Brian Kullman Memorial Provincial

Goal for the race: Finish the race
Secondary goal: Don't get double lapped

This was the last ABA race for the whole season. After this it would be a long break until the season starts again next year in April. The weather was pretty exceptional for November so it was an awesome way to end the season.

Most people have already heard my complaints about the provincial race format so I will not go over them yet again. So anyways, because I'm under 30, I would be racing in my first Elite race and also my first 60 minute 'cross race. Several people managed to talk me into doing this race because of the excellent training and experience it would give me.



The race was held at the Montgomery Juinior High School and the course was once again designed by 'cross course master, Keith Bayly. The course itself was really good for the space we were given. It had several steep climbs, a long stair run-up, a crit-like pavement section, some technical sections and a really steep dirt climb that became a run-up for many later on.

I was told through the organizers that they were not going to pull lapped riders from the race so I decided it would be a good chance to see if I can race for a full 60 minutes as opposed to my usual 40 minutes.

After getting to the site and watching a bit of the Master A/B race and cheering on my friends and teammates, I did my usual warmups and got ready for my last race of the season. After the call ups had been done for the top riders, I settled in at the very back with another rider who normally races in Sport with me.



Just before the start of the race, they announced that they were pulling lapped riders which was strange because I had heard otherwise but I figured now I was just going to go out and try and see how many laps I could do before getting pulled.

The race started and it was really fast, much faster then any Sport start. I was in last right at the start of the race and the gap was getting bigger with every second. I caught up to another other rider and we were pretty much in a race against each other by the end of the first lap.

We kept racing pretty much wheel to wheel for 5 laps when the race leader Aaron finally managed to catch up to us and lap us just before the Start/Finish. The other rider stopped riding right away and went to the Start/Finish to DNF his race. I rode by and said I was lapped but then they told us we could keep going if we wanted to and they weren't going to pull us (got so confused). I decided that I didn't want to call it a day so I got back on my bike and kept riding. Now my goal was to not get lapped again. I went out for another lap and was thought that would be my day but then they asked me if I wanted to DNF when I passed the Start/Finish. I thought to myself...no way I'm going to DNF...I haven't DNF'd a single race this year...so I got back to it to finish off the race.

I rode on my own for the rest of the race...getting passed by only a few more riders but they were pretty much just lapping me at this point, so I slowed down and got out of the way so they could keep going hard. Every lap, my team was cheering for me even though they all knew I was out of it. It was great that I had so much support from my friends and teammates.



As I was on the second last lap I just managed to make it to the Start/Finish before Schooler could lap me again so I had just managed to not get double-lapped. I finished off the lap with Dallas and was pretty glad I was able to finish off the race. I think I had a petty good race...it was totally out of my league but I kept going and never gave up. Who knows what will happen next season...but if I can do the race and manage to go 6,7 or a whole race without getting lapped...that would be a great improvement and show me if I've been able to progress in my abilities over the year.

Final result: 9/12 (Down 1 lap)

I found out later there was a crash and two guys DNF'd so I was able to move up a little bit more. I did 9 laps which is the most I've ever done in a 'cross race and kept riding through the pain even though I didn't have to. My dismounts seemed smooth and I was really starting to flow through the course. I have at least 3 more years of racing Elite for the Provincials/Nationals so I might as well get used to it.

Also our team once again dominated the podium. Craig and Devin respectively took Gold and Silver in Master A, while Cindy took Gold in Women B. It's great that so many people on our team had a very successful racing season with lots of representation on the podium. Hopefully next season, I'll be able to see what the view is like from there.

All Photos: Brent Topilko

Beans N' Barley

Goal for the race: Finish in the top 10

I can't believe it's almost all done for the season. This was the last ABA Cup race and then it's Provincials next week.

Today was a local race, so my parents decided to come out an watch. For some reason I always feel more pressure then usual to do my best because I want them to be proud of what I'm able to accomplish. My last race they got to watch me suffer as I ran up a muddy hill and slid down the other side just barely missing getting lapped in the process so I really wanted to do well today.

The race was at Shagannapi Park which is a really good venue for cross. I did a practice here at the beginning of the 'cross season and I did a Midweek Mayhem race so I knew what kind of terrain to expect. We got a later start then usual which I like because I don't have to get up super early to get my breakfast down in time before pre-race meal cut-off. The weather looks like it was going to be brisk but sunny which is great to race in and the course would probably fairly dry despite the weeks weather.

The course was not overly technical but had quite a bit of off-camber, 2 run-ups, barriers and plenty of steep climbs. All in all..today's race was going to be super painful but super fun as there were lots of people out and Terrascape had 2 members providing color commentary. After doing my warm-up lap and stretching I got to start in time and lined up right at the front this time.


For some reason the Calgary races always have these weird non-countdown surprise starts so I was ready this time for the random start. The starter yelled "Go" and I sprinted hard to stay up in front. I fell a few places going into the first climb as it was pretty tight so we had to file up before going into the technical off-camber section. On the dowhill I lost a few more places as guys were bombing down at full tilt. Then came the first run-up...it seems some people were struggling into this one as I was able to shoulder and run as hard as I could. A few more twists and turns and we got to the 2 steep climbs. I powered my way up each climb and passed a whole bunch of guys.

I dismounted a little early for my first barrier set but got my bike shouldered properly right after and transitioned into the second run-up without losing too much steam. First lap down and I checked to see the damage. I could still see the race leaders and to my surprise I was right up there with Brent. I stayed on his wheel for a bit but then decided to go for a pass. Brent and I rode together pretty much the rest of the race.

I finished off the second lap and I still felt pretty strong. Everytime I went by my parents my mom kept yelling at me to ride harder (I don't think she realizes how much it hurts). Everytime I would get to the first run-up, Tim was there shouting "Get that guy, Kyle, c'mon run harder!". Third lap in, I wasn't sure how many laps I had to do and if my legs would be able to hold on. I think this was my fastest race yet. 4th lap in, Brent put his hand on my back and gave me a little push and told me I was doing awesome and to keep going hard. We had two more laps and I was getting really tired. Each run up hurt more and more.

My last lap I was trying to catch a guy from Pedalhead. I pushed so hard and finally managed to pass him on one of the climbs. I went hard to gap him but after the descent on the second run-up, I couldn't clip in my left pedal so I had to slow down going into the final climb to find my pedal as I needed to power sprint the last climb and go for the finish line. I caught up to him but I wasn't able to pass as the section into the finish line was pretty technical. I finished 1 second behind him.

Result: 6/34

By far my best race this season and it couldn't have come at a better time. It was unbelievable to finish that high up along with Brent who always finishes well in every 'cross race. It wasn't a podium...but for once it was in my sights. I was so glad my parents got to watch me in this race and see all the work I put in all season finally pay off. Also Brent's encouraging push gave me the confidence to keep going hard and push through all the pain in my legs. It was awesome finishing next to him in the race.

It was ironic that a series of firsts took place at one of the last races of the season:

- My first ABA points

- My first series ranking

- My first single digit finish

- My first cash prize

It turned out to be a really good day for the team as well with Craig and Devin placing 4th and 6th respectively in the Elite category. Also for one of my teammates it was his first 'cross race and he managed to stay in to the end without getting lapped. I also wanted to thank everyone for all the cheering and support, it was very much appreciated.

All Photos: Bill Quinney