Thursday, October 30, 2008

BASP this Sunday - Mud on a Stick?

From Tom Simpson:

We've checked all of our photos and records and believe you can count on the fingers from 1/2 of 1 hand the number of wet Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross events in history. Just 2, as a matter of fact, way back in December of '03 at a windy, drenched Coyote Point and January of '04 on a separate Coyote Point circuit no longer in use. Except for those 2 events, it's been a duh-rye run ever since. Since 2004 riders have had more concern with the problems of dust than the wet, messy stuff.

But a fall storm window may have opened up for this weekend's 2nd round of the Bay Area Super Prestige Series, presented by Kaiser-Permanente/Team Oakland. As of 8:00 pm wednesday night, we stand a decent chance of soft (OK, "Softer") ground at Candlestick Point for Round 2. Showers are forecast for tomorrow night (80% opportunity), showers are forecast for friday (another 80%er) and actual rain on Saturday. Not nearly so much fun for the Pilarcitos and Roaring Mice crews building the circuit - but they'll have everything ready for pre-ride by 3:00 pm.

And Sunday, you ask? Less than 40% chance of showers on race day itself - sounds like Candlestick will be the Vortex of Cyclocross! Wonder how the ground squirrels will handle that action?

Past Candlestick Elite Division winners include:

2004 - Brent Prenzlow and Gina Hall in the first weekend.
2004 - Daniele Pontoni and Gina again in the 2nd Candlestick weekend
2005 - Aaron Odell and Christine Vardaros in the 1st weekend
2005 - Andy Jacques-Maynes and Melodie Metzger in the 2nd weekend
2006 - Justin Robinson and Shelly Olds
2007 - Justin Robinson and Kathleen Hannon

and for Masters

2004 - Chris D'Aluisio 1st weekend
2004 - Chris D'Aluisio 2nd weekend
2005 - James Coats 1st weekend
2005 - David Eastwood 2nd weekend
2006 - Steve Reaney
2007 - Gannon Myall

Softer course? Who's the "mudder" (or "sander") among the favorites for Candlestick)?

Round 2 starts off with HRS/Rock Lobster leading both Elite Men and Women's standings as Josh Snead rode to a 44 second victory over Robinson, the defending ‘07 series champ as the '08 season opened at McLaren Park. Robinson has mastered a dry and dusty Candlestick for 2 years running – with softer ground, no dust in ‘08 – does that play into his strengths? Snead finished 3rd last year, and in ’06 just 12 seconds behind Robinson for 2nd place. A softer Candlestick surface would be sweet payback for Robinson’s aching back after a wicked McLaren Park experience. Robinson is currently slated to ride Saturday’s 1st round of the Boulder Classic, but not for Sunday – Justin – you flying back and defend your Candlestick title?

The significant UCI weekend in Boulder has lured a trio of Northern California’s top Women with Series leader Kerlin, Rachel Lloyd and Sarah Maile heading for the high country and UCI points. Kerlin led a 1-2 finish for the Lobsters at McLaren Park in the Elite Women's contest with Stella Carey the runnerup and her absence opens the door for a new series leader to emerge. And reigning US Masters Champ James Coats earned first row call-up with his victory at a very bumpy McLaren Park and typifies the specialist in the muck. All THREE of his National titles came in messy conditions – at Baltimore in 2000, in Portland in 2003, and last year in Kansas City. You know what he’s wishing for….


No dust? What are the odds?


"Rain, Rain, please DON'T go away"

Tom & Alec Simpson
Pilarcitos Cyclesports
and those Magnificent Mice who Roar

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

It looks like there will be more than enough precip for santa rosa...come on up ya all!

3:24 AM  

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