Strong winds makes Cyclocross hard on racers

What a difference a year makes when it comes to the Chicago Cyclocross Cup, held Sunday in Carpentersville.

The weather conditions Sunday made an about-face from last year's, when the mercury topped out at 49 degrees and the day offered abundant wind and rain.

This year, the sun shined brightly on cyclists leaving Carpenter Park, as temperatures soared into the 80s.

"This is definitely an oddity," said Jeff Provisor, whose store Main Street Bicycles sponsored and helped organize the race.

In response to the unseasonable heat, bikers were allowed to carry water bottles through the course "as a precautionary measure," Provisor said.

This was formerly prohibited, Provisor said, noting that there were no reported injuries thus far.

Cyclists were required to ride through a ditch and sandpit, then dismount their bikes and carry them while running up a steep hill.

Officials said nearly 200 bike riders showed up to take part in the Sunday's race. The race is part of the 2007 Chicago Cross Cup that offers six such events.

Last year's event in Carpentersville attracted 160 racers, said Jennifer Cord, co- owner of the Carpentersville bike shop and Provisor's wife.

Debbie Pielet, a 50-year-old racer from Highland Park who placed fifth in the women's race, said wind gusts of 25 mph made the course especially difficult.

Pielet has been cycling for four years and is using the Chicago Cyclocross Cup to train for the national event that will be held in Kansas.

In Sunday's event she held her own against the 20-somethings, she said.

"To me, this is a really fast course where I don't think I had the advantage," she said. "I like when the weather adds elements."

The cup's remaining races will take place in Bartlett, St. Charles, Lansing and Chicago.