October 17, 2015 – Mical Dyck’s result at cyclocross world championships last February was extraordinary on several counts. Starting as fourth to last call-up, she placed 12th, the best of any elite North American female or male. She remained in the saddle while many higher-ranked riders kissed the thin layer of mud covering Tabor’s frozen track.
Canadian ‘cross fans familiar with her record and capacity to endure extreme conditions weren’t surprised. In 2011 she landed third at Canada’s cyclocross championships on a taxing course while nursing a separated shoulder.
After returning home from Tabor to Victoria, British Columbia, she received news that almost derailed her intention to explore the potential validated at worlds. Her ‘cross trade team of three years, Stan’s NoTubes Elite Cyclocross Team, had dropped her from the roster.
“I was really choked when I heard that,” she said. “As a female racer it’s always tough to find support, and then as a female Canadian racer, it’s even harder.”
The 33 year-old could have given up ‘cross racing and resumed work as a geologist. The pay is exponentially better. But the demands of the job would constrain preparation for more tests against the world’s best women ‘crossers. And that wouldn’t do.
“I had the race of my life so far, and I don’t want it to be a one-off thing,” she said. “I want to be able to repeat that.”
While painful, the timing of the team loss proved serendipitous. Fellow countrymen were establishing the new Red Truck – Garneau p/b Easton Cyclocross Team. According to Dyck, she was about to commit to them when Sam Whittingham asked if she would race on Naked Bicycles. Whittingham is founder, designer, and builder of the custom frame-maker based on Quadra Island near Victoria. His creations have garnered multiple awards.
Whittingham outlined a two-year deal with bikes and travel expenses funded by a silent supporter interested in promoting the brand. “I couldn’t pass it up,” Dyck said, “because I’ve always loved his bikes and I was really stoked on the opportunity to work with someone locally.”
Now a privateer like other North American elite women such as Courtenay McFadden (American Classic/Zones) and Emily Kachorek (Squid), and working part-time in retail sales, Dyck set about securing additional equipment sponsors to complement the Naked Bicycles steel frames. She said they fell into place surprisingly easily, perhaps due to her worlds performance. Stan’s NoTubes, with whom Dyck remains on good terms, is supplying rims. Shimano and WD-40 Bike also signed up.
Dyck reduced summer mountain bike competition to intensify focus on the upcoming cyclocross season. That’s a huge statement coming from a Canadian who races cyclocross; mountain biking invariably takes priority. Dyck picked up mountain biking just before college and has competed on the World Cup circuit as well as represented Canada at the Pan American Continental MTB Championships and world championships. She’s still a member of Stan’s NoTubes Women’s Elite mountain bike team.
Last year she was a newcomer to European cyclocross. Now she’s planning a much busier schedule there this season, including Christmas week and World Cup races. Her ultimate goal: a good performance at the 2016 CX Worlds.
Steering the Privateer Ship
Life as a privateer brings personal rewards and challenges. The Naked Factory Racing rider enjoys experiencing Whittingham’s excitement about their program first-hand. “I get to come home,” Dyck said, “and see the person that built my bike for me, talk to him and run through the race.” She also enjoys showdowns with him on the local racing scene.
The toughest aspect of privateering for her is organizing travel, followed by sourcing pit assistance.
She always searches for host housing and travel-mates to share expenses. The Stan’s NoTubes Elite Cyclocross Team often took advantage of home stays, but Dyck didn’t catch 40 winks on a couch. Now at times she exchanges better rest for a friendly sofa. “It’s not always ideal,” she said. “Sometimes it’s worth it to spend the money for a proper hotel room, but you can’t always do that.”
Independence also generates more schedule flexibility. The Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships beckon; Dyck won the 2012 edition and the zany party will descend on Victoria in November. She’s also targeting the Pan American Cyclocross Championships and the Shimano Canadian Cyclocross Championships p/b Volvo in Winnipeg on October 24.
At last year’s Canadian ‘cross nationals, Dyck lost contact with the leaders after wiping out on an off-camber corner. Her chain dropped and became a tangled mess as she attempted, panicked, to right it. She ran to the pit and eventually finished ninth.
Dyck earned the cyclocross title in 2012 and finished second in 2013. She would love to take home another maple leaf jersey, but she’s expecting stiff competition in Winnipeg, pointing especially to Maghalie Rochette (Luna Pro Team) who shot into the early lead last year.
A great result, Dyck said, will require a clean race and avoiding the temptation to go too hard initially. Her explosive power should be advantageous on the steep run-up which is now extended by a flyover at the crest of the hill.
“It would be amazing to win again,” Dyck said, “not only for myself, but for the people supporting me this year.”