Michel Awad, XCO National Champion 2010, Infantil A

It was an uncharacteristically dry afternoon in Tapalpa Jalisco. The start of the Infantil A starts with a false start by a competitor that is not sanctioned by the judges.

Michel concentrated

At the bottom of the first downhill, Michel's chain pops out and he is passed by most competitors.

Michel (in yellow) starts to move to the head of the race.

Michel takes the lead.

Michel reacted rapidly, fixing his chain and, in an impressive attack, runs part of the hill passing some riders; then mounts his bike in cycle-cross style and continues passing riders, including the one with the false-start, to cross the finish line in first place.

Michel arrives to the finish line with ample margin

DUATLON HEART BREAK 2010 XALAPA, Preparation for the Championships

It is our first duathlon. Michel wins first place and Emil F. third in their respective categories. Emil (bike) competed  with Guillermo de Leon (run) to a fourth place in the combination open category.

We hope that Michel and Emil F. get proper preparation for the Championships next week in Tapalpa Jalisco.

Leon, Sixth Round of the XCO National Series

La dolce vita

Leon organizers appear to be more concerned about the UCI inspectors than about the actual competitors. The children's track was not marked in time, it was changed at the last moment and, of course, only local riders knew the real track.

The track had a downhill in uncut grass, with holes, and there were many riders using wheels biger than the reglamentary 20'. Big wheels have a clear advantage in these conditions. Michel was able to secure fifth place (highest pleasing with 20' wheels). No one knows why the judges allowed bikes that did not conform to regulation.

The fifth place gives Michel the overall win in the XCO National Series. He is getting set for the National Championships in Tapalpa Jalisco. Emil F. is in fourth overall. Good year for the team.

Emil F. in front of the chase group.

Michoacán, Fifth Round of the XCO National Series

We use to live in Morelia thirteen years ago, since I worked at Conservatorio de las Rosas. It is fun to comeback after several years. Again, the children's track was not properly marked, but someone nicely offered to showed us the track--except that was not the track... Michel had a good start similar to Monterrey, but after a turn he did not expect the guide to take, most racers passed him.

Upset, he advanced and waited until the line broke in the final hill. Michel charges passing all but one, geting to the finish line in second.

Emil F. has a worst time, since he suffered a fall due to a similar surprise. Emil F. continue getting points for the overall classification.  Emil F. was racing his new 26' wheel bike for the first time--he has raced in 24' for the las two years.

Emil F. makes a great effort to recuperate.

Emil F. passing.

Michel designing with stones and wood.