Vanilla Bicycles team colors while
racing in Belgium.
(Photo: Nielsdewit.be)
Local racer and owner of Veloshop, Molly Cameron, is “living the dream” by spending her holiday racing cyclocross against the world’s best on a multi-week trip that includes World Cup races in France and Belgium.
Another Portland rider, Sue Butler, is also competing on the Belgian circuit. Butler was also just named to the U.S. Nationals Team and will compete at World Championships at the end of January.
Cameron is joined by friend and trusty mechanic Steven Hunter. Both Cameron and Hunter are keeping local friends and fans posted on their adventures via regular blog updates — Cameron on her personal blog, and Hunter as a guest writer on Race Cyclocross!.
of it, whether he’s lugging around a huge
wheelbag, or getting shoved off the course.
Like Erik Tonkin before him, Steven Hunter has managed to leave his mark on the European circuit. Tonkin amassed a fan club in Belgium for his tough-as-nails, gritty riding and laid-back, quick-with-a-smile style.
Hunter on the other hand, seems to have drawn attention for slightly less admirable reasons. While racing his first European contest in Antwerp, he got a tough lesson from Euro-legend Richard Groenendaal.
Watch Mr. Groenendaal reach out and shove the much slower-riding Hunter off the course with one swift sweep of his arms:
That’s not exactly the type of camaraderie and helpful spirit that exists on the local Cross Crusade circuit! Hang in their Steve.
Cameron just received word that she’ll be on the start list for the World Cup at Zolder the day after Christmas.
Good luck in your upcoming races Molly and Sue, and thanks for representing Portland (and the U.S.A) on the world stage.
— Stay tuned to MollyCameron.com for updates.
Thanks for reading.
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Bon Chance!
I do not know Molly Cameron nor have I met “her” but unless “she” is able to grow facial hair and keeps something in “her” shorts, I’m pretty sure “she” is in fact a him. Someone might want to fix this article before “she” sees it. Happy Holidays!
Confused,
I’ve known Molly for a few years now and she is transgender.
cool huh?!
Sue Butler from Portland is also racing in Belgium and took a very respectful 22nd place at her first race there.
Rest easy, Confused! Molly keeps her can of whoop-arse in her shorts and is using it with impunity in Belgium. She and Shunter are living the dream. Merry Christmas!
Hunter getting shoved out of the way is second only to Bart Wellens kicking a fan. That was priceless, reminds me of the C racers thinking they are in the A’s during my races. Welcome to my world Steven, albeit not as embarrassing.
As for Molly, it should be noted that “she” is required to race in the men’s class.
No, it’s not the Cross Crusade, indeed.
Not all the men over there ride with sticks up there asses like our friend Richard. Of course, none of them dress in Halloween costumes all season long, either. These racers expect every rider in ‘cross to at least be competitive. That said, Hunter didn’t deserve such shabby treatment. It appears young Lars Boom left him alone; I would’ve hugged him.
Good luck to Steve, Molly, Sue, Ryan, Jeremy, Jamey, Georgia, Wendy, Mr. Baker, Mr. Page, the Euro Cross Campers, and all other yankees and hosers over there. I miss you.
I have something special for Richard Groenendaal.
What’s that Caroline? A custom cycling cap commemorating his 21 years of being a European cyclocross legend? Maybe just a 2008-09 cap noting his 39 races this season alone with his placings. I’m sure Steven is quite aware of the level of competition in European cyclocross. It’s probable that Steven was getting lapped at that point and may have been pulled anyway. The last time Nationals were in Portland I was pulled after being lapped in “the interest of safety” for the faster racers. It’s possible that Groenendaal made such a bold move out of concern for the Safety of all the racers, including Steven. Or, maybe he’s just a jerk – a fast jerk. Regardless, if you have ever witnessed some of the cursing and child like tantrums that take place 50 deep in the C class at Crusade races, then Groenendaal’s actions start to seem tame.
Careful, I might make one commemorating your nth legendary Bikeportland.org comment, too!