My cross season started in Minturn, CO this past Wednesday night. The race was put on collaboratively by the Vail Rec District and top US cyclocross racer, Jake Wells. Jake lives in Eagle County, so this was his back yard. He also put on a season primer training workshop for young and old cross racers last weekend. That info can be found here. Pretty cool getting kids involved.
I have a busy schedule lined up for cyclocross season, so it was good to get out and dust off the cobwebs. The first of many Boulder area races is this upcoming weekend, September 16, at Valmont Bike Park. CrossVegas is next week, under the lights, in what is sure to be a stacked international field. A few stops of the national series, in Ft. Collins, and either Bend, OR or Louisville, KY (or both). The USGP series has new sponsors, and they are fired. UP!
Onto the photos, this was a great race, with some really creative course design. You gotta work with what you are given, right? I love how the race course went through the playground, and under the jungle gym. Nice work guys!
Jake Wells looking extremely smooth and fast over the barrier section.
cross racer in Minturn making these barriers look like a piece of cake. Now throw some mud and 30 degree temps in there.
Summit County racer Josh Petrucci is 2nd here. He did well, top 5.
long time Vail area bike racer. Short, stocky, and unbelievably fast. This dude is built like a linebacker, but fast as hell!
Racers jump off their bikes for a run up of this short, steep section into the woods.
This section was too short to throw the bike over the shoulder. Here Josh shows the luggage carry method.
Jake Wells hopping back on the bike, riding through the short, but awesome, woods section. Great course design guys!
One of my favorites, the course went under the jungle gym and through the playground. Not the proverbial "woods and Grandma's house", but hey, it worked. Side note, the fans were pounding beer and coffee, and cheering LOUDLY. This felt like cross racing!
Josh Petrucci almost broke a smile with caffeinated cross fanatics screaming at him. 
Darron Cheek leading Jake Wells through the barriers. Wells was trying the regain the lead after a flat.
Josh Petrucci was totally going for it. I think he's going to have a good season. 
a final shot of your winner, Jake Wells. As one of the top racers in the US, he makes it look easy. Thanks for organizing Jake!