Irvine, California —The under the lights cyclocross magic that started with CrossVegas wraps up Saturday night in Irvine, CA with Spooky Cross.
Produced in conjunction with Southern California Cyclocross, Spooky Cross has grown to become the premier CX event in Southern California. The world-class racers gunning for the Cross After Dark title and valuable UCI points only solidifies SoCal’s status as a hot bed of cyclocross.
With much of the men’s leaderboard having ventured across the Atlantic to start their European campaigns, Cross After Dark has come down to a two-man race between LTS/Felt’s Ryan Trebon and current US National Champion Todd Wells of Specialized Racing. For Wells, Spooky Cross is a must-win if he wants to stand atop the final podium. Besting Trebon may be an order as tall as the Tree Farm himself. Felt Bicycles’ HQ is literally down the street from the Spooky Cross course at Hidden Valley Park so expect Trebon to put on a good show for his new sponsor.
Things get even more interesting over on the women’s side. Luna’s Katerina Nash has returned home to the Czech Republic with a commanding overall lead but the final standings are far from sorted out.
In a two-way tie for second place sit California Giant/Specialized teammates Teal Stetson-Lee and Meredith Miller. If either can pull out the W, they would bump Nash from atop the standings. Reigning French National Champion Caroline Mani (CC Etupes Doubs Pay) and Portland’s Sue Butler (River City Bicycles/Ridley) are locked in a fierce race for a final podium spot so don’t expect them to let the California Giant/Specialized ladies turn Spooky Cross into an easy spin through the park. Additionally, look for local teenage phenom and Junior National Champion Alexis Ryan of TEAM SoCalCross to bring some wild card firepower to the mix on her home turf.
Weather certainly won’t play a factor as race-time temps will be hovering around 70 degrees- downright balmy by CX standards but don’t be surprised to see a few arm warmers and catch a whiff or two of embrocation when SoCal natives fly by.
Spooky Cross is made possible through the generous support of Rock N’ Road Cyclery, SPY Optic, and Shimano.
For up to the minute play-by-play Saturday night follow @SoCalCross on Twitter, and check back here for the race report.
