November 17/99 1:10 am - 'Cross News, Millenium Toughest Event

Posted by Editor on 11/17/99
 

Woodstock Cyclo-Cross - Ontario

Sunday, November 21st

Junior/Masters/Women 12:00 Noon
Senior Men 1:30 pm

Directions from Hwy 401 and Hwy 59:

take Hwy 59 north to Parkinson Rd
Turn left at lights and follow Parkinson Rd
Take next right onto Fyfe Ave
Race headquarters at Oliver Stevens Public School


Report From Chicago SuperCup

Chrissy Redden sent us a report about last weekend's SuperCup 'Cross race in Chicago.

Fast, Flat and More Fast!!!!!!!!!!

After preriding the course, I got a little worried. It was similar to a criterium only with high speed barriers. This being my first real intensity since the mountain bike season, I started to wonder how I could possibly win! To make it even more technical the course ended with the "Red Bull Six Pack" - a series of 6 barriers placed 50 meters before the finish, the finishing straight being on pavement.

Knowing that a group would form right from the beginning, I tried to stay in the 2nd or 3rd position for the first couple of laps, but quickly realized that my high speed dismounts and running were about 3 steps slower than the other girls. I tried counter attacking on the 5th (or so) lap, but the group of Ann Grande, Carmen Richardson and a couple others caught me. With just over one lap to go, four of us sprinted into the Red Bull Six Pack, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw Carmen Richardson crash into the first barrier, sidelining Ann Grande. I attacked hard, knowing that this was going to be a painful last lap (about 2km), and my only chance to win. With the next 2 sets of barriers out of the way, Anne bridged up to me and we played off each other till the final 200 meters. She led into the six pack, both of us jumped off in unison, but I fumbled and it took me 2 steps to shoulder my bike. Unfortunately this is where I lost the race. By the time we were out of the six pack Ann had about 5 feet on me and there was only the 50 meter pavement sprint to make that up. And that didn't happen!

I feel disappointed in second, but I can't think of where I could have made a winning move. Ann was the fastest on the day. And best of all, I know where my improvement must come!


The Last and Toughest (Ontario) Event of the Millenium
(courtesy Mike Barry)

Following many requests Bicycle Specialties is organizing a fall edition of the popular Paris-Roubaix Challenge. On December 5th the last and toughest Ontario event of the millennium will take place. Starting at the Toronto Zoo at 8AM the course will take the worst roads and tracks that can be found to Sutton on Lake Simcoe and return. Total distance is 145km, which is 47% paved, 35% gravel and 18% abominable track..
The event will go whatever the weather, although the course may be modified if conditions prevent use of the track sections.

A prize presentation and end of season party will be held at 7PM on the evening of the 5th at Innocenti Restaurant 587 King Street West, Toronto. Dinner will be prepared by renowned chef and former cyclo-cross ace, Chris Mathias. Everyone is welcome at the party whether they ride the event or not.

Entries should be sent to Mike Barry at Bicycle Specialties 852 Millwood Road, Toronto, M4G-1W6 by November 27th. or by phone 416 423 0567. Entry fee for the event is $25. The party is also $25 which includes dinner. If entering by phone you may use Visa, Master Card or Amex.