USA Cyclo-cross National Championships

Photo: pdxcross

5 DAYS OF EPIC RACING

CROSS CULTURE EVENT WITH BIKE ART, LIVE MUSIC, A CYCLING FILM, PARTIES & MORE

2 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

WHAT’S INSIDE: Welcome..................................4 The Fan Experience ..................7 Bend Map .................................8 Events Schedule........................9 Parties & Film Night ............... 10 Competitors’ Pages.............11-13 Race Schedule ........................ 12 2009 Champions.................... 14 Bike + Art Love 2010 ..........15-17 Cyclo-cross Lingo ....................19 Competitors to Watch ......20-22 What’s Next in Bend? ............23

5 EPIC DAYS OF RACING!

Photo: PDX Cross

RACING AT THE OLD MILL DISTRICT

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8: Racing from

FRIDAY, DEC. 10: Racing from 8 a.m. -

SUNDAY, DEC. 12: Racing from 8 a.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 9: Racing from 8:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11: Racing from 8:30 a.m.

- 3:30 p.m.; Awards at 5 p.m.

- 3:30 p.m.; Awards at 5 p.m.

All races are FREE to spectators. Awards presentations held at the Deschutes Tent area (Map on pg. 13).

8 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.; Awards at 1 p.m.

3:30 p.m.; Awards at 5 p.m.

- 2:30 p.m.; Awards at 4:15 p.m.

Cross Culture Event with Bike Art, Live Music, a Cycling Film, Parties & More!

Sponsors:

Behind the scenes at the 2010 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross Nationals Championships in Bend: Doug LaPlaca – Chairman, Cyclo-cross Nationals organizing committee • Brad Ross – Race Director and course designer • Micah Rice – USA Cycling, Managing Director of National Events Kelli Lusk – USA Cycling, National Events Director • Kevney Dugan – Venue Operations Manager • Cassondra Schindler – Cross Culture Director • Gina Miller – Volunteer Coordinator Henry Abel – WebCyclery Bike Film Night organizer • Heather Clark – Writer, Cyclo-cross Nationals event guide • PDX Cross – Photography, Cyclo-cross Nationals event guide The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 3

Welcome to the USA CYCLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

CYCLO-CROSS BEND, OR WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, DEC. 8-12, 2010

Photo: PDX Cross

Round No. 2 of the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships returns this December to Bend — a town that prides itself on hosting the nation’s best cycling competition in a festive, partylike atmosphere, where what takes place between the start and finish line is only half the story.

Numerous changes are in store for the 2010 championship: more races, a second competition venue, an expanded schedule, more cycling-inspired cultural events, more activities for kids. Not to mention easier access to the beer garden. Yep, we thought of everything.

Even the pros are excited to get back to the town that heartily embraces cycling — to the tune of 5,000 screaming fans.

“I am stoked to be heading back to a place where people like bikes that much,” says reigning national champion Tim Photo: Nicole Werner Johnson, who remained in Bend through New Year’s following last year’s nationals for some postchampionship R&R. “It was just really a cool place, a place where I want to be — a place where people are aware of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. There’s a lot of respect.”

On the line at the 2010 cyclo-cross championships are national titles in 34 racing divisions. Winners will be crowned over five days, starting Wednesday, Dec. 8 and concluding on Sunday, Dec. 12.

Cyclo-cross nationals continues to be a familyfocused affair with racing categories for boys and girls as young as 10 and for time-tested riders well into their seventies. Somewhere in-between you’ll find the nation’s — and in some cases the world’s — fastest men and women showcasing their blazing speed and technical bike-handling skills.

The 2010 championship in Bend has expanded to 4 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

five days. A new racing venue has also been added, along with a new call-up procedure. And for the first time, singlespeed riders, both men and women, will have the opportunity to take a crack at a national title.

Like last year, nonchampionship cyclo-cross racing is also offered for those who want to get a taste of the festive atmosphere and competition without the pressure of competing in a championship race.

The Old Mill District, Bend’s urban hot spot for shopping, dining and recreation situated along the Deschutes River, is once again the site for championship racing each day. According to race director Brad Ross, the race course has been lengthened to increase lap times this year, but will otherwise remain largely the same.

“The course worked well last year, so no sense in reinventing the wheel,” says Ross. “Everybody loved that course, it was just so much fun.”

It’s not surprising that the reigning national women’s champion shares Ross’ view.

“I think the (Bend) course was the best U.S. course I have raced in awhile, especially for nationals,” says six-time champion Katie Compton. “It was hard and technical and the crowds were great. I also love the town of Bend and had a super weekend in general.

I’m looking forward to coming back and doing it again this year.”

A few tweaks, however, including a lengthier course, are in store for the 2010 edition of the championship.

“We’ve added about 60 seconds of duration to the course — it’s real flat and straight and nontechnical,” Ross describes. “Last year, there weren’t many spots on the course where you could wind it up and go fast.”

Photo: Nicole Werner

LEND A HAND With the schedule expanded to five days and with the addition of a second racing venue, the volunteer need at this year’s cyclo-cross championships in Bend has increased significantly. Organizers estimate that an army of 300 to 400 volunteers will be required to help the event run smoothly. Volunteers are needed on race days — Wednesday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 12 — as well as in the days leading up to, and after, the event.

Volunteer positions include course marshalling (a great way to help while catching the race action!), course set-up and take-down as well as the guaranteed warm job of assisting at registration and packet pickup.

For more information on how to volunteer, e-mail gina@freshairsports. com.

CHOW TIME Spectators, too, will notice a significant change: This year, instead of crossing the course and dodging racers to get to and from the beer garden, pedestrians can move seamlessly back and forth by way of a bridge underpass. Meanwhile, racers will pedal over the bridge.

Most competitors in the junior and masters division will line up for the newly devised seeding time trial, set to take place in NorthWest Crossing and located just a few miles to the west of the Old Mill District. Here, riders will compete in an individual, prologue-style time trial, the results from which will determine their start order in the following day’s championship. This method replaces last year’s call-up procedure, which was based on a combination of category rank and time of registration.

Stay updated... ... with the latest news on the 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships at www.crossnats. com. Or, follow us on Facebook at Cyclocross Nationals 2010 or on Twitter at cxnats2010.

Outside of the top eight finishers from 2009 — all of whom get an automatic front-row seat at the starting line — riders will have the opportunity to earn their spot in line based on their current fitness.

Mother Nature’s role in the 2010 cyclo-cross national championships remains the biggest unknown.

Bend could see frigid temperatures once again, resulting in hard-packed, frozen terrain. Snow, mud and even dry surfaces covered by sand and dust could also be in the forecast.

Cheering on cyclo-cross racers can work up a hearty appetite. And we know you don’t want to miss a lick of the competition. So this year, spectators at cyclo-cross nationals in Bend need not even wait at a course crossing to get their hands on a pint of locally-brewed Deschutes beer, a steaming cup of Thump coffee or a satisfying bundle of Frites. A walking underpass along the course (yes, racers will be riding overhead) makes it seamless for spectators to enjoy food and libations while being positioned in the center of the action — a perfect spot from which to cheer, heckle or listen to the rhythmic thumping of the drum corps.

Coffee, pastries, pizza, beer. Sounds like a perfect day at a ‘cross race.

Thump Coffee, serving luscious Stumptown coffee along with hot chocolate, juice and light food.

The Pizza Cart, hand-rolled dough with homemade sauce served from a brick oven.

Frites, Belgian-style french fry stand serving crisp, salty fries doused in mayo and ketchup toppings.

Tula Gluten Free Baking Co., all the delicious pastries and baked goods that you’d expect, minus the gluten.

Parilla Grill, unique wraps with flavors ranging from traditional Mexican burritos to Thai.

Deschutes Brewery, several varieties of locally-crafted microbrew served from the brewer’s giant wooden barrel, Little Woody.

COMMEMORATIVE ‘CROSS NATS GEAR FOR A CAUSE To commemorate the 2010 cyclo-cross national championship. Rise up International, a Bend-based nonprofit clothing company, will be offering for sale a variety of official merchandise, including short- and long-sleeve shirts, hoodies and headwear. Proceeds from the sales of all official cyclo-cross nationals gear will be donated to local art programs for youth.

The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 5

If Bend pro and 2009 elite men’s runner-up Ryan Trebon had his way, muddy racing conditions would be on the menu.

“I prefer races that are slightly more challenging with conditions,” says Trebon, a two-time national cyclo-cross champion. “When it’s fast and not super technical it makes it harder for me to deal with. When it gets muddy, it takes more power to pedal through and more riding skills to negotiate the course.”

But no matter what the conditions, racers can bet that Ross will include an element of play in his ‘cross course design, so that riders can take a moment to smile in the midst of all that suffering. “’Cross should be a fun sport so I pride myself in designing a course with fun turns,” he says. “If the whole course is hard and boring and a death march, than that’s not very cool. The sport is hard enough — so you have to add some parts that are fun.”

Indeed, let the celebration begin.

TIME TRIAL COURSE Master and junior riders at this years cyclo-cross national championships can elect to race in a short, individual time trial, the results from which will determine their call-up position in the following day’s championship.

According to race director Brad Ross, all seeding time trials are expected to be held at least 24 hours in advance of the championship race. The time trial, which Ross anticipates will take riders 8 to 12 minutes to complete, will be staged in west Bend near the NorthWest Crossing neighborhood. Parking will be located on the west side of Mt. Washington Drive, just north of Summit High School. (See map on page 8.)

The time trial course will emphasize fitness over technical skills, and will include a steep, lengthy run-up as well as a set of barriers, says Ross. Riders will leave the start gate every 30 seconds. An initial start order will be available at the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross Nationals web site in the week leading up to the championship.

Photo: PDX Cross

6 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

Photo: Nicole Werner

MORE COWBELL, PLEASE! Most newcomers to cyclo-cross are surprised to discover just how entertaining it can be to watch a bike race. It’s like tailgating at a football game — sports fans come for the eating, drinking and socializing with friends and family just as much as they enjoy supporting their favorite team.

And cyclo-cross is no different. We even have our own brand of cheeseheads — cowbell-clanging, rubber-bootwearing hecklers who brave the morethan-likely foul late-fall weather to cheer mud-stained riders as they battle Mother Nature and each other.

To help liven the festive mood even more at cyclo-cross nationals, don’t be surprised to hear music accompany the competition — perhaps the rhythmic thumping of a drum corps or the bellowing sound of bagpipes.

Why is cyclo-cross such a fan-friendly discipline of cycling? For one, ‘cross races are typically held in urban venues — like the Old Mill District — so toting the family to the event doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. Secondly, at one to three miles in length, the race course is relatively short, which allows fans to

see their favorite riders numerous times during the span of a 45-minute race.

What’s more, with more than a hundred riders on the nationals course at a time, the racing action is literally nonstop.

And, it’s easy to move to different parts of the course — check out the maddash at the start line, hoof it to the first turn to see if riders negotiated the hairy bend, back to the stairs to watch the pain unfold, and then on to the slippery off-camber in-field for a beer and a frontrow seat.

There’s no need to bring binoculars for a front-row view of this competition.

Spectators at cyclo-cross nationals in Bend are a mere arms-length distance from the nation’s fastest men and women. The strain and suffering is palpable, but so is the power and sheer determination on the riders’ faces.

Photo: Heidi Swift

‘Cross fans are also known to love, appreciate and cheer a good cringeproducing wipe out, especially after a rider picks him or herself off the ground and soldiers on. A praise-worthy victory in itself.

Doug La Placa, chairman of the Cyclo-cross Nationals organizing committee, and Portland’s Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers, entertained for a full house.

The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 7

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8 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

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CROSS CULTURE EVENTS HAPPENING AT THESE LOCATIONS! LOOK FOR THE SYMBOL & VISIT BENDLOVESBIKES.COM FOR MORE INFO!

EVENT SCHEDULE The entertainment at cyclo-cross nationals doesn’t end when the last racer crosses the finish line each day. With loads of bicycling-related art on display plus cyclo-cross films, microbrewery tours and tastings and parties on tap nightly, the five-day championship aims to stimulate the mind (and tastebuds) as much as it sears the lungs.

TUESDAY, DEC. 7 6 to 7:30 p.m. – BikeYoga for Peak Performance at Rebound Physical Therapy, 155 S.W. Century Drive, Bend. Yoga exercises designed for cyclists taught by Uma Kleppinger. Help prepare your body for the rigors of riding, aid with recovery between events, and create more comfort both on and off the bike. Cost: $20. For more details or to register, call 503-819-6953 or visit www.bikeyoga.com.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Cross Nats Traditional Cappuccino Happy Hour at Thump Coffee, 25 N.W. Minnesota Ave., in downtown Bend. Cyclo-cross racers receive half off on all traditional espresso drinks. There’s a Cappuccino Happy Hour on Friday, too!

back in the saddle after a major injury. Includes beer, food and prize raffle.

THURSDAY, DEC. 9 8:30 p.m. – Spoke-N-Word at Portello Winecafe, 2754 NorthWest Crossing Dr., in Bend’s NorthWest Crossing.

FRIDAY, DEC. 10 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Paint + Pedal at the Art Station, 313 S.W. Shevlin Hixon Drive. Art-making activities for all-ages includes cowbell painting, flag decorating and poster making — items to help cheer on mom or dad or your favorite racers at nationals. Presented by Sunnyside Sports and Rene Mitchell. To register, call 541-617-1317 or online at www.artscentraloregon.org. Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited. Cost: $5 per family.

5 to 9 p.m. – Cross Culture: Art+Bike Love Festival in downtown Bend pairs bike-centric artists with local businesses.

6 to 8:30 p.m. – CXing Barriers 2010, meet other women who “talk bike” at a party for ladies racing at cyclo-cross nationals; featuring lecture by Meredith Miller. Food provided, $3 suggested donation. Location: TBD. For details, go to www. cxbar2010.blogspot.com. RSVP at cxingbar2010@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Bike Rodeo in the Old Mill District presented by the Bend Endurance Academy. Fun and progressive bicycling obstacle course for kids to test and improve their bikehandling skills. Loaner bikes and helmets available on site. Free.

7 to 8:30 p.m. – Bicycling Film Festival at the 6 to 10 p.m. – 2010 VeloSprints Championships Tower Theatre in downtown Bend presented by at Silver Moon Brewery, 24 N.W. WebCyclery. Information: www.webcyclery.com or at Greenwood Ave., presented by Cascade 541-318-6188.

Couriers and Bend Velo. Racers 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Cross Nats Blowout go head-to-head for 400 meters Bash presented by Giant Bicycles and of fork-mounted roller madness; Deschutes Brewery at the Deschutes men’s and women’s divisions Brewery Warehouse, 399 S.W. Shevlin offered. Registration opens at Wednesday, Dec. 8, through Hixon Drive; $5 for general public; racers 6 p.m. and close at 6:45; racing Sunday, Dec. 12, 1 to 4 p.m. free with bib. begins at 7 p.m. Details at www.

Deschutes Brewery Tours, 901 bendvelo.com.

9:30 p.m. – Clydesdale Cyclo-cross S.W. Simpson Ave. Learn the 7 to 8:30 p.m. – “The Rehabilitation of Adam Craig,” a meet-and-greet plus questionand-answer session at Rebound Physical Therapy, 155 S.W Century Drive. Olympic mountain biker Adam Craig and his physical therapists in Bend explain what it takes to get

history of, and the process behind, making Deschutes’ award-winning craft beer. Includes four free beer tastings. Purchase beer to-go and shop the Deschutes Brewery gift shop for pint glasses, shirts, hats, bottle openers, and more.

Championship of the Universe near the Deschutes Brewery Warehouse, Old Mill District.

SUNDAY, DEC. 12 8:30 p.m. to Late – The most excellent after-after party! Stay tuned to crossnats. com for location and information.

The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 9

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER:

Parties & Film Night

Wh the When W evening of Saturday, Dec. 11, finally rolls around all the championship racing for masters and juniors riders will be in the books. Time to replace those cleats with dancing shoes, helmets with party hats, and celebrate the 2010 edition of cyclocross nationals in Bend.

The Saturday night festivities kick off with a bicycling film starting at 7 p.m. at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend.

Photo of Clydesdale race: Mark Reinecke

Despite arctic temperatures at the 2009 event, some 50 mostlycostumed riders turned out for the competition to the delight of a boisterous crowd that numbered in the hundreds.

“I wore a really stupid outfit,” Ross recalls. “I wore a polkadotted skinsuit that (Spanish pro road cyclists) Oscar Sevilla gave me. He’s the tiniest guy — probably five-four and about 115 pounds. It was probably zero degrees and maybe colder than that. Half an hour into the race, I was clinically frozen solid.”

“Seriousness will not be tolerated.”

– Brad Ross, (pictured below in ill-fitting attire), explaining the nature of the Clydesdale Championship of the Universe race.

After, head back down to the Old Mill District at 9:30 p.m. for the very unofficial Clydesdale Cyclo-cross Championship of the Universe. Finally, a race where girth and an appreciation for beer and bratwurst are rewarded.

Participants — men over 200 pounds and women over 160 pounds — will compete for 30 minutes over a section of the nationals course in a race where both costumes and bike lights are encouraged.

Chances are, race director Brad Ross will be among the hearty group racing after dark and over what could be treacherous, frost-covered terrain.

“Seriousness will not be tolerated,” says Ross of the Clydesdale race. “And that’s the reason for it. You need to be serious for the national championships. But by Saturday night all the age-group racers will be finished racing for the season, and so this is a way to blow off steam, drink beer and heckle fat people.

“I can say that,” he adds, “because I’m a Clydesdale.”

10 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

The best way to warm up after the clydesdale championship? Gather with friends and fellow competitors just up the hill at the Deschutes Brewery Warehouse for the ‘Cross Nats Blowout Bash, the place to swap stories and reminisce with friends on another cyclo-cross season gone by.

On tap will be tasty Deschutes brews, plus music and dancing. Admission to the ‘Cross Nats Blowout Bash — a 21 and older event — is $5 for the general public and free for racers with a bib number.

Look for the latest details on the WebCyclery Bicycle Movie Night, including a film description and ticket information, online at www. webcyclery.com or call 541-318-6188.

WELCOME

COMPETITORS!

Photo: PDX Cross

Welcome to Bend, Oregon – your playground for the 2010 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships!

On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee, the City of Bend, the sponsors, and the entire community, I want to thank you for joining us for the second year of Bend’s two-year contract to host this incredible event. If you were here for “Cross Nats” in 2009, you already know what an amazing location Bend is for the USA Cyclo-cross National Championships. This year promises to be even more spectacular.

From the expanded (and ridiculously fun) race course and the largest celebration of cyclo-cross art ever gathered, to more parties, more music, and more fun – the 2010 USA Cyclo-cross National Championships in Bend is on track to be the best celebration of Cyclo-cross this country has ever seen.

We know you’ll be focused on the competition, but don’t forget to make time to enjoy some of the things that make Bend unique. Hit the slopes at Mt. Bachelor, the 9,000-foot volcano towering above town. Wander the hiking trails along the Deschutes River, check out our award-winning restaurants, and explore Bend’s seven breweries on the Bend Ale Trail.

For updates and recommendations on what to see and do in Bend, visit us online a www.visitbend.com, follow us on Twitter at @ TwisitBend, or call us anytime at (800)949-6086.

Again, On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee and the entire community, welcome to Bike Town USA, and best of luck at this year’s races.

Doug La Placa Chair of the Local Organizing Committee

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The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 11

RACE Event Schedule • Dec. 7 - 12, 2010 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10TH

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 2pm-8pm

RACE/EVENT/DURATION

LOCATION

Registration/Packet Pickup

Old Mill District

TIME

RACE/EVENT/DURATION Registration/Packet Pickup

Old Mill District Old Mill District

7am-7:45am

Course Open

7am-3pm

Registration/Packet Pickup

Old Mill District

8am

Junior Female/13-14/20 min.

8am

Female Non-Championship/all/40 min.

Old Mill District

8:01am

Junior Female/10-12/20 min.

9:15am

Male Non-Championship/10-29/40 min.

Old Mill District

8:45am

Junior Female/17-18/30 min.

10:30am

Male Non-Championship/30-39/40 min.

Old Mill District

8:46am

Junior Female/15-16/30 min.

Junior Male/10-12/20 min.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH

11:45am

Male Non-Championship/40+/40 min.

Old Mill District

9:30am

BEG. at 9am

Masters Male/60-64

NW Crossing

Junior Male/13-14/20 min.

11am

Junior Male/15-16/30 min.

Masters Male/70+

12:00pm

AWARDS

Deschutes Tent

1pm

Masters Female/30-34/40 min.

Old Mill District

2:15pm

Masters Female/35-39/40 min.

Master Female/60+ Masters Female/45-49 Masters Female/50-54 Masters Female/40-44 Masters Male/55-59

TIME TRIALS

10:15am

Masters Male/65-69 Masters Female/55-59

1:00pm

LOCATION

7am-3pm

3:30pm

Masters Male/45-49/45 min.

5:00pm

AWARDS

Deschutes Tent

BEG. 9am

Master Male/50-54

NW Crossing

Master Male/40-44

Single Speed Male

Junior Male/17-18

Single Speed Female

Master Male/35-39 Masters Male/30-34

Deschutes Tent

AWARDS / NON-CHAMPIONSHIP

TIME TRIALS

TIME

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11TH

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

Registration/Packet Pickup

Old Mill District

7am-8:15am

Course Open

Old Mill District

8:30am

Master Male/50-54/45 min.

Masters Male/65-69/40 min.

9:30am

Master Male/40-44/45 min.

8:32am

Masters Male/70+/40 min.

10:30am

Junior Male/17-18/40 min.

9:45am

Masters Female/55-59/40 min.

12:00pm

AWARDS

Deschutes Tent

9:46am

Masters Female/60+/40 min.

1pm

U23 Male/50 min.

Old Mill District

11am

Masters Female/45-49/40 min.

2:15pm

Master Male/35-39/45min.

11:01am

Masters Female/50-54/40 min.

3:30pm

Master Male/30-34/45 min.

12:00pm

AWARDS

5:00pm

AWARDS

1pm

Masters Female/40-44/40 min.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH

2:15pm

Masters Male/55-59/40 min.

7am-2pm

Registration/Packet Pickup

Old Mill District

3:30pm

Single Speed Male/40 min.

7am-7:45am

Course Open

Old Mill District

3:31pm

Single Speed Female/40 min.

8am

Collegiate Female/D1&D2/45 min.

5:00pm

AWARDS

Deschutes Tent

9am

Collegiate Male/D1/45 min.

BEG. 9am

Junior Female/13-14

NW Crossing

10am

Collegiate Male/D2/45 min.

11:30am

AWARDS-COLLEGIATE

Deschutes Tent

11:30am-12-15pm

Course Open-Elite, U23 only

Old Mill District

12:30pm

ELITE/U23 FEMALE/40 min.

1:30-2:15pm

Course Open-Elite only

7am-3pm

Registration/Packet Pickup

Old Mill District

7am-3pm

7am-8:15am

Course Open

Old Mill District

8:30am

Masters Male/60-64/40 min.

Old Mill District

8:31am

Junior Female/17-18 Junior Female/15-16 Junior Male/10-12 Junior Male/13-14 Junior Male/15-16 Masters Female/30-34

TIME TRIALS

Junior Female/10-12

Master Female/35-39 Master Male/45-49

12 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

2:30pm

ELITE MALE/60 min.

4:15pm

AWARDS

Deschutes Tent

Deschutes Tent

COMPETITOR INFO...

WARM UP AND WASH OFF

SAY CHEESE! On hand to capture all the memorable racing moments from the 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships are the photographers from Bend’s Cascade Event Photography. Photos from each day’s races will be available for viewing and for purchase at www. cascadeeventphotography.com.

No room in your suitcase for a warm-up trainer? No problem. Check out the Bend’s Community BikeShed tent located in the Old Mill District racing venue. BCB will provide complimentary neutral trainers for racer warm-up. There, riders can also take advantage of complimentary bike-washing services, though donations are gladly accepted.

In the meantime, check out the web site for extensive race photo galleries from last year’s cyclo-cross nationals.

YOGA FOR CYCLISTS Portland-based yoga instructor, Uma Kleppinger, brings her unique brand of yoga to Bend for the 2010 cyclo-cross national championship. Kleppinger’s classes are designed for cyclists, and focus on core strength, flexibility, and breathing techniques sequenced specifically to counteract the effects of cycling.

Participants can expect a yoga practice that is less of a workout and more of a tune-up for the cycling body. All levels of yoga experience will be accommodated, including beginners and the yoga-averse.

Classes will be held in various locations throughout Bend from Dec. 6 through Dec .14. For more details or to register, visit www. bikeyoga.com. Or, contact Kleppinger directly at uma@bikeyoga. com or by calling 503-819-6953.

Bend’s Community BikeShed, a program of Bend’s Community Center, provides refurbished bikes at 350 Industrial Way. The BikeShed repairs donated bikes and returns them to the community, aiding low-income and homeless populations in Central Oregon. Learn more about the BikeShed, including how to donate or volunteer, at www. bendscommunitybikeshed.org.

Photo: PDX Cross

The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 13

2009 CYCLO-CROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Junior Women 10-12: Mina Anderburg, Louisville, Colo.

Junior Women 13-14: Tiziana Dehorney, Albuquerque, N.M. Junior Women 15-16: Sarah Huang, Kenosha, Wisc.

Junior Women 17-18: Coryn Rivera, Tustin, Calif.

Junior Men 10-12: Gage Hecht, Parker, Colo.

Junior Men 13-14: Ian Haupt, Whitefish Bay, Wisc.

Junior Men 15-16: Logan Owen, Bremerton, Wash.

Junior Men 17-18: Cody Kaiser, El Dorado Hills, Calif.

Master Women 30-34: Barbara Howe, Berkeley, Calif.

Master Women 35-39: Kerry Barnholt, Mountain View, Calif.

Master Women 40-44: Gina Hall, Orinda, Calif.

Master Women 45-49: Kris Walker, Pocatello, Idaho Master Women 50-54: Marilyn Ruseckas, Warren, Vt. Master Women 55-59: Diane Ostenso, Cottage Grove, Wisc.

Master Women 60-64: Martha Iverson, Durango, Colo.

Master Women 65+: Julie Lockhart, Dunstable, Mass.

Master Men 30-34: Grant Berry, Durango, Colo.

Master Men 35-39: Jonathan Baker, Boulder, Colo.

Master Men 40-44: Peter Webber, Boulder, Colo.

14 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

Master Men 45-49: Jonny Bold, Marston Mills, Mass.

Master Men 50-54: Kevin Hines, East Wareham, Mass.

Master Men 55-59: Paul Curley, Taunton, Mass.

Master Men 60-64: Glen Norton, Ronald, Wash.

Master Men 65-69: James Wagner, Auburn, Wash.

Master Men 70-74: Joe Saling, Bridgewater, N.J. Master Men 75-79: Walt Axthelm, Durango, Colo.

Elite Men: Tim Johnson, Beverly, Mass.

Elite Women: Katie Compton, Colorado Springs, Colo.

U23 Men: Danny Summerhill, Centennial Colo.

U23 Women: Ashley James, Dousman, Wisc.

Division I Collegiate Men: Zach McDonald, University of Washington Division I Collegiate Women: Teal Stetson-Lee, Fort Lewis (Colo.) College Division II Collegiate Men: Ryan Leech, Savannah (Ga.) College of Art and Design Division II Collegiate Women: Arielle Filiberti, Dartmough (Mass.) College Division I Collegiate Omnium: Fort Lewis College Division II Collegiate Omnium: Appalachian State University

CROSS CULTURE: BIKE + ART LOVE 2010

Get your Cross Cultur(al) on!

Cyclo-cross racers are a tough, gritty, get-your-hands-dirty breed of cyclist. And many would likely admit that the opportunity to play in the mud (or snow or sand, depending on what region of the country you are from) is a significant part of the sport’s feel-like-a-kid-again appeal.

Perhaps that’s part of the reason why cyclo-cross and the Bend art scene have a natural affinity for one another.

Neither the artists nor the ‘crosser seems to mind getting their hands a bit dirty.

After a day on the race course, the Bend community has once again organized a little culture to go with your cross.

Cross Culture: Bike + Art Love 2010 is a collection of bicycling art inspired events all held in conjunction with the 2010 cyclo-cross nationals championships in Bend.

This year’s Cross Culture follows on the heels of the hugely popular 2009 event, but goes a step a further. The expanded effort includes more local venues, more Oregon artists, and more collaborative multi-media experiences.

“Riding a bike provides challenge, inspiration and creative fuel” says Cassondra Schindler, director of Cross Culture. “Including an arts component that celebrates the freedom, beauty and joyfulness that bikes represent will add dimension to everyone’s cyclo-cross Nationals experience in Bend.”

The 2010 Cross Culture festival is a patchwork of multiple events -- a nationally recognized but locally produced poster art show, a community Art Walk in downtown Bend in which local businesses showcase bicycling inspired art and artists, a twonight storytelling event, hands-on art activities for kids, and much more.

The aim of Cross Culture is not to be a buttoned-up arts appreciation class, but a participatory event, where folks Chester by Chris Cole Designs can swap bikerelated stories, see themselves in pictures through the eyes of a photographer, or learn more about the bike-making craft from a local frame builder.

“It’s about getting your hands dirty,” says Schindler. “Not only by racing, but getting your hands dirty with the arts ... creating something yourself and adding to the experience.

“There’s a playful element to cyclo-cross,” she continues.”It’s hard work, too, but it’s expressive and this lends itself to the Cross Culture celebration.”

Image courtesy of ARTCRANK Poster Show

ARTCRANK HEADLINES 2010 CROSS CULTURE The cannot-miss Cross Culture event of the weekend is ARTCRANK, a show of bicycle-inspired poster art that makes its Bend debut during cyclo-cross nationals.

Charles Youel, the show’s curator and director, began ARTCRANK in 2007 near his home in Minneapolis.

“I’ve never raced competitively, but bikes have always been part of what I like to do in my spare time, whether it‘s riding to work or riding around on the weekend,” says Youel, who worked in advertising when ARTCRANK launched three years ago. “The show for me was a way to have a project where we could do something that spoke to a passion we all had that wasn’t about business. Hey, we all like bikes. Let’s put together a show about bikes, and that was the genesis of it.”

“I thought it would be something cool to do for a year,” adds Youel.

“I didn’t really expect it to take off the way that it has. “ At an ARTCRANK exhibit, local artists from the host city submit original bicycle-themed poster art. Youel selects approximately 30 works, which are on display for viewing at the show and available for purchase for $30.

Though the subject matter is singular, Youel says that over the course of three years and 14 shows, he has encountered only two pieces that resembled one another.

“As many ways as people ride bicycles, and for as many reasons, you’ll find creative interpretations at

“Look for the Cross Culture symbol at event locations around town & visit BendLovesBikes.com for more information”.

The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 15

ARTCRANK will be held at tbd

Loft on Friday, Dec. 10 during the Cross Culture community Art Walk in downtown Bend. Admission is free. the show,” he observes. “The range of work is a big part of the reason for (the show’s popularity). Even people who don’t cycle competitively still have that memory of that

first bike ride. The art work taps into that for people. “ fo

The two disciplines really intersect and that’s a big reason why the show works for people.”

Sinc Since n e 2007, ARTCRANK has toured the nc country un ntt and the world, and has attracted an audience of no fewer than 500 on aan opening night, says Youel. The Bend exhibit will mark ARTCRANK’s 16th show.

Look for works by these and other local artists at Bend ARTCRANK: Sean Anderson, Lindsey Brunsman, Sweet Pea Cole, Matt Ebbing, Adam Haynes, Jesse Lockwood, Dana Mackenzie, Sarah Mikolowsky, Jeannine Munkres, Alex Reisfar, Lisa Smith, Christie Taylor, Jerry Werner, and Ross Wordhouse.

“There’s a crossover for whatever reason,” says Youel, “between people who love bicycles and those who love and create art.

PDX CROSS: BACK IN BLACK (AND WHITE) One of the most popular Cross Culture exhibits from 2009 is back for another round. This time, the photographers from PDX Cross are planning an even bigger display from their current collection of black-and-white cyclocross photos.

Chances are, you might see yourself or perhaps a friend on display during the exhibit, which will be held at the Liberty Building on Friday, Dec. 10 during the community Art Walk in downtown Bend.

PDX Cross is the side project of a band of five Portland, Ore.-based professional photographers, all of whom have a passion for shooting cyclo-cross. They typically follow races that take place in and around the Portland area, including the Cross Crusade series.

PDX CROSS will be featured during the Art Walk on Friday, Dec. 10, 5 - 9 p.m. at the Liberty Building in downtown Bend.

Photos: PDX Cross

What sets PDX Cross apart from your typical event photography is that their images go beyond the mere subject matter. They manage to reveal the pain, joy, beauty, dirtiness and camaraderie inherent in cyclo-cross racing.

“The thing that really helps us is that the range of people doing it is so incredibly broad and that makes it fun to photograph,” explains PDX Cross photographer Torsten Kjellstrand. “We’re not photographing what people are doing, but why people are doing it. Because after a while, what people are doing isn’t all that interesting.

“It’s not just about who is going fast, but what they find amusing or what they find Photo: PDX Cross painful.”

At the Bend exhibit, look for PDX Cross to blanket an entire wall inside the yellow-hued Liberty Building with hundreds of eightby-ten-inch 16 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

photographs from the 2010 ‘cross season as well as with images captured from the 2009 national championships.

Viewers will have the opportunity to purchase photographs straight from the wall.

“It’s a nongallery experience,” says Kjellstrand. “You can touch them and take them down and turn them over and carry them around.”

Also available for purchase at the exhibit is “Dirty Pictures Volume 2”, the follow-up to PDX Cross’ enormously popular “Dirty Pictures Volume 1”, a picture book of compelling cyclo-cross photos.

OTHER CROSS CULTURE: CULTURE BIKE + ART LOVE 2010 EVENTS Check out the myriad goings-on that make up the Cross Culture: Bike + Art Love 2010, an art celebration created to coincide with the Cyclo-cross National Championships. Here are some of the other highlights: THUMP COFFEE, 25 N.W. Minnesota Ave., Suite 2, downtown: Handmade bicycle frames on display from Portland-based framebuilders, Vanilla and Cielo.

SUNNYSIDE SPORTS, 930 N.W. Newport Ave., west Bend: Stop by the bike shop on Thursday, Dec. 9 for the Pedros/Lazer Helmet Athlete Night, a meet-and-greet with pro riders Tim Johnson, Jamey Driscoll, Jeremy Powers, Amy Dombrowski and Maureen Bruno-Roy. Also on display will be kinetic metal sculptures

by Chris Cole are heavily influenced by his two decades as a mechanic in the bike industry.

Cole incorporates reclaimed and salvaged materials and in the mechanisms that create motion in his pieces. See more at www. chriscoledesigns.com.

LIBERTY BUILDING, 849 N.W. Wall St., downtown: A hub of activity during the bicycle-theme art walk on Friday, Dec. 12, the Liberty Building will house photography exhibits by PDX Cross, as well as a handmade bicycle show featuring a number of local frame builders. (See more information on PDX Cross, in related story on previous page) SPOKE-N-WORD SERIES: A storytelling event in which the theme, naturally, is bikes, and audience participation is encouraged. Spoke-NWords will be held at Portello Winecafe, 2754 Northwest Crossing Dr., on Thursday, Dec. 9 and at the Oxford Hotel, 10 N.W. Minnesota Ave., on Friday, Dec. 10 during the bicycle Art Walk in downtown Bend.

PAINT + PEDAL: Just a few paces from the start line at cyclo-cross nationals, kids big and little are invited to create personalized cheering materials from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10 at The Art Station in the Old Mill District.

Participants can paint a cowbell, create a flag or make a poster to use to cheer on mom or dad or your favorite racers during the cyclocross championships. Cost is $5 per family.

To register, call 541-617-1317 or go to www. artscentraloregon.org. Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited. The Art Station is located at 313 S.W. Shevlin Hixon Drive.

the downtown Art Walk on Friday, Dec. 10, Walker will be assembling and decorating her zine covers, and offering the Bike Edition for sale at Common Table in a joint exhibit with photographer Bridget McGinn.

THE BEND BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL will be projecting selected movies from its 2009 and 2010 shows each evening during the Cross Culture festivities. Look for these encore presentations to add visual texture and entertainment to otherwise blank walls in downtown Bend, the Old Mill District, or wherever they pop up. Learn more at www.

BendBicycleFilmFestival.com.

More bike-inspired art can be seen at the following venues: 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, Bend

GOSSAMER, 550 S.W Industrial Way, Old Mill District: Indie Craft Loft offers an array of unique renegade craft arts, includes one-of-akind contemporary creations by local artists.

Once-a-year show also includes live music and bicycling-inspired crafts; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12.

BELLATAZZA, 869 N.W. Wall St., downtown: Commute Options of Central Oregon presents a multimedia art exhibit highlighting its Safe Routes to Schools program, which teaches elementary and middle school students bike safety, including how to properly fit a helmet, how to use hand signals and how to properly obey the rules of the road on a bicycle. Photography on display by Travis Williams and original artwork by Sarah Mikolowsky.

WELCOME TO BEND ZINE, BIKE EDITION: Laura Walker’s latest edition of the Welcome to Bend Zine will be all about bikes. In it, she’s conducted dozens of interviews with local cyclists—from commuters to Olympic mountain bikers. A “zine” is a self-published, small circulation and local underground magazine with no paid advertisements. During

Thump Coffee The Wine Shop Townshend’s Tea Lone Pine Coffee Hot Box Betty Tew Boots Gallery Cowgirl Cash Common Table TechSpace Patagonia at Bend Foot Zone Mockingbird Gallery

The PoetHouse North Soles Footwear Red Chair Gallery Velvet Oxford Hotel John Paul Designs Serendipity Lubbesmeyer Tumalo Art Company Vanilla Urban Threads

That ain’t all, folks. More artists and art locations are being added to the Cross Culture line-up daily. Find the latest updates at www.bendlovesbikes. com or follow Cyclocross Nationals 2010 on Facebook and on Twitter at cxnats2010. Look for a map with participating business locations and artists for the special bicycle-themed Art Walk at www.bendlovesbikes. com . Maps will also be available at participating businesses on Friday, Dec .10.

The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 17

Good LuSc!k RACER

Photo: PDX Cross

TIM JOHNSON:

BEND FANS RIVAL EUROPE’S MASSES Cyclo-cross was born in western Europe as off-season training for road cyclists in the fall and winter, which is why the sport remains synonymous with less-than-ideal weather conditions. Rain, sloppy mud, snow or ice, and slick, off-camber turns on road-style bikes are what make racing cyclo-cross both unique, challenging and, sometimes, hilarious.

For over 30 years we’ve proudly supported local racers and the sport of cycling in Central Oregon.

Stop by and pick up your FREE Cow Bell before the race!

Today cyclo-cross is still a national pastime in places like Belgium and The Netherlands, where tens of thousands of fans might be on hand to watch a World Cup event. But the sport is growing rapidly in the U.S. as well, and it’s not surprising that its biggest followers are in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest — regions where Mother Nature often plays a role in the outcome of a race.

In fact, nearby Portland is home to the country’s largest one-day cyclo-cross race. Earlier this fall, the Cross Crusade series opener attracted more than 1,500 participants — which trumped the previous record of 1,438 riders set at the same race the previous year.

At last year’s ‘cross nationals in Bend, organizers estimated that a record 5,000 spectators were on hand to witness the elite men’s and women’s racing contested on the fourth and final day of the championship. While American fans may not be turning out in the tens of thousands like they do in Europe, Tim Johnson, the 2009 elite men’s champion, says the spectators at nationals in Bend were as supportive as any he’s encountered overseas.

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“By the time Sunday afternoon rolled around, it was awesome how everyone was out,” Johnson recalls. “Everybody was having a good time, and there was not one soul in the whole place who wasn’t digging it.

“The reason why I say that,” he continues, “is that you go to a race in Belgium and there may be 30,000 people there but all 30,000 don’t necessarily care about the race. The intensity of a fan in Bend, I’ll put them up against anyone in Belgium in a heartbeat.”

18 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

SPEAKING THE CYCLO-CROSS LINGO LAPS VERSUS TIME — Cyclo-cross racing is a timed event ranging from 45 to 60 minutes at nationals.

Riders may perform as few as three or as many as eight laps depending on their speed, and the length and difficulty of the course. A lap board at the start/finish line counts down how many laps remain. A ringing bell at the finish line alerts riders when they have begun their final lap.

Even seasoned road cyclists may raise an eyebrow in confusion when they encounter riders “speaking ‘cross”. That’s because the sport has a lingo all its own. Understanding the language of cyclocross makes watching the race more clear, and more fun. Here are some key cyclo-cross terms to know.

OBSTACLES — are any elements in a cyclo-cross race that require a rider to dismount and run with the bike. Look for a man-made set of stairs to challenge riders at the national championship.

RUN-UP — is a section of the course that is so steep that nearly all riders must dismount and run with their bike draped over their shoulder. Adverse course conditions, like mud or snow, can turn a typically ridable hill into a run-up.

BARRIERS — are man-made obstacles, often a series of 18-inch-high wooden planks, which force most riders to dismount and leap over the barriers while carrying their bike. Barriers can come in sets of two or more. Some really skilled riders can hop over the barriers without dismounting.

CALL-UPS — are an orderly way of seeding each rider at the start line before each race. The line of riders in the front row will be the topeight finishers in that age category or division from last year’ s national championship. Behind them, riders in junior and masters categories will be called forward in descending order based on their finishing time from the previous day’s time trial. In the elite, U23 and collegiate divisions, riders are seeded based on their national ranking. Riders who start in the front row have a clear line to the “hole shot” — the first spot on the course where the sea of riders must funnel into a single line.

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THE PIT — is an area on the course where riders can choose to store an extra bike or an extra set of wheels. Should a mechanical problem or punctured tire Photo: PDX Cross occur during the race, riders can swap out banged-up gear for a fresh bike or wheel. Here’ s the catch: Riders may not cut or go backward on the course to access the pit. Thus, riders who suffer a flat tire 10 feet after zooming past the pit area must dismount and run with their bike in the direction of the race until they reach the pit again.

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The ELITE CONTENDERS Proven champions appear strong, but challengers are poised to pounce Evidently, cyclo-cross championships aren’t meant to be shared. Not in the U.S. anyway, where over the last decade, only four elite men — Tim Johnson, Ryan Trebon, Todd Wells and Jonathan Page — have raised their hands in a victory salute at the national championship race.

And since 2004, the women’s elite national title has been held captive by only one rider. During that time Katie Compton, the six-time champion, has gone on to be one of the winningest cyclocross racers — male or female — ever produced in the U.S. Will 2010 be the year that new champions in the elite men’s and women’s race are crowned? Or will the tried-and-true victors maintain their firm hold on the podium’s top rung?

ELITE MEN Two-time cyclo-cross national champion Tim Johnson of Beverly, Mass., held a solid lead over Bend’s Ryan Trebon as he rounded the find bend toward the finish line during last year’s elite men’s national championship race in Bend. Only, he didn’t realize that victory was so near.

“I honestly thought I had another lap to go.”

– Tim Johnson, fondly describing his favorite memory from the 2009 championship.

“I honestly thought I had another lap to go,” recalls Johnson, fondly describing his favorite memory from the 2009 championship. “I had no clue it was ending right there. When I came around the corner, I was freaking out because I had no clue.”

Tim Johnson; Photo: Rob Kerr

strongest racers in the race wearing the same jersey plays to their advantage. They are Goliath in the race.”

Trebon and Wells, both two-time national cyclo-cross champions, are among the leading opposition.

“Trebon has shown he’s incredibly strong this year,” observes Holcomb. “He’s largely been leading the chase.

It’s an uphill battle, but when it comes down to race day — particularly at that time of year with the weather conditions, anything can happen. It’s far from impossible that he could pull off another title.”

But Johnson’s fiercest challenge could come from own teammate, Powers, who earlier this fall led the U.S. cyclo-

With that, Johnson claimed his third stars-and-stripes jersey in 10 years, lifting it off the shoulders of Trebon, who had worn it the previous year. Johnson would go on to finish 14th at the world cyclo-cross championships in early 2010, the best result posted by an American in the men’s race.

And the momentum for Johnson continues to roll. With the help of fellow Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com teammates Jamey Driscoll and Jeremy Powers, Johnson picked up two USGP wins in October and was ranked third in the world standings heading into November.

“When they’re all three together, they’ve proven nearly impossible to beat,” says Brian Holcombe, a cycling reporter who covers cyclo-cross for VeloNews Magazine.

“Their ability to play team tactics, and being the three 20 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

Ryan Trebon; Photo: PDX Cross

cross standings and was second in the world rankings. If Powers manages to pull off the upset win in Bend, it would be the first since since 1999 that a rider not named Trebon, Page, Johnson or Wells laid claim to the title.

But should the racing conditions prove difficult — as they very well may in Bend in December — Holcomb gives the nod to the sport’s proven royalty.

here in the states.

“Those three guys are all good bike handlers,” Holcomb notes. “When the weather conditions are really challenging, it may suit the more experienced guys like Trebon, Wells and Johnson.” (Page has announced he won’t attend the 2010 nationals championships).

“It’s ‘cross, so anything can happen,” says Holcombe. “But all things being equal, (Compton has) displayed all season that she is the class of the North American field. She’s won every race she’s entered in the states by a large margin. I wouldn’t expect anything short of that from her (at nationals). I think she absolutely has to be the prohibitive favorite.”

With a star-studded field loaded with both tried-and-true experience and explosive possibility, fans can expect to witness an unpredictable race to the finish in the elite’s men contest on Sunday, Dec. 12.

“Just because I won last year, doesn’t put me as a No. 1 favorite in my mind,” Johnson says. “When it’s one day and a whole year apart, a million things can change.”

If she’s healthy, Compton enters nationals in Bend as the oddson favorite.

So how does Compton stay motivated after six consecutive years at the top?

“I just love racing and riding my bike,” she says. “It’s not hard for me to find motivation to keep at it since I get so much enjoyment from riding. I like getting up and training every day and being fit and riding fast. Generally, when I am riding well and feeling strong, the results follow.”

But Meredith Miller likes her chances in Bend. The Cal Giant Berry Farm pro from Fort Collins, Colo., captured the 2009 elite road national title here. Four months later, she returned to Bend for cyclo-cross nationals, where she emerged from high-powered elite women’s field to finish second behind Compton. Miller would go on to compete at the cyclo-cross world championships last winter, where she placed 12th — the best result by an American. Miller has picked up where she left off last season, winning a U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross race and maintaining a top-five spot in the national cyclo-cross rankings.

Katie Compton; Photo: PDX Cross

EELITE EL LLIIT ITE TE WOM WOMEN WO W WOME OM OM MEEN EN Katie Compton’s cyclo-cross legacy has reached near legendary status here in the U.S., and her grip on the national championship has been nothing less than dominant.

She is expected to be back in Bend to see if she can add an unprecedented seventh cyclo-cross title to her resume.

The 2009 national championship in Bend marked Compton’s sixth consecutive victory — and she captured it in decisive fashion. That, after a season of being ranked No. 1 in the world. The Colorado Springs, Colo., rider who races for Planet Bike/Stevens has also made history with two podium performances — silver in 2006 and bronze in 2007 — at the world championships.

After being hampered by injuries for much of 2010, Compton appears to be back on form, winning the World Cup opener in Switzerland back in October and running away with victories

“Katie is racing super strong, as usual,” says Miller. “It will be tough for anyone to beat her unless she loses a leg! Everyone will have to show up with their A game and then some.”

Holcomb adds that mountain bike champion Georgia Gould and Oregon darling Sue Butler could also threaten Compton’s dynasty. Butler posted an impressive second-place finish to Compton at a UCI event earlier this season.

Meredith Miller; Photo: Larry Rosa

While an upset may or may not be brewing, we can count on one certainty: the elite women’s race at the 2010 cyclo-cross national championships in Bend will showcase some of the world’s most talented riders.

The Bulletin | Bend, Oregon | 21

LOCAL CONTENDERS TIM JONES,

It’s no secret that Bend is home to some of the country’s top professional cyclists. In fact, three of the top-12 finishers from the 2009 elite men’s cyclo-cross championship hail from Bend. Ryan Trebon once again is the area’s best shot at a national title. Trebon, who was runner-up in the elite men’s race at the 2009 championships, is no stranger to the stars-andstripes jersey bestowed upon the national champion. He won the title, and the coveted jersey, in 2006 and again in 2008.

In addition to Trebon, Bend riders Adam Craig and Carl Decker finished in seventh and 11th place, respectively, in last year’s elite men’s championship. Though they are better known for racing mountain bikes around the globe, Craig and Decker are a podium threat in any ‘cross race they enter. In addition to the elite race, look for the pair of Giant riders to line up in the singlespeed event.

Men’s singlespeed, WebCyclery Look for Jones to repeat his top-five performance in the event for gritty riders on one-geared bikes, made even more competitive this year now that singlespeed has been elevated to a championship race. Watch for Jones to also line up in the race for Master men 35-39.

Photo: Cascade Event Photography, T. Boswell

BEN THOMPSON,

Master men 30-34, Rocky Mountain Bicycles

Along with Bend’s top pros, dozens of amateur riders representing Bend-area bike shops and other businesses will be competing in the championship in master and junior divisions. Look for racers flying the colors of Sunnyside Sports, WebCyclery, BendBroadband and Bend Memorial Clinic, among others.

Continue reading to find out more about a number of Bend’s top non-pro racers, all of whom are expected to make a bid for a national title.

Photo: Matthew Lasala

SERENA BISHOP GORDON, Master women 30-34, Sunnyside Sports

Photo: Cascade Event Photography, D. Boswell

In her cyclo-cross national championship debut last year, Bishop Gordon captured seventh in the highly competitive women’s 30-34 division. During the 2010 season, Bishop Gordon has continually proven she’s the fastest female cyclo-cross rider in Central Oregon and among the five fastest women in the state.

BRENNA LOPEZ-OTERO,

Master women 40-44, Bend Memorial Clinic Total Care Racing Team In her first season racing cyclo-cross, Lopez-Otero went from ‘cross newcomer to seventh-place finisher at the 2009 championship in the women’s 40-44 division. With another season of high-level ‘cross Photo: Matthew Lasala racing under her belt, look for Lopez-Otero to make an even bigger splash this year.

KAREN KENLAN,

Master women 50-54, Sunnyside Sports A veteran ‘crosser who’s been racing for more than 20 years, Kenlan’s years of hard work landed her a spot on the podium with a fourth-place finish at the 2009 championship in the women’s 50-54 division.

Photo: Nicole Werner

22 | 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships | Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-12

Thompson recorded Bend’s best finish by a nonpro at the 2009 cyclo-cross national championships, claiming third place in the lightning-fast Master men 30-34 race. Thompson has continued to post strong results both in cyclo-cross and mountain bike racing this year; so look for him to make another title bid at the 2010 championship.

BART BOWEN,

Master men 40-44, Rebound Sports Performance Lab The former pro and cyclo-cross national champion is now retired — raising his young family and running Rebound Sports Performance Lab in Bend. A seventh-place finish in last year’s Master men 40-44 confirms that Bowen still has competitive fire even in retirement. Watch for Bowen to make a top-10 appearance once again in the 40-44 age division, even while he manages to coach a number of other riders during the championship.

Bend’s junior riders are getting a boost from

the region’s growing youth development programs that focus on cyclo-cross racing. Look for Colin Dunlap, a sophomore at Bend’s Summit High School who races for the Bend Endurance Academy, to contend for a podium spot in the junior men’s 1516 age division. Dunlap has been a dominant junior rider in Oregon this season, leading the statewide high school cyclo-cross series as well as the junior division of Oregon’s Cross Crusade series.

Photo: Matthew Lasala

cyclists 30 and older is scheduled to take place Aug. 30 through Sept. 4 in 2011 and Aug. 27 through Sept. 2 in 2012.

Like the elite road championships previously held here, the masters event will include a lineup of criterium, road and time trial racing.

According to USA Cycling, the two-year agreement with Visit Bend, the city’s tourism agency, is expected to attract more than 800 competitors and 2,500 visitors.

Bend has enjoyed significant economic impact in conjunction with the cycling championships. According to a study by Oregon State University, the two USA Cycling National Championship events hosted by the city in 2009 brought in $2.5 million dollars in direct tourist spending to the region.

What’s Next in Bend?

“The National Championships we hosted here in 2009 left no doubt in USA Cycling’s mind that Bend’s enthusiasm for and appreciation of competitive cycling makes it unlike any other destination in the country,” said Doug LaPlaca, president and CEO of Visit Bend, in an interview earlier this year with USA Cycling. “It is our goal to turn that enthusiasm into a longterm partnership that provides USA Cycling with consistently world-class championships, while providing Bend with a substantial amount of visitation tourism spending during traditionally slow times of the year.”

Photo: PDX Cross

Hosting national championship bike races is becoming something of a custom here in Bend, Ore., where over the last two years four USA Cycling National Championships have taken place.

In addition to cyclo-cross nationals, Bend has been home in 2009 and 2010 to the junior and elite road national championships.

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And the community’s penchant for playing host to these kind of events doesn’t appear to be waning.

While the town will be undeniably sad to wave goodbye to the national cyclo-cross community after two years of hosting the national championships, it is poised to welcome a whole new set of racers in 2011 and beyond.

Earlier this year, USA Cycling awarded the 2011 and 2012 Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships, an annual event which crowns 24 national champions in longdistance mountain biking, to this cycling-friendly community.

The Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships will start and end in Bend’s Old Mill District, and will give the region a chance to show off its network of world-class mountain bike trails during the roughly 50-mile race.

Also on tap in both 2011 and 2012 in Bend is the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships. This event for

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