Cyclocross the rebirth of American cycling?

Abso-fricken-lutely! Much like mountain bike racing was in the 90's and the Lance-era was for road biking in the 2000's I firmly believe that cyclocross is the Next Great Frontier in American Cycling.

It's a discipline that is fun, challenging, fast, and, best of all, spectator friendly! The problem is, it's still not a huge hit in the US. But that's changing...

Mention a mountain bike to your average citizen, and they have a pretty good idea of what you're talking about. Bring up Lance or the Tour in a conversation, and, yup. They've heard of it.

Mention a US 'cross star like Trebon, Wicks, Page, Johnson, Wells, and you get a blank stare. Bring up Euro superstars like Nys, Albert, Wellens, et al and the reaction is something like, "What's a Nys? Cyclocross? What are you talking about?"

But, if the local events I've attended recently, and the fantastic growth in national events, have anything to say about it, that will all change soon.

What makes me so sure? Easy. It's not the number of competitors, although the steady increase is very telling. It's not the number of events, but, again, the more the better! Rather, it's the number of spectators. They keep coming! And there's more and more of them!

In Europe a cyclocross race is a true EVENT. Fans line the entire course 4-5 people deep, straining to catch a glimpse of their favorite star, and reveling in the atmosphere. In Europe, they tailgate, they drink beer and eat greasy food (friets sound great...), they dress up in crazy costumes, they wager, they they cheer, they jeer, they party! Sounds familiar, right? Kind of like a football game? Sounds like something 'Merican's could really get into, right?

I sure hope so. In fact, it looks like it's becoming a reality... take a look at this video from yesterday's CX Elite Nationals in Bend Oregon. 100+ of the nation's best 'crossers, and thousands of fans!

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True, North American cyclo-cross (or cycling in general for that matter) will never be as popular as it is in Europe. It just isn't in our culture... Much like soccer; the true football; cycling has been an integral part of European life for decades, and will continue to be for time unknown. But, again, much like soccer, American's seem to really be catching on. I, for one, am glad to see it!

How Long?

How long really is long enough when it comes to doping bans in pro cycling? If the continued abuse of doping is any indication, the current term of 2 years, while certainly daunting, really doesn't seem to have a huge effect.

McQuaid is pushing for 4 years. Is that enough? Some say yes, others no. I've spoken to several people that think individual bans will NEVER be long enough. Rather, it needs to be a combination of individual AND team bans/fines. I see the logic here (teams will be more likely to self-police their riders if they have more at stake) but frankly, I'm not sure if it will really make the desired impact, especially if the team is already involved as has been claimed in many cases.

What about lifetime bans? Seems pretty harsh, right? I bet it would cut WAY back on offenses though, especially when guys like Contador threaten to retire anyway!

In the end, I always come back to one thing. Doping (i.e. cheating) is inevitable. No matter how harsh the fine or consequences there will be those that are willing to take the risk.

I bet, before long, California will lobby to legalize it. :)

Transitions

So. Today I begin a new job!

I've hung up my retail/management hat and am officially stepping into the "bike manufacturer" realm. Today is my first day working for Felt Bicycles!

I know this will be a bit of a shock for many people in the sport, especially here in Buffalo, as we kept the move fairly quiet in respect to Tri Spot.

To all of you that have been long time supporters and customers I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I've had a blast working with all of you and appreciate all you've done for me! Don't worry, though, I'm not going far! I am happy to continue helping and supporting you!

Keep checking here for updates, as well as tidbits from life "inside" the "inside" of the bike industry!