Photo Courtesy of Natalia Boltukhova Pedal Power Photography 2011

It was sunny and hot at the Providence Festival of Cyclocross this weekend, which everyone found disorienting and dusty.  We managed to see several of our favorite riders do well despite the trying conditions.

On Saturday,  Mary McConneloug of Team Kenda/Seven/No Tubes finished second in the elite women’s field, and then outsprinted the Day 1 winner, Laura van Gilder, for top spot on Day 2.

These were extra impressive results for McConneloug who is only just back from racing the World Cup circuit in Europe for the summer.  Making that transition from mountain to cross can be difficult, but it’s a testament to Mary’s sheer class that she can hit home soil, swap bikes and come up with a big win and a second place. Laura van Gilder, who topped Mary on Saturday, said of McConneloug after Sunday’s race, “the ideal cross racer is a mix of mountain biker and roadie.  Mary has those both, she’s incredible.”

Bob’s Red Mill and Seven racer  Mo Bruno Roy took 10th on Saturday and 7th on Sunday, a pair of results that bring her to 5th on points with two weeks break before Downeast Cross in Maine.

Andrea Smith of Ladies First Racing rode her  Seven Mudhoney SLX to 7th on Saturday and an impressive 4th on Sunday.  Smith won the Verge Series last season and stands 3rd on the New England points list for 2011, just behind van Gilder.  Since winning at Monson in her opening race of the season, and finishing 11th in a super tough field at Cross Vegas, she’s been solid and consistent, big keys to winning any series.

With Mary, Andrea and Mo doing so well, that’s three Sevens in the top ten in Providence, BOTH DAYS!!!!!

Carl Ring was there to represent the Seven Development Squad on the men’s side:

“I lined up both days, I got stuck behind a bad start line crash on Saturday, fought my way up to the front half of the field, then lost all my spark.   Back slid all the way back to the tail of the field. Sunday was better.   I managed to advance pretty well in the first two laps, but I’m still lacking the fitness I need after knee surgery early this year.   I hope to be back to full strength in 3-4 weeks. Still it was fun racing and a great venue…(it) was great to see Mary McConneloug line up.   I noticed that Andrea Smith and a few of the other Ladies First riders are also on Seven’s now.   Looking foward to seeing you at the Maine Verge Series races.”

Mo Bruno Roy before the mudfest that was Gloucester

Seven was out in force at the Grand Prix of Gloucester over the weekend, basking in the mud and gratuitous suffering.   Bob’s Red Mill and Seven-sponsored rider Mo Bruno Roy finished top ten both days in the elite women’s race, and Andrea Smith from Team Ladies First rode her Seven to a podium spot – second overall – on Day 1, bagging a solid 5th place finish on Day 2.

Carl Ring from the Seven Development Squad was in action, and the guys from the Seven office: Keith Cardoza, Jake Bridge, and Joe Wignall all flew the colors in the mud at Stage Fort Park, too.

Seven employee Keith Cardoza on his Mudhoney

New England has turned cool, wet and rainy: ideal cross weather.  At Gloucester this weekend, Richard Fries’ bombastic ranting ringing from the PA was a perfect accompaniment to the race’s mayhem and conditions.

The New England cross season is in full swing, with races almost every week from now through December.  It’s not too late to register for The Night Weasels Cometh in Shrewsbury, MA Wednesday night.  You can warm up on Tuesday night at the pre-race party at Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, too.  And who is excited for Providence next weekend?

Any of you Seven owners out there who raced at Gloucester, write to us in the comment section below and let us know how you did!

Squad Superstar Matt Engel

Seven’s Development Squad is ramping up, getting ready for cross season and racing across the country.  Check out their exploits on Facebook!

The Seven Development Squad Facebook page is really active:  each member posts their training plans, results, product reviews, photos, blog entries, videos, and other content as the season unfolds.  You can even add your own comments or pose questions for them to answer.   We want this to serve as an interactive space open to anyone interested in the team.  Click here and become a fan today.  It’s the best way to get up-to-the-minute details on the Squad’s racing schedules and to see what’s new.