Star-Crossed - C2

Redmond, WA, USA, October 2, 2005

2004 Results Results Past winners

Decker defends, Besette returns in style

Carl Decker (Giant) comes in for the win
Photo ©: Ed Harley

In stark contrast to last year's balmy event, this year's Star Crossed Cyclocross race was chilly and slick. But no matter to the talented and versatile Carl Decker (Giant Bicycles), who successfully defended his 2004 Elite men's championship, and Lynn Besette (Louis Garneau) returning to 'cross with a dominating victory in the Elite women's race. Weather wasn't the only barrier for our determined racers: two sets of wooden barricades, a log jam run-up, muddy traverses, and a steep Sliderule ride-over bridge separated the boys from the men, and women from the girls.

What do mail carriers and 'cross racers have in common? Rain, hail, and unwavering dedication to their chosen courses. Nearly a thousand spectators proved just as passionate to the sport as true northwest-style (read: "muddy") cyclocross reigned at the Group Health Velodrome Saturday night. Despite the drenching downpour on the early races at King County's Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA, our hardy bell-clanging fans still packed the winding course and Toña Cerveza Beer Garden, letting riders know they were all in it together.

How many bike riders does it take
Photo ©: Ed Harley

Steadfast fans were rewarded with a break in the weather and a super competitive Elite men's race. An early charge by Kona riders Ryan Trebon and Barry Wicks made it clear the contest was between four men: Wicks, Tim Johnson (Cylcocross World), Geoff Kabush (Maxxis) and defending champ Decker. Johnson took command at the mid-race point, attempting a triumphant return to 'cross after a two year absence. Kabush and Wicks eventually brought him back with Wicks gaining an impressive gap as the final laps approached. Holding fourth was Decker, contemplating his finishing charge. With one lap to go Decker flew past Wicks entering the infield, dashing anyone else's hope for victory. Decker rode the final lap of the slick, muddy course with impressive precision, allowing a showy dismount at the finish line that sent his ghost-ridden bike coasting past officials and the hysterical crowd. Wicks defeated Kabush in a shoulder to shoulder sprint for second that capped the epic night of racing.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Ed Harley

It's a brave podium girl that comes between two bike racers
Carl Decker (Giant) comes in for the win and defends his Star-Crossed crown
Carl Decker (Giant) pushes hard on his way to winning Star-Crossed
Carl Decker on the podium with a big cheque and plenty of smiles
Carl Decker and Barry Wicks battle it out for first and second
How many bike riders does it take to hold up a cheque for $1000
Tim Johnson (Cyclocross World) takes the barriers up front
Tim Johnson runs during a stint at the front
Geoff Kabush (Maxxis) on his way to third place
The men's podium (l-r): Russell Stevenson, Geoff Kabush, Carl Decker, Barry Wicks and Tim Johnson
Geoff Kabush and Barry Wicks sprint for second place
Russell Stevenson (Benaroya Research Institute) runs
The four leaders were head and shoulders above the rest
Geoff Kabush and Barry Wicks head for home in the final sprint

Results

Elite Men
 
1 Carl Decker (Giant Bicycles)                       
2 Barry Wicks (Kona)                                 
3 Geoff Kabush (Maxxis)                              
4 Tim Johnson (Cyclocross World)                     
5 Russell Stevenson (Benaroya Research Institute)    
6 Ryan Trebon (Kona)                                 
7 Brent Prenzlow (Celo Pacific Salsa)                
8 Shannon Skerrit (Vanilla Bicycles)                 
9 Brandon Dwight (TIAA Cref / Clif Bar)              
10 Ben Turner - TIAA Cref / Clif Bar)                
11 Jonny Sundt (Pedal Dynamics / Javelin)            
12 Chris McGovern (Alan)                             
13 Michael Gallesha (US Armed Forces)                
14 Dale Knapp (Kona)                                 
 
Elite Women
 
1 Lynn Besette (Louis Garneau)                       
2 Rhonda Mazza (Team S & M)                          
3 Stacey Spencer (Cycle Smart)                       
4 Anne Knapp (Kona)                                  
5 Wendy Simms (Kona)                                 
6 Josie Beggs (Starbucks)                            
7 Kristi Berg (Bicycle Center)                       
8 Hollie McGovern (Sierra Express)                   
9 Brigette Stoick (Veloshop)                         
10 Sue Butler (River City)                           
11 Jadine Riley (Group Health)                       
12 Ingrid Spies (Ti Cycles)                          
13 Beth Lyndon-Griffith (Byrne Specialty Gases)      
14 Dan i Dan ee                                      
15 Kristen Smith (REI                                
16 Susan Ashlock (Byrne Specialty Gases)             
17 Karen Amudsen (REI)

Past winners

2004  Carl Decker (USA)                 
2003  Marc Gullickson (USA)
2002  Jonny Sundt (USA)
 
Past winners by Mario Stiehl, www.world-of-cycling.com