Cyclocross gets an early jump on the season
By: JESSICA FISH, St. Petersburge Times :: The multisport mix of early-season events is keeping local cyclists, triathletes and coaches busy, and the 2006 events calendars are filling up fast. Training weather conditions in the area have exceeded the hopes and predictions of coaches, and riders are the envy of their northern racing friends, who are stuck in their basements riding indoor trainers.
Professional triathlete Hank Campbell (Team Chainwheel Drive/Lemond) of St. Petersburg leads the way, as he joins his cycling team to host the Florida State Cyclocross Championships in Largo.
"I just bought a new cross bike, and I know it will make the difference if the course is dry and fast," said Campbell, who also is a USA Triathlon certified coach.
"We are laying out the course this week, with workers from the city of Largo, and the pure road riders may be in for a few surprises, especially in the dismount sections. This cyclocross series is going to be a blast, and it's also a good early-season training tool."
The event will be at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve on Highland Ave. on Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Feb. 19 and Feb. 22.
For more details, call race director Lance Riddile at (727) 518-3021.
CAMPBELL HOSTS CLINIC: Campbell is starting out this season with a busy schedule, teaching spin classes at a local wellness center and mentoring a group of rookie triathletes in northern Pinellas County.
Campbell is a top local runner and triathlete, (2005 Carillon 5K Run in 16:54 and second over all in 2004 Madeira Beach Triathlon), and he was featured on the cover of last month's Race Place Magazine.
The 26-year-old said he first began to practice the concept of intense cross training while he was a physiology student at the University of Mississippi.
Having just returned from a USAT Swim Camp at Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., Campbell's training for the professional ITU circuit will start to get serious soon, but not before he conducts a free offseason training clinic for cyclists and triathletes at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater.
For information on the Florida Cyclocross State Championships or the training clinic, check out www.chainwheeldrive.com or call Campbell at 727 441-2444.
DESOTO TRI SERIES: Race Place Magazine publisher and race director Joe Fernandez announced the opening of special early registration for the Triathlons of DeSoto series. The series events will include the 20th annual Escape from Fort DeSoto Triathlon on April 15, Top Gun Triathlon on Aug. 6 and Suncoast Triathlon on Oct. 29.
To find out more about the triathlon series, visit www.flraceplace.com or call Fernandez at 813 874-7223.
BEACH BOOT CAMP: Mountain biker and adventure racer Kip Koelsch invites all multisport enthusiasts to come out and join his West Central Florida Adventure Racing Club group at the Beach Boot Camp, which will be held Sunday from 8 a.m.-noon at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.
"Jump start your New Year's fitness resolutions with our fun, adventure workout camp," said Koelsch, who is an avid adventure racer, mountain bike rider, marathon kayak champion,and fitness trail runner.
"We welcome all levels, and this half-day of outdoor fitness will boost your endurance and strength, build speed, enhance your balance and agility and burn a few calories along the way."
Koelsch is one of the founders of the nonprofit WeCeFAR. The club is made up of athletes with a variety of backgrounds and race experience levels.
"At this Beach Boot Camp, the activities will range from trail running and beach running, to traditional calisthenics and sports drills," Koelsch said.
To sign up, e-mail Koelsch at kip@wecefar.com or call 727 507-0040.
Professional triathlete Hank Campbell (Team Chainwheel Drive/Lemond) of St. Petersburg leads the way, as he joins his cycling team to host the Florida State Cyclocross Championships in Largo.
"I just bought a new cross bike, and I know it will make the difference if the course is dry and fast," said Campbell, who also is a USA Triathlon certified coach.
"We are laying out the course this week, with workers from the city of Largo, and the pure road riders may be in for a few surprises, especially in the dismount sections. This cyclocross series is going to be a blast, and it's also a good early-season training tool."
The event will be at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve on Highland Ave. on Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Feb. 19 and Feb. 22.
For more details, call race director Lance Riddile at (727) 518-3021.
CAMPBELL HOSTS CLINIC: Campbell is starting out this season with a busy schedule, teaching spin classes at a local wellness center and mentoring a group of rookie triathletes in northern Pinellas County.
Campbell is a top local runner and triathlete, (2005 Carillon 5K Run in 16:54 and second over all in 2004 Madeira Beach Triathlon), and he was featured on the cover of last month's Race Place Magazine.
The 26-year-old said he first began to practice the concept of intense cross training while he was a physiology student at the University of Mississippi.
Having just returned from a USAT Swim Camp at Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., Campbell's training for the professional ITU circuit will start to get serious soon, but not before he conducts a free offseason training clinic for cyclists and triathletes at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater.
For information on the Florida Cyclocross State Championships or the training clinic, check out www.chainwheeldrive.com or call Campbell at 727 441-2444.
DESOTO TRI SERIES: Race Place Magazine publisher and race director Joe Fernandez announced the opening of special early registration for the Triathlons of DeSoto series. The series events will include the 20th annual Escape from Fort DeSoto Triathlon on April 15, Top Gun Triathlon on Aug. 6 and Suncoast Triathlon on Oct. 29.
To find out more about the triathlon series, visit www.flraceplace.com or call Fernandez at 813 874-7223.
BEACH BOOT CAMP: Mountain biker and adventure racer Kip Koelsch invites all multisport enthusiasts to come out and join his West Central Florida Adventure Racing Club group at the Beach Boot Camp, which will be held Sunday from 8 a.m.-noon at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.
"Jump start your New Year's fitness resolutions with our fun, adventure workout camp," said Koelsch, who is an avid adventure racer, mountain bike rider, marathon kayak champion,and fitness trail runner.
"We welcome all levels, and this half-day of outdoor fitness will boost your endurance and strength, build speed, enhance your balance and agility and burn a few calories along the way."
Koelsch is one of the founders of the nonprofit WeCeFAR. The club is made up of athletes with a variety of backgrounds and race experience levels.
"At this Beach Boot Camp, the activities will range from trail running and beach running, to traditional calisthenics and sports drills," Koelsch said.
To sign up, e-mail Koelsch at kip@wecefar.com or call 727 507-0040.
posted by Ryan Amirault at Thursday, January 05, 2006
