We'll be right back ...

First the holiday weekend, then 4 job interviews in 3 days. One more day of craziness and we'll get back up to date with Jingle Cross and the rest.

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Jingle Cross '11 Friday night cyclocross from Keith Walberg on Vimeo.

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Stomach of Anger, Bubba Cross, Tailwind

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Newsreel

Latest experiment. Semi-successful.

My narration SUCKS! Good voice over person needed. 

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MN 'Cross Champs, WI 'Cross Champs.

Photo: MCF.Net

MINNESOTA: Crystal - State Champs / Zac Daab - RESULTS  A two day series with the Minnesota 'Cross Champs on Saturday and the season final on Sunday. Read the entire race blow by blow on MCF.Net: "
For the 2nd year in succession, a Wisconsin rider spoiled the party at the MN State Cyclocross Championships. Last year it was Specialized rider Mark LaLonde. This year, it was 16 year-old Jordan Cullen (Clif Bar Development Cross Team) taking the win at Minnesota's biggest cyclocross event of the year. The rider, who hails from just across the border in Hudson, WI, overcame a 20 second deficit, catching CJ Faulkner (Crossniacs) just after the barriers as they approached the finish. Jesse Rients (Kuhl/Bicycle Fit Guru), Matt Peterson (Balance/Eriks), and Matt Allen (Behind Bars/LGR) finished 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively. As Cullen is a Wisconsin resident, the 2011 MN State Cyclocross Elite Men's title goes to Faulkner.
Snowy, blustery, and cold conditions were a factor in the races later in the day. Nothing compared to the blizzard conditions of last year, but it certainly wasn't just any day in the Park. The biggest challenge for riders was iced up cleats, making it difficult to clip back into their pedals, which made for a scary ride down the hill after the stair run-up.
Jenna Rinehart (specialized) chose to ride her mountain bike, and it proved to me the right choice. She made quick work of the Elite Women's field, riding away almost immediately, and growing her gap all the way to the finish. The battle for 2nd place was much tighter, with Bianca Bergman (Texas Roadhouse) out-sprinting Linda Sone (CycleSmart.com/Flanders) for the honor. Jeanne Fleck (Velo Duluth), and Terra James (Sweet and Salty Cycling) finished 4th and 5th, respectively."

Minnesota State Cyclocross Championships

	Place		Name	City, State		USAC #		Team
	1		Jordan Cullen (1 - Cat2)	Hudson, WI		229280		Clif Bar
	2		cj faulkner (1 - Cat1)	Mendota Heights,MN		244650		crossniacs
	3		Jesse Rients (2 - Cat1)	Shakopee, MN		147524		Kuhl/Bicycle Fit Guru
	4		Christopher Smith (2 - Cat2)	Minneapolis, MN		118619		Hup United

Women - Cat 1/2/3 - Elite
	Place		Name	City, State		USAC #		Team
	1		Jenna Rinehart (1 - Cat1)	Mankato, MN		160568		Specialized
	2		Bianca Bergman (1 - Cat2)	Saint Paul, MN		281786		Texas Roadhouse
	3		Linda Sone (2 - Cat2)	Northfield, MN		224939		Cycle-Smart Inc.

Photo: Alyssa Severn

WISCONSIN: Hales Corners - WI 'Cross Champs RESULTS   PHOTOS Chilly temperatures but well above freezing greeted racers for the Wisconsin State 'Cross Championships. Matt Schriver took his 3rd race win in a row, and along with that, the Elite Men's State title. In the WCA season overall race, despite Brian Matter's 3 wins early on, Chad Hartley's consistent finishes over 6 races earned him the season overall title.  On the women's side, Abby Strigel took her 4th race win in a row along with the Elite Women's state championship title. For the season long, overall title, consistency again rules supreme as Alyssa Severn takes that by just 15 points over Strigel. A few missed races early on by Strigel as she was securing her WORS mountain bike series championship, made the difference. Severn recaps the championship race on her blog: "There was a good group on the start line and I knew that I'd have to try and get out in front quickly. I wanted to try and hold on as long as I could before Abby disappeared from me. I got out in front and there was a group of us for awhile during the first lap. That was nice.""It was a good race for me with a solid second place finish. I learned some more things, I had a great time and I know exactly what I'd do differently. "

Men - Pro/Cat 1/2 - 19-29
	Place		Name	City, State		USAC #		Team
	1		Matt Shriver (1 - Cat1)	Madison, WI		110703
	2		Chad Hartley					Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Geargrinder
	3		Kevin McConnell (2 - Cat1)	Iowa City, IA		258735		Mercy-Specialized

Women - Women Pro/1/2 - 19-29
	Place		Name	City, State		USAC #		Team
	1		Abby Strigel (1 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		202434		Cyclocrossracing.com
	2		Alyssa Severn (2 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		325718		Cyclocrossracing.com
	3		Sarah Huang (3 - Cat2)	Kenosha, WI		225258		ISCorp Cycling

Photo: Focal Flame

More race coverage tomorrow!

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Survivor Cross, Norge Ski Jump Cross

Photo: Bike Iowa

IOWA: Urbandale - Survivor Cross - PHOTOS PHOTOS   Nearly 200 racers competed in the first ever Survivor Cross held on a 7 mile, one lap course which included no less than eight (8) water crossings, some waist deep. "Fun and punishing course, glad I only had to do 1 lap!" Kinda looks like 'Cross Nationals held in Milwaukee back in the '80s.

Photo: Ron Cook

ILLINOIS: Fox River Grove - Ski Jump Cross - PHOTOS Highly anticipated and highly approved of, the inaugural Team PSIMET Ski Jump Cross was a rousing success."Outstanding race today. So much fun. Great venue, great crowd, amazing course. Thanks to all of the organizers for putting on what was probably the most interesting and demanding race of the season." J.B.
"That venue is like made for cross races. Private land, owned by nice ski club locals. (A couple of them actually raced, and a few neighborhood kids raced as well.) Liquor license and a great natural bowl for spectating. The terrain could be used to make totally different unique courses each year. The course required a lot of finesse, and balance. Lots of short up and downs, and great technical stuff. The good bike handlers really separated themselves from the also-rans today." J.A.


NORGE_SkiJump_PSIMET_CX from Michael Young on Vimeo.

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EuroCross Camp

The annual pilgrimage of up and coming 'cross riders toBelgium for 16 days of racing sponsored by USA Cycling is rapidly approaching and while the official announcement of this crop of riders has not yet been released, here is the anticipated list which includes a few Midwestern juniors:

According to Facebook, at least 11 juniors have been invited to EuroCross Camp including: Jordan Cullen (DONATE) (WI) and Lionel Rocheleau (DONATE) (WI), Zane Godby (CO), Curtis White (NY), Drew Dillman and Luke Haley (KY), Logan Owen (WA), Nate Morse (MA), Tobin Ortinblad (CA), Sam O'Keefe (MD), and Cypress Gorry (AZ).

Rocheleau (Peloton-Pix)

Lionel Rocheleau (Geargrinders) of Waukesha is the current WI State Junior Criterium Champion and is the terror of racing in Southern Wisconsin

Cullen (J.Cullen)

Jordan Cullen (Flanders / Cliff  Bar devel.) of Hudson, WI is the current WI State Road Race Champion and can be found at the front of all the races he enters in the Minneapolis/St Paul area.

Support these riders in their quest to be the best at the links given above.










 Previous participants include locals Brian Matter and Tristan Schouten and the EuroCross Camp has been instrumental in their development as some of America's top 'cross racers.

The official EuroCross Camp site is now finally up again to offer us some details.

Staff:
Board of Directors and Staff Geoff Proctor Director (bio)
Noel Dejonckheere Assistant Director
Chris De Vos Head Soigneur
Els Delaere House Directress and Head Chef
Hermann Devolder Soigneur and Transport Driver
Todd Anderson Head Mechanic
Peter Vermeulen Mechanic
Mario Vaerreware Camp Photographer (Personal Site)
Tom Robertson Camp Photographer (Personal Site)
Matthew J. Clark Camp Media Director; Website Administrator (Personal Site)

This is one of the races attended last year:

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Driven By Passion

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Preview: Norge Ski Jump Cross, Survivor Cross, Weekend Calendar

Kaitlin Antonneau has a fund drive to help with expenses to Europe and hopefully Elite 'Cross Worlds his year. Every $ counts so help her out if you can!

Photo: Rob Curtis

ILLINOIS:  Fox River Grove - Norge Ski Jump 'Cross by Team PSIMET. Saturday Nov. 19th.
COURSE MAP REGISTRATION
- Do we get to ride down that?!?!?
- PLease say yes.
- The agony of defeat!!!
- How many times do I have to go up that???
- OMFG that is so awesome!
- I don't know what this is, but I like it.
- Honestly, I'm scared. I think I like that.

The talk of Chicago this week is the new race put on by promoter Rob Curtis of Team PSIMET to be held at the Norge Ski Club in the northern Chicago suburb of Fox River Grove this Saturday. The ski club was recently the site of the 2012 US National Ski Jumping Championships and the roads surrounding it are site of the popular Fox River Grove Criterium also put on by Team PSIMET.  While not part of the super popular Chicago Cross Cup series, this late addition to the calendar is a MUST attend if possible. It is probably the only cyclocross race in the World held at a ski jumping complex and if (God forbid) held only this one time, you will want to be able to say "I was there!".

Here is a detailed course description, but briefly it is 2 miles in length with multiple natural and man made obstacles. The ski club has granted use of their *LOUD* PA system and there will be beer. All in all, this day will be EPIC.

IOWA: Urbandale - Survivor Cross - REGISTRATION COURSE MAP To be held on the heels of one nasty cross country running race this Saturday November 19th, Survivor Cross is a 7 mile, one lap 'cross race of untold muddiness. In the morning, is the Living History Farms Run which in it's 30th year, is a super hilly, cross country foot race with EIGHT (8) nasty creek crossings (see video). The inaugural 'cross race will be held on the same course, in the afternoon and is probably the only US 'cross race that looks like those old photos of European races with guys pulling on tree roots to enable them to get up the muddy climbs. This will be another EPIC day.

Zip 'Cross	11/19/2011	Indianapolis	Indiana			more info
NORGE Ski Jump Cyclocross	11/19/2011	Fox River Grove	Illinois			more info
StomachOfAngerCX #2	11/19/2011	Lansing	Michigan			more info
MN State 'Cross Champs	11/19/2011	Crystal	Minnesota			more info
GP Zac Daab	11/20/2011	Crystal	Minnesota			more info
Ted's Excellent Double Track Adventure	11/20/2011	Northbrook	Illinois			more info
Promotion Cross USCF KY State Ch...	11/20/2011	Lexington	Kentucky			more info
Bubba Cross #9	11/20/2011	Branson	Missouri			more info
Wisco State 'Cross Champs	11/20/2011	Hales Corners	Wisconsin			more info
Tailwind Racing USAC Bloomer Par...	11/20/2011	Rochester Hills	Michigan			more info

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Cookie Cross, Indian Lakes

Photo: Ric Damm

WISCONSIN: Ripon - Cookie Cross - USA Cycling: "Attendance was sparse, but those who came punished themselves on the short 0.7-mile course that was sprinkled with challenges, including a two-story stair climb, a sand volleyball court, gnarly roots and a blazingly steep downhill. Oh, and a pesky little cement lip that ended several racers’ days with pinch flats.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Alex Meyer took an early lead in the Men’s A race, quickly distancing himself from the other four riders in the field. What appeared to be a run-away victory came to an abrupt end when Meyer flatted, and he dropped from the race. Buckley Birkholz of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire then took command, but his lead, too, was short lived. Birkholz also suffered a pinch flat, but ran his wounded bike to the pit, mounted a teammate’s and charged back into battle.

That battle was now hotly contested by Michigan’s Adam Kaye, Madison’s Sam Dries and Ripon’s Ben Senkerik. Senkerik, who had a slow start paced himself to the lead. Meanwhile, Birkholz’s teammate Nathan Yadon, who took second in the earlier Men’s B race, repaired the flat in short order and handed Birkholz’s bike back to him. Alas, the effort was for naught as the Eau Claire rider experienced a second flat, forcing Birkholz to once again hike to the pit and remount Yadon’s steed. By this time, Senkerik and Dries were far out of reach, in first and second, respectively. Even Kaye, who was visibly tired, could not be caught as he clung to third."

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RunUpCross, Stony Creek, Border Battle, Cipo, Get out of my way!

Photo: Seth Buitendorp

INDIANA: New Carlisle - RunUP Cross #3 PHOTOS Day 3 of the 3 race series near South Bend, held this time at the old Studebaker test track from the 1930s at what's now Bendix Woods Park. No results available at this time but the 'cross spirit is live and well there in northwest Indiana.

Photo: Crazy Bastards Cross

MICHIGAN: Stony Creek Township RESULTS RESULTS Held on the northern suburbs of Detroit, this was race #7 of the 9 race Tailwind Racing series. Anne Schwartz (Flying Rhino) comes out of the woodwork, having not raced since September to lap all of her competition and take the Elite Women's race, whileWolverine's Sven Baumann rode away from the competition to take the Elite Men's race.

Women - Cat 1/2/3 - Elite
	Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
	1	437.13	Anne Schwartz (1 - Cat2)	Grosse Pointe Woods, MI	51:13.66	119057	136	FLYING RHINO CC
	2	484.75	Sandie Domagalski (2 - Cat2)	Clarkston, MI	DOWN 1 LAP	262343	139	FLYING RHINO CC
	3	532.37	Laura Melendez (1 - Cat3)	Grand Rapids, MI	DOWN 1 LAP	225973	138	PRIORITY HEALTH

Men - Cat 1/2 - Elite
	Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
	1		SVEN BAUMANN		58:57.04		12	WOLVERINE/ ACFSTORES.COM
	2	329.95	Vincent Roberge	Redford, MI	1:01:08.51	190250	11	TRAILS EDGE CYCLERY
	3	374.07	Don Cameron (1 - Cat2)	White Lake, MI	1:01:21.35	94327	8	TEAM SPECIALIZED

WISCONSIN: Silver Lake - 
Isaac Olson has posted some nice photos from the Border Battle. 

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U.P. Cross Champs, UW Cross, Border Battle, Indian Lakes II

MICHIGAN: Marquette UP Cross Champs RESULTS PHOTOS
The last 'cross race in the great, soon to be white, north. One of the interesting stories comes from up there that a Cat 1 racer from NC was to be in town that day visiting family and posted on FB asking if any one could loan her a bike so she could race. Someone did, and she placed third! UPCross.Net gives the full scoop:

Ryan Tervo, Nicole Alexander Crowned Champions of the  2011 UPCROSS Series Presented by Blackrocks Brewery

November 14, 2011 

The 2011 UPCROSS Series presented by Blackrocks Brewery of drew to a close this weekend with the U.P. State Cyclocross Championships at Marquette's Tourist Park. Once again, racers were spared the weather Michigan's Upper Peninsula is capable of doling out in mid-November. Instead, sunshine and (relatively) warm temperatures greeted competitors, the snow that had fallen earlier in the week long since melted.
Race director Colby Lash prepared a top-notch course for the event, the Death Spiral giving spectators ample opportunity to watch and heckle the racers up-close as they rode their way into and back out of the dizzying cyclocross vortex. The course, with plenty of dirt and pavement, was as fast as they come. Long sections of tight turns through the campground's trees gave technical riders a chance to make up ground on their powerhouse rivals, however. A pair of sand pits and a short, steep rise kept all of the riders on their toes.
As is custom, the U.P. Cyclocross Championships marked the final race of the 7-event series. With double points on the line, participation was essential for those hoping to hold onto their placings in the overall standings. Podium positions in several classes were separated by as few as one point prior to the race. With fame and fortune on the line, there was certain to be a fair share of bumping elbows and road rash before the day was over. [more to the story on UPCross.net]


 

Finally some video out of Wisconsin's WCA series: 





WISCONSIN: Silver Lake Border Battle RESULTS

Two in a row for Madison's Matt Shriver  (3D Racing) over strongman from Iowa City, Kevin McConnell who's no stranger to the podium and third place Chad Hartley (Kenda Pro) who may be new to cross, but not to road racing (2009 ToAD Champion).

Make that 3 wins in a row now for Abby Strigel (Cyclocrossracing.com), followed by Alyssa Severn (Cyclocrossracing.com) and Elicia Hildebrand (Geargrinder)

Men - Pro/Cat 1/2 - 19-29
	Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
	1	221.91	Matt Shriver (1 - Cat1)	Madison, WI		110703	64
	2	230.21	Kevin McConnell (2 - Cat1)	Iowa City, IA		258735	69	Mercy-Specialized
	3	238.51	Chad Hartley (1 - Pro)	Fox Point, WI		126996	9	Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Geargrinder

Women - Women Pro/1/2 - 19-29
	Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
	1	252.29	Abby Strigel (1 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		202434	1	Cyclocrossracing.com
	2	354.50	Alyssa Severn (2 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		325718	4	Cyclocrossracing.com
	3	456.72	Elicia Hildebrand (3 - Cat2)	San Luis Obispo, CA		227122	17	TEAM GEARGRINDER

Photo: Derek Lewis

ILLINOIS: Bloomingdale Indian Lakes Day 2 RESULTS PHOTOS

Jason Rassi jumped from Wild Card Racing over to PSIMET Elite this fall and since then has picked up 3 wins, this time over strongmen Scott McLaughlin and Michael Hemme.

Sam Schneider (TIBCO) picks up win #12 (in a row) over consistent podium finisher Jessica Hill (Pony Shop) and Johnny Sprockets Eleanor Blick.

Men - Cat 1/2/3
	Place	Points	Name	City, State		License	Bib	Team
	1	207.06	Jason Rassi (1 - Cat2)	Champaign, IL		283299	20	PSIMET Elite
	2	214.10	Scott McLaughlin (1 - Cat1)	Chicago, IL		72722	12	SRAM Factory
	3	221.13	Michael Hemme (2 - Cat1)	Chicago, IL		153182	7	CHICAGO.CX

Women - Cat 1/2/3
	Place	Points	Name	City, State		License	Bib	Team
	1	250.40	Samantha Schneider	West Allis, WI		170980	23	CyclocrossRacing.com
	2	263.61	Jessica Hill (1 - Cat2)	Evanston, IL		182688	105	The Pony Shop
	3	276.83	Eleanor Blick (1 - Cat3)	Chicago, IL		309878	101	Johnny Sprockets

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Derby City Cup - Day 2

We start with The Beast ... 

Watch more video of USGP Derby City Cup on cyclingdirt.org


Watch more video of USGP Derby City Cup on cyclingdirt.org



Watch more video of USGP Derby City Cup on cyclingdirt.org

On the men's side, Brian Matter and Tristan Schouten kicked it up a notch and made top 10.
(Photos from Cycling News)

ELITE MEN DAY 2

1 Jeremy Powers (USA) Team Rapha-Focus 1:03:50
2 Todd Wells (USA) Specialized Racing 0:00:01
3 Geoff Kabush (Can) Maxxis-Rocky Mountain 0:00:48
4 Ben Berden (Bel) Ops Ale-Stoemper 0:01:03
5 Christopher Jones (USA) Team Rapha-Focus 0:01:04
6 Timothy Johnson (USA) Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld 0:01:21
7 James Driscoll (USA) Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld 0:01:39
8 Brian Matter (USA) Gear Grinder - Clif Bar 0:01:45
9 Tristan Schouten (USA) Cyclocrossracing.com p/b Blue Bicycles 0:02:05
10 Ryan Trebon (USA) LTS-Felt 0:02:21
 ...
38 Weston Luzadder (USA) NUVO-Cultural Trail-Marian University * 0:08:46
43 Matthew Allen (USA) behind bars/ little guy racing
48 Brad Cole (USA) Mercy Elite Cycling Team
53 Daniel Gerow (USA) Wolverines-Acfstores.com *
54 Bill Street (USA) Kuhl Midwest Regional MTB Team
58 Mitch Nordahl (USA) MNJRC *
DNS Spencer Haugh (USA) Behind Bars-LGR

ELITE WOMEN DAY 2

1 Katie Compton (USA) Rabobank - Giant Off-Road Team 0:44:44
2 Kaitlin Antonneau (USA) Cannondale Cyclocrossworld 0:00:11
3 Katerina Nash (Cze) Luna Pro Team
4 Meredith Miller (USA) California Giant Berry/Specialized 0:00:19
5 Nicole Duke (USA) Cannondale Cyclocrossworld 0:00:22
...
11 Coryn Rivera (USA) Marian University 0:01:44
20 Devon Gorry (USA) Rambuski Law 0:02:55
34 Linda Sone (USA) Cycle-Smart/Flanders 0:05:11
35 Sarah Huang (USA) IS Corp 0:05:26
37 Kelly Paterson (USA) Wolverine/Acfstores.Com 0:06:17
38 Corrie Osborne (USA) ISCorp 0:06:26
DNS Ashley James (USA) KCCX Elite
DNS Annajean Dallaire (USA) Racin' for Riley p/b Alderfer Bergen

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BEAST!

Kaitlin Antonneau SECOND PLACE in today's USGP Derby Cup!

Velonews: With two laps to go Compton led by 15 seconds as Nash, Duke and Miller linked up and formed a three-woman chase. Antonneau fought her way up to them on the backside of the course and it was four against one.
It wasn’t a fair fight — they needed a few more women to make it happen. Though Compton struggled a bit on the rideable run, she had extended her advantage to 26 seconds by the time she shot into the bell lap.
The race was for second place. Nash had the savvy, but Miller had the sprint. Then Antonneau came to the front and punched it, first shedding her teammate Duke, then Miller. Only Nash remained.
Compton finally had to dismount for the killer hill, but it wasn’t a game-changer. Once again she hit the pavement all alone, saluted the crowd and took the win. Behind, Antonneau and Nash sprinted for second — and the young Cannondale rider bested the Luna veteran to stand one step higher on the podium.

Women

• 1. Katherine Compton (USA), Rabobank, 44:44:00
• 2. Kaitlin Antonneau (USA), Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com, at 11
• 3. Katerina Nash (CZE), Luna Pro Team, s.t.

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Antonneau, Schouten, Indian Lakes, UW

Photo: Cycling News

KENTUCKY: Louisville USGP Derby Cup - RESULTS Kaitlin Antonneau continues to tear it up in the USGP with a strong third place in Louisville Saturday. Antonneau is a solid seventh in the USGP overall standings. Cyclocross Magazine: "On a difficult course that offered little opportunity for rest, Katie Compton (Rabobank-Giant) once again showed her dominance by riding away with the victory. Behind her, USGP Series leader Katerina Nash traded blows with French national champion Caroline Mani until a late-race crash took Mani out of contention for the podium. Nineteen-year-old Kaitlin Antonneau (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld) stormed after Nash, giving furious chase and earning herself the third and final spot on the Elite Women’s podium, coming in just seven seconds behind Nash." "
“I made a lot of mistakes the first two laps,” Antonneau said. “But I’d rather make them there than at the finish. The course was really fast.” Frenchwomen Mani crashed ... "As Mani was dusting herself off and checking her bike over for damage, Nash hit the gas and Mani was also passed by Antonneau for third place. This is how they would stay to the finish, with Compton taking the win, Nash holding on to second to keep the series leader’s jersey, and 19-year-old U23 national champion Antonneau coming across the line in third for her best race yet.

“I am so excited … this is my best race by far, and my goal is to make it back here for Worlds in 2013. I really don’t know what to say!” Antonneau beamed."

Photo: CX Magazine

ELITE WOMEN DAY 1

1 Katie Compton (USA) Rabobank - Giant Off-Road Team 0:45:11
2 Katerina Nash (Cze) Luna Pro Team 0:00:31
3 Kaitlin Antonneau (USA) Cannondale Cyclocrossworld 0:00:41
...
16 Coryn Rivera (USA) Marian University 0:03:04
20 Devon Gorry (USA) Rambuski Law 0:03:42
35 Linda Sone (USA) Cycle-Smart/Flanders 0:06:33
37 Sarah Huang (USA) IS Corp
38 Corrie Osborne (USA) ISCorp 0:06:50
40 Ashley James (USA) KCCX Elite 0:07:26
44 Kelly Paterson (USA) Wolverine/ACFStores.com 0:08:04

Photo: Cycling News

In the men's race, Sheboygan's Tristan Schouten came up with a solid 10th immediately followed by neighbor Brian Matter in 11th. Racing continues today, watch the live video coverage of the elite races on Cycling Dirt.









ILLINOIS: Bloomingdale Indian Lakes CX RESULTS PHOTOS Samantha Schneider (TIBCO) continues her dominance in the IL/WI area with another Elite Women win. ( 11 straight wins now ). Scott McLaughlin (SRAM) picks up win #5.

	1	255.28	Samantha Schneider	West Allis, WI		170980	115	CyclocrossRacing.com
	2	266.40	Jessica Hill (1 - Cat2)	Evanston, IL		182688	106	The Pony Shop
	3	277.53	Kim Brokhof (1 - Cat3)	Chicago, IL		360165	102	Spidermonkey Cycling

Men - Cat 1/2/3
	Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
	1	212.04	Scott McLaughlin (1 - Cat1)	Chicago, IL		72722	11	SRAM Factory
	2	218.24	Kevin Klug (2 - Cat1)	Chicago, IL		220282	7	The Pony Shop
	3	224.44	Jason Rassi (1 - Cat2)	Champaign, IL		283299	22	PSIMET Elite

WISCONSIN: Cambridge UW CX - RESULTS Abby Strigel pick up her 5th 'cross win this season over at the Cam Rock trails. Alyssa Severn was second (her 5th), Elicia Hildebrand - 3rd.

Women - Women Pro/1/2 - 19-29
	Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
	1	268.15	Abby Strigel (1 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		202434	1	Cyclocrossracing.com
	2	289.49	Alyssa Severn (2 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		325718	4	Cyclocrossracing.com
	3	310.84	Elicia Hildebrand (3 - Cat2)	San Luis Obispo, CA		227122	17	TEAM GEARGRINDER
	4	332.19	Kristin Wentworth (4 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		207606	15	Brazen Dropouts Cycling Team
	5	353.54	Amber Markey (5 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		307289	23	Team Colavita/ Parisi Coffee
	6	374.88	Monique Karlen (6 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		165538	20	Brazen Dropouts

Men - Pro/Cat 1/2 - 19-29
	Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
	1	224.88	Matt Shriver (1 - Cat1)	Madison, WI		110703	64	3D Racing Team
	2	234.42	Kevin McConnell (2 - Cat1)	Iowa City, IA		258735	69	Mercy-Specialized
	3	243.96	Chad Hartley (1 - Pro)	Fox Point, WI		126996	9	Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Geargrinder

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Video Tour of Midwest Velodromes

Chicago's Velocampus just put out this video of their new site on Chicago's south side where the old steel mill once stood. They are working on raising funds to put a roof over it so that it may be raced all winter long. I thought that this would be a good time to give a quick video tour of all the tracks around the area, many of which are open to the public and may be ridden at any time. Often they can be easily ridden mid-winter, providing shelter from the wind and traffic.


This is a preview of a soon to be released documentary exploring the construction, community, and usage of the Chicago Velo Campus. If you are interested in more information regarding the Chicago Velo Campus itself, please visit: www.chicagovelocampus.com








Major Taylor Velodrome in Indianapolis. Miss 'n Out Race.


Here is an excellent instructional video showing how to ride a Madison Race, filmed on the track in Blaine, MN

Final laps of the race at the Velodrome at Bloomer Park on Friday July 12, 2008. Great finish, you call it! Check out http://velodromeatbloomerpark.com/ for more info and results!

A velodrome in Iowa? YES!



Here's the same thing done in London, but taken to the next step. HYPE!

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Midwest Hard Rider Photo Challenge

Okay, so one of those other major cycling news outlets is doing a photo contest, so why not here? Certainly Midwest riders are the toughest in the land! These are just the one's I shot personally. If you want to submit one that you think is worthy, send it in!
Click to enlarge. You may vote for more than one, but only once per day.

The Hardrider Challenge:

I love The Rain

I Love Pain

I Love Mud

I Love Heat

I Love Speed

I Love Hills

The Hardest Rider is:
	I Love The Rain
	I Love The Pain
	I Love Mud
	I Love Heat
	I Love Speed
	I Love Hills
pollcode.com free polls

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Weekend Preview: Indian Lakes, Spiral of Death

The USGP - Derby City Cup down in Louisville, KY is the big race this weekend and will draw many riders there. Alas, there is other racing still to be enjoyed around the Midwest. Behold more racing in the great Midwest:

Hilton Indian Lakes Resort 1. 11/12/2011 Bloomingdale Illinois more info UW Madison Cyclocross 11/12/2011 CamRock, Cambridge Wisconsin more info Mill City CX Day 1 11/12/2011 Alps Park, Bayport Minnesota more info The Derby City Cup Day 1 11/12/2011 Eva Bandman Cyclocross Park, Louisville Kentucky more info U.P. State CX Champs 11/12/2011 Tourist Park, Marquette Michigan more info Cascade Park CX 11/13/2011 Cascade Park, Grand Rapids Michigan more info Hilton Indian Lakes Resort 2 . 11/13/2011 Bloomingdale Illinois more info Mill City CX Day 2 11/13/2011 Alps Park, Bayport.. Minnesota more info Silver :Lake Border Battle 11/13/2011 Silver Lake Park, Silver Lake Wisconsin more info RunUp Cyclocross #3 11/13/2011 Bendix Woods, New Carlisle Indiana more info Tailwind Racing USAC Stony Creek... 11/13/2011 Stony Creek MetroPark, Shelby Township. Michigan more info

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'Cross-word #3

Click to open by itself. Print, then solve. Answer key.

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VeloCX, Rattail, 2K11, Depot

Photo: MCF.Net

MINNESOTA: Blaine - RESULTS  The 86th annual cyclocross event and roadside freak show, now in it's 5th year (that's what the flyer says!) was held this past Saturday next to the velodrome in Blaine. MCF.Net: The Men's Elite Race got off to a blistering start with Chris Fisher and Jesse Rients vying for a first lap prime. Rients took the prime, and Fisher's teammate CJ Faulkner took control of the race. Rients would spend the rest of the race chasing a dominating Faulkner, while fellow Crossniac Fisher played the perfect teammate for CJ, and sat diligently on Rients' wheel. CJ would go on to take the win, and Fisher would manage to best a tried Rients in the sprint for 2nd, giving the Crossnics another 1-2 finish.

The days main event was the Midwest Singlespeed Championship and it did not disappoint. A huge field took the line for 60 minutes on one cog, and veteran singlespeeder Jay Henderson took the hole shot and held it for the entire first lap to score a King Wine Bar prime. After that though, Andrew Pierre of Angry Catfish took over, and did not look back. Riding smooth on his signature mustache handlebars he quickly put big time into a whos-who field of MN singlespeeders. Dan Casper would mount a nearly hour long chase and had nailed Pierre back to a mere 10 seconds, but the gap would go out again and Casper would need to refocus his attention on maintaining 2nd place over a late charge from Henderson. Pierre took the win with 1:30 gap over Casper. Henderson settled for 3rd, Owen Thoele in 4th and Matt Gilhousen would ride in for 5th.

Men - Cat 1/2/3 - Elite
Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License		Team
1	192.23	Craig Faulkner (1 - Cat1)	Mendota Heights, MN		244650		Crossniacs
2	199.00	Chris Fisher (2 - Cat1)	Inver Grove Heights, MN		182827		Crossniacs
3	205.76	Jesse Rients (3 - Cat1)	Shakopee, MN		147524		Kuhl/Bicycle Fit Guru
4	212.52	Matthew Allen (1 - Cat2)	Minneapolis, MN		200426		Behind-Bars/LGR
5	219.28	Matthew Petersen (2 - Cat2)	Minneapolis, MN		244920		Balance Cycling/Erik's Bike Shop

MINNESOTA: Rochester - Rattail CX RESULTS The inaugural edition of the Rattail CX was a windy one on Sunday.. Crossniacs Syndicate gives us the story of the master's race: Lot’s of yellow tape blown everywhere, hard to keep track of where the course was on the first and second lap. This was the first race of the season that came down to a sprint finish, with Greg taking 1st by a wheel and me in second. Truth be told he had the race from the start but had to pit on the last lap and didn’t know I had caught up to him on the hill. As he snatched his pit bike I took the lead but with less than half a lap to go Greg powered past me and then it was neck and neck to the bitter end. Great race.

No other words on the Elite 1/2/3, but here's the results.

Men - Cat 1/2/3 - Elite
Place	Points	Name	City, State		License	Bib	Team
1	316.74	Matthew Allen (1 - Cat2)	Minneapolis, MN		200426		Behind-Bars/LGR
2	373.28	Jason Wenk (2 - Cat2)	Mankato, MN		238817
3	429.82	Tony Olson (3 - Cat2)	Kasota, MN		245537		Bianchi/Grand Performance
4	486.36	Mark Mlinar (4 - Cat2)	Hutchinson, MN		48557		Bianchi/Grand Performance

IOWA: Bettendorf/Des Moines -  RESULTS Dollar Cross was an improptu race near Des Moines and Devil's Cross 2K11 was held in Bettendorf where 89 racers showed. Wish we had some photos!: "The course is as tacky as the Dice Man's riddles. Add that to the Snake Alley steep climb, the 3 runups, the Tiger pit, Quicksand, and 50 foot rappel, and we should have a bit of fun Sunday. Don't forget about the Daylight Save a Clock thing."

INDIANA: Ft Wayne - Depot CX There was a small 'cross race scheduled for Sunday in Ft. Wayne. No news. From their web page: "Race our cyclocross course every Wednesday! Cyclocross clinic at 5:30p with race to follow. Open to the public. $5 with USCF license, $10 without. Email cara@fwoutfitters.com with questions."

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Cincy 3, More Iceman, Psi-clocross, Estabrook

Ton's of racing this past weekend, no sense in going into sensory overload to cover it all in one shot! Will spread it out over a few days.

OHIO: Cincinatti - Cincy 3 Festival - Kaitlin Annonteau (Cannondale) finished 4th in the final, Harbin Park race over in Cincinnati to complete a very consistent and successful weekend of UCI racing. Chicago's Devon Gorry was 8th, Minnesota's Linda Sone 15th.
  Sheboygan's Tristan Schouten (Cyclocrossracing.com) drove down from northern Michigan after the Iceman, and still managed a strong 6th place. That's a Working Man's Pro!










Harbin Park - Women
1. Katie Compton (Rabobank Giant)
2. Meredith Miller (CalGiant)
3. Caroline Mani
4. Kaitlin Antonneau (Cannondale p/b cyclocrossworld.com)
5. Sue Butler (River City Bicycles)
6. Georgia Gould (Luna)
7. Chloe Forsman (Race Club 11)
8. Devon Gorry (Rambuski Law)
9. Coryn Rivera (Marian University)
10. Katherine Sherwin (Stan’s No Tubes)
11. Annajean Dallaire (Racing for Riley)
12. Jennifer Gaertner (Raleigh America)
13. Meghan Korol (Bob’s Red Mill)
14. Rebecca Blatt (Team Kenda)
15. Linda Sone (Cycle-smart.com/Flanders)

Harbin Park - Men
1 Jeremy Powers  Rapha/Focus   55:33
2 Ryan Trebon  LTS/Felt   55:45
3 Zach McDonald  Rapha/Focus   56:42
4 Ben Berden  Ops Ale/Stoemper  57:18
5 Jamey Driscoll  Cannondale/CyclocrossWorld 57:24

6 Tristan Schouten Cyclocrossracing.com/Blue 58:52
7 Troy Wells  Team Clif Bar   59:21
8 Mitchell Hoke  Clif Bar Development  59:24
9 Barry Wicks  Kona    59:32
10 Travis Livermon  Smart Stop/Mock Orange 1:00:30

Video from the last day in Cincinnati. Great Pro Men coverage in the last half.

ICEMAN Brian Matter gives us the scoop on what happened
on Saturday.

Photo: Bill Draper

ILLINOIS: Woodstock Psi-clocross for Life - RESULTS PHOTOS Another great turnout for the Chicago Cross Cup series this time in Woodstock, with over 530 participants. Brian Conant (Pony Shop) seen here leading the pack, get's his first win of the season with team mate Kevin Klug 2nd, Michael Hemme (Chicago CX) third.

Men - Cat 1/2/3
Place	Points	Name	City, State		License	Bib	Team
1	212.92	Brian Conant (1 - Cat1)	Dekalb, IL		7522	3	The Pony Shop
2	219.35	Kevin Klug (2 - Cat1)	Chicago, IL		220282	27	The Pony Shop
3	225.78	Michael Hemme (3 - Cat1)	Chicago, IL		153182	9	CHICAGO.CX
4	232.21	Jason Rassi (1 - Cat2)	Champaign, IL		283299	17	PSIMET Elite
5	238.64	John Gatto (2 - Cat2)	Oak Forest, IL		121461	6	XXX RACING

Photo: Holly Klug

Notable in the Junior 10-14, Andrew Schmidt of Lake Geneva got his 6th win on the year upsetting Skylar Schneider's quest to clean sweep ALL the 'cross races she's entered. Her winning streak currently stands at 8 in a row. Meanwhile, big sister, Samantha Schneider (TIBCO) keeps her win streak alive with another victory making her record so far 10-0.

Women - Cat 1/2/3
Place	Points	Name	City, State		License	Bib	Team
1	253.30	Samantha Schneider	West Allis, WI		170980	109
2	265.76	Antonia Leal (1 - Cat3)	Waukesha, WI		130161	107	Planet Bike
3	278.22	Jessica Hill (1 - Cat2)	Evanston, IL		182688	106
4	290.68	Robin Bauer (2 - Cat3)	Shorewood, WI		295663	120	Racing For Riley
5	303.15	Lindsay Zucco (2 - Cat2)	Elburn, IL		301944	113	Team Bicycle Heaven

Photo: Bill Draper

Photo: Focal Flame

WISCONSIN: Milwaukee Estabrook Park RESULTS PHOTOS PHOTOS Estabrook Park, a fast course and rider favorite. The battle in the Pro 1/2 Women's series for the WCA races is getting interesting. The WCA site doesn't have a tally for the overall posted yet, but maybe it's time. Sam Schneider (TIBCO) has been splitting her time between WI and IL and currently has 4 wins in Wisconsin (Domes, Grafton, Doyne, and Wash. Park). Alyssa Severn (Cyclocrossracing.Com) has 3 wins (Whitewater, Further, and Sheboygan). This week's winner and WORS overall champion, Abby Strigel (Cyclocrossracing.Com) now has 2 (River Hill and Estabrook) but also a string of 2nds and the certainly the pedigree to win more. I'd like to see the official overall standings with 5 races remaining. Props also to Julie Phelps (BigRingFlyers) for making the jump to Category 2 this week.

Women - Women Pro/1/2 - 19-29
Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
1	273.68	Abby Strigel (1 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		202434	1	Cyclocrossracing.com
2	289.29	Alyssa Severn (2 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		325718	4	Cyclocrossracing.com
3	304.90	Elicia Hildebrand (3 - Cat2)	San Luis Obispo, CA		227122	17	TEAM GEARGRINDER
4	320.51	Meredith Peterson (4 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		248348	12
5	336.12	Amber Markey (5 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		307289	23	Team Colavita/ Parisi Coffee
6	351.73	Kristin Wentworth (6 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		207606	15	Brazen Dropouts Cycling Team
7	367.34	Julie Phelps (7 - Cat2)	De Pere, WI		278869	22	Big Ring Flyers

Photo: Focal Flame

In the Men's Pro 1/2, speedster Pro Chad Hartley (Kenday) took the top step over David Staab (Great Dane) and Mark Norton (KS Energy)

Men - Pro/Cat 1/2 - 19-29
Place	Points	Name	City, State	Time	License	Bib	Team
1		Chad Hartley				9	Kenda pro Cycling p./b Geargrinder
2	253.84	David Staab (1 - Cat1)	Madison, WI		205836	2	Great Dane Velo Club (GDVC)
3	261.85	Mark Norton (1 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		291138	24	KS Energy Services / Team Wisconsin
4	269.87	Travis Braun (2 - Cat2)	Madison, WI		285469	28	Magnus
5	277.89	Steve Scholzen (3 - Cat2)	Grafton, WI		201190	68	ISCorp Cycling Team

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