The Illinois State Championships of Cyclocross brings out the best in the ardent competitors who have been battling every course out within seconds and inches of effort separating each and every top three competitors of every category. These battles have swapped out podium spots weekly in a rotation that keeps everyone guessing as to who has the tenacity and the course conquering capability to take that week’s top spot. The state championships is exactly that kind of course where you size up the field and know exactly who is going to do well and even win given the conditions, regardless of equal fitness levels. It comes down to moxy and spirit of the true dirtbag.

That is exactly why The Bonebell is tolling for John Gatto for winning the Illinois State Championship in the Masters 30+ field.

Photo: Rachael Gatto

The Masters fields are littered with incredibly strong riders of every level and the lead roles played in every field, are generally the Category 1 racers from various disciplines. There is no denying that the Masters fields are as tenacious as the Cat 1/2 fields. This entire year the podium has been a rotating shift of Verdigris, The Pony Shop, and one lone privateer from Twin Six, John Gatto. We, at The Bonebell, have been following John’s career closely as by the spring and summer months, he’s tearing up the trails at the WORS and Illinois Homegrown MTB Series. We admire what John has been doing for both MTB and CX racing under the Twin Six Metal moniker representing the dirtbag spirit, but also being independent and supporting small frame builders by way of Form Cycles. John, is not alone in his endeavor as a privateer as his wife is also a fierce top competitor in the MTB scene. Together they have quietly dominated the toughest challenges across the midwest MTB racing scene, while raising a family and keeping to their busy work schedules.

The Twin Six team has provided John friends throughout his racing career, and the national network reminds him that he’s not alone when toes the line against the juggernauts of teams who have established presence and tactics. He takes on his challengers with a quiet and humble attack that hides a steely attitude and incredible technical grace. He is keen on his competitors and fits a training regiment in his schedule that keeps him honed on the podium finish. He appreciates the world of dirt as much, if not more, than we do – knowing that on the dirt, in every race, it’s you or your competitors. Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

John isn’t just a fast privateer dirtbag – he’s also a huge advocate of getting younger riders on bikes, excelling their efforts through mentorships that aren’t published grandly, but silently succeeding – as he does – following through on conquering the dirt. He is a selfless individual who appreciates the laid back nature of the mountain biking scene as much as the tortuous 24 hour relay journey of a National Championship. We are proud to share a beer with our friend and are not surprised that our prediction was spot on.

I saw John spinning for his warm-up shortly before the Masters race – I told him that this was ‘his course’. He smiled coyly and agreed that it was a mountain bikers course indeed. I knew at the moment, this championship was his. I didn’t need to say it. All he had to do was come across 1st to fulfill the prophecy, and he did, exactly that.

Congratulations John Gatto – Twin Six METAL privateer – and Form Cycles rider.

Photo: Amy Dykema