Raleigh – Clement’s Belgian cyclocross star took third at the 2013 Raleigh Midsummer Night’s Cyclocross Race in Deer Valley, Utah, behind Giant’s stair-riding Carl Decker and 2013 National Champion Jonathan Page. He took a few minutes away from all but one of his adoring fans to talk with Cyclocross Magazine after his finish about racing cyclocross in July, using mountain bikes in cyclocross races, and his plans for the season.
Berden was diplomatic about Decker’s win and equipment choice. “He was on a straight bar, with fat tires and he rode those stairs,” Berden recalled. “He’s a big name, so there’s no shame in losing to that guy.”
When asked about the course, Berden said, “It was rocky and bumpy, but you don’t have much options here [in Deer Valley]. As a professional cyclist you have to [race] everything that comes to you.”
On the rocky course, Berden raced his sponsor’s Clement PDX 33mm tubulars at about 25 psi, lower than many of the women racers.
Berden supported Decker’s decision to ride the dual suspension mountain bike, but wouldn’t have opted for it himself if one was available. “I don’t know what a mountain bike is,” he joked. “It is an event that allows you to race whatever you want, I have a mountain bike if I want, but I was born on a cross bike and I’m sticking with that.”
See the full Cyclocross Magazine (avail in 720p in HD) video interview below. Stay tuned for the full interviews with Jonathan Page, Carl Decker and Craig Etheridge.
Interview with Raleigh Clement’s Ben Berden:
Deer Valley, July 25, 2013
