cyclefit hosts cyclocross clinics

Cyclefit is offering three cyclocross clinics for beginner and advanced riders.

Beginner Clinics

Two sessions:

• Monday Aug. 30th, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Session led by Natasha Elliot.
• Monday Sept. 6th, 12pm-3pm. Session led by Natasha Elliot and Derrick St John.

For those getting started in cyclo cross (0-2 years experience). We will be working on bike mounts/dismounts, the basics of clipping in and unclipping, crossing low barriers, carrying/shouldering bike and running with it, as well as cornering on various surfaces (gravel, sand, dirt, grass).

Advanced Clinic

photos by j. safka at cyclingphotos.ca
• Monday Sept. 6th, 3:15pm-6:15pm. Session led by Natasha Elliot and Derrick St John.

For more experienced cyclo cross racers and have been doing it for a few years but need some tips and methods to practice and develop their skills further. We will be working on barriers with speed and how to keep your momentum, off camber riding, tight cornering on various surfaces (gravel, sand, dirt, grass), as well as steep hills and how to power over them with out getting off your bike.

Both clinics

Will also discuss equipment, clothing and tire selection advice. Warming up for races, the best way to warm up as well as get a feel for the course, and cooling down. Any questions/discussions from clinic participants.
Also minor help in setting up bikes as it is slightly different to a road set up.

Where

All sessions will be held at Strathcona Park in Ottawa (where is that?)

What to bring

• Helmet
• Bike and Equipment/clothing (even a MTB could be used)
• Snack food and water bottle

How to register

• Email CYCLEFIT@ROGERS.COM
• Information Needed:
  • Name
  • Email
  • Phone/Cell number
• We will phone to confirm and then bill you via PAYPAL

About the instructors

Natasha Elliott is a professional cyclo cross racer with Garneau Club Chaussures. In 2008 (her 3rd season of cyclo cross), she started to excel and really find her love for cyclo cross racing.  That year she won 7 international UCI races across North America and her highest ranking was 16th in the World, she also placed 13th at a World Cup in France. 2009 brought even more success with bigger wins, including the Grand Prix of Gloucester double wins, considered the New England world's of cyclo-cross, the NACT series overall championship title and was ranked as high as 13th in the world.  Back from an illness that kept her out of racing and training from last fall to this summer, she brings to the 2010 season even better form and expects to have even greater success.  Through out her campaign she has raced on many different circuits in many different countries around the world. Natasha is very energetic with lots of tricks and tips she has learned through her cyclo cross career that she is willing to share with you. You can follow Natasha and her husband on their blog at derrickandnatashathedynamicduo.blogspot.com.

Derrick St John is a professional road and cross racer with Garmeau. He finished 2nd at Canadian Cross Nationals in 2009 and stepped on the podium several times in the Verge series and Toronto Intl Cross.  This year he also finished 2nd at the mount Megantic stage at the Tour de Beauce. Derrick will share tips to make you strong and has some unique skills that will amp up your cross riding.