KWCX Race Report Oct 24, 2021

It has been quite some time since most of us have participated in mass start bicycle events. Fortunately for a group of our club members, they didn’t have to go far to try it out again. Waterloo Cycling Club put on a stellar cyclocross event this past weekend and the weather cooperated nicely. The KWCX wrapped up Sunday afternoon with a good contingent of SRCC racers having tested themselves and their bikes against a classic cyclocross course and some hearty challengers from across the province.

On a scale of zero to ten, the day’s temperatures progressed… in that order. The morning began under thick fog with frost on the ground as the Men’s M3 category hit the course (on occasion and unintentionally) to beat the grass into a slippery ribbon the rest of the day’s racers would follow.

First up, under frosty conditions, Lorenz Calcagno started back of the grid in M3 (masters – read olde) Men’s race to finish middle of the pack and third in his aged category. Pedal harder next time buddy!

By half past noon, the track was fully exposed to blue sky and sunshine when SRCC rider Erik Holbik took to the course placing 23rd in a competitive field of young men. Track conditions turned muddier as his race progressed, making for some increasingly challenging sections. Sand in the drivetrain was problematic all ‘round. I hope he has a good connection for parts!

Next up was the women’s race where SRCC was well represented with five competitors, two of them brand new to the club this year. In a stunning accomplishment, natural talent Sarah Baert topped the Women’s E3 podium winning her first cyclocross ever… EVER – unheard of! New member Riley Claire Sato found her rev limiter at the end of the race and placed eighth on a hybrid bike, whoa!! She was directly followed by another new member, Maxine Oleka, who finished well on file treads putting her awesome bike handling skills to the test in the mucky conditions (talk to your local bike shop owners for a tire sponsorship Max!). A strong effort in master’s Women B category was delivered by famed and longtime SRCC racer Heather (so many trophies) Lylyk as she took third place in her group. And finally, board member, recent birthday girl and SRCC ride lead coordinator Meg (sand bagger) Thorburn took 14th and won the 67+ age category. I mean seriously.

The clouds rolled in for the afternoon and conditions cooled over a well muddied course for the grueling 60 minute Men’s Elite race. Club president James (rainbow jersey) Fedosov put in a solid effort. His hill sprints were something to behold as his massive frame bore down on lesser opponents.  James took 11th (7th Elite 1&2 Men) in the highly competitive event… also on file treads(?) (apply same editor’s note for Max here)

And the hard luck trophy goes out to SRCC member, Alex (teflon) Lefebvre (wearing a Peterborough Cycling Club jersey – ptui!) for riding the wheels off his bike in 5th place for most of the race… until he actually rode a tire right off the rim. He ran half the course carrying his unshod bicycle to switch for a spare (recumbent) bike in pit lane. Alex finished a respectable (and fittingly unlucky) 13th (8th Elite 1&2 Men) at the end of the race. But in a surprising turn of events, he did top the podium in the 5K run. In a post-race press conference he stated he will be cutting ties with sponsor ‘Elmer’s Glue’.

Kudos to WCC for putting on an excellent event and to all the SRCC members who competed. And a special thanks to other SRCC members, friends and family who came out to cheer on our stalwart competitors.

Until next time!

Rusty Knutts