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.