Temperatures finally hit the “crispy side” of things in Chicago and it actually felt like 'cross weather had finally arrived. Cyclocrossers came out fresh and ready to tackle the newly redesigned Carpenter Park course. Jeff Provisor, owner of Main Street Bicycles and race director added two fast paved sections with a u-turn and multiple twisty areas that kept racers with their thinking helmets on alert.

This year Provisor combined his efforts with Village of Carpentersville and created the OktoberCross Festival. “I have been jealous of the race vibe they have on the coasts and Europe, and dreamed of one day making our 'cross race more of big community event. As it turned out, the village was looking to expand its own Fall Festival and asked if we could combine events to create what is now called OktoberCross.”

Elite Men

Chicago Cross: Sand pit mayhem

Photo: Luke Seeman

The battle of the day was between Scott McLaughlin (Sram Factory Team) and Ben “where’s my UCI point” Popper (HRS Rock Lobster) who went head-to-head on this flat and somewhat technical course. In the end, Scott McLaughlin (SRAM Factory Team) put in a surge and took the race. He was followed by Popper in second, Brian Conant (Pony Shop) in third, Luca Lenzi (Pony Shop) in fourth with Kevin Klug (Killjoy) rounding out the podium.

Elite Women

Rebecca Much (XXX Racing/AthletiCo), the current United States U23 TT champion, has been coming out to frolic while she prepares for her road campaign. She took the holeshot, stepped on the gas and kept it in high cruise control to the end. Seconds behind chasing, in second place Debbie Dust (Verdigris Custom Homes) and June Upshaw (Verdigris Custom Homes) taking third place, followed by Holly Klug (Killjoy) in fourth place and Leah Sanda (Flatlandia) completing the top five spots.

Upcoming Events

Racing continues with the Chicago Cyclocross Cup Race #5 on Sunday, October 26 in Bartlett, Illinois. Further information about the series can be found by visiting www.chicrosscup.com