Popobikito, National Children's XCO Race

Five time World Champion and Olympic Champion  Miguel Martinez with Emil F.

The new track laked steep hills, but it required skill to maintain a good rhythm. Best of all was to count with Miguel Martinez as guide to the track; the time he gave to the children is an invaluable gift. Emil F. started very well and stayed close to Miguel Martinez. Emil F. imposed a rhythm that separated him from the rest of the group, and he arrived in first place with ample margin. The handling and technique lecture he received, by following the wheel of Miguel Martinez, is bound to stay with him for life.

Thank you Miguel!

Emil F. First Place

An all Veracruz Podium

Michel raced for the first time with his 26' bike. He had some trouble at the start and was boxed. After working his way around several competitors, he arrived in third place.

Michel pressing on.

Michel third place

Emil F., Miguel Martinez y Michel

Emil F. Awad Wins Fifth Place Overall of the National XCO Series, Infantil C

Emil F. with his grandmother

As a runner-up of the National XCO Series 2009 Infantil B, Emil F. finished the 2010 season strong, and managed to defend the fifth overall in the Infantil C category. His placement in the general classification was jeopardized when we decided to not attend a race added by the National Federation in the middle of the season. As a team we protested this irregularity by not showing up, a feeling shared by many other teams.
Emil F. did an extraordinary race in Rancho Santa Elena, host of the last race of the season, and secured the fifth overall.

Emil F. in front of the chasing group

Final lap

Great finish of the 2010 XCO series

Michel Awad, Overall Champion National XCO Series 2010

Like most young MTB riders, due to the age category margin of two years, Michel enjoys one good year and one bad year. His last good year was 2008, were he was also overall  champion of the National XCO series and runner-up in the XCO National Championships, Infantil AA. His bad year was 2009, were he ended third overall in the national series and fifth in the championships, Infantil A. 2010 is a very good year and he has won the overall in the series and the championships.

Emil F., Ignacio Torres (multiple national champion) and Michel

Michel negotiating traffic

Michel chasing after traffic

A Race is Added to the XCO National Series, Disregarding All Regulations

A race is added to the XCO National Series, in San Luis Potosi. As a team, just as most riders of the XCO National Series, we are overwhelmed by the lack of ethics and vision displayed by the Federation.  To promote the sport, it is indispensable to have a calendar that is dependable. It is not acceptable to add races once the season is almost at the end, since this has an impact on annual training plans, budget, and race strategies.

Ocelot Cycling will not participate in the SLP race, as a form of protest, putting at risk the general classification of Emil F. for the overall title in the series.