World Championships Preview

Photo by cyclephotos.co.uk.

The biggest weekend in European cyclocross is here! Ellen Noble and Scott Smith will be racing at the Cyclocross World Championships in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium this weekend in front of an estimated 50,000 screaming spectators. Noble will represent Team USA as the reigning U23 U.S. Cyclocross National Champion in her race on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. 

Smith will also be wearing red, white and blue (although mostly red and blue) in the U23 men's race on Sunday at 6:00 a.m. ET. It will be the first time either of them have raced in the World Championships, but Noble has already earned her chops in Europe, racing in five World Cups this season including last week's mudfest in Hoogerheide, Netherlands. Smith made his Euro World Cup debut at Hoogerheide and is ready to tackle some more mud in Zolder, where the forecast is calling for rain. Bring it on.

Scott Smith racing in his first-ever European World Cup, dredges through the mud of Hoogerheide, Netherlands on Jan. 24. Photo by Fabienne Vanheste.

In addition to Noble and Smith, the USA's World Team has 29 other racers including our JAM Fund co-founder and four-time U.S. Cyclocross National Champion Jeremy Powers (Aspire) and JAM alumni Stephen Hyde (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com), Jeremy Durrin (Neon Velo) and Anthony Clark (Squid Bikes).

All Saturday and Sunday races will be live online, but watching will be tricky for those of us in the U.S. In order to see it, you'll need to use something like Hola or Tunnelbear.

Ride along with Powers and the guys from Global Cycling Network as they review the World Championship course. 

See more photos from Friday's pre-ride in Zolder as seen through the lens of Matthew Lasala.

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News/Blog

Heavy Mud in Hoogerheide

For Immediate Release

Contact: Vicky Sama, JAM Fund Media Coordinator, jamcycling@gmail.com

Above photo by Phillippe Thys

Ellen Noble and Scott Smith of JAM/NCC/Vittoria represented Team USA at the Cyclocross World Cup series finale in Hoogerheide, Netherlands on Sunday. And it was brutal. The course was challenging with thick, heavy mud and a 45-stair run-up. It was Noble's third trip to Europe since November and her fifth time racing in the World Cup this season.

"Even after a disappointing race, there are still many reasons to smile," Noble said. "I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be here."

Noble is now ranked 22nd in the world.

Scott Smith welcomed the mud and ruts in his first-ever World Cup race. Photo by Kristel Van Gilst.

Smith made his World Cup debut in Hoogerheide, finishing 41st among the U23 men--not bad for his first time on the European circuit.

"It was a great experience," Smith said. "The course was hard and fun. I felt like I averaged around a 50 cadence for the whole race."

Two weeks ago, Noble and Smith were racing in the slick mud at the U.S. National Championships in Asheville, North Carolina, where Noble defended her U23 Cyclocross National Championship. Smith got 4th. Now the two of them are preparing for the season's final test in Europe: the World Championships in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium. Noble races on Saturday, Jan. 30 with the U23 women, who, unlike in the World Cup, will race in their own category separate from the elite women. She has the advantage of having raced in Zolder last month, which will be the same course this weekend with a few minor changes. Smith will race in the U23 men on Sunday, Jan. 31. Race organizers say 70,000 spectators could be at the race this weekend.

Bring on the cowbells!

Watch the highlights of the women's race in Hoogerheide above and see Noble's strong start (on the right side of screen).

Six JAM family riders to race at Worlds

Photo by Bart Raeymaekers

Six current or former cyclists from the JAM Fund Cycling program-- who all live, ride and train in Western Massachusetts-- will represent the United States at Cyclocross World Championships in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium on Jan. 30 and 31. Current JAM/NCC/Vittoria elite team members Ellen Noble and Scott Smith leave on Wednesday for their overseas trip. Noble won her second consecutive U23 Cyclocross National Championship last week in Asheville, North Carolina. Smith finished 4th in the U23 men.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again, JAM Fund Cycling Team makes dreams come true," Noble said after hearing that Smith qualified for the World's team.

Fresh off his fourth Cyclocross National Championship is JAM Fund Co-founder Jeremy Powers (Southampton, Mass./Aspire Racing), who is already in Europe racing as a warm-up for Worlds. JAM alumni Stephen Hyde (Easthampton, Mass./Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld), Anthony Clark (Feeding Hills, Mass./Squid/Feeding Hills) and Jeremy Durrin (Westhampton, Mass./Neon Velo) will be racing for Team USA along with Powers in the men's elite race on Sunday, Jan. 31. Clark and Durrin were selected for Worlds this week after two other riders declined their bid on the U.S. team.

Thirty-one riders from the U.S. will race in the Cyclocross World Championships. Noble will race on Saturday, Jan. 30 with the U23 women. Smith will race with the U23 men on Sunday.

Noble Moves Up in World Ranking

Fresh off her victory at U.S. Cyclocross National Championships, Ellen Noble moved up this week in international rankings. Of the 453 elite women who earned UCI points this year, Noble is now ranked number 19. To top that off, she is number two among women under 23 years old. Noble earned 80 UCI points for winning the U23 National Championships on Sunday, moving her up five places from the previous week.

Noble travels to Belgium next week and will race at World Championships in Zolder on Jan. 30.

Smith to Join Noble in World Championships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

USA Cycling announced today that Scott Smith (JAM/NCC/Vittoria) will represent the United States competing at Cyclocross World Championships in Belgium at the end of the month. Smith was selected for Team USA after finishing fourth on Sunday in the U23 Cyclocross National Championships in Asheville, N.C. He will accompany teammate Ellen Noble and 29 other U.S. athletes on the trip overseas.

"I'm really blown away with the news today," Smith said. "I had a tough block of training before nationals, getting sick and then messing up my hamstrings, but I gave it all I had to come away with fourth, just off the podium. Now my dreams are coming true, and I'm going across the pond to do what I love and race 'cross against the best in the world."

Coach Alec Donahue says the goal is to get Smith to experience Belgium and enjoy the process.

"This is my dream that it would happen," Donahue said. "Scott will get his feet wet in the U23 at Worlds where it's going to be insanely difficult. If he can finish on the lead lap, that's what we're looking for. And it's great for Ellen to have another teammate to be there."

Scott Smith (JAM/NCC/Vittoria) front and center at the start of the U23 Cyclocross National Championships on Jan. 10. Photo by Vicky Sama.

Monday's announcement was an added boost for the JAM/NCC/Vittoria squad. Noble had already qualified for the World Championships with her 14th place finish at November's World Cup in Koksijde. She solidified her position after winning the women's U23 Cyclocross National Championship on Sunday.

Donahue says Noble and Smith's World's team qualifications are motivating for Jack Kisseberth, who also wishes he could join his teammates to Belgium. But he'll have to wait until next year. Still, Kisseberth was one of the big standouts in Sunday's elite men's race, finishing 11th place-- an amazing feat considering he was racing Cat 4 at the beginning of the previous cross season.

"For a second year riding cross, knocking on top ten at nationals, that was unexpected really," Donahue said. "Jack was the most surprising ride of the weekend for me. He knocked his front brake loose and it was just on. I think he was out there for two laps before he pitted, so the brake was just hanging on for two laps. To pull off 11th with that was even more remarkable."

Kisseberth returns home to Boston following a strong end to his cross race season. Smith and Noble are at training camp in Greenville this week and will head to Belgium on January 20. The World Cup is scheduled for Jan. 30-31 in Heusden-Zolder. They will stay in Belgium for five more races after Worlds.

(Photos by Vicky Sama)

Noble Repeats National Championship, Team Rallies

ELLEN NOBLE WINS HER SECOND U23 U.S. CYCLOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Ellen Noble lifts her bike in victory after crossing the line for her second U23 Cyclocross National Championship.

What a day! Ellen Noble won her second consecutive U23 National Championship today, starting an incredible day for the JAM/NCC/Vittoria team. Noble and Emma White (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com) took the early lead in the first lap in extremely slippery conditions after a night of steady rain. White came off the first major climb on Heckle Hill in front of Noble. Sofia Gomez Villafane wasn't far behind. But Noble wouldn't let White get away for long, and by the time they hit Bonk Breaker Hill, Noble was out front with no one else in sight. Noble dominated the rest of the race, riding solo up front for the last three laps to victory.

"This is a huge win for me going into worlds in a couple of weeks," Noble said. "Winning it last year felt really good, but to win it with our own race and going into worlds means so much more. It's such an amazing feeling. Doing it on a mud course is an extra bonus."

Noble finished 17 seconds ahead of Gomez Villafane. White got third.

Noble heads to Belgium to compete in World Championships in Zolder at the end of the month.

Scott Smith (center) charges off the start line with the U23 men's field at Cyclocross National Championships.

In the men's U23, Scott Smith finished a strong 4th place, just missing the podium, in a strong field of 59 racers. The course was still slick when the race started at 12:30 p.m.

"I started feeling good later in the race," Smith said. "It was just fun to ride the drop offs and slippery parts of the course, so that kept it motivating."

Jack Kisseberth catching his breath after the climb up Heckle Hill during the elite men's race. 

Jack Kisseberth raced in the elite men's field that started at 3:30 p.m., after the sun and wind dried up conditions a bit. He finished 11th in a field stacked with extreme talent. 

"My last two laps were my fastest," Kisseberth said. "I felt good. Wish it was sloppier. It dried up from the races earlier in the day. It was still a cool course."

Jena Greaser descends Heckle Hill during the elite women's race.

Jena Greaser rode a solid race, finishing 11th in the women's elite field, which was won for the twelfth time by Katie Compton (Trek).

JAM Fund co-founder Jeremy Powers won his fourth Cyclocross National Championship on Sunday.

JAM Fund co-founder Jeremy Powers (Aspire Racing) wowed the crowd in the final race of the day, winning his fourth Cyclocross National Championship, ten seconds ahead of his JAM protege Stephen Hyde (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com). 

Full results from all today's national championships are on One to Go.

Story and photos by Vicky Sama

National Championships Live Coverage

The U.S. Cyclocross National Championships will be streamed live starting on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Ultrasport.tv.  The JAM/NCC/Vittoria team will be racing one after another, so you can enjoy a full day of race coverage watching our riders live as it happens. First up will be Ellen Noble who will defend her 2015 national title in the U23 women's race that starts at 11:30 a.m. Scott Smith will be racing with the U23 men's race that begins immediately after the women's race. Jena Greaser will be racing with the elite women at 2:30, and Jack Kisseberth will be in the elite men's race at 3:30.

Here is the schedule of Sunday races:

11:30 a.m. Women U23, 40 minutes
12:30 p.m. Men U23, 50 minutes
2:30 p.m. Women's Elite, 50 minutes
3:30 p.m. Men's Elite, 60 minutes

Don't miss it!

JAM Top Five Lists

While JAM/NCC/Vittoria is in Asheville, N.C. for the Cyclocross National Championships, we've had some time to ponder. This morning over breakfast, Al Donahue, Ellen Noble, Scott Smith and Jack Kisseberth started making a list of our top fives in the subjects below. It was clear that our music list was not going to pass the censors, so we left that one out.

TOP 5 BREAKFASTS

1. oatmeal with nuts and berries (sometimes add peanut butter or trail mix)
2. bacon, eggs and avocado
3. pancakes and strawberries
4. waffles with real maple syrup
5. Ellen's grandmother's honey almond milk french toast with cinnamon, eggs, bacon and home fries

FIVE THINGS IN OUR JERSEY POCKET

1. iPhone
2. credit card
3. driver's license
4. extra long sleeve windbreaker
5. kitanaboy folding saw (in Al's pocket)

FIVE INJURIES WE'VE SUFFERED

1. Ellen recently had a sprained ankle.
2. Okay, number one wasn't bad enough: Ellen lost skin on her back during a mountain bike race last spring (which may have also caused that sinus infection she got shortly after).
3. Jack was airlifted with a concussion and broken wrist after biting it hard in the gnar at Woodward, CA downhill dirt jump. He doesn't remember much else about it. No surprise.
4. Scott separated his AC joint the week before CX Nationals in Austin last year.
5. Case Butler ate pavement during a training road ride in Greenville and was towed to town in a boat hitched to the back of a pickup truck.

FIVE TOP SWEETS

1. Sour Patch Kids
2. Raw chocolate chip cookie dough (Al's favorite)
3. Reece's Peanut Butter Cups
4. Trolli Neon Gummy Worms
5. Ellen's grandma's Buster Bars

(Above photo: JAM/NCC/Vittoria team eating breakfast at the team house in Asheville.)

Coach Al Tackles Nationals

It was 18 degrees when JAM/NCC/Vittoria coach and JAM Fund co-founder Alec Donahue warmed up this morning for the Cyclocross National Championships at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. Donahue raced in the master's 40-44 category, one of the toughest and largest fields, with 105 guys vying for the championship title.

From the start, Donahue and eventual race winner Matthew Timmerman (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com) took the lead with a handful of others and quickly separated themselves from the rest of the field. Donahue road up the steep climb near the bike barn, but it was clear that Timmerman had the gears to spin up a bit easier. Timmerman was consistent, gaining a few seconds here and there. Donahue battled it out with five others for the rest of the podium spots and eventually finished 6th.

"It took two to three laps for me to dial in the corners," Donahue said. "Riding the run-up was important. It just blows my legs for the rest of the lap."

Al Donahue (JAM/NCC/Vittoria) climbs the steepest hill in the race on the second lap ahead of others running it. Photo by Vicky Sama.

Donahue hopes his disappointment with the race result will be overshadowed by his athletes' performances at nationals. This weekend, Donahue will be on the sidelines coaching the JAM/NCC/Vittoria team and preparing his riders for the best national championships they can have. Team members Ellen Noble, Scott Smith, Jack Kisseberth and Jena Greaser will be racing on Sunday.

JAM Fund to Benefit from Vermont Gravel Grinder

For Immediate Release

Contact: Vicky Sama, JAM Fund Media Coordinator

jamcycling@gmail.com

The Rasputitsa Spring Classic will donate a significant portion of its profits from its April 16 gravel grinder to JAM Fund and Little Bellas, two New England non-profit cycling organizations, race founders Heidi Myers and Anthony Moccia announced on Monday. 

“Our mission has always been to exist for what we call the 3 C’s: the love of cycling, the love of community, and the love of charity, and working with these two organizations really aligns with those goals,” said Moccia.

“We are so excited to be working with the Rasputitsa team this year to create a truly impactful, fun and classic day of spring riding," said JAM Fund co-founder and reigning U.S. Cyclocross National Champion Jeremy Powers. "JAM Fund is not just racers. We aspire to shape great ambassadors and role models for our community. We are extremely grateful for the support Rasputitsa has offered us through their event. They are partnering like-minded organizations to change lives through cycling, a goal that is core to the JAM Fund.” 

In addition to its financial support, the Rasputitsa is offering four lucky winners of its online raffle a chance to ride the course in advance of the race with cycling pros Powers and Lea Davison of Little Bellas, as well as some members of the JAM Fund Cycling Team. The preview ride will take place on Feb. 8, and the race is April 16. Included in this grand prize is overnight accommodations and a post-ride bonfire lunch. In addition, JAM Fund is offering a series of prizes such as a signed Jeremy Powers' jersey and other swag. The deadline for the raffle is Jan. 26. Enter here: 

 Additional list of raffle prizes include the following:

• 2 entries into the JAM Fund Grand Fundo on Saturday, July 16, 2016
• 2 places at the VIP dinner on Friday, July 15th, the evening before the Grand Fundo
• Signed Jeremy Powers jersey
• 2 Grand Fundo T-shirts
• 2 JAM Fund goodie bags filled with all kinds of great gifts from its partners 

“Supporting organizations that are giving back and growing the sport of cycling is very important to us," said Myers. "We’ve never been in this for the money. We’ve always just wanted to invite a bunch of riders to our neck of the woods to ride what we consider some truly exceptional landscapes." 

In only its third year, the Rasputitsa Spring Classic has experienced tremendous growth and the 2016 event sold out four months before the April 16 race date. Volunteers are still needed and donations can be made to www.jamcycling.org. 

JAM/NCC/Vittoria in Asheville for National Championships

For Immediate Release

Contact: Vicky Sama, JAM Fund Media Coordinator

jamcycling@gmail.com

JAM/NCC/Vittoria is in Asheville, North Carolina this week for the U.S. Cyclocross National Championships. Ellen Noble returns to defend her U23 national title after spending several weeks in Belgium racing in the World Cup.

“I’m excited to be here in Asheville. It’s always cool to see different parts of the country and world and race,” Noble said. “After walking the course today, I’m really excited to see how it changes during the week and look forward to racing the U23 race on Sunday, especially since the U23 are given our own event for the first time.”

Scott Smith will be racing on Sunday with the U23 men. He comes to nationals with one U23 title win this cross season, crowned the U23 Verge Series Champion. He has consistently finished in the top ten in the elite men’s fields and landed in third at the Supercross Cup in Stony Point, New York in November. Smith was out surveying the nation's race course today with Noble.

“Looks like a well-balanced course,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of hard pedaling, technical stuff, good elevation a good amount of running.”

Coach Al Donahue likes the course design.

“The course is skewed slightly more to the fitness rider but you still need to be good at the technical stuff,” Donahue said. “It’s challenging but fair. There’s plenty of room for passing. There aren’t any bottlenecks, so you can have a mediocre start and do well. The person most prepared physically and technically is going to win. And that’s always what you’re hoping for.”

JAM/NCC/Vittoria’s Jack Kisseberth moves up into the elite men’s event at nationals this year. He is coming off a strong cross season, getting top ten in the elite men’s fields in six of his last eight cross races. Kisseberth’s most impressive finish this season was 3rd place at Rhode Island’s NBX Grand Prix in early December.  

JAM Fund co-founder Jeremy Powers returns to cross nationals in pursuit of his fourth national championship title in five years.

According to USA Cycling, some 2,000 cyclists will compete at the Cyclocross National Championships this week on the grounds of the historic Biltmore Estate. As many as 35 stars-and-stripes championship jerseys will be awarded from Jan. 5-10. Noble, Smith, Kisseberth and Jena Greaser will be racing on Sunday.  Donahue races in the masters 40+ on Wednesday. You can watch the race live online at ultrasport.tv starting at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 10.

JAM/NCC/Vittoria team and friends survey the Cyclocross National Championship course while riders practice the drop on Jan. 4.

Take the Quote Quiz!

Photo by Angelica Dixon

How well do you know the JAM team? Match the quote with the JAM cyclist or alum who said it in one of our stories published during 2015.

ANSWER CHOICES: Ellen Noble, Scott Smith, Jack Kisseberth, Jena Greaser, Chris Neisen, Stephen Hyde, Anthony Clark, Jeremy Durrin and Mira Fowler. Answers are now at the bottom of this post.

THE QUOTES

1. “The team provided me with opportunities I could never have dreamed of, and I owe a lot to Jeremy, Alec and Mukunda for shaping my life what it is today. If it wasn’t for them, I would have never raced cyclocross or met my wife Gabby.” – (Who said it?)

2. “Me and my friends built this trail network called the Fern Forest and it had a bunch of downhill tracks and dirt jumps. We spent five hours a day digging and riding. That was pretty much my life outside of school. The whole experience, digging and hanging out with friends, that combination got me into biking.”– (Who said it?)

3. “If there was a sleeping contest, I would crush it! I could sleep 11 hours a night and not have trouble getting to sleep again. Al says I can sprint well because I’m rested.” – (Who said it?)

4. “JAM pushed me to be a better person every day. It was never about wining races and going home. It was about leaving whatever situation we entered better than when we got into it. I am confident in myself as a professional racer now, and it’s because JAM made me this way.” – (Who said it?)

5. “In five years I see myself with a house in Western Massachusetts with a dog and a national championship jersey mounted on the wall while I’m racing for a pro continental team. Or at least I’ll be a yo-yo master.” – (Who said it?)

6. “When I was in 7th grade, my best friend Trevor asked me if I wanted to go on a mountain bike group ride. At the time, I had a crappy Walmart mountain bike, and I went with him on a legitimate ride with guys in spandex. I had never seen that before. I was in T-shirt and cutoffs.” – (Who said it?)

7. “I had knee surgery in Dec. 2014, so I was not sure I was going to be racing this fall, but a month a half ago, everything was coming along well. At the race this weekend, Richard Fries said over the loud speaker, ‘Who’s that person riding on Caroline Mani’s wheel?’” – (Who said it?)

8. “I’ve been riding since I was really little. I’ve been practicing cross since I was 8 or 9.” –(Who said it?)

9. “Wanananana.” –(Who said it?)

---

SEE HOW YOU DID IN THE ANSWERS BELOW!

---

1. Jeremy Durrin, 2. Jack Kisseberth, 3. Ellen Noble, 4. Stephen Hyde, 5. Chris Neisen, 6. Scott Smith, 7. Jena Greaser, 8. 10-year-old Mira Fowler, and 9. Anthony Clark.

Got all nine correct? Awesome! You're a JAM super fan!

7-8 correct answers = good job, you've made the podium!

5-6 correct answers = nice effort!

3-4 correct answers = not bad, but you need a bit more training,

1-2 correct answers = it was a tough challenge, but you'll do better next time.

0 correct answers = OTB, but that's okay because somebody has to finish last!

Noble Wraps up Second Euro Tour

For Immediate Release

Vicky Sama, JAM Fund Media Coordinator

jamcycling@gmail.com

Above photo by Vic Geerlings

Ellen Noble is back in the U.S. after her second stint racing World Cup Cyclocross in Belgium. On this most recent trip, she spent nine days in The Netherlands, practiced the Zolder race course on Christmas and then raced the next day. It was one of the crazier starts of the year.

"The woman behind me had her front wheel dangerously close to my left foot, and my front wheel was within centimeters of another woman's derailleur," Noble said.

All of a sudden the traffic light turned green for the left side of the start line and they took off while the rest of the women were standing in shock that their traffic light was still red. The officials stopped the race and restarted it. Then things got even nuttier.

"On the second lap, my rear cantilever brake detached after a women ran into the back of my bike," Noble said. "I was unable to reattach it, so I was forced to ride the steep drop with only my front brake. My front Avid Shorty Ultimate slowed me down enough so I didn't crash on the steep, muddy drop."

Despite one of her rougher experiences, Noble had amazing finishes in her previous three World Cup races. She finished 12th at Flandriencross and 14th at Koksijde in November, which qualified her for the World Cup Championships to be held on the same race course in Zolder in late January. The weekend before Christmas, she got 18th at Namur.

"I am so excited to achieve a top-20 at World Cup, especially one I have been eyeing for so long," she said after the Namur race. "So thankful for the opportunity to be here and the support that's made my job so easy." 

Ellen Noble and British champion and eventual race winner Helen Wyman (Kona) battle the slick mud at Flandriencross on November 29. It was one of the most technically challenging courses of the year and Noble had her best World Cup finish yet. UCI photo.

Noble now focuses on the U23 Cyclocross National Championships in Asheville on Jan. 9. After that, she returns to Belgium to race U23 at Worlds.

Noble Goes Back to Belgium

Photo by Elisa Haumesser

Ellen Noble is on her way back to Belgium for more World Cup racing during the holiday. She will race at Namur on Sunday, Dec. 20 and at Zolder the day after Christmas. It's her second trip to Europe in as many months.

"Namur is a really tough course that has a huge amount of elevation and running," Coach Alec Donahue said. "It's nothing like we see in the U.S."

Noble will be racing in the elite fields in preparation for the U23 World Championships next month.

"Zolder is the same venue as the world course, so that will give her a trial run at the big event," Donahue said.

Noble had two impressive finishes in her first-ever European cross races in November. She finished 12th in the slippery mud at Flandriencross and 14th in the wet sand of Koksijde a week earlier. Those two top-15 place finishes automatically qualify her for the World Championships on January 30 in Zolder, about a two-hour car drive from Brussels. She will once again wear her red, white and blue USA cycling kit while racing overseas in the coming weeks.

In the time since Noble returned from her first trip to Belgium, she celebrated her 20th birthday and won the New England Cyclocross Series. She is excited to return to the motherland of cross.

"Getting to see my doggy, grandmother and mom before leaving for Europe was the best Christmas present ever," Noble said. "Being away from my family for the holidays is hard, but days like these make it so much easier."

Jack Be Quick

Story by Vicky Sama

 Above photo by Angelica Dixon

Jack Kisseberth has achieved the goal he wanted all season: a top five finish in a C2 cross race. He did that and more when he finished on the podium in third place at the Verge New England Cyclocross Series Finale in Warwick, Rhode Island on Saturday. It was his first UCI podium finish, an amazing accomplishment for his first season with the elite JAM/NCC/Vittoria squad.

“Last year I had so little guidance and poor equipment, so I knew I’d improve this year,” Kisseberth said. “So far, it’s going fairly well. I feel like I’m moving in a positive direction and getting stronger.”

He’s right.

Kisseberth had a strong start on Day One at the NBX Gran Prix Finale, the last race weekend in the Verge series. He started in the second row and immediately stuck with a small chase group trying to close the gap to leaders Jeremy Martin (Louis Garneau) and Anthony Clark (Squid). Kisseberth kept a steady rhythm, bunny hopping the double thick logs and running flawlessly through the long stretches of sand. He slowly separated himself from the rest of the chasers and crossed the line only nine seconds behind Clark and 13 seconds behind winner Martin. Kisseberth’s 3rd place elite finish is his best yet.

“I slid out around a corner and then there was a solid ten, fifteen foot gap… just couldn’t close it for so long,” Kisseberth said. “And then people just kept on plucking off when they flatted or slid out or something, and I tried to keep it steady after that little bobble, and it worked out. I’m so stoked. I can’t believe it. This is an awesome course, a lot of corners, nice and technical for me, had some stuff to hop. Still can’t believe it though.”

“Jack is an exciting guy to watch because he can ride up anything,” said Coach Al Donahue. “I’m psyched to have him on the team. He’s doing great, and it’s everything I can hope for.”

Jack Kisseberth holds a steady tempo and drops the chase group at the NBX Gran Prix Finale on Saturday. Photo by Todd Prekaski.

Kisseberth on his first UCI podium. From left to right: Anthony Clark (Squid), Jeremy Martin (Louis Garneau) and Kisseberth (JAM/NCC/Vittoria). Photo by Todd Prekaski.

At 22, Kisseberth still has the skills from growing up as a downhill skier in Tiburon, California. He and his two younger sisters spent most of their childhood shredding deep powder at Tahoe, Whistler and Jackson Hole. During summers, he rode mountain bikes with his buddies and built trails near their middle school.

“Me and my friends built this trail network called the Fern Forest and it had a bunch of downhill tracks and dirt jumps,” Kisseberth said. “We spent five hours a day digging and riding. That was pretty much my life outside of school. The whole experience, digging and hanging out with friends, that combination got me into biking.”

They were good at it too. They built bridges out of crates and used rakes and loppers to cut down poison oak and clear the brush for berms and rails.

“We watched a bunch of bike videos of what cool trails look like and we tried to replicate it with sweet features,” he said. “We took our parents tools. It was a serious operation.”

Four years ago, Kisseberth moved to the Boston area to attend Tufts University. He raced for its collegiate road and mountain bike teams. During sophomore year, he rode too much and was injured, forced out most of the season.

“I looked up what the pros were doing and so I started riding 25 hours a week,” he said. “I over-trained and destroyed my knees.”

Then last year, while Kisseberth was a college senior, a friend introduced him to cyclocross. He bought a 900-dollar bike on eBay. One of the first cross races he entered was the KMC in Providence.

“I had zero knowledge. Hadn’t even seen a video of it and didn’t know how to dismount,” he said. “Then I went into the Cat 4 race and won it. The next day they upgraded me to Cat 3 and I started in the back row out of 150 or so. I finished 22. After that weekend, I was like, wow, I can do really well. I was hooked after that.”

Kisseberth graduated in May with a degree in economics. He now works full-time doing analytics and marketing for New Balance, just a ten-minute bike ride from where he lives in Brighton. Kisseberth joined JAM/NCC/Vittoria over the summer.

“Working 8:30 to 5:00 is tough for training. It’s getting easier during race season, but I can only ride for an hour and a half or so each day during the week.”

Despite the hour and a half distance away from Northampton, Massachusetts—JAM’s home base—Kisseberth remains committed to the team. And it shows. He consistently finished top-ten this season, getting 6th and 10th at Supercross Cup, 7th at Nittany and HPCX, 10th both days at Cycle-Smart International and 17th at the Gran Prix of Gloucester—a C1 cross race with a number of international competitors. Saturday’s 3rd place podium finish in Warwick should propel him to next month’s Cyclocross National Championships in Asheville, North Carolina.

“As soon as I reach one goal, I want more,” Kisseberth says. “It pushes me and motivates me to do even better.”

Noble wins New England series while Smith takes U23

For Immediate Release

Vicky Sama, JAM Fund Media Coordinator

jamcycling@gmail.com

Ellen Noble (JAM/NCC/Vittoria) won the New England Cyclocross Series presented by Stans NoTues and Cycle-Smart after two days of exciting racing at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, Rhode Island. Day one of the NBX Gran Prix was a close battle between Noble and Emma White (Cyclocrossworld.com) who raced pedal-to-pedal for 50-minutes over mud, roots, ruts and long stretches of sand. Noble-- who was a bit tired after two weeks of racing in Belgium-- put that thought behind her, put in a few digs, gained some time and beat White by eleven seconds.

"The most valuable lesson I've ever learned about bike racing is to never give up," Noble said. "I remembered that lesson today and kicked it back into gear."

On Sunday, Noble finished second to White but had enough points to win the overall elite women's and U23 series titles.

Scott Smith #16, rode over the giant logs while most other riders jumped on foot during Saturday's NBX Gran Prix. Photo by Todd Prekaski.

Scott Smith (JAM/NCC/Vittoria) retained the series lead and was crowned the U23 king after finishing 5th on Sunday and 8th on Saturday. 

Jack Kisseberth (JAM/NCC/Vittoria) got his first UCI podium finish on Saturday, pulling away from the chase group in the final lap and crossing the line in 3rd place.  Coach Al Donahue got two top ten finishes in the elite men's race.

Jack Kisseberth had an impressive race on Saturday, separating himself from the chase group to finish 3rd. It was his first UCI podium finish. Photo by Todd Prekaski.

Men's elite podium after Saturday's NBX Gran Prix, from left to right: Anthony Clark (Squid), Jeremy Martin (Louis Garneau) and Jack Kisseberth (JAM/NCC/Vittoria). Photo by Jena Greaser.

Jena Greaser (JAM/NCC/Vittoria) had a super strong race on Sunday, putting in the watts on the runs and taking third.

"Stoked! Took third and got my revenge," Greaser said. "It was the raddest cross course-- techie and challenging, just like it should be."

Jena Greaser and Emma White (Cyclocrossworld.com) ran through the sand during Sunday's NBX Gran Prix. Photo by Angelica Dixon.

JAM Alum Anthony Clark (Squid) got his first-ever UCI victory, winning Sunday's race, which also gave him the overall series title.

JAM alum Anthony Clark (Squid) won the series finale on Sunday through blood, sweat and tears. Photo by Todd Prekaski.

Other JAM/NCC/Vittoria riders at the Verge Series Finale had solid races including Cameron Scott who got 5th in the men's category 3, Dylan Belkap-Lerner and Aiden Mapel.

A Super Supercross

Story by Vicky Sama

Scott Smith rides into third place at the Supercross Cup on Nov. 22. Photo by Robert Lai.

JAM/NCC/Vittoria had a super showing at the UCI Supercross Cup in Stony Point, New York on Saturday and Sunday. Scott Smith showed great form in the elite men's race, finishing on the podium in 3rd place on Sunday after getting 6th the previous day. Jack Kisseberth was also there in the thick of the action, finishing in the top ten both days with his best finish on Sunday in 6th. Chris Niesen is earning his chops in the elite field and put in some really good efforts, while Coach Al Donahue joined the guys on the highly technical course with deep ruts, a pro-only rock field and a narrow creek crossing. 

Sunny days for Jena Greaser, taking 4th on Saturday and 3rd on Sunday in Supercross Cup. Photo by Nin Lei.

In the women's race, Jena Greaser moved up a spot from Day 1, and sprinted at the line getting third right behind Rebecca Fahringer (Amy D) on Sunday. 

Cameron Scott rallied through the soupy mud on Saturday, winning the men's 3/4 race. Dylan Belknap-Lerner raced in the same category. On Sunday, Mark Hewett raced in the 3/4's.

JAM Fund grand recipient Aiden Mapel continues to impress us, finishing 2nd in the junior 9-14 race on Saturday and getting fourth on Sunday.

Jack Kisseberth has been consistent all season, finishing in the top ten on both days at Supercross Cup. Photo by Robert Lai.

Chris Niesen takes on his first UCI elite men's race at Supercross Cup. Photo by Robert Lai.

Coach Al Donahue usually crushes the master's category but this weekend opted to put the hurt on the elites, finishing 13th on Saturday. Photo by Nin Lei.

Listen to Scott Smith talk about Saturday's race on dirtwire.tv.  And enjoy the race highlights.

Another Way to Support JAM Fund

Our partner Nuun Hydration has produced a calendar featuring Jeremy Powers that makes a perfect gift this holiday season (or for you)! The 2016 calendar features our U.S. Cyclocross National Champion playing around in costumes with tons of silly props. All the proceeds from the calendar go to JAM Fund! What a great way to bring in the new year and support your favorite non-profit!  Get a view of the calendar in the making.

Noble and Smith Shine at Nohocx

Noble goes 1-2 while Smith rules U23.

By Vicky Sama

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Ellen Noble leads the women's elite start of the Cycle-Smart International on Sunday. Photo by Todd Prekaski.

Fresh off her Pan Am U23 championship, Ellen Noble (JAM/NCC/Vittoria) won the Cycle-Smart International in Northampton, Massachusetts on Saturday and got 2nd on Sunday, giving her the overall lead in the Verge New England Cyclocross Series. Noble dueled it out with Emma White (Cyclocrossworld) in a tight battle on Saturday. With two laps to go, Noble put in a dig, gaining valuable seconds on White and rode in for the win. The two repeated their duel on Sunday.

"I've been racing Emma since my first race here five years ago," Noble said. "As long as we both stay in it, we will always be racing together, and it's really great because we push each other so much."

While Noble and White gained a slight advantage over other riders, Noble's teammate Jena Greaser was hot on their wheels. Greaser rode super strong races and got back-to-back 4th place finishes.

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Victory is sweet! Scott Smith won the U23 at the Cycle-Smart Northampton International on Saturday and Sunday. Tart Baking Co. supplied the winner's cookie. Photo by Todd Prekaski.

Scott Smith was the winner among the U23, but equally impressive were his overall finishes in the elite men's field, getting an 8th place on Saturday and 6th on Sunday.

It was a big weekend for the JAM/NCC/Vittoria team racing on home turf. Jack Kisseberth got 10th both days in the elite men's field with Case Butler and Ian Gielar also competing with the pros. Al Donahue finished 6th in the junior/master's races on Saturday and Sunday. Dylan Belknap-Lerner and Cameron Scott raced in the Cat. 3 while Caitlin McCarthy raced the women's Cat. 3. Aiden Mapel and Mira Fowler raced in the junior 9-14 race, with Aiden finishing an impressive 4th place on Saturday. JAM Fund alum Anthony Clark had an amazing day of racing on Saturday, sprinting to 3rd place in a tight elite men's race. He finished 7th on Sunday.

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Scott Smith had an aggressive start to Sunday's race, giving him a 6th place finish overall and winning the U23. Photo by Todd Prekaski.

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Jack Kisseberth clears the technical descent, riding to a strong 10th place on Saturday and Sunday in the pro 1/2. 

A Noble Victory

Read the full story on cxmagazine.com and velonews.com.