Report & Photo Gallery: SoCalCross Season Opener Sets Costa Mesa Ablaze

SoCalCycling.com October 1, 2012 0

There was enough pent-up cyclocross energy to power half the air conditioning units in Orange County. And on a day like this, it was needed. Almost as much as mass quantities of sunscreen. Temperatures were high, turnout was approaching record levels, intensity and excitement were sizzling, the racing itself was torrid, and at the end of the day, emotions finally boiled over. It was clear that SoCal cyclocrossers were ready to light a fire under the 2012-13 Prestige Series season.

It was a hot one at “CX in the OC,” held for the first time at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa, Calif. Mostly full fields burned laps around a relatively flat, dusty, fast course that included one unique feature: a BMX-like dirt bowl area which course designer Jeff Herring utilized to the fullest. Bike handling skills were on display for all to see at this popular spectator destination.

Check out the photos and captions to get a brief view of how this new SoCalCross Prestige Series was ignited. In the meantime, we’ve got to get ready for round two, which takes place at Los Angeles State Historic Park with the “DTLA Historic CYCLO-VIA!” this coming Sunday, October 7.

Words & Photos by By Phil Beckman / PB Creative

Full Cyclocross Schedule on SoCalCycling.com

It was a warm one at the season opener in Orange County. These Singlespeed riders were well done in the mid-afternoon sun. And that’s just during staging.: It was a warm one at the season opener in Orange County. These Singlespeed riders were well done in the mid-afternoon sun. And that’s just during staging.
The Elite Women’s race came down to a duel between German Carolin Shiff (SDG-Felt) and young triathlete star Hanna Rae Finchamp (Cynergy). Amanda Schapor (Ritte) led early but fell back at the halfway point, just as Finchamp bridged up. Shiff — remember this name — finally made a last-lap surge that gapped Finchamp.: The Elite Women’s race came down to a duel between German Carolin Shiff (SDG-Felt) and young triathlete star Hanna Rae Finchamp (Cynergy). Amanda Schapor (Ritte) led early but fell back at the halfway point, just as Finchamp bridged up. Shiff — remember this name — finally made a last-lap surge that gapped Finchamp.
It became evident that some cyclocrossers have a bit of experience with BMX. Matt Ruscigno has skills (and apparently strong wheels).: It became evident that some cyclocrossers have a bit of experience with BMX. Matt Ruscigno has skills (and apparently strong wheels).
After just a couple of laps the Elite Men’s field had been whittled down to five riders: Jason Siegle (SDG-Felt), Kyle Gritters, (Rock n Road), Brandon Gritters (Rock n Road), Chris Jackson (Castex) and Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific). A torrid pace would reduce that to three by the 45-minute mark.: After just a couple of laps the Elite Men’s field had been whittled down to five riders: Jason Siegle (SDG-Felt), Kyle Gritters, (Rock n Road), Brandon Gritters (Rock n Road), Chris Jackson (Castex) and Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific). A torrid pace would reduce that to three by the 45-minute mark.
A tangle between Chris Jackson (Castex) and Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific) in the last turn left Jackson on the sod and Brandon Gritters (Rock n Road) with an unexpectedly easy sprint victory.: A tangle between Chris Jackson (Castex) and Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific) in the last turn left Jackson on the sod and Brandon Gritters (Rock n Road) with an unexpectedly easy sprint victory.
Chris Jackson (Castex) had time to regroup and run in for third place. He was not a happy camper with the way things had transpired in the final turn.: Chris Jackson (Castex) had time to regroup and run in for third place. He was not a happy camper with the way things had transpired in the final turn.
Despite some hard feelings, everything remained professional on the Elite Men’s podium. The final order (for one race out of 20, anyway): 1. Brandon Gritters (Rock n Road); 2. Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific); 3. Chris Jackson (Castex); 4. Kyle Gritters (Rock n Road); 5. Jason Siegle (SDG-Felt); 6. Cory Greenberg (Cynergy).: Despite some hard feelings, everything remained professional on the Elite Men’s podium. The final order (for one race out of 20, anyway): 1. Brandon Gritters (Rock n Road); 2. Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific); 3. Chris Jackson (Castex); 4. Kyle Gritters (Rock n Road); 5. Jason Siegle (SDG-Felt); 6. Cory Greenberg (Cynergy).