December 6/97 22:43 pm - `Cross, W.O.W., Vote

Posted by Editor on 12/6/97
 

Cyclo-cross World Cup, Italy  1. Daniele Pontoni (ITA) 2. Richard Groenendaal (NED) 0.21 3. Marc Janssens (BEL) 1.07 4. Thomas Frischknecht (SUI) 1.09 5. Adri van der Poel (NED) 1.28  World Cup Standings   1. Groenendaal Rabobank 120 points 2. van der Poel Rabobank 102 3. Dieter Runkel (SUI) 88 4. Pontoni 68 5. Erwin Vervecken (BEL) 60   Winter W.O.W. Report (thanks to Mike Badyk)  Like the Cross Nationals, the 6th Annual Winter W.O.W. took place in less than ideal conditions. 70 hearty souls started off in driving rain which eventually turned into ice pellets for a while. Trail conditions were surprisingly good due to the sandy soil. Wet leaves were a bit of a hazard on the descents, but overall trail conditions were fine. The biggest problems were the work of the pesky beavers, who created a small lake in one part of the route, and the local loggers who turned two of the bush roads between the single track into quagmires. Drivetrain problems were numerous, with the lone tandem having just a horrendous time. The mid-ride rest stop with a roaring fire and hot chocolate was most welcome. This was definitely the warmest, wettest and least snowy of any of the Winter W.O.W.'s.  The great meal catered by the Mansfield Outdoor Centre was made to order to warm damp riders. Thanks also to Best Bike Works for donating draw prizes.   Vote!  Time is running out for you to register your choice for the top Canadian riders of 1997. The voting ends on December 9th at 8:00 pm EST, so vote now!   Champions of Cycling  The Canadian Cycling Association is hosting an award night to honour Canada‚s top riders on Thursday, December 11 in Victoria, B.C. This event is open to all interested members of the cycling community, so if you want to cheer on such cycling luminaries as Alison Sydor, Roland Green, Linda Jackson, Andreas Hestler and Lesley Tomlinson, reserve your spot today. In addition to the current stars of cycling, two of Canada‚s greatest cyclists ever - Curt Harnett and Steve Bauer - will be in attendance. Tickets to the banquet (held at the Harbour Towers Hotel) are $40 - but hurry, there are only about 20 tickets left out of 200. For tickets and more information call (250) 744-3583.