For the majority of cyclists, cold, wet weather provides a good reason to stay indoors. For cyclo-cross competitors however, such weather provides the perfect opportunity to get out and ride.
Taking advantage of storms throughout the area, several cyclo-cross riders descended on Parque de Vida on Nov. 16 to compete in the second leg of the Durango Performance Cyclo-Cross Series.
Featured in the exciting event, which required riders to navigate a tight course while carrying their bikes over several obstacles, were many professional riders and some of cyclo-cross’s brightest stars.
“It was pretty perfect because we got the storms the night before,” said Fort Lewis College cyclo-cross coach Chad Cheeney. “The mud set up just right. Everybody seemed to like the course. It was pretty non-stop action.”
Coming out on top in the A Men’s Race was former Fort Lewis Cycling Coach, well known professional cyclist and Durango resident Matt Shriver.
Following Shriver were Durango residents Ben Sonntag and Mike Wilk.
In the A Women’s Race, Durango Resident Carmen Small, who recently won a team time trial world championship, came out on top.
Not far behind were Fort Lewis College senior Brittany Clawson and Durango cyclist Brianne Marshall.
Although no local riders from Cortez competed in this year’s event, several local residents, as well as Kokopelli Bike and Board, helped make the event possible.
Next up in the Durango Performance Cyclo-Cross series will be competitions at Fort Lewis College on Nov. 23, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.
“Cyclo-Cross is pretty obtainable for riders of all levels,” explained Cheeney, discussing why individuals might want to attend upcoming events. “It can be fun to get a good work out with your friends and get some adrenaline going.”