Barriers and Beer on a Beautiful Day

The Boulvevard Cup Cyclocross Race demonstrated why the Wyandotte County Park Venue has been selected for the 2007 and 2008 USCF Nationals. Course designer Gregg Rupp created a fast and painful 2 mile circuit with rollers and selectively placed forced dismounts. The crowds found the set of doubles next to the Boulvevard Beer tent a popular place to watch. There was plenty of excited cheering, cowbells and other noise makers to urge the riders on. Multiple National and World Champ Steve Tilford led the Men's 1/2/3 race from the gun. Jelly Belly pro rider Brian Jensen, made one of his occasional appearances as a veldrijder. Tilford's high tempo from the first lap left only Shadd Smith and Jensen in possible contention.  However, throughout the race the gap only increased. Jensen's road legs did allow him to pull away for 2nd on the final lap. Former Barrel Racer, Sydney Brown bested the women's 1/2/3 field, with Michelle Jensen (Brian's wife) taking second. All fields had first class competition with racers from around the region. Hard working Roger Harrison brought the equipment to mark and set up the course. Director Mike Berning and his volunteers kept things smooth. The KCA computer timing produced fast results. Jane Edwards caught some of the action: Photos.