The bike that won Adam Craig a tattoo at the 'Single Speed Cycle-cross World Championships'
Image 1 of 8
Adam Craig rode a one-off Giant TCX SLR SS for his fifth SSCXWC title in Portland, Oregon (Image credit: Jake Orness)
Splat, a local Oregon paint job, did the honors on the frame (Image credit: Jake Orness)
The was the Sven Nys' view during the race(Image credit: Jake Orness)
If it wasn't messy, it just wouldn't feel right (Image credit: Jake Orness)
Did the astrophysicist ride? We have no idea (Image credit: Jake Orness)
While Craig may be wearing the USA kit semi-ironically, it is his. Craig has represented his country at the Olympic Games, among other international events (Image credit: Jake Orness)
Was the mustache too much for Sven to handle? Yes, yes it was (Image credit: Jake Orness)
To the winner go the spoils, er, the tattoo!(Image credit: Jake Orness)
In most races, when you cross the finish line, the pain stops. If you win the just-about-anything-goes Singlespeed Cyclocross World Championships, more pain awaits as the tattoo gun hums. As testament to the spirit of the preposterous-over-pretentiousness event, the winner, by rule, must get a SSCXWC tattoo.
This year, Giant's Adam Craig rallied his way through cornfields, spear-wielding Ewoks, giant-ball mud pits, a pond and more en route to winning his fifth title — ahead of an actual former world 'cross champion Sven Nys, no less.
The legendary Belgian does not show fear on the race course. But was Nys perhaps a little bit skeered of a tattoo? That we may never know.
While Craig may be wearing the USA kit semi-ironically, it is his. Craig has represented his country at the Olympic Games, among other international events
For the second consecutive year, Craig piloted a machine with flat bars instead of the traditional drop bar.
To celebrate the tenth annual edition of SSCXWC, Giant did a one-off custom paint design for Craig, based on a 2016 TCX SLR SS that was produced in small numbers.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"The out-of-this world Galaxy theme is inspired by the event and Carl Sagan, of course," Giant marketing director An Le told BikeRadar. "The design is a colab between Adam and a few folks here at Giant. We wanted a theme that tied in with SSCXWCxPDX and its nebula-vibe. Once the design was nailed, we worked with Splat, a local Oregon paint shop to bring it to life. Strong Oregon/Pacific Northwest connection here with Adam (a resident of Bend, Oregon), Splat and the event."
Did the astrophysicist ride? We have no idea
What gear does a guy like Craig pick when he can only pick one? Why, a 38x16, of course.
Check out the gallery above for a closer look at the bike — and the tattoo.
To the winner go the spoils, er, the tattoo!
Model - TCX SLR SS Frame - L Stem - Zipp Service Course SL OS 110mm Handlebars - Truvativ Noir T40 Riser 720mm x 15mm Grips - ODI "O" BMX grips Front brake - SRAM Guide RSC Rear brake - SRAM Guide RSC Brake levers - SRAM Guide RSC Brake Rotors - SRAM Centerline 140mm Front derailleur/Guide - N/A Rear derailleur - N/A Shift levers - N/A Cassette - Chris King 16t Cog Chain - SRAM PC-1 singlespeed Crankset - SRAM Force CX1 38T chainring Bottom Bracket - SRAM Pressfit GXP Pedals - HT M1 Front Wheel - Zipp 303 Tubeless Rear Wheel - Zipp 303 Tubeless Front tire - Schwalbe Rocket Ron Rear tire - Schwalbe Rocket Ron Saddle - Giant Contact SL Forward Seatpost - Giant D-Fuse Composite
