The altitude was difficult, but the guys pushed through it for some great results. The xc course was still being decided the week of the championships and the short track was a surprise the day of the event.
There always seem to be issues at these events that you would not normally see at a regional event. This year USA Cycling decided that all the amateurs would get assigned numbers above 500, and there would be no grouping of numbers. Meaning a beginner woman could be # 903, junior 10 yr. old #904 and an expert man # 905. They were supposed to mark the guys' categories on their legs, but they didn't and it was too dusty for it to have been read, anyway.
This meant that, unless you personally knew your competition, you and your support crew would have an extremely hard time deciding which racers were in your category. Stressful, to say the least, with that many racers on the course at the same time.
On a positive note, registration was very well organized and ran smoothly.
Here is a brief update with more coming later:
XC
cat 1 17-18
Seth 5th Seth was strong and steady as usual, with a good rhythm on the climbs.
Wes 7th Wes was climbing like a maniac and did a lovely superman off one of the descents. He also stopped to tighten his cleat. Yes, he is detail oriented.
Junior 13-14
Jansen 2nd Jansen had a very rough start from the back of the pack after having a run-in with one of the officials during the start chaos. The same official intentionally stepped in front of him as the others rode away, and he was forced to run the first climb. He rode strong to catch up to the leader and was proud of his solid race.
cat 1 19-24
Jafer 2nd Jafer flew in on Fri and raced Sat morning. That is tough with the alt change. He was strong and rode smart on the descents. He had an exciting sprint to the line with both guys giving it all they had. (see the pic below, the 3rd place guy went down right after they crossed)
Cory 4th Cory was the mountain goat of the team. He was climbing extremely well and kept reeling the top two in on the long steep climb by the start. (it must be the superman boxers)
cat 1 35-39
Andy 2nd Without knowing exactly who was in his category, Andy worked hard to catch who he thought was in the lead, then rode smart to the finish. He found out later that there was one more guy, 12 seconds ahead.
Super D *** Seth 1st, Andy 3rd
Short Track *** Seth 4th, Cory 5th, Wes 7th
Rebecca 1st cat 1 30-34
Krista 10th pro women
Brent 9th cat 1 19-24
Chase 11th cat 1 15-16
Torre 5th cat 1 Masters 50+
SS Travis 4th (and 8th 19-22 elite), Fuzzy 5th, Dejay 13th, Danger Dave 16th
Seth on the first climb at the start. (Yep, this is only 1/3 up the FIRST climb)
That is Wesley's game face.
When he supermanned the steep descent, he landed in a mound of powdery dirt with a "poof".
Hydrating before the start.
Jansen crossing the line.
The guys came down to support J during his race. Wes was on the climb with a loaf of bread to swing and hit him.......for good luck. The other riders around the RV were cracking up at all the great pre-race advice that Cory and Wes were dishing out. Wish I had a video camera.
Jansen updating Shey about his race.
Jansen podium. Sweet socks.
Jafer sprinted through the finish. That is the 3rd place guy going down behind him.
Cory coming through the finish.
Wes is updating Cory about his position and the guy who was leading by 25 minutes because he accidentally took the wrong loop.
Jafer and Cory on the podium.
Andy right after his race. He rode very well.
Andy on the podium.
The guys came out to see Jansen's bling.
The guys got in trouble for leaving the RV in a mess. This is the "We're in trouble" face.
More later. Need to catch up on sleep.
***
***
1 comment:
omg, those are amazing finishes!!! I can't beleive how many of the guys reached the podium - actually, I can...they're all strong & motivated & hard workers. I kept checking cyclingnews.com for results, but didn't see them. congrats!!!
Post a Comment