(all shots from Dayspring, NS, Nov. 24)
Racers gather at the start line while Al and Tobias sort out last minute details. ^_^
Cyclocross, wut? File under: it's big in Europe, especially....Belgium? This was my first cyclocross race and it won't be my last. Cyclocross races typically have many short laps and what seemed like a short race duration. They also feature technical course sections, forcing racers to slow down as they navigate tight hairpins/switchbacks and other interesting elements like this pinwheel/labyrinth:
Did I mention dismounting? You heard right, it wouldn't be a *cross race unless riders were forced to get off and push their bikes up steep sections. The sawpit in the background is usually a soupy mess of sawdust but on this race day it was looking pretty frozen:
Those that managed to ride up the steep section had a slight speed advantage on the exit, which I hope my 'speed blur' attempts convey:
To add insult to injury, there was a stair/step section and this lone obstacle which forced all riders to dismount and carry their bikes. I was hoping for an epic bunny hop over this one but as far as I could tell, no takers that afternoon:
Riders will return to the MARC next Sunday, Dec. 2nd for another cyclocross race. The course makes for great viewing as a spectator and by all accounts the racers liked it too. Even the pinwheel.
See you at the MARC!
