After a flurry of action on the cyclocross front, things slowed down a bit over the last week, but check out our peek at Katie Compton’s outlook for the new season which we scooped earlier today. Otherwise, Gabby Day announced a new sponsor this week, a few big names show up near the top of the US Crit Championships, and much more!
Gabby Day Picks Up a New Sponsor For 2009
Squirt dry chain lube have confirmed sponsorship of Gabby Day for the forthcoming cyclocross season. Squirt dry chain lube is totally biodegradable with no solvents used so not only is it great for your bike it’s also great for the environment. Squirt liquid lubricant has unique properties that make it ideal for use in any cycling condition. It has been developed to give better lubrication, last longer and keep the chain cleaner over extreme distances for cyclocross, MTB and road cycling
The Squirt brand has been around since 2003 but has only now become available to the UK market through selected retailers, one of them being www.gabbydaycyclesport.com. “I’m really pleased to have received the offer of sponsorship from Squirt,” said Gabby. “My chains take a lot of hammer during the cyclocross season, racing in mud and sand is hard on equipment so products like this really help to keep everything running smooth.”
Myerson Top ‘Crosser at US Crit Nationals
Adam Myerson was the top representative of the full time cyclocross community at the weekend’s US Criterium National Championships in Downers Grove, Illinois. Myerson was able to take the last step of the “long” podium, by nabbing fifth place on the day. Jake Keough, who spends some of his winter moonlighting on the ‘cross scene, took an impressive fourth place, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s best up and coming sprint talents. Current Masters 30-34 National Cyclocross Champion Andy Jacques-Maynes took home another big top ten for cyclocross by crossing the line in 8th place. Jeremy Powers, not usually known for his criterium prowess, turned on the speed on Sunday, finishing up 17th.
Shriver Continues Retirement Party, 3rd at Leadville 100.
Not content to let some other famous American cyclist dominate all the headlines, Matt Shriver continued his “retirement” by signing on to take part in the Leadville 100 endurance mountain bike race. Shriver flew the colors of Fort Lewis College, where he spends his time coaching and advising, but was recruited by Trek to help rid cyclocross’ most notorious CrossVegas gatecrasher of any competition, and boy was he effective. Shriver drove the pace for much of the first 50 miles, allowing Armstrong to hit the front on his own. For his efforts, Shriver came away with the bronze medal, and hopefully, a share of the winner’s purse.
Kabush Continues Unstoppable Run at 6th Stop of US ProXCT
Windham, New York was the scene of the latest slaughter at the hands of Canadian Cyclocross Champion Geoff Kabush. Kabush, fresh off wins in the World Cup and the last stop of the US ProXCT, collected wins in both the Cross Country and Short Track events on the series’ final weekend. The race was highlighted by Kabush’s crash on the day’s third lap, which put his win in jeopardy, dropping him back to the second chasing group, behind the leading duo of Max Plaxton and Sid Taberlay and behind Todd Wells, who finished up the day in third place, following a flat by Taberlay that relegated him to fourth. Kabush must already be marking next year’s Mountain Bike World Cup stop in Windham on his calendar. Other notable ‘cross finishes include Adam Craig in sixth, Carl Decker in tenth, Barry Wicks in 17th and Colin Cares rounding out the lead lap in 24th.
In Sunday’s Short Track event, Kabush took home a sprint victory over Sam Schultz to take home his second win in as many days. The form of Kabush was not to be beaten on the day, as multiple attacks were not enough to remove Kabush from the front of the race, despite the best efforts of the rest of the field. By the last few laps of the race, only Kabush and Schultz were left at the front, as other protagonists were left to chase behind, coming agonizingly close to the leaders, but missing out due to a moment of inattentiveness. As a result, Adam Craig had to settle for fourth, Todd Wells sixth, Carl Decker eighth, Colin Cares nineteenth and Barry Wicks twentieth. Thanks to his consistent efforts in the short track, Todd Wells was rewarded with the ProXCT series championship.
Gould Close But Not Close Enough in Final ProXCT Cross Country
Georgia Gould came close to taking home the win at the cross country event at the Yankee Clipper, the final stop on the US ProXCT. Gould rode a consistent race, and was able to overtake teammate Catherine Prendel in the waning meters of the race, after the latter suffered an untimely flat tire. Rounding out the top five was Gould’s teammate Katerina Nash who finished up the day in fifth. Finishing just inside the top ten was US U23 National Champion Amy Dombroski, who rode a solid race to finish up in tenth place. Maureen Bruno Roy ended the day in 22nd place.
LUNA once again missed out on taking home a victory on the last stop of the US ProXCT, taking home second through fourth on the day, led home by Katerina Nash in second and Georgia Gould in third behind the day’s winner, Lea Davidson. The day’s selection was made by the determined Nash, who’s attack drew out only Gould and Davidson. Another Nash attack moments later rid the lead of Gould, performing the opposite effect of its intent. As such, Davidson was open to take home the win, after Nash had seemingly burned one too many matches. Behind, Dombroski crossed the line in 8th place, after riding near the front for much of the day. Maureen Bruno Roy rolled across the line in 18th place.
Wondering what your favorite mudders have been up to? Doing your homework so you can win Cyclocross Magazine’s fantasy cyclocross league next season? We’ve got you covered with our new, weekly report on your favorite top ‘crossers. Each week Jake Sisson will bring you the latest news, gossip, and maybe even a tweet or two on the pro scene. This is installment #21. Installment #20 is here. Got something worth reporting? Let us know!
