2016 has provided extreme challenge for our Juventus Cyclocross enthusiasts. Inclement September and October weather was responsible for providing unusually muddy, occasionally snowy, and often windy conditions. Still, Juventus had notable results with consistent and always improving performances across categories.
Marin finishes the Jim Horner CX race with high fives from Ken and Tracy - a wonderful feeling!
The ABA calendar provided at least a dozen opportunities to race cyclocross this fall. Juventus competed in all and was represented on the podium at nearly every event.
One of our younger cyclists, Annie Scott, has been competing in the Sport Women category. She raced most courses offered throughout the fall, always continuing to make steady improvement. Well done Annie!
Annie Scott is U15, but raced nearly all cyclocross events this season with Sport Women.
Annie and Ken check the bike.
On the male side, young Ryan MacLean continued to show his potential. Early in September he won the U17 Provincial title. Ryan continued the season at the Sport Men's level, and quickly moved onto winning and podiums in the Expert Men's category.
Ryan MacLean on course.
Alex Webb racing well at Jim Horner Grand Prix of Cyclocross
Cameron McDowell working his way through the course.
Greg Sowak racing with Sport Men.
Dave Verveda racing well.
Our other U17's, Alex Webb, Luke Bristow, and Chris Heinemann, were active racing in Novice men along with Colby Johnson, moving up to race well in Sport Men with Greg Sowak. Watch out as these guys hone their skills!
Luke Bristow competed in U17 and Sport Men.
Some of the races this year were on snow . . . Chris Heinemann manages the hill upright!
Luke leads the charge up the hill!
Cameron McDowell racing at Dark Knight.
In Junior, and U17 Women, Sidney and Abbey McGill, Laura MacLean, and Marin Cislo also had busy seasons. Sidney raced in Focus CX colours, and topped the Open Women's podium whenever she competed in Alberta. Abbey was consistently top 10 in the same category, while Marin, and Laura raced in the Sport Women and progressed to the Open Women's category. Great improvement!
Abbey McGill - extremely competitive in the Open Women's field and 7th at U23 Canadian CX Nationals.
Marin Cislo - Juventus with another strong competitor in Junior Women.
Laura MacLean raced Junior and Open Women categories this year.
Sidney continued racing with her Focus CX team in the US, and was 4th in the U23 Pan Am CX Championships in Kentucky. This was excellent prep for nationals.
Both Sidney and Abbey travelled to Sherbrooke, Quebec for U23 Cyclocross Nationals. Sidney won the U23 National Championship on a very challenging course, with Abbey a strong 7th. Congratulations on racing so well!
Sidney MeGill with a strong finish in the U23 Women's field at Canadian Cyclocross Nationals
Sidney McGill - U23 Women's Cyclocross National Champion
As Ryan MacLean took the top step of Expert Men - Adam Germaine, coaches Ken, and Tracy, and Sam Poon were always active.
Ryan MacLean moved up to dominate Expert Men this season.
Adam Germaine had solid performances in Expert Men this year.
Adam Germaine looking pretty comfortable.
Lukas Adomonis gets in a little off road season CX racing.
Coach Tracy - competing in Expert Men
Tracy consistently puts in the effort.
Is the word flat-tracking?
Ken powering through the sludge.
Ken Germaine competing in Expert Men
Sam Poon leaves mayhem in his wake.
Cody Shimizu competing in Open Men
The Open Men's category is deep and tough. Sean Germaine remained the Juventus top performer, racing in a skilled fashion to regularly snag a spot on the podium. Michael Verveda and Cody Shimizu continue to work their way towards the front of the pack, with solid efforts.
Sean Germaine with dominant performances all season.
Sean Germaine had many podiums competing in Open Men.
Michael Verveda - competing in Open Men
Cody chasing Michael.
Congratulations to all of our Juventus CX competitors! We know their are many more of you racing across the courses, and trails of Edmonton, and Alberta. Also - we certainly applaud your abilities when it comes to cleaning a bike . . . so much mud this year!
Many of these great action shots were taken by Cody Shimizu, or Bill Quinney - thanks so much for putting them up on Facebook!