With a few hours before my race here at Starcrossed I called up cyclocross stud Jeremy Powers of Jelly Belly for some last minute advice.

Neil: Hey Jeremy, its Neil.

Jeremy Powers: Hey Neil, what’s cracking?

Neil: I’m up here at Starcrossed and I’m racing in a couple of hours. Do you have any advice?

Powers: Have you had anything to drink yet?

Neil: I had a beer about 45 minutes ago.

Powers: Oh shit! Okay that’s not good. You’re going to have to wash that down with a little bit of water. Are you being called up to the front line?

Neil: No, I’ll line up at the back.

Powers: Okay, this is what you do. Stay clipped in and blitz all the guys in the first corner and you’ll be fine. What else?

Neil: What type of tire pressure should I be running? It’s a combination of grass, bumps and concrete.

Powers: What kind of tires are you using?

Neil: They are knobby clinchers.

Powers: How much do you weigh? One-hundred sixty five?

Neil: Hell no! I’m about 175.

Powers: Okay try 35 pounds. If you can press the tire to the rim with your thumb it is too low. What else do you need?

Neil: That’s about it. You’re my go to guy for ‘cross questions.

Powers: Before you race shoot down a gel and a Red Bull and you’ll be flying!

Neil: Good advice. Thanks Jeremy.