Rutgers Wins Conference Cyclocross Series!

In its first ECCC conference victory in over 27 years, Rutgers Cycling shocked the collegiate cycling world (or just the east coast collegiate cycling world) by winning the D1 ECCC cyclocross championship in its inaugural year.

Rutgers took an early lead close to home at Beacon Cross in NJ and held it for the entirety of the season by winning the D1 team overall in every race it entered. Rutgers finished out the ECCC series this weekend at W.E. Stedman's GP in South Kingstown, RI and Caster's GP in Warwick, RI.

"For this developmental team, such a victory is huge," said RU cyclocross guru
AngryMark, "there's a lot of schools in the ECCC with a lot of very, very good cyclocross racers. Winning the overall speaks volumes about the dedication of the team."

For many of the racers, this cyclocross season marked their first season racing any sort of bicycle. First-year FarmerAndy remarked of his first season, "[cyclocross] is everything I ever wanted from bike racing."

Likewise, first-year Gerry, aka Sparky, noted simply, "It's awesome!"

Keeping with its mission of developing new riders, RU riders got to learn many things during the ECCC cyclocross season. First year Smilin' Kyle learned, "maybe I shouldn't give blood before I race."

Veteran cyclocross racer NinjaDon was a bit more philosophical about the ups and downs of the season, "Sometimes you ride the bike, sometimes the bike rides you." NinjaDon then vanished into a cloud of smoke.

Men's C overall winner Blake attributed his success in the ECCC to his Rotor chainrings, noting, "seriously, they work. I can feel it!" Blake went on to cite a list of pros also running Rotor rings before leaving to run a 5k.

Men's B second place rider and master cyclocross technician, Capt. Chaz said only, "Charlie smash!" (to be read in the voice of the Incredible Hulk).

Ted and Jay could not be reached for comment on the success of the team at press time, but both mentioned something about air hockey.

Next weekend, the team is in action in its final race of the year: the collegiate race at the National Cyclocross Championships in Providence, RI.