This site is dedicated to the supporters of Jordan Cullen's quest to race Cyclocross in Europe during the 2011-2012 Season.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Bredene - Jordan's final race of 2011

Jordan leading the pack at Bredene. Photo by Tom Robertson.

Jordan did his last race of EuroCrossCamp today in Bredene, and had another bad day. For those that have followed him all cross season, he hasn't been himself since early November in Cincinatti. He's been sick on and off since then, and hasn't had the opportunity to rest up long enough to get completely healthy.

As you might guess, this has been as much of a mental battle as a physical one. Jordan had high hopes of performing up to his full potential, and making a bid for the US CX World's team. For obvious reasons, Jordan will not be petitioning for selection to CX worlds this year.

Jordan plans to rest up as much as he can in preparation for Nationals next week, in hopes for a good result there. Then he plans to take an extended break, in preparation for next road season with his new team, Slipstream-Craddock Junior Developement.

The support from his family, friends, and cycling community has been overwhelming, and for this we are very greatful. Clearly Jordan still had excellent success this cross season, including being selected for EuroCrossCamp, repeating his 3-peat at Jingle Cross, and winning the MN State CX Championships in spectacular come-from-behind fashion. We thank you sincerely for providing him with the opportunity for these once in a life time racing experiences.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Article About Jordan in the Local Press

Hudson Star Observer Article

Loenhout GVA

At the Loenhout Finish with Tobin Ortenblad. Photo by Tom Robertson

Today's race was a GVA in Loenhout. This course had several muddy sections with a flyover, whoops, and some wicked ditches.
I was feeling a little better than I had in Zolder so I was really looking forward to the race.
I had an ok start but lost a few spots. I started chasing pretty hard and through a long running section I caught half a dozen riders.
I kept chasing super hard and on the banner above the finish line it said I was sitting in 25th place. I faded a little with two laps to go so I took a majority of that lap easier than before.
With one lap to go there were a few people in front of me that I was able to catch and rolled in for 28th place.
I'm pretty happy with my result here today and I can't wait to race tomorrow!!

Monday, December 26, 2011

A Tough Day at Zolder

Jordan on the log pavement stretch. Photo by Tom Robertson.

Today's race was at the Zolder Circuit. This course is one of the faster ones that we are doing on this trip with a long road section and a few steep, rutted drops.
I went into the race not really having any expectations because I was feeling very tired and fatigued during my warm-up. I had a decent initial start but once we got going I had no speed and went right to last place.
I picked up a spot or two on the next road section but the next riders were already a ways ahead of us. I was feeling terrible and was just trying to ride as well as I could.
After two laps I wasn't feeling any better and continued losing time so I chose to save myself for the remaining races and pulled out.
I am super disappointed with how I did here and really hope I can have at least one good race when I'm over here. My next race is Wednesday at Loenhout

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Diegem Superprestiege

Last night we raced in Diegem. It's one of the oldest Superprestieges and a super cool one too.
The course was a little muddy but had very long road climb, paved downhill, and a sandpit.
I had a very bad start at was nearing the back of the pack. I started chasing pretty hard to catch as many guys as I could.
Mid-way through the race I had made up a lot of places but I was still quite a ways back. I switched bikes with two laps left to get a clean bike with no mud on it.
After switching I made up a few more spots. On the final lap up the long road climb I totally blew up and lost several places. I tried to salvage as much as I could and came across the line for 49th.
I am pretty dissapointed with my start at this race and I really hope to make up for it on Monday at Zolder!

Full Diegem Results here

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Cyclocross Popularity in Belgium

Namur World Cup Elite Race - Photo by Tom Robertson

In the United States, Cyclocross is a growing sport, but is still very small in comparison to mainstream sports like Football, Baseball, Hockey, and Basketball. In Europe, Soccer is the most popular sport. However, cycling is right up there. The discipline of Cyclocross is particularly popular in Belgium.

In the US, an event is deemed popular if they can draw more spectators than racers. In Belgium, they have permanent cyclocross venues, and spectators pay around 10 euros to enter. Events get THOUSANDS of spectators, filling stands, and lining much of the course, several people deep.

Sponsorship is clearly at another level at these events. Crowd barriers line most of the course, with sponsorship banners drapped over every inch of the course. Belgian cross superstars like Sven Nys and Kevin Pauwels are worshiped by fans, seeking their trading cards and autographs. Yes, they have trading cards!

The UCI (United Cycliste Internationale) is the world governing body of cycling. They oversee, and set policy, for all of the biggest bike races in the world. These include the Tour de France, World Championships, and Cyclocross World Cup Series.

The 3 biggest European UCI Cyclocross Series are the UCI World Cup, GVA Trophee, and Super Prestige. Each series boasts 8 events, most of which are in and around Belgium.

Last Sunday's race in Namur was a World Cup event. Tomorrow's race in Diegem is a Super Prestige. Eurocrosscampers will also be racing the Zolder World Cup this coming Monday. Jordan may also get the opportunity to race the GVA Trophee in Baal on New Year's Day.

First Week In Izegem

Izegem has been an awesome place for my first week and I love the house here!! All of this week so far have been non-race days so our days usually follow a pretty routine schedule.
We get up at 8, eat breakfast, ride at 10, Lunch at noon, dinner at 6, and a meeting at 8. This of course leaves a ton of down time for all of us to just relax and study or catch up on the Facebook world.
On Monday, myself and a few other juniors went into town to eat at the Glass House. The food was awesome and the atmosphere was great!
Monday night really sucked! I woke up in the middle of the night and got super sick and didn't fall asleep until 5. So, pretty much all of Tuesday was spent in my bed just resting from being sick.
Wednesday was a pretty cool day. The first half of the day was pretty normal. I recovered quite a bit from being sick and I was able to ride inside on the trainer.
After lunch all of us headed to the BMC service course. This place was insane!!! They had one of the team buses there, team cars, countless bikes and wheelsets, luggage, and tons of other sweet things!
Another thing that was cool about the service course is that they had Cadel Evans' skinsuit from the final TT at the Tour this year along with most of his bikes!
Izegem is for sure an awesome place and I can't wait to race in Diegem tomorrow!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Jordan's Euro Cross Camp Racing Schedule

Sun, Dec 18 - Namur UCI World Cup
Wed, Dec 21 - Izegem Intersquad Training Race
Fri, Dec 23 - Diegem UCI Superprestige
Mon, Dec 26 - Zolder UCI World Cup
Wed, Dec 28 - Loenhout GVA Trophy
Fri, Dec 30 - Leuven
Sun, Jan 1 - Baal (Tenative)

Namur World Cup

Today was my first race in Europe in Namur. I went into the race just hoping for a top 20 because I knew it would be way harder than any U.S. race.
The course was super muddy with several rutted drops, and off camber section, and lots of elevation. A lot of the course was not rideable so I knew there would be quite a bit of running today.
I had a decent start from the front row and was able to keep my spot about mid-field for most of the race.
I was having a ton of fun on during the whole race! I was switching bikes every lap so I could have a mud-free bike. I came in to the finish for 20th place, a solid 7:30 down on the winner. I'm still super pumped with my result especially since this was my first European race.
I am racing again on friday here and I can't wait!!

Namur World Cup Juniors Results

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Monday, December 12, 2011

Bend USGP


This weekend I headed to Bend, Oregon for the final two races in the USGP. I was really looking forward to racing in Bend again this year because the town is so awesome. Unfortunately, the weekend after Jingle Cross I got sick again and I was still feeling it this weekend.
This course on the first day was pretty cool with a good mix of power and technical sections, and it was super dry and dusty. I had a pretty good start on the first day and was fourth into the first corner. I started fading about half a lap in and just tried to stay in the top 10.
With 3 laps to go I was riding with my teammate Zack Gould when I flatted and had to switch bikes. After switching I never really go my rhythm back and rode the last three laps solo into 7th place.
The second day's course was relatively unchanged and was just as dry as yesterday. I had about the same start as yesterday but stayed in contact with the front group a little longer.
After a lap I was riding alone in 6th place with a solid gap to both 5th place in front, and 7th place behind me. I just kept riding tempo for the rest of the race and came in for 6th.
I was a little disappointed to be sick again for another big race but that's just part of racing. I'm super excited to leave for EuroCross Camp on Thursday for some awesome European race experience!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

EuroCrossCamp IX Roster

EuroCrossCamp IX
2011-2012

5 Clif Bar Devo Team Riders!

Juniors (14)
Andrew Dillman; Fairdale, KY; Bob’s Red Mill Cyclocross Team
Zane Godby; Louisville CO; Clif Bar Cyclocross Development Team
Curtis White; Duanesburg NY; Clif Bar Cyclocross Development Team
Tobin Ortenblad; Santa Cruz CA; California Giant-Specialized
Logan Owen; Bremerton WA; Redline Bicycles
Jordan Cullen; Hudson WI; Clif Bar Cyclocross Development Team
Cypress Gorry; Payson AZ; Whole Athlete-Specialized
Lionel Rocheleau; Waukesha WI; Team Geargrinder
Luke Haley; Louisville KY; Red Zone Cycling Team
John Francisco; Louisville KY; Red Zone Cycling Team
Sam O’Keefe; Baltimore MD; C3/Athletes Serving Athletes
Nate Morse; Cohasset MA; cyclocrossworld.com
Stephen Bassett; Knoxville TN; Bob’s Red Mill Cyclocross Team
Spencer Downing; Boulder CO; Clif Bar Cyclocross Development Team

U23 (4)
Yannick Eckmann; Boulder, CO; Pearl Izumi/Shimano
Zach McDonald; Bainbridge Island, WA; Rapha-Focus
Dan Gerow; Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; Wolverine/ACFSTORES.COM
Kolben Preble; Forest Grove OR; Clif Bar Cyclocross Development Team

Elite (2)
Ryan Trebon; Bend OR; LTS/Felt
Jake Wells; Avon CO; Stan’s No Tubes Elite Cyclocross Team

Monday, November 28, 2011

Jingle Cross Rock


Jingle Cross is one of my favorite racing weekends all year, especially the Friday night race!

I had a pretty good start on Friday. I was able to hit the front early on and had a pretty good gap going up Mount Krumpit. With the gap growing the rest of the race, I was able to come in solo for the finish. I was super happy to have won the night race and I was really looking forward to the rest of the weekend.

One of the major changes to the course on Saturday was they threw in a tricky decent that everyone had to run down. The rest of the course mostly remained unchanged. I had another good start and got to the front early. I opted to ride up Mount Krumpit on the first lap while Jeff Kluck ran. Running seemed much quicker and on the way down I also ran. I got a small gap running down the hill, and I attacked hard here and got a gap of about 20 seconds for the next 2 laps. Jeff kept me super close up until 2 to go when I ran up and down Mount Krumpit as hard as I could. Once I got a comfortable gap I was careful not to push it too hard on certain parts of the course. I was able to solo in once again and I'm really glad I was able to win again!

Sunday's race was solidly muddy. I was planning on switching bikes often not only to get a clean ride, but because pitting was faster than riding out of the pit. I had a very good start and I was able to get the holeshot. I rode one of the muddier sections that most people were running and got a solid gap there. I continued to ride tempo while switching bikes every lap. I was able to solo in for the finish once again today. I am beyond pumped to repeat as a triple winner this year! I can't wait to come back here next year!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Cullen Repeats his 3-peat at Jingle Cross Rock


Jordan Cullen (Clif Bar Development) swept all 3 Cat 2 Men's races at Jingle Cross Rock in Iowa City this holiday weekend. It was a repeat performance from Thanksgiving weekend 2010. "Sandbagger" was a common cheer heard on Mt. Krumpit, but the 16-year old is not eligible to race the UCI elite race until 2013.

Conditions were warmish and dry on Friday night "under the lights". Saturday was cold, rainy, and slippery muddy. Sunday was cold, clear, and sticky muddy. Jordan rode clean races all 3 days, ridding himself of some of the minor bad luck he had last year.

Next up is the final USGP in Bend, OR in 2 weeks. Good luck Jordan!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Jordan signs with Chipotle Junior Development Team


We are proud to announce Jordan will be riding for the Chipotle Junior Development Team on the Road, starting next season. Headquartered in Texas, this is the premier Junior Development Team in the nation, boasting several past and current junior national champions. The team is run by Christian Williams, and is affiliated with Slipstream Sports in Colorado, which runs Pro continental Team Chipotle, and the ProTour Garmin/Cervelo Team.

For the past 3 seasons, the MBRC/Flanders team has been Jordan's home, and they were instrumental in helping him develop as a road racer, allowing him to reach this next level of racing. For that, we are very grateful.

Jordan's new team has big racing plans for next season which will include trips to USA Cycling Road and Track Nationals, and major races in the US, Canada, and Europe.

Congratulations Jordan! Great to see your hard work and dedication paying off.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Minnesota State Championships


I went into today's race hoping for some snow and crazy conditions. My wish was granted about mid-way through the day when it began to snow quite heavily. The snow wasn't heavy enough to make the course muddy, but it definitely made it slick.

I had a pretty good start and I was in the lead by the end of the first lap. The race quickly separated into a lead group of 2 consisting of myself and CJ Faulkner with Jesse Reints chasing.

Mid-way through the race, CJ got away from me and Jesse began closing in on me. With 3 laps to go Jesse was right behind me and CJ was 20 seconds up. I intentionally rode the next lap easy in preparation for an attempt to chase CJ down in the closing laps.

With 2 to go, CJ still had 20 seconds on me, so I began chasing really hard. I was taking a ton of risks in the closing laps trying to gain time anywhere I could. With 1 to go, the gap was still at 15 seconds. I started chasing even harder and at the top of the "Stairway to Heaven" CJ had 10 seconds on me. I shredded the decent after the run-up, hammered the road section, and took the barriers at full speed and I was able to catch CJ and barely hold him off.

I am really glad to have won this race, especially since I've been doing it since my first cross season. Kudos to CJ for the awesome competition at States!

Post MN State Champs Interview

Friday, November 18, 2011

Invited to Europe!


This past Tuesday morning, Jordan got the much anticipated e-mail invite from Geoff Proctor to attend the exclusive EuroCross Camp in Belgium this December.

While Jordan's performances have been rock solid so far this year, he had angst due to poor performances at this past weekend's USGP in Louisville, KY, since they were key selection criteria.

While the official roster for Eurocross camp won't be released until next week, Facebook status updates have given a good indication of the other juniors across the nation that have been invited. They include 2 of Jordan's Clif Bar Devo teammates Zane Godby and Curtis White, as well as team manager, Mitch Hoke.

According to Facebook, at least 11 juniors have been invited to EuroCross Camp including: Jordan Cullen and Lionel Rocheleau (WI), Zane Godby (CO), Curtis White (NY), Drew Dillman and Luke Haley (KY), Logan Owen (WA), Nate Morse (MA), Tobin Ortinblad (CA), Sam O'Keefe (MD), and Cypress Gorry (AZ).

Congratulations to Jordan and the rest of the American Juniors for achieving such a major milestone in their cycling careers!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Louisville USGP


I went down to Louisville this weekend for the Derby City Cup. I was hoping to have good results, but I knew that being sick would make that very tough.

On the first day I had a decent start, but no top end, so I quickly slipped back in to around 15th. I decided to just try to make the best out of this race. I began chasing. With two laps to go, I was in a group of 2 going for 9th and 10th.
We were evenly matched. With one lap to go, I switched to a bike with much higher pressure in the tires, in the hopes of having a sprint finish. Once I had switched bikes, I accidentally let a small gap go. I was unable to close the gap so I ended up 10th place. I am pretty happy with having had a result like this because I am sick.

The next day I knew I would have to be super conservative because I knew I hadn't fully recovered from the previous day. I had the same kind of start today. I started chasing again slowly so I wouldn't blow up super early. With one lap to go, I was sitting in 11th with a small gap to 10th and a small gap to 12th. I tried pretty hard to try to catch 10th, but I was unable to. I stayed ahead of 12th place.
I am a little disappointed with my performance this weekend but, I know with some rest, things will be back on track in no time.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Cincinnati Weekend

Clif Bar Devo Jr 17-18 Team - Cullen, Downing, Godby, White, and Gould
Dave Towle and Me

I headed down to Cincinnati this past weekend, where the UCI races were being held. I was really hoping to get some UCI points. These points would help me get a call up at other UCI races and nationals.
Saturday's course was pretty cool with quite a bit of technical features around some trees. I did not have a great start so I started chasing. Half way through the first lap I was taking the inside line of a turn and clipped my hand on a tree. I continued to chase and with 2 laps to go I was in a group of 4 contending for fourth place.
I attacked on the finish stretch with 1 lap to go. I was able to maintain my gap all the way to the finish. I am really happy that I was able to get some UCI points today.
Sunday's course was much harder with several muddy sections, lots of off-camber, and tons of elevation change. I had another bad start today, but I was able to chase up to the top 5 within the first lap.
I started to fade a little with two laps to go. I was riding in fourth place with Cypress Gorry, when I nailed a rut in a muddy section and went down. Cypress slipped away from me here and I rode the last two laps at a hard tempo and rolled in for fifth place.
I am super happy that I was able to get UCI points this weekend! I am really looking forward to racing in Louisville this weekend!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Video: Review of Jordan Cullen's Cross Bike


Jordan reviews his Ridley cross bikes equiped by SRAM, HED Wheels, Ritchey, Fizik, Clement, Dugast, and Crank Brothers.

Cross Night


I was really looking forward to this race not only because it is organized so well, but its a twilight race! The course was super fast and had some great features.
For the first few laps a group of four consisting of myself, Pat Lemieux, CJ Faulker, and Josh Roeser. We kept riding a pretty hard tempo and we had a pretty solid gap when I flatted with 7 to go.
After I switched bikes I just focused on picking up time on the people in front of me. With 5 laps to go I had chased up to the group of 5 battling for 3rd place. I attacked the group several times and eventually with 2 to go Jesse Reients and myself got away.
For the remainder of the race I let Jesse pull and on the last lap through the barriers I went through them pretty hot. I got a gap on Jesse but I still had to sprint pretty hard to stay in front of him.
Besides flatting today I really enjoyed today's race and I'm super pumped that we have a night race on the calendar!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Monday, October 24, 2011

Jackson Meadows/Green Acres


Saturday morning I headed up to Marine for the Jackson Meadows cross race. I raced the juniors race and I really liked the course and thought it had some good flow.
The following day was the Green Acres cross race. I really wanted to do well here because I had not raced there for several years. The course was pretty hard but it also had some wonderful rhythm to it.
I finally had a good start today and got right into my pedal. For the next few laps the lead group consisted of Pat Lemieux, Cj Faulkner, and myself all going for the win. After the third lap I put in a pretty hard effort to get a gap and try to hold Pat and Cj off.
For the next several laps I rode a pretty high tempo to keep Cj at bay. I held the gap at about 20 seconds until the last lap Cj brought it all the way down to 10 seconds. I had to drill it pretty hard through the last several sections to keep Cj from catching me and I was able to stay away.
All in all it was a great race but I am super bummed out that Adam Bergman was not able to race since he broke both collarbones on saturday. Hope you heal fast Adam!!

Video: Green Acres CX Elite Men's Race


Video courtesy of www.skinnyski.com

Euro Cross Campaign Fundraiser A Success

I really want to thank everyone that attended my fundraiser this past Friday!! I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you guys! A huge thanks to Larry Foss and Sophie St. Jacques for providing such an awesome venue and being huge supporters of mine! This experience has made me realize how generous the Minnesota/Wisconsin cycling community is!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Fundraiser Success!


A sincere thanks to all our friends and family that joined us for Jordan Cullen's European Cross Campaign Fundraiser last night at The Fix Studio. Larry Foss and Sophie St. Jacques were fabulous hosts, and Chef Keven Kvalsten served up an amazing spread.

Your support is essential in helping Jordan realize his dream of becoming a world class Cyclocross racer. We are truly humbled by the generosity of our local cycling community.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Absentee Bidding on Silent Auction Items

If you are interested in bidding on one of the silent auction items, but cannot make the fundraiser, feel free to e-mail j.cullen@sbcglobal.net with your bid on any item. Absentee bids must be submitted by 3PM, Friday, 10/21, to be considered.

A list of items up for auction can be found here:
http://eurocrosscampagin.blogspot.com/2011/10/fundraiser-silent-auction-items.html

You can also e-mail j.cullen@sbcglobal.net with questions about any item.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Fundraiser Silent Auction Items

People have been asking what items will be up for silent auction at the fundraiser. Here is a list (All items are brand new):

  • EKHO FiT18 Heart Rate Monitor

  • EKHO FiT19 Heart Rate Monitor

  • Chiropractic Treatments from Jon Toftoy

  • Tiny Footprint 1lb Dark Roast Coffee Beans (2)

  • Kinetics Trainer from Pam Slayer

  • Fix Studio Gift Certificates

  • HED Stem (you choose the size)

  • HED Handlebars (you choose the size)

  • Cyclops Jet Fluid Pro Winter Trainer Kit from Jeffery Long-McGie

  • Professionally framed Lance Armstrong Photo w/Plaque from Mike Lalla

  • 10 lb. block of Belgian Chocolate from the Bikery

  • Crank Bros Candy 3 Pedals(2 pairs)

  • Crank Bros Candy 1 Pedals (1 pair)

  • Crank Bros Pint Glasses (3) from Mike Pederson

  • TRP EuroX Brakeset

  • Selle Italia Flite Saddle

  • Selle Italia Troy Lee Designs Yutak Saddle

  • Banjo Brothers Messenger Bag

  • Bontrager Messenger Bag

  • Specialized Virtue Aero Bottle 2/cage from Jeffery Long-McGie

  • Camelbak Podium Chill Bottle

  • Pair of Gopher Football Tickets including parking - MN vs. University of Iowa - Sat, Oct 29th

  • Pair of Gopher Football Tickets including parking - MN vs. Illinois - Sat, Nov 26th

Thanks to everyone who donated items for the auction!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Baker Orchard


This race is one of my favorite venues. I love the atmosphere at the orchard. The course is pretty sweet too because it is so wide open and a sand pit was added this year.
I was called to the line first because I was last years winner. I was hoping to have a good result again this year but it was clearly not meant to be.
From the start my brake got jammed into my rear wheel so I needed to stop to fix it. After I fixed that I started chasing again in an attempt to salvage a result. On the same lap, through the sand pit a rider went down in front of me and I piled into them at full speed. Our bikes were super tangled up and when we finally got them separated I noticed that my tire was shredded. I had just passed the pit so I ran half of the lap and switched to my pit bike.
Once I had switched bikes I was 4 and a half minutes down coming through the finish so I started chasing to just get a solid workout in. I started catching people and was riding into the top 10 with a lap to go when, guess what, another flat! There was only half a lap left so I just shouldered my bike and ran to the finish. I more or less just laughed this race off because of all the stuff that happened during the race.
Don't forget my fundraiser is this Friday at the Fix. I hope to see a you guys there and there will be tons of food, fun, and a silent auction

Monday, October 10, 2011

Fort Collins USGP Day 2 - Post Race Interview

New Belgium Cup Day 1

This past weekend I headed out to Fort Collins, Colorado for the New Belgium Cup. The weather wasn't too bad before the race started and I really enjoyed pre riding the course.
The weather was awesome until when we began staging it started to pour and the temperature dropped. I started on the front row and had a pretty solid start but got a little caught up in lap traffic from the masters race.
In the following laps I worked on establishing my 4th place spot while still chasing the lead group. I had to switch bikes twice due to some minor mechanical issues. I was pretty happy with my result today but I felt like I made a few mistakes on some of the descents.
I really enjoyed coming out here and getting some awesome hospitality from the Downings in Boulder!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Respect

We, the Cullen family, have been so impressed by everyone's support of Jordan's cycling dreams. There are so many stories I could share of people's generosity.

One example was this past weekend, when following the podium ceremony, the 2 riders who finished 2nd and 3rd to Jordan graciously donated thier prize money to Jordan's European Cross Campaign. I was truly taken back by this display of sportsmanship, respect, and comradarie. CJ and Josh, you guys are great role models for Jordan!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Hudson Doublecross Shootout


This Sunday started off great! I got an awesome night of sleep,woke up and caught some of the highlights to some of Saturday's football games. After a solid few hours of relaxing in the morning, I got ready to ride to the course at JR Ranch. I'm a huge fan of all of the Hudson cross races, especially since none of them are more than a five minute ride from my house! When I arrived at the course,I rode a few laps on the course. I was really feeling the rhythm the course had and I knew that the race was going to be pretty hard the entire time. After pre-riding the course, I picked up an awesome cup of coffee from Oliver at the Bikery van. It was seriously one of the best cups of coffee I've had in a long time! I'm sure the waffles are amazing too!! I just relaxed at the course for a few more hours until I started to get ready to race. I was feeling really good in my warm up, but I knew the heat would be a huge factor so I was drinking as much fluids as I could to try to stay hydrated. After I finished warming up, I went down to the start. The field was looking strong with the previous day's winner CJ Faulkner, both Dan and Doug Swanson, Josh Roeser, and roadie Brandon Krawczyk. I messed up the start pretty bad because after warming up I forgot to redo my rear brake cable so it ended up getting caught in my wheel immediately. After redoing my brake and checking to make sure that everything was still good,I started to chase back to the front. The rear brake was pretty loose because I had stretched the cable when it was in my wheel, so just to be safe I switched bikes in the pit. I chased a little too hard, but by the end of the second lap I had caught CJ and Josh at the front. When I caught them, I had a lot of momentum coming into a long uphill section. I attacked pretty hard and got a gap on CJ and Josh was just a little ways behind. I spent the next lap riding a pretty high tempo, but CJ was still easily able to catch me with his amazing technical skills. He was putting a ton of pressure on me through a lot of the technical sections, so whenever I could get in front through any turns, I would. We kept going back and forth,with 6 laps to go I had recovered from chasing. I attacked all out on the same uphill section as before and got a good enough gap that I felt I might be able hold. I made sure to make as few mistakes as possible until the end of the race. I was able to hold CJ off for the rest of the race. Both Josh and CJ made me push myself much harder than if they wouldn't have been there. Thanks Dag and Paul for putting on such a great race!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

What is EuroCrossCamp?


http://www.eurocrosscamp.com/

EuroCrossCamp is the brain child of Geoff Proctor, former USA team member, and current National Junior/U23 Cyclocross Coach. 2011 will be the 9th year, Proctor will assemble the most promising talent in US cyclocross, providing them an opportunity to face the world's toughest competition. The camp is also intended to provide an excellent build-up to Cyclocross Worlds, held Jan 25-29 in Koksijde, Belgium.

Junior 17-18, U23, and Elite riders are eligible to attend. Geoff Proctor makes the rider selection based on results in UCI races from Oct 1 - Nov 13.

The camp is held Dec 15 - Jan 2, spanning 16 days, including 10 possible races, 15-18 riders, 6 mechanics, 2 soigneurs, 2 chefs, 3 vans, and 3 cars. The athletes stay at the USA House in Izegem, Belgium.

The entire cost of the trip will be close to $4000. This includes Airfare, Bike Transport Fees, 16 days Lodging & Food, Entry Fees, etc.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

T-shirt Orders

Only one week left to order a fundraiser t-shirt. If you would like to pay with cash or check, find Jordan or Jimmer at a local cross race, and order yours in person. Thanks for your support!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Seeking Silent Auction Items

If you have any cycling related items you would like to donate for the Silent Auction to be held and the Oct 21st Fundraiser Party, please contact j.cullen@sbcglobal.net. Thanks you for your support!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Fundraiser Party at the Fix Studio - Oct 21st


The Fix Studio will be hosting a fundraiser party for Jordan's European Cross Campaign on Friday, October 21st, 6-9PM.

Food and drinks will be served, and there will be a silent auction. A donation of $15/person will be collected at the door, with all proceeds going towards the fundraiser.

Your pre-ordered T-shirts can be picked up at the party. In thanks for your support, Jordan will be more than happy to autograph your t-shirt, if you desire.

Stay tuned for more details.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

T-shirt Fundraiser


Jordan is planning on attending Euro Cross Camp in Belgium, in December over the holidays. He is also making a bid for the USA Junior 17-18 World Cyclocross Team. We are raising funds to help cover some of the costs of Jordan's travel.

T-shirts to support Jordan's European Cross Campaign are now available for ordering online at https://ugpogo.undergroundshirts.com/groupIndex.php?cart_id=657

The short sleeve t-shirts are black, with white screen printing on both front and back. They are available in Unisex sizes Small-3XL, Youth sizes Small-XL, and Ladies fashion fit sizes Small-4XL. The Ladies sizes do fit a bit small.

Cost is $20/shirt, and payment is accepted by credit card. Deadline for ordering is Oct 3rd.

Delivery of the shirts will be done at several locations and times. Jordan will be available at all pickup locations to thank you and autograph your shirt. Shipping via USPS is available by request to j.cullen@sbcglobal.net.

First available pick-up will be Oct 15th at the Baker Orchard Cyclocross Race. Additional pick-up locations and times will be posted soon.

If you want to donate funds to Jordan Cullen for his European Cross Campaign without buying a t-shirt, contact me at j.cullen@sbcglobal.net. You can send a check, or I can send you a paypal invoice so you can use a credit card.

We thank you for your support!

2011-2012 Cyclocross Racing Schedule

Jordan will be racing again this year for Clif Bar Development Cross Team out of Boulder, CO. The team is managed by Ben Turner and Mitch Hoke.

Since your cyclocross age is one year older than your actual age, Jordan is now 17, and is in his first year of eligibility to race Cyclocross Worlds.

The selection criteria for the worlds team requires travel to major events, in both the US and Europe, which are UCI sanctioned. At these events, high placings earn UCI points, which determine your national and world ranking. These UCI rankings are used by USA Cycling coaches to select riders for the European World Cups and Cross Worlds Team.

Below are the Major events Jordan is targeting this season:
  • Fort Collins, CO USGP, October 8-9

  • Cincinnati, OH UCI, November 5-6

  • Louisville, KY USGP, November 12-13

  • Jingle Cross, IA, November 25-27

  • Bend, OR USGP, December 10-11

  • Euro Cross Camp Belgium, December 16- January 1

  • US National Championships Madison, WI, January 4-8

  • Cyclocross Worlds Belgium, January 25-28