New Zealand Cyclocross Champs 2008

The inaugural (Unofficial) New Zealand Cyclocross Champs was held in Hamilton at the Pukete MTB Park last weekend. After weeks of wet weather forcing us inside each weekend, we finally had some fine(ish) weather for a race format that usually runs regardless of the weather or track conditions. Luckily Pukete MTB Park was still plenty soggy.
I had originally planned to enter the race and be part of the fun, but I soon realised I'd need to do a fair bit of planning to organise the kids and fit in Ella's feeds around race time. I also had to admit that I wasn't ready for that level of pain and suffering just yet.

I chose to go along as a spectator. Oli had been unwell on Friday, so we decided he should stay warm and dry at home, and it made sense to leave Ella tucked up in bed too. Thanks to Andrew for being child-minder while I had fun. :) I made it to the park just in time to see everyone lined up ready for the reconnaissance lap. There were lots of pure cyclocross (CX) bikes, one token mountain bike, three MUni's (mountain unicycles), and one 1930's ladies bike.

The course used a small bit of the inner track (singletrack), and a lot of the hilly grass area in the park. The grass was quite soggy from the weeks of rain, but had actually dried out a little over the last couple of weeks. There were barriers to run and jump over (carrying your bike), and a compulsory uphill run section.

What a cool race. I really enjoyed being a spectator - CX is a great race format for spectators. The high turnaround of riders and the fact we could easily wander between 3 or more different viewing points (and see very different parts of the track) made it interesting and exciting.

Ron King from Auckland took out the number one spot aboard his Cotic Roadrat, running as a singlespeed.

I managed to pick up the prize for 'best spectator', along with my friend Andrew and his son Chris. Chris (a few months younger than Oli) did the hard work, shouting "go, go, go!" and honking his bicycle horn, whilst his dad and I shouted random insults, made sarcastic remarks, marvelled at the lovely CX bikes, and reminded the race organiser of his position throughout the race (off the back... apparently because his gears weren't working properly - a good reason to run a singlespeed!). We took home a dozen Waikato. Andrew only drinks spirits, and I don't drink at all at the moment, so it's all been given away.

Well done to all those who participated and to Warwick for organising the whole thing. Props to the people on the MUni's - mad. And a big "wow" for all the bling being dragged through the mud. Who would have thought there were so many nice looking cross bikes in existence, let alone in, near, or around Hamilton? I should have raced... I think I might have been able to beat Tui to take the women's title... although she looked pretty fast on that uphill run. Maybe next year?

Results are here. Photos are here and here.