The Critical Dirt 'Cross Fest Went Down July 4th
Ken Bloomer of Independent Fabrications clued us in to what sounds like an incredible two days of ‘cross racing in Germany. It’s the sort of event we would love to see more of state-side, part’cross and part randonneur, with a full blown ‘cross race to finish it off. Check out the details below.
by Ken Bloomer
Last weekend, ’crossers in Germany’s former Eastern Bloc were treated to two days of cyclocross goodness at Critical Dirt. The event was a two-day cyclocross race with four stages on the first day and a more traditional ’cross race on Sunday. Day one took riders over some of the worst roads, from Dresden to Leipzig, that the organizers could dish out. The course was a mixture of pave, cobbles, gravel and dirt roads, tank tracks, forest way and trails. Despite the seering heat (37+C) the peloton maintained an average of 35 kmh over the impossible terrain. To add to the adventures, riders had to self-navigate the course with the assistance of maps and a couple guides sprinkled through the field. There was a break in between each stage with a huge antipasto buffet for lunch on Saturday and a dinner party following the finale in Leipzig, where they held a grass-track race following dinner.
Sunday hosted a full-on cyclocross race with two preliminary heats followed by a final race with the top ten from each heat going for the overall. The course wrapped around an old rock quarry and lake with a long climb and vicious run-up at the top, a high speed descent back down and then through deep sand and gravel. Finishing the course was an out and back through deep “moondust” dirt and then along the beach to the finish.
The organization of this event was top-notch and it was enjoyed by all who took part and spectators alike. We gave away a complete IF Planet X sponsored by Independent Fabrication, Chris King & 3T. Sounds like ’cross is catching on in behind the old Iron Curtain!
Check out the IFBRT Blog for a blow by blow account of the event.
