Mud and crowds thick at USGP cross race

[Photo: Brian Ellin]

Yesterday Hillsboro (a few miles West of Portland) played host to the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross (USGP). By all accounts, the rain-soaked course did little to dampen the spirits of the racers and the spectators.

In fact, the challenging conditions were welcomed by many. In a report on VeloNews.com, USGP series director Bruce Fina said,

“if I could race any single day of the series, I would race on this day, because of the epic scale of it. The winner today will be a hard man.”


Local Portland talent mixed it up and fared well against some of the top cyclocross racers in the country including the likes of Tour de France competitor Chris Horner and national mountain bike champion Geoff Kabush.

[The main hill on the course was a popular place to spectate]
Photo: Brian Ellin

Vanilla Bicycles rider and 2005 National ‘Cross Champion Shannon Skerritt was the top local finisher with a 17th place in the Elite Mens category. BikePortland contributor and Sellwood Cycle co-owner Erik Tonkin (Kona Bicycles) and Molly Cameron (Vanilla Bicycles) from Veloshop rounded out the top 35.

On the women’s side, Team S&M/Vanilla Bicycles racer Rhonda Mazza nabbed 9th place and River City Bicycles’ Sue Butler and Wendy Williams finished in the top 20.

But making national headlines for Portland weren’t our fastest racers.

No, in true Portland cross racing spirit, it was a hot tub full of scantily clad men and women drinking beer and champagne who stole the show.

[Words cannot do this justice.]
Photo: Michael Kloeppel – Cyclone Bicycle Supply

More coverage:


Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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WEASTSIDER
WEASTSIDER
17 years ago

USGP series director Bruce Fina said,

“if I could race any single day of the series, I would race on this day, because of the epic scale of it. The winner today will be a hard man.”

… And though a good man is hard to find a hard man is good to find!

Andre
Andre
17 years ago

Was anyone else taking pictures? I’d love to have a picture of myself in the race (it was my first and racing in beginner). So… if anyone has a picture of a young guy in a yellow/blue marinelli connexion jersey number 69. I’d love a photo.

Caroline
17 years ago

THAT is so Euro (the hot tub pic).

Dan Kaufman
17 years ago

Here are some video bit’s from this and other of the weekend bike events.

http://www.pdxk.com/crankmychain/2006/11/bikes-dancing-mud-and-drums.html