Hello Racing Fans,
After a season of racers playing favorites and beating out the locals in regional events, this past weekend saw the country's best cyclocrossers meet up in New Jersey for two days of the muddy, sticky, gooey fun at the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross. I'll let the journos at Velonews.com and Cyclingnews.com report on the pro races, and instead share a few key observations from the back of the pack.
1. While the mud made for some great pictures (see attached), I lost track of the number of riders who had derailleurs snap in two between pulley wheels.
2. It's probably a good idea to get off, shoulder and run with your bike if you find yourself cranking out 500 watts and yet not moving anywhere.
3. If an enthusiastic superfan has tied a dollar bill to a low tree branch overhanging the course, you should grab that dollar because for you, the ring isn't going to get any more golden than that.
4. Masters 35+ race on Sunday noticeably harder than Cat 2/3 race on Saturday.
5. Cyclocross is most fun if you don't care about the results. Anyone know a place where I can pick up some, "I don't care" pills?
And as long as I've broached the subject of medical conditions...
6. I suffer from "Leap Apnea." A condition whereby, when leaping up onto your bike mid-stride, you hold your breath for a second or two while bracing for the jarring, crushing thud that invariably occurs when your "down-there's" meets your saddle.
Thanks for reading,
Marc Bertucco
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