Without Limits Productions put on the last cyclocross race of the season for 2009. It was the day after the 2009 Colorado State Cyclocross Championships and man it was cold. Without Limits Productions is putting on another race on November 21st and we caught up with Lance Panigutti and asked him a few questions about the new venue and what they have in store.

[303Cycling] This is a new cyclocross venue.  Tell us a little about the venue and the course?
[Lance] The venue at Union Reservoir is amazing!  Think of a smaller Boulder Rez with more trees and an old BMX track across the street.  The course offers a bit of everything; grass, hard packed pavement, asphalt, beach front, and the old BMX track.  The overall terrain is on the flat side so skilled riders will be turning some hot lap times. Both of us at Without Limits grew up in a BMX family back in New England, so the more banked turns, table-tops, and pump-tracks we can incorporate, the better.  

Obviously there is a fine line between any types of cycling course, but to us cyclocross is the melting pot of all of the cycling endurance sports. Part of the growth in the sport is due to so many facets of endurance disciplines coming together.  Look at the field make up and you'll see an even mix of roadies, mountain bikers, pure cyclocrossers, and (dare I say) even triathletes.

[303Cycling] I see you are using chip timing.  Any other out of the ordinary little differences you are doing from a typical Colorado cyclocross race?
[Lance] Last year at CYCLO X Boulder, we were the first cross race to bring in chip timing.  The feedback from the 80 brave souls who came out that day after States in freezing temps and 12 inches of snow was great.  Results were posted within 15min of each race and we were able to give out primes for the fastest lap split.  Operationally, chip timing also helps on the back end with results and lapped riders, especially as field sizes approach 80+. Overall, chip timing is a feature to enhance the athlete’s experience, not the foundation of a quality event.  

By avid reader, John Philips
Cyclocross is alive and kicking in the South Denver Suburbs! At BikeSource in Highlands Ranch we have a Wednesday night cyclocross ride that starts at 6pm. Hans, our store manager, begins by loading up his Surly Big Dummy cargo bike with portable barriers, his cyclocross bike and snacks from Whole Foods in Highlands Ranch (one of our awesome sponsors). We cruise over to one of several local parks and set-up a mini cross course. Once the course is ready, we do a slow lap so everyone knows the course. Then we’ll do 2-3 fast laps. To catch our breath, we relax for a few minutes and enjoy the snacks—this week it was hot apple cider and ginger snaps! After snacktime, we usually do some skill work. Hopping barriers, cornering, and transitions are commonly addressed. Some nights we’ll run another set of hot laps. We then pack up and ride casually back to the shop.
Anyone is welcome—we ride mostly cyclocross bikes but also some folks ride mtn bikes. Dress warmly, as it is getting chilly once the sun goes down. Good front and rear lights are important to see the course.

Nicole Duke - 2010 Aspen Lodge

Cyclocross season is in full swing in Colorado and one person is having a break out year: Nicole Duke, married and working mother of two. She has won a number of local ACA cyclocross events, took two 7ths at the USGP in Louisville KY and two 3rds at last weekend's Colorado Cross Classic and the Boulder Cup. We caught up with Nicole to ask her a few questions.

[303Cycling] Lets learn a little bit about Nicole Duke. Can you give us a little background and tell us when you started competing in cyclocross?
[Nicole] I grew up in Florida riding dirt bikes, surfing, and playing soccer.  I went pro in downhill and dual slalom mountain biking in 1996 and raced until 2000, traveling the nation and the world.  I was consistently top 5 in slalom and top 10 in downhill.  I rode for factory teams like Giant, Mongoose, and Intense. 

After that, I pursued a career as a hairstylist. Art and fashion are a passion of mine.  In 2004, I met my husband Ben Duke we married and had two children, Ryder 5, Canin 2.  It was 2007 when I tried my first cross race. I was on a mountain bike and got 3rd in the women’s open class.  I continued the rest of the season on a cross bike and was hooked.

I wasn’t able to race the 2008 season after the birth of my daughter, Canin.  2009 was to be my follow up but I didn’t train thinking I wasn't actually going to race.  I didn't have a bike, but my husband surprised me the week before the first race.  That season earned me a third place at States and third in my age group at Nationals.

So, 2010 is my third season competing in cross.

[303Cycling] Is Nationals a goal again this year?
[Nicole] Nationals is a big goal for me this year.  I am hoping for the champion spot for my age group and a top 10 in the elite.  Last year I raced elite but didn’t have points so started on the back row and had to pass 60 some women just to end up 28th.  This year I’m trying to get some points so that I have a better chance.