Chris Barnes
Chris is our lone cat 4 racer this year. He often tries to give the field an advantage by starting half-way across the course still warming up while the race is beginning… Chris has been racing and riding bikes for years and has gotten back into cross big time the last three. We are excited to see Chris get stronger and show up strong in the cat 4 races this year!
Devon Fox
Devon is the only lady on VillainCX this year proving her high tolerance for pain and patience - ha! Devon has been racing cyclocross for a couple of years, and also races Mountain Bikes and Road. She this years Cat 4 Women’s Oklahoma Criterium State Champion and has plenty more victories in her for this year of cross!
Carter Johnston
Carter is a new member of the team being known around the community for kicking butt on the bike during cross races. He rides year round - road and cross - going up to Colorado a couple times a year. We are thrilled to have Carter join the team because he makes us look pro. :)
Craig Staley
Craig grew up playing team sports, and when college came around he made the difficult decision to concentrate on his education and forego the route of a football player. He began riding bikes mid-way through college, and after some triathlons and numerous laps in the pool, he realized he was more suited for the terra firma life on wheels. Some friends pulled him into a MS150 group they formed and he was immediately hooked.
2011 will be Craig’s second year racing. 2010 found him on two wheels in the midwest racing the road bike, mountain bike and cross bike. Craig enjoys cycling for many reasons; the camaraderie of the local cycling scene and the realization that its something he can compete in for many years to come. No more heavy dead-lifts and squats!!
Mike Franklin
Mike is a division I collegiate swimmer turned triathlete. He quickly learned that he loved the bike regardless of the discipline - road, mountain or cyclocross. Mike is a veteran in the triathlete world, having qualified for the national championships. However, he is still fairly new to the ‘cross discipline and will be looking to make a mark in the category 3’s in 2011-2012. He pulled in multiple podium finishes in the 2010 season and earned 2nd overall in the OKC cyclocross series category 4.
Mike is an engineer by trade, and he and his wife Connie just added a new member to their family - Baby boy Reed.
Tommy Willis
Tommy is an exceptional sprinter in the road discipline and has found enormous success in the cyclocross realm. Tommy’s smooth style lends itself well to the cross discipline. 2009-2010 was a year of wins, 4 podiums and countless top 10’s in ‘cross. Last year held Tommy’s focus in his profession of Engineering, however he looks to make a strong statement in the 2011-2012 season.
Tommy is a Fire Protection Engineer, and loves enjoying the finer things in life with his wife Debbie.
Paul Watkins
Paul has a long history of competitive cycling beginning with racing BMX in the late 1970’s. In 1986, Paul moved to cycling mecca, Colorado, to live and train at altitude. At this time, Paul became a professional mountain biker and followed the NORBA race circuit as a member of the Schwinn Mountain Bike Team. By 1988, cyclocross had become Paul’s cycling passion, due to its intensity and technical skills needed to succeed. Paul was able to attend the 1990 Cyclocross World Championships in Gexto, Spain as the Team USA mechanic, an experience that provided a higher level of respect, passion and commitment for cyclocross. Paul has over 150 ‘cross races under his belt, and holds many state championships and countless wins to his credit in Colorado and Oklahoma.
Paul’s goal is to qualify for Cyclocross Masters World Championships to be held in Louisville, Kentucky in 2012 and 2013.
Paul is truly blessed to have a wonderful family, Lisa, his wife of 7 years and his 6 year old son, Michael. He works as a coordinator at the the heart/lung bypass department at Children’s Hospital.
Brandon Melott
Brandon is a category 1 mountain bike racer who, in recent years, has put his hat in the ring in the road racing arena. His bike handling is second to none, and last year was his first in the cyclocross realm. He found huge success, testing the states best ‘cross racers in many of the races. He looks to dominate the 3’s in 2011-2012 and quickly move into the 1/2 ranks of ‘cross.
B-Money is known as one of the best wrenchers in the state, and spends his days Charley’s Bicycle Laboratory as one of the owners. He and his wife Lindsey live in Warr Acres where they enjoy gardening and relaxing with friends.
Andy Chasteen
Andy’s background includes an Oklahoma State Championship in both the road race and time trial, 5 wins, 7 podiums, and numerous top 10 finishes. His first two years in ‘cross brought him 1 win and 3 podiums, in addition to many more top 10 finishes. 2011-2012 will be his 3rd year in cyclocross and he’s ready to make an impact for the team.
Andy’s background includes racing the mountain bike, road, as well as ultra marathons, and he daily chases the dream as a professional adventure/action photographer. He resides in Oklahoma City with his wife Nicki and their beautiful daughter Maverick.
Tyler Black
Tyler has been racing bicycles for about eight years in the southern region. He’s found success in not only the cyclocross discipline, but also on the road and mountain bike. He is an Oklahoma State 24 hour team mountain bike champion, and winner of the Tour of Old Tascosa Stage Race.
Tyler is a team captain and co-founder of Villain CX. He spends his time off the bike with his family, wife Holly and son Will. He is an accomplished bicycle mechanic, and bicycle frame fabricator/welder.
Tony Steward
Tony has been racing bikes for just two years upgrading to a Cat 3 on the road and in Cyclocross. On the road, and a new Cat 3 it’s been a learn and get stronger year for Tony. But coming into Cyclocross he is hungry to show up strong!
Tony is a co-owner of Charley’s Bicycle Laboratory in Oklahoma City - best bike shop in the world! … well, at least in our part of the city. But his #1 is his family, wife Mandy and four children Zoe, Charis, Nehemiah and Luther.
