October 23/08 10:08 am - The Hub/Devinci Cyclocross Team

Posted by Editoress on 10/23/08
 

The Hub/Devinci Cyclocross Team - Mid-Season and Nationals Report
Courtesy The Hub Bicycle Shop

The first half of the cyclocross season has been a good one for The Hub/Devinci Cyclocross team. All four riders, Sarah Lynch, Erik Box, Peter Mogg and the newest recruit Christina Bouchard have put on impressive performances to date. Results so far include multiple podiums, series leaders and even a new national champion.

In the U17 Women's category, Sarah has gone undefeated so far and leads her category at the midpoint of the season. In the elite women's category, Christina has finished on the podium 3 times and sits in 4th overall. Erik has finished on the podium 4 times and is leading the elite men's series. Peter, like Sarah, has won all of his races this season as well and sits in first overall for the Master 1 men's series.

On October 9th, Peter, Erik, and Assistant Team Manager, Alex Sanna made their way out to Edmonton, Alberta to challenge for this year's Canadian National Championships. The trip was a successful one and a great learning experience for both Peter and Erik. They arrived two days before the championship race on Saturday and a bonus race, the Jim Horner Classic UCI race on Sunday. This gave the riders time to ride the course in preparation and get adjusted to the slight time difference.

The same course was used for both races. It was a long (3.1km), fast, mostly grass loop with a few tight corners and a fun bowl section with lots of ups and downs. Nothing too crazy, but not a lot of recovery either. First up on Saturday was Peter riding in the 50 minute, Master (30-39) Men's race. Peter rode with the same might he has been showing all season long. He took the holeshot, gained a small gap and never looked back. He extended his lead every lap right up to the finish line winning his first National Cyclocross Championship (a href=http://www.canadiancyclist.com/races08/cross_nats/partfive/index.htm target=_blank>Photos) with a lead of over a minute.

Next was Erik in the Elite Men's 60 minute race. The elite men's field was stacked this year with many top riders from across the country. Erik definitely had his work cut out for him. He started the race strong, getting into a small group within the top 15. Half way through the race, after a couple of crashes and dropping back Erik decided to call it a day and save something for the next day's race.

Sunday was the Jim Horner Classic UCI race. Peter was first up again in the late morning. Today though, he had a new National Champion's jersey to wear, and a small hangover from his celebrations the night before. Despite not feeling too great he rode the same way he did the day before. Taking the prime on the first lap and running away with the win.

Erik's race took place in the afternoon. After collecting himself the night before Erik was ready to do battle. Erik had a great start and rode strong for the whole race, ending up 20th. A much better day for Erik than the previous one.

All together it was a very successful trip. With the tremendous support Alex provided, Erik gained a lot of experience racing at a high level and Peter brought home two more wins, including an amazing National Championship.
Look out for The Hub/Devinci Cyclocross team to continue their success in the second half of cyclocross season. Including the Toronto International Cyclocross Races in Etobicoke on November 8th and 9th and the Ontario Provincial Cyclocross Championships in Toronto on November 23rd.