Western Slope Cyclocross Series Wraps up in Eagle

SM 3's winner on the weekend, Tom Hopper of Bikeman.com

Mafia Racing Jake Wells dominates weekend as series champions are crowned

The 2007 Western Slope Cyclocross Series was a diverse series in courses and conditions, and the series final in Eagle, Colorado was no different with Indian Summer conditions on Saturday and 6 inches of snow and full winter conditions on Sunday. Locals and riders in pursuit of series standings filled out the classes, putting on a great show of racing and fun.

“This series was more than what we expected,” claims series organizer Ken Bloomer, “We wanted to bring cyclocross to some new venues on the Western Slope (Colorado), and what we got in return was a great series with excellent venues and a strong following.”

The EagleCross took place on the Eagle County Fairgrounds and was organized by local bikeshop Mountain Pedaler owner, Charlie Brown. A combination of grassy fields, dirt paths, pave and some unique barriers (logs & ditches) made up the two courses on Saturday and Sunday, with snow as an added obstacle for all on Sunday. Bar to bar racing could be found in each category with Tom Hopper (Bikeman.com) dethroning the strangle hold of the Mullervy twins (Clif Bar Development Team), Kevin and Conor, at the front of the SM3 field. Hopper took wins on both days, while Kevin wrapped up the series title for the 3’s, racking up more total points for the series than any one else in any category. Brother Conor was 2nd in the series.

Conor & Kevin Mullervy

Tom Hayles continued his winning ways from Aspen in Eagle after a rough weekend in Gunnison that included a broken bike, rebounding ands taking 2nd and 1st on the weekend, sealing his series title. ZG teammate Thomas Usek nabbed the win from Hayles hands on day one, but found the snow on Sunday more difficult, leaving Hayles alone to solo in for the win.

Sandra Hyra pulled the double win on the weekend over fellow Squadra Velocita rider Annie Deprey, for a one-two in the series as well. Hyra rode solo both days at the front, while Annie was challenged in the early going both days, but pulled away from third place Megan Myrick.

Jake Wells (Mafia Racing) gave a cross clinic, showing why he is the real deal and a threat at any cross event. Day one saw Wells launch a vicious attack from the gun, dropping the likes of National Mountain Bike Champion Jay Henry (Tokyo Joes), along with Mike Jannel (Tokyo Joes) and Glen Wright (Moots). Wells was the only rider to consistently bunny-hop the ditches, and doing so smoothly easily gaining a few seconds each lap with his riding skills. Henry tried to counter about 2/3’s into the race, and while he cut slightly into the gap, he had to eventually concede the win by nearly half a minute at the line. Wells continued his winning ways with his blinding speed and riding skills on Sunday despite the adverse conditions, leaving only two others on the lead lap on day two. Joel Mischke (Basalt Bike and Ski) took the series finishing 6th and 3rd on the weekend.

Racers and spectators alike had much praise for the 2007 WSCXS, taking in some great venues in Aspen, Gunnison and Eagle. Courses and weather offered many challenges to the riders, and much fun was had by all. Many of these riders are looking forward to the upcoming UCI MountaineerCross, November 10 in Gunnison, and to the promise of more events in 2008 on the Western Slope.

2007 Series Champions

Juniors – Ryan Lake, Two Rivers Cycling

SM 35+ 4 – Brian Schaefer, Basalt Bike & Ski

SM 4 – JP Hutchens, Basalt Bike & Ski

SM 45+ - Chris Canfield

SM 55+ - (tie) Eric Nordsen, Blue Bicycles & Jacques Houot

SM 3 – Kevin Mullervy, ClifBar Development Team

SM 35+ - Thomas Hayles, Team ZG

SW Open – Sandra Hyra, Squadra Velocita

SM Open – Joel Mischke, Basalt Bike & Ski

Thank you to the series sponsors: Two Leaves and a Bud Tea Company, Wells Fargo, Chris King, Independent Fabrication, timbuk2, Kent Eriksen Cycles, DT Swiss, Voler Team Apparel, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Clif Bar, Thomson, Kona, Cravens Coffee, Aspen Rec Center, Basalt Bike & Ski, Mountain Pedaler, Cyclocrossworld.com, Crank Brothers, Paul Components, Shimano, The Alpineer, Monarch Ski Area, Dos Gringos Burritos