanley for the final races on December 6-7.
More information on the USGP will be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the USGP, visit www.usgpcyclocross.com.
Belgian and Dutch embassies sponsor DC 'cross
Organisers of Sunday's City Bikes DCCX announced that the only cyclo-cross race held within the District of Columbia has brought in representatives from the founding countries of the sport to help give a more "authentic" atmosphere to the race. The Belgian Embassy will sponsoring the "Lil' Belgians" kids race, and the organization will be serving up Frites, a staple of Belgian 'cross races, free of charge.
In addition, the DC Dutch club has announced it would cook up "poffertjes" for the racers. Poffertjes are a type of pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. And, in a further effort of trying to upstage their European neighbors, the Dutch plan to show up in traditional clothing with their flags waving.
The Men's Category 4 class has already sold-out, but pre-registration is still available for other classes at BikeReg.com http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7143 . Pre-registration is strongly recommended as day-of registration, if still available, will take place off-site.
Whitmore's 'cross to raffle off Sachs bike
The promoter of the UCI Whitmore's Landscaping Super Cross Cup announced a new incentive for non-UCI racers to attend this week. A custom Richard Sachs Cyclo-cross team bike, fully outfitted with SRAM components and Mavic wheels will be raffled off at the race in the Hamptons of Long Island on November 22-23.
Every non-UCI entry will receive one free raffle ticket toward the drawing for the Richard Sachs Cyclo-cross bike for each race they enter.
Richard Sachs currently has a seven year backlog for his Signature road frames, and is not currently taking orders from new clients. But this bike, which will be made to measure specifically for the winner of the contest, will be built along with next year's RGM Watches - Richard Sachs - Boathouse Inc pro team bikes.
To enter the raffle, simply register for the Whitmore's Landscaping Super Cross Cup at BikeReg.com.
'Cross goes indoors in Alberta
The Veloplzen Cycling Club announced this week that it would hold North America's first indoor cyclo-cross event in Springbank, Alberta on November 8.
The race will be held in a heated 80x240 foot barn, and will be run four riders at a time in heats with two categories - open and one-cog (fixed gear, coasters, cruisers and singlespeeds). A women's event will be run if there are enough entrants.
The course is being designed and constructed by Keith Bayly and will offer traditional cyclo-cross features – tight turns, loose surfaces, off-camber corners, long straights, and multiple barriers - as well as a few special surprises!
Entertainment will be provided by local Calgary bands - The Bownesians, Dead Man's Hand, and The Ramblin' Ambassadors.
Libations generously provided by Steam Whistle Pilsner and concessions provided by Veloplzen club members.
For more information, visit the Veloplzen Cycling Club – http://veloplzen.blogspot.com
CrossVegas to air on Altitude
Broadcast dates for the televised coverage of CrossVegas, the international cyclo-cross race held September 24th in Las Vegas, were announced this week. The program will air on Altitude Sports and Entertainment Network on the following dates:
Viewers outside of Altitude's 10 state region (Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah) can find the program on DirecTV as well as Dish Network in select areas. Additional airings of CrossVegas will be available on other networks to be announced in the next few weeks.
