What is SRAM Neutral Race Support (NRS) at the USGP of Cyclocross?

Part of SRAM’s commitment to the sport of cyclocross & specifically to the 2009 USGP Cyclocross series is to staff the USGP pit area with a professional neutral support team. Our team is fully prepared to insure that riders, whether first timer or top pro, will be able to complete his or her race.

What kind of service can the USGP athlete expect from SRAM NRS in the Pit?

We’ll give you quick & calm assessments of technical issues on your own equipment prior to your race: SRAM, Zipp, Mavic, Campy, Shimano, etc. We can perform minor adjustments and are prepared to assist with some replacement parts. Our service & the temporary use of our neutral bikes & wheels extends to your race, to aid any rider/rider support with loaner equipment as per the UCI pit rules.

When is SRAM NRS in the Pit open for business?

The SRAM NRS team will be at the USGP site, in the official Pit Area, on Friday from 12:00 noon until the course closes, & on Saturday & Sunday 1 hour before the first race of the day. SRAM NRS Service will continue in the Pit through the end of the last event of the day.       

What kind of gear does NRS use to conduct Neutral Support?

Our red & white Volvo XC70's are equipped to help you get through your USGP race day with the following support:

· 8 SRAM 2010 Rival equipped Specialized Tricross PRO CX Neutral bikes – these are available to be loaned so that you can finish your lap or race

· 30 sets of ZIPP 404 neutral wheelsets equipped with MICHELIN Cyclocross Mud 2 tires & tubes: Our Pit techs will loan you this to keep racing if you flat or taco yours

· A full Range of SRAM spare parts, Tools, Tables, Tents, Charcoal Grills, Hot Cider, and Frankfurters, Kielbasa, Bratwuerst & Tofu Bratwuerst: If the airline or your pre-ride squashed something, or if your “pit staff” is just cold & hungry…

Who are the SRAM NRS guys?

SRAM NRS will bring the cream of the crop of its service techs to the 2010 USGP of Cyclocross, combining over 75 years of cycling service experience.  We’ll be criss-crossing the country to provide service at all of the USGP events.

Butch Balzano, Providence RI

A 21 year veteran of providing support & service for all types of cycling events and cyclist the Northeast, Butch is also the NRS program director. He’s often confused with one of the Super Mario Bros.

Jose Alcala, Chicago IL

Mechanic, 1992- present. Based in Chi-town, home of SRAM. Jose is the SRAM NRS Kerouac dishing out ironic race service & advice at road & cross events, coast to coast.

Chad Contreras, Carmichael CA

Mechanic. With over 20 years in cycle sport, Chad began working with SRAM NRS in 06. He has worked as both a mechanic & Director Sportif with various int’l pro cycling teams, as well as tech’d men's, women's, U23 & junior road, track, CX and Paralympic events worldwide. He enjoys the fun of cross racing.

Bernard Kocis, Lynchburg VA

Mechanic. As a 25 year veteran of the cycling industry, Bernard has been a shop mechanic, service mgr, industry rep, technical instructor, team mechanic, Paralympic Games team tech, & Director Sportif.  Bernard is also fond of his experience at the 2002 & 2003 UCI Cyclocross World Championships.

Chris Kreidl, Milwaukee WI

Mechanic. When Chris is not working with NRS changing wheels, driving support in races, & racing cyclocross in Wisconsin, he’s moolighting as a Mechanical Engineering Student at UW Milwaukee.   Chris’ worked for SRAM NRS at The USGP of Cyclocross in Portland OR, & Trenton, NJ. & has been turning some fast wrenches for 5 years