Tag: JCS

  • 2026 JCS Race Recap #3: Willamette Superchamps

    OBRA’s junior cyclocross racers were greeted by superb weather for the third straight race at Willamette Superchamps in Eugene. Based on the footage I’ve seen and on-the-ground reporting by my stand-in Taylor, a course that nailed the balance between fun and challenging made for some excellent racing in the third race of the Junior Cyclocross Series (JCS). The closest battle of the day was again between Gabby Linn (Mettle Cycling) and Vivi McManuis (Team Booger) in what is surely developing into a friendly rivalry. As they’re in different age-group categories, they each consolidated their respective, overall leads. In the Women 11-12 competition, Vivi leads Bobbi Buswell (Team Booger) in second and Ella Coombs (Corvallis Junior Cycling) in third. Gabby’s Women 13-14 category victory was uncontested, and she is followed by Bella LaDolce in second for the series. 

    Eliza Hazboun (Corvallis Junior Cycling) steadily built a lead over Edith Brown (Fast Fun Nice p/b Steeplejack) to place first in the Women 9-10 field. This was the second straight weekend with the same racers in first and second, and thus both occupy the same seats in the JCS overall standings. Series newcomer Kadence Helm (Eugene Composite) snagged the Yakima Hot Lap in our women’s field by a solid 17 seconds, and even managed to take an additional nine seconds off her time in the second lap. The timesheet shows she never let up, and Kadence took the victory in our Women 15-16 race and is now leading the series at its halfway point. 

    Andy Emmett (CORE Devo) took the Yakima Hot Lap competition en route to a win in the Open 15-16 race over Garett Hawes (Corvallis Junior Cycling). Garrett holds a sizeable lead in the JCS as a whole, though, with Andy, Axel Weaver (Team Booger) and Bjorn Swanson (Dirty Fingers) all tied for second behind him. Team Booger’s Caleb Farley made his first appearance in the Open 13-14 category this year after four race wins and the series victory in the Open 9-12 category in 2025. Caleb claimed an emphatic win ahead of Liam Campaigniac and Benjamin Krawchuk-Miller, both of Corvallis Junior Cycling. Benjamin now leads Eli in the overall, and Caleb is tied with his Booger teammate Dylan Glazer for third place. 

    The Open 11-12 competition has been tight this season, with Luka Dedrick (Grouptrail Cycling p/b Ruckus Composites),  Cyrus Brown (Fast Fun Nice p/b Steeplejack) and Everett Hawes (Corvallis Junior Cycling) trading slots on the podium in all three races. Luka gradually opened up a gap on Cyrus in each of the first two laps, ultimately forcing Cyrus to ease off in the second half of the race, settling for second in the process. Luka now leads the series over Cyrus, with Everett’s bronze on the day consolidating the same position for the season thus far. Biciclista’s Nicolas Rinaldi Ceroni’s mature pacing earned him a second straight win in the Open 9-10 field over Harrison Ellis and Kiger Walters (Corvallis Junior Cycling) in second and third, respectively. Nicolas continues to lead the series ahead of Wyatt Russell (A&B), with Kiger now standing third. 

    Several of our juniors doubled up on the day! Andy Emmett placed fifth in the Category 5 Open field, and Wyatt Hawes seventh in the Open 1/2 race. Gabby Linn narrowly missed the win in the Women 3/4 field, but held on for silver. Finally, Bjorn Swanson has graduated from the JCS and placed eighth in the Open 3/4 race.

    Mike Norton captured the action in Eugene, and you can see his photos on Instagram and his website.

    Our juniors have a weekend to exhale before another three JCS weekends beginning with Cyclocross Crusade Heron Lakes on Sunday, October 18. I’m looking forward to being alongside the tape to cheer on everybody as they confront the monolith and an assortment of deceptively tricky off-cambers! In the meantime, though it’s not part of the JCS, the Cyclocross Crusade Coyote Run on Sunday, October 11 provides another racing opportunity. Gratitude is due, as ever, to Castelli, Yakima, BikeTiresDirect, and Sellwood Cycle Repair for their provision of leaders’ jerseys, hot lap goodies and series prizes. Finally, on behalf of all of our racers, for the support of our parents—you’re all helping foster the future of our beloved sport. See you at Heron Lakes!

    —Robin

  • 2026 JCS Race Recap #2: Heiser Farms

    Based on Summer’s report and Chloë’s photos, the second round of the 2026 OBRA Junior Cyclocross Series was blessed with a second-straight bout of perfect, early-season cyclocross weather at Heiser Farms, although I’m eagerly awaiting mud! I’m told the course retained its timeless combination of flow and tech, with a run-up that surely felt like a relief after last week’s wall at Cascade Locks. I suspect that the omnipresent bog threw a wrench in a few folks’ lines as well, both junior and adult racers alike! 

    The Yakima Hot Lap competition saw one repeat winner in Gabby Linn (Mettle Cycling) and a newcomer by way of the menace that is Jack Abel (Team Booger), who has been on a tear since XC mountain bike season and is racking up UCI points on the national junior circuit. Gabby won the 13-14 Junior Women category uncontested, but only pipped Vivi McManuis for the hot lap by a single second. Vivi, however, returned the favor and out-sprinted Gabby for the overall Junior Women’s victory on the day, winning the 11-12 Junior Women’s race in the process! Both riders consolidated their leads in their categories. Vivi was joined in her podium for the day by Bobbi and Willow Buswell, both of Team Booger, in second and third, respectively. The Buswell sisters now occupy those same slots in the overall competition for the 11-12 Women. The Junior Women’s 9-10 race started out close, but the consistency of Eliza Hazboun (Corvallis Junior Cycling) allowed her to pull away for the win over Fast Fun Nice p/b Steeplejack’s Edith Brown, also earning Eliza the series lead ahead of Edith. 

    Returning to the Junior Open Categories, Nicolas Rinaldi Ceroni (Biciclista) bested Wyatt Russell to win the 9-10 age group, flipping the prior week’s result, and tying them for the lead in the series. Wyatt Sells put in a measured race to place third on the day, putting him on equal points with Jude Smith overall. The 11-12 age group is likewise at a dead heat for the series. Luka Dedrick (Grouptrail Cycling p/b Ruckus Composites) steadily built on his speedy first lap to get the best of Fast Fun Nice p/b Steeplejack’s Cyrus Brown. Meanwhile, Everett Hawes (Corvallis Junior Cycling) replicated his bronze from Race #1 and stands third after another consistent ride in Race #2. Everett’s brother and teammate Garrett did one better in the Junior Open 15-16 competition, but Axel Weaver (Team Booger) put in a measured effort over three laps to take victory. Garrett now leads the series, with Axel tied with Race #1 victor Bjorn Swanson (Dirty Fingers) for second. Benjamin Krawachuk-Miller, Corvallis Junior Cycling teammate of the Hawes brothers, earned a tie for the series lead with a win in the 13-14 Junior Open race. Dylan Glazer will surely be back to battle for that leader’s jersey in future rounds, though, with fellow Team Booger rider Carter Hayden now third overall. Jack Abel wasn’t satisfied with the Hot Lap win and pipped his Booger teammate and fellow UCI competitor Bennett Gassner for the 17-18 Junior Open victory, with Meko McDaniel (Corvallis Junior Cycling) earning third courtesy of a strong ride. These three now hold the same places for the overall standings. 

    I’d also like to take a moment to shout out a number of junior racers who doubled up on the day! Meko put in a strong effort in the Cat 4 Open field for fourth; Gabby dominated the Cat 4 Women, winning by more than four minutes; Jack and Bennett nabbed second and third in the Cat 1/2 Open; and Axel muscled out fifth in the Cat 3 Open. 

    I’ll close the recap, as usual, with some odds and ends. As I mentioned last week, I’ll be absent from Willamette Supercross in Eugene. This was my favorite new-to-me course last year! The views are lovely, the elevation gain is deceptive and the off-cambers are just enough to catch you out without being high consequence.

    Make sure to stick around after every JCS race for podium photos, leader’s jerseys and hot lap prizes, and don’t hesitate to ask me (or my substitute next week, Taylor Pasquariello) if you’ve got even the slightest suspicion that you or your junior racer has earned any of the above!

    Thanks to Heiser Farms promoter Eric Vickers, who Summer tells me was exceptionally enthusiastic about the junior racing, our series and prize sponsors and prize providers sponsors Castelli, Yakima, BikeTiresDirect and Sellwood Cycle Repair, and, of course, the parents who drive our racers, make sure their bikes function and take their handups. We’re still working on a date for our end-of-season party—we’ll keep you posted. I’ll see you all at Heron Lakes!

    —Robin

  • 2026 JCS Race Recap #1: Cyclocross Crusade Cascade Locks

    Our juniors were greeted with sunshine and warm weather in Cascade Locks—two rare occurrences in what I think might just be the rainiest part of the Columbia River Gorge—for round one of the 2026 Junior Cyclocross Series (JCS) courtesy of Cyclocross Crusade.

    Familiar to anyone who’s had the opportunity to race it, the course had a bit of single track, lots of rocks (visible this year due to relatively dry conditions), the biggest run-up in OBRA Land and plenty of sand. The dry weather made the sand especially challenging this year with the lines changing lap after lap, with no consistent riding lines developed. For those with the eyes and awareness to take advantage of this dynamic part of the course, there were lots of opportunities to make up time, and/or save energy. During the morning races, I joined some of our young racers in tempting some of their parents and peers with an assortment of hand-ups. Before we knew it, it was time to get the JCS properly started.

    Unsurprisingly, things were competitive from the start. An assortment of goodies from Yakima for the new Hot Lap contest for the fastest first lap spiced this up a bit (thank you, Marie!), but I do suspect it made only a fractional difference in the early efforts expended. The winners of the Hot Lap clearly didn’t burn themselves out, as both ended up winning their categories overall, with Bjorn Swanson (Dirty Fingers) and Gabby Linn (Mettle Cycling) nabbing the honors.

    Bjorn was joined by Garrett Hawes (Corvallis Junior Cycling) in second and Zach Tristan (Grouptrail p/b Ciclo Wealth) in third on the Open 15-16 podium. He must not have been satisfied with a single win on the day, as he hopped back out onto the race course to join in the Category 3 Open race shortly after finishing—one of our many juniors who doubled up! Gabby bested Bella LaDolce in the Women’s 13-14 race and has thus earned the right to wear one of the new Castelli leader jerseys next week. 

    Jumping down in age groups to the Women’s 11-12 race, Vivi McManuis (Team Booger) and Bobbi Buswell (Team Booger) were locked in a tight battle during the first laps, but Vivi opened a gap on lap three and left no doubt who would be atop the podium by cutting nearly 90 seconds off that time for the fourth and final time around the course. Phoebe Hogue (Team Booger) and Willow Buswell (Team Booger) were in a similarly compelling competition for the final podium slot, with Phoebe winning out courtesy of a fast last lap of her own.

    The Open 11-12 race saw Cyrus Brown (Fast Fun Nice Racing p/b Steeplejack) open a lead over Luka Dedrick (Grouptrail Cycling p/b Ruckus Composites) and maintain an impressive level of consistency in his laps and line choice to hold on for the win; Everett Hawes (Corvallis Junior Cycling) regained some time after a rough first lap, but ultimately ended his day in third. 

    Dylan Glazer (Team Booger) put in a dominant ride to finish ahead of his teammate Carter Hayden in the Open 13-14 competition. Eli Baraff (Grouptrail Cycling p/b Ciclo Wealth) found an extra gear or two in the last ten minutes of racing, but still couldn’t manage to reel Carter in.

    The final competition of the day saw a well-earned victory for Wyatt Russell (A&B Bike) in the Open 9-10. I’m not sure exactly how, but I do imagine the dirt jumping he does—far beyond my own skillset—played a role in the win! Nicolas Rinaldi Ceroni (Biciclista) and Jude Smith joined Wyatt on the podium in second and third, respectively.

    Unfortunately, I will miss the next two rounds—at Heiser Farms and Willamette Superchamps—but have secured more-than-capable substitutes, including Summer Newlands and Taylor Pasquariello. Summer is my friend and teammate, and possibly the best bike handler I know. Ask her for some tips! Taylor is a fixture in our community and pet lover. They’ll be under the same OBRA tent where you usually find me, and I’ll be sure to emphasize the importance of supplying our junior racers with hand-ups before, during and after their races!

    A few updates and reminders. First, our photographers are working hard to provide photos of both race and overall series podiums as soon as possible. Hot Lap prizes are also being distributed just after the races. Second, our end-of-season celebration with medals, prizes, a raffle and jerseys (for those who haven’t already claimed theirs) will be concurrent with Cyclocross Crusade’s annual bash. Details TBA!

    Think you finished well in the individual race or series standings? We encourage junior racers and their parents to stick around after the race to wait for results. Either myself or a parent volunteer have physical spreadsheets to quickly confirm where things stand. This will help us award leader jerseys and grab podium photos.

    Thank you to our OBRA promoters, our sponsors Castelli, Yakima, BikeTiresDirect, and Sellwood Cycle Repair, and most of all, the parents of our junior racers—we could not do any of this without you. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions or feedback!

    —Robin

  • 2026 Junior Cyclocross Series Kicks Off on September 19

    Featuring six races this fall, the OBRA Junior Cyclocross Series (JCS) kicks off on Saturday, September 19, at Cyclocross Crusade in Cascade Locks. The fifth race in the series, CX Bike Indy, will also serve as the 2026 OBRA Junior Cyclocross Championships.

    “I’m excited to build on the established success of the Junior Cyclocross Series this year with a focus on fun and growing participation,” said Robin Cummings, the JCS Director. “Our podium finishers will win MapleXO medals and prizes, and there will be a raffle for all JCS contestants. This year, we’ll also be doing a first-lap prime at each race with merch provided by Yakima. And, because our juniors appreciated giving and receiving hand-ups of sweet treats last season, we’re partnering with local bakeries to ensure everyone gets a proper sugar fix.”

    To help young racers and parents register for all OBRA cyclocross races—including those in the Junior Cyclocross Series—all juniors will race in age-group categories instead of ability-class categories. This streamlined approach aligns with junior cross racing at non-OBRA events, including national championships. Visit our JCS page for detailed information on junior racing categories for cyclocross.

    In each of the JCS races, juniors receive points for their placing in that race. At the end of the series, the best four results count toward the hotly-contested individual competition. Castelli is providing custom-designed JCS leader jerseys, and in addition to medals and jerseys, the top three finishers in each category will receive prizes including gift cards from BikeTiresDirect and Sellwood Cycle Repair.

    The series also tracks team results in each of the six races and the winning team will be crowned as the JCS team champions.

    “Some of our parents have offered to help with on-the-ground scoring this year,” said Robin. “This will help us update our series standings as quickly as possible after each race. Once again, we’ll again have talented photographers donating their time to capture as many moments as possible.”

    No bike? No problem. The PDX-based Fast Fun Nice racing team has a fleet of loaner bikes—including many with 24-inch wheels—ready for your cyclocross-curious junior.

    2026 Junior Cyclocross Series Schedule

    Saturday, September 19Cyclocross Crusade Cascade Locks
    Sunday, September 27Heiser Farms CX
    Sunday, October 4Willamette Superchamps CX
    Sunday, October 18Cyclocross Crusade Heron Lakes
    Saturday, October 24CX Bike Indy / OBRA CX Championships
    Saturday, October 31Cyclocross Crusade Edgefield

    As for the ultimate race in the series on Halloween at McMenamins Edgefield?

    “I’m excited to see how everybody balances a fun costume with one that doesn’t impede racing too much!” said Robin.

    Visit the JCS page for more resources including:

    • Junior Racing Categories for Cyclocross
    • JCS Individual + Team Scoring
    • Series Standings
    • Robin’s Race Recaps
    • Swag + Prizes from Our Generous Sponsors