Eric Brunner (Blue Competition Cycles p/b Build) recently stormed his way to victory at the Pan American Championships and took all three days of the Really Rad Festival of Cyclocross (RRFCX) in Falmouth, MA. Brunner (also the defending US National Champion) defended his Pan American jersey against a relentless chasing Curtis White (Steve Tilford Foundation Racing) and a profoundly talented field.
There was already excitement in the air, with RRFCX being the final stop in the USCX series.
The last-minute move of the Pan American Championships from Costa Rica to Falmouth, MA, had many ‘cross fans making the journey to cheer on their favorite riders.
Brunner had his share of great rides this season. Still, the podium’s top step evaded him, with Vincent Baestaens (Spits CX) coming over to the USA for the early season. The course and conditions for RRFCX suited Brunners power heavy riding style and dry conditions only amplified the matter.
Falmouths’ Really Rad Cyclocross Festive was the inaugural race weekend for Brunners’ newly minted USA National Champion Blue Norcross. The eye-catching color was easy to spot on the field, even easier when he was on the front of the race.
The Blue Norcross has a long cyclocross history. Originally designed in collaboration with US cyclocross legend Jonathan Page, the bike has seen its fair share of podiums worldwide. The newly redesigned (2021) frameset features a more gravel “do-it-all” design, a trend we see as brands pivot toward from purebred cyclocross race geometery. The redesign included updated geometry, increased tire capacity, fully internal cabling, and a lower bottom bracket. We’ve seen Brunner pilot this frame to victories in gravel and cyclocross. The updated gravel geo hasn’t held him back.
Brunners’ Norcross features a full Dura-Ace 9200 setup with pro-only 46/36 front chainrings and an 11-34T cassette. The Shimano Dura-Ace package carries over to the wheels with ‘cross-popular Dura-Ace C40 tubular wheels and 33mm Dugast Typhoon Tires.
Unlike most in the cyclocross scene, Brunner carries over his road fit and the inward-pointed shifters. As for the cockpit setup, Brunner likes a long and narrow fit, and like Wout van Aert’s Bianchi Zolder he opts for the Vision Metron 5D ACR Handlebar 40×120 one-piece carbon bar. The Vision 5D ACR Handlebar works well with the Norcross internal routing and straight 1.5” steerer.
The paint for the Eric Brunners’ National Champ Blue Norcross comes from his main mechanic, buddy, and co-owner of Squid Bike, Chris Namba. Chris is a master with a can of spray paint, and Squid Bikes showcases his fantastic can control. Brunners’ ride is a classic colorway, with a lot of white to match his stars and stripes kit — along with the new Pan American champs jersey.
Brunner explained, “I went with this fade design as I love the simplicity and a lot of white makes the shiny black dura ace components and tan walls really stand out.”
Check out all the USCX replay action on GCN+ and Flo Sports for the US Cyclocross National Championships on Dec 9-11th.
Pro Bike Specs: Eric Brunner National Champ Blue Norcross
- Frame Blue Norcross Frameset size 56cm
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 (46/36, 11-34)
- Pedals: Shimano XTR Pedals
- Wheels: Shimano Dura-Ace C40 Tubular Wheels
- Tires: Dugast Tires
- Cockpit: Vision Metron 5D ACR Handlebar 40×120
- Seatpost: FSA Seatpost
- Saddle: Velo Senso Saddle
For more information on the Blue Norcross and other bikes in the Blue Bikes family, check out RideBlue.com
