Southern Pines, Cyclocross

31-01-2013 06:34:34

October 20, 2012. The NorthCarolina State Cyclocross series kicked off with a race in Southern Pines sponsored by the Sandhills Cycling Club and Rainbow Cycles. Here’s what you need to know: black kits are in, the women’s fields aren’t shallow and the men’s overall series will be contested all the way into late January.
The tough Southern Pines course seemed like ½ pines and ½ sand – including a 50-yard ‘pit’. The run-up included a log-obstacle. Also – and race directors take note – the Southern Pines course ran along the parking lots in two places, making it very fan/tailgate friendly.
The men’s race had an exciting late lead change. State Champion Travis Livermon (Mock Orange Racing) lost his position in the early 4-man selection to a seriously jammed chain. The group included last year’s overall series winner Robert Marion (American Classic). Livermon worked his way back near the very end and ‘ran’ away from the group for the victory. In describing the winning move, Livermon claimed “I liked the running – the barriers and the run-up, I felt like I had a real advantage. I noticed it before when I was in the group for the first few laps, that the running seemed easy.” Of course, he comes prepared. “I do a lot stuff off-the-bike, like sprinting up hills, sprinting up steps, real explosive footwork type stuff. It doesn’t take much, just a little each week and it will make a big difference.” Look for Livermon at more NCCX races as he tries to improve over last year’s break out season.

Veteran mountain biker and NCCX newcomer, Wes Richards, took second – and he plans to race the series. He also did the single-speed race and might have won it, if he wasn’t relegated by a course violation. He told CCN it wasn’t intentional and that he reported the infraction to Head Judge Judy Rhyne. He wasn’t, as Adam Myerson would call it, #tapedoping.
According to @AdamMyerson: If you find yourself on the wrong side of the tape, treat it like the yellow line. Stop pedaling, cross back over ASAP.
Chase Dickens took 5th from dead last. His chain broke right at the start. He passed 20+ riders and likely had the highest avg speed (rolling).

Weldon Weaver