Sidney McGill -
My race in the Elite Women’s category was the final one of Saturdays program. I had hoped for some cold (and maybe even snowy) conditions although the weather ended up a little warmer. With a lot of rain in the days leading up to the race the course was muddy and slippery, then began to dry out just in time for some heavy mud conditions on Saturday. In the start I was third row and when the lights went green the rider on the front row missed her pedal. Off the start I had to slam on the brakes to not run into her and other riders. A lot of the field went past us up the right side of the start straight and I had to chase back. The left side of the straight was wide open I was able to pass a bunch of riders and get into the first mud section in the top ten. Off the start the course quickly turns into muddy, technical sections causing some back ups and chaos. I slowly moved back during the first lap after a mistake and some heavy legs. With all the deep mud sections there was a lot of running and hard seated efforts which zapped my legs. In the second lap I was able to chase back some positions and make passes to move into the top 20. The descents on course were fun with some slipping and sliding around and the long climbs up the back side were a good opportunity to put in and effort and chase down riders. With the laps being so long and slow moving our race was only four laps. By the last two laps my legs and lungs were suffering and I had to just push until the finish. I could see a rider a little ways in front of me but I wasn’t able to catch up. I ended the race in 18th position and am happy to have finished off the season with a solid result and hard effort. I got to spend Sunday cheering on teammates Kaya and Scott with Jules and now it’s time for some recovery and off season!
Big massive gigantic thank you to everyone who made this season possible!! Our sponsors, Cervelo, OrangeLiving, Miir, Donkey Label, Vision, FSA, Enduro Bearings, WTB, Topo Designs, BenSen, Wolftooth, Parktool, Swissstop, Greenway Solar, and of course, Charley for being the bestest team mechanic, and the boss mr Chris Mcgovern for all his work to make this all happen. Amazing first year of the Cervelo OrangeLiving Cyclocross Team, can’t wait for more! Thank you <3
Jules van Kempen -
With World's being my last time racing in the u23 category I was really excited at the opportunity to put in a good ride before moving to the elite category next year. Was feeling prepared to see how far I could push myself on such a physically demanding course. Starting on the third row I had a good start sitting just outside the top 10 going into the mud for the first time. A big crash in that first turn left me in last after spending time untangling my bike with others. I had a good rest of the first lap trying to catch the field and then pass as many as I could. After this things went downhill as the adrenaline from the crash started to wear off and I started to realize the injuries I had picked up from the crash. This led me to fall back and not have the race of effort that I hoped for. I ended up in 39th which is far from where I wanted to be and a disappointing end to the season but I'm fired up to come back stronger again next season. A big thanks to everyone who has helped make this season a possibility, I've loved it.
Scott Funston -
I began my world championship weekend with the first lap of the mixed team relay. I struggled a bit on the tighter first half of the course but eventually made my way into 3rd chasing Belgium and Poland. By the barriers the French rider and I were close to catching the leaders and eventually did with about 90 seconds left in the lap. Unfortunately, on the final off camber section I made a small mistake and lost the leaders but still finished my lap in 4th and only 5 seconds down on the leading French team, keeping the US in the mix. The next three riders had very good laps putting us in the fight for a medal. Unfortunate, multiple crashes on the last two laps dropped us down the ranking to 7th. While not the result we hoped for I’m very glad I got to take a lap at race pace on a course I haven’t raced before. The fun team spirit of the event also helped prevent me from stressing about Sunday's race three or four days in advanced.
The big show on Sunday was a true roller coaster for me. I started on the fourth row and when the light turned green the rows infront of me went about 10 ft and stopped. I got swarmed and was at the very back of the pack down the start straight. So, I got to work and found some good passing opportunities and passed probably 20 riders in the first half lap. When we got to the 2nd part of the course I tried to settle in and pace myself for what I knew would be a long, slog of an hour. I maintained position just inside the top 30 for the first 3 laps before I found some forward momentum and made a few passes. With 2 to go I was in 26th and in pursuit or Eric and Cam Mason. Halfway through the lap I tried a new line on a small and insignificant downhill that sent me into the metal fencing on the left side of the track. My front wheel hit the legs of the barrier sending me OTB. I got up but was unable to really grip my bars with my left hand. Determined to not DNF the World Championships I slowly finished the lap and was pulled with 1 to go. I’ve had no issues with my left arm or any concussion symptoms so I’m fine physically. Certainly not the race I came for but an unforgettable experience none the less.
Kaya Musgrave -
This was only my second race this year where I had the chance to compete in just the U23 Women's field, without being combined in the elites. I came in with high expectations but also the goal of absorbing what was around me as much as possible. The rain from the days before made the course muddy, but with strong winds the night before my race it turned the track into a heavy day with thicker sections. The lights turned green and as we hit the first mud section I was near top 10. Throughout the race, in the ruts, mud, and long running sections I slipped as far back as possible. Lap after lap, the gaps were growing and I was suffering. Holding my lines and having fun, but had nothing left to give. I gave everything I could and raced with my whole heart but the result does not replicate that. Although I crossed the line with tears in my eyes, it leaves me hungrier than ever to keep fighting and working for that dream. This season has been a wild ride, and I can not wait for what's to come. Thank you to everyone who has followed along, catch you next season!
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