U.S. Cyclocross National Championships are well good and done. You've read about the big results - Compton, the virtual unknown dusting the Women's Elite field. Anthony over Powers in the u-boat twenty three's. The resurgence of the midwest, and the Alan brand, with Jr. winner Selander. And of course, Pagey with his big third consecutive Men's Elite title. Here's a few names and stats that you might not have seen in the cyclopress, but that deserve some props.
Rebecca Much - Chicago yo, raise the roof. This girl came to the city of big shoulders a few years back, hooked up with the local rat-bastard messenger upstarts, got into racing via a legendary underground mechanic, won the Junior Road National Title and very recently took a freeking Silver Medal at Junior World's in the Time Trial. For shits and giggles she's racing 'cross this winter. Not only did she win the U23 Women's jersey, she placed 3rd in Collegiate Women and 13th in Elite's. Damn. That's a lot of racing and a lot of placing. And, she's riding for Alan Factory, lending to the resurgence of an original playa in the cross bike game.
Barbara Howe - Just got called up to represent the U.S. at World's. Came outa left field to really put some hurt on the big girls of cross in the East Coast races this year. 9th in Portland.
The number of entrants to the Singlespeed division in 2003 - 30. And this year - 67. Number of men this year- 66. The woman; 24 Hr. racing phenom Christina Begy - 32nd in the singlespeed freeforallmudbrawl. Go girl.
There was an unofficial Unicycle division!?!? whatever it takes brothers and sisters...
The Juniors - It's possible that the US has more future world-class talent in cyclocross than any other type of bicycle racing. Much and Selander are leading the pack, muti-talented sluggers nipping at the heels of not only the U23's just ahead, but the Pro's as well. And not just nipping heels but winning, convincingly.
The Cyclocross World Championships are coming up in St. Wendel, Germany on the weekend of Jan. 28th. With several returning vets of the Euro scene on the US Team to give support to those racers who will be crossing the pond for the first time, it could be a strong year for the States in all divisions.
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