• We’ve been making a bunch of website updates so take a look around and see what’s new. We’ll have some more significant updates next week.
• Do you have any feedback from last season you’d like to share with us? We’re always trying to make the series better and want to hear from anyone and everyone. Email us and let us know!
• Second call for Series Sponsors and Volunteers. Email us if you would like to be involved this year.
• And finally… UPB is hosting a UPB Juniors CX Camp on Sunday 8/19 from 9am-12:30pm in Willow Springs. Details are here and registration is over on BikeReg. There is NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION for this clinic/camp. Time to get RAD!oactive!

Hey gang! Its been a while but THE CX season is less than 8 weeks away and we here at the CCC have been away at summer camp and getting ready. Just a few quick updates this week about some small changes we’re putting into production to make the series the best it can be. Be on the look out over the next few weeks for a few more updates as well.

• Or friends at SRAM are returning once again as the series title sponsor.
• We’ll also have One2Go on timing, the new in-house SRAM NRS in the pits, and as always Kenny on the mic.
• Online pre-registration for all races will again be hosted on BikeReg.com. Don’t worry, you’re not missing anything, we’ll have the reg pages online sometime in mid-August.
• Today we’ll official kick off our annual volunteer and sponsor drive. If you’d like to be involved with the series in a consistent way and/or sponsor the series please email us at [email protected] and let us know.
• This year the Single Speed Women will have their own start time immediately following the Men but before the Junior 15-18’s. This will put all the SS ladies on equal footing at the start of each race for series points, make it easier to score, and probably make it more fun for everyone too. As with any men’s USAC field the ladies can still race with the guys if they want to.
• Although last year we originally planned to convert the Women Cat 3/4 field into just Women Cat 4 for 2018 we’ve had several requests to keep the Women Cat 3/4 field as is, so that’s what we’re going to do for 2018.
• A few scheduling changes. Hopkins Park will start the series this year followed by Caldwell Woods. We’ll then have a 2 week break for the nearby World Cup races (see below). Wheeling Heritage and Pheasant Run are also swapping dates later in the season. These changes are already reflected over on the schedule page.
• Speaking of schedules, the dates of the two UCI World Cup races here in the states, Jingle Cross and the Trek CXC Cup, as well as several other larger races are on the schedule page. We’ll have the HICX and Wisconsin series dates updated on our site soon.
• Remember also that USA Cycling National Championships are [back] in December this year and being held in Louisville, KY.
• Juniors, pencil in Sunday 8/19/18 for local clinic. Details TBD but coming soon.
• And finally… reports that #RoadIsDead are completely false. Our good friends and fantastic coffee roasters & baristas over at the Intelligentsia Cup kick off their series this Friday. If you’re not already racing it as prep for the CX season, definitely try to catch one or more of the races. The production is top notch and the racing is fast and hot. We might be even swing by to see what all the fuss concerning this young series is about.

• We hope everyone had a great holiday season and has stayed warm through the coldest few days we’ve seen in a while.
• This will more or less be the last post here on the site for a while. We’ll be back sometime in late Spring or early Summer with updates for 2019.
• But follow us on Twitter and Instagram as we’ll be watching the rest of the National and International CX races there.
• Speaking of Nationals, today kicks off the 2018 USA Cycling National Championships in Reno, NV. Our fantastic timing and results company One2Go will be supplying real time results for the rest of the week so follow them or watch on LiveLynxResults. Good luck to everyone, but especially any Chicagoland racers headed West to race.
• And finally… a big, big, big thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for our end of year Zipp Wheel Raffle. There was one lucky winner but we will not be releasing that person’s name right now. However the real winners were Big Marsh, Blackstone Bicycle Works, and West Town Bikes. Because of everyone’s ticket purchases we raised $3,590 to be split 3 ways between each group (i.e. $1,197). And when including everyone’s donations throughout the series ($995) and the series’ match ($1,005) we all raised a total of $5,590 and donated $1,865 to each group on behalf of the entire CCC community. So thank you again!!!

• The Afterglow hosted by the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew was rad as it always is. Lots of good racing and all for the great cause of supporting Blackstone Bicycle Works and West Town Bikes. This race is all about fun, but it was scored and results will be posted soon.
• Speaking of results, we hosted the 2017 Series Awards Party on Sunday. Lots of good cheer and conversation. Congratulations to all the series winners.
• And finally… our Series Title Sponsor SRAM hooked us up with a set of ZIPP Firecrest wheels to benefit the entire Chicagoland cycling community. We want to share the love as far as possible so we’re holding a raffle to benefit our 3 series charity organizations Big Marsh, Blackstone Bicycle Works, & West Town Bikes. Between now and New Years Eve on BikeReg buy as many $5 raffle tickets as you like. All proceeds will go directly to and be split evenly between these three great organizations. Seriously, buy as many as you like, all the money is going to great causes. Have too many wheels already? You can purchase raffle tickets in someone else’s name. Don’t live anywhere near Chicago? No problem, we’ll ship to anywhere that’s legal for us to do so (sorry DPRK). Not bad for a $5 raffle ticket. The only thing we ask is that you use these wheels yourself or give them to a friend, family member, or someone who will appreciate them. In the spirit of the holidays and doing the right thing, please do NOT resell these wheels for more money than you paid for them. Thanks. The winner will be drawn at random on New Year’s Day as soon as we shake off our malort hangover get back from our first great ride of the new year. The winner will receive: One (1) shiny brand new set of Zipp Firecrest Wheels (front & rear), Model 202, 303, 404, 808 (sorry NO NSW), Rim brake or disc, SRAM or Campy. Learn more about Zipp’s Firecrest technology at  http://www.zipp.com.
• Happy Holidays from the entire Chicago Cyclocross Cup community!!!

• Congrats to everyone who raced at USAC Midwest Regional CX Championships on Saturday and Miller Chill Cyclocross on Sunday. Results are here and here respectively.
• This Sunday Afterglow is hosted by the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew in Douglas Park in Chicago. All proceeds go to Blackstone Bicycle Works and West Town Bikes. The grudge matches are always fun to watch. No word yet on the whereabouts of Sweet Justice.
• Speaking of donating to great causes, thanks again to everyone who donated to this year’s series long group donation pot that will be split evenly between Big Marsh, Blackstone Bicycle Works, and West Town Bikes. Combined donations totaled just under $1,000. As in years past the CCC will match that number, so we’ll be making a $666 donation to each of these groups in the name of the entire CCC community before the end of the year. THANK YOU again for all your generous donations!!!
• Final reminder from us that USAC Cyclocross National Championships are in Reno, NV 1/9/18- 1/14/18. If you’re going to race or watch you probably have already made plans, but there will likely be video of the Elite races online somewhere. We will tweet out that info if/when it happens.
• And finally, one last reminder that our end of season CCC Awards Party is at EJ’s Place in Skokie this Sunday 12/17/17 at NOON. Tickets are on sale on BikeReg. There won’t be any waitlists as there are always plenty of seats but please purchase your tickets in advance. That being said we have tons of awards to award and door prizes to give out, so everyone always goes home with something. We hope to see you there!

• What a way to end the season on a high note! Perfect CX weather and a beach full of sand, swimming pools, and cheers at Montrose Harbor. Thanks to everyone and especially the Ten27 and Spidermonkey crews to hosting the event. We crowned 20 state champions and 16 series winners. A complete list of all series winners and state champions is here on our results page. Links to all results and lap times are here on the Overall Standings GoogleSheet.
• SnowyMountain Photography was back out again and captured plenty of photos of the entire day. The Chicago Aussie Jack Brandtman was also taking videos and John Gatto was back out with his GoPro and drone. We saw plenty of other cameras so hopefully all those pictures and videos find their way to the Internet at some point.
• And in case you weren’t there earlier in the day, our series announcer Kenny Labbé was presented with his very own, brand new pop-up tent. Thanks to everyone who kept the secret and chipped in to get Kenny this great gift that will last for year and years to come.
• Obligatory mentions for the final CX events of the season:
  • Miller Chill Cyclocross Sunday 12/10/17 in Bloomington, IL.
  • USAC Midwest Regional CX Championships Saturday 12/9/17 in Sun Prairie, WI.
  • Afterglow hosted by the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew Sunday December 17th in Douglas Park (Chicago).
  • USAC Cyclocross National Championships in Reno, NV 1/9/18- 1/14/18.
• Our end of season CCC Awards Party is at EJ’s Place in Skokie Sunday 12/17/17 at NOON. Tickets are on sale on BikeReg.
• Don’t let your bike go into hibernation all dank and dirty. Your local bike shop might be in the middle of the busy Christmas selling season, but the service departments probably aren’t too busy. Get your bike in there for a tune up so it’s charging out of the gates in 2018, instead of limping across the start line a rusty, seized up mess.
• And speaking of local bike shops, many of our series sponsors are bike shops or other local retailers. Before buying Chrismahuanakwanzika gifts this year please consider purchasing from our series sponsors or other local merchants.
• Congrats to CCC regulars Graciela Viale-Val (Evanston, IL) and Bob Downs (Belleville, WI) on their 2nd place finishes at Masters World Championships in Mol, Belgium in the Women 75+ and Men 60-64 years young categories respectively.
• And finally… the unofficial CCC holiday party is happening (again) at the Elbow Room on Thursday 12/21/17 at 8pm where Los Borrachos will take the stage and entertain us in a way only they can. If you’ve ever been to this party you know you won’t want to miss it!

• Looks and sounds like the Big Marsh Black Friday and Region Riot Cross events were a success over the holiday weekend. Results can be found here and here.
• This coming weekend the CCC finishes up at Montrose Harbor in downtown Chicago on the lake front. The weather is forecast to be much more pleasant than last year, so come on out to watch, cheer, and celebrate the entire day. Online pre-reg on BikeReg closes Thursday evening. Look for the course preview at the normal time on Thursday.
• Note there is a new parking option/charge at Montrose for those that want to park up close. Look at the bottom of the BikeReg page.
• If you happen to be in Mol Belgium this Friday or Saturday make sure to check our Masters CX World Championships.
• Remember the cyclocross season is not over after this weekend though.
  • The USAC Midwest Regional CX Championships are Saturday 12/9/17 in Sun Prairie, WI.
  • Afterglow hosted by the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew has moved to Sunday December 17th and back to Douglas Park.
  • USAC Cyclocross National Championships are in Reno, NV this season 1/9/18- 1/14/18. Remember next season CX Nationals moves back to December 2018.
  • There are quite a few CX races in Europe in December and January, and then CX World Championships are in Valkenburg Limburg, Netherlands on 2/3/18 and 2/4/18.
• And finally… Sunday 12/17/17 at NOON we’re hosting the CCC Awards Party at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Buy your tickets here on BikeReg.

• Yet another mudder, this time with ice! Thanks to the Northbrook Garner Bicycle Club for warming us up with some hot CX racing action at Wheeling Heritage Park. And thanks to everyone who put on multiple layers to race and cheer on a cold and windy day. Results are all linked here.
• More great overall results, congrats to Karson Glass (Single Speed Men) Katie Isermann (Women Cat 1/2) and Cole House (Men Cat 1/2/3) for sewing up their respective overall titles this past weekend. Only 1 race left and many categories are still only separated by a few points! The leaders of the Masters 45+, Junior 15/18’s, Women Cat 3’s and Men Cat 4’s are separated by less than 10 points!
• Next weekend the CCC finished up at Montrose Harbor in downtown Chicago on the lake front for the 11th and final stop of the series. As we ask every year, come on out and watch, cheer, etc the entire day. Spend some time with your fellow pedal bikers before we all hibernate for the winter. Online pre-reg closes next Thursday evening. Look for the course preview at the normal time on that morning.
• If you’re looking to keep your CX skills sharp this weekend, Friends of Big Marsh is hosting the second annual Black Friday CX Race @ Big Marsh Park this Friday November 24^th. Donate a bag of non-perishable food items, and receive priority staging. All proceeds from the event will go towards future development of the park. Check out the Facebook event page for details & updates.
• Then 2 days later Region Racing is hosting Region Riot Cross just over the IN border on Sunday November 26th. Details and online pre-reg are on USAC here.
• Afterglow hosted by the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew is moving to Sunday December 17th and back to Douglas Park. Need more details? Just ask someone on the Cuttin’ Crew. This event is super chill(y) but so fun.
• Sunday afternoon December 17th we’re hosting the CCC Awards Party at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Details and tickets for the PARTY (its not a banquet) will be available soon.
• And finally… this weekend the CCC takes a break so we can all fill up on turkey, mashed taters, stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry, pumpkin pie, and all the works. Or for those of you looking for a State Champ podium, maybe just twigs and berries. Either way, enjoy this much earned time off with your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

• Wow, that was a tough weekend all around. Thanks to the South Chicago Wheelmen for persevering through the weather and still hosting a great double weekend at Pheasant Run Resort. Congrats to everyone who braved the elements and mud to race and spectate. Links to all the results you’re looking for are here.
• Speaking of results, congrats to Tim Strelecki (Masters 35+) and Marcus van Mieghem (Junior Boys 9-14) who both locked up their respective overall titles this weekend. Only 2 races remain and many categories are only separated by a few points so its still anyone’s game! The Men and Women Cat 3’s and Cat 4’s are the closest will likely be decided at Montrose.
• Next up the CCC travels to Wheeling Heritage Park for the 10th stop of the series. Please, please do NOT go to Melas Park or you’ll be riding around the bottom of the basin all by yourself. Online pre-reg closes Thursday evening. Look for the course preview at the normal time on Thursday morning.
• Also with another venue and date change, Afterglow hosted by the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew is moving to Sunday December 17th and back to Douglas Park. This is a great way to wind down after the season and benefits the great programs of West Town Bikes and Blackstone Bicycle Works. Look for more details soon or swing by the pink Cuttin’ Crew tent and make some new friends.
• Sunday December 17th will also be the date of the CCC Awards Party at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Please stop calling it a banquet. Details and tickets will be available soon. Come celebrate with us!
• If you’re not traveling at Thanksgiving remember Friends of Big Marsh is hosting the second annual Black Friday CX Race @ Big Marsh Park Friday November 24^th. Donate a bag of non-perishable food items, and receive priority staging. All proceeds from the event will go towards future development of the park. Check out the Facebook event page for details & updates.
• And if that’s not enough CX for you next weekend, Region Racing is hosting Region Riot Cross just over the IN border on Sunday November 26th. Details and online pre-reg are on USAC here.
• And finally… riding through all the mud, rain, sand, grass, and who knows what else this past weekend wreaks absolute havoc on your bike, so make sure to take your ride to your favorite Local Bike Shop ASAP to get it cleaned and tuned up. There’s nothing worse than a bad result due to an avoidable mechanical, so take care of your bike and it will take care of you. Your LBS wants to help you and work on your bike. Many shops like our series sponsors The Pony Shop, Spin Doctors, Main St Bikes, and VeloFix are even running tune up specials to get us all through the end of the year, so take advantage of it.

A quick note from our IL USAC upgrade coordinator Steve Feehery.

Upgrades: What you need to know

• All upgrade (and downgrade) requests are made through the USAC website by the rider.
• Start by logging on to the website. After that click on License, click on upgrade / downgrade.
• Find the discipline desired (for instance, cyclocross) click the new category requested.
• You then must make a case as to why you should be approved for the upgrade/downgrade along with cutting and pasting your palmares (i.e. recent results).
• Click on submit, the system then generates an email to the local coordinator who then reviews the request and approves or denies based on the riders resume.
• 2 wins in any one category is an automatic upgrade. That does not mean USAC will automatically do it, but that you have qualified to move up in category. Other considerations for upgrades include experience in other disciplines (road, track, cyclocross or mtb).  If you are a rider that is a Cat 3 on the road, you can be upgraded to Cat 4 for cross automatically. Same for a Cat 2 on the road, you can become a Cat 3 for CX.
• There are two important caveats to mandatory upgrades:
  • Mandatory upgrades do not apply to juniors.
  • When racing in a combined field, field size includes everyone in your category and above. For example, a Cat 4 rider racing in a Cat 4/5 combined field may only count the 4’s in that field when calculating upgrade points, NOT the 5’s. Alternately, a Cat 5 racer who lands on a podium in a combined Cat 4/5 field may count the whole field when assessing upgrade points.
• Some riders have taken it upon themselves to become “upgrade police”. If you come upon a situation where a rider is doing well and might or should be upgraded reach out to your local upgrade coordinator. Please DO NOT take it upon yourself to speak to that rider or try to shame them into upgrading. We’re all adults here, and this is just amateur pedal bike racing for fun, so let’s keep it civil.

Sandbagging

Sandbagging is when a rider’s ability has egregiously surpassed the current category (i.e. not age group or single speed) and the rider continues to race in that category. He/she is typically doing very well in that category and does not want to move up. A situation like this should be immediately brought to the upgrade coordinators attention. Note however a rider is not always sandbagging if they win one race, or even two. If at any given race any rider on the front row of staging has a good chance of winning, then none of them are sandbagging. That is just called good competition. This is especially true later in the season as riders start peaking for the state championship. However, if a rider easily wins more than one race by a large time gap, especially at the beginning of the season, and doesn’t voluntarily upgrade, then yes, that is sandbagging.

All upgrade rules are available for review at usacycling.org/usa-cycling-rule-book.htm in the General Regulations section, CX specifically starts on page 22.

Thanks for reading!