Specialized's Todd Wells takes the win at the 2009 USGP in Portland. © Joe Sales
by Evan Schmitt
Thanksgiving weekend is approaching fast in the United States and Iowa City, Iowa, is hosting three days of top-level cyclocross racing. Jingle Cross Rock has become an annual tradition in the Midwest and this year marks the eighth edition of the race. The race will take place at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.
Headlining the men’s racing will be current national champion, Todd Wells (Specialized), who will be joined by his brother Troy Wells (Team Clif Bar). The 2010 national champion has been riding strong with a second place finish last Sunday at the USGP in Kentucky. Also look for newly crowned Single Speed Cyclocross World Champion Chris Jones (Rapha-Focus), Barry Wicks (Kona) and Tristan Schouten (Cyclocrossracing.com p/b Blue Bicycles) to mix things up. Last year, Ryan Trebon (Kona) won day two and Jamey Driscoll (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld) won days one and three in the men’s race.
Sue Butler finished third on day two of the 2011 Cincy3. ©Jeffrey Jakucyk
On the ladies’ side, Sue Butler (Hudz-Subaru) is coming off a strong podium finish at the festival in Cincinnati a few weeks ago. Meredith Miller (Cal Giant) won day one of Jingle Cross Rock last year and put in a fourth place finish at last week’s USGP, so she’s someone to watch out for as well. Other riders to look out for will be Maureen Bruno-Roy (Bob’s Red Mill-Seven Cycles) and Coryn Rivera (Marian University). Last year, Miller won day one and Amanda Miller (Hudz-Subaru) won days two and three.
2010 Jingle Cross Rock video:
[youtube qf6uytzoK0A 590 360 ]
