Alabama Cyclocross State Championship

After being Vergified the other week, I had the lingering taste of racing in my mouth, so being deep in southern Alabama the following week, I found myself at the Alabama Cyclocross State Championship with Aldo Sfalcin. The Alabama Cycling Camp took me in for the preparation of this race as long as I was coached by Aldo himself and to wear their jersey at the race. Not a problem!!

My coach, soigneur, team director and I hopped into my car early in the morning for the 2.5 hour journey to Cullman, AL. On our drive up, Aldo explained to me the facets of cycling and what I was doing right and wrong and went on about everything under the sun about cycling... The travel time just flew.... :p

When we arrived, there was a litter of people watching the race presently on. At registration, to the official's surprise, a Canadian was signing up for the Killer B race. They insisted that I do the Master A 1/2/3 race (Senior 1/2) but I kindly declined. There's no way I could stay with that pack... I went for a preride and I happily acknowledged that it resembled a more euro type race course, except for the creek crossing and mud pit. The course was based in a small state park used for picniccing. It was mainly flat consisting of 1/3rd paved trail, 1/3rd gravel and 1/3rd single tract. Two barriers were present, one being a tree trunk, and the other, a double set of barriers around the start/finish area. There were two short but steep hills that were ridable.

12:45pm came around and staging was called. Small turnout. I believe there were 12 of us. I was introduced to the field as the visiting Canadian flying the Alabama Cycling Camp colours. Three second countdown and we're off. I was second off the line chasing the leader down the paved path. A sharp left turn, a descent and we were in the mud pit. I unclipped accidently and was forced to run through the sludge and lost four positions. The chase was on! A few more twisty turns then a steep climb. I was able to bridge to two guys and sat in for a bit to recover. Some single tract then the creek crossing. Around the corner and another short climb where the natural barrier was. Back on the bike and onto the paved section towards the double barriers. I then decided to pass the two I was following and started to chase the third place person 200 meters ahead. Caught up and sat in. A big sweeping turn then a tough steep climb. I thanked my 27 in the rear. Powered over that and then into the big ring. We hit the pave once more and the guy ahead of me turned on the after burners. Man he was flying. I gave chase but couldn't bridge. Through a small chicane and we ended up at the start finish area. We hit the mud pit where I was going in way too hot and took a really bad line. Lost 2 seconds on him. I chased and was able to catch him on the climb. He kept looking back. I think he was getting nervous so I kept the pressure on. :) I stayed behind him until we went through the mud pit where I messed up continuously... I started to loose time because of this and so, the gap grew... I really tried to close it but I ran out of time... 4th place. I'm really happy of that! I think I was more surprised of my placing than Aldo was but he was really impressed with my race. Once the awards ceromony was over we packed up and had a nice drive back to Montgomery with stimulating conversation followed by a pasta dinner then off to Ramer for a hot shower and laundry. Yes, I like doing laundry...

All in all, even though the fields were small here in Alabama, the folks were extremely enthusiastic of the sport and took it seriously; I know because they put the hurt on me! It was a really fun course, and would love to come back next year when I head down to Ramer for the camp again. I think Aldo liked it too... especially the pasta dinner!

Here are some pics from the race and the results:

http://www.cullmancyclingclub.com
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpage.aspx?e=2487053