Wanted: Series Director

Fellow ArcticCrossers, our 2007 Series Director, Jeff Yeaton, is moving on to warmer climes. With the 'cross season only 4 months away, this is a great opportunity for someone to step up and fill his shoes. Are you interested is taking over the reigns of Alaska's best race series? Are you ready to rapidly gain fame and fortune? OK, I was maybe exaggerating that last point a bit. The bottom line is we need help to keep this great event going. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact us soon...

ArcticCross Series Final, 10/06/07

ArcticCross #6 (Finals), APU: 10/06/07

The 6th and Series Final race of the Bicycle Shop 2007 Alaska Cyclocross Series was held on the APU trail system, Saturday, October 6. Once again, Bruce Ross took advantage of both the conditions and the terrain to provide a challenging ‘cross course, fitting for the series final. Icy puddles, a gritty mud-bog section and the slick Moseley Center hill run-up tested the 29 racers. In the men’s division, this double-points race would be the decider for the overall series winner between Josh Yeaton (Kaladi Subway) and Matt Novakovich (The Bicycle Shop). Matt and Josh, along with Jamie Stull (Kaladi Subway) fought a close battle in the early part of the race – unfortunately Matt flatted in the final laps, and despite obtaining a spare wheel, ended up in 3rd place, with Josh taking the win over 2nd place Jamie Stull. Series final results were; 1st, Josh Yeaton, 2nd Matt Novakovich, 3rd Jamie Stull.

In the womens division, Amber Stull (Kaladi-Subway), fresh from her excellent performance at Xterra Nationals, and Jessica Yeaton (Kaladi-Subway) traded places at the front of the field for the first four laps. In the final two laps, Amber capitalized on some bobbles by Jessica in the mud bog and on the Moseley Center run-up to cross the line with a 1 minute lead, and sew up the series win with a perfect score. Third place went to Tiffanie Novakovich who was 2nd overall in the series, with 4th going to Nylene Wicks (3rd in the series).

Series results for the Junior Division were: 1st Rebecca Mamrol, 2nd Ally Ross, 3rd Peter Mamrol

An awards celebration for the 2007 series was held later in the evening at Speedway Cycles. The George Stransky /Peter Lekish-produced videos of the series along with Mooses Tooth pizza and beer combined for a fitting end to the 2007 series. Thanks to Greg Matyas for providing the venue, as well as special thanks to The Bicycle Shop (title sponsor), Chain Reaction Cycles, Speedway Cycles, and CyclocrossWorld.com for donating tons of swag.

On behalf of the 2007 ArcticCross committee, I would like to extend our thanks to all the sponsors, and the racers - the growth of cyclocross in Alaska would not be possible without your support and participation. We are all looking forward to an exciting ‘cross season next year.

Jeff Yeaton

Series Director


Results

MEN: 1. Josh Yeaton (8 laps, 59:18), 2. Jamie Stull (at 0:39), 3. Matt Novakovich (at 1:26), 4. Andy Pohl (at 1:48), 5. Andy Duenow (at 2:30), 6. Jim Peot (at 2:38), 7. Adam Miller (at 3:09), 8. Jaime Andersen (at 3:26), 9. Tony Brugliera (at 4:26), 10. Ed Sniffen (at 5:41), 11. Jason Lamoreaux (at 6:10), 12. Bill Fleming (at 6:37), 13. Cory Smith (at 7:02), 14. Anthony Berberich (at 8:30), 15. Gary Snyder (7 laps, 62:18), 16. Yrjo Roovers (at 0:39), 17. Jeff Yeaton (at 0:39), 18. Mike B (at 3:36), 19. Bob Cox (at 3:53) Craig Mollernstern, 20. Jeff Swanstrom (at 7:06), 21. Craig Mollenstern (6 laps, 61:39)

WOMEN: 1. Amber Stull (6 laps, 51:24), 2. Jessica Yeaton (at 1:02), 3. Tiffanie Novakovich (at 4:22), 4. Nylene Wicks (at 6:46), 5. Rebecca Mamrol (at 8:39), 6. Rose Theisen (5 laps, 52:08), 7. Allison Ross (at 2:14), 8. Amy Klein (at 2:15)

Racer Interviews: Bill Fleming

This is the third in a series of ArcticCross racer interviews. This is a chance to get to know some of our competitors, whether they typically finish in 1st or in 20th. Being a democratic organization, we also welcome nominations! Let us know who should be next on our hit list.

Known best as a triathlete, Bill Fleming has also co-organized such Alaska classics as the Moose Nugget Duathlon and Hammerman Triathlon. A long-time member of the Anchorage cycling community, Bill is co-owner of Chain Reaction Cycles and races for Team Kaladi-Subway.

10/03/2007
Nick: Bill, this is your first year racing 'cross, and you seem to be enjoying it. What do you think so far?

Bill: Oh it's awesome! It's just a great concept, cruising around on dirt on a road bike. It's pretty freakin' hard but I like the technical aspect of it. The best part about it is I get to justify buying another bike - how cool is that! Seriously though, I've really enjoyed my first year, and it's definitely something I'll be training for next year.

Nick: How does cyclocross compare with other cycling and triathlon events that you have competed in?

Bill: It's like turning the pain amplifier up to eleven (that's a not-so-obscure reference to the movie Spinal Tap, by the way). A lot of triathlon is very endurance based, you know, pacing yourself over three sports. 'Cross is quite a bit harder than I imagined it to be, aerobically at least - it's pretty much full bore from the beginning. Compared to cycling, 'cross seems like a crit on steroids.

Nick: So, tell us why do they call you the "Bionic Man"?

Bill: Bionic Man, eh? Well, Sheryl says...ahh, never mind. Actually it's because I upgraded my hip. I used to have the standard, calcium-based hip, but the new titanium and ceramic hips are lighter by 2.3 grams and adds the equivalent of 2-3 watts of extra power.

Nick: It’s good to see the new and improved Bill Fleming after your long absence from the race scene. What do you do with your spare time when you're not racing bikes?

Bill: Well, if I'm not riding, then I'm usually at the shop. That would be Chain Reaction Cycles, though I guess pretty much everybody knows that already. I also like to dink around with computers. Some friends of mine and I put on a couple of triathlons and duathlons in the summer. If I have any spare time, I work on my honey-do list provided by my wife.

Nick: When will we see your better half racing ArcticCross?

Bill: I really have been trying to discourage her from showing up. My ego is pretty fragile, and I don't really see anything good from getting beat by her in yet another discipline of cycling. As a matter of fact, she used to race 'cross in Portand when she was going to grad school a few years ago. Yeah, she would definitely kick my butt, so I really don't think she ought to get involved, at least not until I get faster.

Nick: Well, many of us have been humbled by Sheryl at one time or another! Thanks Bill, and best of luck on Saturday!

Series Championships - Saturday, 1 pm

Notes: Start time is 1pm. Parking is at Moseley Sports Center. Registration and Start area is down at the soccer fields below Moseley. For race course and parking info, refer to the map. Double-points are in effect for finishers in the Series competition. The awards party will be at Speedway Cycles at 6:30pm.

Arctic Cross #5 Results

ArcticCross #5, Quiana Park: 9/29/07

The 5th race of the 2007 Bicycle Shop Cyclocross series was held at Quiana (Buttress) Park in downtown Anchorage. The dominantly grassy, side-hill venue that included a covered stairway run-up provided a challenging course for the 21 racers. Josh Yeaton (Kaladi-Subway) and Matt Novakovich (The Bicycle Shop) fought a close battle for the first 9 laps, with Yeaton pulling away in the final three laps to win by a 1:43 margin. In the womens division, Tiffanie Novakovich led from start to finish and crossed the line with a 2 minute lead over second place Rebecca Mamrol. The final race of the 2007 Series will be held Saturday, October 6, on the APU trails complex.

Results

MEN: 1. Josh Yeaton (12 laps, 53:19), 2. Matt Novakovich (at 1:43), 3. Adam Miller (11 laps, 53:22), 4. Andy Pohl (at 0:05), 5. Chet Fehrmann (at 2:59), 6. Jesse Petersen (at 4:49), 7. Tony Brugliera (10 laps at 54:23), 8. Jim Peot (at 0:03), 9. Anthony Berberich (at 0:11), 10. Cory Smith (at 0:50), 11. Sonny Gill (at 1:06), 12. Issac Bertsch (at 1:18), 13. Ed Sniffen (at 2:28), 14. Gary Snyder (9 laps 55:21), 15. Bob Cox (at 3:40), 16. Joe Klein (8 laps, 56:46), 17. Craig Mollernstern (at 1:11)
WOMEN: 1. Tiffanie Novakovich (8 laps, 49:03), 2. Rebecca Mamrol (at 2:04), 3. Nylene Wicks (at 3:05), 4. Allison Ross (5 laps, 53:03) 5. Rose Theisen (6 laps, 51:48)

Please let us know through your comments if you believe your results are posted incorrectly. We do try and double-check all results, but we are not infallabile!

REMINDER: Next Saturday, Oct 6 is the Series Final, which will be held at APU (NOTE 1PM START), and the Series Award Celebration, which will be held at Speedway Cycles at 6:30 PM. Mooses Tooth beer, pizza and lots of prizes!!!!!!

Racer Interviews: Alison Ross

This is the second in a series of ArcticCross racer interviews. This will be a chance to get to know some of the competitors, whether they typically finish in 1st or 20th. Being a democratic organization, we also welcome nominations! Let us know who should be next on our hit list.

ArcticCross has been through many changes, and a bit of growth, since its debut in 2004. But the one constant has been our youngest rider, Alison Ross. Alliy has raced nearly every single ArcticCross, and always seems to do so with a smile... even in our often miserable weather. We hope that more junior cyclists out there take notice and decide to give 'cross a try.

9/27/2007
Nick: Alliy, first of all; How old are you and when did you first start racing bikes?

Alliy: I’m 14, and I think I started racing 4 years ago in the beginning of Arctic Cross.

Nick: You seem to come from a cyclocross-crazy family. How did you first get started racing 'cross?

Alliy: Well my uncle Brad kinda got us all into it when Will, my brother, started racing competitively, and I just followed in my big brothers footsteps, and started racing a little myself. I really got into it when we got our own series started in Alaska.
(Interviewer's Note: "Uncle Brad" is Brad Ross, the organizer of Oregon's Cross Crusade; the largest cyclocross event in the world. Will Ross was the 2004 ArcticCross Junior Champ and is now attending Fort Lewis College in Durango. Bruce, Alliy's dad, is the ArcticCross race course designer)

Nick: I noticed that you are on a real cross bike this year, tell us what you're riding.

Alliy: I ride Will’s old Redline Conquest Pro that he got about 4 years ago, and I just acquired it this year when he left for college. I also use it as a road bike over the summer in triathlons, and other races.

Nick: What other sports do you compete in?

Alliy: I’m a year round cross-country skier with the Alaska Winter Stars, training like all the time, and of course I bike, because that’s kind of unavoidable when you're a Ross, and this year I decided to take up swimming at Service High in hopes to be a faster triathlete next summer.

Nick: Will we see you racing ArcticCross again next year?

Alliy: Of Course! I wouldn’t miss it for for the world! Its so much fun, I just bike and smile all race long.

Nick: Thanks Alliy, and good luck in the Series Championships!

Racer Interviews: Matt Novakovich

This is the first in a series of ArcticCross racer interviews. This will be a chance to get to know some of the competitors, whether they typically finish in 1st or 20th. Being a democratic organization, we also welcome nominations! Let us know who should be on our hit list.

For the first interview, it only makes sense to talk to The Bicycle Shop's Matt Novakovich. Matt has not only competed in more ArcticCross races than anyone, he is also a 2-time defending series champ. This year, Matt finds himself in a series tie with Team Kaladi-Subway's Josh Yeaton, with 2 races to go.

9/25/2007
Nick: So Matt, what do you think of this crazy sport of cyclocross?

Matt: One of the main reasons I love Alaska is the Fall. Competing in the fall is nostalgic of my younger years when I ran cross country running in high school. The smells, the crisp, cool air, and the rain bring me back to some of my best memories. Cyclocross comes during this time when so many people hang up their bikes and start talking about spin trainers and indoor workout clubs. Do they not realize that the first Moose Run TT in April is over 7 months away?

The randomness, the hardcore-crazy formats and race venues found in cyclocross utilize most of our cycling skills; yet add a new-dimension that allows me to not get burned-out.

Nick: You have had the opportunity to compete is some high-caliber road racing events, like the recent Green Mountain Stage Race. When will we see you try a similar level 'cross race down south, like maybe a USGP event?

Matt: Last year, I actually did the cat 1-2 Cyclocross championships in Spokane, Washington. I got smoked! When I look back to that event I realize that Cyclocross is huge in the lower 48. It seemed that every competitor had a "decked-out" bike and everyone had impeccable form. This year I may venture out again but hopefully try to be a little more fit. In Alaska we have snow about the time things are just rolling in the U.S. - so we have about a month where I would have to stay dedicated to the trainer and running treadmill, and Acceleration Alaska in order to be fit and ready come November.

Nick: Tell us about the current set-up on your race rig.

Matt: I race a Cannondale Cross bike, which is full aluminum with a Reynolds Carbon Fiber fork. I use Reynolds Carbon bars and seat post, which work well to deaden some of the hard hits. I love my top bar-mounted brake levers, as I spend a lot of time with my hands there. I use tubular Tufo tires, mounted to Reynolds deep dish carbon rims. The whole rig weighs in at just over 17 lbs with my egg beater pedals.

Nick: It's been exciting to see someone actually give you some serious competition this year. What do you think of that young Josh Yeaton kid?

Matt: I feel I'm still strong enough to beat him, but not so strong that I can drop him anymore. I like the hilly-run-up courses because I feel I have an advantage on those courses.

I'll be excited to see Josh's progression in cycling. If I were to offer him some advice, not that he's asking, it would be that he continues to pursue lots of sports and hobbies because burnout can creep up on all of us, especially the youth.

Nick: Now be honest... what is your favorite race event in Alaska?

Matt: Cyclocross! Honestly. I love events that are hard and keep people honest. I like that I can do a pull-up or push-up and not cry because I gained 2 ounces on my left bicep. Cyclocross forces you to work out your own survival and success. No one can pull you, no one can carry your bike, no one can lift your beat-up shins over the barriers... heck- you don't even carry water during the race! Truly an event that has the best of all the endurance sports.

Nick: Thanks Matt and good luck in these final two races.

ArcticCross #5 - Saturday

The penultimate race of The Bicycle Shop 2007 Alaska Cyclocross Series will be this Saturday, Sept 29, with ArcticCross #5 at Quianna Park. This event will mark the debut of 'cross to downtown Anchorage. Race time is scheduled for12 noon, with registration and course preview beginning at 11am.

Quianna Park, located under the C St. Bridge, is a new urban venue for ArcticCross. Parking is at either the old Railroad Depot, or the pay parking lot at 3rd and C.

Lost and Found!

Found
One pair of grey Airprene gloves - left at start line, ArcticCross#4 (Cartee Complex). Will bring to next race.
Jeff Yeaton