2007 Canadian Cyclocross Championships

Headed up to Kamloops this weekend with EV'er Jason Thompson (yes, that Jason Thompson) to check out the Cyclocross BC Provincial and Canadian National Championships. A nifty course, in Riverside Park, put together by Cycling BC VP Mountain Bike Henry Pejril, who happens to have now organized a Mountain Bike Nationals, Road Nationals (twice in Kamloops) and now Cyclocross Nationals. Impressive.



I took some pics of the event and even some small videos on my phone. The anticipated Plaxton vs. Reain battle didn't materialize due to Plaxton busting his seat and not having a spare bike. And Reain didn't manage to defend his title, losing to a hard-charing Garrigan. No Kabush, no Tolouse, no Pinner -- last year in Nanaimo was perhaps a bit more exciting and hard fought, not to take away anything from the two man duel that did materialize.



In the women's race, the 3-way Bessette vs. Simms vs. Sydor race was pretty entertaining. Simms took it in the end, leading into the final run-up, which I managed to catch on video. It was anyone's guess as to who would win. Sydor looked to be struggling anytime she had to get off the bike and run, Bessette and Simms had tested each other the day before during Provincials as a warm-up. It was a close race.

Here's a few 30 second tidbits from the camera.

Elite Women Start:


Elite Women First Lap:


Elite Women Lap 2 Run-up:


Elite Women: Sand!


Elite Women: Last run-up (30 seconds from finish)


And the crazy-fast Elite Men start


Yes, that was the sound of a train in the background. Very apropos.

All in all, some great racing. And some very entertaining fans.



More cowbell! Ukraine is weak! More carnage!