Pro Women and Pro Men

Gingy got up early to stake out a great spot on the course for viewing the Womens and Mens race but also to get a preview of the course and the conditions that the racers would be battling. The Womens races started with 5 racers from the United States. (Katie Compton, Kerry Barnholt, Amy Dobrowski, Sue Butler and Rache Lloyd). Gingy spoke to Mark Legg the husband, wrench and general supporter of Katie Compton the previous day and Mark stated that Katie was having difficulty even walking these last few days but would suit up today. Not knowing how long she might last in the race due to a physical condition that is difficult to explain Gingy hoped he would have the chance to cheer her on. The race was graced again with fine weather and soon after the first lap it was Rachel Lloyd sitting in the top ten which was the best US finish that day. Katie came up the back of the pack on the start and would soon pull out as soon as she entered the pit. A sad day for Gingy as he was hoping she would would show the world that day what a power house she is but he understood the complications that she has endured these last 3 weeks andhe hopes for a speedy recovery and the best for Katie. The womens winner was Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) who drilled the course and again she was not even contested in this race. Additional images of the preview of the course.

One of the long hills where only the men would be able to ride this steep beast.












The podium where Gingy was hoping he would see one of the United States CX Team members standing today.

The last race of the day was the Mens pro race. Gingy saw an amazing race that was anyones race until the final lap, when Lars Boom (Netherlands) would pull away from the lead group to take the gold medal. Gingy was fortunate enough to speak with one of the photographers who had a chance to take the podium snapshots and the photographer stated that Lars seemed quite upset after the race and was exchanging looks with the head of the Rabobank team as if something had occured that had went unplanned. We shall wait to see in the next few days if anything surfaces within the cycling news to confirm the expressions that Lars exhibited after the race. Congratulations to Jonathan, Jeremy and Tim for a hard fought battle.

Gingy was also fortunate enough to have drinks with Jeremy Powers' father after the race and also see Jonathan Page dining with his family and Fanclub at Di Pano after the race.

Next year CX worlds is Hoogerheide, Holland and if the timing is right Gingy will be making a n appearance. No onto Venice and then Florence the next few days.