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

Pedalhead Roadworks Super Prestige

*I can't find any photos of this race for some reason

Goal for the race: Finish in the top ten

After the race in Devon, I talked to Brent who wasn't able to come up and he told me to "&*@! that Italian up!" (lol) in the next race. I was prepared to deliver the hurt to Andrew....even if he did manage to beat me...I would ensure that he would be wrecked fighting for his placing.

The course was a pretty simple loop. Not really technical, a pretty big climb, a long sand pit and some pretty high barriers. I was getting worried now...the course looked like it was going to be really fast and favor power over technical skill. The ground was only slightly damp in the forest but for the most part pretty dry. The whole course width was also like 12 feet wide which is rare for a 'cross race so it looked like a go-kart track.

After walking the course, we got changed and rode a few pre-laps. The climbs were pretty decent. Not overly steep but fairly long for a 'cross course. What goes up must come down and there was a long downhill where you could probably easily hit 50km/h through the hardpack and leaves. Then came the sand pit...usually I just ride around them and test to see how deep and firm the sand is. The sand looked like a pretty long run with 2 short steep hills as you came out of it. Then it was a long hard pack straight to the start/finish line.

As usual, I was a little late for the call up and started in 3rd row. There were more guys out today and a few mountain bikes. Once again...this course was made for 'cross bikes. Another proper start and we were off. The pace started out fast going into the first climb and was single file going into the first descent. I sprinted up the next climb to pass the mountain bikers as they are usually harder to get around on the barriers. I gained a few places on the barriers but lost some as some riders were rocketing down the first downhill.

Then it was the big long climb...I grinded up to the top and was glad I put on my mud tires. Grip was not an issue today but I was worried if my legs could pace the climb another 4-5 times. I was able to get my positions back on the climb but was taking the downhill a little slower then most...I didn't know what was beneath all the leaves so I though it best to follow other riders and play it safe the first couple laps. Then came the sand pit...I was able to see ahead and everyone was riding it! I had to make a decision on the spot...if I wanted to stay in the race I'd have to attempt to ride through the sand. I sped up, stayed to where everyone was riding and pedaled through. I almost made it all the way but ended up in deep sand trying not to run into another rider.

Second lap I was still feeling really strong. I caught up to Andrew who told me that his legs just weren't firing today....so much for putting the screws to him today. On the downhills lines were being made in the leaves for me to follow. It was time to start taking numbers. I would target a rider, bridge and then pass. After each pass I would see another rider to bridge up to. I got to the sand and made it all the way through and didn't feel totally drained.

Each lap I was passing more riders. Some were tired from going out hard at the start but many seemed to be struggling on the climbs. The barriers werepretty high so that was catching some riders wheels slowing them down a bit. Even though my legs hurt I just kept on the gas. I wanted a top 10 finish today. Around the 3rd lap I passed my "nemesis"...I thought for sure he'd try and get me on the sand again but he was spinning the climbs.

When the final lap came I could see I was catching up to the second chase group. I kept going hard but I was passed by a rider on the downhill. I tried to stay with him during the climb but he was really pouring it on. I took the downhill faster then ever...going into full tuck and off the brakes. I blasted through the sand and sprinted for the start/finish.

Result: 10/30

Finally...I got my top 10 finish. I thought I was in the top 8 during my final lap...and I probably was but I let a couple riders get away from me. At the start of the race I was actually worried I was going to be lapped during this race so it was great to have a top third result. I feel I raced one of my strongest races and did everything right this race. I felt confident in myself during the race and just went hard the whole time. It was a great way to finish off another racing weekend. Only 2 more races remaining.

Devon Dairy Queen Double Dipper

Goal for the race: Finish in the top 10

After waking up fairly early and enjoying a fine continental breakfast at the Super 8 Motel (LOL!) we drove out to Devon for the first race. It was fairly brisk outside, but it was supposed to warm up to +5 or something, still better then the snowstorm in Calgary. For 'cross I much prefer the cooler weather...I don't reach for the water bottle that isn't on my bike.

After talking to a couple United Cycle guys they were showing us two of the new features "never before seen in a 'cross race:. The first was the Heemer Humps (dedicated to Elite 'crosser Tim Heemskerk) and the second the was The Clam (or Agitator). Unfortunately after the commisaire walked the course the Heemer Humps were removed for safety reasons so we just got to do the Agitator. The barriers were a little shorter then usual and the sand pit was super short...so that's considered rideable. The climb was a little muddy but the guys said it was a run-up during the afternoon yesterday...so were lucky as the climb was only a little tacky when we started. After doing a couple laps, it looked like this course was going to favor technical skill over power and mountain bikes would be at a disadvantage in our race.

This time we got a real countdown so we had a good sprint start. I started in second row but was not able to move up during the sprint so I was near the back of the pack. When we got to the hill I was able to ride up no problem but then a rider got stuck almost at the peek so I had to dismount to run around him. The top of the climb was extremely rutted so it was hard trying to find a line to put your bike back into for the descent. After the descent, came a few hairpins and then a fast turn into the sand pit. A couple guy were having to dismount to make it through the sand so I gained about 4 positions on myfirstshot through. Then it was on to the Agitator...this was so trippy. The video I posted below will show what it is...but pretty much it's a giant corkscrew which winds into the centre, hairpins and winds back out. Going through, it was hard to tell if riders were in front or behind you, as you were almost brushing shoulders going opposite ways...very cool.

The next lap, I rode pretty much by myself. Third lap I caught up to Andrew who had a huge gap on me. I passed him on the climb but he managed to bridge up and rode on my wheel for the next 2 laps. I didn't really mind as he was pushing me to keep going strong and we managed to catch a few more riders. All of a sudden I was leading the third chase group. On the last lap I just managed to gap Andrew on the climb as I cut in front of him trying to make the final push up the steepest part and forced him to dismount. I managed to a pass a couple more riders and figured I was sitting somewhere in the top 10. I went out as hard as I could...sprinting out of every corner to gap the riders behind me but I was losing time on the technical sections as I was having some traction issues on the wet grass. Andrew also managed to pass the other riders and was sticking on my wheel as we navigated the technical section.

When I got to the final stretch, I had a slight gap on Andrew so I switched into my big ring and started hammering for the finish. I looked behind and Andrew was closing the gap. I pedaled as hard as my legs would let me, but he was able to catch up and suddenly we were side-by-side in a sprint battle for the finish. I looked down and noticed he was gaining on me...why was the finish line so far? As I got to the finish line, Andrew managed to make a final push to gain a half-wheel on me just as we crossed the line. Wow...what an awesome way to finish a race. Andrew pushed me so hard for the finish that I almost puked when it was all over.

Result: 11/23

I missed 10th place by half a wheel and had been sitting in 10th for most of the last lap. It was a great battle in the end and it was great learning experience on what to do next time. Andrew raced really well and he made me push hard throughout the race (even if he did suck wheel for the last quarter of the race...hahaha). It was awesome to be able to finish with him as he is a much stronger 'cross rider then I am.

Below is a video by the Hardcore team of the Elite Men's race.
Note: Andre Sutton broke his chain at the start of the race...fixed it, started the race half a lap behind and finished 9/19...it was amazing to watch him get back in to the race after he was faced with the possibility of having to DNF.

CX Racing Weekend Part 3

It's still October? I can't believe this will be my third set of races in the same month.

Andrew kinda twisted my arm into going up to Devon and Edmonton on the weekend to race another series of double-headers. These would be my 6th and 7th cross races.

I really haven't trained as hard as I thought I would because of time constraints lately but managed to get in the last Midweek Mayhem race and a few session on the turbo trainer.

Taking a look at the weather reports, it looked like it was going to rain a little going into the weekend which meant in would probably be a little muddy in Devon. Learning from my experience at the Oval race, I decided to run a set of mud tires for the weekend and set the tire pressure down to just under minimum recommended pressure.

The first race was going to be the Dairy Queen Double Dipper in Devon. I read the technical guide and really wanted to do this race because they had "2 new obstacles never before seen in a 'cross race" and that of course piqued my interest.

The second race was the Pedalhead Roadworks Super Prestige in Edmonton and promised to be a really fast course no matter what the weather conditions.

Andrew and I booked a hotel in Leduc and drove up right after work on Friday night for yet another weekend of CX fun (or pain).

Remington Cross For Kids

Goal for Race: Finish in the top half

Double-header races are funny. After every 'cross race, I feel totally spent, can barely feel my legs and my back is killing me. But then, for some reason, I always thinks it's going to be awesome to race again the next day. Next day comes around, my legs still hurt, I run a few laps...and I'm ready to go again. I must love pain.

Despite the title, today's race was definetely not a race for kids....although all the money they made from our suffering was. I woke up and checked the weather and it looked like they were expected sleet during the morning. It was sort of half-raining on my way to the course this morning...which could be a really good thing...or a really bad thing. The weather certainly always makes 'cross a more interesting sport.

As I said before the course was changed the day before the race because COP had decided to start putting snow on the hill early so we were moved the west side of the bobsled track. Keith B. had very little room to work with but somehow designed an absolute masterpiece of a course...probably even better then the original course. It had leg burning climbs, technical descents, flowy hairpins, stair run-up and ultra-long sand pit.

We all lined up for the start, which was on paved uphill climb, and had another surprise start. 30 seconds...15 seconds (5 seconds passed)....GO!!! I think some people were caught off guard...some way to anxious but it was a sprint to be the first to the top of the hill.

The first lap went pretty fast but you could tell who had not fully recovered from yeterday's race. The climb was a killer and in 'cross you never have time to fully recover. As I rolled around to the second climb and I sprinted and caught about 5 riders. Then the sand pit came...which was rideable except for the sharp right-hand turn in the middle. The strategy here was to go as fast as possible into the sand, dismount and shoulder while your bike was still plowing through.

Then run for a the other half of the pit. This also turned out to a place where I pass many riders who had a hard time running and even those foolish enough to try and ride the whole section.

Second lap went well and was starting to wonder how many tims I could do the hill. My legs were also starting to burn while trying to run through the sand pit. I finished off the second lap, checked the counter to see how many laps were left, saw 4 and thought to myself "Are you serious??? I can't even do one more".

Going into fourth lap I had caught a group of four riders spinning up the hill and could see my teammate up ahead. One of my teammates yelled at me to attack and I dug deep and went hard to not only pass the group but bridge up to my teammate, Craig. As Craig and I are matched in 'cross ability my new plan was to stick to his wheel as long as possible and work as a team. Craig was taking awesome lines and it made it much easier having someone to race with. Craig is better technically then I am so he would gap me on the technical sections and I would catch up on the sand pit. On the climb we were always side-by-side. We stayed together for the remainder of the laps.

On the final lap we pushed hard. We caught more riders that just couldn't go anymore and I stayed as close as I could to Craig's wheel. I thought that if I could stay with him into the sand...I might be able to edge him out on te run. Craig went hard on the hills and gapped me so I was a little behind going into the sand. I went in full-bore into the sand pit, swung my right leg over and then my left shoe got stuck in the pedals as I tried to unclip. I ended up falling over into the sand and lost Craig while I fumbled around to shoulder my bike. I ran as hard as I could for the end but he was already on his way to the climb. I sprinted hard when I got to the climb but couldn't catch him...he beat by 7 seconds (which is the same time I beat him by the day before).

Result: 12/32

What a great race. One of my best results so far. I had a super clean race and only had the one mishap in the sand. I felt really good about my results and felt I had done almost everything well. Craig told me after the race then even if I caught him on the sand he wouldn't have let me beat him on the hill, he was saving his energy in the last lap for a sprint climb during the race in case I passed him in the sand section.

Keith and the rest of the Midweek Mayhem crew did an awesome job on the course and Midweek Mayhem held an awesome event.

I stayed the whole day and got to witness a scene that could only happen in 'cross. Keith and Jeff Neilson were in a tight battle for last place. After trying to see who could make the other puke first on the climb, they decided to spar in the sand pits with their bikes. Keith won the fight and left Jeff to suffer alone up the hill. Another lap later, Keith decided that he had enough of his own sufferfest...and needed a push up the hill. 'Cross is freakin' awesome!

Deadgoat Blow Street Super Cross

Goal for the race: Finish in the top half

Today’s race looked like it was going to be a good time: High of +15C, most of the snow gone and an awesome looking course.

I got to the site to help setup a little later the everyone else due to the fact I arrived home at 10pm the night before...by the time I arrived most of the course had already been done.

After setup finished, I got changed, did a couple warm-up laps and lined up for the race. The field was another great turnout, 33 in all. The race started with a long pavement straight away which put us into a single file peloton right away. The next part was pretty twisty so the straight was a battle for position going into the technical section. The first tight section we already had a couple crashes as we were all going pretty fast on some pretty sketchy terrain. My goal for the race was to try and stick to my teammates, Ken’s, wheel. Being that he is a stronger rider then I am, he could help me push a higher pace that I normally would have. Going into second lap , I still had him in my sights but was falling back a few position. I was on the wheel of a rider who was riding kinda sketchy so at the next straight I decided to go for a pass so I could get him before the upcoming left hand turn…all of a sudden…he makes a sharp right turn right into my front wheel which needless to say, takes me out, hard.


As I recovered from the crash about 4-5 riders that I was leading passed me. Determined I got back on my bikes and went out to try and get my position back. It took me about 2 laps but I was able to catch up to the rider that took me out and gap him on the straight away. As I passed him going into 4rd lap the rider apologized for taking me out…and although it’s part of racing and stuff happens, it was really a classy thing to do, so I told him thanks and that it was no problem. I had lost Ken’s wheel but I managed to battle back for my position. Later on in the lap I took a turn too hot in the mud, slipped out and crashed again. I picked up my bike and kept riding but noticed my handle bar was bent and my brake levers were caked in mud…but I was going to have to deal with this…there’s no time to stop in ‘cross and who needs brakes anyways?


As the race went on I found myself riding with my teammate Craig for the most part. Craig is an awesome mountain biker and this was his first ‘cross race so it was great that we were able to stay together. We both worked hard and bridged up to a group of riders who had smoked me at the Oval ‘cross race so I wanted to try and stay with them for a bit. Every time I would pass by Tim, he would yell “Attack Kyle!” and as I tried to attack, the group of guys in front would just hammer to try and gap me.

On the last lap I finally managed to pass a couple riders and then I was suddenly right behind my nemesis. My nemesis for the race was the rider who beat me in the Oval race by deciding to ride through the sand on his last lap and beating me by a few seconds to the finish. On the last stretch I was constantly trying to cut the hairpins sharp to try and beat him but he kept blocking me at every attempt. He got away from me in the last 100 meters but I kept going hard anyways. As I eyed the finish line, another rider was right behind me…I sprinted hard for the finish line and just managed to beat him…by 3 inches.

Result: 16/33

What a finish, just barely achieved my goal. That was one of the closest finishes I’ve had and probably one of the most exciting. After we crossed the finish line, there were handshakes all around…it was an awesome battle at the end. Although I took a couple bails, the race was still stupid amounts of fun. I only finished about a minute back from Ken so I felt pretty good about that. A teammate came up and said he was really impressed that even after my crashes; I got up and battled for my position…so that put me in a really good mood.