Barry Wicks in his golden shorts (Image credit: Carson Blume)
It might not have been an official world championship, and it certainly wasn't an event taken seriously as evidenced by riders in baggy hockey jerseys, party hats and even an inner-tube bustier, but the Portland, Oregon single speed cyclo-cross 'world championship' proved that this region is simply crazy about 'cross.
The event began with a qualifying cyclo-cross time trial - possibly one of the first of its kind - and then followed up with the men's and women's finals. US 'Cross champion Ryan Trebon and Kona-YourKey team-mate Barry Wicks blitzed the qualifiers, finishing 1-2 with the only times under eight minutes. Wendy Williams (River City Bicycles) was fastest in the women's event.
What followed was one of the most unique cyclo-cross races ever held, beginning with a traditional call-up by time trial finishing order which was unexpectedly turned upside down when the referee ordered everyone to turn around 180 degrees - putting Trebon and Wicks at the back of the field.
It was followed by a furious battle for position on the opening lap with riders having to make the difficult decision to ride the course or take a trip through the 'tequila short cut' - saving precious seconds with the requirement to down a shot of liquor or be pelted with paintballs.
Wicks went on to victory in the men's finals, beating Adam Craig and Trebon, and was presented with a shiny gold speedo trimmed with rainbow bands and a Vanilla Bicycles 'SpeedVagen' single speed 'cross bike.
Between the beer hand-ups and heckling contests, and the award of golden spandex kits to the winner, the event was anything but a traditional cyclo-cross event.
