Dan Timmerman writes some amusing race reports from the UCI races in Delaware, while Josh Dillon and Chris Peck have been busy with podium finishes at local New England races. Dillon picked up a first and second at the Catamount Cross Weekend up in snowy Vermont, while Peck cashed in for a pair of second place results at the Thread City Cyclocross and Southington Cyclocross races in CT.

Granogue Cyclocross UCI C1, October 21

Matt White, Jamey Driscoll, and Dan Timmerman kicked off the VERGE Mid-Atlantic Cyclocross series down in Wilmington, DE. The team was off to a great start on lap one with Matt White riding in the top five, Timmerman in 6th or 7th, and Driscoll right behind. Soon Whitey fell apart and went back to battle it out with the masters, which left Timmerman alone up front

As the race went on he settled into a comfortable pace riding with Geoff Kabush (Maxxis) thinking there was not much threat from behind. However, the other Timmerman (Jon Hamblen) was lurking in the distance. Since the two cannot occupy the same space at the same time or else the laws of physics will break down and spiral into utter chaos, I had to let him go by for 10th place.

In a furious, elbow throwing, head butting sprint Matt White would beat out master’s racer Roger Aspholm for 14th. Behind a demoralized Jamey Driscoll suffered through endless taunts from the crowd about how Tom Zirbel's mullet is much better than his. All in all, it was a good day of racing.

Wissahickon Cyclocross UCI C2, October 22

Day two of the Fiordifrutta's Mid-Atlantic race weekend started even better than the first at Wissahickon Cyclocros. White, Jamey Driscoll, and Dan Timmerman lined up on the start line, but something was way, way off. Instead of being lined up next to Driscoll in the second row, Timmerman was lined up on the front row due to his increase in UCI points.

However, being the last rider called to the front line, he was left with the scraps which consisted of a piece of dirt with a big hole in it off to the side of the nice pavement that the rest of the field sat on. Despite his compromising position, Timmerman's excitement of finally starting front row overcame the impossible and took the holeshot and would come through 3rd after completing the first lap.

Behind, Whitey made a hard effort and bridged the gap to Timmerman so that the two teammates could work together and distance themselves from the pack behind. Timmerman2 (Jon Hamblen) must have been secretly hiding in the bushes with tacks because at that moment Timmerman's front wheel went flat, leaving Matt White alone.

By the time Timmerman made it around to pick up his spare bike, wait, I mean change out his wheel, he had lost at least 25 spots. Matt White, despite being left to fend for himself, would hold on for sixth as Timmerman battled back for 15th. After receiving a public bashing on Cyclingnews.com the night before for his mullet, Jamey Driscoll stopped and let the air out of his tire so that he could keep a low profile and stay out of the media, however, still finishing 16th place.

The UCI cross races in New England are in full swing with Fiordifrutta riders making a strong showing as always. Matt White writes below about two races in Maine, while the week before in Gloucester saw White, Timmerman, and Driscoll all in the top 15. After 2 races in the Crank Brothers US Grand Prix Series, Driscoll leads the under 23 category and you can see a great photo of him here.

Maine, Downeast Verge NE Series Race 1 & 2, UCI 2, October 14-15

Day 1: White Takes 3rd with Driscoll 6th

Just because it’s sunny and picture perfect doesn’t mean a race can’t be muddy. The Maine Pinelands Farm course is always a little tricky like that. As the riders weave there way down the hillsides the course gets muddier and muddier. Saturday, team leader and master of first 500 meters Matt White, and his teammates Jamie Driscoll, current leader of the under-23 USGP of cyclocross, and Josh Dillon, “the face planter” lined up against a stacked field of New Englanders, and the Hagens Bermans squad from the Northwest.

White is first off the line, with his teammates close in tow takes a quick hop over the barriers to ride solo in third. In a few laps White is in hot pursuit of the lead riders, Jessy Anthony (Clif Bar) and Tim Johnson (Cannondale/cyclocrossworld). Jess suffered a mechanical issue due to the thickening mud, and fell back a few places. His team Mark McCormack has bridged up to White, and has punished him up the long road climb moving White back into third place on the road.

Meanwhile, Jamey is battling with Jess for the U23 Series lead, which ends with Jess just nipping him at the line giving Jamey a solid sixth place overall finish, not bad for the young superstar. White did his best to claw back to Mark Mccormick, allowing the gap to open to over 40 seconds but then closing it back down to under 10 seconds by the finish. White, was never able to let up for a second, as Jeremy Powers was close in pursuit, closing his gap forcing White to keep his podium position with a sprint to line. White and Powers were given the same time, oh so close!

Day 2: White 4th

Day 2 at Pineland Farm Venue gave the riders a similar course run in the opposite direction, with the road sections lengthened a bit, and a killer sweeping decent that added as much vertical drop as the venue had to offer. The same Fiordifrutta Team was present, with Driscoll, White and Dillon. White was again first off the line, how does he do it!? The course really bottle necked at the first turn bringing the riders into the woods for some turns, and the ripping descent.

Emerging from the first lap back onto the pavement, we see a lead group of three, McCormack, Johnson, and Powers, and few seconds off that pace a solo White. Behind White, there was an eight man group containing Jamey Driscoll. “There was no way I was going to let that group catch me” reported White, and after 2 laps of riding solo, he was happy to look back and see that Driscoll had attacked the group, dropped them all, and was coming across. White kept the tempo up as make sure that Jamey’s attack was fruitful, as he saw Jamey’s gap widen to the 6 or 7 riders behind, White sat up to allow the catch.

When the two were together the hammer dropped, they were going to catch someone from that lead group of three. They weren’t together for more than a lap when Jamey flatted and had to run to the pit. White was gone, still determined to catch that lead group. The closing laps were exciting with the gaps, closing, then opening again. White held on for 4th, unable to catch Powers with a valiant 2 lap effort. But it made for exciting racing with both Powers and White pulling off the barrier hop to gain those precious second. Josh Dillon is certainly what cross is all about, finishing a strong 18th place in his second UCI race ever. There is no doubt a top 10 will come soon for Josh, if he can avoid this.

The Fiordifrutta squad has been busy winning cyclocross races and Timmerman made Velonews with a great bunny hopping picture and article. Road racer Josh Dillon is also trying his hand at cyclocross racing and has been working on his balance skills as you can see in this photo. Cody also took his first UCI cross win of the season!

Timmerman Wins Syracuse Grand Prix, October 15

Dan Timmerman (Fiordifrutta) scored his second victory in as many races in race 2 of the Louis Garneau Central New York Cyclocross Series. Timmerman, just off his victory at race one of the Louis Garneau Central New York Cyclocross Series, as well as two top-10 places in two weekends at big UCI 'cross races, took control of the race early-on.

The 2006 edition of the Syracuse Grand Prix started in decent weather, but with much cooler temperatures (50's), Timmerman, Pierre Roussel, and Ted King (Priority Health) took an early lead after a small slip caused Paul Komanecky (Preferred Care) and Matt Dickinson (Placid Planet) to become chasers. Roussel, unable to keep pace with the flying Timmerman and King, dropped back to no-man's land and would stay there for the remainder of the race, to end up in 3rd place. Ahead, Timmerman punched the gas with a couple laps to go in order to rid himself of the persistent King to come in for convincing solo victory.

Timmerman now has a commanding lead in the Louis Garneau Central New York Cyclocross Series, but will his UCI racing schedule permit him to stick around and defend his lead? If not, Pierre Roussel is poised to pounce on it with Matt Dickinson close in the chase as well.

Cody Takes Second at Java Johnny's - Lionhearts Cyclocross, Middletown, OH, October 14th

A super fast grass course with bluebird skies were on tap for the cyclocross race on Saturday in Middletown, OH. A strong field of racers including Tristan Schouten (Trek-VW), Brent Prenzlow (Pacific Cycles), Chris McGovern (Sonic), and Ryan Leech (Fort GPOA) made the early selection in the race with each rider taking pulls & trading attacks on the long grass straight-a-ways, while battling for position through the courses tight corners.

With four laps to go Schouten took the front and hit the gas, while Leech faltered and McGovern stacked it creating an unclosable gap. Schouten would go on to take the win, while Cody would come back from a broken spoke (thanks to the BikeReg.com Pit Support) to take the sprint for second from the group.

Cody Wins Bio Wheels/United Dairy Farmers Cyclo-Cross (UCI C2) Cincinnati, OH, October 15th

Yesterday's second place coupled with precious UCI points on the line proved to be the right combination as Cody took the top spot when it counted most on very technical grassy course on a Cincinnati hill side. The race was decided early with the tight corners and the fast start of Schouten stretching the riders across the course. A large sand pit placed a few hundred meters before a tough road climb were enough to separate 5 riders early from the rest.

Tristan Schouten, Ryan Leech, & Doug Swanson took turns setting hard tempo that kept the other riders at bay. Swanson put down a hard attack after Schouten's lap and dropped all but Cody. The pair took turns setting tempo over the closing laps, but Swanson made a tactical error letting Cody lead through the laps closing corners where his sprint was unmatched. Cody now begins his belated cross season and his efforts to close the point gap to the top contenders in US Cyclocross.

Fiordifrutta Photos Featured in Michelin Bicycle Tire Brochure
Four photos of Fiordifrutta riders Josh Dillon, Dan Timmerman, Matt White, and Chris Peck made it into the 2007 Michelin catalog that is distributed to retailers and customers throughout North America. See attached images.

Velonews Photo
A photo of Mike Cody winning the Naugatuck Criterium in CT this summer made it into the finals of the Velonews photo gallery competition. The photo did not win, but you can check it out here.

Cody Hits the Newstand
Mike Cody also made the NH Sunday Monitor after winning the Concord Criterium, and the article is attached.

The Fiordifrutta boys have got the cross season off to a fine start with plenty of wins and a great photo of Matt White on cyclingnews.com

Whitmore's Landscaping UCI Super Cross Cup Race #1, September 30

Matt White, Jamey Driscoll, and Dan Timmerman made the trek to Southampton, Long Island for the Whitmore's Landscaping Super Cross Cup race #1. Matt White being the specialist that he is, received his front line call-up, while Timmerman's 2 points from 2005 netted him the last call-up spot in the third row and Driscoll was left to fend for himself in the race to the start line. After a stiff pace at the start set by former fruity Jon Hamblen (RGM WATCHES - RICHARD SACHS - REX CHIU), a front group would form with all the stars in it including Ryan Trebon (Kona), Tim Johnson (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com), Mark McCormack (Team Clif bar), Barry Wicks (Kona), Jesse Anthony (Team Clif Bar), Ben Jaques-Maynes
(Cyclocrssworld.com) and Fiordifrutta's Matt White

Timmerman battled his way through the pack and spent the rest of the race in 8th just behind the front group, trying to close the gap with Hamblen trying to recover from his early move and get back onto his wheel. Behind, Driscoll fought his way up into the top 15. Whitey would end up with 7th, Timmerman held off Hamblen for 8th, and Driscoll worked his way up to 12th.

Peck-Cody 1-2 at BCA Cyclocross, Pittsfield, MA, October 1

Chris Peck, Mike Cody, and Johs Huseby lined up for this New England classic cyclocross race that is now in its 16th year. Cody and Peck made the front group which quickly whittled down to five riders. The two teammates came together off the front of the group on the last lap, and then had to negotiate among themselves as to who would take the win. The negotiations were completed before they were caught by any other riders, and Peck was happy with the win while Cody was pleased to have a contract for 2007.

Timmerman Wins Swandrome Cyclocross - Race #1 for the CNY Cyclocross Series, October 1

After a good showing in Long Island, Fiordifrutta rider Dan Timmerman returned to his home town to race the first race of the Central New York Cyclocross Series held at the headquarters of the illustrious Swan Cycles in Ithaca, NY, run by the famous Glenn Swan, who is said to have taught Chris Peck everything he knows. After a slow start, Timmerman was able to catch and pass the two leaders and ride in for the solo win in front of Frenchman Pierre Roussel.

Fiordifrutta Adds Jamey Driscoll to Cross Team

The squad is pleased to announce the signing of Vermont’s Jamey Driscoll to race cyclocross this fall. Driscoll is a 20 year old University of Vermont student who was the Junior National Cyclocross champion in 2003. He has successfully transitioned to the senior ranks and comes off a full road season where he continued to gain form throughout the year.

Timmerman 2nd at Vermont Cyclocross, September 23

Saturday’s race in Vermont was a warm-up for the next day’s UCI event, but Fiordifrutta riders did not hold back as both Jamie Driscoll and Dan Timmerman both led the race at times. Timmerman had a fantastic start which saw him ahead of the front group which contained Mark McCormack (Team Clif Bar), Adam Myerson (Nerac.com), and Jamie Driscoll. But the slippery conditions brought on by the morning rain were Timmerman’s downfall (literally) as multiple crashes meant for constant chasing. Soon it was Driscoll’s turn to take the lead until a snapped derailleur forced a long run to the pits.

Pro mountain biker Mathieu Toulouse (Team Maxxis) took advantage of the mishaps to take the win, followed by Timmerman. Driscoll ended up 6th, and Huseby and Peck also had good rides to finish 8th and 11th respectively.

Fiordifrutta’ers Lock-up UCI Points in Vermont, September 24

Sunday in Vermont turned into a sunny day that rapidly dried up most of Saturday’s mud. With eight team members taking the start, Fiordifrutta hoped to challenge some of the nation’s top cyclocrossers in one of the first UCI events of the season. Timmerman, White, and Driscoll had excellent starts while a dropped chain for Cody meant that he had to turn on the afterburners to make up lost ground.

Tim Johnson (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld) and Mark McCormack (Clif Bar) dueled it out for the win, but our boys were not far behind. White, Driscoll, and Timmerman finished together for 5-7th, Cody was 11th and Peck squeezed into the top twenty for 19th.

Timmerman Wins Mid Atlantic Super Series #11 MTB Race, September 16

In a pause in racing between the end of the road season and the start of cross season Fiordifrutta sent former mountain bike specialist Dan Timmerman down to New Milford, PA to compete in the Endless Encounter XC VII mountain bike race, race # 11 in the Mid Atlantic Super Series.

Timmerman would be battling with riders from the TREK/VW team, the VISITPA.com MTB team, and the BEAR NAKED/CANNONDALE team on a course that was muddy and slippery from the recent rains. The start headed out and shortly went up a long dirt road climb where Timmerman was able to use his road fitness to shed most of the field.

By the top, the only two to survive the vicious slaughter were Mid-Atlantic Super Series leader Ray Adams (VISITPA.com) and Kyle Hammaker (TREK/VW) who sat in second in series points. The long climb soon turned into a rocky, wet, and technical trail and the duo soon took over the lead from Timmerman as he sat on the back of them.

For several laps he let the two specialists set the pace since his skills in the singletrack were a bit rusty. Soon both riders made critical mistakes, one ending up on his back in the mud, the other allowing a gap to open on a climb while he tried to straighten out his chain. This left Timmerman on his own for most of the second half of the race, which was a good thing according to the rider. "I was glad those two weren't around to see me in the singletrack during the second half of the race" said Timmerman "I might have quit, just out of embarrassment".

Apparently, the long road miles over the years had left his upper body weak and emaciated and it took every bit of energy his spindly arms could muster to hold the bike in a straight line and keep from careening off into the woods. Despite the fact that his back and right hand was cramped and tired, Timmerman was able to hold off the two mountain bikers to finish nearly four minutes ahead of Kyle Hammaker (TREK/VW). Ray Adams (VISITPA.com) was able to recover from his horrific crash to finish third and retain his lead in the series. The rest of the day was spent catching up with old friends drinking free beer while listening to live music in the endless mountains of PA.