I was at the PA State Cyclocross Championships on Saturday November 29th watching my son race and photographing the race.  This day was sunny and Spring-like.  Very un-cyclocross I must say.  I was looking forward to the next day, shooting the Staten CX race. The weather forecast called for rain ALL DAY.  I always say shooting cycling events in the rain makes for the best cycling photos.  I got some killer shots at this past Summer’s Univest Grand Prix in Souderton, PA and at the Mercer Cup several weekends ago.  Cyclocross and mud go hand in hand.  Sunday’s Staten CX was going to be no different.

Upon arriving at Wolfe’s Pond park, the crew was still setting up the course.  It was raining and had been raining most of the night.  Yes, it was soggy out there.

The guys were trying to light the grill.  I’m not sure if they were doing it for warmth, breakfast, or maybe a little of both.  Unfortunately, the charcoal got wet and starting the fire proved to be difficult.  Christophe Jammet announced over the PA system a prize would be awarded to anyone who was willing to make a lighter-fluid run.

The CAT 4 Men lined up near the Ranger Station more or less on-time.  A couple of Rangers emerged from the warmth and dryness of their office to see what was going on.  With hot coffee in hand and judging by the looks on their faces, I knew they were thinking “man, these guys are fuc%&ng nuts!”  Just like that, with the blow of a whistle, the CAT 4’s were off and history was made as the first ‘cross race in seven years in NYC was underway!

What makes a ‘cross race successful, in my opinion, is multi-faceted.  You need the determination and dedication of the promoters, a supporting crowd, lots of racers, and an appropriate venue.  Chris Jammet and Jed Kornbluh went above and beyond and provided us with a true “Belgian Experience.” While God provided us with the Belgian weather, Chris, Jed, and the crew gave us FREE Belgian Waffles, Brats, Bacon, and hot cocoa!  A nice touch was a bike wash and indoor/heated bathrooms! I’m actually quite surprised Wolfe’s Pond Park hasn’t been used for ‘cross races more often.  This place has it all:

Natural run-up:

Man made run-up:

Sand:

Mud:

Barriers:

Single-track:

Cinnabon of Death:

Off-camber, off-road action:

This was a tough course.  And from what I’ve heard from ‘crosser after ‘cross tell me “The tougher the better.”

Here’s my man Eloy showing sheer determination:

Here’s what made it all worth it in the end: Waffles and Frites:

In addition, Chris, Jed, and countless others went above and beyond to make this a great race.  The hand-made custom trophies was an excellent idea.  After all, who wants another medal made in Taiwan?

In closing, here are a few more images from “around the race.”  Too see my action shots from all the race categories (except the Elite Men’s- I was just too wet, LOL) go to my website http://www.cyclingcaptured.com

 

-submitted by Anthony Skorochod