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Singlespeed ’cross worlds descend on Portland one last time

By Matt Karre
Published: Nov. 6, 2009
The 2009 race poster
The 2009 race poster
Photo: courtesy

The Pacific Northwest has long been known for its cyclocross fanaticism. Portland and Seattle have become synonymous with muddy, intense racing. Perhaps most overpowering is the singlespeed cyclocross passion that radiates throughout the region.

In due fashion, Portland will host the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships (SSCXWC) one last time this weekend, before handing the event off to the next worthy city.

The previous two editions of the event saw large attendance numbers among racers, spectators and even industry types. While those races required a qualifying event the day before the main race, the 2009 championships will admit all who register before the maximum field size is met.

This year's SSCXWC is a two-day event at Portland International Raceway. Saturday will be a cyclocross activity day dedicated to Portland and all its cycling attributes followed by a party hosted by the Oregon Manifest, Portland's month long bicycle extravaganza, concluding with the SSCXWC.

Sunday is the main spectacle. The championship race will directly follow the Pro Men's race of the Cross Crusade. Racers will have the chance to race as many as 3 or 4 races that day with Masters categories, singlespeed, pro men and women, and then the world championships.

Trebon in the bubbly at the 2008 singlespeed championships
Trebon in the bubbly at the 2008 singlespeed championships
Photo: John Roth

Last year, Kona-FSA's Ryan Trebon entered and won the Cross Crusade singlespeed race and the pro race, only to meet with some mechanical and technical difficulties in the championship race.

This year, Trebon is expected to return, perhaps seeking revenge, along with 2008 Champ Barry Wicks, Adam Craig, 2008 Champ Sue Butler, 2007 Champ Wendy Williams and Carl Decker, among many others.

Racers from as far away as Japan have registered, along with a strong Canadian contingent. Winners this year will be awarded custom-built frames from local builders Spanner Bicycles and Pereira Cycles.

In celebration of Portland's final Grand Boucle, Raleigh Bicycles produced a limited number of singlespeed cyclocross framesets custom painted with SSCXWC colors and logos. Framesets are $725 and are available through the events' website www.sscxwc09.com. One lucky buyer will receive the exclusive white-painted frame that includes an incredible Shimano Dura-Ace build kit.

This year's race theme is Thunderdome, depicting the race for world champion and the competition for race ownership. Hundreds of men (and women) enter, one man (and woman) leaves.

As with past years, the race will certainly include incredible and certainly non-traditional cyclocross obstacles. If last year's tunnel of foam and giant windmill was any indication, this year, with a Thunderdome influence, should easily set a new standard for race presentation.

Weather forecasts show rain developing late in the week and into the weekend. In addition to the never-before-seen course distractions, racers will likely enjoy the challenge of mud.

Expect a massive and boisterous clan of spectators, plenty of Cyclosportif Belgian waffles, frites and libations, and the energy that makes the Portland cyclocross scene what it is.

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