Verge Mid-Atlantic Cyclocross Series
Conshohocken, PAVerge Mid Atlantic Cyclocrossers Prepare for Crown Jewel Weekend
October 19, 2005
The $30,000 Verge Mid Atlantic Cyclocross Series heads into the first of two International Double-Header Weekends this week with two UCI categorized races. Saturday, October 22, will see the Wooden Wheels Cyclocross at Granouge, the Queen of the Verge Sportswear sponsored Mid Atlantic Cyclocross Series. On the following day, October 23, the series moves a half-hour north to the Wissahickon Cyclocross, a popular race at a new venue.Saturday’s Wooden Wheels race, named for the sponsoring bike shop, takes place at “Granouge” the luscious estate of A.I. DuPont near Wilmington, Delaware. Every year, course designer Tom McDaniel offers up a great course featuring monster hills, roads, gravel and high-speed off-camber corners. This year he promises another spectacular layout that is once again worthy of the event’s UCI C1 status. It’s not every day that bike racers get to play in a “back yard” or race through flower and herb gardens. Nor is it normal for any sport, apart from golf, to be played in surroundings as beautiful as this, especially when the leaves are changing colors. It’s a great contrast to the suffering of the athletes. According to Elite 35+ racer Tammy Ebersole of Evolution Cycling, “Granogue - its just brutal. Nowhere to rest..a wicked fast start..and then the uphill, around the tower - off-camber to the scary off camber hill side descent its notorious. Most riders hold their breath and pray.” But, while the racers themselves are suffering fatigue-induced tunnel vision, those watching the race will be able to relax, take in the scenery and watch fabulous racing -- all while enjoying free samples of Krispy Kreame donuts and Fordham Brewery “beverage”.
Sunday’s Wissahickon Cross, also named after the sponsoring bike shop, is a UCI C2 race that takes place at a new venue this year. The Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania hosts one of the best-organized races in the nation. Race director Kelly Cline couldn’t be more pleased with the location, “It’s on a hill that lets the course be very compact. The layout looks to be fast, with a lot of long straights and sharp corners, just the way everybody likes it.” No doubt, many will also like the Yard’s Beer Tent at the top of the run-up, where those attending the race can “sample” Yard’s Beer, a cult favorite among East Coast ‘crossers.
Already committed to the event are red-hot Ryan Trebon and his Kona teamate Barry Wicks, as well as a four-rider contingent from Colorado’s TIAA-Cref/Cliff Bar: Ben Turner, Stuart Gillespie, Troy Wells and Zak Grabowski. They will be joined by the popular FORT/GPOA! Team featuring defending Verge Mid Atlantic Cyclocross Series Champion Ryan Leech and east-coast legend Gunnar Shogren. On the women’s side, Betsy Shauer of FORT/GPOA is expecting to defend her title against last week’s winner, and Kona standout, Georgia Gould. Also expected is a full squad from Velo Bella, who have stated, “Velo Bella will take no prisoners -- unless he’s really cute.” Also expected to make their 2005 Verge MAC debuts are 2003 USPRO Road Racing Champion Mark McCormick and his Team Cliff Shot Teammate Jesse Anthony, new daddy Ben Jacque-Maynes and Cyclocrossworld.com-Louis Garneau’s super couple of cyclocross Tim Johnson and Lynne Bessette -- the husband and wife duo who won both the Men’s and Women’s races at the UCI C2 Downeast Cyclocross in Maine last week.
The UCI Elite races will be preceded each day by a full slate of Verge Mid Atlantic Cyclocross Series amateur classes.
Both races are open to the public without admission charge; though Saturday’s race will have a $2 per car parking fee with the proceeds added to the women’s prize list. Sunday’s race will also feature added money for masters women racers, courtesy of Sturdy Girl Cycling, a grassroots recreational and competitive club based in Philadelphia. Sturdy Girl Cycling started in 2003 so that women could have a unique space to develop their cycling skills, improve their fitness, and increase their confidence on the bike.
The Mid Atlantic Cyclocross Series sponsored by Verge Sport -- manufacturers of top-of-the-line cycling apparel for the U.S. market using unique European craftsmanship and design. Verge Sport is providing the Leader Jerseys for every class. And though Verge Sport cycling clothing is worn by many of the stars of the Mid Atlantic Cyclocross Series, only the very best in each class get to wear the prestigious Verge MAC Leader Jersey.
Neutral support for all classes will be provided by Cadence Performance Cycling Center in Philadelphia, providing cyclists of all levels with the Nation's finest range of performance oriented training and testing services combined with the world's finest selection of road, mountain and cross frames, wheelsets, and components.
Honey Stinger is the Official Energy Food of the 2005 Verge Mid-Atlantic Cycling Series. Honey Stinger uses honey opposed to man made carbohydrates commonly found in other energy gels. Studies show that honey is low on the glycemic index and therefore provides a long, steady source of energy instead of a spike and crash. Honey is also a natural source of antioxidants.