Sunday, 12/12/99 SuperCup Series at the San Francisco Presidio

If you've never been to a CycloCross race (which is what the "SuperCup" series actually is), you're in for a real treat.  Unlike mountain bike races, where the course might be so big that you don't get treated to all that much excitement from any one place, CycloCross races are held on crazy zig-zag courses that might be a mile in length and yet cover an area not much bigger than a few football fields.  The SuperCup series put on by our local GaleForce Sports Marketing organization was no exception, and the many hundreds (perhaps a couple thousand?) of spectators were treated to some real fun!

The dominant team was clearly Saturn/LeMond, with a number of riders always at the front. For a short time, Tim Johnson was out in front, seen negotiating one of the nastier descents.
The key is in the legwork.  Check out this 7-year-old's fancy footwork, completely clear of the cranks (no, he wasn't on the course during the race). Obviously, the rider on the ground would already be up and on his bike again if his feet hadn't been clipped in!
No really long climbs, just a lot of "junk" to keep you on your toes. Our future Cyclocrosser once again showing us how it's done!  Of course, it did take several tries...
One lap to go, with Johnson (in blue) and three Saturn riders! I believe this is Johnson, Bowen and Mark McCormack on the final lap.
Bowen, McCormack and Johnson crossing the line in an exciting finish!

Looking back on it, and the fun my 7-year-old had riding parts of the course afterward, I think it might be a fun idea to have a father/kid ride, one lap, where the kid gets to do all the flat and downhill stuff, and dad gets to carry the bike over the barriers etc.  OK, maybe just half a lap!

By the way, on Friday our very own Bruno Colchen rode in the Men's C-class event and took 13th out of 49 riders...in his very first Cyclocross event. 

Last updated 05/06/05

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