Day 1: Thirteen Titles Awarded on the First Day of the 2024 Cyclocross National Championships

Malik, Cummings, Morse, Hamilton, Smith, South, Pearson, Saling, Schmid, Westenfelder, Lopez de San Roman,Peck, and Sippy earned national titles at Joe Creason Park on Thursday.

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (December 12, 2024) – The 2024 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships kicked off on Thursday morning at Joe Creason Park in Louisville, Ky. It was a cold start to the week with the Non-Binary and Singlespeed Women racing in below freezing temperatures to kick off championship racing.

SINGLESPEED WOMEN

Thirteen athletes competed in the singlespeed race on Thursday morning. Taking the win by almost a minute, Jennifer Malik (Carroll, Ohio; Smanie p/b Paradise Garage) became the National Champion, topping last year’s second place result. Carla Williams (Roanoke, Va.; CarboRocket) rolled across the line in second, and Marjie Bemis (Indianapolis, Ind.; Marian University) rounded out the podium in third. 

Results:

1. Jennifer Malik (Carroll, Ohio; Smanie p/b Paradise Garage)
2. Carla Williams (Roanoke, Va.; CarboRocket)
3. Marjie Bemis (Indianapolis, Ind.; Marian University)

NON-BINARY

The non-binary race began one minute after the singlespeed race. Finishing in a time of 41:45.00, Robert Cummings (Portland, Ore.; Team S&M) secured the win after a strong performance. Joshua Strong (Boulder, Colo.; Green Mountain Cyclocross) earned second, and Safety Tregelles (Nashville, Tenn.; Safety Herd Racing Team) secured third. 

Results:

1. Robert Cummings (Portland, Ore.; Team S&M)
2. Joshua Strong (Boulder, Colo.; Green Mountain Cyclocross)
3. Safety Tregelles (Nashville, Tenn.; Safety Herd Racing Team) 

MASTER MEN 60-64

Forty-four men lined up to compete for the Stars and Stripes in the Men’s 60-64 race during Thursday’s morning session. Winning by just a mere seven seconds, Samuel Morse (Cohasset, Mass.; Corner Cycle/FinKraft) had a strong ride finishing just ahead of New York native, Erik Grimm (Pitsford, N.Y.; Minuteman | Empire Automation p/b Full Moon Vista). Todd Cassan (Boulder, Colo.; Jones and Co) rounded out the podium in third place.

Results:

1. Samuel Morse (Cohasset, Mass.; Corner Cycle/FinKraft)
2. Erik Grimm (Pitsford, N.Y.; Minuteman | Empire Automation p/b Full Moon Vista)
3. Todd Cassan (Boulder, Colo.; Jones and Co)

MASTER MEN 65-69

After having a fantastic ride, Harry Hamilton (Madison, N.J.; PROthirteen Racing) competed against 33 riders to win the Master Men’s 65-69 National Championship title. David Rustico (Plantsville, Conn.; Team DSO Mfg – ERRACE) finished 30 seconds behind him in second. Curtis Southern (Frederick, Md.; National Capital Velo Club) earned third. 

Results:

1. Harry Hamilton (Madison, N.J.; PROthirteen Racing)
2. David Rustico (Plantsville, Conn.; Team DSO Mfg – ERRACE)
3. Curtis Southern (Frederick, Md.; National Capital Velo Club)

MASTER MEN 70+

Thirty-eight athletes competed in the Master Men 70+ category, with the one of oldest riders being 91. California native George Smith (Menlo Park, Calif.; Bike X p/b Hyperthreads) finished first in the Men’s 70-74 race after a two-man sprint to the line against Frank Jennings (Edgartown, Mass.; Spin Arts Cycling/American Lung Association Cycling Team). Charles South (Fort Waye, Ind.; 3 Rivers Velosport Racing Team) earned the national title in the Men’s 75-79 race, Mark Pearson (Goodyear, Ariz.; Team Santini USA) was crowned the champion in the Men’s 80-84 category, and Joe Saling (Bridgewater, N.J.; Team Somerset/Pop’s Bike Shop) secured the win in the Men’s 85-89 race. 

In the most senior category of the day, Frederic Schmid (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix) secured the win in the Men’s 90-94 race at 91 years old. Schmid, a multi-discipline athlete has won over 30 national titles.

Master Men 70-74 Results:

1. George Smith (Menlo Park, Calif.; Bike X p/b Hyperthreads)
2. Frank Jennings (Edgartown, Mass.; Spin Arts Cycling /American Lung Association Cycling Team)
3. Paul Curley (Taunton, Mass.; American Lung Assn. / Spin Arts Cycling)

Master Men 75-79 Results:

1. Charles South (Fort Waye, Ind.; 3 Rivers Velosport Racing Team)
2. Robert Ogren (Bloomington, Minn.; NorthStar Development)
3. Arthur Allen (Boulder, Colo.)

Master Men 80-84 Results:

1. Mark Pearson (Goodyear, Ariz.; Team Santini USA)
2. Dominic Rossetto (Grafton, Wis.; Project Echelon Vanguard)

Master Men 85-89 Results:

1. Joe Saling (Bridgewater, N.J.; Team Somerset/Pop’s Bike Shop)

Master Men 90-94 Results:

1. Frederic Schmid (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix)

COLLEGIATE WOMEN

In the Collegiate Women’s race, both Varsity and Club categories were combined, but the Club women started one minute behind the Varsity women. Fifty-one athletes lined up to compete for the two titles that were on the line. Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Milligan University) rode at the front for most of the race saying, “There was a group of us in the front for the first two laps and then there was a little crash behind me and I put a little gap in and then kind of like grew it and then raced pretty consistently the next three laps and Milligan came out on top, which was pretty exciting.” After putting down multiple consistent laps, Lopez de San Roman earned gold over second place finisher Cassidy Hickey (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University). “The race just went super well. I really loved the course. It was a little slidey and technical and almost muddy and then it dried out a little bit and it was going super-fast. I was having so much fun out there,” said Lopez de San Roman. 

Securing the win in the Club category, Elsa Westenfelder (Missoula, Mont.; University of Denver) raced for the University of Denver and was the sole representative for her team in this year’s race. “ I had a good race. Yeah, I’m really happy. I just focused on riding clean and trying to work my way through the Varsity field that started ahead of us. And yeah, it was really fun.” When asked about her favorite part of the course she said, “The back section through the trees was fun. It was kind of muddy, which was awesome. It made it a little more technical.” She’ll be returning on Saturday to compete in the U23 Women’s race.

Club Women Results:

1. Elsa Westenfelder (Missoula, Mont.; University of Denver)
2. Olivia Sandoval (Baltimore, Md.; University of Vermont)
3. Tegan Brown (Boulder, Colo.; University of Colorado Boulder)

Varsity Women Results:

1. Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Milligan University)
2. Cassidy Hickey (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
3. Natalie Quinn (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College)

COLLEGIATE MEN

The Collegiate Men’s Club race was action packed with 26 athletes competing for the coveted Stars and Stripes jersey. Earning gold for UC Berkeley, Justin Peck (Los Gatos, Calif.; Cal Cycling) finished over a minute ahead of second. When asked about his race he said, “This is my third time coming out to cross nationals, so I’m happy to finally get the win in my senior year after finishing fourth last year. The course was good this year, it was pretty flowy and had some steep sections on the backside that suited me well, so on the second lap I just rode away and tried to hold my gap after that.” 

In one of the most exciting races of the day, the Varsity Men had 56 starters, all eager and excited to battle for the title. The lead group separated quickly with six riders taking control of the front. The group included three CMU riders: Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.), Ivan Sippy (Durango, Colo.), and Jack Spranger (Sammamish, Wash.); two Brevard riders, Owen Clark (Mono, Calif.) and Cole Punchard (Brevard, N.C.); and one Marian rider, Miles Mattern (Rochester, N.Y.).

The leaders were all still together with one lap to go and then things got interesting. Coote was able to get a small gap then crashed coming out of the last pit. Sippy got a little tangled up in the crash, allowing Clark to get around him, but Sippy didn’t let him get too far, especially leading into the barriers. Sippy was one of the few riders hopping the barriers and was able to ride the feature successfully, taking the inside line and allowing him to get around Clark, then he hit the pavement and sprinted in for the win. Colorado Mesa University dominated with Spranger finishing second, and Coote still riding in for fourth place. 

Club Men Results:

1. Justin Peck (Los Gatos, Calif.; Cal Cycling)
2. Nathan Cusak (Chevy Chase, Md.; University of Vermont)
3. Gavin Lopez (Englewood, Colo.; University of Colorado Boulder)

Varsity Men Results:

1. Ivan Sippy (Durango, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
2. Jack Spranger (Sammamish, Wash.; Colorado Mesa University)
3. Owen Clark (Mono, Calif.; Brevard College)

Day 2: Colorado Mesa and CU Boulder Win Collegiate Omnium

Eleven national titles were awarded on the second day of the 2024 Cyclocross National Championships.

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (December 13, 2024) – The 2024 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships continued on Friday morning with several master’s categories competing and concluded with the team relay events. The course was frozen over in the morning and started to thaw as racing progressed throughout the day. By midday, the track became slick and unpredictable, which added an extra layer of excitement to the races.

MASTER WOMEN 30-34

The Master Women 30-34 were the first to race. It was a battle between Katherine Shields (Salt Lake City; Peak Fasteners)and Chelsea Richwine (Alexandria, Va.; National Capital Velo Club) all the way to the pavement. Shields was able to get the advantage over Richwine and take the title.  Mei Zhao (Azusa, Calif.; Wild Wolf CC) came in behind Richwine to round out the podium.

Results:

1. Katherine Shields (Salt Lake City; Peak Fasteners)
2. Chelsea Richwine (Alexandria, Va.; National Capital Velo Club)
3. Mei Zhao (Azusa, Calif.; Wild Wolf CC)

MASTER WOMEN 35-39

In an excellent solo ride to the finish, Caitlin Bernstein (Richmond, Vt.; Easton Overland) completed her race in a time of 43:36.00 which was over a minute ahead of second place finisher Carla Williams (Roanoke, Va.; CarboRocket). Sarah Larson (Bloomington, Ind.) also had a strong performance, earning third. 

Results:

1. Caitlin Bernstein (Richmond, Vt.; Easton Overland)
2. Carla Williams (Roanoke, Va.; CarboRocket)
3. Sarah Larson (Bloomington, Ind.)

MASTER WOMEN 40-44

Thirteen athletes competed in the Master Women 40-44 category. Erin Feldhausen (Madison, Wis.; Trek Midwest Team) was the one to watch, finishing 30-seconds ahead of the silver medal battle between Erin Gordon (Narberth, Pa.; 717 Cycling) and Alice Perryman (Birmingham, Ala.). 

Results:

1. Erin Feldhausen (Madison, Wis.; Trek Midwest Team)
2. Erin Gordon (Narberth, Pa.; 717 Cycling)
3. Alice Perryman (Birmingham, Ala.)

MASTER MEN 30-34

L39ion of Los Angeles rider Ty Magner (Athens, Ga.; L39ion of Los Angeles) took the top step in the Master Men 30-34 race, securing the win and earning a new Stars and Stripes jersey after finishing 38-seconds ahead of Alden Copley (Brooklyn, N.Y.; ROR NYC). Cypress Gorry (Pisgah Forest, N.C.; Rouleur Coaching/Specialized) rode in for a third-place finish.

Results:

1. Ty Magner (Athens, Ga.; L39ion of Los Angeles)
2. Alden Copley (Brooklyn, N.Y.; ROR NYC)
3. Cypress Gorry (Pisgah Forest, N.C.; Rouleur Coaching/Specialized)

MASTER MEN 35-39

In the Master Men 35-39 race, Michael Larson (Bloomington, Ind.; Dash Racing p/b Westfield Cyclesports) and Max Judelson (Los Angeles, Calif.; Rock Lobster International) battled all the way to the line in a nail-biting finish. Larson just barely edged out Judelson on the finish straight to earn gold. Judelson (Los Angeles, Calif.; Rock Lobster International) secured silver, and Terol Pursell (Lafayette, Colo.; Donovan Racing/ PB: AES) rounded out the podium in third. 

Results:

1. Michael Larson (Bloomington, Ind.; Dash Racing p/b Westfield Cyclesports)
2. Max Judelson (Los Angeles, Calif.; Rock Lobster International)
3. Terol Pursell (Lafayette, Colo.; Donovan Racing/ PB: AES)

MASTER MEN 40-44

Racing continued with the Master Men 40-44 where Ryan Popple (Pittsburgh, Pa.; Cycle-Smart) earned the win by 25-seconds. Michael Mihalik (Aliquippa, Pa.; MargieBars/ Jmac Cycling) put down one of the fastest laps of the day in an attempt to close the gap on Popple. He ultimately finished in second with Luke Principe (Rochester, N.Y.; Minuteman | Empire Automation p/b Full Moon Vista) taking third.

Results:

1. Ryan Popple (Pittsburgh, Pa.; Cycle-Smart)
2. Michael Mihalik (Aliquippa, Pa.; MargieBars/ Jmac Cycling)
3. Luke Principe (Rochester, N.Y.; Minuteman | Empire Automation p/b Full Moon Vista)

MASTER MEN 45-49

The morning session concluded with the Master Men 45-49. Corey Stelljes (Birmingham, Ala.; Neff Cycle Service) rode away from a group of two riders to win the Stars and Stripes jersey. In a battle to the line for silver, Tim Strelecki (Geneva, Ill.; PSIMET Racing) edged out Alex Grant (Chicago, Ill.; Gothic Health Club p/b Gear Rush) to take second and third, respectively. 

Results:

1. Corey Stelljes (Madison, Wis.; Neff Cycle Service)
2. Tim Strelecki (Geneva, Ill.; PSIMET Racing)
3. Alex Grant (Chicago, Ill.; Gothic Health Club p/b Gear Rush)

MASTER MEN 50-54

The Master Men 50-54 was the largest individual race of the day with a total of 63 riders battling it out for the national title. The course was officially thawed out and extremely slick as the riders weaved through Joe Creason Park. Adam Myerson (Dorchester, Mass.; Cycle-Smart/ShiftGear) showed his skill racing to victory. He finished only three-seconds ahead of silver medalist Austin Walker (Asheville, N.C.; B.B. Barns Cycling Team). Timothy Saari (Rochester Hills, Mich.; Mitten Velo/Cold Stone) rounded out the podium in third, finishing 25 seconds back. 

Results:

1. Adam Myerson (Dorchester, Mass.; Cycle-Smart/ShiftGear)
2. Austin Walker (Asheville, N.C.; B.B. Barns Cycling Team)
3. Timothy Saari (Rochester Hills, Mich.; Mitten Velo/Cold Stone)

MASTER MEN 55-59

It was a battle royale for 57 men in the master’s 55-59 race. The lights turned green, and the riders were off fighting for the hole shot. David Hildebrand (Ellington, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing) had a lead on the chase group of Christopher Peck (Los Gatos, Calif.; Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club) and Jim Cochran (Iowa City, Iowa; Rule #5 / Nick’s Cycling & Fitness). Hildebrand was ultimately caught going into the bell lap, and it was a fight for the Stars and Stripes jersey between the trio. It came down to a sprint finish and Hildebrand managed to still cross the line in first. Peck took the silver and Cochran finished with bronze. 

Results:

1. David Hildebrand (Ellington, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing)
2. Christopher Peck (Los Gatos, Calif.; Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club)
3. Jim Cochran (Iowa City, Iowa; Rule #5 / Nick’s Cycling & Fitness)

COLLEGIATE TEAM RELAY

In one of the most exciting competitions of the weekend, the top schools in the country battled for the Collegiate Overall Team Omnium. Going into the Varsity Team Relay event, Colorado Mesa University was leading in the standings after winning the team rankings in both the men’s and women’s races yesterday. After an all-out battle, the team of Ivan Sippy, Cassidy Hickey, Chloe Fraser, and Jack Spranger took the win for Colorado Mesa University, winning the overall omnium, as well. The race for the podium was action-packed with Brevard College, Marian University, and Milligan University all chasing down the lead at one point during the race. Ultimately, Milligan University was able to take the silver medal, with a team of only two riders, and Marian University captured bronze. 

In the club category, the University of Colorado Boulder went into the event with the lead, but the University of Vermontstill had the title within reach. The Team Relay would decide it all. The team of Tegan Brown, Gavin Lopez, Carson McCue, and Nadine Visser proved to be the strongest, riding CU Boulder to victory making them back-to-back champions. Colorado State University rode a smooth race to finish in second, and the University of Vermont took third. 

Varsity Team Relay Results:

1. Colorado Mesa University
2. Milligan University
3. Marian University

Club Team Relay Results:

1. University of Colorado Boulder
2. Colorado State University
3. University of Vermont

Varsity Omnium Results:

1. Colorado Mesa University
2. Milligan University 
3. Fort Lewis College

Club Omnium Results:

1. University of Colorado Boulder
2. University of Vermont
3. Colorado State University

NON-CHAMPIONSHIP MIXED TEAM RELAY

In the final race of the day, 31 teams lined up for the Non-Championship Mixed Team Relay. Earning gold by just a mere two seconds, Avout Damn Time beat Team Booger – Snot Rockets! Part Deux in a sprint to the line. Blue Ridge ‘Cross Silver rounded out the podium in third. 

Results:

1. Avout Damn Time
2. Team Booger – Snot Rockets! Part Deux 
3. Blue Ridge ‘Cross Silver

Day 3: Lopez de San Roman and Strohmeyer Earn Elite Titles at the 2024 Cyclocross National Championships

Beshore, Coote, Cusack, and Sarkisov earn Under-23 and Junior 17-18 National Titles.

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (December 14, 2024) – The 2024 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships continued Saturday morning at Joe Creason Park and featured the Junior 17-18, Under-23, and Elite Men’s and Women’s races. Below freezing temperatures left the ground frozen at the start, but as the day warmed up and the course began to thaw, several sections turned increasingly slick, adding a new layer of challenge for the racers.

ELITE MEN

In the final race of the day, 39 athletes lined up on the grid for the Elite Men’s race. Three athletes led from the start: Andrew Strohmeyer (Mount Airy, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes), Scott Funston (Boulder, Colo.; Cervelo Orange Living), and Eric Brunner (Boulder, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing). The trio stayed together for the entirety of the race.

Brunner had several bobbles in the wooded section of the course but managed to remain in contention. The three men were all consistently hopping the barriers, until Brunner crashed on the landing, and Strohmeyer attacked giving it everything he had. Brunner was able to catch back on and bring the group back together. Strohmeyer, Brunner, and Funston all exchanged pulls, setting an extremely quick pace. In the final few hundred meters, it came down to a three-up sprint, withStrohmeyer gaining a small gap in the last grass section before the road. Strohmeyer crossed the finish line first, winning by less than a second, claiming the Elite Men’s National Title. Eric Brunner (Boulder, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing) earned silver, and Scott Funston (Boulder, Colo.; Cervelo Orange Living) secured bronze.

When asked about what his plan was going into the last lap Strohmeyer said, “I don’t even know. I am still trying to process what happened. I mean I hadn’t really planned anything going into the last lap. I just knew I had to lead going into the technical section. I gave it everything just to get to that section. I knew I just had to hold it together on the hill.” 

Results:

1. Andrew Strohmeyer (Mount Airy, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes)
2. Eric Brunner (Boulder, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing)
3. Scott Funston (Boulder, Colo.; Cervelo Orange Living)

ELITE WOMEN 

Twenty-two athletes lined up for the Elite Women’s race on Saturday afternoon. The lights turned green and the riders started their 50-minute race. Leading the pack from the start, Katie Clouse (Park City, Utah; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing) immediately started pushing the pace out of every corner with Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Bear CX National Team) on her heels. At the midpoint, Clouse and Lopez de San Roman kept taking turns at the front, while Raylyn Nuss (Warrenton, Miss.; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing) clawed her way back to the group with Natalie Quinn (Durango, Colo.; CCB p/b Levine Law Group) close behind. Lopez de San Roman and Clouse kept trading attacks, and both managed to ride away from the others. Lopez de San Roman put in a big attack that Clouse tried to respond to heading into the limestone stairs. She ended up getting a cramp in her leg, which allowed 18-year-old Lopez de San Roman to pull away. She rode to the line solo and took the win, making her the youngest Elite National Champion in USA Cycling history. Clouseearned silver, and Nuss took bronze.

“The course totally changed as the laps went on, but Katie was a super strong rider, it was a really tough battle out there against her. I’d say the first few laps I was kind of just getting a feel for things and all the riders in the field. Then I started to notice the lines in places where I was maybe stronger and could make up time, and I really used that to my advantage. It was a tough battle with Katie out there and it was really cool to race her,” said Lopez de San Roman. Her cyclocross season will continue as she heads to Europe for Team USA later this month.

Results:

1. Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Bear CX National Team)
2. Katie Clouse (Park City, Utah; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing)
3. Raylyn Nuss (Warrenton, Miss.; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing)

UNDER-23 MEN

The Under-23 Men’s race was one to watch as 46 starters lined up on the grid for a 50-minute race. Jack Spranger (Sammamish, Wash.; Bear CX) took the hole shot and led the group through the first half lap. Several riders including Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.; Competitive Edge Racing) sat right behind him as they closed out the first lap. Things really started to change after the second lap when Coote took the lead and never looked back. “Of course I wanted to be there, but I didn’t really expect it to happen that quick. It wasn’t really part of my plan. I really wanted to kind of stay calm for the first half of the race and remain in the group and then take it as it came. But I looked back and I had a gap, and I didn’t really know what to do,” said Coote who rode in solo to take the win. Ivan Sippy (Durango, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University) claimed silver, and Spranger earned bronze.

Results:

1. Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.; Competitive Edge Racing)
2. Ivan Sippy (Durango, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University) 
3. Jack Spranger (Sammamish, Wash.; Bear CX)

UNDER-23 WOMEN

Heading into the Under-23 Women’s race, Lauren Zoerner (Highlands Ranch, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing) was the race favorite after consistently placing in the top five in the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Series this season. Zoerner took the hole shot and settled in but seemed to have some sort of mechanical which resulted in her needing to swap bikes in the pit. Cassidy Hickey (Parker, Colo.; CCB) took over at the front on the second lap as Kaya Musgrave (Littleton, Colo.; Cervelo/Orange Living) and Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.; Broken Carbon) followed her wheel. As the race continued to splinter, two groups formed at the front, but Hickey and Kellerman were still neck and neck. It eventually came down to a sprint to the line where Sarkisov, Kellerman, and Hickey were all giving it everything they had. Hickey and Sarkisov pulled away but collided and crashed right at the line. The officials awarded Sarkisov the win and Kellerman second. Hickey was relegated to third for deviating from her line in the final stretch. 

Results:

1. Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes)
2. Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.; Broken Carbon)
3. Cassidy Hickey (Parker, Colo.; CCB)

JUNIOR MEN 17-18

Kicking the morning off, the Junior Men 17-18 were the first riders to take to the course at Joe Creason. The ground was frozen at the start of the race but started to thaw after a couple of laps. Multiple key riders crashed several times throughout the morning. It was a race of attrition as a group of seven riders settled in. Riders dropped lap after lap, and it came down to a group of three: Garrett Beshore (Longmont, Colo.; Boulder Junior Cycling), Benjamin Bravman (Golden, Colo.; Bear National Team), and Dylan Haynes (Boulder, Colo.; Boulder Junior Cycling). At the tail end of the race, Beshore managed to ride away from Bravman (Golden, Colo.; Bear National Team) and Haynes. Bravman ended up in second and Haynes earned third. 

When Beshore was asked about his race he said, “My teammate Dylan Haynes, he kind of got a gap off the front and I bridged up to him, looked back when I was coming through the start finish straight and realized we had a little bit of a gap. So, I told him we should just pin it.”

Results:

1. Garrett Beshore (Longmont, Colo.; Boulder Junior Cycling)
2. Benjamin Bravman (Golden, Colo.; Bear National Team)
3. Dylan Haynes (Boulder, Colo.; Boulder Junior Cycling)

JUNIOR WOMEN 17-18

The favorite heading into today’s race was Lidia Cusack (Chevy Chase, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes) after winning the first-ever Junior World Cup for Team USA. After completing her first lap in less than 10 minutes, she stayed consistent lap after lap which paid off in a big way. By the third lap, Cusack was safely off the front. It ended up being a sweep for Team CXD Trek Bikes taking the top four spots. Cusack wrapped up the day on top, Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes) finished a little over 30 seconds behind in second, and Ada Watson (Carrboro, N.C.; CXD Trek Bikes) rounded out the podium in third. 

Cusack still has a busy couple of months ahead, “I’ll head over to Europe for Christmas. I go on Tuesday, race the next three World Cups and then come home and train. Then I’ll take a little break and train up for Worlds,” said Cusack.

Results:

1. Lidia Cusack (Chevy Chase, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes)
2. Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes)
3. Ada Watson (Carrboro, N.C.; CXD Trek Bikes)

Day 4: Kerry Werner Wins Men’s Singlespeed Race at the 2024 Cyclocross Nationals

Thirteen national titles were awarded on the final day of Cyclocross Nationals.

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (December 15, 2024) – The 2024 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships concluded on Sunday after a full day of junior and masters racing. Overnight showers dramatically altered the course conditions, adding an extra layer of challenge. With large junior fields, today’s events were some of the biggest highlights of the week. Racing was officially closed out with the Singlespeed Men.

10 & UNDER NON-CHAMPIONSHIP

Thirty-four riders lined up for the 10 and under race as the sun started to rise over Joe Creason Park. Colton Morrison (Macungie, Pa.; IYCX-Voler p/b GRC) set a blistering face pace from the gun. He finished in a time of 20:04, almost two minutes ahead of second place finisher David Boryczewski (Weatogue, Conn., CCAP Farmington Valley Youth Cycling). Shane Tyrrell (Parkton, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling) was another 40-seconds back.

Results:

1. Colton Morrison (Macungie, Pa.; IYCX-Voler p/b GRC)
2. David Boryczewski (Weatogue, Conn., CCAP Farmington Valley Youth Cycling)
3. Shane Tyrrell (Parkton, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling)

JUNIOR MEN 11-12

For the men’s race in the morning, it was a battle between Jack O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Capital Bicycle Racing Club) and Cooper Wells (Durango, Colo.; TWL), son of Olympic mountain biker Todd Wells. O’Donnell led for the first half of the race, but Wells was hopping over the barriers and gaining time each lap after starting in the back of the group. Wells was able to cross the line in first by 35-seconds, winning his first national title. Gustaf Hamblen (Winston-Salem, N.C.; Velocious Sport) rode to third.

Results:

1. Cooper Wells (Durango, Colo.; TWL)
2. Jack O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Capital Bicycle Racing Club)
3. Gustaf Hamblen (Winston-Salem, N.C.; Velocious Sport)

JUNIOR WOMEN 11-12

In the women’s race, Amelia Abraham (Littleton, Colo.; Avout Racing) looked strong off the start line and stayed calm throughout the race, but Annabelle Boryczewski (Weatogue, Conn.; CCAP Farmington Valley Youth Cycling) was chasing from behind. Abraham and Boryczewski went side by side into the barriers, but Abraham was able to get the advantage and take the win by 18-seconds over Boryczewski. Naomi Harcum (Parkton, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling) rounded out the podium in third. 

Results:

1. Amelia Abraham (Littleton, Colo.; Avout Racing)
2. Annabelle Boryczewski (Weatogue, Conn.; CCAP Farmington Valley Youth Cycling)
3. Naomi Harcum (Parkton, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling)

JUNIOR MEN 13-14 

Racing continued with the Junior Men 13-14 who had one of the biggest fields of the week with a total of 80 riders. Leading from the start, Severin McCarter (Lawrence, Kan.; Sunflower Outdoor and Bike/ Move Up Cycling Club) dominated at the front. With two sub 10-minute laps, he finished his race in a time of 18:54 and earned the national title. Josiah Bower (Cranberry Twp, Pa.; Stinkbug Nationals) earned silver, and Ian Marks (Baltimore, Md.; Sportif Coaching Group / AVC). secured bronze.

Results:

1. Severin McCarter (Lawrence, Kan.; Sunflower Outdoor and Bike/ Move Up Cycling Club)
2. Josiah Bower (Cranberry Twp, Pa.; Stinkbug Nationals)
3. Ian Marks (Baltimore, Md.; Sportif Coaching Group / AVC)

JUNIOR WOMEN 13-14

The Cole sister duo of Abby Cole and Lily Cole (East Granby, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing) 

took on the 13-14 race setting the pace early on. Abby was able to take the win, finishing 20-seconds ahead of her sister Lily. Hannah Dinolfo (Troy, N.Y. Capital Bicycle Racing Club) finished third with a large gap on the rest of the field. 

Results:

1. Abby Cole (East Granby, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing)
2. Lily Cole (East Granby, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing)
3. Hannah Dinolfo (Troy, N.Y.; Capital Bicycle Racing Club)

JUNIOR MEN 15-16

Sixty-eight riders took to the line for a muddy and technical three-lap, 30-minute race. Matthew Crabbe (Buford, Ga.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team) was one to watch after winning the 13-14 race two years in a row and starting today’s race as the reigning champion. He set blistering fast lap times, riding his second lap under 9-minutes. He crossed the finish line a minute over second place finisher, Jack Helvie (Noblesville, Ind.; Midwest Devo). Rylan Zacharek (Sheboygan, Wis.; Broken Spoke Devo) worked his way up through the field to finish in the bronze medal position.

Results:

1. Matthew Crabbe (Buford, Ga.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team)
2. Jack Helvie (Noblesville, Ind.; Midwest Devo)
3. Rylan Zacharek (Sheboygan, Wis.; Broken Spoke Devo)

JUNIOR WOMEN 15-16

Race favorite Lilliana O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team) lined up with 31 other riders to compete in the Junior Women 15-16 category. O’Donnell immediately rode to the front with Delaney Meegan (Littleton, Colo.; Avout Racing) hot on her heels. As the lap counter ticked down, the two battled back and forth until O’Donnell bobbled in the mud, allowing Meegan to breakaway and win. O’Donnell secured second place and Graden Daume (Missoula, Mont.; Team Stampede/Five Valley Velo) earned third. 

Results:

1. Delaney Meegan (Littleton, Colo.; Avout Racing)
2. Lilliana O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team)
3. Graden Daume (Missoula, Mont.; Team Stampede/Five Valley Velo)

MASTER WOMEN 55+

Four separate masters categories started in the Masters Women 55+ wave. 58-year-old Elizabeth Sheldon (Washington, D.C.; CXD Trek Bikes) set the pace averaging 12-minute laps and eventually won by 30-sconds over Julie Robertson Zivin (Seattle, Wash.; PNW Colavita Factor). Stephanie Uetrecht (Bend, Ore.; Deschutes Brewery Cycling Team) finished on the lead lap to take third.

Paula Brunetto (West Cornwall, Conn.) won the 60-64 race after completing three laps in 40-minutes of racing. Karen Tripp(Brevard, N.C; Finkraft Cycling Team) finished not far off to take the 65-69 National Title.

Our oldest racer in the women’s category was Tove Shere (Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Team Lake Effect Cycling) riding to the win in the 70-74 category at 72 years old.

Master Women 55-59 Results:

1. Elizabeth Sheldon (Washington, D.C.; CXD Trek Bikes)
2. Julie Robertson Zivin (Seattle, Wash.; PNW Colavita Factor)
3. Stephanie Uetrecht (Bend, Ore.; Deschutes Brewery Cycling Team)

Master Women 60-64 Results:

1. Paula Brunetto (West Cornwall, Conn.)
2. Kim Chance (The Colony, Texas; Matrix Cycling p/b Bike Mart)
3. Michele Bliss (Boulder, Colo.; Feedback Sports)

Master Women 65-69 Results:

1. Karen Tripp (Brevard, N.C; Finkraft Cycling Team)
2. Barbara Schueler (Waukesha Wis.; Hampshire Cycle Club)

Master Women 70-74 Results:

1. Tove Shere (Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Team Lake Effect Cycling)

MASTER WOMEN 45-49

Returning champion, Melanie Carter (Evergreen, Colo.; Feedback Sports) rode a smooth race through a technical track weaving through Joe Creason Park. She managed her efforts and rode to the finish line to win the 45-49 national title. April Beard (Columbus, Wis.; Trek Midwest) ended up in the silver medal position and Hannah Tell (Lawrence, Kan.; Sunflower Outdoor and Bike) took bronze.

Results:

1. Melanie Carter (Evergreen, Colo.; Feedback Sports)
2. April Beard (Columbus, Wis.; Trek Midwest)
3. Hannah Tell (Lawrence, Kan.; Sunflower Outdoor and Bike)

MASTER WOMEN 50-54

Kristin Weber (Boulder, Colo.; Lockton Full Cycling Team) put on a masterclass in the Women’s 50-54 race. She was able to ride away from the start and win by over a minute. Bonnie Symes (South Wales, N.Y.; Campus Wheelworks) earned second, and Christina Gokey-Smith (Denton, Texas; Matrix Cycling p/b Bike Mart) took bronze. 

Results:

1. Kristin Weber (Boulder, Colo.; Lockton Full Cycling Team)
2. Bonnie Symes (South Wales, N.Y.; Campus Wheelworks)
3. Christina Gokey-Smith (Denton, Texas.; Matrix Cycling p/b Bike Mart)

SINGLESPEED MEN

Fifty-five riders took to the line for the Men’s Singlespeed race. Returning champion, Kerry Werner (Vinton, Va.; Groove Off Road Racing) was the race favorite as the group lined up for their 40-minute race. After the first half lap, Ryan Drummond(Moore, Okla.; Oklahoma Flyers), Werner, and Brannan Fix (Fort Collins, Colo.; Fix Racing) were all together. Things really started to change on the second lap when Werner had his fastest lap of the day. As he pulled away, a new group formed behind him. The race for second was between Drummond, Gage Hecht (Parker, Colo.; Team Winston Salem), and Cypress Gory (Pisgah Forest, N.C.; Rouleur Coaching/Specialized). Hecht gained a few seconds advantage on his last lap which allowed him to roll in to earn second, Drummond riding into third.

After the race, Werner said, “It was a tough one. It was a really hard race to pick a gear for because the top section was pretty fast then the whole mansion hill into pit 2 was really slow and muscley. In not-so-typical singlespeed fashion, you kind of needed a pit bike because it was getting really heavy out there. I accidentally took Ryan [Drummond] into a stake then I was kind of solo for the rest of the race, so I didn’t have to worry about anyone else and could just pick my own line.”

Results:

1. Kerry Werner (Vinton, Va.; Groove Off Road Racing)
2. Gage Hecht (Parker, Colo.; Team Winston Salem)
3. Ryan Drummond (Moore, Okla.; Oklahoma Flyer)

Full results can be found here.  

Thank you for tuning in for another year of Cyclocross Nationals! After an incredible two years in Louisville, Ky., the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships will head to Fayetteville, Ark. for the next two years, starting with the first event on December 11-14, 2025.