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Cyclo-cross melds three kinds of racing

Contestants from kids to seniors will pump the pedals for the state championship today at the Largo Library.

By LaRITA JACOBS, Times Correspondent
Published January 27, 2008

Stephen Decato of Sarasota portages over logs during the 2006 State Championship Series at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve. Decato finished second.
	[Carrie Pratt | Times (2006)]

If you think it's important to stay on your bicycle during a race, then you haven't had the surprise of seeing cyclo-cross.

The sport has been described as a combination of road racing, mountain biking and adventure racing. And for the past four years, Largo has played a major role in introducing cyclo-cross to Florida.

Last weekend, Largo Parks and Recreation hosted the final leg of the sport's regular season. Today, Largo hosts the 2008 State Champion Race.

Racers of all ages will bring their lightweight cyclo-cross bikes to the Largo Library to race across grass, through sand pits and into the woods. They will also slog through a mud pit and sprint over barriers while carrying their bikes. Then they will do it all again and again, making as many as 12 laps depending on which division they have entered.

Cyclo-cross racers say it takes the speed of a road racer, the technique of a mountain biker and the grace of a runner. Brian Harter, Largo's athletic program coordinator, puts it in simpler terms: "It is nothing you would expect in bike racing. Athletes are in really good shape to do this."

At 9 a.m., the youngest racers, ages 6 to 8, begin a shortened course. As the morning continues, there is a race category for everyone: juniors, women, men, beginners and experts.

"In the 45-plus category, we can see riders in their 60s in these races," Harter said.

The state champion is determined by the success of today's final race, combined with points earned in cyclo-cross races held throughout the state. Harter expects 80-100 entries for the championships.

"Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota and Miami hold races during the season. We attract racers from as far away as New York and Wisconsin," Harter said. "The winner's cup is a couple of feet tall. It is really a great thing for Largo to be part of this."

Like auto racing, cyclo-cross features a pit crew area where cyclists can change out their skinny yet knobby tires, gulp some water, get a quick repair or even grab a different bike.

The action is fast and teamwork is important.

"It is very exciting and adventurous," Harter said.

Cyclo-cross 2008 State Champion Race 8 a.m. to noon today. Celebration and awards to follow. Largo Library, 120 Central Park Drive

[Last modified January 26, 2008, 21:17:31]