Cyclocross BC Cup #1

Early in the race Bob and I took a lead turning ourselves inside out in the heat! Photo-Dylan Doubt

On September 4th, the first BC Cup Cyclocross Race took place at Aldor Acres in Langley. The weather was insanely hot in the high 20's, which is a drastic change from former years of heavy rain and mud. Luckily rules allow for water to be consumed during the race which was a necessity in this one!

This year Cycling BC decided to split the Masters field into two groups, Masters 1/2 and Masters 3/4. The Masters field had increased in size to over 50 racers per event and was becoming overwhelming to co-ordinate for organizers and racers alike. The new format allows for a more competitive structure and makes the event more fun to watch as well!

In my race, Masters 1/2 we started just after the Pro Elite Men at 1pm...hottest time of the day! The sun beat down as the whistle blew and the 21 of us hammered off the line. The starting gravel road was super dusty and along with the fertilizer smell from the farm we were racing on, made for some extra cloudy lungs. As we came to the forest after the first kilometer, I was leading and the pack and feeling good. I decided to lose the gloves as the temp was so high and thought this would be a way of staying a few degrees cooler. Close behind me was Brad Collins and Bob Welbourne on the first climb / run up. Brad and I put the hammer down and bunny hopped the log at the bottom of the run up and pedaled to the top! Bob dismounted and ran, going almost the same speed as us, except the time it took him to remount.

After the first lap there was a group of 5 or so of us railing along the dusty farm road. I pulled the group around the first bit and again road up the run up but the heat was starting to get to me and Bob stayed with Brad and I once again. 

By the third lap Brad dropped back and Bob and I were alone. The rough ground was starting to take it's toll on the skin on my hands as I gripped the sticky rubber brake hoods. I looked down and a big flap of skin on my palm was flapping. The sun was beating down and the dust in the air was heavy. I held onto Bob but I was starting to question myself on riding the run up. 

On the 4th and 5th lap I ran the run up and followed Bob who was trying to drop me on the straight away farm road. We had a big lead on the rest of the group and wanted to keep it. I matched Bob's every attack, but feeling weary and my hand feeling more raw by the second (what the hell was I thinking going gloveless)!!!

The last two laps I dropped back but tried to stay at a good tempo, Bob got away from me and beat me by over 50 meters. 

Good times at Aldor Acres though, thanks guys!!! All the results from the race here.

-Kimbo