| Another tremendous season for the Missing Link/Bianchi Cyclocross Team! Once again the Missing Link/Bianchi Cyclocross Team has had a season to remember. With over 25 members competing at most of the local events, as well as riders traveling as far as New York State (Din Abdullah) and Massachusetts, we were truly a national team. On the home front, we dominated the local races with numerous top three and top ten placings at the CCCX and East Bay series, as well as overall titles in the Bay Area Super Prestige Series (1st Gina Hall, Elite, 1st Austin McInerny, 35+ B's), and the Sacramento CX Series (1st Norm Kreiss 45+ A's). The Missing Link was competitive in nearly every category we raced in. We had Steve "Oz", Brij Lunine, Bill Carsley and Russ Wright in the 35+ A's, Reed Maxwell and Preston Tucker in the ('killer') B's, Austin McInerny, Andrew Lyndon and Mike Lucaccini in the 35+ B's, Norm Kreiss, Cass Laizure, Nicho Ybarra and myself in the Master's 45+ A's, and Celeste McCartney raced superbly in the OPEN women's B's! Also making (limited) appearances, were former collegiate national champion Kate Maher, and 'super mom's" Janie Dalton and Colleen Wanty. This year we also had the overwhelming honor of having one of, if not the most talented women on the national circuit, Gina Hall. After briefly considering retirement from competition, Gina decided (after some encouragement from friend & rival Ann Grande), to return to her original team and give it another go for 2004. Needless to say, she made the right decision. With a second overall in the Crankbrothers U.S. Grand Prix of Cyclocross, as well as countless wins on the West Coast, Gina was well on her way to having her best season yet. At this years national championships in Portland, Oregon, riders were once again treated to foul weather, and with as much or more mud than anticipated, anything could happen. Gina went on to best her main rivals, including Olympian Mary McConneloug (Seven Cycles-Kenda) and former national champ Ann Grande (Kona). But to everyone's surprise, all three were beaten by new comer Katie Compton (Cody Racing), who came virtually out of nowhere to become the 2004 National Cyclocross Champion. Special mention goes to several Nor Cal racers, including former Missing Link team member Melodie Metzger (riding for U.C. Berkeley), who won the 2004 collegiate national title, Sarah Kerlin took the 30-39 title, and Andie Mackie was 2nd in the the 40-44 category, way to go Velo Bella's! As the team manager for the Missing Link team, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to all the team members of the 2004 Missing Link/Bianchi Cyclocross Team. It was my honor and pleasure to have such talented and professional individuals as team members and friends. I would also like to give my thanks to all of our generous sponsors without whom we would never have had the incredible success we enjoyed this season. A very special thank you goes to Rod Jewett of Bianchi USA for his tremendous support of our team and to cyclocross in Northern California. Jon Suzuki, Team manager Thank you, Bianchi USA, Missing Link Bicycle Cooperative, FSA, Crankbrothers, AbbiOrca.com, Fast Freddie Coffee, Rudy Project and Clifbar. 000000000000 |