Capital City Cross Recap and Results

Mon September 26 2011
Posted Sep 25, 2011
9,888

WOW! What a weekend of Cyclocross! Over 100 racers landed at Stone Park each day to see what kind of course the BIKEIOWA Cycling Team sculpted. We've been practicing at Stone for a few weeks now and are getting a good feel for the park's features. We had one last mowing and even contracted with the city of Des Moines to bring in a 6000 pound roller o "roll-out" the race course to eliminate some of the choppiness and ruts. Course Feedback was interesting. Some liked Saturday better and some liked Sunday. It is still great to see Cyclocross exploding in Central Iowa!

Thanks to

* All the racers who came out to play, especially those from out of state! * All the spectators who came to cheer, heckle and watch this crazy sport. * Our Sponsors. * The Varnums for running an outstanding registration area. * Everyone who helped set and tear down the course each day. Awesome Teamwork! * The BIKEIOWA Cycling Team * Kurt Benson - the brain child of the death spiral. The design went from a bar napkin sketch to reality in under 2 hours and was a BIG hit on the course. * Chad Vande Lune for bringing his mower and mowing the top section * Everyone who brought food. * Everyone who donated to the post fund. 100 additional posts will be purchased!! * Des Moines Parks and Recreation for letting us use Stone Park. * The big black van for holding all the stuff it takes to put on a race. * the Barrier Fairy who brought good cheer and good luck fairy dust to us all!

Sat

Course At first glance the course appeared to be pretty wide-open and flowing. After you rode the course, it became apparent it was pretty technical with lots of detail including the death spiral, a fairly steep and rough run-up with barriers at the bottom, and un-rideable sand pit, the choppy West section by the trees, the grinder and through the tree section. It was way to easy too over-cook the turns which had you thinking 100% of the time. Add in all the twists and flowing corners and it was a good blend of what a cyclocross race should be! Results: Official Results posted to USA Cycling will be linked here later in the week. Quick Results Photos: BIKEIOWA Flickr gallery and Steve Fuller's photos. More links will be added here as folks post 'em. Temps: sunny mid 60' to mid 70's

Sun

Course When we pre-rode the course on Friday, it was obvious the course would be equally fun and challenging in the opposite direction. So on Sunday we reversed the race course and made it even more challenging by switching the barriers and the descent from Saturday, made the sandpit rideable for those who wanted to try, added a unique 180 degree barrier section around a tree, added a few new switchbacks and brought the registration, food and beverage tents more closer to the action. Results: Official Results posted to USA Cycling will be linked here later in the week. Quick Results Photos: BIKEIOWA Flickr galleryMore links will be added here as folks post 'em. Temps: sunny mid 60' to mid 70's, slight north breeze