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Letter to the editor

Popularity of cyclocross continues to increase

By JESSICA MUNDIE, Cycling/ Triathlons
Published December 19, 2007

Winter cross-training is well underway in the area, while northern riders struggle to get in road rides after snow plows clear the streets.

Multisport fitness enthusiasts across the country are able to make the best of wintery weather by switching to off-road cycling, Nordic skiing, running and skating. As usual, spin classes keep gyms packed up north.

Cyclocross is at an all-time high, and a record 2,000 cyclists signed up for the U.S. Cyclocross National Championships, held in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 13-16.

USA Cycling categories throughout the championship weekend included elites men and women; juniors; masters and a new single-speed competition.

Pro/elite men's category four-time winner Tim Johnson Team Cannondale took first at the U.S. Cyclocross National Championship, followed by former American champ Jonathan Page. In the pro/elite women's category, Katie Compton (Spike Shooter) won, ahead of second-place finisher Georgia Gould (Luna Chix).

Both women are also headed to Europe to prepare for the cyclocross world championships.

To follow the growing sport of cyclocross, which resembles steeplechase with a bicycle, visit www.cyclingnews.com.

OFFROAD CLOSER TO HOME: City of Largo employee Lance Riddile enjoyed a surprise farewell party in Largo on Saturday.

Cyclists in attendance included Hank Campbell, Bill e_SDLqBoston Bille_SDRq Hansbury, Adam Newman, Carrie Pratt and John Sinibaldi Jr.

"As you all heard, I'm going to be the director of a brand new facility near Boone, N.C.," Riddile said. "It's a dream job in the middle of the most beautiful riding area."

For photos and comments on last weekend's farewell party for Riddile, and a schedule of 2008 cyclocross races, head to www.blogs.tampabay.com/biking.

SHARING THE LOVE: Picking up where Riddile left off, the list of local teams and riders continues to grow. Action Wheelsport, Bicycle Outfitters, Chainwheel Drive, Florida Bicycle Sports, Outspokin Family Bicyclcs and Revolution Bicycles are all pitching in to host the 2008 Florida Cyclocross Cup Championship Series races.

Tampa's Paul Kavan (Team Neptune Cyclery) says he will return to defend his expert men's A category state title.

"I know Paul Kavan will be racing 'cross in 2008," Riddile said. "We heard from some Hillsborough riders that Paul is leading some pretty gnarly off-road clinics at Flatwoods.

"They can learn from him. His skills are at a national level."

GONE RIDING: The Specialized Bicycles Florida State Mountain Bike Championships were held at Santos Trails in Ocala on Dec. 9. Among the final podium finishers for the 2007 fall season were Michelle Allgire, Tampa; Steve Bent, Lakeland; Chad Fee, Kirsten Fee, Wesley Chapel; Ted Lee, St. Petersburg, and Jennifer Turner, Clearwater.

In the kids under-11 category were riders Johnny Fenton, Jordan McLaughlin and Julia Steele of Tampa (University Bicycle Center).

2008 MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES: Race organizers at Gone Riding have announced the first dates of Florida's 2008 calendar: On Jan. 5, 12 Hours Of Oleta will take place at Oleta River State Park in North Miami.

Head to www.goneriding.com or call Dave Berger at: (352) 9279 for information.

FLORIDA BICYCLE SPORTS: Team Florida Bicycle Sports Thursday night 10-mile time trial series champions have been listed. Among the fastest local time trial riders of the year were April Sheely, Patrice Hoffman, Karen Monkus, Lisa Whidden,Trish Cohen,Brad Andringa, Alan Glanz, Steven Rusnak, Kelly Shaw, Graham Steele,Alan Badia, Hank Campbell, Chuck Ford, Rob Gasbarro, Mike Hall, Charlie Shaw and Tom Schuler.

SAFETY HARBOR MULTISPORTS: Race director Suzanne Henslee hosted her final event of the season, the Safety Harbor Triathlon & Duathlon Multisports Event at the Safety Harbor Spa on Dec. 8.

Finishing the 2007 triathlon season with division wins were the following Pinellas triathletes: overall winner Erin Kowal, 34, Redington Beach, 1 hour, 1 minute, 29 seconds; Alexandra Contreras, 19, Largo, 1:27:53; Lindsey Bell, 58, St. Petersburg, 1:16:16; Shayne Peterson, 15, St. Petersburg, 59:15; Matt Schmidt, 28, St. Petersburg, 56:19; Ralf Grenewald, 50, St. Petersburg, 59:00; Tom Bell, 60, St. Petersburg, 1:07:24; Richard Cooper, 66, Tarpon Springs, 1:32:07; Mark Parish, 70, Clearwater, 1:14:11; Clydesdale winner Robert Mailhiot, 41, Clearwater, 1:06:53; and Athena winner Catherine Keebler, 42, Palm Harbor, 1:18:06.

Complete results can be found at www.racesaregreat.com.

Times correspondent Jessica Mundie may be reached at: sptimescycling@yahoo.com.

[Last modified December 18, 2007, 20:58:52]