Planet Bike Cup

Sun Prairie, WI
USGP #1 Madison, WI Sunday September 25, 2011
by: Kit Cischke

As far back as January, I had targeted the Planet Bike Cup as a first step on the path to CX Nats. I wanted to see what it was like riding in a big field, against a field of more dedicated 'cross riders and to get a feel for the Madison 'cross scene. I almost backed out due to the time constraints, but I'm glad I didn't. A great opportunity to test out the new equipment, including the METAL skinsuit.

Impressions of the weekend as a whole:

1. It seems like more of the 'cross riders in the Cat 4 field come from a road background and are not good bike handlers off-road. This is clearly a sweeping generalization, but I was constantly frustrated by riders in front of me who couldn't corner.
2. People riding 'cross at the national level have a lot of money. Fields here in the U.P. are composed of old beater bikes, monster-cross bikes and mountain bikes. In Sun Prairie, there was carbon, carbon and more carbon. I felt all fancy with my alloy Neuvation tubulars until I saw rider after rider line up with Zipps, even in Cat 4.
3. Racing at 8 AM is early (and cold). The METAL skinsuit is warm.
4. It is amazing to watch the pros ride. They're on the same course but in some other universe.
5. The atmosphere at 'cross races is so phenomenal. Having random people screaming for you lets you find that little extra.
6. Running should be a part of your cyclocross training.
7. I don't have quite enough aggressiveness when I race to push my way into the good lines or make sketchy passes and until I do, I will continue to be a mid-pack racer.

One thing I still don't understand is why so many people push their bikes uphill. Didn't they put the flat spot on the top tube for a reason?

I ended up 29/82 on Saturday and 24/68 on Sunday. Not great, but reasonable for the first time in such a big field.

Now, if the weather would just be more like 'cross weather so I can make more use of that thermal skinsuit...