The Perfect Storm

I don't remember when it started raining last week, but I do know it stopped, at about 4pm yesterday afternoon. With a wet ground and permission to 'do whatever you want' we were set for Queensland's first cyclocross mud pit. We get a lot of complaints of having weather too good for cyclocross in Queensland, after last night's race, summer racing is here to stay.

To prove how good it was here is a picture from Marty that captures the aftermath.

The kids started the night and began the removal of the top layer of the course. The Butler brothers bookmarked Patrick 'no hands' Flood to duplicate the podium from Murarrie 2 weeks ago.

In the Open race there was an even split of men and women. The youngest in the field, Alex Clairs put on a quick break at the start and maintained a hot pace to take the win unchallenged. Marty borrowed a bike at the last minute and redeemed his shock on-the-line loss to Imogen at last year's Murarrie CX race (he was still beaten by a girl). Queensland Cyclocross own group member Emma Best put away her 3rd straight win in the women's event this year.

A and B grades started together with a lot of shoving through the first corner. It was a tight course and the surface quickly deteriorated forcing riders to change lines and race tactics. A group of A grade riders worked together and held tight until the bell lap when Lawson Hartshorn made his break to claim the gold cowbell. The B grade race saw battles for positions all through the field. Up the front at lap 8, Jason Smith eventually took the lead to win the category, with the minor places being hard fought until the end.

As usual I have to thank the many hands that come together to allow these races to happen. SRAM continue support with supplying us with race tape and prizes, Richard Butler from Pushies Galore for helping us out with the PA, Brisbane Hardcourt Bike Polo for putting on the BBQ and supplying an awesome cheer squad. Brisbane South Mountain Bike Club has given us a huge level of support and understanding while Cyclocross continues to develop in Queensland. The informal Queensland Cyclocross group of Andrew (master MC), Emma (woman's race development officer/gold cowbell collector), Simon (expert barrier builder), David, Russell, Adam, Imogen and the many others who jumped in to land a hand. 

Full results are here (down the page a bit)

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Coming up next
Pushies Galore Bowl-O-Cross 5th May
Women's (and kids) skills clinics