This weekend The Bicycle Heaven Crew shipped off to Louisville Kentucky for the 2013 Cyclocross World Championships. Our trip started off with staying up all night to leave at 2:00am and drive through some wonderful winter weather that had been waiting all year for us to leave on a road trip. We strapped the chains on the Volkswagen and decided to fight the elements, this was essential to seeing a full day of racing.
The Juniors Race was cool to see as so many juniors from around the world came to duke it out on one awesome Cyclocross stage. Our local favorite David Lombardo raced great and got more cheers than anyone else in the race needless to say Chicago Cross Cup Fans were everywhere and made themselves known. I don’t know exactly where he finished but I want to say it was in the top third of the field.
We watched a full day of racing after the Juniors starting with the Women’s Pro Race where Katie Compton had a huge comeback halfway through the race to get second place. The title went to Marianne Vos who was an absolute beast and gave little chance to anyone else. Following the Women’s race was the U23 race then the pros.
The Pro Race was exciting I have never seen a crowd at a cross race this large and this wild and probably never will again. This most likely will be a once in a lifetime experience. The racers were fast, real fast, fastest in the world you might say and the crowd knew it. Cyclocross junkies from around the world found themselves slipping around in the mud while lugging cameras and 32oz Sierra Nevada beers to cheer on these cyclists. Seeing all the European racers was truly a treat, lets just say the Belgian and the Dutch know a thing or two about cross. The Belgian and Dutch riders dominated the front of the race as others tagged along behind them. The US had a great showing and some strong efforts. It was different to see Tim Johnson, Jeremy Powers, Jonathan Page, and Ryan Trebon all working together, I have seen these guys race a few times at different UCI Cyclocross Races but seeing them all on one team was unique. As you all probably know already Sven Nys reclaimed the title of Cyclocross World Champion!!!
I have Posted many photos below enjoy!
Men’s Pro Race Photos
World Champion Sven Nys
Women’s pro Race and U23 Photos
Super Fan Pictures
Bicycle Heaven Crew