Now a privateer, B.C.’s Mical Dyck gearing up for a strong cyclocross race next weekend in Winnipeg

Last February, Canada’s Mical Dyck turned in one of cyclocross’s top results at the world championships, roaring from a fourth-to-last starting position to take twelfth place by the race’s end. It was the best performance clocked by any elite male or female rider in North America, and when it was all over, the Canuck cyclocrosser was as surprised by the outcome as anyone else.

“I was really shocked, actually,” she said, reflecting on the moment. “I knew it was a good course for me and I was feeling really strong, but I had no idea I could have a performance that good.”

Canadian fans of the national cyclocross scene, though, were less shocked than Dyck herself. Her power, poise and endurance had already been amply demonstrated at the domestic competitive level, several times over. 2011, notably, saw her complete the hard, trying cyclocross course of that year’s Canadian championships with a dislocated shoulder, something that didn’t stop her from pulling off a third place finish. The following year was another high point, when she was crowned 2012’s Canadian champion. When February’s world championships in Tabor rolled around, the result, as humble as she was about it, was basically her coming out party as a force to be reckoned with internationally.

So when she returned home to Victoria, B.C. after competition had wrapped up, the news that she had been dumped from her team of three years — Stan’s NoTubes Elite Cyclocross Team — came as a punch to the gut.

“I was really choked when I heard that,” the 33-year-old rider said. “As a female racer it’s always tough to find support, and then as a female Canadian racer, it’s even harder.” For another cyclist, perhaps, her unceremonious and sudden parting of ways with Stan’s NoTubes might have been the final straw, bringing about the end of her racing career. Tabor’s astounding outcome had the opposite effect, though. Her power proven to the world, Mical Dyck wanted more.

“I had the race of my life so far, and I don’t want it to be a one-off thing. I want to be able to repeat that,” she said.

With her departure from Stan’s NoTubes, a new career trajectory for the talented British Columbian was launched. On the verge of signing her name to Red Truck – Garneau p/b Easton Cyclocross Team, she was contacted by another B.C.-based name in cycling, Sam Whittingham. Based on Quadra Island, B.C., just across the Discovery Passage from Campbell River, Whittingham had established himself as the founder, designer and lead builder of award-winning customized frame outlet Naked Bicycles. Proposing a two-year deal that would see Dyck’s bikes and travel expenses covered by a “silent supporter,” Whittingham offered a better, more advantageous option than hitching her wagon to a pro team. Under the arrangement, Dyck would compete as a privateer.

Huge thanX @NoTubes for supporting me the past 3 years; racing 2 World Championships & winning Cdn Nats on tubeless! pic.twitter.com/8FcHY4lIXi

— Mical Dyck (@MicalDyck) March 11, 2015

The idea, she said, was too good to pass up. “I’ve always loved his bikes,” Dyck said, “and I was really stoked on the opportunity to work with someone locally.” After honing her preparation over the summer, focusing more on ‘cross than even on cross-country, the Naked Factory Racing rider is ready, anticipating a tough, busy few months ahead. After her breakout performance last year, another strong performance at the 2016 cyclocross world championships is foremost in her sights.

In the near term, though, her training is all about getting ready for what she expects will be a fearsome field of competition at the cyclocross national championships next weekend in Winnipeg — with Luna Pro Team’s Maghalie Rochette, in particular, a competitor she’s keeping an eye on. Still, with a hard run-up and a flyover crest at its highest point, the course at the Forks in Winnipeg is well-suited to Dyck’s relentless, powerhouse style. With that in mind, she seems confident as race day nears.

More than anything, though, she’s hopeful for a good race next weekend if only to honour those who have helped her through a year of transition.

“It would be amazing to win again, not only for myself, but for the people supporting me this year,” Dyck said.