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Ryan Trebon(Image credit: Russ & Nancy Wright)

Helena, Montana, USA, December 23, 2006

What do we have to look forward to? Well, first off, what can you say about having Ryan Trebon in “the jersey”? With Jonathan Page so ably doing the same for a number of years, believe me, it's a pride thing to work the pits at these huge races and have the stars-and-stripes battling these Euro dogs! And with Barry Wicks and Jeremy Powers already riding at a higher level than last year, this is going to be our best elite unit yet. Rounding out the group are camp veteran Erik Tonkin and the young and hungry Troy Wells. With all these guys, I'm reminded of an old Red Auerbach quote: "Coaching is simple; you need good players who are good people. You have that, you win." Enough said.

Another key component to the camp is the emphasis on the future. And this year's crop of espoirs is a good one. I'm ecstatic to have USGP U-23 champ Jamey Driscoll on board. His ride a few years ago at junior worlds in Pontchateau bodes well as he takes on his first extended, focused tour. Fresh off his silver at nationals, Morgan Schmitt is another real bright spot. And some serious pop will come in the form of that runaway chasing train we saw at nationals--namely, Nick Weighall, espoir rookies Bjorn Selander and Chance Noble, and Dan Neyens. Offering up some significant horsepower, these guys will only continue to grow. Another cool aspect to European ‘cross is the knowledge base of the spectators. When they see Bjorn this year at a race, they'll whisper "Selander" as he passes, remembering his exploits in the lead group at last year's junior world race in Holland.

So, 9 races, 12 days, 16 riders, 32 bikes, 2 directors, 4 mechanics, 2 soigneurs, and 1 chef. Sam Smith's film "Transition II" does a nice job of capturing a bit of the undertaking that is Euro Cross Camp. My hope is that these ensuing journal entries will add another dimension. As Director, my sincerest appreciation goes out to all sponsors, teams, coaches, families, and supporters for giving these guys a chance to race cyclo-cross in Europe.

Meanwhile, some of the elite guys are already in Belgium strapping on their fenders to head out for road training. It wouldn’t be Belgium without that nice, manured spray rooster-tailing up off your rims in raw, dark December! Time to prep the mind, body and soul. I need to remember to bring my copy of "Beowulf." You know, recite some excerpts on the honor ethic and warrior code during pre-race pep talks. Something like:

Fresh from US Cyclocross Nationals, sixteen American riders were selected for the Euro 'Cross Camp IV from December 23, 2006, to January 3, 2007, in Belgium. US national 'cross coach Geoff Proctor started the program in 2003 and runs the camps during his winter vacation from his job teaching high school in Montana. This is the fourth year that top US riders will be given this opportunity to gain valuable 'cross racing experience in Europe and to prepare for the world championships in late January. Riders were selected for this year's camp based on their performances in the 2006 USGP of cyclo-cross and US nationals. Coach Proctor and his riders will take turns contributing diary entries.