Gates Carbon Drive

The new carbon fiber Hodala cyclocross frame from Raleigh is a real beauty. Team Gates Carbon Drive rider Carlos Casali is lucky enough to be racing one. The bike weighs a feathery 14.9 pounds and features components from sponsors FSA and Easton. Casali took his new Hodala to Sunday’s Boulder Cyclocross Series Race #5 in Lyons, where he continued his strong season.

Coming into the race, Casali was in first place in the singlespeed category for the series, with teammate Mitch Westall in fifth. From the gun, Carlos and Mitch took off and quickly separated themselves from the field. Two laps into the race, Mitch and Carlos were still riding well together, Mitch faster on the run-ups, and Carlos using his power and weight to pull around on the flats. With two laps to go, Mitch charged ahead on the steep uphill running sections, grabbing the win for Team Gates with Carlos finishing second.

With these results, Carlos won the Boulder Cyclocross Race Series, and Mitch finished 2nd overall. The season is nearly over, but there are two more races on the ACA calendar in January, and Gates will be present. Carlos needs one more point to win the Best Cyclocross Rider Competition in the Colorado Cup. It has been an impressive season so far for the team, which was just created in September. The team has 12 wins for the season, 11 second place finishes, and nine third-place finishes.

And if you missed it, check out the interview that 303cycling.com just wrote about Casali and Team Gates Carbon Drive.