“I was super happy to race for Raleigh-Clement last year. It was the best support I’ve ever had. I’m proud to be part of this team and racing in the U.S. The women’s fields are so strong and the events are first class. I really want to win some races for the team this year.”

The commitment by Raleigh and Clement show the two companies are optimistic about the cyclocross marketplace. “Raleigh and Clement are really doing great things for cyclocross. They have great products and it’s fantastic to have them supporting the sport,” said Mani.

Mani recently arrived in Colorado Springs, her training base for this summer. “I’ll do some mountain bike races, some gravel races, a little road, but the main objective will remain the cyclocross season,” said Mani. Her summer schedule includes some of the Pro XCT series, local events in Colorado, the Gravel Metric in Illinois, and the Midsummer Nights Cyclocross Race at Dealer Camp in Park City, Utah, an event sponsored by Raleigh.

The 2012/13 cyclocross season started slowly for Mani as she juggled full-time work with the demands of racing. She was living in Laguna Beach and completing her university degree by interning in the marketing department at Crank Brothers. “My training and my day-to-day life was not ideal to race at a high level, but I didn’t have choice. I’m trying to be a professional bike racer but I also want to be a business woman in the future so I needed to finish my degree.”

Mani continued, “The first part of the season results were not really good, not where I should be. It was really tough to accept the fact that I was not as strong and fast as the team and I wanted. But I never gave up, and I tried to keep my head up. Gradually my results were better every race, and I was stronger, faster and felt better in my head.”

She wrapped up her stint at Crank Brothers, and her renewed focus paid off with two third-place finishes at CXLA, the two-day race weekend in the heart of Los Angeles. “Donn (Kellogg, general manager of Clement) and Raleigh were always supportive, and believed in me. It was really helpful, and I’m thankful.”

Her strong December riding continued with a pair of podium finishes at the U.S. Gran Prix finals in Bend. With renewed confidence, she travelled back to France to race the World Cups and Nationals. “I went to see my friend Laurence Leboucher (two-time cyclocross world champion) and she helped me focus 100-percent on my training. I reset myself for Nationals where I could really prove something.”

She finished 4th at the French National Championships, staging a brave comeback after a high-speed crash at the start. It was a bitter-sweet result for Mani, who has won the national title two times.  “I was in a good position at the start, but a girl crashed right in front of me at the first turn and I went down on the pavement. By the time I got up, I was almost in last place and I had to chase through the whole field. I was super frustrated, because I knew I had the podium in my legs.”

Despite the solid result, she was strangely left off the French National Team for the World Championships. And Mani wasn’t the only one left off the team, Julie Krasniak (Rapha-Focus), another French rider based in U.S., was also snubbed. The French federation could have sent a team of five women to Worlds, yet only sent two. “I was so angry with the Federation,” said Mani. “I believe it was mainly because Julie and I spent the season in the U.S. instead of racing in France.” Many observers agreed that it was largely a political decision, an opinion which was supported by media reports in France. The Raleigh-Clement Team intended to pay all costs to bring Caroline to Louisville, but this did not change the Federation’s decision.

Looking ahead to the year, Mani said, “I’m very motivated and I want to get back to the level I had before. I will be ready for cyclocross season and I want to get on the podium at some big events and win some races.”

When Raleigh Bicycles and Clement Cycling joined forces last year to launch the Raleigh-Clement Cyclocross Team, the two companies faced a formidable challenge. The sport is stacked with accomplished teams and decorated riders, and the logistics of the equipment-heavy discipline are

daunting. But, with the 2012-13 season complete, the Team can claim a solid success

“We are very happy with the season,” said Donn Kellogg, team director of Raleigh-Clement. “The positive response from the fans and the media was phenomenal.”

The uniquely international squad, anchored by veteran cyclocross stars Ben Berden (BEL) and Caroline Mani (FRA), started the season with plenty of buzz and backed it up with consistent results and exposure.

The Team traveled coast-to-coast tackling nearly 40 races, including Cross Vegas, the U.S. Gran Prix series, the Cross After Dark series, and many other top events. Berden led the squad with an amazing string of podium performances, including nearly a dozen top-five finishes to start the season. He claimed first placein the Cross After Dark Series, a four-race competition with events in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles. Berden also secured fourth-place overall in the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross – North America’s top cyclocross race series.

“This was my second full season of racing full-time in the U.S. and I really love it,” said Berden. “The competition was intense every weekend, but I usually had the strength to be in the front group and keep the other riders on their toes. I’ve been racing a long time, and it feels good to still be in the mix.”

Mani’s season started slowly as she juggled full-time work with the demands of racing. But, she soon found the form that has made her a crowd favorite, and highlighted December with a pair of third-place finishes at the ultra-competitive U.S. Gran Prix finals. Mani concluded the season with a fourth-place finish at the French National Championships, bravely overcoming a first-lap crash that put her in the back of the field.

“I’m proud to be part of this new team and racing in the U.S.,” said Mani. “The women’s fields are so strong and the events are first class. I’m planning to return to the U.S. next year and I want to win some races for this team!”

Singlespeed specialist Craig Etheridge (USA) was a familiar presence on the podium, winning 17 races and first overall in the U.S. Gran Prix in the singlespeed class. One of the most entertaining riders on the cyclocross circuit, Etheridge is also a bike messenger in Seattle and two-time winner of the Messenger World Championships.

“I reached a new level this year and built on previous seasons,” said Etheridge. “I’m just so honored to be a part of this team as it grew into a national force on multiple circuits.”

Craig Etheridge

Allen Krughoff (USA) notched his best season to date. The 29-year-old from Boulder, Colo., earned his spot on the Raleigh-Clement Team by finishing as the top privateer at the Raleigh Midsummer Nights CX Race in Utah last July. Krughoff produced a steady string of results, earning top 10 finishes in eight UCI races and a career-best national ranking.

“I learned a lot this year and I’m already looking forward to putting it to use next season,” said Krughoff. “Being in top form every weekend for five months is pretty difficult, but I love the challenge!”

Team co-sponsors played a key role in the Team’s success during their first season. Raleigh-Clement’s drivetrains are supplied by Shimano, brakes by TRP, rims and components compliments of FSA, clothing by Champion Systems, and helmets by Lazer.

The Team looks forward to carrying its success into the 2013-14 season and capitalizing on its spot in the burgeoning cyclocross scene.

“We’re already making plans for next season and we’re excited to build upon our achievements,” said Kellogg.

Two of cycling’s most historic brands are teaming up to launch a new cyclocross team for the 2012-13 season, and some of the sport’s most exciting riders, Ben Berden and Caroline Mani, will lead the squad.

2012 marks Raleigh’s 125th Anniversary, and legendary tire manufacturer Clement has been in business for 124 years. Both companies have celebrated histories, but will draw upon cutting-edge technologies to equip the team.

The uniquely international squad will tackle a full U.S. racing schedule, including Cross Vegas, the USGP series, the Cross After Dark series, and many other top events.

Berden brings more than 15 years of experience in a career highlighted by a U23 Belgian national title and victories at major European races. Berden re-energized his career last year by coming to the U.S. and battling all season with well-known Americans on their own turf. His season was punctuated by a thrilling victory at the Boulder Cup in Colorado, double wins at the North Carolina Grand Prix, and 2nd place overall in the Cross After Dark series.

Caroline Mani has twice been French National Champion and has finished top 10 at the World Championships three times. The 25-year-old surprised many with her aggressive international style and top finishes at U.S. cyclocross races last year, and she quickly became popular with American fans. Mani will race a busy U.S. schedule thru mid-December before she travels back to Europe to complete the season.

The team will also include single-speed racer Craig Etheridge, who dominated last season’s USGP series winning 6 of 8 singlespeed events. A full-time bike messenger in Seattle, Etheridge is well-known for his laid-back attitude and masterful riding. He lives and breathes cycling and even won the 2010 Cycle Messenger World Championships.

Two additional riders will earn spots on the team thru a unique selection process. The best-placed riders without a current pro contract, one male and one female, at the Raleigh Midsummer Nights CX Race will be rewarded with a fully-supported position on the team and the unique chance to race, train, and learn from European veterans Berden and Mani. The special race will be held on July 24 at DealerCamp in Deer Valley, Utah.

Raleigh has become a fast-moving leader in the cyclocross market and offers 11 different cyclocross models for racing and everyday riding. The Raleigh-Clement Cyclocross Team will race on the Raleigh RXC Pro, an innovative full carbon frame featuring disc brakes and internal cable routing.

The historic Clement brand was relaunched 2 years ago with an emphasis on cyclocross. The Team will race on Clement’s innovative tubeless tubular tires which hit the market last season with great success. Clement’s tubular line includes the popular PDX tread for mud, the LAS for fast and firm courses, and a new intermediate tread dubbed the MXP.

Team drivetrains and disc brakes will be supplied by Shimano and FSA will provide rims and components.

The Raleigh-Clement Cyclocross Team is led and managed by industry veteran Donn Kellogg, owner of Donnelly Sports and the licensee of Clement. A formal team presentation will occur at the DealerCamp Raleigh booth at 4:30 p.m. July 25.

For more information, contact:
Brian Fornes – Raleigh USA, 800-222-5527, bfornes@raleighamerica.com
Donn Kellogg – Donnelly Sports/Clement, 720-335-7144, info@clementcycling.com

In only its second year, the race is drawing a stacked field to southern Utah’s Tushar mountains. The 69-mile course features a 50/50 split between pavement and dirt, and has earned a reputation for challenging riders and their equipment.

Earlier this summer, Berden got a taste of how grueling gravel racing can be at the Gravel Metric, a popular 62-mile ride on farm roads around DeKalb, Illinois. Faced with temperatures near 100 and a punishing mixture of energy-sapping gravel and old wagon tracks, Berden finished coated with dust and sweat.

“The Gravel Metric was my first American dirt-road race. It was really hard and I loved it,” said Belgian cyclocrosser Berden. “But there’s a huge amount of climbing in Utah and it’s going to really test my summer training program.”

Trebon will travel to the Utah race immediately following the Mountain Bike National Championships in Sun Valley, Idaho, this weekend. “I’ve got my cross bike dialed for the Crusher and I’m excited to race the gravel,” said Trebon. “It’s cool that we get ride these type of off-beat events.”

Mani is planning a full U.S. cyclocross season this year. “I’m looking forward to this special race,” said the 2-time French National Cyclocross Champion. “I’m in a transition period from World Cup mountain biking to cyclocross season, so it will be a good indication of my fitness.”

Trebon, Berden and Mani will race cyclocross this season on Clement tires and will ride the Crusher using Clement’s new gravel adventure tires. Called the X’Plor series, the line includes the 700x33mm USH tire and the 700x40mm MSO tire. Like other Clement tires, these models are named after airport codes from around the world. USH is the airport code of Ushuaia on the island of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Ushuaia is the southern-most city in the world, and the ultimate destination for adventure bike touring. MSO is the airport code of Missoula, Montana, home of the Adventure Cycling Association and the inspiration for countless cycling journeys.

Ben Berden was coated with sweat and salt at the finish of the Gravel Metric. Photo by Amy Dykema

Trebon launched his 2012 mountain bike season with a bang by dominating the mid-June USA Pro XCT weekend in Colorado Springs. In his first major race since cyclocross season, Trebon won both the cross country and eliminator events against the best riders in the U.S.

With a new team and fresh legs, Trebon has become one of the favorites for the Mountain Bike National Championships July 5-8 in Sun Valley, Idaho.

“Everything is clicking right now,” said Trebon. “I’m excited about my new program and I feel really well prepared for this year.”

Trebon is racing mountain bikes for Cannondale/Clement, and will tackle the cyclocross season for Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com. He’ll race on Clement tires in both disciplines.

“Last cyclocross season I had zero flats using Clement tubulars and I won more races than ever before,” said Trebon. “I love being involved in Clement’s tire development and testing. We have created some amazing tires and it’s a key part of my success.”

“We’re very proud to increase our support and collaboration with Ryan,” said Donn Kellogg, GM of Donnelly Sports and the licensee of the historic Clement tire brand. “We’ve worked with Ryan for several years and he’s a valuable part of our design team. You can’t find a better tester and brand ambassador, and we look forward to this increased collaboration.”

In 2006, Trebon became the first American man to claim national championships in both cross country mountain bike and cyclocross. He’ll try to repeat the performance in Sun Valley this July.

photo Michael Robson

Belgian cyclocross veteran Ben Berden will get a taste of American gravel this May 27 at the Gravel Metric, a popular 62-mile ride on farm roads around DeKalb, Illinois.

Berden brings more than 20 years of experience in a career highlighted by victories at major European cyclocross races, including 3 wins on the infamous sand in Koksijde. Berden re-energized his cyclocross career last year by coming to the U.S. and battling all season with well-known Americans on their own turf.

But the gravel of Illinois will be a new challenge for Berden. “Most of my training at home is on farm roads, but we get so much rain in Belgium even the smallest roads are usually paved. I’ve never ridden 100 km of dirt roads, so I’m excited to give it a try. It will be a nice change from the long training rides and criteriums I normally do this time of year.”

In addition to cyclocross racing, Berden also tests Clement cycling tires. Clement has just released a new line of tires designed for adventure riding. Called the X’Plor series, the line includes two robust tire models to meet a range of conditions. “I’m looking forward to getting the new tires out on a real course that sounds pretty challenging,” said Berden.

Now in it’s third year, the Gravel Metric draws hundreds of gravel lovers from across the mid-west, where dirt road races are gaining popularity. The event, which blurs the line between a ride and a race, includes a variety of gravel roads, wagon tracks, and nearly 5 miles of grassy mixed conditions the organizers call “unroads.” A severe rain storm during the event last year turned a stream crossing into something more like a Navy Seal challenge. The event is hosted by North Central Cyclery and Axleltree, a non-profit dedicated to creating a positive cycling community in the DeKalb area.

The Clement X’Plor adventure series includes the 700x33mm USH tire and the 700x40mm MSO tire and is distributed by QBP. Like other Clement tires, these models are named after airport codes from around the world. USH is the airport code of Ushuaia on the island of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, and the ultimate destination for adventure bike touring. MSO is the airport code of Missoula, Montana, home of the Adventure Cycling Association and the inspiration for countless cycling journeys.

For more information, contact:
Donn Kellogg – Clement, 720-335-7144, info@clementcycling.com

Ben Berden stormed onto the U.S. cyclocross scene last season, and took a big victory in front of a stacked field at the popular Boulder Cup in Colorado. (photo Michael Robson)

Sealant can also be used preventively to help avoid flat tires. If you ride in an area with thorns or other sharp debris, we recommend using sealant preventively.

(Note: Our tubular tires feature a rubberized and waterproof sidewall and do not require Aqua-Seal or other weather-proofing sidewall treatment.)

Clement offers two types of sealant: Normal and Heavy Duty

Step-by-Step Step Instructions for Using Sealant

1) Gather materials:

- We recommend Clement-brand sealant. The Heavy Duty Sealant contains small particles inside and will help seal larger punctures better than sealant without particles.
- Syringe or small squeeze bottle
- Valve core removal tool

2) Remove the valve core from the valve body using a valve tool or needle-nose pliers.

3) Shake the sealant, and fill the syringe or squeeze bottle with desired amount of liquid.

For a cyclocross tubular, about 20-30 ml is needed to seal small punctures, or as a preventive measure. More may be needed to repair larger holes or for greater prevention.

4) Clean valve stem of liquid, replace valve core, and inflate tire. Sometimes the valve core will become clogged with sealant. Remove the core and clear the valve body using a thin object like an allen key or spoke.

5) If you are sealing a known puncture, rotate the wheel so the sealant flows into the hole. Leave the wheel positioned so sealant pools at the puncture for several hours.

Liquid sealant inside the tire will stay effective for several months depending upon condition and the amount used. Eventually it will dry out and won’t be effective against sealing new punctures. Add more sealant if needed. The dried out sealant generally will not negatively effect the tire except for adding a very tiny amount of weight.

The liquid weighs about 1 gram per ml.

Tip: You can carry a small bottle of sealant, a valve tool, and a pump to repair punctures on the road.

Bike Radar: Gluing tubular tyres for cyclo-cross (By Matt Pacocha)

Embrocation Magazine: Gluing CX Tubulars (By Mike Zanconato)

As the 2011 cyclocross season gathers steam on both sides of the Atlantic, expect to see a new face at the head of American cyclocross races as Belgian veteran, Ben Berden, has announced that he will tackle the full US calendar. Bringing a decade and a half of experience in a career highlighted by a U23 Belgian national title and podiums at major European races, Berden will surely add a new dynamic to domestic events.

Riding for OPS-Ale/ CLEMENT on Stoemper bikes, Berden will have all the support he needs to tackle the US scene. “Racing in the US has always been a dream of mine, and I’m looking forward to riding against some of the world’s best riders here in North America.  I won’t be able to drive to each race every weekend like in Belgium, as I have replaced the car for a plane here in the US, but I’m super excited to see new courses every week”, said Berden of the coming season. The decision by European pros like Berden to base their season here serves as further confirmation of the States as a destination for top-level competition and continues to promote the globalization of the sport. With the World Championships coming stateside in 2013, more Europeans are making the journey to experience the American flavor of ‘cross racing and to get a taste of what awaits them in Louisville.

While the season is still in its infancy, Berden has proven that he is not here merely as a participant and has been a catalyst in every race he’s entered thus far, already garnering taking top results. Aggressive riding brought him a solid second place at the Gateway Cross Cup, the following weekend Ben showed his diesel like consistency at the Sun Prairie USGP earning him a pair of seventh places, and he sprinted to the podium at the famous “New England Championships” Gloucester Gran Prix.

With his new support network from OPS-Ale/ CLEMENT and Stoemper bikes, new motivation for fresh challenges and a new field of competition, expect to see Berden mix it up throughout the season. By injecting his experience into the US scene, Berden will bring excitement at the front of the field as his fitness continues to grow. For fans of ‘cross and his fellow competitors, this will surely add to the dynamic of domestic ‘cross and make for more exciting racing week in, week out.