This weekend the team set out on the fast and dusty track of Kings Cyclocross in Cincinnati, Ohio. The conditions made for strategic, pack racing, with a fine line of traction through the dry, grassy corners.
Charlie, Chris, Jules, Kaya, and I arrived Thursday, looking forward to the following day of course preride. Scott and Sidney are sitting this one out after a busy several weeks of the USCX. On the other hand, I have taken the last few weeks off of racing while settling into college. I couldn’t wait to get on course and get this weekend started.
Friday’s preride served as a chance to see what the course designers may have changed since previous editions of the race, see the condition of the course, and to consider how these things might effect equipment choices. As for this year, little has changed, and the lack of rain and high temperatures meant the course is fast and dry. Choosing tire pressure became somewhat of a puzzle for us, as you want low pressure to soak up all the bumps and get as much traction as possible, but with some compressions on course the tires will fold under load, meaning you have to increase pressure to get more support. After all, the three of us settled on around 24-27 psi.
Now for the racing! Kaya kicked off Saturday looking super strong, riding well, but a crash would cost her. Still finishing with a great 8th place! As for the mens race, Jules fell back during the start but fought back late, and found a 15th place in the end. I had the start of my life, and tried my best to settle in and fight for every position, a crash may have cost me one or two, but I was happy with a 11th on the day.
Sunday brought more of the same, Kaya looking strong, but more mistakes would see her to a 14th place. Not quite the results she was looking for this weekend. But more importantly, she is gaining confidence in her form before the upcoming Pan American Championships. Jules was off to a much better start, and rode smooth and fast into a solid 7th place! I struggled a little bit in the start, but was able to make my way back up to a 9th place.
Overall, a great weekend out in Cincinnati! The whole team is building steadily through the season thanks to coach Chris! We are feeling strong and prepared, as the bigger goals of the season are coming. Thanks for reading this weekend blog post!
⁃ Luke
Photos: @cxhairs
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