Corridor Devo Storms World Cup Races

photo courtesy of Corridor Devo

Jingle Cross and the Trek CXC are right around the corner and the Juniors racing for Corridor Devo are ready. "My first race was Jingle Cross," said Aidan Jacobsen. "From there I fell in love with cyclocross and immediately wanted to do the next race I possibly could. I bothered my dad to sign me up for Trek the next weekend. It really helped me get into cyclocross."

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"My favorite things about Trek and Jingle Cross are the opportunities to race Juniors from around the world and seeing the pros race," said Jocelyn Jacobsen, Aidan's sister. "The competition is better because you are racing with more people, better racers." Jocelyn and teammate Olivia Caskey have also both participated in clinics for junior women at Trek CXC.

Cam Bimson's favorite thing about the World Cup races? "There are tons of cool people from all over that come to race. I have met kids from all over the place and even made friends with some of the pros by being able to talk to them and even hosting some of them for Jingle Cross." 

photo courtesy of Corridor Devo

Jingle Cross and the Trek CXC have been groundbreaking in many ways, not the least of which is offering a full slate of amateur racing alongside the spectacle of the World Cup. Is the racing too hard for Juniors and beginners? Not everyone agrees.

Olivia's father, Ben Caskey, argues that World Cup races would not be the best choice for a first race to compete in, but definitely a race to come watch and learn from. His son Griffin thinks the races are more competitive but not too hard. 

Jocelyn says, "Jingle Cross is very welcoming because of the Junior Cup on Saturday. Going up Mount Krumpit is the hardest part, especially in the mud like last year." 

photo courtesy of Corridor Devo

Cam recommends the World Cup races to beginners as they get the full experience of a race that size. He says yes, they are harder, but in that the competition is harder. "There are usually so many more kids racing at these events and the abilities are all across the board. If you are a new racer there is a great chance that there are other new racers in your category."

There's also more to these events than racing. "I have definitely made friends at bigger races such as Jingle Cross and Trek and even nationals," said Aidan. "It's a great place to meet people because just walking around the course you can run into someone from another country or all the way across the country and get to talk to them and learn about where they're from and how they live. It's a great way to meet people."

And as Aidan reminds us, for locals Jingle Cross means a little something more: "I think it's great, especially as my dad is so involved with Jingle Cross, to see how it can all come together so quickly and perfectly, and the sense of community Jingle Cross can bring to Iowa City. People here are so proud to put it on every year. It's just a great thing it happens."

photo courtesy of Corridor Devo