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'cross
words

Not   in   Wisconsin

9/12/2019

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Never enough cyclocross, but you can't make it to Trek? Team Denovo has you covered.
Saturday, September 21st, "Valley Cross will be the best race that's not in Wisconsin."
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photo courtesy of Team Denovo
Now in its fourth year, the Valley Community Center Cyclocross Course in West Des Moines is more than ready for a prime time debut. "We know we will lose racers to the Trek Cup," explains Jeff Osbourn, "but we are excited to host an earlier race this year when it's warmer."
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Of course true cyclocross fans savor late season races, but at a cost. Cold weather sucks even for cyclocross, and the race last year race was painful enough to prove it. Worse still, the late date meant a short day, and little chance to run a full schedule of race categories. That ruled out Valley Cross for the state cx series.
"This will be our first year as part of the Iowa CX Series. We have a great venue and course for the series, but the course is also open seven days a week from sun-up to sun-down.  We see people out there all the time."
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The course itself is 1.7 miles long, mainly flat, and very fast.  With sweeping corners and the course well broken in, it's very beginner friendly.  "This course favors riders with a lot of power," said Osborn. "We know of several people who state this is their favorite place to ride." 

Valley Cross is Saturday, September 21. Bragging rights and Iowa CX Series points are at stake, as well as cash prizes for all but the Juniors and the Fat Bike category.  If you're not in Wisconsin, don't miss it.
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Corridor   Devo   Storms   World   Cup   Races

9/9/2019

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Picturephoto 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."

"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." 
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photo courtesy of Corridor Devo
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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." 
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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."
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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."
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photo courtesy of Corridor Devo
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The   World   Cup   Comes   Close   to   Home

9/4/2019

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Caelyn Bailey's favorite thing about the World Cup races at Jingle Cross and the Trek CXC? "The experience of being on the same course as the professionals."
Caleyn should know. At a 'cross racing age of just 13 she's already raced at Jingle Cross and Trek CXC three years running.
"If you are just starting out, I would recommend starting in a more local race," says Spin Devo's Junior racer, "because most people that race in a World Cup event have had more experience. However, World Cup events help fully embrace the cyclocross atmosphere. Local races are easier but you can always learn something new at a world cup event."
Caelyn's mother, Brooke Bailey, was a founder of the Spin Devo development team in Mason City. She also races single speed and masters.
"We absolutely love the World Cup events and we feel very fortunate to have two right in our backyard," said Brooke. "I don’t know of any other sport that is so friendly; where pros and amateurs commingle.
"Our Juniors seem to thrive in these environments! The stories about eating breakfast with Wout and sharing pizza with Katie Compton and Katie Keogh resonate all year, if not through their lifetime."

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"The Compton/ Keogh camp is one of my personal highlights of Trek," said Caelyn. "I always learn something new.  The competition at a world cup event is much different then a local race. The atmosphere and race brings a closer experience to nationals than any local race."
"The kids are on the edge of exploding," said Brooke. "They look forward to these race weekends all year, a great time with the team and a time where they feel 'so close to pro.' To me, that is what it’s all about: fostering a wonderful environment where the kids can bloom."
"In my opinion, these events bring the future of cycling and cyclocross to light. I love when a bystander asks about this 'cycling thing.'  It’s clear that opportunities in cycling are spreading in the US, and it's rewarding to be on the brink of that movement!"
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Trek CXC is run on the company's factory grounds. Their "Factory Hill" does not lie.
There's still time to register for both Jingle Cross and Trek CXC, whether you're a Junior, a Cat 5, a wannabe pro, or a Masters racer. Then again, you can also just come watch and cheer us on.
If you're in the Iowa City area, Jingle Cross is still looking for volunteer help this week and through the race weekend.  Come help make it happen!
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The   Other   (Dirty   Wooden)   Shoe   Drops

8/23/2019

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"Dirty Wooden Shoe is a great event and has something for everyone," said Vanessa Curtis of Iowa City Cycling Club. "There are some challenging technical elements including the Dutch Letters and some long uphill segments that tax the cardiovascular system,  which make it a great tune-up for Jingle Cross." ​
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"Dirty Wooden Shoe is always a favorite as it’s my hometown course," added Trevor Roose (Iowa City Cycling Club). "I mean, who wouldn’t want a chance to win a hand carved wooden shoe?"
"Dirty Wooden Shoe is similar to Cannonball in that it’s primarily a grass course," he explained, "also with plenty of good straight-aways for putting down some power. DWS does have a couple tighter cornering sections, as well as the crowd favorite 'Dutch Letters,' a tight 'S' curve section up and down a hillside. The course is built on that hillside, with multiple trips up and down, so it all stacks up to a decent amount of climbing!"
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"It is also an unintimidating  course  for a beginner cyclocross rider," said Curtis, "with friendly people, flowing sections to practice  cornering, and multiple barriers to work on mounts and dismounts."
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Most years Dirty Wooden Shoe includes a set of standard wood barriers, a couple 4x4s on a hillside climb, a whole drain pipe, and a set of two half pipes. Unless you're good at bunny hopping that can add up to four dismounts each lap. Even more if you mistime the "Dutch Letters."
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"Finally," said Curtis, "Dirty Wooden Shoe is a fantastic excuse to visit the Pella area, get some of the real (edible) Dutch Letters and drink some Peace Tree brews." With Jaarsma Bakery just down the road in Pella and race sponsor Peace Tree nearby in Knoxville, it's hard to argue with that!
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Waiting for the album to drop? Getting the band back together?
​We might need to do a caption contest...
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Cyclocross   Starts   with   a   Bang   at   Cannonball   Cross

8/23/2019

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Are you ready for cyclocross? Ready or not, next weekend the fourth edition of Cannonball Cross will open Iowa's season in a big way. No shot across the bow, it's more like the battle is on. "This race is a great Opener to the CX season," said Twisted Spokes' Kathleen Porter, "to get you acclimated to the toughness and fun that is cyclocross!"
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Cannonball has always been a tough race. "One of the reasons we decided to put on Cannonball Cross was Jingle Cross becoming a World Cup race and moving to September," explained Race Director Dave Delperdang. "We needed another race to get ready for that and for Waterloo, Wisconsin's Trek CXC Cup." The Mason City race draws talent from across the upper Midwest. The competition is  fierce, but Delperdang and Spin Devo make sure it's fun as well.
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"It is a very well run event with a challenging course," says Porter, "It has a little bit of everything from off camber switchbacks, wide open flats, steep hillside climbing and a super steep flyover* feature. The venue is very good with ample parking and there has been a food truck on deck. A well laid out course makes it spectator friendly from different viewing points."
"Cannonball is fairly flowy with lots of good straight aways on a mostly grass course," said Trevor Roose of Iowa City Cycling Club.
"There are a couple good off-camber sections that can be tricky, as well as a couple stairs and a hill run up with a barrier right before, making it tough to ride. Last year's race was really muddy, so we’ll see if this year's is dry and fast!"

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The race venue, Mason City's beautiful East Park, couldn't be more inviting to families. There's plenty for kids to do in the park when they aren't racing, many options for food and drink around Mason City, and even camping just to the north across the Winnebago River in MacNider Campgrounds.
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Last year was Cannonball Cross' first rainy edition, and it did not disappoint at all. So far, though, the forecast for 2019 looks pleasantly cool, dry, and very fast!
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Cannonball Cross is the first two racing days for the Iowa Cyclocross Series, followed by day three and four the following week in Pella. "Cannonball and Dirty Wooden Shoe are similar," suggested Roose, "but they each offer a little different taste. Neither are incredibly technical, so both would be great beginner courses. Cannonball offers a little more off-the-bike action with the stairs and run-ups, and DWS has more climbing and good cornering sections. DWS is a bit shorter than Cannonball, so expect a few more laps."
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* Actually, that notorious flyover Porter mentioned above? It's had a makeover since last year.
Delperdang describes the new flyover as "A foot shorter, with one less stair step, and the ramp is less steep and has a rounded transition to flat." While this is undoubtably progress, a few may miss the ramp the way it was.
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Cannonball Cross is August 31 and September 1, 2019 in Mason City's East Park.
Register now at bikereg.com.
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'Cross   is   Here

8/21/2019

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'Cross practices have begun. Two early season favorites, Cannonball Cross and Dirty Wooden Shoe, are only a week or two away. (C


heck CRANDIC Calendar for more.) The 2019 cyclocross season is truly here, and there's a lot to look forward to.
Cannonball Cross and Dirty Wooden Shoe mark the start of cyclocross season.

Sign   Up   How

So what's new this year? For starters, signing up. If your eyes gloss over at USACycling announcements you might have missed their new partnership with East Coast based BikeReg.com. Instead of splitting the honors, BikeReg.com will now handle all online registrations for USAC-sanctioned events. It works similarly to what you've done through USACycling in the past, but it will be nice to have all races in one spot. 
This also makes us wonder if USAC's national ranking system will give way to BikeReg's own crossresults.com. Reportedly, though, for now the two systems will continue separately.
As for actual races, so far the news is a bit of a mixed bag. There is no Intergalactic Cyclocross Championship on the calendar for 2019 ("Too many great races this year filling the calendar already!"). But a great venue with that kind of history is bound to return at some point.
In Iowa City, there's no final word yet on a practice race at Coralville Creekside Cross, but a weekday evening event, City Park Community CX, was just announced for Wednesday, September 4. 

FayetteCross

​With two World Cup races nearly in our backyards and a full season of great Iowa cyclocross races, why are we so excited about the FayetteCross UCI race in October down in Arkansas? Worlds 2022.
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​When the UCI announced Fayetteville as the site for Cyclocross Worlds, some people were left scratching their heads. Mountain bike fans, though, already knew BikeNWA as the folks who made Northwest Arkansas a mtb mecca. They and the UCI both knew that with enthusiastic backing from the Walton Family Foundation (Walmart), BikeNWA is more than capable of remaking Fayetteville into a cyclocross destination.
​As 
VeloNews reported back in February, "For the next three years, cycling advocates and organizers in Northwest Arkansas will work to create a grassroots cyclocross scene to support the world’s biggest cyclocross event." Our first chance to race what will become Worlds 2022 is FayetteCross, October 5 & 6, 2019! (500+ miles from Eastern Iowa, about 8 hours of driving.) More soon!

MidWest   REgional   Championship

Last year, after missing the Chicago Cross Cup's season finale at sandy Montrose Harbor, we were disappointed to hear that it would no longer serve as the Illinois State Championship. What we didn't know at the time was that instead, for 2019 Montrose Harbor will be the MidWest Regional Championship. Considering that Nationals is nearly 2000 miles away on the West Coast this year, and that Iowa's State Championship is slated for November, Montrose Harbor will be the place to be Sunday, December 8. (Montrose Harbor, Chicago is 240 miles away, around 4 hours drive.)
photos courtesy of SnowyMountain Photography

Nationals   2020

Even further up the road, but no less exciting, Cyclocross Nationals 2020 will be in Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. It's a new venue and we don't know much yet, but not since Madison have Nationals been so close to home. If you weren't worrying about your points before you may want to start -- the next two years are one long build up to Cantigny Park! (Wheaton, IL is 200 miles or so, around 3 hours.)
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Practice   Makes   Perfect

8/17/2019

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Okay, so not perfect, exactly. Let's say practice makes us better. In cyclocross wasted seconds add up fast, so the better prepared you are at the line the better your race will be. It's still fun, just fast and fun.
Luckily, Corridor 'cross racers have some options for honing their skills. CRANDIC Racing and friends will be at Coralville Creekside Cross Tuesdays from 5:30 on. You can even ride out via the recently extended Clear Creek Bike Trail. All are welcome, just wear a helmet.
For the latest updates drop us a line.
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Just 30 minutes away in Cedar Rapids, CRCX and the Bike Rags Racing Team will be practicing at Daniels Park at 5pm each Wednesday evening.
Cyclocross is only weeks away. Pull off your bottle cages, let some air out of your tires, and come get ready for 'cross!
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Looking   Forward   to   Louisville

12/6/2018

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Just a few fun teasers for Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky December 11-16.
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Check USAC for start lists, rules, technical guide, parking...

CX Magazine's   Guide   to   Nationals

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Plus their Continuing coverage of CX Nats 18.2 and a Local's Guide to Louisville.
For an even closer look at the course itself and some interesting background check out CXHairs' excellent Course Preview.

Broadcast   Live   Sunday

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Juniors, Youth Women, U23 Men, Elite Women, and Elite Men starting at 8am CT.

Youtube CX videos from Joe Creason Park at the 2017 Pan-American Championship
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and the Derby City Cup
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Download USAC's CXNats Technical Guide for rules, eligibility, course and venue maps, schedule, and more.
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This   Weekend   Before   Nationals

12/2/2018

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Cyclocross Nationals start in just a week, but there are plenty of cross races on offer in the Midwest this weekend, including CornerstoneCX in Ames and the Midwest Regional Championship in Sun Prairie Wisconsin. Both races are Saturday, December 8, and both are preparing warming stations to help racers stay out of the cold. Other than that these two races are quite different: the Regional Championship is classic cyclocross at a storied venue, while CornerstoneCX is all new this year adding one or two unique twists to our beloved sport.
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CornerstoneCX,   Ames

CornerstoneCX will feature two waves of races on two separate courses, all for the price of one. It also welcomes non-racers to come try riding the course ... for free. Race Director Scott Wall (Ames Velo) explained: "Because of the late date we figured people might be burned out on cross and we wanted to offer something different.
"​We hope the race-off between the fastest and slowest riders in each group with no additional fees will hook people into coming and staying around for a second race. Keeping the second race short (think fat tire criteriums) should keep the intensity high, too – there won’t be time to ease into the  race then pick off riders ahead of you. ​
"The race was an idea of Jason Quinn’s, our promotions guru. We hammered out the format with six of us bouncing ideas off each other. We’re getting tents with heaters, so people can watch the races with some semblance of warmth. And we’ll have a food truck on site, Rico’s Tacos. Rico's has a big following in Ames."
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courtesy of Rico's Tacos
If you're confused at all by the unusual format, don't worry. Ames Velo has it laid out clearly on their website along with maps and profiles. For the latest info check the Cornerstone CX Facebook page. The race is just an hour and forty minutes drive from Cedar Rapids and two hours from Iowa City. 

Midwest   Cyclocross    Championship,   Sun   Prairie,   WI

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courtesy of L5 Racing
Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin has held a special place in the hearts of 'cross racers since the heady days of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross (2009-2012) when it served as one of only four stops in the national series. ​Saturday, for the third year running, it will play host to the Midwest Cyclocross Championships.
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courtesy of L5 Racing
"This isn't the same course from the  USGP days, but it is held on the same grounds," explained Race Director Travis Gruchow of L5 Racing. "Every year the course has been different. This year we took the course description of Nationals into consideration. We don't have the same elevation to play with here at Angell Park, but we will have some climbs to help prep racers.
"For sure you can expect a hill ride/run up with three off-set railroad ties at the bottom, and we are thinking of placing barriers near the finish like Nationals. Our course incorporates technical riding skills and off camber. If you are good at riding your bike you can take advantage of that."
Registration, results, and podiums will be at Nitty Gritty across the street from the North end of the park. Staging, start, and finish will be on that end of the park as well.
Travis and L5 are well prepared to face the elements. "The first year we got dumped on with snow and had to change the course the morning of the race because we could not get plows into some of the more technical features that we had taped up. There was enough snow that you couldn't physically ride your bike through any of the course. We left one section unplowed and moved that section a few times to give a new fresh section of fresh powder -- Makeshift sandpit!"
With Saturday's temps predicted to peak in the 20s, L5 has arranged two warming areas this year, with registration and staging in heated tents. "Inside two minutes to go we will roll you out to the starting grid in order and off you go."
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courtesy of L5 Racing
The Midwest Regional Championship promises some of the best competition in the region. But if one last race isn't enough for you, or if you want a second tune-up on your way down to Louisville, Sunday check out the Chicago Cuttin Crew's Afterglow in Douglas Park, Chicago. See CXMagazine for an excellent write-up of both races.
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Who's   Going   to   Louisville?

11/28/2018

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Congrats to all of our cyclocross-crazy Iowans on their way to the National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. Go get it!

Luke Arens

Corridor Devo

Coralville

Men Non-Championship 11-22

Caelyn Bailey

Spin Devo

Mason City

Women Non-Championship 11-22

 

 

 

Women Junior 11-12

Colton Bailey

Spin Devo

Mason City

Men Non-Championship 11-22

 

 

 

Men Junior 15-16

Steve Bailey

Spin Racing

Mason City

Men Singlespeed

Sarah Barber

CRANDIC Racing Club

Cedar Rapids

Women Master 55-59

Alijah Beatty

NorthStar Development Cycling

Washington

Women U23 19-22 Pro/Cat 1/2/3

Cooper Bernstein

Spin Devo

Altoona

Men Non-Championship 11-22

 

 

 

Men Junior 11-12

Cameron Bimson

Corridor Devo

Cedar Rapids

Men Junior 13-14

Tony Burnett

 

Cedar Rapids

Men Industry

Brody Burnham

Spin Devo

Altoona

Men Non-Championship 11-22

 

 

 

Men Junior 15-16

 

 

 

Men Singlespeed

Griffin Caskey

Corridor Devo

Kalona

Men Junior 11-12

Tara Coady

CRANDIC Racing Club

Iowa City

Women Non-Championship 40+

 

 

 

Women Master 50-54

Jim Cochran

Rule #5 Nick's Cycling/
Mennen Plumbing

Iowa City

Men Master 50-54

Kyle Crossett

Rule #5 Nick’s Cycling/
Mennen Plumbing

Iowa City

Men Non-Championship 23-39

Maeghan Easler

Ames Velo

Des Moines

Women U23 19-22 Pro/Cat 1/2/3

Harry Fortney

 

Kelley

Men Master 65-69

Luke Feuerhelm

Above & Beyond Cancer Junior Cycling Team

Merrill

Men Junior 15-16

Kurtis Goertz

Sakari Sushi Lounge Race Team p/b Smart Honda

West Des Moines

Men Master 55-59

 

 

 

Men Singlespeed

Aidan Jacobsen

Corridor Devo

Iowa City

Men Junior 13-14

Jocelyn Jacobsen

Corridor Devo

Iowa City

Women Junior 13-14

Ryan Jacobsen

Rule#5 Nick's Cycling/
Mennen Plumbing

Iowa City

Men Master 40-44

Ethan Jedlicka

ASU Junior Development

Marion

Men U23 19-22 Pro/Cat 1/2/3

Reece Linder

Ames Velo

Cedar Rapids

Men U23 19-22 Pro/Cat 1/2/3

Noah Marcus

Zealous Racing

Des Moines

Men Master 45-49

Jon Nelson

Sioux City Velo

Sioux City

Men Master 50-54

Seamus O’Connor-Walker

Ames Velo

Ames

Men U23 19-22 Pro/Cat 1/2/3

Dakota Olsen

Central Junior Cycling Devo

Le Mars

Men Non-Championship 11-22

 

 

 

Men Junior 15-16

 

 

 

Men Singlespeed

Brayden Pearce

Spin Devo                 

Mason City

Men Non-Championship 11-22

 

 

 

Men Junior 11-12

John Stonebarger

CRANDIC Racing Club

Iowa City

Men Non-Championship 50+

 

 

 

Men Master 55-59

 

 

 

Men Singlespeed

Robert Thompson

Rule#5 Nick's Cycling/
Mennen Plumbing

Iowa City

Men Master 40-44

Weston Turner

Corridor Devo

Cedar Rapids

Men Non-Championship 11-22

 

 

 

Men Junior 17-18

Dave Volante

Sakari Sushi Lounge Race Team p/b Smart Honda

Clive

Men Master 55-59

 

 

 

Men Singlespeed

Josh Witney

FULL CYCLE CYCLOCROSS TEAM

Iowa City

Men Master 35-39

 

 

 

Men Singlespeed


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    Races   &
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