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| LATEST CROSS FEVER NEWS!!! Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 Sunday, January 18th, 2009 -- El Dorado Park in Long Beach saw its first ever cyclocross race... rave reviews... exciting racing action... fun from start to finish! Velo Allegro hosted its first ever CX race at El Dorado Park. The venue and course was one of the best this 'cross season. Course designer, Jonathan Livesay created a magical course which wound its way through the beautiful lakeside park (you can even fish here!). The natural log jump was a fan favorite, and the demanding switchback climb into a double barrier section run-up swept racers back down the bumpy hillside and onto one of the numerous paved sections allowing riders a chance to recover then pour it on and into sweeping turns making for an overall super fun rollercoaster ride.The Juniors kicked off the first ever cyclocross race at El Dorado Park in Long Beach. Cross Fever hit hard as racers came all the way from Fresno, San Diego and Santa Barbara to race the January 2009 SoCal 'Cross Fever Series. Fans were treated to an exciting 15-18 Jr. Men's race. The battle of the "Bens" unfolded as 'crosser, Ben Bertiger (CICLE) just returned from injury to challenge new 'crosser, Ben Barthel (Echelon SB). Ben Bertiger pushed the pace while Barthel sat patienty waiting to make his move. Ben Barthel took the victory on one of the most exciting races of the day! Jacob Dodge (Team Vapor) found out he has 'Cross Fever traveling all the way from Fresno to compete and now leads the series finishing 3rd on the day, but has the highest overall point total!
The Masters showed up en force at El Dorado Park! Another great battle on the day was the 35+ Men's race where two icons of cycling. SoCalCross Prestige Series winner and multi-time cycling champion, Mike McMahon (Velocity) took on MTB multi-time champion, Brian Lopes (Oakley / Ibis) through the lakeside, twisting course. Lopes shows off his "hopping" skills over the Kool N Fit log. Mike McMahon even in good CX form has to play "catch up" after the log which finally took its toll on McMahon -- though the two stayed together for the entire race. Team Duke and the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was the sponsor of the 35+ races awarding Team Duke jerseys to the podium. Lopes took the win in a close finish with McMahon. New to 'cross track racer, John Allen (Velocity) takes third. In the women's 35+ race Dinorah Lawson (Celo Pacific) had a solid win over newly crowned Prestige Series Winner and her rival, Robin MacDonald-Foley (Judgement Velo). Maria Fahie (Switchback Cyclery) finished in third and also won the "Support SoCalCross" drawing for a two-night stay at Warner Springs Ranch valued at $500... thanks to the Fahie family... hope you enjoy your stay! The Protech Skincare 180 degree turn sent racers up then down into Clif Bar jungle gym sand pit challenging riders of all levels all day long. Run it or ride it? Some ended up swimming it, but Men's 3/4 winner and 'Cross Fever Series leader, John van Dyke (Bike Religion) showed his strenth and riding skills negotiation the tricky turn around the sand pit riding most of the time and extending his lead further each lap!
While winter is full-swing in other parts of the country, Southern California found its way to an early summer - tempuratures reaching close to 80 degrees. The dry and windy conditions added to the demands for the mid-day racers. In the elite Men's race, Donny Carroll (DeWalt Racing) took the win with his smooth style and power as he dominated the race. Jason Lowetz (Bear Claw) after taking a long break from 'cross preparing for the upcoming road season, grinded his way through the 60 minute race for a strong 2nd place. In the elite women's race, Dot Wong (CICLE) took her form from competing in the first two Cross Fever events and led from the start - Sarah Kaufmann (Roaring Mouse) and Dot were away from the start, but an unfortunate flat tire took Sarah out of the race and Susan Thompson (PAA) found her way into 2nd and Anna Wills (Triathletix) in her second race of the day took third! Check out more awesome photos of the day at uur friend Ken's Photo Gallery as well as some of the 2008-09 SoCalCross Prestige Series exciting action! Highlights include: The natural log was a fan favorite as the masters racers contort their way way up and over... Sitting in 3rd place overall in the 35+ Men's category, Mighty Sarah Kaufmann in good form, makes her way over the log and almost half the size of her legs!... Greg Page in the 45+ Men's race showed his love of cyclocross sporting his celebratory 'cross dress - attire!!!
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