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Southern Californian Cyclocross Cup Final
Hart Park, Bakersfield, CA, January 9, 2005
By Sam Ames
The finals of the So Cal Cyclocross Cup wrapped up today at Hart Park in Bakersfield, CA under treacherous conditions. The fast, European style course was turned into a slippery race of attrition with some riders even running down the downhill sections due to clay and mud. The infamous "Sammy Special" running up section blew apart many a rider's legs and lungs. More than 100 riders turned out to brave the elements and support what has become a formidable cross series. Many riders felt this was the toughest course of the season and a true example of good hard Euro style cyclocross.
The men's elite race was won by Brent Prenzlow of Celo Pacific/Salsa Cycles who led from the gun with current national 40-44 age champion Mark Noble of team Amgen in 2nd. Leo Sandoval fought a tough race to round out the top 3. Noble also took the overall series prize for the Elite men. In the women's race, "tornado" Dorothy Wong of Kelly Bikes took the women's race and the overall series title. Dede Moore of Mission Hospital finished second today and overall, and Mandy Gamble (Team P.A.A) rounded out the top three in the series.
The "So Cal Cross Cup" hosted 13 races and started in October in Vista, CA. The series has travelled the southland of California and has seen a strong showing of junior riders under the age of 18, and plenty of newcomers. The promoters wish to sincerely thank the sponsors for all the fantastic support. Cyclocross in Southern California is steadily growing and the promoters are already discussing plans for a bigger and better series for next year.
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Dorothy Wong (Kelly Bikes) Women's A winner
- Sam Ames (Simply Fit) drives up a very steep, very muddy hill
- Mark Noble (Amgen) won the overall in the Southern. California Cup series
- Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacifc) can taste victory with one lap to go
- Leonardo Sandoval slide into a downhill turn in the final section of the last lap
Local results 2004
