Redmond, WA - What do mail carriers and ‘cross racers have in common? Rain, hail, and unwavering dedication to their chosen courses. Nearly a thousand spectators proved just as passionate to the sport as true northwest-style (read: “muddy”) cyclocross reigned at the Group Health Velodrome Saturday night.Despite the drenching downpour on the early races at King County’s MarymoorPark in Redmond, WA, our hardy bell-clanging fans still packed the windingcourse and Toña Cerveza Beer Garden, letting riders know they wereall in it together.In stark contrast to last year’s balmy event, this year’s Clif Bar/FullSpeed Ahead’s Star Crossed Cyclocross race was chilly and slick. But nomatter to the talented and versatile Carl Decker(Giant Bicycles), who successfullydefended his 2004 Elite Men’s championship, and Lynn Besette (Louis Garneau)returning to ‘cross with a dominating victory in the Elite Women’s race.Weather wasn’t the only barrier for our determined racers: two setsof wooden barricades, a log jam run-up, muddy traverses, and a steep Slideruleride-over bridge separated the boys from the men, and women from the girls.Steadfast fans were rewarded with a break in the weather and a supercompetitive Elite Men’s race. An early charge by Kona riders Ryan Trebonand Barry Wicks made it clear the contest was between four men: Wicks,Tim Johnson (Cylcocross World), Geoff Kabush (Maxxis) and defending champDecker. Johnson took command at the mid-race point, attempting a triumphantreturn to ‘cross after a two year absence.Kabush and Wicks eventually brought him back with Wicks gaining an impressivegap as the final laps approached. Holding 4th was Decker, contemplatinghis finishing charge. With one lap to go Decker flew past Wicks enteringthe infield, dashing anyone else’s hope for victory. Decker rode the finallap of the slick, muddy course with impressive precision, allowing a showydismount at the finish line that sent his ghost-ridden bike coasting pastofficials and the hysterical crowd. Wicks would defeat Kabush in a shoulderto shoulder sprint for second that capped the epic night of racing.Results
Elite Men -
1. Carl Decker – Giant Bicycles
2. Barry Wicks – Kona
3. Geoff Kabush – Maxxis
4. Tim Johnson – Cyclocross World
5. Russell Stevenson – Benaroya Research Institute
6. Ryan Trebon – Kona
7. Brent Prenzlow – Celo Pacific Salsa
8. Shannon Skerrit – Vanilla Bicycles
9. Brandon Dwight – TIAA Cref / Clif Bar
10. Ben Turner - TIAA Cref / Clif Bar
11. Jonny Sundt – Pedal Dynamics / Javelin
12. Chris McGovern – Alan
13. Michael Gallesha – US Armed Forces
14. Dale Knapp – KonaElite Women
1. Lynn Besette – Louis Garneau
2. Rhonda Mazza – Team S & M
3. Stacey Spencer – Cycle Smart
4. Anne Knapp – Kona
5. Wendy Simms – Kona
6. Josie Beggs – Starbucks
7. Kristi Berg – Bicycle Center
8. Hollie McGovern – Sierra Express
9. Brigette Stoick – Veloshop
10. Sue Butler – River City
11. Jadine Riley – Group Health
12. Ingrid Spies – Ti Cycles
13. Beth Lyndon-Griffith – Byrne Specialty Gases
14. Dani Danee
15. Kristen Smith – REI
16. Susan Ashlock - Byrne Specialty Gases
17. Karen Amudsen - REI