Cyclocross Manitoba

CrossTastic Results

2011-10-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

Halloween at the Harbour Camp

2011-10-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

The race formerly known as Halloween at the Harbour goes down this Sunday. It has been relocated to a new and much better venue. But do not worry: the good times will be just the same.

More information here.

CrossTastic This Sunday

2011-10-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

CrossTastic is this Sunday. Details here.

Free european hot dogs, hot chocolate, and coffee for racers, spectators, and volunteers. Volunteers are always welcome. Contact gsewell at mymts dot net if you can help.

See you Sunday!

Mid Season Update

2011-10-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

Next race up is Southern Cross in Altona. Information is here and here. Southern Cross always has great community support.

Results from The Barrier are here. Sorry for the delay. Had some technical issues.

A Big Thanks
A big thanks to everyone who has helped with the races so far. I've been involved with Manitoba Cyclocross for 10 years and it's always had a community feel. People come out, help set up the course, cheer on others, race, hang around, and then help tear down. It's what makes cross great.

Sign-In Procedure.
Please remember the races are organized by volunteers. Cross races require a shocking number of hours to set-up, host, and tear down. All the work is done by volunteers, all of whom do it for the love of the sport, all of whom give up precious time so you can race, and many of whom give up their own results to help the race go off. Often volunteers are relatives or friends who are helping for the first time this year. Help these people out. Don't make their job more difficult because you haven't bothered to read the blog or the race bible. Check the blog regularly. Read the race bible. Bring your forms completed.

I know there's a lot of adrenaline flowing before the race, but the sign in pattern has been the same all year. When you sign in you need to:
1) Hand in your registration.
2) Pay the race fee (unless you are a season pass holder).
3) Show your licence to the commissaire.
4) Sign the race registration sheet.
5) Initial beside your name on the seeding sheet.
It's not the end of the world if you fail to follow all the steps, but it does cause a lot of confusion, makes everyone who's warmed up wait at assembly, and slows everything down. And maybe we shouldn't blame the volunteers.

Discounted Race Licence
Every year there's one person who asks for a discount, because they only want to race cross. Sheesh, the cross race fees are so cheap and you want a discount for racing the most fun part of the year? Most cycling federations charge for every discipline that you race in. So racing in MTB, road, BMX, downhill, and cyclocross would require the main licence fee and four add-ons for the four additional disciplines. Manitoba has always had the one fee with no add-ons. No one expects a rider to ride all the road, mountain, BMX, downhill, and cross races. Most riders will race in one or two disciplines, but the beauty of the Manitoba system is that riders can choose what they want without having to worry about additional costs.

Race Times
Race order is set the by the organizers who have to balance many conflicting needs; what is technically possible, what's good for racers, what works with the time constraints, what is needed by the supporting community, what is needed by the land owner, what is required by sponsors, what works for the commissaires, what works for the volunteers, etc.

MennoCross Results

2011-10-02T07:00:00.001-07:00

Another big turnout. Thanks for racing everybody!

Results here.

MennoCross

2011-09-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

The first half of the season concludes with MennoCross, presented by Brian Reimer Audio this Saturday at CMU. The racing starts at 11am with the C Race.

Read the Race Bible for the basics. And please fill out the entry form and waiver in advance to help keep the registration line flowing smoothly.

For all other details, see the official race website.

Learn To Clinics

2011-09-26T11:11:00.001-07:00

Cross Lab - Thursday September 29

Come out to learn and hone cyclocross skills. Free clinic with skills and drills for all abilities.

Canadian Mennonite University - 500 Shaftesbury Boulevard (site of this Saturday's MennoCross event)

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (dropping in midway is fine)

*What's a cross lab, you ask? We'll play some games that involve cornering, bike handling and dismounting/remounting. It's pretty informal, more about working on technique than about working out. Bring your bike, your helmet and a bottle of water.

Up To Date Category Lists

2011-09-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

I don't mind saying it was not an easy task, but we had to spread things around a bit if we wanted to continue racing. Please read this first. The categories are not a reward or penalty system, but simply a matter of placing riders where they will be the most competitive. There were many variables to take into account, including results this year and last. In short, notwithstanding mechanicals if you were lapped in both of the first two races you probably changed categories. If you were lapped in one you either moved or were on the bubble. Since organizing completely sucks the energy out of volunteers that was also taken into account. By necessity, there will be further adjustments as we go along. Although we have always resisted pulling lapped riders, that is still a possibility. You are all riding so well. The categories are getting faster and faster. We will have three very competitive races.

The men's categories are here.
The women's categories are here.

The cross committee will hold a cross clinic on Sunday before the race (from 12:30 till 1:00) to help with essential cyclocross skills like dismounting and re-mounting. Meet behind the backstop at the baseball diamond. Note: please DO NOT ride on the baseball diamond.

DarkCross Results

2011-09-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

Here. See the website for photos, etc.

The Barrier

2011-09-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

Next up is LaBarriere Park. This race is organized by the cyclocross committee. We require volunteers to help with set-up Sunday morning, registration, and everyone will need to chip in for teardown. Please bring a rake.

If you can help with registration or set-up please email mca_cross at mts dot net

Race details are on the MCA site

Rider Category Changes

2011-09-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Due to the large number of riders in the B race, certain changes need to be made. We've attempted to give riders a chance to try out categories to see where they best fit in (see the Updated Categories post just below), but now we must act on that information.

Accurate Results
We are sticklers for accurate results. The B race is becoming too large for the commissaires to effectively manage. Other jursidictions sometimes have larger fields, but they use electronic chip timing which we can't afford and they generally pull riders as soon as they're lapped*. You might say let me race in the B race, I don't care about my results, but the other riders whose results you may adversely effect will not share the same view.

Interference With Other Riders
Lapped riders, no matter how careful, eventually interfere with the front of the race.

Safety
Safety is our foremost concern. You must be able to dismount and remount your bike at high speed in order to race in the B and A races. Dismounting is an essential skill. Not being able to dismount at speed creates especially dangerous situations for other riders. There were several very dangerous close calls on Saturday. If you need to work on your dismounting that's fine, but C is the race to do it in. We will organize a cross lab or two to help people with their skills, perhaps Thanksgiving weekend. Check back here for an update.

We re-balance categories regularly. All the races will be extremely competitive. As skills and fitness improve we move racers up.

Once the official results from Dark Cross are available I will post the uptodate category lists. If you have a question about your placement contact mca_cross at mts dot net.

*In the past, we have tried not to pull lapped riders. Without a re-balancing of the categories that would have to happen. It may still become necessary, but we are trying to avoid it. If you were pulled in the B race you would almost certainly have a much shorter race than if you rode 30 minutes in the C race.

Updated Categories

2011-09-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

There's some stress in trying to decide which category to ride in (and therefore which race). Keep in mind that cyclocross is a short intense race, not a long, slow endurance event.

The cyclocross committee is trying to be flexible for the first couple of events with the B and C races and where there is doubt (and sometimes even when there isn't) allowing riders to pick the B race to start the season. We will, however, make changes by the 3rd race.

If you were lapped 2 or 3 times at St. Adolphe we strongly recommend that you move to cat 4. The experience will be much better. As your skills improve to beyond the cat 4 level you can be moved back to cat 3 again.

Here is a link to category FAQs that is a little easier to read than the post below.

St Adolphe Photos

2011-09-13T23:25:00.000-07:00

I'll post more when I get a chance.

DarkCross on Deck

2011-09-12T04:58:00.000-07:00

"I went to a party and a cyclocross race broke out." That's what people will be saying after next weekend. Race Bible here. For everything else you need to know, check out the official race website.

St Adolphe

2011-09-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

A video from Scott at the TrainingCoop. If you're a little confused the footage of the A and B races is intermingled.

Mudfest indeed

2011-09-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

What a tremendous way to open the season. Thanks to all who came out. Next up is DarkCross; our very first cross race under the lights. Following that is LaBarriere. That's a cyclocross committee event and we will be counting on volunteers from our cyclocross community to help with set up on the Saturday/Sunday and tear down afterward to pull that one off. Email Gary at gsewell at mymts dot net if you can help.

More photos to follow.

gs

Categories?

2011-09-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

Confused about the categories?

First you need to keep in mind that cyclocross is a short high intensity race. Picking a race because you want to race longer is counterintuitive. It's all about speed and explosive power.

If you've never raced cyclocross before or don't have decent elite level results you MUST start in either cat 3 or 4 (3 if you're a pretty good racer on the road or MTB, 4 if you're an average racer or new to racing). If you can ride away from the group in cat 3 road races or win Elite MTB races then you can apply to the cyclocross committee (speak to Gary Sewell) to start in 1/2. Riders with race experience the previous year will be categorized according to their results in the previous year.

-Relating to the above, riders who arrive only in time forthe A race will simply not be allowed to race.
-Riders who are too strong for a particular category will bemoved up.
-Equipment rule exemptions may apply to lower categories. Arider may take advantage of those, but once moved to a higher category mustcomply with the appropriate equipment rules.
-An elite level male rider with poor results/no results inthe previous year due to injury/illness/etc may petition the cyclocrosscommittee to start in the A race.

Note that for the purposes of deciding your category you shouldn't rely on the category seeding. Seeding was based on a combination of performance and attendance whereas performance alone should be considered when determining a competitive category.

Men
If you were cometitive racing in A last year, you'll likely race in cat 1/2 this year.
If you were pulling up the rear in A last year, you'll move to cat 3 this year.
If you were in the top half of B last year, you'll race in 3 this year.
If you were in the lower third of B last year, you should consider racing in cat 4.
If you were lapped in B last year you should definitely race in cat 4.

Previously known as	Now
A	CX 1/2 aka 'cat 1/2'
B	CX 3 aka 'cat 3'
C	CX 4 aka 'cat 4'

Women
If you were racing in A last year, you'll race in cat 1/2/3 this year.
If you were in the top half of B last year, you'll race in 1/2/3 this year.
If you were in the lower third of B last year, you should consider racing in cat 4.
If you were lapped in B last year you should definitely race in cat 4.

Previously known as	Now
A	CX 1/2/3 aka 'cat 1/2/3' CX 1/2/3 aka 'cat 1/2/3'
B	CX 1/2/3 aka 'cat 1/2/3' CX 1/2/3 aka 'cat 1/2/3'
C	CX 4 aka 'cat 4'

Kids
Kids under 13 may only race in C race
Kids under 15 may race in either the B or C race

Citizen Licence
Citizen racers are only allowed to race in the lowest licenced category, i.e. the C race.

I know my category. What race do I take part in?

Race	Which Groups	Time
Kids	Kids	15 min
Non UCI licence	Number of races determined by organizer	Approx 20 min
C	CX 4 men, CX 4 women	25-30 min
B	CX 3 Men, CX 1/2/3 Women	40 min
A	CX 1/2/3 Men	60 min

Will my race be exactly sixty minutes?

Race	Official Time	Goal	Time plus lap(s)
C	25-30 min	25-30 min	20 minutes plus 1 lap
B	40 min	37-42 min	30 minutes plus 1 lap*
A	60 min	56-62 min	45 minutes plus 2 laps

Cyclocross Seeding

2011-09-07T23:56:00.000-07:00

All A,B, and C races in Manitoba cyclocross (see below in the blog) are seeded. It's the only fair way to do things. The more you compete the better your start position.

-For the first race of the year seeding will be based on thefinal cyclocross seeding of the previous year.
-For the second race of the year, seeding will be based onthe final cross seeding of the previous year and the results of the first race.
-For the third race on, seeding will be based solely on theresults of the current year.
-A rider moving up a category carries no seeding points withthem.
-A rider moving down a category will be seeded at thefront/near the front of the new lower category.
-If you have not previously raced you will be seeded at the back of your category.

A seeding list will be present at each race.

You MUST initial the seeding list when you sign in. You must be present on time at pre-assembly. Only riders who have initialled beside their name will be called up during assembly. If your name is not called or you are not present when your name is called you will start at the back of the category.

gs

Cross Season's Pass

2011-09-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

Only $80. That's less than last year. It's $30 off and like getting two whole races for free!

Available at the first two races. Cash only. We're working on getting express entry to the races included with it.
gs

Cross Cup 2011

2011-09-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

Who is the best cyclocross racer in Manitoba?

Who is the strongest, most consistent, cunning, powerful, and adaptable rider? Train cross, eat cross, and sleep cross and one day you may be the Cyclocross Cup Champion.

2011 Cup Races:
St Adolphe
Dark Cross
LaBarriere Park
Canadian Mennonite University
Altona
Whittier Park

Points awarded in each race. Best 5 results count.
gs

Cross Bike Rules 2011

2011-09-06T00:17:00.001-07:00

As wth any sport, you must use the proper regulation equipment if you want to take part in competitions. Nobody cares if you use illegal clubs when you're learning to golf or an illegal bat when learning to hit or a motor in your bike as you head up Alpe d'Huez on your own, but use them in a competition and there's a problem.

Cyclocross has certain equipment requirements. They are there to promote safety and fairness. More importantly they are part of the challenge of cyclocross and one of the things that make cyclocross cyclocross and not mountain biking or road biking. In order to increase access to the sport we look the other way in the B and C races and allow you to use a wide variety of equipment. However, if you compete in the A race (either by your own desire or you are moved there for competitive reasons) then you must use the proper equipment. It's a reasonable requirement for taking part.

Bike rules as passed in 2010 can be found here. It lists UCI rules, our rules last year, and the rules for this year. You'll note they've been relaxed to allow both cat 3 and 4 to use non-compliant equipment.

Cyclocross Categories

2011-09-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Updated September 7th

There are a few significant decisions about cyclocross categories that will be implemented for the 2011 season. Please read the following carefully to make sure you know where you should race.

In the past, we usually had two races (identified as A and B). Rider categories and races were the same. I.e. an A rider rode in the A race. This year there will be three main races at every race, plus a separate race for kids under 11 years old. Also for this year there are numbered rider categories—CX 1/2, CX 3, CX 4 or Cat 1/2, Cat 3, Cat 4 if you like. This brings us more in line with most other North American jurisdictions. Please note that CX Categories do not correspond to Road Categories. New racers to cyclocross will start in either CX 3 or CX 4*.

For the most part, if you are a male who raced in the A race last year you will be Cat 1/2, top 2/3 of B Race last year = cat 4, and lower 1/3 of B race/C race = Cat 4. But it is slightly more complicated than that, as explained below.

Women: Women who raced in A or B in past years will be combined into a single category (Women Cat 1/2/3) and race alongside the Cat 3 Men in a 40 minute race. Cat 4 women will take part in a 30 minute race.

Children: Children under 11 years of age will race a 20 minute kids race, often on a modified course. U13 children will race the 30 minute race alongside adults. U15children may race either the 30 or 40 minute races. With the exception of Provincials, race results will not be broken down according to age categories.

Citizen Racers: All racers with a Citizen License may only race in the 30 minute race alongside the cat 4 racers.

Unlicensed Racers: in races where unlicensed racers are eligible to participate, there will be an additional race, designated the “Open Race.” No licensed racers may participate in this race. And unlicensed racers are not eligible to participate in any of the other races. [An exception to this is children under 11, who may race alongside the rest of the U11 children. Unlicensed racers over 11 years of age will race alongside the adults in the Open Race.]

The races will be as follows:

Kids Race - 15-20 minutes – U11 kids and younger
Open Race - at select events
C Race - 30 minutes – Men Cat 4, Women Cat 4, U13 and U15 kids
B Race - 40 minutes – Men Cat 3, Women Cat 1/2/3, U15 kids
A Race - 60 minutes – Men Cat 1/2

An additional 30 minute Open Race for unlicensed racers will be held at the following three races: DarkCross, MennoCross, and Southern Cross. It will be a separate race from the 30 minute 'C' race.

*New riders must start in Cat 3 or Cat 4. Only riders listed on the Cat 1/2 start list may compete in the A race. All others must start in B or C races. If a new rider shows up to race and only the A (Cat 1/2) race is left they will not be allowed to race.
Riders may only move to Cat 1/2 after demonstrating ability in Cat 3 and being moved up by the cyclocross committee. Riders with previous high level cyclocross results may appeal to the cyclocross committee to start in Cat 1/2, but must do so before race day.

If you have any questions, please contact Gary Sewell, Chair of the Cyclocross Committee.

St Adolphe Mudfest, the Season's First Race

2011-08-30T08:34:00.001-07:00

The first race of the season will take place on Sunday, September 11th in St. Adolphe. It will be a fun, flowing, and technical course. If it stays dry it will be fast and staying on the bike could be challenging on some of the corners (that dirt becomes loose and almost ball bearing like - sounds like fun to me). The race bible is now up on the MCA site, more details will be coming shortly.

2011 Season

2011-06-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is here, the 2011 season is really just around the corner. This year's calendar is comprised eight races, four on each side of the Thanksgiving long weekend. The season features a combination of old favourites and introduces some exciting new venues. If you raced last year and liked it, we are confident you will fall head over heels in love with cyclocross this year.

See the calendar on the right.

The Cyclocross Organizing Committee will be meeting soon to finalize some details for the season in general, such as cost, categories, season's pass, etc. So it's time to get used to stopping in here to see what's up.

Belgian Club

2010-11-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

Last 'cross race of the season is Saturday, November 27th at the Belgian Club. It won't be as snowy as Minneapolis (below), or will it? A classic event with a late season twist this year. Preliminary info here.

Road Trip

2010-11-21T16:50:00.001-08:00

Road Trip

2010-11-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Provincials tomorrow and then a break until Belgian Club = Road Trip.

Local crossers have often embarked on road trips in search of more racing and/or to help build racing in other communities.

Minnesota State Championships (info here) has been a popular destination in the past. The competition is strong, the fields are large, and the course is awesome (at least in my mind) - very fast, some technical bits, a long awkward stair section, and a really tough, long run-up through loose dirt. Next Saturday.

But, an intriguing alternative takes place in Grand Forks next Sunday. They started a three race series this year - the first two conflicted with our races, but the third is next Sunday. For the first race they had 32 racers in A and B categories (60 min and 35 min), the 2nd is tomorrow. The competition won't be as deep as a group as Minneapolis, but they seem to have a range from beginner to very strong and if you think where we've come from 32 is racers is awesome! And there's the added benefit of helping build racing with our closest neighbours. We've had trips to Minneapolis, Indiana, and Saskatoon in the past, but G.F. is only 2 hours away! Info here

I'm actually registered for Minneapolis, but am drawn more and more to going to G.F.

Either way, sounds like a road trip. If you're interested email me at gsewell at mts dot net.

Confirmed: A licence is NOT required for the Grand Forks races.

gs

Halloween at the Harbour Results

2010-11-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Another muddy day on the bike, but this time with costumes. Thank you to all who participated.

results

Next Up Is Provincials

2010-10-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

Another race is done and what a great event it was. Thanks to the folks at Red River Racing.

Next up is Provincials. Note that Provincials is run on a completely different format than any other cross race of the year. All racing is done by age categories instead of ability categories (with the exception of the Citizen's race). Rider's require a race licence in order to qualify for provincial medals. The organizer has added a Citizen's race to the beginning of the day's events, but technically that race is not part of Provincials.

UCI championships for cyclocross always occur in January. Theoretically our Provincial Championships would qualify someone for Canadian Nationals which would inturn qualify them for World Championships. As conditions for racing locally are less than ideal in late January we hold our Provincial Championship in late October/early November. Nonetheless it is the start of a process that culminates in a January 2011 race. Therefore, your race category for next week's race is determined by what your age will be at the end of 2011.

Still confused? Just take your age at the end of this year and add 1. That will be your category.

Citizen race at noon 12 PM, 20 min + 2 laps
Kids U13 race at 12:45 PM, 10 min +2 laps (modified course)
U15, U17, All Women, Men 40-49, Men 50+ - 1:15 PM (35 min + 2 laps)
Junior Men (U19), U23 Men , Senior Men (20-29), Men 30-39 - 2:30 PM (45 min + 2 laps)

Bunny Hopping

2010-10-29T19:20:00.001-07:00

Bunny hopping* will be allowed at the Halloween at the Harbour race on a trial basis. It will be allowed in the 'A' race only. Bunny hopping in the remaining races this year will depend on the construction of the organizer's barriers.

Bunny hopping will NOT be allowed at Cross Provincials due to the variation within categories.

*If you don't know what bunny hopping is then this rule won't affect you.

gs

CrossTastic Results

2010-10-26T22:07:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone! Mens and Womens results here

gs

Halloween at the Harbour

2010-10-25T04:11:00.000-07:00

Next up on October 30 is Halloween at the Harbour, brought to you by Red River Racing. The course will be challenging, but the mood will be light. Costumes are encouraged and will be rewarded with an extra entry for door prizes including a $1,500 carbon fiber wheelset.

All the details can be found here.

CrossTastic Is Sunday

2010-10-19T06:53:00.001-07:00

CrossTastic is Sunday. Details at the CrossTastic site

3 bikes (cyclocross frame and carbon fork) to be given away! UPDATE: With the help of Olympia Cycle there will now be 4 Frames (XS to XL sizes)

European sausages, coffee, and hot chocolate for everyone!

This is the final race in the Cyclocross Cup series to determine Manitoba Cross Supremacy.

Start seeding

Seeding lists for Sunday's race. Riders have earned their starting positions. All riders must start in their seeded position. Moving up on the start line will result in disqualification.

Riders eligible to move from B to A:
Cameron McLaren
Artur Pich
Milo Delbigio

Riders not listed in either list must start at the back of the B start. Appeals to start in the A race based on out of province race results should be made to the Cyclocross coordinator (Gary Sewell) well ahead of the B race.

gs

Final Chance For Cup Points This Weekend

2010-10-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

CrossTastic marks the final opportunity to gather points for the cross cup. I'll post the current standings later today.

Men's and Women's Cup Standings as of Race #5. Updated and corrected.

Better Than Christmas

2010-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

We all know that cyclo-cross is the most fun you can have on two wheels (or any number of wheels for that matter). After our mid-season break for turkey it just gets better and better!

It all starts with the Manitoba Gran Prix of Cyclocross on October 16/17. Barbecues in St. Malo and Altona and $1200 in draw prizes for Gran Prix participants.

Follow that up with Cross-Tastic on Oct. 24. BBQ for both spectators and racers. Three cross frames and forks, and other prizes for participants (over $3000 worth).

And then Halloween at the Harbour on Oct 30 with a $1500 set of carbon tubulars up for grabs.

Add in the race wheels for the participation series and TRP brakes for the season pass draw and you could put together a new high end cross bike or two!

La Barriere And Ahead

2010-10-05T06:58:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Moni for entering the results for me. Preliminary results are here.

Next up we have a break, then the Gran Prix weekend of St. Malo and Altona on October 16 and 17th. Promises to be super-exciting!

With all the mechanicals that are happening it is perhaps appropriate that Cross-Tastic is giving away three, count 'em, three Ridley cross frames and forks on the 24th!

Dave Benson's Photos

2010-10-04T19:39:00.001-07:00

Check them out.

Menno Cross here.

La Barriere Cross here.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

2010-10-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for their help. It was wonderful to see the 25 or so people helping tear down and clean up the course. Thank you ever so much.

The Barrier

2010-09-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

Could there be a more fitting location for a 'cross race than a place called The Barrier?

Race Bible. Note that an incomplete draft went up on the MCA site initially. The correct version is now up.
Registration Form
Waiver
Save a tree and print on both sides of the same sheet.

A Race seeding
B Race seeding

Seeding is based on finish order within race with every participant receiving points. Therefore, higher seeding depends on both performance and participation. In the event of a tie, the first tie breaker is highest finish in 2010 races to date, the second is higher finish in the last race. A and B seeding use different point values and are NOT comparable.

Oct. 3 LaBarriere Park

2010-09-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

News Flash

This weekend's race is confirmed for LaBarriere Park on Sunday, Oct. 3rd.

B/Citizen - 40 min
Children - 10-20 min
A - 60 min

Racing tentatively scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.

More details to follow shortly.

Menno Cross Results

2010-09-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Here.

Thanks to everyone who came out. That was a lot of fun.

CMU Update

2010-09-25T18:48:00.001-07:00

MennoCross was indeed awesome. A very muddy, tricky technical course greeted the 100 plus riders.

Chris will post the results here soon.

Thanks to Chris, the FGBC guys and gals, and Canadian Mennonite University for an excellent event.

Next up event #3 (we're still awaiting our permit) and then there's a week off for Thanksgiving.

Oct 2 Schedule Change

2010-09-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

The organizer's permit request for Omand Park was rejected by the city. As a result there will be no race on October 2nd at Omand Park. We had previously held a meeting with city park officials and this comes as a bit of a surprise.

The cyclocross committee will attempt to arrange another race on that weekend. It may occur on either Saturday Oct 2 or Sunday Oct 3 depending on the availability of locations and commissaires. Stay tuned for more news.

UPDATE: The most likely date is SUNDAY Oct 3rd. We are working on a couple of venues to cover our bets and will update as soon as we have a permit.

Menno Cross

2010-09-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Manitoba cyclocross season continues this Saturday (Sept. 25) at Canadian Mennonite University with Menno Cross. It is also the second race of the Manitoba Cyclocross Cup Series.

No race license is required for this race. If you've heard the buzz about cyclocross and want to give it a try, this is a good opportunity to try it out and see if you like it. We are pretty sure you will.

The course is located at CMU's North Campus at 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. (Grant and Shaftesbury). Parking is available to the north of the main building.

Once again, the course will be a fast one, with flowing hills and a number of fun, swooping corners. The bunker will be back to serve up some entertainment for the spectators and the stone pit will leave you wondering where you speed has gone.

Faspa (a traditional Mennonite light meal) will be served to all racers.

Race prizing (for A and B races only) to be awarded after all races are complete. You must be present to accept your prize. Kids prizing will follow immediately after the kids race.

Registration opens at 10 am in the courtyard on the far west side of the main building. All racers must be registered 30 minutes before their race begins.

Cost - $15, CMU alumni - $10; novice riders, CMU students, and kids under 16 race for free.

The racing starts at 11 am.

C Race - 11 am (20 min.)

Kids Race - 12 noon 10-20 minutes depending on age - modified course

B Race - 1pm (45 min.)

A Race - 2:30 pm (60 min.)

Entry form here. Waiver here.

For more information as well as highlights of last year's race, visit mennocross.ca

Saturday Update

2010-09-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Brilliant start to the season!

About 80 racers. Awesome weather: 13C and sunny. Great job by Olli, Tim Woodcock, and all the volunteers.

Sold a bunch of season passes. They'll also be on sale at CMU next week. If you forgot to bring enough money today and you paid the regular race fee, you can still get in on the season pass next week (we'll deduct what you paid today from the cost of the pass so you still get it for $90). And don't forget all season pass holders get a chance to win TRP EuroX brakes courtesy of Unicity Eye Clinic.

Next up: Menno Cross. It will be awesome!

Race Registration

2010-09-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

Note that all 'cross registration happens on race day at the race. Those who buy the season pass will be pre-registered for every race. Otherwise, there is no advance registration.

First Race of the Season

2010-09-14T05:09:00.000-07:00

Woodcock Cycle Wildwood Cyclocross, CX series #1

September 18

The first race of the Manitoba Cyclocross series will be held at Wildwood Park, 271 North Drive, Winnipeg, MB.

Race course is the tested lung burner/leg buster in Wildwood Park along the Red River. Races will be fast and furious, the perfect way to get up to cyclocross speed. This is also the first race of the CXMB Cup series.

Light food, fruit and water are available for all racers.

Race prizing to be awarded after all races are complete. You must be present to accept your prize.

Registration from 1:30pm - 3 pm at the Wildwood Community Club, washroom facilities located here. Parking on the North Drive gravel shoulder.

Registration $15, novice riders and kids under 16 race for free.
Races starts at 2pm

B Race - 2pm, 30min + 2 laps

Kids Race - 3pm, approximately 15min + 1 lap (modified course)

A Race - 3:30pm, 45min + 2 laps

Forms: entry, waiver.

Cross Update

2010-09-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Please note the 2010 bike equipment rules.

In order of importance, bike regulations are in place to:
1) ensure safety
2) create a level playing field
3) prevent an increasingly expensive competitive 'arms race'

Some wild and unsubstantiated rumours are flying around. As noted previously the only changes are noted in red in the equipment table.

The table clearly shows that in Manitoba in 2010 there are only two changes:
1) disc brakes are now allowed, and
2) In the A category only, tires are now restricted to a maximum 1.5" width (1.38" or 35 mm for 29"/700c).

That's it. The wheel rules (rim height and minimum number of spokes), two brake rule, and no bar ends rule are safety rules and have always been in effect in every category.

Crosslab Updates

2010-09-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

21 people out on Wednesday's crosslab and 7 for this morning's last minute pick-up lab. Awesome! Great to see Dave Larsen, Leann Friesen, and Dave Dorning who were all passing through at one time or another and stopped for a chat.

Note that this week's midweek lab takes place on Tuesday not Wednesday.

Note the updated crosslab schedule.

Season's Pass

2010-09-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

Get 1/3 off!

The economics of running a cyclocross race are poor, in fact they're miserable. Cross races are the most expensive of all to stage. So pretty much every cyclocross race last year lost money.

Some events such as MennoCross, Bourkevale, and CrossTastic were designed as big parties and were anticipated to lose money. I don't have access to the financials of the others, but CrossTastic for example lost $1231.20. That's on the extreme end, but even the events that were intentionally run with the idea of balancing costs as much as possible had organizers digging into their own pockets so people could race cheaply. I won't bore you with the details, but this year things are even more expensive for oganizers (about $3.37 per racer).

As organizers we're determined to let citizen racers race for free again this year. Come out and try it on our dime. We know you'll be back.

Regular race entries will rise out of necessity. Oh, the big party events will still pay out of their own pockets to fund the extras, but fees will have to rise for every race just to cover the costs of the bare necessities. We're still crazy though. The people who organize the cross races just plain love having our 'cross friends come to the races and so we've created a season pass - $90 for all the races except Provincials (cash only please - separate cost would be approx $130). The pass will be available at the first three races. Not only that, but buy a pass and your name will be entered for a pair of TRP EuroX canti brakes!

Note: Sale of passes will end 1 hour before the start of the A races in order to allow volunteers to compete.

Cash only please.

Cyclocross Participation Series

2010-09-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

First Prize:
Choice of tubular or clincher cyclocross wheelset.
These are race worthy wheels - strong and as light as you could go without starting to break things! You'd have to buy a $3000 set of Zipp 303 Cyclocross to do better!
Both have Sapim bladed spokes; 24 front, 28 rear.
Tubular: 25mm rim, 1460 gm
Clincher: 30mm rim, 1530 gm

Decided by draw. 1 entry per race completed. Two bonus entries for those buying the season's pass. Further details to follow.

Donated by Cross-Tastic and Unicity Eye Clinic

Bonus Sunday Cross Lab

2010-09-08T21:22:00.001-07:00

In addition to Saturday's 7:00 a.m. cross lab there will be a Wednesday style lab (skills and workout) on Sunday morning at Omand's Creek Park at 9:00 a.m. weather permitting.

2010 Cyclocross Cup

2010-09-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

Who is the best cyclocross racer in Manitoba?

Who is the strongest, most consistent, cunning, powerful, and adaptable rider? Start in citizen, work your way up to and through the ‘B’ category. Vanquish the competition in ‘B’ and be promoted to ‘A.’ Train cross, eat cross, and sleep cross. Slowly claw your way through the ranks until one day you are the dominant rider in ‘A’ and you are the Cyclocross Cup Champion.

2010 Cup Races:
Sep 18 - Wildwood Park
Sep 25 - Canadian Mennonite University
Oct 3 - LaBarriere Park
Oct 16 - St. Malo
Oct 17 - Altona
Oct 24 - Whittier Park

Points awarded in A category. Best 5 results count.

Points structure coming

Information on categories

2010 Cyclocross Categories

2010-08-26T23:17:00.001-07:00

Categories are based on ability. In order of speed they are: 'A', 'B', citizen*

All racers require a UCI race licence or an MCA citizen licence** - both available from the Manitoba Cycling Association. A and B categories are for riders with a race licence. Citizen for those with citizen licences.

NOTE: As per other jurisdictions, for 2010 riders will have to earn their way into the A category. Determining criteria will be wins/podium finishes in B and lap times vs average A lap times. Applications to change categories shall be given to the road/cyclocross coordinator (Gary Sewell) who will take them first to the cyclocross committee and then only if supported by the committee to the commissaires.

*Provincials are completely different and are run on the basis of age categories.
**There are three races on the schedule that do not require a race licence to participate: Menno Cross, St. Malo, and Altona.

2010 Cyclocross Equipment Regulations

2010-08-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

In the past we have conveniently looked the other way when it came to cyclocross bike regulations. Some Canadian jurisdictions (for example BC and Alberta) have disallowed mountain bikes in their A categories for many years on the basis that they are an unfair competitive advantage. As cyclocross has matured in Manitoba there is a need to harmonize our rules with others. The cyclocross committee has adopted the following regulations for the upcoming seasons - see attached table. To ease the transition, changes will take place in a step-wise fashion. The red entries signify a change.

For 2010 the UCI has reduced the maximum tire width to 33 mm (1.3"). In Manitoba we will continue to allow a maximum width of up to 35 mm (1.38") for 2010 and 2011.

The most significant change for Manitoba races this year is the need for narrower tires on mountain bikes in the A category. The committee has still allowed a slight advantage for mountain bikes by allowing 26" tires a width of up to 1.5" to allow the Continental CrossCountry which is 26 x 1.5" to allow more options. It has a pretty aggressive tread. The Schwalbe CX Pro is a cross tire that is available in 26 x 1.35" (as well as 700c). It is cheap and gets consistently good reviews. The local shops should be able to get them. If not, they are widely available online. Quite possibly there are also other choices available. Note that 29'ers will be allowed a max width of 35 mm (1.38")

Riders should note that 'cross equipment often sells out and they should make arrangements to obtain tires as soon as possible.

There is no change in rules for 'B' and citizen's category.

*The cyclocross committee reserves the right to adopt rules changes at any time with reasonable notice.

Cross Lab Schedule

2010-08-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 28: Whittier Park 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 1: Omand Park 7:00 p.m
Saturday, September 4: Omand Park 7:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 8: Whittier Park 6:30 p.m
Saturday, September 11: Omand Park 7:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 14: Omand Park 6:30 p.m
Saturday, September 18: no cross lab - Wildwood Race
Wednesday, September 22: Whittier Park 6:30 p.m
Saturday, September 25: no cross lab – Menno Cross Race
Wednesday, September 29: Omand Park 6:30 p.m
Saturday, October 2: no cross lab - Omand Park Race

Wednesday night (Tuesday on September 14th) CrossLabs will take place at either Omand Park or Whittier Park and will emphasize skills development and a workout. Time: about 1 hour.

Saturday morning Crosslabs (with the exception of August 28) will meet at Omand Park and ride from there through the city to a different cross location, them maybe finish with a stop for coffee. Some skills development, but mostly a gentle to moderate ride. Time: about 2 hours.

The August 28th morning CrossLab will incorporate skills development and riding around Whittier and Gaboury Parks. Time: 90 minutes.

Cross Labs

2010-08-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

That sound you hear off in the distance? That is the 2010 cyclocross season. It's just around the corner now, and it is boisterously yammering about some exciting plans that are in the works. The first race of the season is exactly one month from today. It is now time to stop talking about the need to start training. At this point, some actual training would be a good idea. Don't know how to train for cyclocross? A good place to start is to show up at a Cross Lab. Cross Labs are informal cyclocross training sessions geared toward beginners. They are led by a group of friendly local cyclocross racers. Come out and practice some cyclocross specific skills like dismounting and remounting your bike, hopping over barriers, shouldering your bike, and railing the corners.

This year they will take place on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The first one is next Wednesday, August 25 at Omand's Creek, starting at 7pm.

Questions? Send an email.

Season Finale

2009-11-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

More information from the Olympia Cycling Club.

Provincials Results

2009-11-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

Here.

There is only one more race left. Nov. 8 at Kildonan Park. More details coming soon.

Provincials

2009-10-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

First you race:

Then you eat:

More information here.

Cross-Tastic Results

2009-10-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here.

Photos and more post-race debriefing can be found here.

Southern Cross Results

2009-10-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

Here.

Up next: Cross-tastic.

Southern Cross

2009-10-12T11:26:00.001-07:00

Next race:

Registration here.
Wiaver here.

Map:

View Larger Map

Supercross Results

2009-10-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here.

Bourkevale Results

2009-10-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here.

Up next: the Belgian Club on Saturday.

Boukevale Race

2009-09-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

Up next:

More information here.

Menno Cross Results

2009-09-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day for cyclocross racing. With 99 racers, Menno Cross featured the biggest field so far this year. Can we break 100?

Results here.

Kings Cross Results

2009-09-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

See them here.

Menno Cross

2009-09-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

The Fort Garry Bike Club presents Menno Cross (CX Series #3) on Sept. 26, 2009 at Canadian Mennonite University.

Note that race licenses are not required for this race. Everyone is invited to come out and experience what cyclocross is all about.

Registration opens at 10:30 am and closes 30 min. before your race begins. Registration: $10 ($5 for CMU alumni); novice riders and kids under 15 race for free.

Races starts at 12 noon

C Race – 12 noon – 15min + 1 laps

Kids Race - 12:30 pm – 15min + 1 lap (modified course)

B Race - 1:30pm – 30 min + 2 laps

A Race – 2:30 pm –50 min + 2 laps

Registration form and waiver.

Kings Park CX

2009-09-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

Woodcock Cycle Kings' Park Cyclocross, CX series #2

September 19

The second race of the Manitoba Cyclocross series will be held at Kings' Park, 198 King's Drive just south of the U of M.

Race course is very spectator friendly and fast.
Light food, fruit and water are available upon each race completion.

Race prizing to be awarded after all races are complete. You must be present to accept your prize.

Registration from 1:30pm - 2:30pm on the north parking lot, parking and washroom facilities located here.

Registration $10, novice riders and kids under 15 race for free.
Races starts at 3pm

B Race - 3pm, 30min + 2 laps

Kids Race - 4pm, 15min + 1 lap (modified course)

A Race - 4:30pm, 45min + 2 laps

Registration form and waiver.

Crescent Drive CX Results

2009-08-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

A nice start to the season. Good to see so many racers and spectators out. Results here.

Next race: Sept 19 at King's Park.

Aug. 22 Cross Lab

2009-08-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Meet at Omand Creek Park @ 7:00 am. The ride will head out to Crescent Drive Park. Hal Loewen will be leading this week's ride. Spread the word.

Race #1

2009-08-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

The season starts off on Sunday, August 30th. The first race is brought to you by the Olympia Cycling Club. We're trying a new venue at Crescent Drive Park, which should be a fast course.

For those who do not have an MCA license and want to give cyclocross a try, all you need to do is buy a MCA citizen license ($40) and we'll let you into the race for free! For that matter, you will get into all remaining races for free (excluding the Provincial championships) with a citizen’s license. To help you get ready for your first cyclocross experience a group of experienced racers will be offering a free clinic on the ins and outs of cyclocross at the race site starting at 2:00.

Entry form and waiver.

2009 Race Calendar

2009-08-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Cross Labs

2009-08-17T05:48:00.000-07:00