A danish magazine called "Psykologi" (Psychology) has profiled me 'a Hippie on two wheels'.
As a part of a theme about cycling they submitted me to 2 pages worth of therapy discussions. I was asked to tell how I mentally work to motivate myself to train and live as a pro cyclist.
'Hippie' refers to my more intuitive approach training plans, where I set the level of training on how the body feels - and responds to training.
The magasine offers a different angle than other life style magazines. Here it is not about fasion trends, but more about issues that really matter in life.
(11-03-2008) During my visit in Boulder USA 2007 my seating positionwas scanned by Retül. Retül uses a portable 3D tracking system with can be set up in any bike shop.
On this YouTube video you can see a short introduction to Retül's active bike fit analysis. Markers able to monitor movement in all 3 dimensions are placed on the body's joints. The data are collected in a simulator, that shows the body's active movements. The Retül crew is looking for inefficiency in the active bike position, like tendency to pelvis rocking or knee rolling. Sitting too high or too low can also affect Watt output. The Retül guys have their knowledge about the human body's most efficient position on a bike from messurements and experiences with present and former top pro athletes like Landis, Armstrong, Hamilton, Gunn Rita Dahle, Cunego....
This video was shot during my visit in Boulder, USA Nov. 2007.
Getting the bike fitted is a complicated endeavour. Many factors have to be considered. Often people will settle, "because it works for me". The human body is extremely adaptive. It is able to compensate for a lot - the muscles will build their strength in relation to the way you bike. Even though you are fast, it might not be the most efficient position for you. Over time you could develop an injury. Getting a proper bike fit can prevent injuries and reveal sources of hidden watt. I found a few Watt with the help from Retül...
Me, myself and I have been debating over the years about the right seating position. I have wasted too much time wrenching with the 5mm Allen Key. Retül had some quick solutions I could not have found on my own.
In 2006 Todd Carver from Retül discovered that my right leg is 5mm shorter than the left. That led to an inefficient pedal situation, where I levied more power with the short leg. I was told that I barely needed the left leg. A quick amputation was suggested... However, I chose to continue with 2 legs.
For a year I have been riding with custom shoe lift from Podium Footwear, Westminster (CO) that corrected the 5mm difference. At the same time my seat was lowered by 8mm, making the changes quite drastic. It proved to be the right way to go - I quickly got more pedal power.
Living in ignorance about my handicap for 30 years my legs' movements have not adjusted completely to the new situation just yet. More gains are hence to come.
Getting my Protek bikes in September 2007 I got some new angles. Also, I forgot to calculate in the difference in pedal stack hight in the new pedals I was riding. The result was that I was seated too low and too far back. In November in Boulder I had a check up on my situation.
After this season my right leg is still the strongest. In my preparations for next CX season I will do special workouts with my left leg. I bought a basket ball. I will practice my dunk just like back in the days before I got into bike racing. Over being crammed in a gym I will have more fun on the court.
Have a closer look at Retül's Bike Fit system on www.Retul.com
Back to order in Oostmalle
84 starters raced 10 laps in the beaming sun, enjoying a light breeze of French fries (26-02-2008) Photos by Danny Lanssens and Jean Claude Knockaert
This is the cross party of the season. The atmosphere is great. The Belgians are usually a bit reserved, but on this day, the very last race of the season, they are much more forthcoming. Testing the course I quickly learned that the usual course had been changed. Now, it was more difficult to mentally oversee the whole course. More sections with deep sand and more turns. And mostly singletrack… Still, I felt comfortable with the course and was ready to give the rig full throttle. In some places you hit the sand with 30km/h 2 feet from the iron fence. Not thinking too much is key. I had a good start. I avoided the crashes and made it around the first lap on something like the 35th place. The many singletrack sections made us lose 30 sec. to the leaders. My group didn’t make too many mistakes in the sand, otherwise we would have lost more time. On the 3rd lap I couldn’t hold my position any more. Riders passed me from behind. I really felt I was riding much better that the recent races, but I still lost ground. The last half of the race went much better. I caught some riders and was able not to let Niels Albert catch me, holding him at 50-100m throughout the last 3 laps. Some spectators were mistaking me for Albert. My skin suit has pretty much the same colors as the Palmans-Cras. I must have been looking good since the Belgian supporters could mistake me for him.
After the race, my mechanic crew and their families were serving waffles and Italian Prosecco. The Norwegian, Martin Vestby and I have been fortunate to have their support. Massive Norwegian and Danish flags were strung up on their mobile home showing our camp. The most interested fans came by to celebrate the end of the season with us. People got even friendlier and I was thrown into longer conversations in ‘Nederlands’. Everyone wanted to know what I would be doing in the off season. Some mix of Mountain Bike and Road was the closest I could get. Everyone was looking forward to the next cross season.
That day in Oostmalle left me with a strong motivation for next season. Both because I felt my body was finally back to order after several periods with illness - and because so many spectators were looking forward to seeing my performance next season.
(Danny Lanssens in Scotish/Norwegian outfit leading Martin Vestby)
TV Portrait
(06-02-2008) Getting some good TV coverage...
A local popular TV journalist asked me to do a full TV portrait about my sport and the life I am living.
The program "Kurt dropped by (Kurt kom forbi)" is viewed prime time on Fridays on the local TV2 of East Jutland. The potential is 100.000 viewers. The program is popular for its heartly, uncomplicated and honest approach.
For a whole day I was followed around by Kurt and his camera man. Kurt wanted to shoot me in my private settings and in places related to me. Hence you will see me in my house, at the University of Aarhus, at the Velodrome, at my sister's and at the beach....
During the program I try to explain how host housing works in the US. I also try to explain how I have managed not to finish my masters degree in Political Science - and ride my bike instead...
Superprestige Hoogstraten Bel C1 54 starters. 10 laps A fast sand race.
I had a good feeling before this race. My training had been good during the week and I felt a lot better than right after Treviso.
The start didn't go well. I lost a lot of ground on the narrow course on the first lap. I tried to fight my way back. After 3 laps I hadn't progressed - and I did not feel like I had the flow. Too bad, I really like this course. I kind of gave up. I was lapped before I went out on my second last lap only to be registered as nr. 34.
Driving back to Denmark I felt a bit funny - and sure enough Monday morning I was sick again. Same old song, a nice cold with fever.
I will take the next weekend off and hope to recover for Vorselaar and Oostmalle on Feb. 16+17.
18 nations. 64 Riders. 9 Laps Sunshine and ca. 12 dg Celcius.
Fast easy course with 2 steep climbs.
This course was not my cup of tea. Way too dry, way too fast, way too boring. The nice weather was definetely against me. The organizersers must have been happy, though - the Italians love good weather. Having a good crowd is dependent on that.
I had a good start, but crashes in front of me slowed me down. I missed getting into the 20 man group that was formed up front.
Unlike last year I could not regain my position during the race. The course was too fast to have that chance. Also, I had some problems with my right pedal and had to change bikes, but then the game was already lost.
The previous weekends result in Hoogerheide had been promising after my illness during xmas and new years, but for this race I couldn't continue my progess. I can only be happy that I was there and represented my sponsors, CCV, my Club and my Country - 54th place was all that was in it for me.
My season ends in the weekend of Februay 16-17 in Belgium.
Last and first test before Worlds
World Cup Hogerheide 51 starters. 7 laps
A beautifully muddy course. As beautiful as can be. The Hoogerheide course has hosted the World Cup for the last 5 years - and each year the course design improves. Next year it will host the Worlds...
My body seems up to speed again after the illness has left me. In that sence the World Cup was the first and the last test before Worlds.
I had a great start and was no 25 most of the first lap. On the fast strech leading up to the finish line I lost some places. The following two laps were hard trying to get back up. I tried to save some energy for the muddy sections, but didn't find the rythm.
Halfway in the race I gained on the others. I was in a group with the Japanese Champ, The Lux Champ, an Italian and a swiss guy. With two laps to go I could move away from the group only to be followed by the Italian. We fought our way past a few riders and had it down to a sprint in the end. My shelves were empty; nothing to offer...
On a muddy course like Hoogerheide. The are no free handouts so I am pretty happy with getting 34th.
Video from Hoogerheide...
Sick and silver
Danish CX Championships 2008 (07-01-2008)
I've had a rough xmas and new years. I was ill twice. I was ill 3 days leading up to the champs. I woke up on race day with a sore throat. I should have stayed at home, but I want to go to Worlds in Treviso...
Any other sane person would have stayed at home. I should have stayed at home. I was missarable for 3 days with another nasty cold after racing in Dübendorf SUI on the 2nd of January. I tried to ralax as much as possible not tuching my bike leading up to the championships. I got better, but I still had a sore throat on the morning of the race.
I took a short early spin on the road before breakfast and threw in 2 good intervals to get the legs spinning and to clear the lungs. I helped a bit, but I was clearly not on top of my game.
I chose not to preride the muddy course, saving as much energy as possible and hoping my technical skills would carry me through. Instead, I did a good focused warm up on the road.
25 riders lined up for the start in rows of 5. The picture to the right shows the first row riders, Christian Poulsen, Me, Tommy Jacobsen and Anders Klinkby. I even look a bit sick... Shortly after the start Poulsen, Klinkby, Tommy Nielsen and I quickly formed the lead with Poulsen charging the most.
Klinkby and Poulsen made a small gab to Nielsen and me. I felt awful. My legs had no real top speed and I was afraid I would not even last to the end. All I could do was sit behind Nielsen and wait.
The course had two technical descents. On the 3rd lap Nielsen crashed right in front of me on the most difficult of them. I got a small gab on him and he didn't seem able to close it. Meanwhile I was getting closer to Klinkby and I passed him shortly after. It felt like I had gotten the legs to spin better on the course. Also it actually fitted me very well. Some technical sections and a good round of mud. Maybe it gave me some unexpected energy to overrule my miserable condition.
As the race progressed I felt Nielsen putting the pressure on me from behind and I feared that I would get caught. At the same time to my surprise I could see I was slowly gaining on Poulsen. At a point his lead was only 15sek. Unfortunately, I could not increase my speed at all. Luckily, Nielsen stopped gaining on me and I opened the gab even more. Poulsen, however could not be caught.
I took silver. A fair result all things considered. Also, it was great riding for the 500 spectators, who had come to watch. Quite a few journalists from TV and newspapers had come out also telling the tale of the greatest winter sport one can do in Denmark.
The amount of UCI points I get should keep me within the top 50 in the world automatic granting me a ticket to the Worlds in Treviso.
I had fever the two days before the World Cup in Hofstade... The plan was simple - try to finish and try to get some points. (26-12-2007)
Waking up on the day of the World Cup with a sore throat and a slight headache, it is easy to give up right away. If I want to go to Worlds I need to get as many UCI points as possible to meet the UCI selection criteria. The Danish Federation still hasn't uttered anything about the good results I have gotten so far in the season - I take that as a sign that the Fed's attitude still hasn't changed for the better. So, I must forget about saving my body and throw it at the lions...
I did a good warm up without any harder efforts, but I did not czech out the course. That wwould have ment losing power. Also, I know the venue from previous years and did not expect any big surprices this year.
The gun went and we fought our way to the sand. Some new turns made passing difficult. Being at the back, I quickly lost time. During the first 4 laps I passed some riders. Quite surprising, since I had no real power to throw in. The course was technical and that gave me some advantages, but I didn't expect to pass riders during the race. Towards the end I was behind German Champ, Rene Birkenfelt and was close to passing him. I was hoping for him to make just a little mistake in the sand, but he stayed in the track.
With two laps to go SuperMan Nijs passed us and we were pulled out of the race at the finish line. What a relief not having to do more laps. The result list put me in as nr. 42. I expected to do much worse.
Shortly after the race I felt really bad with fever spells running down my spine. Not healthy... I need to relax and get well now.
Some of my supporters had come out to see me race. The usual Belgian susects were there, some French guys - and even some Brits waved the Danish flag... A really kind gesture, especially when you feel a bit sick...!!! That gives warmth to a weak body on a cold day.
Home Bella Italia
I had a really great week of training at the CCV HQ in Sasso Marconi - and I had a really off day in Fae Di Oderzo (26-12-2007)
The area south of Bologna in Sasso Marconi is a fine place for some solid hill training. Ranging from 300 to 800 meters altitude you have what you need.
The CCV head quarters was my base for a week and U23 rider Giancarlo Saiu was my training partner. Even in the winter the area was really fine for training. The roads were mostly dry and the traffic situation easy.
We completed the week by racing Ciclocross Del Ponte in Fae Di Oderzo. Giancarlo got 29th and I got 14th. I think we both expected much more, but after that week of training maybe that was all there was in it for us. I never found the flow in that race. Parallels could be drawn to my race in Wetzikon. I was supposed to have stayed in Italy for two weeks, but since the World Cup in Milano got canceled, I only had one week to enjoy - that was too little. Hopefully, I will be back for the Worlds...!!!
Last year I broke my rear derailleur in this feared mudfest. This year, I thought I was ready to rock... it quickly proved be me who was to break this year - or maybe I was already broken...? The legs were dead. Nothing to do. I never found the flow. I raced to get close to the points starting from15th place, but I could not get the cut, when it happened. I was close to get up to two Slovak guys, but my legs failed me and the mud sucked me in...
I will have two more chances this season to crack the spell that seems to linger over me: Thou Shalt not Excel in the Mud of the Swiss.
Wet Wet Wet
Leudelange UCI cat. 2, Luxembourg. Dec. 2nd
42 Riders from 8 countries. 7 laps.
Finally, I was handed the weather I had wanted for so long. Good old Leudelange had it. A ton of rain the night before and during the race turned the soil into a heavy, slipperey, deep paste. I got pushed around a bit at the start by Davy Commeyne (Palmans). He might have a hard time finding himself not riding top ten in the World Cup anymore - but amongst the mortal in Luxembourg. I did not feel an urge to push him over and backed off to loose about ten places going into the first narrow section. Eventually, I caught up with his group again on the second lap. In the group was also Wesley Van den Linden (Sunweb) and last years winner Jan Soetens (Jatarzi). For a few laps I held 7th place, with 5th place as my goal. I was looking fine... Halfway into the race I made some mistakes and was forced to run, loosing valuable time. I dropped down to 9th place with Ben Berden, just in front of me. That threw me a bit out of joint.
On the last lap after another mistake old timer, Peter van Santvliet overtook me. I took a good dig to get back in front of him and to drop him. Berden, I could not touch. Inspite of the 9th place, I had a good time.
Normally, the 9th place should grant me 2 UCI points, but already having points from more than 5 UCI cat. 2 races, they will not count. This UCI rule forces me to improve my worst of the 5 best UCI cat. 2 results if i am to get more points. That means being top 5...
World Cup, Koksijde
(28-11-2007) Koksijde is feared for its long sand sections - I love it for its long sand sections
10 laps on infamous course with heavy sections of sand 47 riders
I left USA with a little cold and some fever. I tried to train as little as possible during week to be ready for the World Cup.
I got a fantastic start and was 25 on the first lap. On the 3rd lap I felt that my body was still not ready - and I fell some places back. Other riders were having a hard time also and they simply gave up. If you make one mistake in the deep sand you will have to run and that will cost you dearly.
On the last 3 laps I tried to use my last power to regain what I had lost and I moved up by 4 places.
I thought I had dropped the Luxembourg champion, but he came with a surprisingly strong finish in the sprint. I ended as no. 36.
I had a great time in Boulder - a society infested with the bike plague. Never has being ill felt so plesant. Wish I didn't have to leave. The Mista - Roberto Gaggioli On the last night I went out to eat with some friends at The Mista. The Italian restaurant is owned by former bike racer, Roberto Gaggioli. Gaggioli had about 200 victories, mostly on the road, but also counting Italian Cross and MTB championships...!!!
The friendly atmosphere and the best food I have had in my two months in the US, made leaving Boulder even harder. The Mista is a winner.
Tour of the Rockies
(28-11-2007)
Boulder locals warned us about long driving hours and possible snow lock down at high altitude passes, but it all appeared to be a beautiful venture into the Rockies. Nick Weighall and I were in for a sweet road tour of the Rockies.
Gunnison Mountaineer Cross - 2. place Gunnison a small community with 7000 inhabitants counting the college. A vacation taget for skiers and hunters. As expected the town itself would not produce any big cross names.
Out of the mountains came Todd Wells. I ended up fighting with him over the victory. Once again he took it and I took second. We rode closely together a few laps until Wells gabbed me. Later Wells flatted and I started to belive that I could eventually catch him again. When he crashed in a turn, I came really close. But just as I thought I had him he gabbed me again for the win.
The course had a lot of turn on dry grass, that made the course fell like a slick Belgian cross race. I had to go into the mountains to find a course that resembled a flatland's cross the most? Well, for that reason Gunnison is worth the visit. Also, don't worry - Gunnison does have good coffee at The Bean.
Fort Lewis College Squawker Cross, Durango - 4th place Fantastic weather. Small, but dedicated crowd counting Greg Herbold and his BMX full suspension bike?!?
Durango holds some great bike riders and they were all out to play. The field counted guys I did not know, but I was told not to underestimate any rider from Durango. Also at the start was Canadian MTB champ, Geoff Kabush, The local heroes - the Wells Bros and Silverboy Danny Summerhill.
I had a rough start of the race and could not quite keep the pace in the front. Rad Racer, Nick Weighall had a great ride and looked like he would take 3rd place for a long time, while I was struggling with Rocky mountain Chokolate Factory rider, Joey Thomson. On the second last lap we passed Weighall and battled on.
On the last small climb of the race I hesitated a bit planning an attack on the following flat grassy section. I tried to be smart but got outsmarted. Thomson overtook me on the inside and made just that bike length that makes the difference. I had to accept my 4th place.
Redline Cup, Boulder Res UCI C2, 3. nov. 50 starters on a dry course with deep sand pits and technical turns. 1000 spectators
Most US top racers were present in Boulder and the course was set for some good 1 mile high cross.
The start went great and I came around on the first lap as nr. 3. After that I dropped to the 7th place and was fighting in the strong wind to keep the pace.
Halfway into the race I got control of my breathing and was able to make some ground on the guys ahead of me and hold a strong charging Chris Horner (Predictor Lotto) behind me. On the second last lap I caught up with Jeremy Powers, who took my wheel. I hit the sand pit first with high speed and was able to drop Powers by 10 seconds. I took the 6th place, which gave me 6 UCI points.
Boulder Cup, Harlow Platts Park UCI C1, 4. nov 70 starters on a grassy course with to good sand pits. 3000 spectators
I led the pack from the gun and held the 5th place on the first lap. My second days had been sloppy, but this day I felt a lot better. I eventually lost some ground but later in the race the two sand pits gave me some advantages over the others. I was catching up on the 8th place, which seemed within reach.
With two laps to go I crashed in a turn and lost the rythm. Todd Wells came flying from behind and I had to settle for the 10th place and some 10 UCI points.
Bad day in Louisville
23rd place in USGP #2 UCI C2, Louisville (10-11-2007) Papa Johns' Derby City Cup, powered by Toyota in the Crankbrothers USGP Series (2nd of 6 events)
8 laps, about 100 starters Almost the same course as the day before, only dryer
Had a great start, but soon fatigue kicked in. I had no power... The second day seems to be my cronical bad day. Something to work on.
I ended up beign 23rd shortly after Molly Cameron, who rode heroricly with busted ribs...
9th place in USGP #1 UCI C2, Louisville
(27-10-2007) Papa Johns' Derby City Cup, powered by Toyota Crankbrothers USGP Series (1st of 6 events)
8 laps, about 100 starters Semi fast grassy course, partly slippery. A few sand pits and nicely build in stairs.
Got a great start and sat with the front for 1,5 laps until my top speed failed me. Riders came from behind and at a point I was down on 12th place. In the race I was struggling with holding a good pace on the open sections.
Towards the last two laps I god a decent flow going, and on the last lap I overtook Chris Horner and Troy Wells to take 9th place and a mere 2 UCI points.
My friend Molly Cameron took a nasty crash on a slippery concrete path, hurting ribs and shoulder. In spite of his pain, he'll have a go at it again today. Mollys plan today is making the legs hurt so much, the other sources of pain can't be felt.
My host Clayton Omer, claimed a 4th place in the junior cat. proving Louisville is also about horses of scandium.
Today the 2nd USGP will be raced on a slightly changed parcours on the old River Road Golf Course.
Wissahickon, what happened?
(21-10-2007) I had the off day of my life...
Wissahickon, Uci kat. 2
I did all the right things. The tire pressure was set on fast. And there was no planning on screwing up the start this time.
I flew out of the starting grid and entered the course as no. 1. Powers took the lead soon after and i followed on wheel of the top pack.
On the second lap I had problems holding the wheel. I began to realize that there was something wrong... I dropped and dropped. i had no legs... The announcer suggested I would feel better under a colder hemisphere. Frankly, i would have felt better not riding at all.
All I could do was ride the race to the end and claim a mere 17th place.
What happened ? I sold out in Granogue and the shelves were empty in Wissahickon.
After the race I spun out in the beautiful surroundings with Molly Cameron, who was disappointed having done two races that sucked even more. There is nothing as soothing as rolling hills, warm weather and a good riding companion.
(21-10-2007) The start was a disaster. That means pain will follow. What is lost must be found. Instantly. Anger, frustration. Lactat acid overflow, fire from the nostrils.
The Granogue venue presented itself at its finest. The tower of death stood tall, the sun beamed - pain was upon us.
I was in the front row with all options open. When the gun went, I missed the pedal and my foot rolled foreward. I entered the course as no. 40 fighting for every inch.
After 2 laps I was about no. 15 and too tired to keep advancing. I had to stay with the group I was with.
On the 4th lap I had recovered and could move forward again. Halfway into the race i was 10th and still charging.
I ended up fighting with Troy Wells, who had an irritating tendency to ride the run up. He would attack before the run up leaving me fighting to get back up.
With two laps to go I put in a hard effort on the finish line stretch putting the pressure on Wells. At the running section I was the first to reach the top and could attack on the following asphalt climb. Wells did not come back to me.
I ended on a decent 6th place that could have been much better. At least I got 18 Uci points. Now, I have 74 points in total after 7 UCI races.
www.race.cx asked me to do an interview for their homepage ... this is what came out of it.
Race.cx is based in Portland, Oregon. The guys share a fanatical devotion to cross, which I can only recommend to get through the winter... OK, the summer also.
1. How old are you? Born 1974
2. Where did you grow up, and where do you live now? I grew up in Struer, Denmark (Bang & Olufsen HQ) - now, I am living in Aarhus (2nd biggest city in Denmark).
3. How long have you been racing? As an elite? I have been racing Elite MTB since 1999.
4. What was your first bicycle? I got my first bicycle when I was 5, but I bought my first real bike in 1995 - a Marin Palisades Trail MTB.
9 laps on a dry, fast grass course with lots of tight corners and a few straight sections, where the speed could be max'ed. About 55 starters
I held 2nd place from the gun to the setting sun. Berry Wicks won the saturdays show.
I made contact to Wicks after a few laps, but could not hold his wheel when he enhanced the speed. Meanwhile I made mistakes in the corners and that blew my chance. Wicks won by 23 sec.
9 laps on a very fast dry grass course with long straight sections, a few light climbs and a delicious sand pit. 60 starters.
A 10 person group quickly formed. Berry Wicks and I towed the train. On the 3rd lap I took a big pull in the front and on the next laps Wicks and I separated ourselves from a 5 person chace group. We worked together a couple of laps untill Wicks attacked on the hardest climb of the course. I instantly had a lactat sensation running through my body and Wicks rode away. The lactat wash was gone after half a lap and I could ride powerful again gaining a bit on Wicks. I guess I need to make the brain train together with my muscles so that this will not happen again.
The rast of the race I had 5 riders chasing me 20-30 sec. behind me. I just had to hold it and play it safe.
So I had yet another 2nd place to stick on the wall. Second places take up the most place in my collection of results - I need to crown it with a UCI win.
Resultat og fotos - CyclingNews 1 Barry Wicks (Kona - Your Key Mortgage Team) 1.04.57 2 Joachim Parbo (CCV Protek - CK Aarhus) 0.42 3 Brent Prenzlow (Alan North America) 0.51 Video from Biowheels / United Dairy Farmers Cross, Ohio
Crosstoberfest, Seattle
(08-10-2007) The first win of the season The beer, the grass, the cross...
Great cross weather and an even better venue. Ragnarok Racing and 2nd Ascent had set up a nice Crosstoberfest.
I started along with cat 1+2 racers. The course was fast, but it had a lot of turns - so it all came down to accelerations, braking and turning. I rode alone for the first couple of laps until Rad Racer, Nic Weighal caught up with me. He had left Maxxis' Adam McGrath to come and make me hurt.
Nic held the pace for a couple of laps, giving me a hard time on the swift accelerations. I finally could loose him on the 3rd last lap, by going harder on the few open sections the course had to offer. After last weekends nearly there I could pull my first win of the season. Now, I only need to do the same in the UCI races.
After the race the New Belgium Beer Garden was filled with cheerful racers enjoying the sight of silly dressed relay racers getting adequately stupid - and a nice buzz. You guys were great company.
Mud Moose Clinic
(02-10-2007) The ticket was booked - and UCI race in Vancouver was canceled because of the City Strike... A Mud Moose Clinic was quickly set up to keep warm while in BC.
Some 20 people showed up in Queen Elisabeth Park, Vancouver to work on their cross skills.
The BCers never BSed. I have never seen so much improvement in suck a short time. After two hours almost all participants could do the swift cowboy mount... Had I only learned that quickly when I started doing cross. See cycling survaillance coverage by sharpshooter, Paul Kennedy
Thanks for coming out, guys !!!
Escape Velocity, Coquitlam
(02-10-2007) I got 2nd at the cross race on the 29th of September in Coquitlam, BC
Vegas was tough. I was tired when I left Nevada Friday. 7 Hours sleep in Vancouver was not enough. The prospect of first tracks with my new Miche Supertype wheels helped a bit...
The EV guys had set up a promising cross course. Good technical sections, a bit tight in places, but for a local race it was fine. And there were 2 sand pits... Nice...
I set out with barely any warming up - and found myself fighting for the glory with MTB speedster Max Plaxton from Rocky Mountain Heywood. He was quick on the BMX track - I was quick in the sand. He took the glory with strong effort on the BMX track.
(02-10-2007) Check out some video clips from Vegas
Cross Vegas See Velonews TV coverage from Cross Vegas Cross Vegas Race
InterBike Interview about the North American cross Scene See Cycling.TV / Velonews Tv interview conducted by race announcer 'Big' Dave Towle InterBike interview
Vegas bankruptcy
(27.09.2007) I put all the money on black, but all I saw was red...
This was the perfect setting. A great bunch of spectors all fired up to party with crossers in pain and spandex. The first ever cross race in Vegas. Perfect temprature. Full moon. A massive 89 man field of crossers, roadies and mountainbikers.
The roulette was spinning and I put it all on black. I had a fine start. But going into the second lap of ten I had already lost ground. The grass soaked up all my energy and I had a feeling this was not my day. Soon the ball landed on red... I was bankrupt.
All could do was riding the race to the end. I completely lost my dignity accepting the dollarbills the spectators were handing to us guys grinding the kranks in the lower ranks. Gotta go with the show. I ended up as no. 25.
Ryan Trebon hit today's Jackpot.
Seattle Racing
(26.09.2007) 2x 6th place was what was in it for me in Seattle. Not a bad start...
My Cross season has finally started. My plan for this year evolved from and idea to do CrossVegas and Boulder Cup in the US, that my Boulder Buddy Chris Grealish is putting on. Gradually I started to ad other races and I ended up having a 2 month US calendar.
Racing in Seattle proved to be a good place to get a taste of the familiar pain that cross so abundantly offers.
StarCrossed Sep. 22 2007 Seattle, USA 63 starters on a fast course mainly on grass.
I had a good start that soon was trampled by people crashing in front of me - and making unpredictable lines in the turns. One guy even forgot to turn and went straight on into the tape. He took me down into the grass. In UCI races I am used to people making the same turns - this was different... After having lost 10 places I was stuck in the 3rd group. The pace was too high for me to go up to the 2nd group. So I could only wait. At the end of the race people were getting tired and I could advance in the ranks. Troy Wells managed to get past me before the last turns and I could do nothing but hold my 6th place in the sprint in front of Chris Sheppard. After the race I could see I could have used my power more smart, but for the first race, I would rather have something to work on than doing perfect races so early in the season.
Result, StarCrossed 1 Christian Heule (Swi) Stevens 1.00.10 2 Ryan Trebon (USA) Kona Yourkey.com 3 Barry Wicks (USA) Kona Yourkey.com 0.03 4 Andy Jacques-Maynes (USA) 0.50 5 Troy Wells (USA) Clif Bar 1.04 6 Joachim Parbo (Den) CCV Cyclo Cross Team
Rad Racing GP Sep. 23 2007 40 starters on a grass/gravel course with one decisive run up.
I had a good start and placed myself where I wanted to be. After the Dale Knapp run up, I was in 5th position. Later I found myself in a group with Bart Gillesbie and Andy Jacques-Maynes. We had a good group going on the fast sections and were 15 sec. from catching up with the lead group... Gillesbie fell back and on the last run up I had cramps and could not follow Jacques-Maynes. On the last turns before the finish I tried hard, but could not change my 6th position. After the race I felt my race composition was better than the day before - I feel like I am getting into the groove.
The Seattle Scene has a strong base of racers. Especially the Rad Racing Core of talented riders is worth looking out for. The VIPs of CycloCross, Sir Dale Knapp and Dr. Jim Brown are doing a focused job of enroling the local talents into the pro ranks. Their junior riders are ballanced, mature, hard working and non-BS-ing - qualities essential to cross racing. Cycling has seen enough of stuck up doping celebs. Times are a changing.
Result, Rad Racing GP 1 HEULE Christian SUI Stevens 1:08:14 2 TREBON Ryan USA Kona Factory 1:08:14 3 WICKS Barry USA Kona Factory 1:08:33 4 KABUSH Geoffrey CAN Maxxis 1:08:59 5 JACQUES-MAYNES Andy USA Cal Giant Strawberries 1:09:11 6 PARBO Joachim DEN CCV Cyclo Cross Team 1:09:15
Cycling in Seattle
(22.09.2007) Cross preparations
Today, the season will begin. The last weeks were hectic. There are always delays in the cycling industry - a fact that is hard to accept when there is a race coming and there is just this special part missing. I still need some parts, but I have two bikes running, that run well.
CCV Cyclo Cross Team This season I am riding for the CCV Cyclo Cross Team out of Sasso Marconi from Bologna, Italy. CCV is pronounced (ZZ `WU). I am proud to represent Danish and Italian colors in US of A. Read about CCV further down on this page.
I finally got the setup I need for having the logistics come together for the season. A few days prior to my departure. I finalized an agreement with Fiat Cars / Koch Biler that means I have a car for my European tour starting at the end of November. I have taken a big chance leaving Europe for two months to race most of the US season. I will do races in many parts of the country and a do because I prefer the US scene over the European, because of the atmosphere - and to qualify for the Worlds. See my Calendar in the menu.
Seattle I arrived in Seattle 4 days ago and quickly got a taste of the local scene. Around 150 people on cross bikes showed up for a group ride at the Velodrome on Wednesday evening. Incredible atmosphere! Back home we would be 20 people max to show up for cross training at the Aarhus Velodrome. There were all levels present and they all people seemed to enjoy the work out. I stay with the Terry Family that has Danish and Italian roots - and a slight passion for Cyclocross. With the son Ian riding for the RadRacing Team
NWDF I will hold a few lectures and have a group ride organized through the local North West Danish Foundation in Seattle. I met with the dedicated staff to discuss the set up. We agreed on a lecture on Greenland Tourism (see also ATC.gl) and a lecture on my cycling career. The lectures will be held at the beginning of October.
Molly Cameron I met with my buddy Molly yesterday at Cascade Bicycle Studio in Seattle. I hadn't seen him since Christmas in Belgium last year. Molly and I will join forces and tour around to do some US races next month. Molly aims to go to Europe later and qualify for the Worlds. Later we will join forces in Europe and complete the purpose of our Axis of Cross.
Bikes by measurement - Handmade in Italy The CCV bike sponsor, Protek delivered my bikes at the end of august. They were as sweet as suger in a cup of fresh Joe. Protek makes bikes by measurement. Protek tailored my bikes from the suggestions of Paletti, a former Italian champion. Unlike other cross bikes my bikes are sloping slightly. That is fine in my 58cm frame size. The frames have a scandium main frame and a carbon rear stay. They hold 1560g. The frame is stiff and still has trustworthy and agile off road handling. I can't wait to abuse it in Belgian mud. Protek produces 700 frames a year in MTB, Road and Cross. The frames come in Alu, Alu/carbon and Carbon. You place your order directly with the company. As a special feature the company produces a 1200g full carbon cross frame by measurement, also handmade in Italy. The price is set at a fantastic 1300 Euro deal. I've ridden a prototype - what a feeling !!! Later in the season I will ride these frames as well.
Brand new Protek Frame presented by Andrea Cevenini and Andrea Carboni @ Cevenini HQ, Bologna
Danish MTB Championships
Viborg - 19th of August Photos by Mette Kromann
I had trained well on the road, but I hadn't ridden in a race in 2 months. I had a modest goal of finishing top 10. This was to be the real beginning of my cross season. Unlike other years I had taken some time off from racing this summer, trying to get my Masters Dregree thesis done. I finished half of it, because I had to work on my sponsorships as well - the doping scandals this summer didn't make it easier...
The race was set up nicely. There were more spectators then usual and they made a motivating scene on the climbs... The field had 50 riders, more than usual. A few roadies had lost their way into the woods also.
I was together with Jakob Fuglsang and Peter Riis from the gun, but it only held a quarter of a lap. Then - as expected - came some riders from behind. To my surprise I was able to hold my 7th position, with no one lurking behind..
The course had a lot of short steep climbs. In the picture to the left, I am climbing to nastiest of them on the weenie ring. I focused on composing the race as smart as possible leaving the others to race as they wanted. I had a plan that held. And it held well for the level I was at not having races for 2 months. We did 8 laps in total. I was the last rider not to get lapped as Peter Riis claimed his Champion Title. Knowing no one from behind would be there to catch me I relaxed to survive the last lap. The result as 7th at the nationals gave me a good idea of where I was in relation to the upcoming cross season. I was on the right path.
CCV Cyclo Cross Team
In june I signed a contract with an Italian team from Sasso Marconi - Bologna, Italy
The team will provide me with financial and logistic possibilities to continue evolving myself as a cyclo cross rider. I will continue organizing my race calendar as usual, but this season I will ride about 4 races in Italy. CCV (pronounced - ZZ 'Wu) will give me full support in my preparations up to the Worlds in Treviso. The team is based on a high Anti Doping moral and solid Italian family values. We agree that the way we are working to promote cycling - will have a future.
In compliance with the Italian Federation and the Italian Anti Doping Authorities, I ran a series of medical tests prior to signing the contract. In Italy it is mandatory to give 3 anual blood and urine samples - and every 2 years a full cardio-scanning. The Italian rules are more extensive in their Anti Doping scope, than the Danish rules, where doctors in sport are viewed as pathologic. The tests were taken under the authority of Dr. Giancarlo Caroli, an estimated Italian phycisian, who has published appx. 200 Itailan and International medical articles on Anestetics, Intensive Care, Sports Medicine... By signing the contract, I ensured that the Danish Anti Doping Authorities also will have unlimited acces to the documents held by Mr. Giancarlo. Transparancy is the only future for cycling, just as it was - and still - is the prerequisite of democracy...
This season will begin in USA, where I will race about 14 races, including Excel Sports Cross Vegas and 2 races in the USGP Cyclo Cross Series. I enjoyed racing at the Colorado events last year. To me US racing holds the spirit that makes racing at the top level enjoyable. Later in november it will get more wet, cold and gravely serious in the cross trenches of Europe.
CCVs bike sponsor, Protek is producing hand made frames by measurement. The small quantity production plant is located in Italy - from where Protek anually produces min. 700 Carbon and Aluminum frames. I will ride their combo frame from the beginning of the season. Later in October, I will ride their new Full Carbon cross frame. I have tried their prototype ... it is very light, suitably agile and rigid. The frames will be spec'ed with SRAM components. All will take a proper beating during the 35 races I will do in the coming season.
I will keep my base in Aarhus, Denmark. I am active in promoting cycling for CK Aarhus - one of the 5 biggest cycling clubs in Denmark. Especially, now when the TdF tower is falling down - it is important to facitlitate the clean home bound Danish cycling community. We need to turn the media focus to the parts of cycling where the moral flag is held high.
