Monthly Archives: October 2008

2008 Collegiate MTB Nationals, U of A Women Excel!

This entry was posted in Event Recaps on by

Chloe (l) and Erica (r) are all smiles after the short track cross country.

Chloe Forsman and Erica Zaveta represented The University of Arizona Cycling Team at the 2008 Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, hosted by Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Forsman, a Junior, placed sixth in the cross country event while Freshman Zaveta placed eleventh in the field of 34 Division I women riders. The cross country was held on a challenging five mile course in which the racers completed three laps of the narrow, steep, root strewn and mud covered trail. Carla Swart of Lees-McRae College used her home-course advantage to win her first collegiate mountain bike national title.

Chloe focuses intently on the downhill.

Day two brought the Wildcat duo to the starting line of the short track cross country. Twenty minutes plus an additional two laps was the racing protocol on the technically challenging and muddy course. Forsman rode strong to finish sixth place while Zaveta also kept things consistent, scoring eleventh after working her way through the field. Swart went on to win her second championship title of the weekend, finishing with a comfortable margin over the rest of the Division I women’s field.


Erica charges hard from the start.

Not only were the racers tested by means of fitness, but also a great deal of skill was required to overcome the challenging course conditions. Both races were contested in cool, wet weather with temperatures in the mid to upper 40s. The racing was a true test of the all-round mountain bike racer. Chloe and Erica each rode very well and put in solid performances.

For Chloe, the ’06 and ’07 Collegiate MTB Champion, this weekend marked a return to racing after injuring her knee in August. A month off the bike was required for proper healing and with just three weeks of training prior to the event she is well on her way back towards peak form.  Erica confirmed that she has the skills set required to be successful in mountain bike competition. A multiple time top-five finisher at the US Junior Road Nationals, Erica gained valuable experience off-road with great results.

Full results can be found here on the USA Cycling website. Momentum Endurance congratulates these University of Arizona riders on an excellent Collegiate MTB Nationals.  It was a privilege to be apart of the action and we look forward to more great racing in the future.

All the Best,


-TJ Woodruff

Tuesday Tucson Cyclocross Practice ’08

This entry was posted in General News on by

who: you and your ‘cross friends
what: Cyclocross Practice
when: 7:00 am Tuesdays
where: Himmel Park (google directions)
why: have fun while refining your skill and fitness all at the same time

With a full slate of Cyclocross racing to come this season take advantage of an opportunity to hone in your ‘cross skills with a weekly cyclocross session. This informal practice will allow you to dial your dismount and perfect your transition over the barriers and back onto the bike.  Cyclocross requires a certain level of finesse and practicing will allow you to become more smooth. Whether cyclocross is something brand new to you, or if you’re a veteran of the discipline, feel free to join in. Ride your cross bike or your MTB (minus bar-ends).

We’ll set up pvc barriers and do some trial runs, move things around and try some more situations. Himmel’s terrain even allows for a run up. Come ready to practice and enjoy all that is ‘cross! Make it a skills ride or incorporate some race efforts to boost the fitness. Have questions or need further details? Simply stop on by or email twoodruff@momentumendurance.com.  See you there!

For further reference, here are some links to some helpful cyclocross resources:

Wiki – what is cyclocross?
Tucson CX Series – Calendar
AZ Cross (Phoenix series)
AZ Cycling.com