Verge series resumes Saturday
Rounds three and four of the 2006 Verge New England Championship Cyclo-Cross Series are slated this weekend with the Chainbiter 8.0 on Saturday in Farmington, Connecticut, and the 16th annual Cycle-Smart International Sunday in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Saturday’s Chainbiter takes place in Farmington’s Winding Trails Park, while Sunday’s Cycle-Smart International uses the two-tiered Look Park course.

"We’re on target for record fields this weekend," said Cycle-Smart International organizer Adam Myerson. "This will be our 16th edition and it’s come to be regarded as the crown jewel of the Verge NECCS, which we’re really proud of."

With Verge NECCS Elite leaders Tim Johnson (Cannondale-cyclocrossworld.com) and Lyne Bessette (Cyclocrossworld.com) contesting the Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross races in Colorado this weekend, the leaders’ jerseys could well change hands.

The series continues November 25 with the Bay State Cyclocross in Sterling, Massachusetts, followed by the W.E. Steadman Grand Prix December 9 in South Kingston, Rhode Island, and concluding December 10 with the Caster's Cyclocross in Warwick, Rhode Island.

For more information, see www.necyclocross.com.

Pennsylvania championships slated
The 2006 Sutliff Hummer Pennsylvania State Cyclocross Championships are slated November 25 at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle.

Organized by Yellow Breeches Racing, the event will crown state champions in a dozen categories racing in five individual events. Also on tap is the "Lil’ Belgians" kids race and the second running of the non-championship Sutliff Hummer Cyclocross Relay.

The open championships are open to non-Pennsylvanians, though only state residents are eligible for titles.

The Sutliff Hummer Team Relay race, which follows the individual championship races, was a big hit in its debut at last year’s championships. The eight-lap race will be contested by four-person teams composed of an elite man, a B man and a master teamed with either a woman or junior racer. It’s a non-championship event, bur promoters advise that "kudos, praise, and exultation (not to mention full entry payback) will be given to those teams who best express individuality, imagination, and ambition via costumes, chants, and other imaginative schemes as picked by means of a judging panel of peers."

For more information, see BikeReg.com or the official event website at www.freewebs.com/bikeit91.

California Giant Berry Farms backs nats
California Giant Berry Farms has been named presenting sponsor of the 2006 USA Cycling National Cyclo-Cross Championships December 15-17 at Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island.

"To have a sponsor such as California Giant Strawberries is a perfect fit. This company has a strong affinity to cycling and to the New England market," said Lyle Fulkerson, operations director.

"We're excited to be involved," said Anthony Gallino, vice president of sales for California Giant Berry Farms. "Our company is committed to promoting health and fitness for all ages. We also happen to love the sport of cycling and specifically, cyclo-cross."

The company has for several years supported the California Giant Strawberry cycling team,which will be sending eight of their team members to the 2006 event.

Card, Steel win Two Wheel Tango
Jonathan Card (Cane Creek-Caboto Velo) and Rachael Steele (Saturn of Toledo-Shell) won the Two Wheel Tango Cyclocross October 29 at Veterans Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The course, dubbed "The Devil’s Soup Bowl," set in a bowl-like depression, was physically and technically challenging and featured great off-camber turns, significant elevation changes and some slick, muddy terrain.

Card and teammates Jeff Weinert and Rob Foshag punched it from the gun in the elite men’s race, but at the end of lap one it was Card, Weinert and Mike Simonson (Bell’s Beer) off the front, with Wissink chasing alone some five seconds back.

As the gap between the leading trio and the field continued to Card and Simonson dropped a fading Weinert, and it looked like a two-man fight to the finish — until Simonson shredded his chain while riding the 25 percent grade "run-up" on the course’s steepest section, leaving Card free to sail in alone for the win. Wissink edged out Weinert at the line for second.

The elite women’s race was less dramatic, with Steele taking her second win in two starts.

Other winners included:
Men’s B: Andy Brown (Specialized)
Men C: Dean Rawson (Tri-City Cyclists)
Women C: Jessica Bratus (Two Wheel Tango)
Juniors 14 and under: Joey Fornetran (Maple Leaf CC)
Juniors 15-18: Tony Wieczorek (Sunrise Sports)
Masters 35+: Steve Clark (Saturn of Toledo-Shell)
Masters 45+: Dave Belton (Flying Rhino CC)

The Tailwind Michigan cyclocross series continues November 12 with the Jack’s Bicycle & Fitness Munson Park race in Monroe.

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