WSC cyclocross season opens big

Classic cyclocross conditions

Under stormy skies and with cold wind, 20 brave cyclocross racers convened at the Crismon Practice Field on Saturday for the first of the WSC Cycling Campus Cyclocross racing series.
The 40-minute race, which can be ridden on mountain bikes or cyclocross bikes, involved several laps of a circuit that required riders to jump off their bikes to run over obstacles. The racing tradition stems from Belgium, where riders were constantly looking for ways to keep their feet warm while riding, and forced dismounts were an easy way to do that.
The racing, which was open to WSC students as well as Gunnison Valley community members, started at 2:30 p.m. and after an opening lap to spread the field out, riders took to the full course, which involved a set of stairs, three sets of barriers, and a pump track.
Jon Brown, riding for the Alpine Orthopaedic Cycling Team on a single-speed mountain bike, quickly worked his way to the front and with his ability to hop all the barriers, put a gap on Alpine Ortho teammate Dave Ochs, who didn’t start hopping the barriers until the end of the race. Ben Johnson, a Western alum, racing in a wig and skirt, worked his way from the back of the field to a solid third place.
The WSC cycling team also had strong representation, with Brae Patten and Ansel Schimpff finishing fourth and sixth. Chemistry lab coordinator Jarral Ryter finished seventh.
WSC Cycling head coach Eszter Horanyi, who co-organized the three-race event with WSC Cycling member Jen Drimmer Swift, said, “I wanted the riders to be able to race locally for a few weekends before heading out to some of the collegiate conference races, so it was a perfect opportunity to ensure that cross remained alive and well in the Gunnison Valley. This is what cross should be like, low key and fun.”
Racing continues next Saturday, November 19 with registration at 2 p.m. and racing beginning at 2:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three males and females and raffles will be held after each race.
All proceeds from the race will benefit the WSC Cycling Club and Gunnison Trails.