2005 WCA News Archive |
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“Fabulous” Weather Draws Tons of Racers & Fans to Cam-Rock CyclocrossOctober 24, 2005 Overnight rains, AM showers & drizzle, overcast skies and temperatures in the 40s……Many normal folks say, “A Perfect Day for Cyclocross.” It must be true, as over 160 racers had smiles and mud on their faces at the ~21st running of Cam-Rock Cyclocross, on Saturday, October 22nd. The morning rains made the course “tricky,” giving those with superior bike handing skills, and guts, an advantage. The course designers set up a rough run up (new this year) and the damp & slippery corners proved to be a decisive factor throughout the day. The addition of more Women’s, Master’s and Junior’s categories seems to be successful, with increased ridership in those, and all, categories. For complete results, check out the CX RESULTS page of the WCA website. Plus, tons of great photos and Midwest cyclocross commentary at, Madcross.org.  Matt Kelly (Alan Factory) Takes ‘A” Race Win The Brazen Dropouts and Midwest Masters Cycle Clubs would like to thank all the racers and fans who attended; and our major Cyclocross sponsors, Cronometro.com and Planet Bike.
Badger Cross: Cyclocross Wisconsin StyleOctober 19, 2005 The WCA Cyclocross Series race number three sponsored by Capitol Velo Club, a Madison-based women’s cycling team, set record attendance and served as the introduction to the sport for many area cyclists. Thanks to a growing interest in cyclocross roadies and mountain bikers alike came out to try their hand at Badger Prairie County Park.
With temperatures in the mid-60s it couldn’t have been a better day to try out the sport. With a race course featuring corner after corner, both sides of a sand volleyball court, a hill run-up with log “steps” and one set of barriers the course offered a little something for everyone. The mixture of asphalt, dirt track, and gravel made this a true cyclocross course with plenty of transitions from one terrain to another to let the riders test their bike handling skills.
The Elite Women’s race had a solid field with eight women lined up to contest the day. However, newcomer to cyclocross, Holly Liske (Hayes), came out the winner at the end of the day taking the early lead and never letting it slip. Kristen Wentworth (Nova/IS Corp) crashed on one of the first corners but battled back through the field for a strong second. She was followed by another cyclocross newcomer, Kerry Ham, who took third in her second cyclocross race ever. Junior phenomenon Kaitlin Antonneau (Nova/IS Corp) took 4th place and teammate Kristen Kehl took 5th.
The Elite Men’s race was not short of local cyclocross stars and some newcomers to cross as well. On lap two Tristan Schouten (Trek/VW) made his move away from the lead group and never looked back until he ran across the finish line shouldering his bike to take a decisive win. Behind him Matt Kelly (Alan Factory Team) and Brian Matter (PCW) spent the whole race together but at the line Kelly took the sprint for 2nd with Matter just behind in 3rd. Only a little farther back was Jesse Lalonde (Gary Fischer) taking 4th place in his first cross race and doing it in his usual singlespeed style. Earandale Fingerson (Alan Factory Team) rounded out the top five.
However, the day’s festivities included more than just the racing. Race sponsor Schwinn was on hand with demo bikes to show off the new Schwinn Fastback CX bike and many of the bikes were equipped with PowerTap wheels for demoing as well. At noon a free Kid’s race was held to introduce the next generation of cyclists to the sport and many of the kids didn’t want to stop racing and were seen riding their bikes throughout the afternoon. In addition, racers became spectators as they lingered throughout the day to enjoy free food courtesy of Boca Burgers and other great local sponsors.
The Capitol Velo Club wants to thank Williamson Bicycle and Fitness, Schwinn, PowerTap, Cycle-Smart, Inc and Boca for making this event possible. CVC is would also like to thank all the participants who made this race so much fun. For additional coverage and photos from the event please visit www.madcross.org.
Lapham Peak Cross Practice Time ChangeOctober 10, 2005
Beginning Tuesday, October 11th, Cyclocross
Practices at Lapham Peak in Delafield will be moving to 4pm. Practice
will end at dusk. 'Cross Race at Badger PrairieOctober 6, 2005 The WCA Cyclocross Series comes to the Madison area on Sunday, October 16 with the Badger Cross race at Badger Prairie County Park. The race is presented by Capitol Velo Club with support from Schwinn and Williamson Bicycle and Fitness. A new feature of the race this year is the free Kid’s Race at Noon. Bring your kids and let them try their hand at racing over mini-barriers. Don’t you wish you’d gotten started racing cross at a young age? Medals will be awarded to all the kids! A number of other special non-WCA Series categories will be recognized at the Badger Cross race as well. The top 40+ and top 50+ woman in both the C and the B Women’s races will receive a special merchandise prize. In addition, a Singlespeed category will take place at 10:15am for those whom gears are unnecessary. Other race day highlights include Schwinn Fastback CX bike demos some equipped with PowerTap wheels so you can try out a great new bike as well as find out more about the latest technology to assist your training. The race will also feature free post-race food, a wickedly funny race announcer and so much more. Williamson Bicycle and Fitness will be on hand for pre-race technical support. Don’t miss this day of cyclocross racing fun! Racing starts at 9:30 a.m. Sunday with the Juniors and C Women, racing for 30 minutes. C Men and B Women start next on their 30 minute race at 10:15 a.m. A Women and Master’s 40+ and 50+ race for 40 minutes at 1:00pm and A Men and 30+ Men finish off the day’s events at 2:00 p.m. with a 60 minute lung-busting effort. This race would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors including Schwinn, Williamson Bicycle and Fitness, Cycle-Smart, Inc, A Stone’s Throw, and Planet Bike. For the latest information on the Badger Cross race visit www.madcross.org.
Wisconsin 'Cross Starts Out HOT!!October 4, 2005 For the second year in a row, temperatures ranged into the upper 70's to usher in the cyclocross season in Wisconsin. With the hot temperatures came hot racing and hot numbers, as nearly 150 racers attended Moe's Burrito 'Cross at Lapham Peak State Park in Delafield, WI, Sunday. Well known by area racers, Lapham Peak has been a home to Wisconsin's cyclocross series debut race for each of the last 3 seasons. Although there were similarities to races past, this year's course featured a new, tough climb, leading to a wicked run-up each lap. Not everybody loved the off-camber U turn followed by steep run-up, but since when were "run-up" and "fun" supposed to be in the same sentence? Everyone did agree on one thing, the hill was hard. Throughout the day, races were hard fought as categories posted record numbers of riders. Battles continued through to the culminating events of the day, the Women's and Men's Category-A races. In the women's race, Team Wisconsin's Patt Kaufmann held off Kristin Wentworth (Nova / IS Corp) and Samantha Kaplan (Capitol Velo Club) for the win. Kaufmann capitalized on her home-field advantage, as she had a sneak-peak at the run-up during the local 'cross practice in weeks leading up to the race. The men's race came down to a heated
sprint between Trek VW Midwest Factory rider Tristan Schouten, and
Alan Factory's Matt Kelly. There CZ Velo would like to thank and congratulate
all of the racers and spectators who showed up to open the cyclocross
season in Wisconsin. Women's A Men's A For full results please visit: www.wicycling.org or click here. For event photos please visit: www.madcross.org "Go, Speed" -Trixie
NEWS FLASH! ATTENTION GIRLS!September 28, 2005
In an unprecedented move, the Capitol
Velo Club and CZ Velo will be collaborating this weekend, to reward
female cyclo-cross racers! Cross Practice Set at LaphamAugust 26, 2005 The nip is coming back to the evening air, and it's starting to feel like Cyclocross time again!! To celebrate the changing season, and prepare for the upcoming cyclocross slugfest, a.k.a. the WCA cross season, I'm going to be setting up my practice barriers Tuesday nights at Lapham Peak in Delafield. When: Tuesday nights, 5:00, from now until lack of sunlight allows. Where: Lapham Peak State Park, Hwy C in Delafield, just south I-94, Evergreen Parking Lot. What we'll be doing: I'll be arriving just before 5:00, if anybody is there yet we can do a warm-up lap and set the barriers, then check the lot to see if anybody else has arrived. This is open to anybody, first-timers to pros. If you're a pro, just go out and ride on your own. If you're new to cross, hang with the group and we'll show you the ropes! This is also your chance to hone your skills for the first cross race of the season, Moe's Burrito Cross, presented by CZ Velo, Oct. 2nd at Lapham Peak! Please let me know if you have any questions at all. Mountain and cross bikes welcome! Tell your friends! Spin, PS. There will be no practice if it has rained a lot, because we don't want destroy the trails. PPS. You will need a parking and trail pass to ride the mountain bike trails at Lapham; they're pretty cheap.
ONE WEEK to WI CYCLOCROSS!!!!!September 27, 2005
Get your knobby tires ready because fall
is here and it's time to 'cross it up! Jeff Littman Hurt in CrashSeptember 18, 2005 Jeff Littman (Team Wisconsin) sustained multiple injuries Sunday as the result of a fall at the last race of the season. Thanks to prompt emergency care by another WCA rider who happens to be an ER doctor, Jeff received expert care almost immediately. He is in the Intensive Care Unit at Froedert Hospital. We'll post more news as it becomes available. Please keep Jeff and Heather in your thoughts and prayers.
Photos!September 1, 2005 Check out the following links to see if your photo was taken by one of the professtional photographers at the recent State Crit event. www.printroom.com/pro/photosbypaul and www.erdmannphotos.com.
Masters Categories for State Crit ChampionshipAugust 11, 2005 The state criterium championship is
using a slightly different format for masters events. Riders who
wish to compete for medals and points in age categories 50 and over
should enter the 50+/60+ event. State championship medals will be
awarded in five-year increments for category 1-2-3 masters and for
category 4-5 masters. Wisconsin Cup points will be awarded in the
usual ten-year increments for both groups.
Waukesha Alderman and Crit Organizer Randy Radish Checks InAugust 9, 2005 Since a few others have written in with their Superweek memories, I thought I would add my nickels worth. Until this year, I swear that Waukesha had the record for the hottest day in the series. A few years ago we could actually fry eggs on the pavement. This year that trophy was passed to Whitefish Bay, where I believe they could not only fry the eggs, but the bacon too! The Whitefish Bay race was a true sufferfest! Hats off to those who actually raced and finished. I actually made it through the Carl Zach Cycling Classic this year without getting a lecture/tongue lashing, from a race official(s). This means that I did not start any races, especially the pros, before race instructions were given. I have noticed that the race officials lose all sense of humor after a few weeks of races. I wonder why? It surely could not be all the gourmet food, the short workdays and the kind, respectful riders that attend Superweek. And I am sure it is not because the local promoters did not do their jobs. We had one reported case of Post Traumatic Superweek Syndrome here in Waukesha. A local couple that put up 5 riders at their home for about 21 days reported that after depositing the last rider at the airport, their youngest daughter cried all the way home from the airport and the Mrs. had symptoms of empty nest syndrome for about a week. Those symptoms disappeared after she found a pair of cycling socks smoldering under a bed. This year we hosted our first International rider and our first out of state rider for our annual Kiddie Klassic. (Belarus and Kansas) If this happens again, we are going to change the name of that race to the International Kiddie Klassic. I just hope I can convince American Airlines and Midwest Airlines to provide free airfare for the kids. At the end of the pro race I was a bit confused because there was still some sunlight and the streetlights were not on. It was then that I realized that we might have set a Superweek record, by starting the races within 15 minutes of the posted time. We also set another record here in Waukesha this year. By the end of the day, a total of 6 riders had actually come up to me and said “Thank You” for putting on a good race. Be still my heart! Sure makes all the work worth it. In
the 12 years that I have done this event, one rider has sent a letter
to our local newspaper, saying thanks. This rider was from out of
state. All in all we had good year here in Waukesha. Our newly formed Safe & Sound Cycling Team (juniors) made their debut here. These juniors were able to compete in their first race on their hometown streets and obtained their first lesson in racing at home. We had over 500 riders again this year. We had minimal crashes, nice officials, nice spectators, great weather and one heck of a block party. I hope to see all of you again next year. Randy Radish To Follow up on Randy’s suggestion, here are addresses of key officials. Please express your thanks for their support of bike racing in Wisconsin and what it means to you to race in their city. Thanks—every letter helps. Mayors Office Cyclocross Skills Clinic to be held Saturday, September 10August 7, 2005
The clinic will begin at 8:30am and will include instruction by top cyclocross racers from Cycle-Smart, Inc. Instructors will include Adam Hodges Myerson, former collegiate cyclocross champion and president of the New England Cyclocross Series. This clinic is open to all ability levels and is suitable for cyclocross bikes or mountain bikes. Topics covered will include mounts, dismounts, carrying the bike as well as how to prepare for race day. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. The cost of the workshop is $40 which will cover all instruction, lunch and snacks. Everyone will need to have or purchase a USA Cycling license and a Dane County Trail Pass. For more information and to obtain a registration form visit www.madcross.org or email Renee Callaway at rccallaway@sbcglobal.net. The low cost of the Mad Cross Cyclocross Clinic is made possible by funds generated through donations from Pacific Cycle, the Trek Bicycle Store, REI, Williamson Bicycle Works, Mountain Hardwear, Jytte, Planet Bike, Cycle-Smart, Inc and MadCross.org.
Attitude Adjustment - Finish the Season on a Strong NoteAugust 4, 2005 Josh Horowitz is a California rider/coach who has developed a cd that improves one's mental fitness to race. Horowitz was badly injured in a fall at Redlands last year and was afraid to get back on his bike. He started talking to a sports psychologist and at the same time listening to various relaxation and meditation CDs. "Both methods were very effective, but when I tried teaching some of the theories to my clients I found it hard to get them to take a few minutes out of their day to devote to meditation or relaxation. Hence the cycling specific cd," Horowitz notes. Josh learned that a positive mental attitude had been proven scientificallyto speed the healing process and that's one of the things he talks about on the CD he developed. For his own injury, Horowitz was able to keep a positive attitude and was finishing top 20 at an NRC stage race 6 weeks after his break. The CD is designed to be listened to as you fall asleep. There are four states of awareness. Theta is where you will be if you fall asleep listening to the "Ultimate Cyclist" cd. It is like a very deep trance where you're unconscious, but your subconscious mind is still aware and can take in the positive messages from the cd. Rebecca Anderson has been using the Ultimate Cyclist since a crash in July sidelined her for weeks. "I was thinking of ending my season after I got hurt. I started listening to the cd and my training is better than it was all year. I'll race again this year and I'm really happy about it," she said. The Ultimate Cyclist was is a program that would help cyclists at all levels. The Ultimate Cyclist is the first in the series and there are five more cds in development including Ultimate Descending, Ultimate Bike Handling, Ultimate Recovery and Ultimate Triathlete. To order, go to www.liquidfitness.com. Questions? Contact josh@liquidfitness.com. State TT Championship Results PostedAugust 3, 2005 Turnout at the State TT was the highest to date; 184 riders showed up to test themselves against the clock. There is a link to the results on the 2005 road schedule, or they can be accessed by clicking here. WCA officials would like to thank everyone for their patience while waiting for results at the State TT. Due to a software glitch results were less than fast and we thank everyone for being kind to the officials that day.
Low News Week at WCAAugust 3, 2005 Aside from a very large turnout at the Wisconsin State Time Trial contest, not much is happening on the home front this week. Sightings of WCA riders have been low as most recover from Superweek and prepare for the final races of the year. The weather of late is perfect for those planning on the Gateway Cup, the annual sweat-fest over Labor Day in St. Louis. If you go, don’t miss the Bocce Ball tournament on Saturday in the Giro neighborhood. Those Sicilian ladies can back up their smack talk with a perfect game of lawn bowling. They’ll beat you bowling and then feed you saucy meatballs. How can you top that for a race weekend? Speaking of races, there are still three on the WCA calendar including the State Crit at the end of August. If you’ve not raced at Elkhorn it’s a flat, technical and very fun course. In the afternoon the brat grills are hot and the races fast. Bring a lawn chair and watch the action from the park. Word has it that the Spin Docters races that close the WCA season are slated for Muskego. Keep an eye on the schedule for flyers to be posted soon.
State Roads Photos AvailableJuly 25, 2005 One Percent More Racing (Beans & Barley) has posted podium shots from the state road race on their website. Anyone can download them, just point your browser to: http://teambeansandbarley.com/gallery/album04.
The Wisconsin Historical Museum announces a new exhibition:WISCONSINNOVATION: Trek Bicycle Corporation of WaterlooJuly 14, 2005 On July 25th, 2004 American Cyclist Lance Armstrong crossed the finish line in Paris to win his sixth Tour de France, becoming the first rider in history to do so. Armstrong won these titles riding bicycles made in Waterloo, Wisconsin by the Trek Bicycle Corporation. Come see how Trek follows a venerable tradition of Wisconsin invention and manufacturing success as the Wisconsin Historical Museum commemorates Trek’s historical accomplishments with its latest exhibit, WISCONSINNOVATION: Trek Bicycle Corporation of Waterloo. . Highlighting this exhibition will be a Trek Madone 5.9 that Lance Armstrong rode to victory in the 2003 Tour de France. WISCONSINNOVATION will open on Tuesday, July 19th and run through September 17th at the Wisconsin Historical Museum on Capitol Square in Madison.
Founded in 1976 with 5 employees, Trek has become the largest independent bicycle manufacturer in America, with one of the best-known brands in the industry. Selling bikes in over 60 countries, Trek has earned a global reputation for quality and innovation. The company kept its Wisconsin roots as it has grown, maintaining approximately 70% of their workforce in the Badger State.
So how did a fledgling business from Jefferson County come to dominate the high-end American bicycle industry? While Asian manufacturers steadily gobbled up market share with low-cost, mass-produced bikes, Trek expanded its presence by emphasizing quality materials and skilled engineering. Trek developed in-house proficiency with all the major materials used in bicycle production: steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Trek’s exclusive Optimum Compaction, Low Void (OCLV) process has enabled them to make several generations of state of the art bicycle frames and components. And their designers have met consumer demand. The “Y” bike, featuring a full suspension frame and revolutionary styling, was named Mountain Bike of the Year in 1995. Trek’s Women Specific Design program, introduced in 2000, applied information about human body geometry to create bikes that would be more comfortable and efficient for women. The success of a fellow named Lance Armstrong didn’t hurt either.
But the story is much more than Armstrong. WISCONSINNOVATION will explore Trek’s successes, failures and business strategies from its early days to its present success a model Wisconsin company in an era of global competition.
The Wisconsin Historical Museum is located on Capitol Square at 30 N Carroll St., Madison. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 9 to 4. Admission is by donation, $4 adult, $3 child, $10 family. Call 608-264-6555 for more information, or visit us online at www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum. The Chief Ref's View of SuperweekJuly 27, 2005 by Heidi Mingesz Well, friends, another year has come
and gone. Sorry I didn't have time to do on the spot reportage the
way I used to, but I managed to take a few notes, and hope to capture
the flavor retrospectively.
Superweek Wrap UpJuly 25, 2005
WCA caught up with some Wisconsin Superweek riders last Saturday at the Great Downer Avenue Bike Race. Wisconsin was doing well in the overall standings in this event that brings international competition to the homeland. Here are a few observations and comments from riders who came to watch the Downer race. The question was: “How has Superweek been for you?” Jerry Pearce (Hampshire Cycling, Rainbow Jersey owner): I know some of our guys are doing really well; Brian Hammer and Rob Bruger are doing well, and we had great turnout at the Shorewood race. I was happy to sponsor it, and I think that race will grow into something really big.” Andy Crater (Wheel & Sprocket): “I feel good. I took two days off and am working on holding my position as top amateur.” Todd Miller (Endeavour): “It’s going well; I finished 3rd overall in the 30+, and my teammate Todd Hancock won the Masters 30+. Endeavour is leading the overall pro men’s competition, and Pipp is leading the sprint. We’re meeting all our goals.” Will Dehli (Beans & Barley): “I’ve been crashing a lot.” Frank Dierking: “Overall, I’m doing alright. My favorite race was Waukesha, but I like any race I do well at. I’m going to have a few brews when I’m done.” Chris Halvorson (Chippewa Valley): “It’s unbelievable to win [40+] again. I won the overall last year, so I didn’t think I’d find myself in the position again. I want to thank my wife who helped make this possible.” Samantha Schneider (Endeavour-Women’s): “My favorite race so far is Kenosha where I got 2nd. I like the course, and the fields have been great in the women’s 3-4 competition. Rebecca Anderson (Am. Dairyland): “I’m going to set fire to an old bike to appease the cycling gods, so they remove the hex on our team. Superweek was hard on the cowgirls this year.” Kristen Wentworth (IS Corp-Women’s): “It’s going great! I was second today!” There you have it….comments from riders in the best home-grown race series in America. We’re lucky to have it in our own backyard, whether you finished upright or with your arm in a sling. Kudos to Otto Wenz, promoter, Heidi Mingesz, Craig Heywood and all the other Wisconsin officials who worked so hard to make Superweek what it is: a one-of-a-kind opportunity to race your buns off at home.
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The
Capitol Velo Club and the Mad FORCs are hosting the Mad Cross Cyclocross
Clinic on Saturday, September 10 at Badger Prairie County Park just
outside Madison, Wisconsin. This clinic will be the perfect way
to kick off the fall cyclocross season with its emphasis on learning
and practicing the skills needed to race
cyclocross.
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