Dean Parker has sent another great batch of photos from the Grote Prijs Shawnee. Here's the gallery (the first shot is of some Drill Instructor in a Fez…very weird). Dean also has photos from other events here at his Flickr site.
The DeStad van Kansas Cyclocross Series standings are posted here. Chris Locke says that some custom awards, merchandise and comp' entries for next year's series will be ready in the next few days, watch the site for details.
Regarding Scoring here's a mini-editorial:
Local cyclocross racing has experienced a lot of growth over the last several years. More racers in more categories mean a lot of positive things, but it has put a lot of pressure on the scoring side of events. The nature of 'cross with multiple laps means some confusion for the folks tracking the racers, BUT riders who pay the entry fee deserve accurate results in the end. The current method of scoring most races depends heavily on our USAC officials who use a hand scoring system. It's not a glamorous or easy job. Nor is it the best technology. It's complicated by a local shortage of working USAC officials. There is also a dependence on the rider of each event to review the results and 'protest' within a short time after results are posted. Solutions are being worked on for upcoming events. Some may require investment in technology such as chip timing, others may be as simple as more volunteers to take the pressure off the Officials. The goal for all promoters and officials should be to have accurate results posted the first time, rather than mistakes caught in the 'protest period"; that should be the exception not the rule.
The Kansas Cycling Association is taking a step towards some of these issues with an active recruitment program for new officials. Click on the 'read more' below for details:
The Kansas Cycling Association is in need of licensed USA Cycling Officials to officiate at our 2008 races. To meet this need, the KCA is sponsoring Category C (Beginner) Official’s Clinics on Saturday, January 26 and Saturday, February 23. Please consider attending one of these free four hour clinics to learn the rules of competitive cycling and qualify for the test to license as a Class C Official. An open book test will be conducted at the end of each course. Attendees passing the test may purchase a 2008 Class C Official’s License for $35. Officials are paid for working races based on the fee schedule set by USA Cycling.
The January 26 clinic will be held in Lawrence, at a location TBD, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The February 23 clinic will be scheduled in a different town, with the location chosen based on interest expressed.
Please email Margretta deVries, clinic instructor, at margrettadevries@sbcglobal.net or Sherri Hahn, KCA Board Member, at shahn2@kc.rr.com with questions and to RSVP for either clinic. Please also contact Margretta or Sherri to indicate your preferred location within Kansas for the February clinic