Off-season Update

I have been at the William's Racing Academy in Wimberley, Texas for 10 days now. So far it has been great! Awesome weather, riding, and a great group of guys to live with.This past weekend the Slipstream-Craddock testing camp was held here. I had never been tested before so it was a great experience for me to run through the tests to see what I could do. The camp was also a great opportunity to meet the riders who are new to the team. Not much to report aside from training and school work. I'll work on taking more pictures so I can show you guys what it is like to live and train down here!

Repeat Short and Fat Champion

Jordan's 2nd Short and Fat Victory

Jordan lived up to expectations as the favorite to win the 2012 Chequamegon Short and Fat. He won by over 3 minutes, beating Brett Poulton and Ian Haupt, who were 2nd, and 3rd respectively. Jordan flew the Freewheel Bike colors, in thanks to owner Kevin Ishaug, who loaned Jordan his 2012 Trek Top Fuel 9.9 MTB for the event. Additional thanks go to Maury Malanaphy of Trek for helping find Jordan a bike to race at this year's event. Jordan doesn't own a mountain bike, and racing a cross bike isn't practical.

The age limit to enter the Chequamegon 40 is 18. At 17, Jordan's only choice this year was to come back and attempt to defend his 2011 Short and Fat title. Jordan was afforded a front row start, thanks to John Thompson. It was so nice to have so many people, both friends and strangers, approach Jordan to say "hi" and "good luck".

Jordan's plan was the same as last year. Attack as soon as the pavement ends, less than a mile into the race. All the contenders were ready for the move, and he didn't just ride away from everyone like last year. However, only Myles Beach was able to match Jordan's pace, as a gap slowly opened to the rest of the field, led by Josey Weik. Beach pulled through over the top of the first climb, only to have Jordan attack again, and get away for good. Beach would ultimately make the chase group of 7, and finish 4th on the day.

Jordan came into view at Telemark with over a 3 minute lead, and a big smile on his face. He was within reach of his course record from the previous year, 38:41, but decided to enjoy the last kilometer of the race, and savor the feeling of repeating as Short and Fat champion.

Next year will be Jordan's first opportunity to race the Cheq 40. However, he will also be in his last year of road racing as a junior, and hopes to qualify for the Junior Road World Championships. Since road worlds are typically held at the same time as the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, he may have to postpone his 1st attempt at the Cheq 40.

Short and Fat Start Line - 900 Starters

Attacking immediately on the first hill

Pulling away with Myles Beach

No Mercy

All smiles with over a 3 minute lead and 1Km to go



2012 Chequamegon Short and Fat Podium

Top 3 - 2012 Chequamegon Short and Fat

Jordan and Chequamegon Race Director and Legend Gary "The Fatman" Crandall

Chequamegon Pre-Race Press Release

2012 Chequamegon Pre-race Press Release including riders to watch.

Excerpt: "Jordan Cullen is the clear favorite in the Short & Fat, after having won it by four minutes in 2011.  Several young riders will challenge Cullen in the 16-mile race, including last year’s runner up Ian Haupt and 2011 fourth place finisher Collin Kemmesat from Bismarck, N. D."

Like a Boss!

Jordan takes the win at the Lauwe Kermis with a bike throw

Coming Home

Racing with his fancy watch

Jordan is finally coming home this week. He and his Slipstream Craddock Team led a great racing campaign in Belgium. The 17-18 squad scored 2 wins, and many top 5 finishes. What a great experience for this talented group. Things look great for next year, with the almost all of the 17-18 squad returning next year, along with a couple of the 16 yr olds moving up to join them.

We miss Jordan, and are looking forward to seeing him for the first time in almost 6 weeks.

Jordan is ready for a break from racing in preparation for the 2013 road season, and is sticking with his original plan of not racing much cyclocross this fall. He does plan to race the Chequamegon Short and Fat, as well as Jingle Cross.

He'll be home in Hudson for about 6 weeks, then he travels to the LoneStar Works Cycling Academy in Texas on Oct 8th.

Haaltert Kermesse



Slipstream Craddock dominating the breakaway



Noah Williams 3rd Place

Slipstream Craddock had a great race at the Haaltert Kermis. Noah Williams, Jordan, and Imari Miller finished 3rd, 4th, and 9th, respectively.

The boys will do a couple more races, and then Jordan comes home this Wednesday.

The Cost of Pursuing Your Dreams

The local newspaper, Hudson Star Observer, interviewed Jordan about the upcoming school year, and his plans to travel to Texas for his Junior year of High School. This article prompted Hudson residents to question the support of the school system for elite athletes in less popular sports. A teacher even wrote a letter to the editor praising Jordan for his resolve, and criticizing the school system for the lack of support.