December 1, 2004

San Mateo, CA

Final West Coast UCI Races This Weekend

The Nation’s top cyclocross racers will be preparing their toolkits with some very special equipment for this weekend’s UCI doubleheader at Coyote Point. Tires, raingear, extra wheels, helmets, and…sand toys – because while Saturday’s “Bianchi ‘Cross” Category 2 event just skirts the beach, Sunday’s soviet-inspired “CCCP – Cyclo Cross @ Coyote Point” Cat. 1 series finale dives directly onto the sand and shells for 75 meters with winter high tides lapping at the edge of the course fence.

The 3200 meter course features alternating heavy-duty sections and pavement with 1400 meters of asphalt divided into 6 “Special Sections” just like Paris-Roubaix – only these sections are smooth, not pave. Sat urday’s “Bianchi ‘Cross” will highlight the celestial meadows double barricade while Sunday’s event continues the NorCal history lessons with the “Giro Sport Design” jumps set up for potential full speed hops – just like Jim Gentes used to do in Golden Gate Park.

CCCP was first run in 2002 where Swiss legend Thomas Frischknect scored a victory over top NorCal riders. Frischy has already been issued his number plate for CCCP as he is giving up his spot at this weekends Swiss World Cup round to race in his “2nd” home, near Ritchey Logic’s World HQ in San Carlos. Last year’s CCCP winner, Todd Wells, has yet to commit, but in October’s round last year in the county park, Travis Brown pipped Wells on the line – and after taking the Colorado State Championships on his single speeder, Travis is setting his sights on California this weekend – and Portland next weekend for US ‘Cross Championships. At last year’s final round, held at the park’s bay levee area, Jackson Stewart secured his last stateside victory before heading for Europe and the World Championships in Pont Chateau. After a slow beginning to the 2004 season Stewart seems to be peaking just in time to impress the selectors for another World’s trip. The balance of the top NorCal riders, including Andy and Ben Jacques-Maynes, Justin Robinson, Josh Snead, Aaron O’Dell, Cameron Falconer and John Funke will be lining up in their grid positions with Erik Tonkin, Shannon Skerrit and John Frey arriving from the Northwest, and Brent Prenzlow arriving from SoCal.

At the 3rd round of the Bay Area Super Prestige Series in Golden Gate Park, Velo Bella swept the top 4 positions and dominated the podium. Barbara Howe, Melodie Metzger, Sarah Kerlin and Christine Vardaros will be flying the flamingo colors this weekend with Gina Hall coming from her new home in Ashland, Oregon to stand in their way of another podium sweep.

2004 Bay Area Super Prestige Sponsors include:

Red Bull
Bianchi Bicycles
Big Swingin’ Cycles
Clif Bar
F:iz’ik
Palo Alto Bicycles
Sheila Moon
Sports Basement
Ritchey Logic
Summit Bikes
SyCip
Eurocycling Imports
AbbiOrca Photography
Verge Sport
Blackburn Designs

Further Information:

Pilarcitos Cyclesports
Tom Simpson
(650 302-6310
www.pilarcitos.com

Photos by Abbiorca:

Todd Wells was the only rider who could consistently ride the beach section of CCCP – and Andy Jacques-Maynes chased relentlessly.

Rachel Lloyd had a great run at last year’s CCCP, just a week before her silver medal at the Portland Nationals.