Alberta Cyclocross Provincial Championships – Harlton and Schooler Crowned

by Chris Redden

November 05, 2012 (Red Deer, AB) – The course conditions were the main factor at the 2012 Alberta CycloCross Championships that took place in Red Deer on Saturday November 3. It was a day that tested the skills of all of the racers, as the course had several inches of snow on it, which made for slick and icy conditions.

The course also posed plenty of technical challenges, as it had all of the features that make for a good cross course. The sand pits in particular made for some exciting racing as riders fought it out for the best line.

In the Elite Women’s race, Pepper Harlton rode away from the competition and finished by herself to take an easy win and the provincial CX title.

In the Elite Men’s race, it was a two-horse contest with Aaron Schooler and Mark McConnell battling it out for most of the competition, until Schooler broke away at two laps to go, to take the title.

When asked before the race about his tactics, Schooler commented, “Just going to go hard right off the line and try and get the best line.” His tactics worked as he added another Provincial title to his list of palmares.

Full results HERE.

2012 Alberta Cyclo-Cross Champions

– Open Women – Pepper Harlton – Juventus
– Open Men – Aaron Schooler – Norco Bicycles – Sri Importing
– U 17 Men – Mason Burtnik – Juventus
– U17 Women – Anna Talman – Juventus
– Junior Men – Isaac Niles – Bicisport
– Master 30-39 Men – Paul Ignatiuk – Edmonton Road & Track Club
– Master 30-39 Women – Lesley Baldwin – Fiera Race Team
– Master 40-49 Men – Mark Rumsey – Hardcore Cycling Club
– Master 40+ Women – Judy Harlton – Devon Bicycle Association
– Master 50+ Men – Peter Lawrence – Soul Sportif